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Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Bases by Bill
Scale
NA
MSRP
$159.00

The Astro Vertical Frameless Display Cases are versatile display cases which come in a range of sizes and which are suitable for many model display applications.

The cases are constructed of a seamless molded acrylic cover minimally framed in Cherry hardwood. The design features built-in handles, a cover which is easily removed with no special tools, the ability to be outfitted with lighting (provided as an accessory) as well as the ability to be hung on a wall or displayed on a shelf or mantle.

The Cherry hardwood grain is beautiful, and the care to the overall finish—the smoothed edges, the gentle curves—gives it an elegant appearance which only compliments any fine model in your collection.

Review Author
Paul Bradley
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$90.00

Ukraine’s ICM has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and even now with Russia’s invasion threatening their country’s very existence, ICM are still able to produce and export fine model kits, such as this one. Their first boxing of this kit of the universally-known DH.82A Tiger Moth, released in 2021, features the standard RAF trainer version; this new boxing goes a slightly different direction, showcasing a rare combat version of the type.

Review Author
Bill Kluge
Published on
Company
Gallery Models
MSRP
$830.00

Initial Construction

Now that I had the kit in hand, I had to once and for all decide into what time frame to build it. Most of the parts you need to build the ship at any point in her career are in the box, but much of the build will be determined by what point in time you choose to place the ship. I finally decided to depict Yamato during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October, 1944. I had good references that showed her differences at various points in her service history, with illustrations highlighting in particular her deck and superstructure arrangement of small and medium caliber weapons.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Value Gear
Scale
1/16
MSRP
$20.00

Value Gear Details, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, produces a wide range of high-quality resin accessories for most common model scales. Many of the accessories and stowage sets are universal, which is a nice advantage. This allows the model builder to customize the look they want by mixing sets or you can use one sets intended for specific subjects, such as the ‘Shermie Bits & Extras’.

The set featured in this review has 11 pieces. Also available is set Crates #1 consisting of 10 pieces. The pieces are molded in a dark-brown resin and the detail is impressive. There are even tiny nails!

Clean-up is minimal. I removed the miniscule amount of flash by running a hobby knife along the bottom edge. Next, I soaked the pieces in a mild detergent solution and left them to air dry. This recommended step ensures that all mold release is removed. I then primed them using Tamiya Fine Surface Primer.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Paasche
Scale
NA
MSRP
$229.00

The Paasche Airbrush Company, based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was started in 1904 by Jens Paasche, a self-educated Norwegian immigrant, who through his self-educated inventive genius, became a leader in the air painting industry around the turn of the century. Today, the Paasche Airbrush Company is one of the world’s leaders in airbrush industry and produces a full line of equipment—airbrushes, compressors, spray guns and spray booths, and related equipment for professionals as well as hobbyists.

The D3000R is a 1/5 horsepower piston air compressor. It has a ¾ gallon tank and a maximum operating pressure of approximately 40 PSI with a deliverable range of 1-40 PSI. Upon opening the box, you will see it is very well packaged and contains the compressor, pressure regulator, thread tape, and a 1/8” hose adapter.