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Review Author
Tim Hortman
Published on
October 4, 2011
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.00

Twobobs Aviation Graphics continues to release decals to celebrate the special paint schemes that the US Navy is using to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Flight (Centennial of Naval Aviation or CONA). Each decal sheet contains markings for these special aircraft, and a 3” sticker with the CONA official logo is included in the packaging. Twobobs actually has an official licensing agreement with the Navy to bring these decals to us in the hobby world! As always, this Twobobs release features decals that are thin, crisp, and in perfect register.

Packaging is the usual clear zipper bag we see decals in, and inside is a one page, double sided, full color sheet which contains color information, the decal placement directions, and some images of the actual aircraft. This package contains one “standard size” decal sheet as well as a smaller insert sheet, along with the 3” sticker mentioned earlier. Decals are printed by Microscale Industries for Twobobs.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
October 4, 2011
Company
Dragon Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$34.95

The Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkraftrad (ketten is German for tracked, kraftrad is German for motorcycle) was one of the more unique vehicles designed and used during World War II. Initially designed for use by the airborne troops, and able to be carried inside of a Junkers Ju-52, the vehicle was used to lay communication cables, pull loads, and could carry two soldiers on the rear bench seat (probably not comfortably though). Towards the end of the war, the Kettenkrad was also used for towing aircraft in order to help conserve their aviation fuel. When operating at higher speeds, steering was actually accomplished by applying the brakes to the tracks, as the front wheel was more useful at lower speeds. There are some photographs that exist of the vehicles in use with no front wheel installed. During the war, two versions of the vehicle were produced with a total production of some 8,345 units.

Review Author
Tim Hortman
Published on
October 4, 2011
Company
Model Art
MSRP
$39.95

Kawasaki T-4 of the JASDF and T-33A, T-1A/B is the newest book in the series of “Profiles” by Model Art. This is #10 in the series and is just as good as the rest.

This softbound book contains 136 pages and is jammed packed with color photos, line drawings, and color profiles of the aircraft.

As you would imagine the main focus of this book is the Japanese Kawasaki T-4 Trainer. It is covered here in photo detail, and this book will be a great help to anyone building one of the Hasegawa kits. The first 16 pages are full color images of different units operating the T-4. Many of these are very colorful – including the Blue Impulse demonstration team. Pages 18-26 contain some background and development information on the T-4. While the vast majority of the text in this book is in Japanese, these pages have an English translation at the back of the book!

Review Author
Tim Hortman
Published on
October 4, 2011
Company
Aviaeology
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$10.99

Tail code markings for the Imperial Japanese Navy in WWII are some of the more difficult things for a modeler to replicate accurately. Aviaeology has come to our rescue!

A few years back, I saw that Aviaeology had issued some WWII Japanese tail markings. I was excited at the prospect, but waited too long to order them, and missed out on the offering. They were sold out before I could see what they were like. Aviaeology has reissued their series of IJN Tail Code markings, and has made some improvements in the process. This review is for their RED and YELLOW 280mm markings, but they also sell markings in White and Black. The 280mm refers to the size of the tail markings on the actual aircraft – in this case the markings are scaled down to 1/48 and are about 6mm.

Book Author(s)
Adam Galabek
Review Author
Ben Guenther
Published on
October 4, 2011
Company
Stratus
MSRP
$20.00

STRATUS Books is continuing its series to publish books on all the aircraft used by the Polish Air Force. This eleventh volume is a pictorial study of the 18 Mig-29s in Polish use from 1989 to 2009. The opening eight pages discuss the history of the purchase and operation of these Mig-29s from Russia and the Czech Republic, as well as the color and markings used by these aircraft. The remainder of the book covers each aircraft with multiple photos, profiles, and, for most of them, color 4-views. Special markings and commemorative schemes are also discussed and illustrated along with badges and other personal markings. There is one chart that lists each aircraft by code number, serial number, camouflage scheme, and notes on each operational history. Another handy chart lists Mig-29 by country (Czech, Russia and Poland) giving us the camouflage colors used in FS numbers. Finally, five large photos at the end of the book cover the cockpit.