This video will cover the Diorama, Junior and Aircraft catagories of the 2026 IPMS Nationals that were held in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 5-8. There will be other videos following this one covering the other catagories and vendor areas.
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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In addition to producing some wonderful model kits of a plethora of subjects, ICM has also added a line of acrylic paints, some of which have been reviewed here in the past. This set contains basic colors, which are good for adding details to nearly any subject, and can be mixed as needed to create any color you can imagine. Modelers who are familiar with water-based acrylic paints will have no issues with using this set.
When inspecting the box for this set you will see the six colors included as well as a chart showing basic colors that can be mixed by using the paints provided. While this is a limited example of colors that can be created, if you are unfamiliar with creating new colors, this set is a good starting point. Included in the set are White (item 1001), Black (1002), Deep Yellow (1003), Deep Red (1007), Dark Blue (1077), and Deep Green (1009). The paints are prepared for application with a brush and can be thinned for use in an airbrush.
One of the newer suppliers for the IPMS-USA Review Corps is DXM Decals, the DXM stands for Double Excellent Models. While as the name implies, the company specializes in decals, they also produce detail parts and paint masks for airbrushing aircraft. The company produces their products for 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scale aircraft. The decals are printed by Cartograf, who is known for their quality work. Any modeler that has applied water-slide decals will have no issues with using this set.
Unique Master Models, or UMM, is well known to many modelers for the model work of the owner, and for the many unique tools offered over the years. One of the newer products is the Profiler – Scribing and Contour Guide. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, this tool is a great addition for modelers who scratch-build, as well as for those needing to scribe around curved surfaces.
This tool measures 130mm by 3mm, it consists of a soft metal strip that is smooth on one side and textured on the other and is coated with a rubber-like substance. The coating prevents the tool from slipping during use, and the metal will hold its shape, but can be straightened to allow for repeated use. Small 110mm by 2mm and large 150mm by 4mm Profilers are also available, depending on the needs of the modeler. The Profiler is ideal for both interior and exterior contour checks as well as being able to test the fit of parts.
Quickboost products are part of the Aires line of resin and 3D printed detail items known to many modelers over the years. One of the latest products is this set combining resin and 3D printed resin steps and ladder parts for use on the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat. Modelers with some experience with small resin parts should have no problem utilizing this set.
This set contains a total of four resin parts held on a single block as well as a single 3D printed part. The set will replace kit parts A5/6 and 24 and there is also a single-page instruction sheet included to assist the modeler in using the replacement parts. The replacement pilot and RIO steps are conveniently molded to replicate the tabs used on the kit parts, which will aid in their installation. There is an option of installing the new ladder doors with the kit extended ladder or using the replacement folded ladder.
