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Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Speed Hunter Graphics
Reid Air Publications
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$24.95

Speed Graphics is that sub-part of Reid Air products which have focused (initially) on Modern Fighters, particularly USAF and some export birds. Their line-up to date is small but impressive. Thanks to Reid Air for sending IPMS USA this review item, to Dave for the nod to move out on them, and Dick for bringing the sheet to the Nationals for me.

This release is a complex, well-researched product. Designed for Tamiya’s venerable, accurate, F-15C and E kits in the huge 1/32 scale, this is a great place to start your aerie for Eagles. Better have a new addition to the house as well. For the record, this kit was built up to the point of decal use and application/finishing, due to this being a Decal review and not a total kit review.

For the record, here is the content description from the website on the sheet:

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$29.95

Entering service in June 1941, the Bf 109F (Friedrich) corrected some of the limitations revealed in the Battle of Britain, namely the ability to carry extra fuel in a drop tank under the centerline. Other distinguishing features included strutless tail planes and a refined nose profile. Personally, I always associated the Friedrich with Hans-Joachim Marseille who scored many of his 158 victories in this version of Messerschmitt's ubiquitous fighter.

Review Author
Charles Landrum
Published on
Company
Bobcat Hobby
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$48,001.00

If you are fan of Soviet and Russian aircraft, the model gods are listening and continue to produce kits which fill gaps in coverage in 1/48. A-model had released the Yak-28 family of jets in 1/72 and now it looks as if Bobcat Hobby will do the same in 1/48. This is a straight styrene-only kit, with a manageable parts count.

First out of the gate is the Yak-28P “Firebar”. Never exported, this was a Soviet interceptor from the 1960s and 1970’s that had that classic Soviet propaganda appearance. A stable flight platform, it carried a more powerful radar and complex weapons systems than the single engine interceptors. It was eventually replaced by the Mig-23 family. Since it was only in Soviet service, and has been out of service for 35 years, few reference photos are available. The best source of photos, are walk-arounds of preserved airframes, but many of these aircraft are incomplete and there are no clear cockpits photos, except for a few period shots.

Review Author
Dan Brown
Published on
Company
Panda Hobby
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$51.95

The T-15 is a new vehicle designed for the Russian inventory as an infantry support vehicle, possibly as a replacement for the venerable BMP 2. The T-15 is concept based on the T-14 MBT tank hull. Due to the nature of the T-14 being designed to have multiple versions, the T-15 is the same hull that has a different automated turret installed. This turret is designed with infantry support in mind with a 2A42 30 mm auto-cannon, a 7.62 mm coaxial PKT and two sets of Kornet-EM anti-tank missiles. Panda Hobby’s new kit is the first attempt at this interesting new vehicle.

Review Author
Phil Peterson
Published on
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$14.00

The F-16 has been around a long time and there are so many different schemes you can build one in. This new sheet by Two Bobs covers 3 aircraft in a couple of Aggressor schemes with the 57th Wing, 64th Aggressor Squadron.

The first is in the “Shark” scheme and includes some vinyl masks for the false dielectic EW panels to mimic what is on the SU-34. This thoughtful inclusion will make masking those very easy.

The other two aircraft both wear the attractive “Splinter” scheme. There are a couple of minor differences in the markings between the two aircraft and these are spelled out nicely in the full color instructions.

Two Bobs website recommends either the Academy or Tamiya F-16C kits but does say they are sized for the Tamiya kit.

The decals are well printed in perfect register and should behave nicely when applied