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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
Gino Dykstra
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$79.94

The CR. 42 Falco was one of the last operational biplanes of World War II, as well as being (at least in my view) one of the most elegant aircraft of the period. In the Libyan and Malta campaigns, it battled against the equally obsolete Gloster Gladiator until more modern aircraft made the scene on both sides. It soldiered on for some time thereafter as both an ad-hoc night fighter and intruder for both the Italian and German air forces. The last of the breed served as trainers for the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force. Rugged and reliable, it was a remarkably agile aircraft, which gave it the vital edge in more than one aerial encounter.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
Cozmic Scale Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$20.70

Cozmic Scale Models has created a set of Raptor Pilots in 32nd scale that can be used to “crew” a Battlestar Galactica Raptor. There are two sets of the Raptor pilot figures, one with the crew wearing their flight helmets, and the set being reviewed, not wearing their helmets. The helmets are, however included in this set. It is not intended to have these two figures wearing their headgear, and in fact, the helmets cannot be placed on the figures unless some surgery is done to the helmets. No worries, though. There is a set of these figures, with helmets being worn, if that is your interest.

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
Company
Phase Hanger
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$18.00

Among the numerous update sets Phase Hangar has produced for the Hobby Boss kit comes this exterior upgrade that includes replacement wing tips and tail cone. Covered chaff dispensers are featured under these wing tips as well as missile launch detectors. These parts also spare you the chore of closing the joint in the curved underside of the wing present on the kit molding.

In addition, this set includes a replacement tail cone with updated detectors in place. Both parts require plastic removal from the base kit. Both fall on panel lines so you have a guide for cutting. The only caution I would note is squaring up the wing end on the kit part to make sure the new wing tip is positioned correctly.

There is also a second exterior upgrade set (#48110) that includes antennas and gun muzzle. If you wish to have open wingtip Flare/Chaff dispensers, you can order set #48109.

Book Author(s)
Philip Horton
Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Mortons Books
MSRP
$60.00

This book covers the steam trains used during World War II. The train was am very important tool during the war to move equipment, men, supplies critical to the war efforts on all sides bit Axis and Allied. The book shows the evolution of the different most popular trains used by Germany, Britain, and America.

The book goes into incredible detail on the steam engines including where they were used. Also, it shows where examples are currently persevered. The images are a great reference for anyone interested trains.

The chapter three about the development of the British steam engines was my personal favorite and the images are awesome.

At the back of the book is a great series of tables with all the train reference numbers and details which a lot of information very simply laid out.

Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Phase Hanger
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$18.00

Phase Hangar resin provides a very nice correction set for the Kitty Hawk SH-60B Sea Hawk which I built a few months ago for an IPMS USA review, I really wish I had this set back then as it adds some nice additions to the kit.

The set comes with

  • 1 x Operator’s Console in Light Grey Resin
  • 1 x VCR in Light Grey Resin
  • 1 x RAST Probe in Light Grey Resin
  • 1 x RWR Fairing in Light Grey Resin
  • One leaflet that informs you to go to the Phase Hangar website for the instructions

I did have an issue when I went to the website for the instructions as they were not available when I first looked, but once I e-mailed them, they replied very quickly and sent them to me. They are now back on the website as I did check. Great customer service!

All the four parts are very well cast and very crisp and detailed. The operators Console is an awesome addition on its own!