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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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To learn more about IPMS/USA, please see our About Us page.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
TSDS
Scale
1/55
MSRP
$15.89

TSDS makes products designed for the Sci-Fi modeler and the decal set for the Moebius Moon Bus is just one example of the excellent quality for which TSDS is known.

The decals are advertised as color water-slide decals and indeed they are both colorful and use the traditional dunk-and-slide application technique.

The decals are printed on a single sheet, approximately 5x9. The markings are clear and crisp. Since the entire sheet consists of one large piece of carrier film it is important that each decal be removed from the carrier sheet with the “cut” lines being as close to the actual marking as possible.

The decals responded very well to a short dip in water and none were damaged in the application process even though I handled some of them rather roughly. For all intents and purposes one can apply these decals in the same fashion as one uses for those decals that are supplied in any typical model kit.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
Just an Illusion
MSRP
$29.95

JAI produces a growing number of lighting sets for the Sci-Fi modeler, and for general modeling purposes. In conjunction with a recent review of the new Moebius Moon Bus, JAI provided their “Moon Bus Lighting Kit.”

Contained in the package were:

  • two “on/off” slide switches (6 pole)
  • two LEDs and wiring already attached
  • one overhead lighting strip with wiring already attached

The on/off switches are “micro” switches, which means that they are very small and perform in the same manner as a typical light switch in your home, with the exception that the on/off lever “slides” back and forth rather than being toggled.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
Company
Moebius Models
Scale
1/55
MSRP
$40.00

From the Editor: The following is submitted by fellow IPMS Member Clyde Jones regarding addition of mentioned lighting set to model:

"LEDs ARE polarized, just like batteries. Connect them ”backward” and they not only don’t light, they slowly go dead. Or not so slowly. The light strip is not polarized." (Added May 2011)

I built my first Moon Bus in 1969 and that model still resides in my display case. Because of my fascination and interest with models rooted in “2001: A Space Odyssey”, it was with great anticipation that I awaited the arrival of the recently released Moebius Moon Bus and I purchased a copy from the local hobby shop as soon as it arrived. When Moebius offered a kit to IPMS for review purposes I was pleased when it found its way onto my workbench and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of building a 2nd Moon Bus some 41 years after having completed the first one.

Book Author(s)
Mark Stille, illustrations by Ian Palmer and Howard Gerrard
Review Author
Steve Zajac
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$17.95

Osprey Publishing’s latest monograph (Book # 31 in their Duel series) focuses on the largest World War I battleships, the Dreadnoughts, and the epic 1916 clash between the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet and the Kaiser's High Seas Fleet. Author Stille (CDR USN ret.), makes the technical material understandable to the layman, and is ably assisted by the illustrators, whose drawings and maps clarify the ships’ layouts and the battle tactics. I read the chapters in order, and found them well organized, with the climactic Battle of Jutland saved for last. The reader, depending on his previous knowledge of the subject, may choose any particular chapter of interest. The book is an excellent starting point for naval history buffs, war gamers and ship modelers. I selected the book to learn more about World War I naval history, and for info on building a dreadnought ship model in the future.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$24.95

Continuing the build of F-102’s: Having just built the Encore F-102A, I had offered my services to build one of my stash Revell/Monogram F-102A kits around these Aires items. They are simple upgrades, with major appearance improvements. Aires continues to set an almost unbeatable standard for detail. Their fit has improved greatly over the years, and once complete, you have a work of art at reasonable cost.

First, the wheel wells. The main gear well requires you to remove part of the existing interior hump from the upper wing surface, locating pins for the kit wheel well bulkheads, and sand down the back of the beautifully-done one-piece main wheel well supplied by Aires. This done, the well slipped into place and was glued down without problems. The wing halves were then glued together. An excellent fit on all accounts.