Background

In 1972, the Shah of Iran visited the US to evaluate two interceptor airplanes, the F-14 and F-15, for protection of his borders against overflights of the MiG-25. A contract was signed to purchase a number of F-14s due to superior maneuverability and weaponry. As it turned out, the sale of some F-14s to Iran gave Grumman the funds that they needed to continue Tomcat production. The best pilots from Iran came to the US and were well trained in advance of the deliveries which started in 1974. During it’s time in the Imperial Iranian Air Force, IIAF, the Tomcat performed its role well.

In 1979 the Islamic Revolution toppled the Shah and established a harsh Islamic regime. A number of the trained personnel fled but many remained. Once Iraq invaded Iran, many of these former “Shah’s pilots” and technicians were allowed back in service and the Tomcats asserted themselves well against Iraq’s aircraft.

Master Model from Poland specializes in metal turned parts for aftermarket kits. In my personal option they are among the best in the market. I really like their products. This set is devoted to the weapons of the Hawker Typhoon. There are two options for that kit in 1/48 scale: Hasegawa and Monogram. This set can be used with all of the above, with different modifications in each case.

For each kit, you are instructed to drill holes in the wings for the fairings and to replace the plastic parts with the metal ones. You are also provided with a small photo-etch fret to dress up with wing area around the cannon fairing. Be aware that the outer and inward cannon fairings have different sizes and should not be used interchangeably. The instructions are very clear about which one is each and how to position them.

The 100^th Anniversary of the tank going into combat takes place in September 2016, and as this anniversary draws closer I have become fascinated with these first creaking, clattering vehicles of death; part of the first modern industrial war in history. And while the British Army’s rhomboid shaped monsters that took part in that engagement at Flers-Courcelette during the Battle of the Somme were the first tanks to see service, the diminutive French FT-17 can legitimately lay claim to be the great grandfather of the modern tank: the first fully tracked armored vehicle with a rotating turret. And as luck would have it, Meng Models have produced a simply magnificent model kit of this seminal vehicle. Not only is this model exquisitely detailed, it is fully detailed, as it comes with a very complete interior.