Completed HMMWV with Figures - Back View

Drone Hunters

Forward Crew

Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 Flying Boat Model 12

Exceptional cockpit detail and fine surface engraving is shown here. Note the textured cover at the control column base.

De Havilland Mosquito FB Mk VI - Part 1

P-51D Pre-Paint

P-51D Mustang

Parts 36

J2M3 Raiden ‘Jack’ (with Concept Notes)

Close-up of aft cargo deck showing cables for spars from thin brass rod

IJN Mamiya Kanmusu

Completed turret & M2 .50 cal

M6 Heavy Tank "Black Label Series"

Engine

Gloster Meteor F.4

Finished

Lockheed P-38J "Lightning"

Front View

If.5 Machinengewehrwagen 36

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Welcome to IPMS/USA Reviews

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.

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Product

US Modern Letters & Numbers Decals
Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
Company
AOA Decals
Scale
1:35
MSRP
$5.00

AOA Decals has a good reputation for quality decals, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review one of their newest releases, the US Modern Letters & Numbers Decals (35-014).

The decals come in two sheets of the same page, so there are plenty of numbers, codes and colors available for 1/35 modern subjects. As it is a generic set, there are no instructions provided.

From the AOA website

This sheet offers number and letter variations as seen on US "modern" vehicles - both in black and green for most styles.

A full alphabet is provided for one of the most common US stenciled styles, including multiple "M" variations.

Other styles are primarily numbers for USMC/USN vehicles (M-ATV, JLTV, MTVR, M1 Abrams, LAV-25, etc.). Also includes USMC vehicle plate decals.

Box Art

AN/TWQ-1 Avenger
Review Author
Jason Boggans
Published on
Company
AFV Club
MSRP
$89.99

Box Art / Packaging

The Avenger is presented in a rigid top opening box with glossy finish, the box art depicts the Avenger air defense system deployed in the field.

This 100% newly tooled kit is a brand new 2026 release from AFV Club.

The box contains a normal instruction booklet with clear construction steps, instructions were easy to follow and no glaring omissions were noticed.

Also included is a glossy poster of the box art for those who like to save these, no need to save the box lid! The manual also includes paint schemes for 6 different variants.

Vehicle Background

The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Air Defense System is an American self-propelled surface-to-air missile system that provides mobile, short-range air defense protection for ground units against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.

Box Cover

Macchi MC.200 Saetta
Review Author
Steven J. Corvi
Published on
Company
Italeri USA
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$179.99

What is in the Box

  • 4 gray injection molded plastic sprues [247 parts total]
  • 1 clear sprue
  • 1 decal sheet with 6 markings options
  • 1 3d printed instrument panel (three parts)
  • 2 Etched Brass frets
  • 1 canopy & wheel hub masks
  • 1 elastic vinyl tubing
  • 1 brass wire
  • 1 instruction book in FULL color

Construction

The construction begins with the cockpit and the fuselage interior and this makes up the majority of the early construction sequence. Extra time spent here will pay dividends later in the build and I recommend a thorough reading of the instructions since they will alleviate most if not all construction problems. The sprue gates are on the mating surfaces, so it is imperative to cut them from the sprues with care and be sure not to over sand the sprue gate nubs. Now I have noticed this trend in manufacturers. The cockpit has nice set of 3-D decals which dress up the cockpit nicely.

Decal Cover sheet

JLTF (1) – M1278 US Marines
Review Author
Bob LaBouy
Published on
Company
AOA Decals
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$15.50

From AOA Decal Manufacturer’s Notes

14 options for JLTVs in US service:

  • 2x Army Reserve (Fort McCoy)
  • 12x USMC - Additional decals are also included without the tape/exercise markings that cover some various unit markings. Decals for an M1102 trailer are also included for one JLTV option.
  • Includes full JLTV stencil data set (enough for two vehicles) with variations.
  • For Rye Field Model (RFM) 1/35 JLTV.

Background and Historical Notes

As one of the military’s most important decisions, it put out a bid announcement for a replacement for its basic utility vehicle, what was to be called the ‘Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.’

Show Shout Out and Bench Update

This video will cover all the information for an upcoming show coming up on May 16th, 2026. The show will be held in Simpsonville, South Carolina and will be hosted by the South Carolina Modelers Association (SCMA) which hosts about three different shows a year. We will also look at one of my completed models, a Tamiya Toyota Supra GR, which was a 48 hour build and the Tamiya Yamaha YZR M1.