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Review Author
Mark A. Dice
Published on
September 20, 2011
Company
Moebius Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$30.00

Background

The Colonies’ current frontline version of the Viper design, the Mk VII retains the Mk II’s general layout with the addition of fully integrated avionics that provide the pilot with superior battle management and flight information, three forward firing cannons, wing mounted missiles, and the ability of atmospheric flight. Sadly, most were wiped out in the Cylon’s renewed attacks against the Colonies when their more modern computer systems were infected and shut down by a Cylon computer virus. Most were easily wiped out by Cylon raiders, with only a few models that were in need of upgrade escaping the virus and living to fight another day.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
September 20, 2011
Company
Afterburner Decals
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$20.00

Afterburner decal sheets are jammed, literally, with detail. In these sheets are all the schemes you could imagine for this jet. Also, proper, well-researched stenciling is provided for both high- and low-visibility jets. They even have the sled that was operational at my favorite perch, RAF Mildenhall, in the 1984-86 timeframe! Ah, the days of standing in the mist just after sunrise, watching and feeling the dual afterburners blasting everyone out of the rack early in the morning as the bird departed and climbed out at a ridiculous angle!

Sheet 48-078 has markings for 11 jets from the mid-1990’s to retirement. Included are NASA and operational combat birds with mission markings/tail art.
Sheet 48-079 covers 14 jets, including the YF-12 in 2 schemes and an SR-71B with the high-visibility markings for the early years. Also included on this sheet are Vietnam, record holder, and test jets.

Review Author
Donald Boger
Published on
September 19, 2011
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$25.95

Recently Revell has been reissuing some of the older Monogram titles under the Revell name. This time around they have chosen to bring back the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, under their Motor-City Muscle line. With this kit you have 2 choices of building it, stock, or a modified Trans Am car, with only 98 parts total. Parts are molded in white, clear, and chrome plated.

The instruction sheet is 10 steps, 9 of the actual assembly sequence and one for applying decals for either version the builder wishes to choose from.

The first step in the instructions deals with the stock engine construction, which is what I chose for the built up model.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
September 17, 2011
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$95.00

The Parts

You will recognize the molding as it goes back, to my knowledge, to at least 1999. On several of the pieces in the box, one can find the original copyright inscription of “Revell 1999”. It has also been released under the Monogram label as well, as is the case with this review item. This is not a problem, since the kit was a good kit in 1999 and is still a good kit in 2011. That having been said, there are some signs of age on the finished parts. On several pieces a tan-colored stain appears, and upon inspection with a fingertip, this substance appears to be oil. The location of the stains indicates that it might be a mold-release agent that simply was not cleaned up properly before packaging. It is advisable, therefore, to wash all of the pieces thoroughly prior to assembly. A sign of an aging or ill-fitting mold is flash, and there is some flash that will need to be cleaned up.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
September 17, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$59.95

When Eduard announced a new-tool 1/48th scale Mig 21, it opened up a world of possibilities as this was one of the most produced planes ever and served with a myriad of countries. The variants and markings are close to endless and they can be very colorful. This particular model is the Mig-21SMT version, a third generation plane with increased range. The kit is molded in Eduard's normal off green plastic on eight sprues plus a clear sprue, and there is no flash at all on the about 450 parts. It is also very complete with multiple sets of ordnance, variations in canopies, and a complete set of decals for the five schemes included – two Russian, one Polish, and two Soviet Union. There is also a complete set of stencils – over 100 stencils alone for the plane. In addition to that, there is a canopy and clear part mask, two photo etch frets – one colored and one plain – and four complete Brassin rocket pods. All of this for a little over $50 US, an excellent value.