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.

IPMS/USA Members: We encourage you to submit reviews, both here and to the Journal. To volunteer for membership in the IPMS/USA "Reviewers Corps" and submit your own reviews, please read the Guidelines For Submitting Product Reviews.

Manufacturers, publishers, and other industry members: IPMS/USA is pleased to offer your company the opportunity for product reviews. All product reviews are performed by IPMS/USA members, and are posted in the publicly-accessible section of our website. With very few exceptions, we perform full build reviews of new kit releases, aftermarket products, and supplies. If you would care to provide product samples for review, please contact John Noack, IPMS/USA 1st VP.

To learn more about IPMS/USA, please see our About Us page.

Review Author
Mike Kellner
Published on
Company
Sword Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$44.99

The North American T-28 was used by both the Air Force and Navy and was designed as a replacement for the old T-6/SNJ. It saw use in the American military from the 1950's until the mid 80's. In the end there were 4 variants, the A, B, C, and the counter-insurgency D models. Several other variants, such as the Fennec, were used in foreign service.

The T-28C, the subject of this kit, came out in 1955 and was the same as the B model except for the tail hook installed for carrier training and a slightly shorter prop. The T-28C had a Wright R-1820 engine and a three-bladed prop.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/4
MSRP
$29.95

Should you be looking for a little something different to build, I would like to point you in the direction of this one-quarter scale instrument panel that is being offered as a Limited Edition release by the folks at Eduard. The kit assembles with relative ease, and is a good representation of the instrument panel used in the Messerschmitt Bf-110C variant, although the variant is only mentioned once on the side of the box. The needles used in the various gauges are the only tricky items to handle during construction, so this would be a good item for modelers fourteen and up, as the box recommends.

Review Author
Steve Zajac
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$25.99

To honor funny car racers of the ’60s and ’70s, Round 2 LLC announced last year that it will be releasing a new drag racing memorabilia line called "Legends of the Quarter Mile." The first model kit released was Arnie "The Farmer" Beswick's 1969 GTO funny car known as the "Super Judge." Hailing from Morrison, Illinois, Beswick is a legend in his own time. He is the most well-known Pontiac drag racer in the world. For over 50 years, his successes have made him a fan favorite. Keep in mind this nostalgia kit was originally issued in 1969 by MPC, and has been reissued several times since, this time in a very cool original box art. As it’s an older kit, expect to spend considerable time cleaning up the parts. Round 2 has also added "MH Racemaster" printed slicks and very nice Beswick decals. The assembly breaks down into several sub assemblies:

Review Author
Mike Hinderliter
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$3.50

Master Model is a company that makes turned brass aftermarket parts, specifically pitot tubes, refueling probes, and antennas.

The first thing I would like to point out is how good the packaging and instruction sheet is. The packaging consists of a zip-lock type bag, while the part is in a smaller bag, keeping it from moving all over. The instruction sheet is very clear and easy to understand, only needing 3 steps. Cut off original part, drill a hole (0.8 mm), glue in the new metal part – complete. Just be careful drilling the hole, especially in 1/72.

When compared to the kit part – there is no comparison. The kit pitot tube looks like a little blob of plastic, while the Master Model part is a complete work of art. Once you use a couple of these pieces you will be completely spoiled and never want to use the kit pitot tubes again.

Review Author
Doug Hamilton
Published on
Company
Morland Studios
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$19.99

I was intrigued in seeing a 54mm bust available for review. I had painted a few larger scale busts, and have also painted a number of 54mm figures, but never a bust in such a small scale. I asked to review it and subsequently received the Morland Studios 54mm offering of a – or would it be The – Vampyre Lord? I finally settled on The Vampyre Lord because I couldn’t find anything relating him to a gaming scenario or a story line, so I see him as a standalone character. Not personally knowing any vampyre lords, it’s always so hard to figure how they would like to be addressed!!!