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Book Author(s)
Kev Darling; Illustrator: Richard J. Caruana
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Guideline Publications
MSRP
$23.47

Warpaint’s latest is their standard A4 format,, softbound publication that is 48 pages (excluding covers) on Convair's B-36 Peacemaker series. Featuring 99 photographs (13 in color) along with 23 of Richard J. Caruana’s color profiles, including his color centerfold of “Miss Featherweight:” a B-36H-1-CF Peacemaker. The color profiles are further enhanced with color scrap illustration of opposite sides of the fuselage as necessary to depict special markings. Nose art and other special markings are also presented enlarged to show off details.

Kev Darling starts out with the seven year development of the Peacemaker, initiating in April 1941 with the initial USAAF specification. The impact of the Pacific war on the project is highlighted as well as ample discussion of the political, financial, technical issues that prolonged the service entry of the B-36.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Revell
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$33.95

This kit traces its lineage to the now-defunct “Matchbox/Lesney” company in the UK. It was one of their last kits before going into receivership in the early 1980’s… Revell bought the molds, and fortunately this kit is available again.

This Victor was heralded by all Anglophiles as a great thing, who had endured the occasional vacuform Victor or the odd-scale kits from other companies to scratch one arm of the three British “V” bombers itch. Never mind that it was molded in bright green and pale gray plastic, had huge raised panel lines, and fit that was a bit dodgy… it was a Victor!

… This kit has been re-released several times, most notably with an improved decal sheet spanning the mid-1980’s green/gray over gray scheme, and the later desert-storm “Hemp” gray over light aircraft Gray, with “Maid Marion” nose art.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Eduard

Developed as another Sidewinder for the U.S. Air Force, the AIM-9J was the follow-up to their E-model, and was based on the U.S. Navy AIM-9B. The AIM-9J first saw service in the skies over Vietnam in July 1972 during Operation Linebacker. It introduced the use of some solid-state components, and being equipped with a longer burning motor, the AIM-9J could remain in flight for 40 seconds. Hercules/Aerojet produced 6700 of the missiles, both new, and from re-purposed AIM-9B missiles. The AIM-9J measured 10 feet in length, 22 inches across the rear fins, had a diameter of 5 inches, and weighed in at 170 pounds. The AIM-9J was considered the first missile capable of use in a dogfight as it could be launched at up to 7.5g. This missile is credited with aerial victories over one MiG-21, and two MiG-19 aircraft during the Vietnam War launched from F-4D Phantom II’s of the US Air Force.

Review Author
Rick Bellanger
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$17.00

Eduard has come out with several photo etch sets for the 1/32 Scale. This set provides new replacement Fabric seatbelts. Included are two frets, the first is a photo etch set of buckles and hardware and the second are fabric seatbelts.

The fabric belts are actual fabric. They have a paper backing that is easily removed by folding the belt to break the adhesion. Then you simply peel the backing off. Eduard suggest that you rub the fabric belt a few time between your fingers to break the stiffness and make the belt a little more pliable. Once this is done they are easier to work with.

The instructions are quite adequate to provide detailed information on part numbers and placement.

Review Author
Rick Bellanger
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$27.00

Eduard has come out with several photo etch sets for the 1/32 Scale HK Mk.IV Mosquito. This set provides new replacement interior panel parts, control levers, side panel parts, bulkheads, rudder pedals, bomb sight, and other interior details. The best part about this set is that most of the panels are pre-painted and ready to be placed with a sticky back adhesive already applied.

The instructions are quite adequate to provide detailed information on part numbers and placement.