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Book Author(s)
Alan Griffith
Review Author
Paul Mahoney
Published on
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$59.00

This is probably one of the best, and most descriptive, titles for a modeling/aircraft reference book I have seen. To quote the author: “The B-24 went through more turret changes than any American combat aircraft before or since.” This books attempts (quite successfully) to guide the reader through these various changes on all of the turret-nosed B-24 models.

There was an absolutely dizzying combination of nose turrets, tail turrets, waist guns, belly turrets and guns, and other modifications/design changes made to the B-24. The book goes into great detail of each step in the process, and the author makes every attempt to explain the differences clearly for each new piece of this puzzle. Crystal-clear photos (unless the only one available is less than clear), many previously unpublished, as well as a huge number of line drawings (with differences highlighted in red) accompany a very clear descriptions.

Book Author(s)
Colin A. Owers
Review Author
Brian R. Baker
Published on
Company
Albatros Productions, Ltd.
MSRP
$24.00

History

The Albatros D-series fighters appeared early in 1916 and went through several stages before the “V” strutted D.V’s were placed into service. While influenced by the French Nieuports, the only problem with these aircraft was the structural integrity of the wing, which tended to fail under extreme loads. This must have caused its pilots much concern, as they knew that the whole wing structure could fail under heavy stress loads. Later, most surviving pilots were happy to convert to the newer Fokker D.VII, although Albatros fighters remained in the inventory of the Imperial German Air Service until the end of hostilities in 1918, mostly serving in second-line units. Von Richtofen flew the type until he could get his hands on the Fokker Dr.1.

Review Author
Keith Pruitt
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$5.50

Master Model from Poland has produced another winner with its 1/48 F-102 Delta Dagger Pitot Tube. Turned from brass, the metal part is beautifully detailed. The metal part would also add needed strength in a weak area, considering the usual ease with which plastic parts can be broken. Additionally, using a metal pitot tube will eliminate the need for removing the mold marks commonly found on the plastic part. The package states that it fits all 1/48 F-102 kits. Whether the build is from a standard kit, or some type of resin conversion, this part should work well as intended.

Installation, as with all Master Model metal detail parts, is quite simple. The modeler would remove the molded plastic kit part, drill an appropriately sized hole in the plastic radome and glue the metal pitot tube into the hole with cyanoacrylate glue.

Review Author
Keith Pruitt
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$5.50

Master Model from Poland has once again scored a hit with its 1/48 RF-101B Voodoo Pitot Tube. Turned from brass, the metal part has excellent detail and should be much more durable than the plastic kit part. The increased detail of this metal part, combined with the inherent weakness of plastic parts, would make this an outstanding choice for replacing the kit pitot tube. While the package states that it fits all 1/48 RF-101B kits, the only one that has been released, outside of possible resin conversion sets, is the Monogram kit from 1986. Whether the Monogram kit or a resin conversion is used, this part should work well as intended. The Monogram kit mentioned has the added disadvantage of having the pitot tube molded with one of the radome halves, which jeopardizes the part even more during any handling as assembly progresses.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$24.95

Eduard continues its prolific release schedule of truly new items with this weekend release. Thanks very much for providing us the kit, and, as a company, for supporting IPMS USA with review items!

This kit is a re-release of Eduard’s Fw190D kit, without the photoetch, extra markings, masks, etc… and as such the price is much lower. The intent: build a model in a weekend! An excellent idea for those who don’t want to have AMS(Advanced Modeling Syndrome) rule their modeling, and it certainly makes the kits more attractive to the modeling public at large. A brilliant idea that appears to be bearing fruit!

I had not built one of the Eduard Fw190 series models. I have an A-8 and the Profipack D-9 in my stash, with the intent of building them later when I have time (!). When this kit became available, I was pleased to have an excuse to dive in.