Finished Ship, Aft Missile Launchers

U.S.S. Springfield

Sprue 1

Infantry Tank Mk. III “Valentine” Mk IX

Misc image 11

Leyland Retriever General Service

Completed figure with ball cap

Mike (Beach Boy) Barrington

Front view

M103A2 Heavy Tank

Base

USS Kamehameha (SSBN-642)

Bucket Bracket

HMEE-1 (High Mobility Engineer Excavator)

9

German L4500A (with) 5cm Flak 411

Decal sheet

Me-163 Komet

Joining wing flap seam

USN F/A-18F VFA-2 Bounty Hunters

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Welcome to the IPMS/USA Reviews site!

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.

IPMS/USA Members: We encourage you to submit reviews, both here and to the Journal. To volunteer for membership in the IPMS/USA "Reviewers Corps" and submit your own reviews, please read the Guidelines For Submitting Product Reviews.

Manufacturers, publishers, and other industry members: IPMS/USA is pleased to offer your company the opportunity for product reviews. All product reviews are performed by IPMS/USA members, and are posted in the publicly-accessible section of our website. With very few exceptions, we perform full build reviews of new kit releases, aftermarket products, and supplies. If you would care to provide product samples for review, please contact John Noack, IPMS/USA 1st VP.

To learn more about IPMS/USA, please see our About Us page.

Product Picture

Carl Casper’s Cosmic Charger

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$30.99

The Kit

This review covers the Carl Casper Cosmic Charger 1:25 Scale Model Kit #826. A 2015 release, this model is a reissue with some brand new parts and updated decals. It is rated a skill level 2 kit for the 10 year and older builder although I think this is a bit conservative, and a level 3 rating is probably in order. This is due to the large decals and delicate frame construction. It is molded in white, clear, and chrome pieces with waterslide decals and instructions. Two versions can be built; either a front or top blower configuration are included. This kit features a highly detailed rendition of the 426 Hemi V-8, 15 new parts and pad printed drag slicks. The completed dimensions are Length: 12” Width: 2½” Height: 2¼.”

Product Picture

de Havilland Comet Airliner
Review Author
Jim Pearsall
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/144
MSRP
$26.99

Round 2 Models has certainly come out with some interesting stuff in the last few years, including AMT, MPC, Polar Lights (Aurora), Hawk and Lindberg kits from yesteryear. As IPMS Historian, I also find it gratifying that the models that have disappeared from the shelves have reappeared for the newer modelers to enjoy.

The Plane

The de Havilland Comet was the first purpose-built jet airliner which first flew in 1949, entering service in 1952. The major overseas airlines of the early fifties were BOAC and Pan Am. BOAC ordered British made Comets, Pan Am bought American made Constellations, DC-4s and then 707s, DC-8s and Convair 880s.

Decal Package

OV-10A/B, "DA NANG WAR HORSES USAF/USMC OV-10A Broncos in the Vietnam War"
Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
AOA Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$14.75

AoA (Angle of Attack) decals: New on the block, and focusing on Marine Air … We sincerely appreciate this new decal manufacturer sending IPMS/USA their latest releases for review! (…and the usual thanks also to IPMS USA Reviewer corps leadership for sending these my way.. )

This sheet is a comprehensive delivery focusing on one Marine and one USAF Bronco with two different schemes operating out of Danang AB in South Vietnam. I utilized the Marine decals… NOTE! This sheet includes only the major airframe details for the two subject aircraft. From their website: “This small 1/32 decal sheet includes two Marine VMO-2 aircraft, one from 1969 and the other from 1970; and the USAF 20th TASS CO's "famous" shark-mouthed Lois Little, which can be depicted from different time periods in 1972 (although a third option is also possible). “

Package

World War I US Propaganda Posters (Set 1)
Review Author
Al LaFleche
Published on
Company
Matho Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$4.45

Thanks to Matho Models for this sample.

During the First World War, it was common to see posters to support the effort, buy bonds and accept the sacrifices asked of people on the home front.

This item, packed in a zip lock bag with a hanger and cardstock backing, provides 22 various US posters in 1/35 scale printed on 0.1 mm semi-gloss paper. Under extreme magnification, reading glasses, Optivisor and magnifying lamp, I was able to see some signs of the printing process, however, under normal viewing conditions, these look fine. All but the finest print is readable, colors are sharp but muted enough to not be overwhelming. Each poster will need to be cut from the sheet using a straight edge and sharp X-Acto type blade. A couple will need closer than usual attention to get the light edges cut properly as they tend to blend into the background.

These will add a touch of color to a street scene and some might even work as a name plate on a figure base.

Package

Beverage Boxes
Review Author
Al LaFleche
Published on
Company
Matho Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$7.75

Thanks to Matho Models for this sample.

Modern personnel carriers are often seen with boxes of bottled water or soda in and about the crew compartment and cargo areas. As modelers, these can add a splash of color to otherwise drab subjects.