Reviews

Review Author
Bill O'Malley
Published on
Company
MiniArt
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$75.99

Introduction

This is part 1 of the review of MiniArt’s T-55 Mod. 1963 Interior Kit. Part 2 will complete the assembly of the turret, tracks, fenders, and the remainder of the kit.

This kit is the first of MiniArt’s T-55 variants and follows their earlier series of T-44/54 Russian tank kits. Following their previous versions, this kit is first released with full interior detailing. MiniArt has also announced a soon to be released IDF Tiran version of the T-55, and a T-55A Late Mod. 1965.

Book Author(s)
David Doyle
Review Author
Jim Pearsall
Published on
Company
Squadron Signal Publications
MSRP
$19.95

This latest book in the “In Action” series covers the CH-47 Chinook from prototypes to current operations.

The Chinook began as the YHC-1 prototype in 1957. Vertol, which had been Piasecki until 1956 developed the YHC-1A and the YHC-1B. The YHC-1A became the CH-46 Sea Knight, used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. The YCH-1B, which was larger became the CH-47 Chinook.

The first half of the book covers development and the various models of the Chinook.

The sections are:

  • Development
  • YHC-1B
  • CH-47A
  • ACH-47A
  • Model 347
  • CH-47B
  • CH-47C
  • CH-47D
  • CH-47F
  • MH-47

The “In Service” section consists of photos with captions outlining the various areas of operation of the Chinook. The CH-47 was heavily used in Vietnam. Later it was used in Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia, in Afghanistan, then Desert Storm in Iraq.

Review Author
Tim Wilding
Published on
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$5.99

Sealing the paint before decals and weathering a model is an important step in preventing damage the base coat. Ammo by Mig Jimenez has released a line of acrylic varnishes (finishes) that are easy to use and are nontoxic. Here is the description from their catalog:

Review Author
Jarrod Booth
Published on
Company
Minicraft Model Kits
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$29.99

The Beechcraft Bonanza was developed and first flown in 1947 in the “V” tail configuration. In the mid 50’s the design was changed to include a conventional empennage, consisting of vertical tail and horizontal tailplane. This model was called F-33.

This 1/48 scale Bonanza has been around a long time through several different model manufactures, in the “V” tail set up. I remember building it years ago. I think I donated it to my high school that had an aeronautics program.

Review Author
David Horn
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.95

The AN/ALQ-184 is an electronic countermeasure pod carried by a variety of military aircraft and commonly seen on the F-16 and A-10. The ECM pods function is to jam and deceive the enemy radar.

Eduard is known for a wide variety of high quality resin, photo etch and full kits. The AN/ALQ-184

Is part of their “Brassin” line which is a multi-media product that includes resin, photo etch and appropriate decals. This product is cast in gray resin and bubble free with a small pour block that you can clearly define where the part is and what resin needs to be cut away. There are two photoetch frets, however only one is needed. Detail is basic, but they do not require much detail. The decals are nice, however some of the sections are joined with lengthy clear carrier film. Most modelers will simply cut that part away so it is not an issue.

Review Author
David Dodge
Published on
Company
AFV Club
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$69.99

Intro

AFV Club released this kit in the fall of last year. This is a variant of their M35x series of 2.5-ton trucks of which the M49A2c 1200 Gallon Fuel truck and the venerable M35A2/3 “Deuce and a half” truck were released.

Book Author(s)
Johnathan Falconer
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$23.00

This book is number 124 in the series and covers Short Stirling units in WWII. The Stirling was the first of the RAF’s 4 engine heavy bombers of WWII. The Stirling was a big, some would say ugly aircraft. The cockpit sat almost 23 feet above the ground. Designed to fill a 1936 request it was always hampered by having to meet the requirement that it fit within current hangers. The result was a 99 foot wingspan that affected the design’s service ceiling and load carrying capacity. The former would lead to large losses from enemy flak. Still the Stirling served the RAF as a bomber from 1940 until the last mission as a frontline bomber for the Sterling in September 1944. But this was not the end of its service. The Stirling also served as a glider tug, paratroop carrier and freighter.

Book Author(s)
Yves Buffetaut
Review Author
Bill O'Malley
Published on
Company
Casemate Publishers
MSRP
$24.95

Summary

This book is a photo essay of the 101st Airborne in Normandy from D-Day through early July 1944. The first of Casemate’s Illustrated series, the book has many black-and-white and color photographs, colored vehicle profiles, color photos of key participants, and colored maps. Written descriptions of the 101st units and movements accompany the many photos. The text is fairly brief, and is not meant to be a complete written description of the activities of the 101st. Most of the information is contained in photographs, captions, and more detailed “In profile” articles.

Review Author
Tim Wilding
Published on
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$7.95

Ammo by Mig Jimenez has released a new line of primers that are formulated to be applied in one layer or “One Shot” as the bottle says. Ammo says this is formulated with a high gripping power that is self-leveling. They come in larger 60 ml bottle. It can be sanded after drying for 24 hours, does not need thinning, is non-toxic and has a no drip cap. I must not be pouring it incorrectly, because I had a lot of drips, then it splattered when I closed the lid. I wish it came in eye-dropper style bottle like their paint does. I tested the black #2023 and the grey #2024.

Review Author
Gregory Hansel
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/9
MSRP
$89.99

Introduction: I was very excited to have the opportunity to review this kit. I love the older motorcycles and this kit did not disappoint. According to www.Scalemates.com, the kit is a new tool. But I believe it is a reboxing of the old Protar kit from the 70s line the Norton Manx kit. The kit is definitely a product of the 70s era. The term "agricultural" came to mind as I was examining the sprues. Not to say it’s a bad kit at all...far from it, but it was tooled back in the day and it is not shake and bake. The kit comes on seven sprues and has two substantial rubber tires that hold their shape well. There are a large number of screws in various sizes as well. An interesting feature of the kit is the hoses. They are pre-formed in soft pliable rubber. No measuring, no cutting to length. There are a few minor sink marks on some of the body panels, but they are able to be sanded out with no filler. On to the build!!