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Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
AOA Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$20.00

AoA (Angle of Attack) decals: Been around about a year, and now we know they are focusing on Vietnam War subjects … We sincerely appreciate this new decal manufacturer sending IPMS/USA their latest releases for a review! (…and the usual thanks also to IPMS USA Reviewer corps leadership for sending these my way...)

This sheet is could easily be used on several models if you have a garage or basement totally dedicated to 1/32 models AND are independently wealthy to purchase several A-1’s in this scale…

A few airframe stencils in included for one model, along with national insignia. This sheet focuses on the main markings for the aircraft, particularly since several of these SPADS were repainted with camo and as such did not receive replacement stencil markings.

Notable options include several early 1960’s A-1’s with colorful tail bands; I believe these markings would sell the sheet more than anything, as they certainly have some different markings.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$10.95

Eduard never ceases to amaze me with their innovations when it comes to adding details to our projects. Just three short years ago, I reviewed fabric seat belts for an F-14A ejection seat, and now the company has released a new line of steel PE parts. I would highly recommend this set to folks wanting to dress up the “bang seats” of their Tamiya F-14A, but this offering should also work on other kits in 1/48 scale.

Review Author
Pablo Bauleo
Published on
Company
Tamiya
MSRP
$3.90

In recent years Tamiya has expanded their model line to include finishing supplies like panel line accents, diorama materials, decal setting solutions, etc.

This particular review will cover the following decal setting solutions :

Like all decal solutions, and most modeling supplies, make sure you use them in a well ventilated area. While the Mark Fit solution is not that smelly, the Mark Fit Strong has a strong vinegar smell and both have a warning about fumes being dangerous.

Based on the instructions for both solutions they instruct you to apply the decal as always, and once you blotted the water off, to put some of the setting solution on top of the decal (you are even provided with a small brush in the cap), and to not touch the decal until fully dry.

Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$9.50

A feature that you can quickly notice on modern Russian aircraft is the complicated nose pitot tube. Although AMK made a valiant effort in molding the MiG-31 pitot tube with its four separate vanes, the limits of the injection molding process come into play.

Notable is the superb re-sealable packaging that Master Model uses that makes the parts easy to review and then stuff back into the package securely until final assembly. The resin vane section is secured in a high density foam block that is backed with some sort of adhesive tape to minimize the resin vanes from being moved around, or crushed for that matter. You will want to be careful handling the metal and resin parts as their small size makes them an easy sacrifice to the carpet monster. The resin part is especially easy to break one or more of the vanes in handling (as I had happen on a previous Master pitot set), so be sure to handle with care.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$9.95

Eduard has once again raised the bar for the detail industry with the addition of their steel photoetched parts. This particular set is to add or replace grills on the Tamiya F-14A kit, but the items should work on other 1/48 scale Tomcats as well. I would highly recommend this set to folks wanting to add additional grill detail to their Tomcat.