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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
Bob LaBouy
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$23.99

To quickly build temporary runways, US engineering services built various options for the airfield. Aerodrome steel plates were M8A1 used in the Vietnam War in the second half of the 1960s and early 1970s and were installed by engineering units of the US Army.Plates were connected to each other either staggered or in a row and allowed to build either separate small sites or airfields of impressive size. Most often, such coatings were used in army aviation. Various aircraft could be based on the sites created in this way, for example, combat helicopters AN-1Q Cobra, light attack aircraft, and observation aircraft OV-10A Bronco or O-2 Skymaster. Also on such sites were operated well-known B-26K Counter Invader.

Review Author
David Horn
Published on
Company
Detail & Wonder
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$37.00

Overview

Detail & Wonder (D&W) is a new company that specializes in highly detailed 3D printed landing gear. The gear set comes in a sturdy box with parts secured in custom cut foam. A real nice color instruction booklet. There are four 3D printed groups, four cast wheels and six metal rods. Each landing gear section is printed with support and a “cage” protecting the delicate looking gear. The booklet gives details on how to trim the supports and what order to trim the supports.

Review Author
Phillip Cavender
Published on
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/12
MSRP
$29.00

Background

For those unfamiliar, the Honda Dax narrative originated in 1969 with the inaugural ST50 and ST70 Dax models. The moniker is derived from the bike's slight resemblance to a Dachshund (sausage dog), with the model plate on the bike's side showcasing an image of the mentioned hound. This model kit in 2024 signifies Tamiya's debut of a new 1/12th scale tooling for the Honda Dax 125 Limited Edition.

Box

Measuring 11.5” x 7.5” x 2”, the box features a vibrant image of the Honda Dax 125, displaying its striking metallic blue, chrome, black, and metallic hues. Typical Tamiya graphics, showcasing three views of the motorcycle, adorn the sides of the box. Inside, you will find:

Book Author(s)
Arian M. Balch
Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Guideline Publications
MSRP
$27.00

The book goes into great detail of the development, service, variants, and full history of a classic British World War Two and post-war aircraft manufactured by Vickers under the names Viking, Valetta, and the Varsity. These were aircraft developed in response to the British review of the post-war Civil transportation needs. Later to be known as the Brabazon Committee.

I found this book so informative and full of facts and details of very little-known aircraft.

The articles on the variants that were explored during the development were especially interesting.

The book is full of extremely interesting photos of the aircraft in development, manufacturing, in service, etc. These would be great as references for aircraft enthusiasts.

Another nice touch is the inclusion of the “In Detail” section, showing aircraft profiles and 1/144 scale plans.

Book Author(s)
Michael Stephan
Review Author
Matthew Cottrell
Published on
Company
HMH Publications
MSRP
$52.00

For those unfamiliar with HMH Publications’ line of Duke Hawkings books, they are a series of softcover tomes featuring detailed walk-around photos of individual aircraft types. Their focus leans heavily towards aircraft in European use, with forays into common US aircraft. Today’s book is the first in the Duke Hawkings Presents line: Eagles Rock - 48th Fighter Wing - Where Combat Airpower Livesby Michael Stephan.