Parts 18

J2M3 Raiden ‘Jack’ (with Concept Notes)

Stabilizers

B26B-50 Invader Korean War

Construction

Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz. 251/18 Ausf. A

Image 3

Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II

Right rear

P-2H Neptune JMSDF

Trim Wheel

A-26C Invader

Front Crew

Vosper MTB 74 with Crew- Part 2

Rear view

F-15C MSIP II

Sprue overview

Versuchsflakwagen Fuer 8.8cm Flak.37 Auf Sonderfahrgestell (Sd.Sfl.IVc)

5 painted and decaled wings

F-14D Tomcat

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Welcome to IPMS/USA Reviews

Introduction: The primary organization of the IPMS/USA Review website is by IPMS/USA National Contest Class. Within each Class there are sub-menus by kits, decals, books, etc. The Miscellaneous Class is for items that are not class specific or that cross two or more classes.

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Package

ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos
Review Author
Rick Reinert
Published on
Company
Bandai
Scale
1/100
MSRP
$60.00

Bottom Line Up Front:

Building a Gunpla is for sure out of my lane. For those that don’t know, Gunpla is the kit, and Gundam refers to one of many TV shows. In other words, Gundam is animated Gunpla. This is the second Gunpla I have built. The first was a simple small kit for an in house model contest for my local club. Gundam Barbatos is a much more complex build. Having said that, assembly was straight forward as long as the instructions are followed closely. It turns into a nice kit, if you make a mistake, like I did, it is easy to recover from since no glue is involved. It is a fun build that doesn’t really take that much time to finish. Highly recommended for Gunpla modelers or for those modelers looking to try something different. For those looking for an enjoyable build, this is a good option. Highly recommended.

About the Kit and Subject:

Box Art

German Tractor RSO/01
Review Author
Jason Boggans
Published on
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$33.00

Box Art / Packaging

The Tamiya RSO/01 German Tractor is a brand-new tooled release presented in Tamiya's typical rigid top opener with crisp artwork depicting a unit from the 1st Skijager Division, Eastern Front, 1944.

This 100% newly tooled kit complements the existing 1/35 scale line up of German WWII vehicles in the Military Miniature Series and is also designed to be used with last year's release of the 50mm Pak38, kit # 35392.

The box contains a normal Tamiya instruction manual with clear construction steps, 37 in all, to complete this kit.

Also included is a glossy ‘background information’ leaflet which provides some history and details of the different designs and variants for the RSO through the WWII campaign.

It also contains details of the specifications of this Light Tank, including dimensions, crew capacity, engine (with speed and output) as well as range and armament.

Packaging

Snow Chains M-8, M-20, Dodge, Halftrack
Review Author
Phil Peterson
Published on
Company
Hauler
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$8.33

So, you want to put your Italeri M-8 or M-20 in a winter scheme and you want some snow chains. Hauler has you covered.

Ok, just to preface this, photo-etch (PE) and I don’t get along. Also, I am not actually planning on putting my M-8 in a winter scheme so this review is just my attempt to show what they would look like. Your mileage may vary.

That said, the set includes enough brassand PE chains for 6 wheels, which is perfect for an M-8 or M-20. The product also says it can be used on a Dodge halftrack but it doesn’t tell you which kits to use. In fact, it doesn’t tell you anything, as there are no instructions included.

2026 IPMS Nationals Vendor Rooms & Tiger Meet

This video covers the last of the coverage from the 2026 IPMS Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 5-8. We will look at the vendor rooms as well as the Tiger Meet. The vendor rooms were loaded with vendors carrying everything needed for modeling including models, reference material, paints, 3d products, and much, much more. The Tiger Meet had over a thousand models on display this year. The special display just started about three years ago and allows clubs, special interest groups and others display without having to compete in the contest.

Package

HMS Naiad British Light Cruiser
Review Author
James Binder
Published on
Company
Trumpeter
Scale
1/350
MSRP
$132.99

This review has been a long time coming both in build time and in life. I received the kit in October of 2024, coming off my first win at nationals that year and wanting to branch out from aircraft and turrets I quickly sent in my request for this kit when I saw it in the stash list. I was granted the kit and, in a week, or so it arrived. I started digging into it (researching the vessel checking for inaccuracies etc.) and then around Thanksgiving of that year my world flipped upside down. My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Hobbies and the like were put aside and thus Naiad stayed on the workbench. Jumping forward a year and I finally got back to taking some time for myself and got back to working on the ship and review.