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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
Phillip Cavender
Published on
November 29, 2023
Company
AFV Club
Scale
1:35
MSRP
$79.95

Introduction

The M59 is a heavy towed howitzer from the World War II era with its origins in the United States. Initially developed after World War I as the 155mm Gun M1 due to the limited heavy gun capabilities identified in the U.S., it underwent redesignation as the M59 after World War II. However, it continues to be commonly referred to by its popular nickname, "Long Tom." Functioning as a gun, the M59 was specifically designed for a long-range and flat trajectory, distinguishing it from traditional howitzers that typically have shorter ranges and much higher trajectories.

AFV Club is a well-known plastic model company based in Taiwan that specializes in producing high-quality scale model kits, particularly focusing on armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) and military-related subjects. The company has gained a reputation for its attention to detail, accuracy, and innovative model kits that cater to the needs of both casual model builders and serious hobbyists.

Book Author(s)
David Doyle
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
November 29, 2023
Company
David Doyle Books
MSRP
$18.50

David Doyle is well known to historians and modelers alike, with over 200 books to his credit. His Legends of Warfare series covers many of the important machines used in warfare. This latest volume is for the Grumman F8F Bearcat. The F8F was the last and ultimate of the Grumman propeller driven fighters. Too late for combat in WWII and with the dawn and superiority in speed of the jet, the Bearcat order was cut down considerably. The only combat was while serving with the French in Indochina. Like its contemporaries, the Sea Fury, and the La-9/11, the F8F was fast and maneuverable. And like the sea Fury it survived because of that speed and maneuverability making it a favorite on the air show circuit and air racing.

The book is broken down into an introduction and two chapters. Chapter one covers the F8F-1 and Chapter two covers the F8F-2.

Review Author
Steven J. Corvi
Published on
November 29, 2023
Company
Green Stuff World
MSRP
$2.69

From the GSW Website, here are the use and application of these new items. I used them on my review build of a Supermarine Spitfire and you can see the results.

GSW Decal Fixer helps the application of decals onto surfaces of models, miniatures and dioramas. The GSW Decal Fixer prepares the surface with special agents that soften the solvents of modern paints making decals more resistant and glue stronger. In addition, the decal fixer makes the decal more flexible and increases the adherence, preventing the silvering effect.

Decal Fixer

Content: 1x 17ml bottle

Review Author
Phillip Cavender
Published on
November 29, 2023
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$16.09

Introduction

The dry brushing technique is a popular and effective method used in scale model building to enhance surface details and bring out textures by selectively applying a small amount of paint onto the raised areas of a model. This technique is particularly useful for replicating weathering effects, highlighting edges, and adding depth to intricate details.

When given the opportunity to evaluate any Ammo by Mig products I jumped at the chance. I received Ammo by Mig’s set number A.Mig-7301 containing Dio Drybrush Medium Green (A.MIG-0606), Dio Drybrush Green (A.MIG-0607), Dio Drybrush Light Olive Green (A.MIG-0608), and Dio Drybrush Medium Olive Green (A.MIG-0609).

Book Author(s)
Matthew Willis
Review Author
Andrew Manriquez
Published on
November 29, 2023
Company
Key Publishing Ltd
MSRP
$34.95

In 1940, the British Air Commission (BAC) approached U.S. aircraft manufacturers about purchasing aircraft, particularly fighters. Curtiss presented their model 81 and planned P-46 which the BAC later ordered 480 model 81s and 960 P-46s. Lockheed presented their YP-38 prototype. North American Aviation (NAA), who as of yet had little experience with fighters, drew up a proposal for a fighter that they insisted was to be at least as good as the P-46. The BAC required assurance for NAA’s claims and that each aircraft be less than $40,000 each. Eventually the BAC ordered 400 of NAA’s fighters, even before a design was presented. The company's lead structures engineer recalled that Edgar Schmued had given the subject of a single seat fighter a great deal of thought in the previous years, called the P-51. NAA’s design team and Schmued were determined that the aircraft would be cutting edge. By the end of 1940, the first prototype, called NA-73X or XP-51, was ready for flight.