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Book Author(s)
José Augusto Matos and Zelia Oliveira
Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
April 16, 2024
Company
Helion & Company
MSRP
$29.95

Carnation Revolution Volume 2: Coup in Portugal, April 1974 is a part of Helion and Company’s Europe@War series, No. 39 (HEL 11844). This is the third book about Portuguese forces that I have read, authored by José Augusto Matos (he co-authored Sanctuary Lost, Portugal’s Air War for Guinea 1961-1974, Volume 1, with Matthew M. Hurley, reviewed, and the first volume by authors José Augusto Matos and Zelia Oliveira.

For those who have not read Volume 1, or the previous review, a recap is necessary as the title states, this book is the second volume of this coup that re-shaped Portugal’s future and starts where the first volume leaves off.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
April 11, 2024
Company
Fab Scale
Scale
1:48
MSRP
$12.99

A new 3D printed F-104 Starfighter Exhaust Nozzle set in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale as a drop-in replacement for the Hasegawa kit utilizing the “Early” J79 engine.

Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale at the time of this review, but a few foreign hobby websites were selling this product.

In the Package and Product Notes

The sample review came in a small cardboard box and parts were individually wrapped in Ziploc bags.

There are three (3) parts of this exhaust nozzle set printed with pink salmon-colored resin. These parts replace kit parts R26, R27, U6 (2X), and K3. The printed resolution of the exhaust nozzle is very fine with no visible build up layers and the print quality is excellent.

Review Process

I started by separating the parts from their base by using side-cutting nippers. Next, wet sanding removed the remaining support nubs.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
April 11, 2024
Company
Fab Scale
Scale
1:48
MSRP
$15.72

A new 3D printed AN/ALE-50 Towed Decoy System in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale as a drop-in replacement for the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon Tamiya kit.

Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale at the time of this review, but a few foreign hobby websites are selling this product.

In the Package and Product Notes

The sample review came in a plastic bag with a cardboard topper for a pegboard display.

Two (2) AN/ALE-50 units are printed with pink salmon-colored resin. These parts replace kit parts J30, J33, and J34. The printed resolution is very fine with no visible build-up layers and the print quality is excellent.

Review Process

I started by separating the parts from their base by using side-cutting nippers. Next, wet sanding removed the remaining support nubs.

Review Author
Marc K. Blackburn
Published on
April 11, 2024
Company
Trumpeter
Scale
1/16
MSRP
$144.99

The Sd.Kfz 251D halftrack was primary vehicle in German mechanized formations in the Second World War. The vehicle was developed in 1937-38 and entered production in 1939. The variant that Trumpeter has produced is the last variant, ‘D’. The primary difference between the earlier models is that the back of the vehicle is a single sloping piece of steel. Over 15,000 were produced and continued to serve in various post-war armies.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
April 11, 2024
Company
Charlies Plastic Models
MSRP
$10.00

A new 3D printed tool caddy for the model building hobbyist. It has multiple compartments to fit all types of tools and a handy yet convenient addition to any modeler’s benchtop.

In the Package and Product Notes

The tool caddy is molded in gray resin and produced by a 3D printer. The buildup layers are visible (but small), and a nice recessed printed “CPM” logo is located on the backside wall of the caddy. If one wanted to paint it a different color, it can be easily done but I would recommend a good primer coat first.

The footprint measures 7.25” long X 2.56” wide (184 X 65 mm). The back wall is 2.5” tall (63.5 mm), and the lower compartment walls are 1.5” tall (38 mm).