Tree D

Studebaker US6-U3

Finished Frame 2

Russian Air Defense Weapon System 96K6 Pantsir-S1

Bauleo Review Academy (5)

Bf-109G JG 27

Front Rotor Boss

CH-47A Chinook

Wheel Well

Henschel Hs-129B-2/RIII Wings, Cowlings and Things!, Part 3

Grill Detail

Paddy Wagon with Figures

Midships

Satisfaction of Captain Henry Morgan

Assembly complete

Russian Maxim Machine Gun (1910)

Sprue 5

Panzerkampfwagen T34-747[r]

Completed 3

Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant

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Welcome to the IPMS/USA Reviews site!

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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Cover

A-10 Thunderbolt II – Units of Operation, Enduring Freedom 2002-07
Book Author(s)
Gary Wetzel
Review Author
Ken McDevitt
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$22.95

Review

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is so ugly, it’s beautiful. It is clearly an example of function over form. The A-10 is designed to maximize the pilot protection with a titanium bathtub cockpit and heavily armored cockpit glass. The airframe design has redundant control systems and high mounted engines to provide maximum survivability when damaged, and also to reduce the risk of engine damage. The book starts with the fly-offs between manufacturers and the selection of Fairchild Republic as the design winner. In response to pilots’ feedback for a big gun, the General Electric GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon was selected, with a rate of fire at 3900 rpm.

Parts Package

AIM-54C Phoenix Missiles
Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.95

History

The AIM-54 Phoenix is a radar-guided, long-range air-to-air missile (AAM), carried in clusters of up to six missiles on F-14 Tomcats, its only launch platform. The Phoenix was the United States' only long-range air-to-air missile. The weapons system based on Phoenix was the world's first to allow simultaneous guidance of missiles against multiple targets. Both the missile and the aircraft were used by the United States Navy and are now retired, the AIM-54 Phoenix in 2004 and the F-14 in 2006. Following the retirement of the F-14 by the U.S. Navy, the weapon's only current operator is Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.

Cover

Windsock Datafile 159, AD Flying Boats
Book Author(s)
Colin A. Owens
Review Author
Roger Rasor
Published on
Company
Albatros Productions, Ltd.
MSRP
$21.95

Windsock Datafiles from Albatros Productions are considered by many to be the most comprehensive reference/historical publications available for those who build WW I scale aircraft models. Each volume focuses on a specific aircraft and can be counted on to provide a thorough study of the subject. The most recent volume, Windsock Datafile No. 159, details the history of the AD Flying Boats.

Box Art

1966 Chevelle Station Wagon
Review Author
Jim Stepanek
Published on
Company
Revell
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$23.95

In front of the "A" pillar, the '66 Chevelle Station Wagon is all muscle car. It was built with the same engine and drive train as one of the most potent muscle cars in history, the Chevelle. But you have to put the kids somewhere. The station wagon's designers stretched the two-door, four-seat car into a four-door, eight-seat wagon.

The kit directions contain a paint guide that you can follow if you so desire, and a beautiful decal sheet should you care to use it. The decal sheet contains decals that will cover most of the side in a wood grain pattern with flames.

Engine

The kit features a big block 396 ci engine that’s engraved very well. I changed out the kit chrome-plated valve covers for a resin pair of painted Moroso covers. The engine then got spark plug wires in the correct firing order, alternator support, fuel lines, throttle linkage, an aftermarket air filter, and heater hoses.

Box Art

Spitfire Mk. VI
Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
Hasegawa
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$40.00

The Instruction Sheet

The instruction sheet is typical Hasegawa – that is, the instructions are free of any errors (at least that I noticed), easy to interpret, and with clearly labeled paint call-outs and part call-outs. The thirteen construction steps are on three pages, decal placement and painting guides are on two pages, aircraft history is on a single page, and a parts guide and color call-out list is on a single page.

For the most part, you can jump around on the instructions from step to step. We all do it. Not to worry, but study the assembly process for the prop or you’ll end up having a bit of a mess on your hands. Do not install the blades into the spinner until the spinner has been attached to the spinner shaft. Also, the placement of the six exhaust stacks is unique – the sequence is according to the part number of the stack. Start with the stack farthest aft on each side and work toward the front of the aircraft.