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Review Author
Jim Pearsall
Published on
Company
Minicraft Model Kits
Scale
1/144
MSRP
$11.95

The Aircraft

If you aren’t at least familiar with the F-4 Phantom II, you have either lived in a cave or a monastery for the last 50 years. Or you might be a WW2 fanatic. The Phantom was produced in huge numbers (5195) and sold to many countries (11). The US Air Force, Navy and Marines used the F-4. The last of the Phantoms are now flying with the Turkish Air Force, Japan and South Korea.

This kit is the F-4E, an Air Force version with the internal 20 mm cannon. If you’re interested in less well known air forces, the F-4E has been used by Australia, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, South Korea, and Turkey. Germany also had some F-4Es, but they were based at Holloman in New Mexico with the Luftwaffe training group.

Review Author
Chuck Herrmann
Published on
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$72.00

Subject:The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was a supercar designed to compete with the world’s greatest sports cars, such as Ferrari and Porsche. The SLR series, which means "Sport, Leicht, Rennsport" (sport, light, racing) was first designed by M-B in the 1950’s. This modern version was a joint project between M-B and McLaren Automotive, the championship racing team who used M-B engines in their Formula One Grand Prix race cars. Like many other recent retro style cars, many design elements were classic vintage Mercedes trademarks, such as the long front hood and the gull-wing doors hinged at the top. The new SLR was launched in 2003. This 722 Special Edition, of which only 150 were to be built, was launched in 2006. The differences were a more powerful engine, new front splitter, different wheels and unique badging. Only 150 were produced, all silver. The name honors the famous M-B race victory in 1955, at the Mille-Miglia 1,000 mile open road race across Italy.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$8.95
  • Intake Covers Type A or B
  • Part No. : 32088 / 32091
  • MSRP: $ 8.95
  • Exhaust Covers Type A or B
  • Part No. : 32087 / 32090
  • MSRP: $ 8.95

I love building jets but there are two things that are a pain on most of them and that is getting the ejector pin marks out of the intakes and exhausts. Besides that, almost all jets have covers on them as soon as possible to prevent FOD damage so if you want to pose a parked jet, it should have these covers on them- engines are expensive!

Quickboost has issued two sets each for exhaust and intake covers which are as simple as they sound and yet can make the diorama pop to life. The intake covers are one piece for each side with two delicate handles for each cover that can be detached and added. The difference between type A and B is the raised pattern on them. I trimmed one set, painted them red and tested the fit on my Trumpeter MiG-29. The fit was perfect.

Book Author(s)
Chris Thomas
Review Author
Robert DeMaio
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$22.95

The Typhoon was the primary close ground support aircraft for the British and Canadian land forces in the European theater of World War II. Twenty squadrons flew this aircraft in the 2nd TAF, who were also instrumental introducing the use of controversial rocket armament. The aircraft may not be pretty but has a listed history of successful land supported engagements. This Osprey book brings the Typhoon to life in a very condensed ninety-six pages. Since the author’s father was a pilot of these aircraft, I imagine there must have been many conversations between them.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Air Modeller
MSRP
$14.95

Air Modeller’s latest issue, #31, contains some of the best looking models I’ve seen in quite some time. The cover photo alone is really impressive, a well worn and weathered F-100. Typical of the magazine, this one contains 64 pages of brilliant color photographs.

The first model highlighted is a highly detailed two color scheme F-104 built by Diego Quijano. This is actually the second part of the build, continued from the previous issue. It in no way detracts from the beautiful job. The scratch building is impressive and the weathering is outstanding. The weathering is explained thoroughly and will help any modeler improve their model.

The next model is part one of multi-part builds of 1/72nd scale Hasegawa B-26 by Andrea Vignocchi. This highly detailed model is displayed in a beautiful diorama. When you see the amount of work inside this model you will be astounded. I know I was.