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Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Ultracast
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$4.85

The latest item from Ultracast is designed for the Hasegawa Typhoon. The kit tail wheel well is an empty area, nothing like the real thing. This little resin item takes care of that. This piece is molded in a light cream-colored resin with no blemishes or bubbles anywhere. It is so nice there is no need to do anything but sand off a very small bit of resin flash, then simply insert it in the tail wheel recess. The well is suitably deep and provides an easy attachment point for the tail wheel.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Ultracast for the review copy and IPMS for the review opportunity.

Book Author(s)
Martyn Chorlton
Review Author
Paul Mahoney
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$18.95

This in the sixth volume in Osprey’s Air Vanguard series, but the first I have come across. The series seems geared to providing an overall view of the subject aircraft’s development, technical specifications, and operational history. One interesting angle on this series is that the books are also available in eReader formats such as Kindle or ePDF files. People have differing opinions on which format is better suited to a reference book, but in any case it is nice that this option is available.

The book is broken down into 4 basic sections: Design and Development, Technical Specifications, Mark by Mark, and Operational History. A brief Conclusion section wraps things up, and a small bibliography (6 titles) is included.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Lifelike Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$16.25

The latest release from Wingnut Wings is the family of Fokker D.VIIs. These late-war beauties are beautifully adorned with artwork and colors. So Lifelike has decided to offer some unique decal options for the modeler.

Lifelike’s website is always updated with things that may have changed since decals have been released. It is nice that they offer updated decals when the markings are found to be different than those included in the original release. Does this mean that Lifelike Decals is wrong? No, not at all. Lifelike is not afraid to make educated guesses based on the latest information. When new information becomes available, they let you know what has changed. This is unlike any other decal supplier in the world. That is just the level of professionalism that Lifelike embodies.

The instructions are printed on two A4 single-sided sheets in full color. You get four views to each aircraft. It is here that you see the unique colors applied to these aircraft.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Lifelike Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$16.25

Wingnut Wings has singlehandedly sparked a resurgence in WWI large scale kits. Their quality and engineering have set a standard by which all other model kits, regardless of scale or era, are judged. Sometimes the biggest problem is what markings to apply – or is it how many kits to buy? Well, Lifelike can help you with one of those problems and hinder the other.

Lifelike has consistently produced first-rate decals for a variety of aircraft. This time they have turned their attention to the latest from Wingnut Wings, the Fokker D.VII. WNW has produced no less than four different versions of the greatest WWI fighter plane, those produced by Fokker, OAW, Albatross, and the Fokker F. Well, you will need some marking help.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$21.50

The Trumpeter F-100C is a nice kit, but the cockpit could definitely use some improvement. The ejection seat is basic at best.

Aires has a multimedia answer for the kit. Fourteen resin pieces are molded in light grey resin with no blemishes or bubbles anywhere. The resin pieces are impressive with the amount of detail included on them. The control stick is particularly nice. An ejection seat is included, which will include PE belts and buckles upon completion.

Speaking of PE, there is a fret of nickel photo etch. The fret includes canopy rails, as well as the belts and buckles. A film of the instrument panel dials and HUD is also included.

The instructions are printed on typical A4-sized light blue paper. The instructions are easy to understand. Since the ejection sheet takes up a large part of the cockpit, it is the focus of much of the resin and photo etch.