Washingtonia Filifera Palm Leaves

Published: July 13, 2012
Company: Eduard

This is a somewhat interesting and slightly odd choice by Eduard. Washingtonia filifera is native to the Western US, and doesn’t really reside outside the region except for cultivated landscaping. It is primarily found around spring-fed oases in the low desert of Colorado, hot springs of Nevada, and rivers within Arizona and California. It has also been found in Florida and the Virgin… more

Soviet ZB-500 Napalm Bombs

Published: July 12, 2012
Company: Aires Hobby Models

For decades, modelers here in the West were left with little choices when it came to modeling Soviet and Eastern Bloc aircraft. What was available was slim and, at best, based on grainy pictures and third-party drawings. However, as history unfolded, more became available after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Eastern Bloc nations became part of the information exchange. More accurate kits… more

Coconut Palm Fronds

Published: June 28, 2012
Company: Eduard

The coconut palm is ubiquitous across the tropic and subtropical areas of the globe. Basically, any coastal region or areas with ready access to water, direct sunlight, and high yearly temperatures are fertile places for the coconut palm. In most of recorded military history, many of the world’s conflicts have been fought in this same tropic and subtropical zone. Thus, where the soldiers went… more

F-104 Starfighter Pitot Tube

Published: June 21, 2012
Company: Master Model

Master has a whole range of turned and photo etched metal details for aircraft and ships, in all scales. From gun barrels to radar masts, the details are not only more in scale, but stronger than anything in resin or PE, thus resistant to the occasional bump or clumsy hands. This item provides a turned metal pitot tube for the 1/32 F-104.

In the Bag and Installation:… more

EA-6B ICAP-2 (Early) Cockpit Set for Kinetic Kit

Published: April 29, 2012
Company: Aires Hobby Models

Aires always releases some fantastic resin and photo-etch accessories, adding a great deal of detail to the finished model. Much excitement surrounded Kinetic when they released a 1:48 EA-6B Prowler, newly tooled. This cockpit set adds a substantial additional level of detail to the kit.

First, let’s take a look at a little history and nomenclature so you can decide if this is the… more

Stencil Decals for F-4E Slatted Wing Phantom II in SEA Camouflage

Published: April 23, 2012
Company: Afterburner Decals

If you are a Phantom Phreak, the one thing you cannot get enough of is stencil data. The Phantom, no matter what service or nationality, seemed to be loaded with stencils. Most Hasegawa kits in 1/48 come with a fairly comprehensive set of stencils, though barely legible, incomplete, and they sometimes can be difficult to blend into the paint. If you have a slatted wing F-4E in your stash, then… more

SB2C-1C Helldiver Wheel Bays

Published: February 3, 2012
Company: Aires Hobby Models

Aires has been on the scene for some time now, producing some amazing details in resin and photo etch metal. Among aftermarket aficionados, Aires is the top of the pack for the level of detail and quality of casting. This set for the Monogram Promodeler or Accurate Miniatures 1/48 SB2C Helldiver is no exception.

In the Box

The details for this set come in a small bag stapled… more

F-5E Tiger II Speed Brakes

Published: December 18, 2011
Company: Aires Hobby Models

Aires has been on the scene for some time now, producing some amazing details in resin and photo etch metal. Among aftermarket aficionados, Aires is the top of the pack for the level of detail and quality of casting. This set for the AFV Club 1/48 series of F-5 Tiger II kits is no exception, though installation is a little time-consuming.

In the Box

The bag with card hanger… more

F-5E Tiger II Wheel Bays

Published: December 18, 2011
Company: Aires Hobby Models

Aires has been on the scene for some time now, producing some amazing details in resin and photo etch metal. Among aftermarket aficionados, Aires is the top of the pack for the level of detail and quality of casting. This set for the AFV Club 1/48 series of F-5 Tiger II kits is no exception, though installation is quite another matter.

In the Box

The blister pack… more

3.7cm FlaK 43 auf Schwere Wehrmacht Schlepper with Maybach HL42 TRKMS Engine

Published: August 31, 2011
Company: Great Wall Hobby

I’ve always been interested in self propelled flak guns, whether on a truck or tracked vehicle. Maybe it’s the interesting combination of equipment that makes some very unique looking vehicles. For several years I had the old Italeri sWS kit hanging out in the closet, along with some various details with the idea of building it someday. Lo and behold a new company, Great Wall Hobby, comes on… more