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Review Author
Brian R. Baker
Published on
Company
Airfix
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$9.99

History

The Grumman F4F-4 “Wildcat” was the standard carrier fighter used by the United States Navy and Marine Corps at the beginning of World War II. It differed from the earlier F4F-3 by the addition of folding wings and extra armament. Although the F4F-4 could not outclimb or outmaneuver its chief antagonist, the Mitsubishi A6M-2 Zero, superior tactics and pilot skill usually tipped the balance in favor of the F4F, and eventually, the F4F was replaced by the superior F6F “Hellcat” and the F4U “Corsair”. The Zero, on the other hand, was only slightly modified during the course of its career, and that, along with the larger number of American fighters produced, helped the U.S. Navy’s efforts to defeat the Japanese. The operational history of the F4F is well known, and any serious modeler should be aware of the basic story, so it will not be repeated here.

Review Author
Phil Peterson
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/547
MSRP
$24.99

On October 28th, 1886 a gift from France was dedicated in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty. I am sure most of you are familiar with it and those who want to read it’s fascinating history can find much more online than I can give you here. However, I can relate my personal experiences with the Lady of Liberty.

Review Author
Luke R. Bucci, PhD
Published on
Company
Aoshima
Scale
1/700
MSRP
$30.00

Bottom Line: Same model as Aoshima 01035 IJN Mamiya kit, 1931 fit, but with Kantai Collection Fleet Girls (KanColle Kanmusu) extras to accompany the model. Simple but effective portrayal of a Japanese Navy supply ship. Great detail, easy to assemble (mostly), only one glaring issue. Note that Kanmusu collection kits are not intended for non-Japanese builders so instructions are in Japanese.

Review Author
Mike Hinderliter
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$10.00

Master Models is a company that makes turned-brass after-market parts, specifically pitot tubes, refueling probes, and antennas.

The first thing I would like to point out is how good the packaging and instruction sheet is. The packaging consists of a zip-lock type bag while the part is in a smaller bag, keeping it from moving all over or losing one of these small pieces. The instruction sheet is very clear and easy to understand, needing only 3 steps: 1) Cut off original part; 2) Drill a hole (0.5 mm) and (0.7 mm) for the 20mm cannons; 3) Glue in the new metal part with CA.

Just be very careful drilling the holes, especially in 1/72 scale.

When compared to the kit part there is no comparison. The kit pitot tube and guns look like little blobs of plastic, while the Master Model parts are complete works of art. Once you use a couple of these pieces, you will be completely spoiled, and will never want to use the kit pitot tubes or guns again.

Review Author
James Binder
Published on
Company
Airfix
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$54.99

Airfix has been steadily updating its catalogue of 1/72 aircraft. One of their newest is the Avro Shackleton MR.2. This kit is a doozy! You will never have to look back at the old mold Shackleton kit again. Airfix gives you the choice of building either the early version with top turret or the late version with added antennas and turret removed. It also comes with a full interior with radarscopes, seats, panels etc., along with a detailed bomb bay with weapons, and movable rudders and elevators.