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Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Modelling
MSRP
$7.04

Each issue of Scale Aircraft Modeling has the same basic design and format. That's not a bad thing as it is jam packed with superb aircraft builds and tips. There does seem to be a trend to add more feature articles and that is a very good thing as the builds are superb. In this issue, there are five feature articles, an Aviation in Profile piece, and six Compact Build Reviews.

The Feature articles for this issue start with Jay Laverty's build review of the Fisher Models 1/32nd F7U Cutlass. He details some upgrades to the wheel wells and how to handle such a large resin kit. A good description of his way to get a true white base coat sprayed is also a highlight of the article.

Next up is Mr. Laverty's continuing build of the new Airfix 1/24th Scale Typhoon. In this installment, the engine is built and wired and added to the already finished main spar/cockpit assembly. the conclusion is in Decembers issue and I can't wait to see it.

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.99

Background

H.P. Martin and George Handasyde were an aircraft and motorcycle manufacturer from 1908 to 1922. The subject of this kit was one of their first efforts and appears to represent the third version of this aircraft. I base that on the 40hp J.A.P. engine that is fitted to this kit. This aircraft strongly resembled the French Antoinette including the odd twin wheel controls in the earlier versions. Those were abandoned after criticism from early test flights. Controls were modified to a control wheel with fore and aft motion for the elevators and wing wrapping controlled by turning the wheel. A bar controlled the rudder.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Plusmodel
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.00

What's a decent diorama builder to do if you want to pose your plane with a boarding ladder? Plusmodel to the rescue! They have recently released a series of 1/48th scale boarding ladders for several planes. This one if for a F-105F/G (the two seat version) and could be used with either the Hobbyboss or Revell kits and it is INJECTION MOLDED!!!!!

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
HAD Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$12.00

HAD Models from Hungary has its own line of resin and photoetch and this set is an example of how superb their parts can be. Set 132001 is a set of wheel chocks meant for Mig-29's, but would work with any 1/32nd scale Russian planes. The set consists of two resin parts for the majority of the chock and 6 photoetch pieces. Four make up the braces and two are the ends with the claw-like grabbers, which prevent the chock from moving.

Assembly is done by removing the casting block from the resin chock bodies. Next two of the braces are bent into channel shapes. A hold and fold is excellent for this. Lastly, the front part is bent so the grabbing fingers bend down. All three of these are glued in place on the bottom via their excellent instructions. Super glue is a must for adhesion since we are bonding photoetch and resin. Repeat for the other chock and prime (I used Alclad gray).

Review Author
William Mahoney
Paul Mahoney
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$19.99

Although most of Round 2’s kits are re-issues of older models, this “Snap It” kit is an all new issue. As per Round 2’s website, “… parts molded in orange, tan, black, along with clear and chrome plated parts, modelers of any skill level can easily assemble a great looking replica with no paint or glue required!”

This is the second review written by my 9-year old son William, an IPMS Junior member. William primarily builds aircraft like his dad, but after doing one snap together car model review, he was anxious to do a second. As this is recommended for ages 8 and up, we thought it would be good to see how this model rates with its intended audience. The rest of the review will be in his words.

“When I opened this box, the model parts looked high quality, in particular because some of the parts were chrome. Most snap kits don’t have chrome parts.