Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
September 17, 2011
Company
Academy Models
Scale
1/350
MSRP
$69.00

This model is not a complex build, but it does have some details that are extremely small. Be forewarned: good tweezers, sprue cutters, and an extra fine razor saw blade are mandatory to release some of the over 650 parts of miniscule carpet-monster food that exist on the trees. An exploded diagram with two hull sides, 7 parts runners, one display base, a decal sheet with flags and early aircraft markings, and a PE sheet with crane structure are provided. I opted to do the kit without extra PE or rigging to show what a buyer gets for his money. In this case, a lot!

Study the instructions first; as usual, since ships hold some pitfalls if you don’t. Small parts that fit in places which are hard to get to later are the norm. Paint the splinter camo as you go along; otherwise you won’t be able to do it upon completion of the build. In this build, the hull is constructed first.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
September 17, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/350
MSRP
$26.95

Thanks as usual to Eduard for providing us the latest upgrades for our AMS builds. Eduard’s photoetch is world-class; so here’s a simple upgrade opportunity for the ship builders… the elusive railings for stairways!

During my recent IPMS build of the new Academy “HMS Warspite”, I used a section of this railing for one of the stair sections to the upper fighting top area. Simple as can be; measure, cut, superglue in place. Worth every penny… Railing is always difficult to find, and I appreciate Eduard developing this set. 10 of 10!

Review Author
Dave Koukol
Camden Koukol
Published on
September 16, 2011
Company
Round 2 Models
MSRP
$14.95

Saturday morning cartoons again meet the modeling bench in Round2’s resurrection of classic kits featuring Warner Brothers’ beloved Road Runner and his nemesis, Wile E. Coyote. Of the three newly re-released kits, this review focuses on Road Runner and The Rail Rider – a looney dragster embodying a steam engine theme.

The MPC-branded kit consists of 5 sprues of colored parts, including 1 chrome-plated, a set of peel-and-stick decals, and a pre-painted vinyl Road Runner figure. Construction is snap-together, but is well served by a few well-placed applications of liquid cement and superglue – especially if the finished product is to be subjected to the playful hands of a little one.

Book Author(s)
Tim Ripley
Review Author
Dave Koukol
Published on
September 16, 2011
Company
Pen and Sword Books Ltd
MSRP
$60.00

In the decade since America engaged in the War on Terror following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the war in Afghanistan has been an ongoing campaign to hem in and eradicate the Taliban and other radical Muslim entities which have held the country hostage since the departure of Soviet forces and provided safe haven and support for the Al Queda operatives behind the 9/11 attacks.

Review Author
Perry Downen
Published on
September 15, 2011
Company
Yellow-Wings Decals
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.95

A big thank you goes to Yellow-Wings Decals for this review sample and IPMS/USA for allowing me to review it.

Aircraft design and development was changing rapidly in the 1930s. As the dark clouds of war were beginning to form in Europe, the effort to improve military aircraft quickened. A new era of low wing monoplanes with retractable landing gear and enclosed cockpits was dawning. The British Hurricane was ordered into production in June 1936 and the Messerschmitt 109 made its public debut during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. At the same time American's front line fighter was the open cockpit, fixed gear, wire-braced P-26. It would remain so until 1938 when America finally entered the new era with the Curtiss P-36A Hawk.