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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
Robert DeMaio
Published on
March 11, 2011
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$56.00

Brief History:

The Junker Ju-87 was developed as a dive bomber for a design competition in the United States in the early 1930’s. Ernst Udet was a leading WWI ace who was part of the new Luftwaffe and had a strong influence on the aircraft performance requirements that the companies had to meet. In 1936 three German aircraft companies competed for a dive bomber. The Ju-87 was most impressive, executing an almost vertical dive and pulling out of it with ease. The competitor He-118 had separated from its propeller and gear box, which was the deciding factor to award production for ten Ju-87A-0 aircraft. The B-2 version used the Jumo 211Da engine with a pressurized coolant radiator, larger propeller and rear pointing exhaust stacks to increase speed. A small propeller mounted on one or both strut boots created a sound during the Stuka’s dive that came to be a psychological effect on people below within hearing range.

In the Box:

Review Author
Roger Carrano
Published on
March 10, 2011
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$54.95

When I first saw this engine on Eduard’s web site, I knew this was going to be, without a doubt, the best version of this engine ever made by any company. This even includes Eduard themselves, because this engine is being used in their kits of the Bf-109 and the Bf-110. I thought at the time that I would ask if I can use this kit to include in my review of the BF-110 but, after receiving it and seeing how great the detail was, I decided to build it as a stand alone and not let all that detail be hidden from view.

Review Author
Roger Rasor
Published on
January 4, 2022
Company
Ultracast
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$17.95

Ultracast has added a 1/32 scale RAF Battle of Britain pilot to their growing line of resin figures. With the recent releases (and rereleases) of numerous 1/32 scale Spitfire kits, it’s not surprising that this manufacturer has chosen this time to offer a kit that builds into an appropriate figure for this aircraft.

Five light cream-colored resin parts make up this kit and, as with all other offerings from Ultracast, the parts are beautifully cast and bubble free. As the photo below shows, the kit provides the main torso, head (with flying helmet and goggles), left and right arm and legs that are attached to pour blocks by thin connecting sprue that are very easy to remove and clean up. Overall, the details are crisp and the proportions are believable. The flight uniform, boots, helmet and goggles are well sculpted and face is exceptionally well rendered.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
June 1, 2022
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$26.95

I can’t thank Eduard enough for their support of IPMS USA. We have ample opportunities to review their excellent products, and we reviewers certainly appreciate Eduard’s providing us with the finest photoetch on the planet! (An opinion of this reviewer, but I believe it’s true!)

This is a simple conversion to the Tamiya 1/48 Betty kit interior parts. When you hold the basic kit items up with the Eduard upgrade you notice the difference.

This set is intended to provide a better instrument panel and engine control cluster in the center console stand, and appropriate seat belts to better define the cockpit interior under Tamiya’s huge clear canopy. There are also several instrument panels for the side walls. As you can see the instrument panel is the star of this set.

Review Author
Dan Mackay
Published on
March 9, 2011
Company
Aviaeology
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$11.89

Are you wondering what to do with all your Hasegawa/Airfix Hurricane Mk I’s? Well wonder no longer, because Aviaeology's new sheet on the subject solves that problem for you. Vital Storm part 2 is a follow-up to the previously reviewed Vital Storm part 1. Aviaeology provides well researched decals on eight subjects including three alone for Ian Gleed's mounts. Each subject is complete with narratives on time period and painting suggestions. The instructions and diagrams are provided on three photo copied sheets, but an email request to Aviaelogy will get you a promptly sent color PDF of the instructions which will prove helpful. I especially appreciate the listing of books and accessories that could further aid the modeler in his quest to build the perfect Hurricane. Listed below is a breakdown of the subjects.