Welcome to the IPMS/USA Reviews site!

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.

IPMS/USA Members: We encourage you to submit reviews, both here and to the Journal. To volunteer for membership in the IPMS/USA "Reviewers Corps" and submit your own reviews, please read the Guidelines For Submitting Product Reviews.

Manufacturers, publishers, and other industry members: IPMS/USA is pleased to offer your company the opportunity for product reviews. All product reviews are performed by IPMS/USA members, and are posted in the publicly-accessible section of our website. With very few exceptions, we perform full build reviews of new kit releases, aftermarket products, and supplies. If you would care to provide product samples for review, please contact John Noack, IPMS/USA 1st VP.

To learn more about IPMS/USA, please see our About Us page.

Review Author
Ron Bell
Published on
Company
Kovozávody Prostějoy
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$15.00

It can be argued that the Avro 504 was one of the most influential aircraft of the 20th century. It was in production from 1913 through 1932 and over 10,000 were built and the type was used by 39 nations around the globe. It served as a private aircraft, a trainer, a bomber, a fighter, an army cooperation aircraft, a research support craft on an artic expedition and saw service on wheels, floats and skis. In addition, it used 15 different engines during its development through 30 marks. It was a truly versatile aircraft. For a long time the only plastic model of the type was the old Airfix one that dates from 1967 and like its namesake, it has had a long life still being in production today.

Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Arma Hobby
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$42.99

Arma has released their F4F-4 with the addition of Operation Torch marking and two bases in this very nice offering. The F4F-4 was originally released ea few months ago and this is a great option, I personally have a connection with Operation Torch as my father was part of this.

  • Two grey Sprues
  • One Clear Sprue
  • One Decal sheet
  • One Mask set
  • One USS escort carrier deck base
  • One Airbase base
  • One Instruction guide
  • An Errata sheet (showing the Martlet differences for the build)
  • Bar codes for downloading 3D print files for additional parts you can print yourself

The detail quality is excellent in every way with this kit, crisp and detailed molding has become the norm for Arma Hobby kits.

The assembly is quick and easy as we have come to expect from these kits.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
N/A
MSRP
$12.99

ICM hobby company has provided the IPMS/USA reviewer corps with a six (6) bottle acrylic paint set based on the colors of the Medieval Warriors.

In The Box

The paint set contains six, 12ml bottles with nontoxic, water-based acrylic paint. The following colors are included:

  • Natural Steel (1025)
  • Oily Steel (1026)
  • Tan Earth (1058)
  • Leather Brown (1053)
  • Gold (1017)
  • Rusty Brass (1019)

Straight out of the bottle, the paint viscosity is thick and purposely prepared for brush painting. The instructions do recommend thinning 40-60% with water or thinner for airbrushing. All surfaces are recommended to be primed prior to painting. Volume wise, the paint takes up about 70% of the bottle and has “room” to add thinner if so desired.

Note that the bottles are not the usual dropper style (think Vallejo) but a twist off cap and a large opening to allow paint brushes easier access.