Welcome to the IPMS/USA Reviews site!

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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Decal Sheet

USN Super Carrier Decals
Review Author
Charles Landrum
Published on
Company
Gold Medal Models
Scale
1/700
MSRP
$9.00

I would like to thank Loren Perry for this review sample and the decal photo.

Until recently, ship modelers have had limited options for aftermarket decals. With the release of so many new ship kits, the demand for additional decal options has grown. While most manufacturers have focused on the etched-brass market, Gold Medal Models - one of the decal torch bearers as well as a PE manufacturer - has answered the call and released a decal sheet that covers the US Navy super carriers from CV(A)-59 on up. Not only will this sheet work with the new Trumpeter 1/700 NIMITZ Class, but also the classic Revell CVAN-65 ENTERPRISE, the venerable Monogram KITTYHAWK Class CV(A)s, the Italeri CV and CVN models and the Fujimi CV kits as well.

Product Picture

Porsche 962 Decals
Review Author
Doug Hamilton
Published on
Company
M & S Hobbies
MSRP
$12.50

The Porsche 962 was one of the most successful race cars ever produced. Being a customer based car, there were many teams that raced them at all the major tracks in Europe and the US. Every superlative fits this amazing car, and M & S Hobbies has chosen it as the basis for a series of decal sheets that will fit the Tamiya 962 kit. M & S also produces a transkit for the 962 that will enhance and accurize this kit, but that’s the subject of another review!

I received three decal sheets in the series. There are two sheets for the #86 Bayside Disposal car, One in Budweiser markings and the other in Bridgestone markings. The third sheet is in #16 Dyson Racing livery. Produced by UMI for M & S Hobbies these sheets contain all the markings for the featured car. Theses decals are about the finest I’ve ever seen. They’re extremely well printed and in perfect register. The colors are spot on to the actual cars according to my references and observations.

Wheels

Porsche 962 Multimedia BBS Wheel Set
Review Author
Doug Hamilton
Published on
Company
M & S Hobbies
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$11.95

Produced to fit the Tamiya Porsche 962 kit, this set contains four turned and polished aluminum wheels, cast white metal inserts, and a fret of photo-etched trim rings. Assembly is a very straightforward affair that involves installing the centers into the rims, and attaching the trim ring to the center. I recommend painting the center insert gold before installing them on the rims. After the photo etched trim ring is added, a dark wash was used to give a little added depth. The tires pressed on, and they were complete. The center lug nut could be polished, or painted depending on the car you’re modeling. Check your references when deciding what to do with the nut.

Parts

Moebius Flying Sub Color Fold-up Interior

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
TSDS
Scale
1/128
MSRP
$6.29

The IPMS Reviewer Corps was recently contacted by the folks from TSDS Incorporated, asking if we would be interested in reviewing some of their products. The company is producing interiors, decals, and lighting sets for the Jupiter 2, Space Pod, and Chariot from "Lost in Space" that are produced by Moebius, as well as decals for the "Land of the Giants" Spindrift kit. Decal/detail sheets are available for the Aurora/Monogram "Invaders UFO" kit and the Moebius "Invisible Man" and "Seaview" kits, and four different Flying Sub interior items are made for the Moebius 1/128 and 1/32 scale kits. If you are a fan of this particular genre, I would recommend checking out their web site to see what all is available, as well as their pricing.

Decals

Painting Masks and Decals for NASA Space Shuttle
Review Author
Don Matthys
Published on
Company
Cutting Edge
Scale
1/144
  • Masks - CEBM44002 - $9.99 USD
  • Decals - CED44002 - $18.99 USD

The Masks

Here is one good idea from a company called Cutting Edge, a part of Meteor Productions. These are pre-cut painting masks for painting the orbital stage of the NASA space shuttle. Cutting Edge has released two sets, in 1/144 and 1/72 scales, both good for the models made by Academy/Minicraft and Monogram.

These “Black Magic” masks consisted of slightly kiss cut black vinyl. They are very flexible and self adhesive. The mask patterns conform to the models color breaks, panel lines and over contours. Thus it saves the time and trouble of making your own masks and friskets.