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.

IPMS/USA Members: We encourage you to submit reviews, both here and to the Journal. To volunteer for membership in the IPMS/USA "Reviewers Corps" and submit your own reviews, please read the Guidelines For Submitting Product Reviews.

Manufacturers, publishers, and other industry members: IPMS/USA is pleased to offer your company the opportunity for product reviews. All product reviews are performed by IPMS/USA members, and are posted in the publicly-accessible section of our website. With very few exceptions, we perform full build reviews of new kit releases, aftermarket products, and supplies. If you would care to provide product samples for review, please contact John Noack, IPMS/USA 1st VP.

To learn more about IPMS/USA, please see our About Us page.

Review Author
Perry Downen
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$29.95

First off I’d like to thank Eduard for supplying this great set of photo-etch parts. I’d also like to thank IPMS/USA for allowing me to review this product.

One of the more famous night bombers of the Second World War was the RAF’s four-engine Avro Lancaster. A total of 7,377 Lancasters of all marks were built. Of that number 3,039 were B.Mk.III bombers which were equipped with Packard built Merlin engines and an enlarged bombardier’s compartment. Nineteen of those Mk.IIIs assigned to No. 617 Squadron were modified to attack Germany's Ruhr Valley dams using the Barnes Wallis-designed "bouncing bomb". On the night of May 16, 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson lead the Ruhr Valley attack. Two of the four targeted dams were breeched, but eight of the 19 Lancasters and 53 crewmen were lost. After the raid 34 medals were awarded the survivors including Gibson’s Victoria Cross.

Review Author
Rob Benson
Published on
Company
Caracal Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$15.00

Thanks to Caracal Models for sending these excellent decals for review. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for letting me review them! I am very appreciative of the chance to contribute back to the scale-modeling community.

This review covers a new release of decals for the MQ-9 UAV, including the NASA Ikhana version from the long-since sold out inaugural 1:48 scale sheet produced by Caracal. My target kit was the Revell MQ-9 and I chose to model the Ikhana markings. Eight versions representing NASA, USAF, RAF, French and Italian Air Force aircraft between 2013 and 2013 are included with the exception of the Ikhana in 2008. Stenciling is minimal, as it is on the actual Reaper. The decals are crisp and well-registered, printed by Cartograf. The decals responded well to Microscale decal solutions and settled snugly into position with no problems.

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/20
MSRP
$40.99

This automotive model review covers the HighJacker Off-Road Custom Van 1:20 Scale MPC Model Kit #813. This kit has been released before but thanks to the “Kats” at Round2 it’s back on the shelves and for its age the molds have held up well. This is a Skill Level 3 kit for modelers ten years and older. Molded primarily in white styrene, the kit includes over 200 parts, with transparent, clear red, and chrome pieces, and vinyl tires. It also has waterslide decals and instructions. This kit features a highly detailed interior with sink, stove, cabinet, and other kitchen accessories, as well as camping and hunting equipment. It also includes a full bed for the back area. When finished it is an impressive size measuring 9½ inches long, 4 inches wide, and 5 inches high.

Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$15.95

Scale Aircraft Conversions has released replacement landing gear for the Wingnut Wings 1/32 Pfalz D.IIIa. The supplied items include two main gear legs, the main gear axle, and the tail skid. All four parts are loose in the blister package and not attached to any metal sprue.

This replacement set will provide stronger landing gear that won’t sag over time, and are somewhat adjustable if necessary to obtain proper alignment. Even with zero previous experience in using white metal parts, this set will provide an upgrade that most modelers will have no problem installing. Scale Aircraft Conversions does not use lead in their white metal mix, so the builder does not have to be concerned with that perceived hazard.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$8.50

Eduard continues its F-104 accessories with this set which is a set of early wheels. The set consists of five parts, two main wheels with separate hubs for one side. There is also one front wheel. A masking set is also included. All the parts are perfectly cast and bubble free. Preparation involves removing the pour stubs and a light sanding. The separate hub makes painting easier.

The detail on the wheels is head and shoulders above the kit parts. There are no ejection marks to deal with and the hub detail is greatly improved. The wheels have the needed writing on them versus the smooth surface on the kit parts.

These are definite upgrades to the kit parts. Well made and more detailed. Recommended. My thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.