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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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Book Author(s)
Yefim Gordon & Dmitriy Komissarov
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Hikoki Publications
MSRP
$64.95

This book covers the development, specifications and history of the first Soviet jet fighters. It is a massive tome that provides a great deal of detailed information on its subjects. The authors are certainly the current experts in the field of Soviet/Russian aircraft and after reading this book it is easy to see why.

I had really wanted to review this book as I have in my possession an ultra rare 1/48 Russian resin kit of the Mig-9 by Airkits. Since material on the Mig-9 and other early Soviet jets has been few and far in between, this is a welcome addition!

The book is broken down into 5 chapters by manufacturer. The order of their presentation is by their importance to the Soviet Union both in development and usage. The order of coverage is Mikoyan Migs, Yakovlev, Lavochkin, Sukhoi and jets of Semyon Alekseyev.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Master Model
MSRP
$8.00

Master Models has started to issue static dischargers in all scale and types. As a bit of background, static dischargers or static wicks are used on aircraft to allow the continuous satisfactory operation of onboard navigation and radio communication systems during precipitation (p-static) conditions. if you look at any plane, they have these on the back of the wings, tails and horizontal stabs.

This particular set is made for Sukhoi jets and in 1/32 scale. This would fit Su-27 and Su-7 for example. The set contains 14 pieces of very small (7mm or so) almost hair thin machined brass. As you can see in the picture, even the end is cupped out. Installation involves drilling out the appropriate spot and gluing the part on. To demonstrate, I used a Trumpeter Su-27 and you can see by the comparison, it is NO comparison. The Master Model parts are a world better, more accurate and look all around better.

Book Author(s)
Dr Robert N. Watt, Illustrated by Adam Hook
Review Author
Ken McDevitt
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$18.95

This book just changed my “image” of the Apaches as an undisciplined and unsophisticated group of fighters. The Apaches begin training new warriors at an early age and in addition to the obvious physical toughness there is considerable effort to develop mental toughness, obedience and agility. Of particular interest is the Apache concept of risk versus reward. Raids and wars are very carefully planned to consider all tactical and strategic options as well as contingencies and exit routes in case of problems. For a raid or war to be successful the primary goal is to greatly reduce the chance that a warrior to be killed since that reflects badly on the leader and places a burden on the tribe to care for the lost warrior’s family.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Hauler
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$13.25

Hauler Brengun makes some of the most innovative kits of unique things around which can be used in all sorts of dioramas. In this instance, it's a 1/35th scale shopping cart! The kit is simple- one sheet of nice photoetch, which has a dozen parts- one for he main cart plus a set and the fold out part that holds the seat plus a safety chain and four wheels. There is also a resin sprue with 5 wheels (an extra) and a resin handle along with the company’s logo. A nice set of instructions is also included.

Review Author
Mark Aldrich
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$11.50

Master Model has produced a nice ammunition set to go along with their beautiful ZU-23-2 barrels. This set consists of 20 empty casings, 10 OFZ (HEI) rounds and 10 BZT (API-T) rounds. The items are made from turned brass and ultra-tiny. The only issue I have with these great items is that they can only be used as a diorama accessory. Without the disintegrating links that hold the rounds together, they can only be used as individual pieces unless the builder is a REALLY good scratch builder.