Underside, detailing tracks and weathering

M-60 Patton

Top

US ARMY GMC M36B1

Finished Right

USS Zumwalt DDG-1000

Misc Image 2

Mirage IIIR/RS

Finished

Ghostbusters Ecto-1

Front

BTR-60 PU Soviet Armored Vehicle

Finished model

Bf-109T-2

Suggested paint scheme

Yak-1b

Right side

TBD-1 Devastator

Hull bottom

Tupolev G-5 Mod. XIII Torpedo Boat

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Welcome to the IPMS/USA Reviews site!

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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Package

EMB-314 Super Tucano Control Surfaces
Review Author
David Wrinkle
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.50

Normally I don’t build outside of my pre-1945 comfort zone, but I’ve always liked the shape and look of the Tucano/Super Tucano. When Hobby Boss released this kit I couldn’t pass on making the purchase. As with any decent kit there is always room for little improvement and this kit is no exception. Joining another resin aftermarket manufacturer, Aires is now offering a set of replacement stabs/elevators for the Tucano.

Product packaging

Static Dischargers for F-16 Fighting Falcon
Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.50

For modern aircraft modelers looking to add even more detail to their next 1/48 scale F-16, Master Model has introduced static dischargers that can be installed on the wings and tail, just like the real plane. Modelers often overlook the static dischargers, but these brass items, which are finely machined, will make installation an easy task for most modelers. The directions have you simply scribe a shallow socket to receive the new part, and I would recommend your favorite cyanoacrylate glue to attach the parts.

Static dischargers, or wicks, are used on aircraft to relieve the static buildup that typically takes place when flying through rain, snow, ice, or dust. The high resistance of the discharger provides a relief path that does not interfere with onboard communications or navigation equipment. Without dischargers, the relief of energy can be through any protruding surface of the plane, such as wing tips, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, and antennas.

Product packaging

Yardarms Set No 2
Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/700
MSRP
$5.00

For ship modelers looking to improve the look of their ship masts, or specifically their yardarms, Master Model has come to the rescue. Their Yardarm Set Number 2 contains half a dozen replacement yardarms in lengths of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, and 32.5 mm (one of each size is included). The already small brass items are finely tapered out to the ends, just like the real thing. If replacing plastic yardarms on a kit, the comparison photograph shows what a difference these can make, although it is comparing the 5mm yardarms available in set one.

My hits are that once again, the folks at Master Model have released some very finely detailed replacement parts, in this case for the 1/700 scale ship modeler. The fine taper are clearly visible, and will make a nice upgrade for a reasonable price.

Box Art

Tiger-1 "Gruppe Ferhmann Essel 1945"
Review Author
Keith Gervasi
Published on
Company
Academy Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$69.00

History

Enough has been written about the Tiger tank so I will not go into detail about it. The Gruppe Fehrmann Tigers were “procured” from the Lehr School at Fallingbostel and were re-built from damaged Tigers. The unit was formed around 5 Tigers and 6 Panthers on April 6th, 1944 and by April 11th only two Tigers and possibly 1 Panther remained active.

Boxtop, instructions, decals

P-38 Lightning Egg Plane
Review Author
Mark Costello
Published on
Company
Hasegawa
MSRP
$19.99

From the Hasegawa web page:

Set to strike

During the Pacific War, Charles MacDonald shot down 27 enemy fighters with his P-38, nicknamed "Putt-Putt Maru." These victories and his exceptional abilities as commander of the 475th Fighter Group made him one of the top Allied aces of World War II. P-38 Lightnings were the ideal aircraft for the Pacific; their long range, high speed and heavy armament let U.S. forces successfully engage Japanese planes at every turn.

Kit

This kit is a re-release of an older kit that comes packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with 1 bag of sprues, a single sheet of decals, and an instruction manual.

The sprue bag contains 4 gray sprues (36 parts) and 1 clear (1 part) sprue (in a small bag to prevent scratches).

The decal sheet is for 1 P-38 in the markings of Lt. Col. Charles Henry “Mac” MacDonald’s P-38 “Putt-Putt Maru”.