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Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$16.50

These are not the Tamiya figures of the past! The out of scale, chunky plastic bobs have been replaced with well detailed figures that look the part. I was surprised at the time it took to construct the figures as the bodies are multi-part affairs, with separate heads and headgear, weapons, and gear, to make it easier to paint and detail. A bonus is the decal sheet for the uniforms and Panzerfausts (in both the carry and ready to fire position). To say I am impressed would be an understatement – especially at the price for five figures.

Upon opening the usual sturdy Tamiya box, you are greeted with three sprues, decal sheet, instructions, and a Tech Tips flyer. The details are well molded and crisp. The uniforms have indentations for the gear and weapons, so they are not just hanging next to the uniform, they look more realistically that the figure is wearing his uniform and combat gear.

There are five Wehrmacht late WWII figures, listed by Tamiya as:

Book Author(s)
Duke Hawkins
Review Author
David Horn
Published on
Company
HMH Publications
MSRP
$44.00

HMH publications is a relatively new company that produces specialized military aircraft books. This publication is 196 pages with 450+ full-color close-up detail and in action images.

The book starts out with the different versions of the Strike Eagle and then breaks down each section into particular areas of detail. In the upper right corner of each page, the area of detail is clearly defined which is perfect when thumbing through looking for each area of detail. Each image is extremely crisp showing amazing detail and perfect lighting conditions. Attention to specific areas usually hidden from many “walk around” photos are shown in this book.

Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
Company
Hauler
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$13.68

For those modelers wishing to add more detail to their braille scale armor, Czech photo etch (PE) manufacturer Hauler produces an outstanding set for the popular Dragon Challenger 2 kit. Manufactured by Jan Sobotka, this package comes with two frets (9/16”x1 7/8” and 2 ¼”x2”) and will bring your Challenger 2 (FV4034, also abbreviated as the CR2) to the next level.

Set HLH72127 has additional detail for the turret, machine gun (seven parts), prominent fuel barrel straps, exhaust covers, excruciatingly small grab handles, and other miscellaneous parts not adequately captured in plastic. If you like extra detail in small scale, this eye and finger dexterity test fits the bill. The PE is closer to scale size than its plastic brethren and will make the model stand out.

Review Author
Greg Kittinger
Published on
Company
Tru-Color Paint
Scale
n/a
MSRP
$42.95

Tru-Color paints are a solvent-based acrylic paint, so are a bit hot and need to be used in a well-ventilated area or spray booth. Unlike other paints I use (AK Real Colors, Tamiya, MRP), it is recommended that these be sprayed at between 28-35 psi, and I’ve seen others recommend 30-40 psi. Tru-Colors makes paints said to be airbrushable, and another range said to be brushable. This A-10 set is of the airbrushable variety.

The Tru-Colors aircraft paint sets seem to all come with 6 colors, and those in this set include the following:

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$18.95

The Item

If you want to enhance the detail of your 1:48 scale Eduard A6M2 Zero aircraft model kit to the next level, this excellent white metal cast detail set is just the thing for you. This 8-piece (2) complete gear set not only provides sturdy, fully detailed parts replacements but they are specifically designed to fit the attachment points of the Eduard models

Remove the parts from the casting stubs so as to avoid bending them. As with other SAC sets, there are minimal casting seams on the parts that will need to be removed. Simple scraping, filing, or sanding makes for easy clean-up.

After removal from the casting stubs, the parts can be carefully polished with a rotary tool brush, then primed and painted. Because of their malleable nature the parts can be gently bent for a proper profile and perfect fit

All-in-all this set will definitely enhance the appearance of your A6M2 Zero aircraft model.