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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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Review Author
Robert Head
Published on
Company
Caracal Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.99

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano , also named ALX or A-29 is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter insurgency (COIN), close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments, as well as providing pilot training. Designed to operate in high temperature and humidity conditions in extremely rugged terrain, the Super Tucano is highly maneuverable, has a low heat signature, incorporates 4th generation avionics; and weapons system to deliver precision guided munitions. It is currently in service with over 13 countries with the Afghan Air Force slated to receive its first batch of aircraft in April 2015.

Caracal models has released an impressive decal sheet for the new Hobby Boss Super Tucano kit covering four different variations of the aerobatic team.

The marking option is:

Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.95

Scale Aircraft Conversions has released replacement gear for the Eduard 1/48 Lavochkin La-5. Of course this set will also work with the Zvezda kit since that is what the Eduard kit is based on. The supplied items include two main gear legs, two main gear retraction struts, and one tail gear. (Photos 1016, 1005, 1018, 1020)

This replacement set will provide stronger landing gear that won’t sag over time, and is 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
Roger Rasor
Published on
Company
Yellow-Wings Decals
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.95

Yellow Wings Decals has released the first aftermarket decal set for the new Revell 1/48 scale Stearman PT-17 kit. (Obviously, the decals in this set also are applicable to the long-standing Lindberg 1/48 scale PT-17 kits). There are no markings for an Army Air Force PT-17 in this set however. Instead, set 48-082 provides colorful markings for two of the U. S. Navy’s version of the PT-17…the N2S-3 ‘Yellow Peril’:

Review Author
Bill Kluge
Published on
Company
Gallery Models
Scale
1/350
MSRP
$329.98

The Ship

Launched in April 1943 and commissioned four months later, USS Intrepid (CV-11) participated in numerous actions in the central and western Pacific from early 1944 until the end of the Pacific War, including Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. She was hit twice by kamikazes but was still on station at the end of hostilities. Intrepid underwent modernization twice during the 1950s, which enclosed her bow and gave her an angled flight deck. Reclassified as an Anti-submarine Carrier (CVS-11), Intrepid was the lead ship for the NASA’s Mercury Aurora 7 and the Gemini 3 splashdown recovery. From April 1966 to February 1969, she made three deployments to the waters off Vietnam. She ended her active career back in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, being decommissioned in 1974 with over 30 years of service. In August 1982, Intrepid was reopened as a museum ship in New York harbor.

Review Author
Jim Stratton
Published on
Company
Wingnut Wings, Ltd
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$99.00

History

The prototype Roland C.II first flew in October 1915 and quickly proved to be faster than most fighters. 50 Roland C.II’s were ordered in December 1915 and was equipped with a rounded rollover hoop as well as other minor early features. The second production batch ordered in early 1916 had many improvements, including strengthened wings, and the ability to install a bomb rack between the rear landing gear legs. This version became the C.IIa and 90 were ordered. The late C.IIa, the version this model represents, had a stick type control column and an enlarged vertical fin for better maneuverability. Nearly 130 of the late C.IIa’s were built. Unfortunately, by the time they saw service the initial advantage the type had, was lost due to the advancement in fighter aircraft design. As a result most of the Roland C.IIa’s were relegated to the infantry support/ground assault role or used as escorts.