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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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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 Van Schoonhoven
Published on
Company
Model Art
MSRP
$13.50

Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One feature of these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used.

The feature article in this months issue showcases the IDF (Israel Defense Force). They use a multitude of well-built models, photographs, and drawings to represent the aircraft and armor that the IDF use.

There are two short articles following the IDF’s. One pertains to Republic of China destroyers that were American at one point, the DDG-995 USS Scott and DDG-994 USS Callaghan. This is followed by a quick preview of Model Art Modeling Magazines JASDF (Japanese Air Self-Defense Force).

Review Author
Ed Kinney
Published on
Company
Alclad II
MSRP
$69.99
  • Accurate airbrush ( ALC 9200 ) $ 69.99
  • Precise airbrush ( ALC 9220 ) $ 79.99

Alclad II has brought to market two styles of airbrushes manufactured by one of the well known airbrush suppliers. The brushes bear the Alclad II trademark. There are two models available, both single action with internal mix. These are offered as complete sets that include the following:

  • Airbrush
  • Braided Hose
  • Flush-mount color cup
  • Adapter for bottles of Alclad II 1 oz bottles**
  • Protective cap for airbrush nozzle

**This is a major time saver in that all that is necessary is to shake the color to be applied, screw on the adaptor cap, and spray. (All Alclad II products are pre-thinned and ready to spray.) Easy cleanup as well by simply shooting lacquer thinner through the brushes.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
DXM Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$38.99

VFA-195 is one of the naval F-18 squadrons people usually don’t remember until either one of two things happens. First, they are called the “Dambusters” after their successful destruction of the Hwacheon Dam in North Korea. Even more recognizable is their “Chippy Ho” scheme of green and black with the large eagles head. They have been carrying some form of this scheme on the CAG aircraft for about 25 years. The squadron was formed many years ago flying Avengers but worked their way up to F-18’s in the 1980’s and to the newer F-18E/F Super Hornet in the 2010. The Dambusters are based at NAF Atsugi, Japan

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
DXM Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$48.49

Being a Naval Aviation fan, I am always on the lookout for new markings and schemes. One of the more interesting schemes to come out in the last few years is the digital camouflage scheme work by the CAG of VFA-137, “The Kestrels”. I have always liked VFA-137 schemes (maybe it is the groups nickname, the Flying Buttcheeks) and some of their markings have been produced in 1/48th scale by several different manufacturers. The Kestrels are based at NAS Lemoore in California and started flying F-18A’s and have transitioned all the way to the new F-18E’s.

DXM Decals has produced one of the ultimate set of decals for the F-18E in that it replicates the digital camouflage scheme perfectly with decals.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Modelling
MSRP
$7.00

Scale Aircraft Modelling is an excellent monthly publication focusing on modeling scale aircraft. Averaging just under 100 pages, SAM is filled with build articles featuring some of the newer kits on the market, as well as projects based on old favorites. Printed on glossy paper in full color, this magazine is a treasure chest of information about modeling techniques as well as a great source of information on new products.

The cover article in this issue is entitled, “Classic Cat” and refers to the F7F Tigercat. The kit being spotlighted is the Italeri 1/48th scale “Cat”. Author/Modeler Philippe Roger presents a Masterclass in scratchbuilding additional detail for the Italeri kit. There are seven pages of detailed text accompanied by a series of detailed images. The lessons put forward by P. Roger are not limited to the F7F but are easily applicable to other aircraft.