Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
February 18, 2024
Company
Brengun
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.50

A new photoetched detail set from Brengun to add WWII 1/48th gunsights to your German machine guns.

In the Package

There is one sheet of photoetched (PE) brass that includes four (4) different styles of gunsights. Paper instructions are printed on one side and very well illustrated.

In the instructions, the style of gunsights is noted with the German term “Visiereinrichtung” which translates to “sighting device” in English. The gunsights noted are:

  • Visiereinrichtung VL266 for: MG15, MG17, MG131 machine guns
  • Visiereinrichtung VL41 for: MG-FF machine gun
  • Visiereinrichtung VE22 for: MG81, MG81Z machine guns
  • Visiereinrichtung 15 for: MG15 machine gun

Conclusions

This is a nice PE set from Brengun that will add that extra eye-catching detail on your WWII German machine guns. For planes/bombers that have an extra gunner station(s) or for any 1/48th scale diorama or figure.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
February 18, 2024
Company
Brengun
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$26.20

A new resin detail set from Brengun to add or replace 1/48th scale USN 150 gallon drop tanks for the A-4 Skyhawk.

In the Box

There are four (4) resin poured parts, two are of the tanks and the other two are of the tail and mounting shackles (supporting rings). A photoetched (PE) brass sheet includes tail fins. Paper instructions are printed on one side and very well illustrated.

Review Process

The process starts out by cutting away the pour stubs from the drop tanks. This was done with a seam scrapper and hobby knife. Once detached, I wet sanded the surface to reduce any airborne resin dust. Next, I washed the resin parts in a bath of warm water with dishwash soap and used an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining mold release agent.

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Special Hobby
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$22.75

The Republic F-84F was an attempt to increase the performance of the already proven straight wing F-84 versions. Although it had sleek lines and looked like a fighter, it was plagued by the same problem most aircraft of the era had, a lack of powerful jet engine technology. Despite its short comings, the Thunderstreak was pressed into service with the USAF and numerous NATO countries mainly as a stop gap till better aircraft replaced it.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$18.00

New decals of the F-16A/B Vipers of the Caribbean in 1/48th scale is available from TwoBobs Aviation Graphics. Markings are for the 156 FG/FW (1992-1997) based out of Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico.

In The Package

There are two (2) decal sheets provided. One is for the F-16A version with the colorful 50th Anniversary tail markings. The second sheet has tail ID markings with F-16B stencils along with wing and engine stenciling. They are printed by Cartograf and have minimal excess clear film around the edges.

Overall, this has markings for 20 aircraft with stencils to do two (2) complete aircraft.

The colors are brilliant, and the registry is perfect. There are also two (2) 11” X 17” color marking guides to help you locate the decals for each airplane. This also includes painting guides for AK, Hataka, Mr. Color, and Mr. Paint.

Recommended kits for this decal set are:

Book Author(s)
Richard A. Franks
Illustrators: Richard J. Caruana, Wojciech Sankowski, and Jerry Boucher
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
February 17, 2024
Company
Valiant Wings Publishing
MSRP
$60.00

Valiant Wings Publishing was founded in 2010 under the guidance of Richard A. Franks and Mark Peacock. Valiant Wings has released several series of primarily airplane monographs [Airframe & Miniature, Airframe Album and Airframe Detail series] with the first Airframe Album dedicated to the Heinkel He 219 ‘Uhu’ released in 2012.