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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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Review Author
Steve Jahnke
Published on
July 16, 2011
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$14.95

The 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was the 3rdgeneration of this up-scale marketed Chevy before its eventual downsizing in 1978. At the time, all of the Big 3 had a version of a “personal luxury coupe” in their lineup. The General had a full house mix of PLC’s with the Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, Olds Toronado, Buick Riviera, and the Cadillac Eldorado. Vehicles of this era were an odd mix of early 70’s flash, style and inferred performance but with the 5mph bumpers imposed in 1973 and ‘74 as well as increased engine emission controls, performance became a shadow of its former self. The standard engine was Chevy’s infamous 305-2 CID design or optionally a 350-4 CID (California only).

Review Author
Perry Downen
Published on
July 16, 2011
Company
Iliad Design
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.00

Several months ago I had the pleasure of reviewing Iliad’s book, Colors of the Falcons, a thorough examination of camouflage schemes and colors used on Soviet aircraft during the Second World War. Since I rated this publication very highly, I was interested to see if their decals were as good. I was not disappointed.

The subject of this review is Iliad Design’s newly released 1/48 scale “Milestone Phantoms” decal set. As the title indicates these decals allow the modeler to finish a Phantom as one of several significant production aircraft. These include:

Review Author
Tom Pope
Published on
July 15, 2011
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/650
MSRP
$29.95

Introduction

This release of the original AMT Enterprise commemorates the original TV series episode, "The Tholian Web". In that show, one of the Enterprise's sister ships, the U.S.S. Defiant, is captured by the use of an energy 'web', spun by the Tholians. While Kirk & his team investigate, the Tholians make their move to take the Enterprise as well.

My thanks go out to Round2/AMT for updating and re-releasing this old kit for all us old fans (as well as the new ones) and providing this kit for review. I also thank IPMS USA for letting me do the review.

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
July 15, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$64.95

Editor's note: This build includes parts from Quickboost.net as noted below:

  • B24 Liberator Oxygen Cylinders, P/N 72--319
  • B24 Liberator Turbo-supercharger, P/N 72-307

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this model to SSGT M.G. Hobelman who served with the 376thHeavy Bombardment Group based in San Pancrazio Italy. SSGT Hobelman flew 38 combat missions from September 21, 1944 to April 15, 1945 manning the nose turret of a B24J. Thanks to his son, a good friend of mine, I had the pleasure of meeting SSGT Hobelman and sharing conversation over breakfast about what he experienced during the war. Unfortunately, “Hobie,” as he was affectionately known passed away last year. I thought often of the stories he told me during this build and will never encounter the B24 in the same way as a result. Rest in Peace my friend.

Book Author(s)
Chris Gibson
Review Author
Perry Downen
Published on
July 14, 2011
Company
Hikoki Publications
MSRP
$49.95

I would like to thank Specialty Press for submitting this book for review and thank IPMS/USA for allowing me to do the review.

During the latter stages of World War II strategic bombing methods had become very effective. In Europe the USAAF was carpet-bombing targets in daylight and the RAF was bombing at night. The planes used on these missions carried out their tasks with brutal efficiency. But, in August 1945 the existing strategic bombing philosophy was made totally obsolete when a single B-29 dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.