Finished Model - Nose Closeup

TF-9J Cougar

Launcher

JASDF Patriot PAC-3 Launching Station

Engine detail

1941 Packard Clipper (U.S. Army)

Finished-Bottom

MB Military Vehicle

Horse built

Gunslinger Series Kit No. 3

Sprues

WWII "God's Blessing" 6 Figure Set

completed interior

AC-40-137A Soviet Firetruck

right side from front view

Bf-109G-6

Finished model

Magach 6B Gal Batash, Israeli Main Battle Tank

Assembly - 3

Fokker Dr1 Triplane

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Cover

Hungarian Fighter Colours 1930-1945 Vol. 1
Book Author(s)
Dénes Bernád & György Punka
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$46.95

This book takes a look at colors and markings of fighter aircraft of the Hungarian Air Force from 1930-1945. This is the first of two volumes. The following aircraft are covered in Volume One: Fokker D.XVI; Fiat CR. 20 and CR. 20B; Avis I-IV; Fiat CR.30, CR. 30B, and CR. 32bis; Fiat CR. 42 and CR. 42CN;, and Messerschmitt Bf 109D-1, E-3, E-4, E-7, F-2, and F-4. There are many black and white photos used to illustrate these planes, as well as beautifully drawn color profiles. Most of these are side views, but some also include top views. The authors also include quite a few wartime color photographs as well as color photos of aircraft parts and relics that have survived into modern times.

Box Art

StuG.III Ausf.G Late December 1944
Review Author
Bryan Krueger
Published on
Company
Dragon Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$54.95

Dragon's latest Stug III release is marketed as a December ‘44 production time frame version. If you follow the instructions, you won't build a vehicle from the Dec 44 production run, but a somewhat jumbled mix with early, mid, and late production features. Fortunately, if you know what you are looking for, the kit includes the parts to build what is commonly accepted as a late ‘44/early 45 vehicle. With some exceptions.

The parts are molded in light gray styrene with crisp details and no noticeable flash. There are some very fine details like the fender tread pattern, hull weld beads, and rough texture on the cast mantle (Topfblende). This release is a bit of a mix-and-match from their earlier StuG III releases (notably the CH May ‘44 Mid-Late Production) with a few additional sprues from their StuG IV kits. A good portion of these parts won't be used and are blued out on the front instruction sheet. But don't be too hasty, you'll need some of those pieces.

Detail Parts

S-2F Tracker Wing Pylons
Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.50

The last S-2F set I have for review from Quickboost is a replacement set of wing pylons for the plane. There were six underwing hard points for rocket pods and conventional depth charges, or up to four additional torpedoes. This set is six direct replacement pylons. Trim them from their well-molded sprue and glue to the plane. I test-fitted three and they snap into place. The molded detail is somewhat finer than the kit parts. The kit includes three rocket pods for each wings.

There is some improvement in accuracy and detail, as the Quickboost parts have better rivet definition and detail. This is especially true on the bottom of the pylons if they are left empty. Kinetic completely missed the prominent pad on the front of the pylons.

This is a very simple replacement. It is easy to use and fits well. For $6.50, this set will definitely improve the look of the pylons. Recommended. My thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the set and chance to review it.

Detail Parts

EA-6B Prowler Air Scoops
Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.50

Quickboost makes another addition to its sets for the Kinetic 1/48th EA-6B Prowler with a replacement set of air scoops. There are 10 different scoops cast perfectly in the expected gray resin.

There are three different varieties of scoops:

  • Part 1 replaces kit parts (two scoops) C15+C17/C17+C18
  • Part 2 replaces kit part C11 in six scoops
  • Part 3 replaces kit part C21 in two scoops

Using the set is simple – cut from the casting block, make sure the bottom edge is good, and glue in place and paint. The Quickboost parts have good depth to the openings, which is not the case with all the kit parts. Also, the kit’s two large scoops have to be glued together and sanded, which is not done with the Quickboost set.

Overall, a good upgrade for the kit parts. Simple and easy to execute, reasonably priced, and also an improvement in accuracy. Recommended to all fans of the Prowler and those wanting that extra detail.

Detail Parts

SAAB J-35 Draken Pitot Tubes and AOA Sensor
Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.00

Master Model of Poland continues their great run of products with a set of two pitot tubes and an AOA sensor for the Hasegawa 1/48 Draken. If you have never used one of Master's products, you are in for treat. They make machined metal parts for ships and planes. Ship parts are mostly gun barrels, while the planes’ parts are gun barrels, pitot tubes, and various sensors, all of which are in metal, either brass or aluminum.