The Tamiya 1/48th scale model of the F-14D recently introduced is a fantastic kit following the earlier release of the -A version. The parts are crisply molded and loaded with detail typical of Tamiya kits. However. some of us are never quite satisfied and wish to raise the detail bar a little higher, while some of us have difficulty staying within the lines when painting fine kit detail such as found in cockpits and instrument panels.
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For some time Master Box has been exploring an up-to-now largely ignored area in the mainstream modeling fraternity - science fiction figures - through their "Spaceport - At the Edge of the Universe - Strange Company’s Adventures" series. Up until now, the action centered mainly around a rogue’s gallery of characters in a sleazy cantina somewhere on the fringes of the law and known space. Laurie adds an interesting potential element of additional trouble as she is one of two new figures who are clearly intent on raiding the cantina, although I do find myself wondering who her target might be.
As with most of the figures in this range, she comes on a single gray sprue with a limited number of parts. Assembly is quite straight-forward with only a little filling needed around the shoulders. I chose to lower her arms slightly to offer a better view of her face. That really is an AWFULLY big gun!
The Soviet Foxtrot class submarine, known as Project 641, was a diesel-electric powered attack submarine. First commissioned in 1971, they served until 1994 with Soviet and satellite operators. This particular boat first saw service with the Soviet Navy. When the Soviet Union broke up, this boat was in port in Ukraine. The fledgling Ukrainian Navy seized it, becoming the first, and only submarine in Ukraine service. Upon the Russian takeover of the Ukrainian State, the boat reverted to Soviet control. Interesting stuff indeed, and I still can’t pronounce the name!!
History and this Kit
The Magach tank was produced and based on both the M48, and with the Magach 6B on M60 tank hulls. I took this review assignment because of my interest in the M60 Patton tanks. Having built several over the last few years and AFV’s M60A1 kit #35060 and Takom’s M60A1 with the Explosive Reactive Armor, I was equally up for the challenge of the Magach 6B. This latest version of the Magach 6B has mostly aspects that we modelers can’t see: the British 105mm gun and 750hp diesel engine. As the M60 tanks were modified into the Magach 6 series the most noticeable difference is the explosive reactive armor panels surrounding the turret and the frontal hull area, and the addition of a M2 50 cal. and two 30 cal. machine guns on the turret.
Introduction
This kit was initially issued in 1983. I first bought a copy from the BX at Sheppard AFB, TX in 1988, mine was the TWR Sports edition and is still in my stash!! I was always a bit nervous about the chrome trim on the body and getting it right, but it turns out I didn’t need to worry, Hasegawa did a great job molding this kit and it was not difficult to get a good result. This kit has held up exceptionally well for being 35 years old. The plastic is crisp and flash free and the fit is what you would expect from this company…..excellent!
