Review Author
Fred Wilms
Published on
January 28, 2011
Company
Hasegawa
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$59.95

History: The Fieseler Fi 156 is a fabric and steel tube constructed 3 place liaison aircraft. It is noted for its short takeoff and landing characteristics used by all the German forces. It’s primarily used by German upper echelon personnel including Hitler himself. It also played a major role in a daring rescue of the imprisoned Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.First produced in 1939 the type remained in production throughout WWII. The total production was around 1549 aircraft. During the winter months, it was fitted with skis. It was also produced after the war by France and Czechoslovakia.

It had a crew of 2/3; empty weight 930 kg; maximum speed 175 km/h; minimum speed 51 km/h and a range 385 km. Power was provided by an Argus AS-10C inverted V8, (air-cooled) with 240-hp; takeoff distance 26 meters (no wind).

Book Author(s)
Przemyslaw Skulski
Review Author
Gary Telecsan
Published on
January 28, 2011
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$32.00

This is the second book in the MMP Stratus “Military Collections of the World” series. It begins with a short, 9 page illustrated history of the Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Museum, and the rest of the book is dedicated to a photo documentation of the museum’s exhibits.

The first 9 pages show the Museum’s inside exhibits, uniforms, small arms, small artillery pieces and one or two smaller vehicles, and the rest of the book shows the portion of the collection stored outside. There are at least two views of each vehicle or field piece, and some commentary, in English, about the vehicle displayed.

Often the exhibit’s provenance is given, and some comments about its condition. I found the book engrossing as I had no idea that Aberdeen’s collection was so varied. The photos are of good quality, and will be of use to the modeler, though they do not provide the level of coverage which the super-detailers amongst us crave.

Review Author
Robert Folden
Published on
January 28, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$19.95

Well known for their exceptional photo-etched parts, Eduard recently crossed over to the resin world with the introduction of the Eduard “BRASSIN” line. The sets under this line consist of high quality resin castings with Eduard’s exception photo-etched parts. [Some sets also contain color photo-etch and/or mask sets.] The latest in this new product line is a 1/48th scale engine set for the F-16N. The set consists of the exhaust and the intake fans for F-16’s powered by the F110 GE-100 engine. While billed for the Tamiya kit, the set can be used for any F-16 featuring this engine.

Review Author
Robert Folden
Published on
January 28, 2011
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$10.99

Aires has long been known for their superb resin detail sets. Recently, Aires launched a new detail set line known as Wheelliant. The new line uses a smooth cast resin that captures even the minutest details. Sculpting in multi-piece, highly detailed sets, the new line offers modelers an excellent alternative to kit parts.

Review Author
Robert Folden
Published on
January 27, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.95

Anyone who has ever worked with photo-etched parts knows the most frustrating part is attaching it to the model part. Especially if it is very nice color photo-etch. Well, Eduard, the leading photo-etch maker, has come to the rescue. Eduard started the color photo-etch revolution, and now has taken to making those same color parts self-adhesive. Two new sets in this S.A. line are for the 1/48 Hasegawa SH-3 Sea King helicopter.

This set [FE511] is part of Eduard’s ZOOM line and contains just the color cockpit parts. The set is S.A. and featured amazing printed detail that, at least for me, could not be reproduced by hand. The set includes the instrument panels, control levers, and seat belts. The fret comes on a waxed paper backing and adheres well to the plastic part. Eduard’s standard high quality instruction sheet is easy to read and leave little doubt as to where or how a part is put on the model.