Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Special Hobby
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$22.75

The Republic F-84F was an attempt to increase the performance of the already proven straight wing F-84 versions. Although it had sleek lines and looked like a fighter, it was plagued by the same problem most aircraft of the era had, a lack of powerful jet engine technology. Despite its short comings, the Thunderstreak was pressed into service with the USAF and numerous NATO countries mainly as a stop gap till better aircraft replaced it.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$18.00

New decals of the F-16A/B Vipers of the Caribbean in 1/48th scale is available from TwoBobs Aviation Graphics. Markings are for the 156 FG/FW (1992-1997) based out of Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico.

In The Package

There are two (2) decal sheets provided. One is for the F-16A version with the colorful 50th Anniversary tail markings. The second sheet has tail ID markings with F-16B stencils along with wing and engine stenciling. They are printed by Cartograf and have minimal excess clear film around the edges.

Overall, this has markings for 20 aircraft with stencils to do two (2) complete aircraft.

The colors are brilliant, and the registry is perfect. There are also two (2) 11” X 17” color marking guides to help you locate the decals for each airplane. This also includes painting guides for AK, Hataka, Mr. Color, and Mr. Paint.

Recommended kits for this decal set are:

Book Author(s)
Richard A. Franks
Illustrators: Richard J. Caruana, Wojciech Sankowski, and Jerry Boucher
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Valiant Wings Publishing
MSRP
$60.00

Valiant Wings Publishing was founded in 2010 under the guidance of Richard A. Franks and Mark Peacock. Valiant Wings has released several series of primarily airplane monographs [Airframe & Miniature, Airframe Album and Airframe Detail series] with the first Airframe Album dedicated to the Heinkel He 219 ‘Uhu’ released in 2012.

Review Author
Mr. Greg Kittinger
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
ICM
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$34.95

The modeling community waited for many years for an update to the Revell or MPM offerings of the Ki-21 Sally, and ICM has delivered in spades, creating several variants and boxings of the Japanese heavy bomber. Whereas I paid around $250 for a Revell boxing, and a bit less for the MPM boxing, the Sally is now available from ICM at affordable prices and with quality moldings.

Whereas the Revell offering contained raised panel lines and rivet detail, and built into a respectable kit, and the MPM offering contained somewhat updated molds but poor canopy fit, the ICM kit is in line with the latest high-quality injection molded expectations. There is plenty of interior details (more than will be clearly visible), the exterior has nicely engraved panel lines, the glass components are crisply molded and very clear, and the fit is impeccable!

Book Author(s)
Matthew M. Hurley & Jose Augusto Matos
Review Author
Mr. Greg Kittinger
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Helion & Company
MSRP
$29.95

When it comes to the military history of Africa, it is a checkerboard of a multitude of generally smaller conflicts precipitated by a host of issues, from civil war to ethnic tensions to the demise of colonialism. Having an interest in military history, especially air warfare, I am intrigued by what lies hidden from my knowledge of the people, equipment, motivations, strategies, and the shaping of the history of this continent.

The Africa@War series divides this vast topic into bite-sized, localized fare that brings all of these nuances of the movement of history to light. This title brings to light the erosion of Portugal’s colonial hold on Portuguese Guinea, and the role of air warfare in the conflict.