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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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Book Author(s)
Andreas Rupprecht
Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
Company
Casemate Publishers
MSRP
$29.95

From the Website

China's rising political ambitions have been accompanied by a demonstration of military presence in its area of influence. The Chinese navy and its naval air arm are playing an increasing role in achieving this goal. This comprehensive directory provides an extensively illustrated, in-depth analysis and overview of the Chinese naval aviation branch

China’s economic development has been matched by rising political ambitions and the aim of returning the country to a central role in regional and global affairs. It is therefore considered vital for China to demonstrate military presence in its area of influence. Within the past decade, China’s military has undergone some of the most profound reforms and improvements since its establishment. The Chinese navy and its naval air arm are playing an increasingly important role in achieving these goals.

Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Omega Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$35.95

This is Omega Models all resin T-41 which is the US armed forces version of the popular Cessna 172, The kit can be used to build both a US Army or US Air Force aircraft.

In the box is:

  • 6 x strips of molded resin parts
  • 1 film sheet
  • 2 x vacuum formed clear parts
  • 2 x small decal sheets
  • 1 wire
  • 1 instruction sheet

The kit consists of 44 resin parts some are not required as they are from the standard Cessna 172 kit. The resin parts are extremely well molded with a little flash but great detail; the decal sheets were not too impressive and you may want to get alternative decals. Also, the vacuum formed windscreen and rear window are not too good.

Construction

The instructions are very simple and you just need to try to follow fitting the parts numerically.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
SAM Publications
MSRP
$46.00

If you are in the market for a single, thorough guide to the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, this new offering from SAM Publications would certainly fit the bill. With text and scale drawings by Andy Evans, and color artwork by Ryan Dorling, this book includes in-action photographs, color side views, models of the plane in 1/72 and 1/48 scale, walk around photos, technical drawings, and scale line drawings. For fans of the venerable Skyhawk, I would consider this a must-have book, and as 25 of the 31 books in this series are now out of print, I would advise picking your copy sooner rather than later.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/700
MSRP
$7.00

For ship modelers looking to improve the appearance of their German WWI battleship or cruiser, Master Model has released three sets that will replace the gun barrels from the kit with their beautifully produced brass alternatives. The sets in this review will replace the 30.5 cm, 10.5 cm, and 8.8 cm gun barrels used by the German Navy. Modelers with some experience with aftermarket parts should have little issue in replacing the kit parts with the brass barrels.

Stock #

Description

Link to product

Cost

SM-700-053

30.5cm/50 SK L/50 barrels

Review Author
Joe Porche
Published on
Company
Zoukei-Mura
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$75.00

Parts Breakdown

  • 14 Parts 1 Crystal Clear Sprue
  • 367 Parts 11 Light Grey Polystyrene Sprue
  • 1 Decal 8 1/4” x 11 5/8” Decal Sheet
  • 1 32 page Instruction booklet
  • 1 Full size and color decal Layout page.

To further enhance my building experience I purchased three things from the Zoukei-Mura website.