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.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
April 28, 2011
Company
Zactomodels
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$0.00

This build was a perfect storm; From IPMS I received the Mig 23 review items for Zactomodels Mig 23 pylon set, and the seriously improved Intake ramp. I contacted Chris of ZACTOMODEL fame to order missile rails and Aphids; and he sent them on for review. Let’s say it up front: THANKS CHRIS (aka “Zactoman”,) for the cool modeling support items, and providing us these for review. We at IPMS USA appreciate the serious, undying support of distributors like you!

First order of business once I learned of my fate in doing aftermarket for a kit I wanted but did not have: I had to buy a Trumpeter Mig 23M. OW! (But it was worth it)

Editor's note: No product packaging images were provided.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
April 28, 2011
Company
Linden Hill Imports
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$20.00

For the IPMS build involving various aftermarket parts for the Trumpeter Mig 23, I did not want to do the kit decal markings for the “M”. Therefore, I ordered the Linden Hill Warsaw Pact decal from Linden Hill imports. I told Guy at LHI I was doing the review and he threw in the second sheet (32012) for the ML, MLP, LMA, etc., as flown in Afghanistan and other places. Those will be used in a separate review later. Extreme thanks to Guy at LHI for providing us these items for review. We at IPMS USA appreciate the serious, undying support of distributors like you!

Review Author
Ken McDevitt
Published on
August 17, 2021
Company
Model Art
MSRP
$28.95

Description

I have reviewed a couple of ModelArt magazines with their impressive variety of subjects and techniques in each issue. The “Plamo Manual” focuses on one subject theme and describes how to build each subject in detail. From ModelArt’s English web site they describe a Plamo Manual as “Plamo Manual is the key handbook for those who have wanted to perfectly build in cars, aircrafts and naval vessels. Moreover, it even elucidates how to use airbrushes for painting. Plamo Manual is a helpful and necessary guide for all modelers.” This issue focuses on modern jet fighter aircraft. The production quality of this “manual” is exceptional. The 112 pages are high quality and weight paper stock, all color and with superb photos. There are a few general and advertiser pages, but for the most part the “manual” is packed with content. Some other Plamo Manuals focused on Ship, AFV, aircraft carriers, painting models and WWII aircraft.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
April 28, 2011
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$4.75

I received the bypass doors and Control levers from Quickboost via the IPMS lottery for use in my MIG 23 build. THANKS QUICKBOOST for providing us these items for review. We at IPMS USA appreciate your continued support!

I started this review with the Quickboost bypass doors; Install the doors in the outer intake duct. All that is required is to remove the mounting lip on the intake, and carefully install them in a partially-open position. Nicely done Quickboost!

The control stick is a work of art; three are provided. The three-button stick with the Autopilot “off” paddle is extremely well detailed, and a great improvement over the kit item which doesn’t really look like it should.

Final verdict: an excellent effort from Quickboost!

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
April 28, 2011
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$20.00

The usual thanks go to Aires for providing IPMS USA with yet another great review item.

A very simple upgrade to the Hobbyboss Mig 17 kit series; you’ll have to remove the inner details from the kit wings, glue the bay in place on the lower wing interior, and they are done. As to the nose: replace the nose intake splitter/wheel well with the resin item. Nose and main gear doors are also included.

It’s worth the cash and time for these parts. Simple modeling skills required; the improvement is seen when the Aires parts are held up next to the kit items.

This is a great time to be in the hobby, and Aires had obviously decided they are going to continue to compete for our hard earned paychecks. With sets like this, they are succeeding… well done Aires!