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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
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Airscale Model Aircraft Enhancements
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$8.50

The two decal sets are in clear register, well printed and of great use to the aircraft modeler. Those that scratch build their own instrument panels will find these immensely useful. As one who builds a lot of resin kits I can see these being of great benefit there as well. They also will enhance a kit instrument panel going over the raised detail. Lastly, the gauge decals also include a small rectangle of clear, thin plastic so those with a punch and die set can make their own glass covers for the instruments.

Book Author(s)
Terry M. Love
Review Author
Brian R. Baker
Published on
Company
Flying Books International
MSRP
$19.95

The Story

I bought this book because it was recommended to me by David W. Menard, the noted aviation historian and photographer, after I asked him some questions about American liaison aircraft used in Europe during World War II. Dave suggested that I contact Terry Love, the author, and the result was that I now have a copy of the book. I’m glad I bought it, because it certainly fills a gap in my library, and fills me in on some of the “L” types that were used during the war, and the reason why they were developed at that time. Although the book was originally published in 2001, I was not aware of it until now.

Review Author
Scott A. Bregi
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$14.50

Another outstanding addition to the Aires line of resin detail and upgrade sets. This set for all versions of the venerable Hasegawa 1:72ndscale J-35 Draken. It may be able to fit to other kits but that is for you to find out! It is exquisitely cast in a medium grey resin and features extremely minute details absent from the kit parts. Anyone who loves The Saab Draken will want to add this set to their model. .

Only place to watch out for is cleaning up the inside seams at the top and bottom of the aft fuselage as this will be visible after the new tailpipe is installed. Again test fit many times before committing to glue. I had to install a stop bar of sorts behind and inside the fuselage to keep the nozzle from falling inside.

Aficionados of the Saab Draken will want to add this set to their pride and joy; and don’t forget these other sets:

Review Author
Mark Aldrich
Published on
Company
Pro Art Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$30.57

Pro Art Models has been around since 2002. I first found out about them when I was looking for aftermarket items to hop-up the Italeri HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). They were one of the only names in the game. They had details for the interior, exterior, the fuel pump system and tires. They now carry a highly detailed rear mounted crane. They also carry a few radio sets that are absolutely gorgeous. There are currently three US distributors of Pro Art Models: Master Modelers Marketplace in Beaverton, OR, R&J Enterprises in Quilcene, WA and Military Hobbies in Orange, CA. You can also order direct from their site. They take MasterCard, Visa and my favorite PAYPAL.

Book Author(s)
Chris McNab with forward by Andrew Roberts
Review Author
Ken McDevitt
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$29.95

Forward

There is a trend developing with me relevant to Osprey Books. As with the last Osprey book, once I started reading it I could not put it down. The book arrived on a Friday and I started it Saturday afternoon. On Sunday afternoon I was finished.

Description

This is a 7 3/4 by 10 inch hard-cover book with 384 pages. Befitting the number of pages, the paper quality is good. This book contains many illustrations, diagrams and the photos come from public, private, commercial and museum sources. The font is not large but is very readable. Each weapon described is accompanied by several illustrations, photos and in some cases personal anecdotes about the weapon. Information “boxes” further describe the weapon’s characteristics and specifications. With all the photos, illustrations and drawings the book was a faster read than anticipated.