When ICM announced and started showing drawings of a new CH-54A Tarhe (more commonly called a skycrane), people were excited and then realized, it was in large, glorious 1/35 scale too. When the opportunity to review it came up, I begged for it and was lucky enough to get the opportunity.

Inside the box are 14 sprues of grey plastic and one sprue of clear. Decals are also included. The sprues are well done as there are multiples of sprue H. This is the one with wheels, and engine parts and there are four total which includes some spares. Sprue J are the rotor blades and there are three with two blades each. One of the first things to notice is the very petit and well-done rivets. This helicopter was not built for speed but strength and there are hundreds of rivets all duplicated very well. The clear parts are very thin and clear. Overall, we have 534 parts to assemble with some options mentioned below. By the way, both markings are for Vietnam War variants.

This is number 27 in MMP’s Spotlight On series and covers the Grumman F6F Hellcat. There is a brief introduction/history of the F6F. Then the book goes right into its purpose, the many beautiful color profiles of Grumman Iron Works stalwart!

Starting with early dash 3 markings in blue gray over light gray with the round US insignia minus the red center. Then moving on to the tri-color scheme and late war glossy sea blue and concluding with the Fleet Air Arm Hellcat Mk. I in Extra dark sea Grey, Dark Slate Grey, and Sky. Each has been thoroughly researched and meticulously replicated by the artist.

If you’re a fan of the Hellcat or color profiles, then this book and series were made for you! Highly recommended to modelers for the many interesting schemes and to anyone with an interest in aviation history! My thanks to Casemate for the review copy and to IPMS/USA for the review opportunity!

This Report 3 covers the completion of the build from Steps 49 through 64.

As stated in the previous two reports, the fit of plastic parts was excellent. Issues encountered involved the handling and attachment of small plastic and thin PE parts, particularly where there is little if any gluing surface, and with lack of detail in the instructions. None of the issues are deal killers. Each can be handled if you are aware of them in advance and plan accordingly.

Parts and Photoetch Issues

Overall, the thinness of the PE caused some headaches, as it was easy to damage or bend some parts out of shape in the routine handling and cutting of the parts off the sheets.

Examples