The M109A7 is the latest version of the Army’s long serving 155mm self-propelled howitzer. First debuted in the 1960s to replace the M44. This newest version of the M109 sets out to upgrade many of the systems that allow a faster fire rate even with the increase in armor. There are also a number of parts that this vehicle now shares with the Bradley fighting vehicle allowing for cost savings in production and supply logistics. This new kit from Panda Hobby is the first kit of the newest member of the M109 family in 1/35 scale.
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The Hobby Boss 1/48th scale kit of the MiG-17 series are THE kits of this fighter plane. The kit does have good detail but like anything, it can be improved upon. Included in this photo etch set are some major upgrades.
Packaged in the typical Eduard resealable package with card stock support. This pre-painted single nickel-plated photo etch fret features some prominent upgrades.
Most of the parts are designed for use in the cockpit. The biggest being the instrument panel. The instrument panel is a two-part affair with the instrument faces having glass like faces and over that is the visible panel with its various switches and buttons. On top of that there is a HUD for the gunsight. It is a single piece of photo etch that replaces the kit clear plastic part. Sidewall details are also provided.
The ejection seat in the Hobby Boss kit is a little sparse. It needs ‘help’. That help comes from Eduard.
Packaged in their typical self-sealing package. The pre-painted nickel coated fret contains nine pieces that make up the seatbelts. They are steel so they are easy to bend and don’t lose their color coating unless you are excessive with the bends. The instructions are easy to understand. They do have you cut the kit seat and add part C6 in place of C3. Then it is just a matter of adding the belts. Simple, easy and effective.
The ejection sheet is the most visible item in the cockpit. This little fret will add dramatically to the interior of your MiG-17. This set, along with FE1000, will make your cockpit ‘pop’.
Highly recommended
Thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can obtain your copy by contacting Eduard at www.eduard.com or your local hobby shop or online retailer.
Hasegawa’s 1/32nd scale P-47D is a wonderful kit with great shape and like many Hasegawa kits is basic in some areas. One of those areas is seat belts. The cockpit opening is smallish, and the seat is prominent and there is no provision of any kind for a seat belt. Eduard to the rescue with set 33234, a seat of belts made specifically for the Hasegawa P-47D-25.
Inside the package is a single sheet of instructions with a fret of colorized photoetch which has nine parts with three spares included. The shoulder harnesses are one piece and the are four. Start by cutting the parts from the sprue and sanding off any nibs. The should harnesses have a bend on each buckle. The lap belts have a pad and latch installed on the left belt; nothing n the right belt.
Installation is simple, bend the parts to look realistic and glue in place. Weather with a little wash and flat coat and done. They are a great improvement to a nice seat.
One of the latest in MMP’s “Single” series covers the P-38G-15-LO, and with the relatively new Tamiya 1/48 kit of the P-38 F/G the timing of this release is perfect. The idea behind this series of books (more like booklets) seems to be to get right to the point and show scale plan views, photos, profiles, etc.
