IPMS/USA Reviews Website

SM.02 S-65 City Tractor

Review Author

Frank Landrus

Published on

April 19, 2016

Company

Rinaldi Studio Press

MSRP

$20.00

This is Michael Rinaldi’s second book in this series, the first being on the Industria Mechanika 1/35 FichtenFoo's Fantastical Fish-shaped Submersible resin kit. This issue focuses on the Trumpeter Stalinetz S.65 Russian Army tractor kit. The Single Model (SM) series represents a focus on a specific kit and as such is a limited edition (i.e. Only One Print Run!). This singular focus permits Michael Rinaldi to tackle topics outside of his successful TankArt series and allows him to address finishes that he has not attempted before. Indeed, the next in this series is on the Bandai Sazabi Master Grade Mobile Suit. A core premise of the new book series is to explore and redefine artistic and creative finishes for each subject.

Bristol Beaufighter TF.X

Review Author

Keith Gervasi

Published on

January 23, 2021

Company

Airfix

Scale

1/72

MSRP

$19.99

History

The Bristol Beaufighter was a British long range heavy fighter, developed from the earlier Beaufort design. Featuring two Bristol Hercules engines, the aircraft gained a fearsome reputation for being both fast and able to deliver a powerful blow from its four 20mm cannons and a choice of either Torpedo or Rocket projectiles. Although developed to be a fighter, and used successfully as a night fighter, it was the Mk.X Coastal Command version that was most successful; its range and power enabling it to take a heavy toll of Axis shipping. The Royal Australian Air Force also used the type, finding it to be very suitable for the Pacific war, where the Japanese called it ‘Whispering Death’ due to its quiet engines. After the war Beaufighters continued to serve until the early 1950s.

Model Art No. 936, March 2016

Review Author

Frank Landrus

Published on

April 18, 2016

Company

Model Art

MSRP

$9.81

Model Art Issue 936 is typical of other Model Art magazines in that it is written entirely in Japanese, with occasional English words, usually in article titles or in captions. The Model Art magazine is a monthly issue that has evolved from their first issues in 1966 that focuses on all modeling subjects. I’ve attempted to capture the contents below, but please be aware of translation difficulties. There are about 40 pages of advertising, out of the 160 pages, showing what is available and new, always useful for building up that wish list. Nearly all the articles are supported with color photos. A few of the ongoing series are supported with black and white drawings and photos

Matra R-530 Missile

Review Author

Clarence Wentzel

Published on

February 3, 2020

Company

PJ Production

Scale

1/72

MSRP

$4.32

Background

The Matra R-530 is a medium range air-to-air missile. This two stage rocket propelled missile entered production in 1962. Frequently, interceptor aircraft utilize this missile for longer range along with the Matra R-550 Magic 2 short range air-to-air missile. The missile is available with Infrared Homing or with Semi-Active Radar Homing. In some cases, a missile of both types is carried. This weapon is used by at least sixteen countries, most utilizing French sourced aircraft.

F-104 Resin Wing Pylons

Review Author

Dave Morrissette

Published on

April 17, 2016

Company

Eduard

Scale

1/48

MSRP

$14.95

Hasegawa’s 1/48th scale F-104 kit has been around for a while and it is a very nice kit making the grade at many shows all over the world. One thing missing from the standard kit is any underwing pylons. Granted, there are a lot of pictures of F-104’s with any pylons attached but they were able to carry one under each wing and also a centerline pylon also. Eduard gives that option in spades with this newest release- a complete set of pylons for the entire airframe.

Inside the package, you’ll find 25 beautiful resin cast parts, a photoetch fret with 25 detail parts for the pylons and also a full set of decals. This is a very comprehensive set for $14.95.

Let’s take a little more detailed look at what the pylons are and what they are used for: