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Review Author
Gino Dykstra
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$21.96

Scale Aircraft Conversions has made a name for itself by providing metal replacements for some of the more fragile parts of aircraft models in a range of scales, these mostly being landing gear and other assorted paraphernalia. This set is no exception, offering direct replacement parts for both the main and tail landing gear, as well as all struts between the wings. All parts are suitable for any of the ICM configurations or the Revell issue of this model.

Made in the cleanly cast white metal, this set includes 11 parts and all are direct replacements for the plastic items in the kit, providing sturdy gear well able to support the model, and being metal, can also be gently adjusted to accommodate any slight inconsistencies in the model. The is particularly welcome as the kit item is somewhat fragile and prone to breakage, especially during painting. The wing struts will dramatically strengthen this part of the kit as well.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$18.00

Background

A Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is commonly found on modern aircraft – both military and civilian -- and is used only in emergency situations. In the event of the loss of primary and auxiliary power sources, the RAT will be deployed to power vital systems of the aircraft such as flight controls, hydraulics, and instrumentation.

The AIRES Ram Air Turbine featured in this review is designed for the 1/48 Tamiya F-4B Phantom II. For review purposes, I used a spare fuselage of this kit.

In terms of the practicality of using this accessory with your Tamiya F-4B Phantom II build, you would want to use it if your intention is to pose the plane in maintenance mode. This is due to the fact that the RAT would only be opened up for maintenance purposes while the plane is on the ground (or if there is an in-flight emergency).

Book Author(s)
Witold Koszela
Review Author
Marc K. Blackburn
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$24.11

Kagero Publications, a publishing house in Poland, has continued their series of top drawings of military equipment. This edition, number 129, covers the Russian cruiser, Moskva. In the spring of 2022, the Moskva made the news. The ship was a casualty in the recent war between the Russia and the Ukraine. The ship was hit by two anti-ship missiles and was sunk, though the Russians denied it. The top drawing series provides two double sides sheets with color profiles and drawings of the ship in 1989 and 1998. The book provides a series of black and white drawings of various parts of the ship. The modeling plans and drawings are crystal clear. Captions and text are in English and Polish.

Review Author
Orlando Reyes
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$47.99

The Motoscafo Da Turismo, also known as "Barchino" was an explosive carrying motor boat used by the Decima MAs (10th. Light Flotilla) as a special assault craft during World War II. This craft served in both in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Approximately 20 crafts of this type were built during the war. The boats were designed as a "one-way" mission against enemy vessels. The Barchino would explode once it impacted the side of the enemy vessel, as the warhead was strapped to its hull and thus denoted. The operator, in theory, would jump the vessel prior to hitting the enemy vessel. Because in some cases the mission being extremely risky, it was implied that the pilot would not return. The vessel would carry 330 kg. (728 lbs.) Warhead and the warhead would be detonated by a water pressure fuse. This type of attack was used successfully against the HMS York at Suda Bay, Crete. The ship was sunk.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
CMK
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$17.20

As I sit writing this review, the invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for approaching seven months, and the Ukrainian forces are currently making gains in their eastern territory against their invaders. This recent and timely release from the folks at CMK was kindly provided to the IPMS USA at the Nationals this year in Omaha, Nebraska. Consisting of polyurethane and 3D printed parts, along with a small decal sheet, this is a relatively easy build that nearly any modeler can enjoy. If you are looking for a symbolic kit of a current conflict, I would highly recommend this offering.