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In December of 2019, Academy released a newly tooled 1/72 scale F-14A Tomcat kit. Like many of Tomcat kits of recent years, the kit is clearly designed to maximize the use of the molds to enable the company to issue not only the “A” version of the Tomcat, but also the F-14A+/B and the ultimate Tomcat, the F-14D.
For those of us who have been in the game a while, Bert and Rock need no introduction. Detail & Scale has been pumping out great references and books longer than I have been alive (I’m 35 btw). I have a few physical copies of their publications, but this was the first foray in the digital content they provide.
This book was already reviewed in its physical form so I will keep it short, sweet and to the point not stealing anyone else’s thunder or sound repetitive
The book is broken down in the following sequence:
The F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, twin engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet fighter. The airframe was originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonald Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the Navy and was later adapted for use as a land-based aircraft. In 1968 the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), elected to replace the F-86F with a modified version of the F-4E. This new designation became the F-4EJ and became the main fighter of the JASDF until it was replaced with the F-15J. The last squadron to fly the F-4EJ Kai was the 7th Air Wing based in Ibaraki Prefecture. This new special edition kit from Zoukei-Mura depicts an aircraft in the commemorative markings for “Phantom Forever 2020”, this squadron’s final flight of this venerable aircraft.
ICM is offering an injection-molded kit of a Polish Regiment Representative Officer in 1/16th scale. The figure is well dressed and well-armed, with a sword and scabbard in hand, and a pistol strapped to the waist belt on the back side of the figure.
The figure consists of 26 parts on two runners. The larger runner holds 20 parts, all of which will assemble into the figure and weapons. The smaller runner holds 6 parts making up an impressive base. In its final form, the base will consist of only 3 of those 6 parts. The base “frame” is a rectangular part that gives the base its height as well as a flat, untextured surface upon which 1 of 3 textured “walking surfaces” can be affixed. The first option resembles a textured surface of bricks, in the traditional staggered, straight row pattern. The second option is, again, a pattern of bricks, this selection featuring the bricks laid out in curved rows. Lastly a surface of large steppingstones is provided.
The Revell 1/32 Panavia Tornado has been around since the mid 1980’s and represented all variants from the GR.1, F2, IDS and ERC models. Both the RAF and German Airforce have been offered throughout Revell’s production runs. It is currently available as an RAF GR.1 in Gulf War colors. This aircraft has several nicknames: the “Fin” due to its enormous tail, and “Tonka Truck” due to its rugged, tough design. The RAF, German Air Force and the Saudi Air Force have operated the Tornado.
