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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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Review Author
Luke R. Bucci, PhD
Published on
Company
Model Art
MSRP
$15.00

ModelArt No. 838 monthly update features new kits of the iconic Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) battleship Yamato, as well as the usual new kit reviews and features. Pages 7-49 illustrate five new Yamatos ranging from 1/150 to 1/700 scale. Each model shows new aftermarket details, photoetch sets, and how to use them. Tamiya 1/350 1945 version, Fujimi 1/700 20in version, Tamiya 1/700 Leyte Gulf version, a scratchbuilt 1/150 full hull model, and Fujimi 1/500 1941 with wood deck are featured. Yes, that is right – Fujimi came out with a what-if version of Yamato with twin 20in gunned main turrets replacing the usual 18in turrets, and a new AA fit, including 100mm turrets, 40mm Bofors and quad 20mm mounts. Now you can get a model of Yamato in every modification, even one that never was. The text is in Japanese, but the numerous photographs help decipher what is being done.

The usual features follow:

Book Author(s)
Radu Brinzan
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
SAM Publications
MSRP
$23.95

I’ve loved the looks of the I.A.R.80 since the LTD model came out. There is something about the look of the airplane that makes it look like the Hughes racer. It is sleek and sexy and relatively unknown in the western world.

Prior to this book, there have been very few references available on the I.A.R.80. There was a book published in Rumanian, and later French, I.A.R.80 – The History of an Unknown Fighter, which is very good. I have a copy and the photos make it worth the price of admission. However, I can’t read it. This book by noted Rumanian aviation historian, Radu Brinzan, fixes that.

Review Author
Gary Telecsan
Published on
Company
Revell
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$23.99

This kit is a re-release, complete with raised lettering on the underside of one stabilizer showing the 1988 date. The decals are new. It is highly recommended as the next kit for a younger modeler ready to move up from snap-together kits.

The kit shows its age in the uncomplicated engineering, raised panel lines, and very simple cockpit – but it is a true delight to build. 62 parts come in the box, and there are two options, one Navy and one Marine Corps. The instructions show the Navy version with Sidewinder missiles and the Marine version with 6 roughly 500 lb pound bombs. The in-flight refueling station can be built closed or with probe extended. The instructions are clear and easy to read – with one exception. A list of parts and color guide is included, though no call-outs for any particular brands.

Review Author
Chad Richmond
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$55.00

When Eduard started their "Brassin" series of detail parts, they really raised the bar for aftermarket detail manufacturers. Burner cans and exhausts, regardless of the scale, have always been an area that was badly in need of assistance, even with kits like Tamiya's F-4J Phantom. That seam down the middle of tubular structures has always been a modeler's nightmare. Eduard's Brassin series has done a fantastic job of taking care of that problem and has taken even resin casting to a new level.

Review Author
Tom Moon
Published on
Company
Bronco Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$14.95

This set consists of 5 figures, all conducting loading and firing of the 17 pdr AT Gun. The figures come on two sprues with 48 parts. The box art and instructions on the back of the box show the figures as completed. The first figure is watching what is going on, the second is the observer using a pair of binoculars, the third is holding a ready round, the fourth is ready to load the gun, and the fifth is the crew member aiming the gun. The poses are well done and depict a reasonable amount of action.