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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
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Special Hobby
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$30.59

Special Hobby has released this new tooled kit of the V-1 Fieseler 103. The V-1 was known by the British in World War 2 as the Buzz Bomb due to the unique noise of the pulse engine. The subject has been covered a lot but not at this scale. The kit includes the handling trolley and some photo etch.

In the box is:

  • 3 x light grey sprues
  • 1 small decal sheet
  • 1 photoetch detail set
  • 1 instruction booklet

The kit consists of 3 main sprues; the sprues are very typical of Special Hobby product which are made from a soft plastic. The decals allow you to finish the V-1 in two different versions and paints schemes for three V-1. The instruction booklet is very well laid out and easy to follow.

Construction

Before I started I had decided to build the V-1 on the handling trolley with the wings removed and stowed. Also I opted for a color scheme of the V-1 that missed my Mother’s home in East London in 1944.

Review Author
Rob Benson
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/350
MSRP
$19.51

The photoetch fret arrived in excellent shape in a resealable plastic package with the distinctive Eduard knight logo. The fret is 2.75 x 2.00 inches in size. The color-etched laminated figures are printed on both sides on polished metal. The fret metal is just soft enough to fold the figures, but firm enough to hold shape, whew! The 3D concept is that each figure consists of two halves, joined at the feet. The halves are folded upwards and together, creating a thicker and more-to-scale figure. Properly folded, the shoulders will match, and the boots can be folded to form feet for the figure to stand on. Trimming should be done very carefully, as should the folding. If the folding is not done correctly, it will be difficult to have the shoulders and feet line up.

Review Author
Rob Benson
Published on
Company
AK Interactive
MSRP
$11.00

Thank you to AK-Interactive for providing a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps World War 2 era paint set in their Real Color line. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to test out some of this new paint line. My review focuses on product application and ease of use. Anyone who builds USN and USMC aircraft and similar subjects from 1943 to the mid 1950’s will appreciate this set.

The 4-bottle paint set arrived in a small box with an attractive weathered motif. The glass bottles each contain 10 ml (1/3 fl oz) of paint, and the caps and bottles are well labeled with background colors matching the paint. The bottles are also low profile making them stable on the bench during use. Read this as “more difficult for me to make a mess!”

Review Author
David Horn
Published on
Company
Caracal Models
Scale
1/144
MSRP
$13.99

Caracal Models is one of leaders in aviation decals offered in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 and 1/144 scale with many unique subjects never offered before now. The C-130 is not a new subject to Caracal but a first in 1/144 scale. This launch subject is quite colorful and unique to say the least, which is a welcome sight.

Printed by Cartograph, the sheet is printed perfectly with markings that are very fine, easy to read, and very vibrant colorful portions. Markings included for three schemes of the RAF 47 Squadron, two 100th anniversary, and a 50th anniversary markings on the C-130J C5 Hercules. There are four red/white strips that are used on the propeller tips.