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Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$16.95

The Tamiya 1/48th scale model of the F-14D recently introduced is a fantastic kit following the earlier release of the -A version. The parts are chrisply molded and loaded with detail typial of Tamiya kits. This kit includes a printed sheet of masking material that must be individually cut out by the builder for the canopy clear areas.

Also included in the Tamiya masking sheet are masks for the engine inlet throats that are not included with the Eduard masks. If the Eduard masks are used for the canopy, portions of the Tamiya mask still has a place in the build.

Review Author
Phil Pignataro
Published on
Company
Amigo Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$17.99

Amigo Models has expanded their product line with a set of leading edge slats and trailing edge slotted flaps for the new 1/72 scale Zvezda Yak-130 (No.7307). The kit itself does not have the option of showing the slats and flaps in the down position. Amigo’s new resin addition allows the modeler to accomplish this.

The set includes six beautifully molded pieces, three for each wing: full span leading edge slats, and two flap sections to form the double slotted flap system used on the Yak-130. While there are substantial mold bases, I was able to remove the slat and main flap easily with a JLC razor saw. The smaller secondary slotted flap was more difficult because of its delicacy. It is in scale and is consequently extremely thin, so use caution when removing it for its base and when handling it. The trailing edge of the main flap is also thin and in scale.

Book Author(s)
Nenad Miklušev and Djordje Nikolić
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$37.95

Kagero's latest in their Monographs Special Edition in 3D series is the Rogožarski IK-3. This edition is in their standard 8.5" x 11.875" format hardbound publication that is 184 pages (excluding covers). This volume starts with 72 pages of historical text followed by 28 pages of black and white line drawings in 1/72 and 1/48. Up next are 72 pages of color 3D illustrations describing every part of the aircraft, from cockpit to engine. There is also a double sided insert sheet full of line drawings (~16.4" x 23.0") that starts with profiles at 1/32 scale and includes scrap details. I counted 89 color 3D illustrations, 22 color profiles, along with 21 tables. There are 125 period black and white photographs dedicated to the 80th anniversary of this obscure fighter's first flight.

Review Author
Blaine Singleton
Published on
Company
Kinetic Model Kits
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$49.99

History

The S-2 Tracker carried an internal torpedo bay capable of carrying tow lightweight torpedoes or one nuclear depth charge. There were six underwing hard points for rocket pods and conventional depth charges or up to four additional torpedoes. A ventrally-mounted retractable radome for AN/APS-38 radar and Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) AN/ASQ-8 mounted on an extendable rear mounted boom were also fitted.

In the Box

Instructions

The instruction booklet was divided into eight pages of clearly marked parts and their construction sequence. Illustrations for the parts and their construction sequence were very clear and crisp. The instructions contained 49 separate steps to complete the model. Included with the instructions is a drawing for paint and decal applications for either of two aircraft.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.00

Quickboost is part of Aires and is aptly named in that it gives a “quick boost” to your models with drop in replacements. The parts in this set represent the exhaust shrouds on the sides of both engines. The set is as usual, simple to use. Remove from the pour stubs and clean as needed.

Comparing the kit parts and the Quickboost set shows where the resin replacements shine. The exhaust shrouds are meant to be hollow tubes. Quickboost nicely represents this with excellent hollowed-out ends and the kit does not. There are several pictures showing this and the effect is noticeable once installed. And installation could not be easier- they have the notch built in to make sure they are installed correctly, and they drop into place.

Highly recommended to all fans of the Pe-2. They make the kit look better, are simple to install, and are very reasonably priced.

My thanks to Aires/Quickboost for the set and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it