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Detail Parts

F-16C Barak Block 40 Cockpit Set
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$21.50

I love the looks of the F-16 and, in particular, the Israeli versions with its unique paint schemes. This new set by Aires is for the Kinetic’s F-16C Barak Block 40.

The majority of the cockpit set is the five molded resin pieces, with four of them in light grey and one in light caramel. The detail is exquisite, especially the one-piece cockpit tub with ejector seat rails and side controls. How were they ever able to mold and pull that? I have no idea, but it is some of the finest casting I’ve ever seen anywhere. This is the typical quality that I’ve come to expect from Aires. Well, even if your control stick is broken off, Aires provides you with another one, so don’t fret if it is loose in the packaging.

Decal Packaging

P-51D/F-6D Pacific Mustang Decals Part 1
Review Author
Mark D. Anderson
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$16.00

Kagero’s limited edition (Red Series) 1/32 scale Pacific P-51D/F-6D Mustang decals is welcome news for large-scale Mustang fans. This is part #1 of what I assume will be a continuing series of beautiful sheets offered by them. Evidently, this sheet is sized to fit the Tamiya kit, but it’s not mentioned in the documents. The decals were printed by Cartograf and are crystal clear and look outstanding. Because of my slow progress building my own Mustang, I didn’t try to apply them. I didn’t think applying decals on bare plastic would really be very effective, although it did seem to work when I was 6. Anyway, the 8 page color documents are first rate. The artwork shows large, color profiles of both sides of the fuselage and the top and bottom of the wings. Also included is a brief history of each aircraft, accompanied by sketches of the pilots.

Figure

WWII USAAF ETO Fighter Pilot Figure
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Ultracast
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$17.75

I’ve come to expect that Ultracast puts out some of the finest figures available anywhere. This latest release is just that. Sculpted by world renowned artist Mike Good, this piece is typically perfect. Molded in light cream-colored resin, the castings are blemish-free and perfectly cast. All the pour blocks are easily removed.

You get a body with a very thin film between the legs that is easily removed. The pose is very natural looking. You get a single arm for each side that is keyed to ensure alignment. The other thing is that they fall on a natural line so you can paint them separately if you’d like. The left hand is nicely molded with a cigarette between the fingers.

Cover

Bf-109A thru D Models - Book with Decals
Book Author(s)
Mariusz Tukasik
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$23.00

Kagero’s Top Drawing books offer the modeler a good reference for rivet patterns for those so inclined. Also, they are great references for those trying to accurize a kit.

This book contains six view drawings, top and bottom plan views, left and right side profiles, and front and rear views of all four aircraft types, A-D versions in 1/72nd and 1/48th. The 1/32nd scale drawings are actually on a separate foldout and only include the B-1 and D models. There are also some detail drawings of internal items, such as seats and instrument panels included. Cross section drawings are provided for the scratchbuilder as well. There is also a small drawing that shows the external differences.

If it was just drawings and riveting diagrams, then it wouldn’t be from Kagero. Besides these, there are five color profiles of different models. They are first rate drawings.

Cover

Battle of Britain Part III - Book with Decals
Book Author(s)
Maciej Goralczyk, Janusz Swiation, and Arkadiusz Wrobel
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$21.75

If you are looking for a definitive account of the Battle of Britain, this is not it. If you are looking for inspirational paint schemes and the decals that go with those schemes, then this is your book.

Kagero has always released really nice books with interesting paint schemes and this one is no different. There are eight aircraft depicted, six Bf-109s, one He-111, and one Bf-110. Descriptions of each aircraft and its pilot accompany the three- and four-view full color profiles. The descriptions are written in English and Polish. Each description gives the color callouts and a little bit of history of each pilot who flew it. Particularly interesting is the He-111, which has tail and fuselage artwork. The 109s all show unique paint schemes with the description documenting the changes in the camouflage paint schemes. The profiles are first rate and really well done. They are definitely inspirational.