Cross & Cockade, International (CCI) is best known for its excellent assortment of books and publications covering “The Great War” in the air. The artwork in these publications is of the highest caliber and the writing is superb.

CCI also provides calendars and IPMS has just received the 2016 version of this annual calendar. Each page features artwork by a list of artists who produce inspiring views of a moment in time. Certainly, the artists should be identified, and WWI aficionados will most certainly recognize their names.

In alphabetical order:

Thanks to Eduard/Brassin for providing more of their excellent aftermarket parts for IPMS USA to review, and to IPMS leadership for sending it my way.

Not much to say on this one; a pair of early Spitfire Mk 1 “kidney”-shaped merlin exhausts with the straight tube exhaust port at the ends of them already hollow-cast. The pour stub is at the base of the exhausts, so these become convenient handles for painting and handling.

Designed for the Airfix new-mold Spitfire Mk 1, these are simple to use (as usual). Primer then paint while on the pour stub, carefully remove with a sharp knife, install with superglue. The kit items are acceptable, but these Eduard items are a real timesaver.

A fantastic-looking upgrade… Thanks to Eduard/Brassin for this set!

This is the first aircraft kit from Bronco Models kit and it’s a Luft 46 subject and it’s a strange but great subject of a design that never made it of the drawing board. The BV 178 is the usual Blohm and Voss asymmetrical design with one Jumo 004B under one wing. I personally love this type of aircraft configuration and makes for a great looking display model.

• 5 sprues molded in grey styrene
• 1 clear sprue
• 1 decal sheet
• 1 instruction booklet

Construction

The kit makes a great quick build and has a lot of great detail in its design and manufacture.

There are few options given in the build such as landing gear in raised or lowered positions, and cockpit open or closed.