Brett W Scholten
Reviews By Author
|
Tool Decal PositionerPublished:
Nice things often come in simple packages. The Squadron Tool Decal Positioner is an example of this, measuring in at 10 cm (slightly less than 4 inches). A small contoured rod with a rubbery tip used to position decals is the simple solution to this old modeler’s “fat finger” problem. I came back into the hobby after a long hiatus. I was used to thick decals that I could slide around with my fingers. I quickly learned that the current aftermarket decals were much thinner, and folded in on themselves or tore very easily. To solve this dilemma, I then started using a pencil, toothpicks, and other items to try and slide the decals into position. Sometimes it worked, other times it did not. For that reason, I jumped at the chance to review the Squadron Tool Decal Positioner.… more |
|
Military Aircraft of the 1950’sPublished:
A pleasant memory for me. Military Aircraft of the 1950s is a combination/reprint of four Ian Allan books released during the Cold War. I had the Jane’s equivalent growing up. A hardbound book with 306 pages of data, each page with multiple photographs of iconic military aircraft. The first section covers British Military aircraft (including helicopters), the next section covers U.S. and Canadian fixed-wing aircraft. The next section covers “Continental” (European) aircraft. and the last section is dedicated to helicopters, which is interesting as the first two sections also have helicopters in them. The biggest benefit for a modeler is the three-view drawings of each plane. These photographs provided an additional source of data on wing and engine placement (and landing… more |
|
Last War of the Superfortress: MiG 15 vs the B-29 in the Korean War 1950-1953Published:
Another offering in the Asia @ War Series. A very interesting book. We see the Korean Air War through the eyes of Soviet Aviators sent to get combat experience in jet fighters. The first couple of pages were rough. I felt like I was reading a 1980’s era Soviet Propaganda piece. The authors quickly left that track and started a very good overview of the events leading up to Russia’s involvement, and an unknown (to me) discussion on China warning the United States prior to entering the war. The B-29’s were initially engaged by prop-driven aircraft and were able to successfully defend themselves. This led to over confidence on the part of the Air Force leadership, and a belief that the bombers could defend themselves from fighters. The introduction of the MiG-15 rapidly… more |
|
USAF/USMC Land Based Wooden Wheel Chock with Nylon RopePublished:
Coming back into the hobby after a decade plus hiatus has been an eye-opener for me. The quality of kits has gone up, and 3D printing has created a large market of aftermarket items. These items can make a kit look more accurate, or enhance the quality of the display. The Aires USAF/USMC land based wooden wheel chock with nylon rope falls into the enhance the quality of your display category. You get 6 chocks per set, 4 large chocks (presumably for main gear), and two smaller (nose gear) chocks. A segment of thread (simulating nylon rope) also comes in the package. The packaging is nice. The chocks are in a clear, re-sealable bag that has an instruction sheet inside. Preparation and assembly is straight forward, I paint the chocks, drill/clean the hole for the… more |
|
XL Sanding BlockPublished:
I came back to the hobby during COVID. One thing I hated, and still hate doing is sanding putty.I am just not that good at it. I am always looking for something to help me. The UMM-USA series of sanding bars are one solution to a gritty problem. The bars come in various sizes; fine, small, medium, large, extra-large and extra-extra-large. I reviewed the Extra-Large version. They come as a six-sided polished aluminum bar, with the ends being pointed. My initial take on the block was one of curiosity, a large flat good for sanding large flat surfaces, or so I thought; something most aircraft and ship models do not have. I then took a closer look and realized that the angled/pointed ends would be great for small tight surfaces, or if a very narrow area needed to be sanded,… more |
|
Polish Wings 38 - Morane Saulnier MS.406Published:
This was a fun book for me (as a history nerd). The introduction was interesting as it explained why Poland had to choose a European built aircraft vs an American built aircraft (American aircraft needed a higher-octane fuel which was not available in Poland). The first part of the book is a bit dry. I wish the authors had tied events in Poland (i.e. the German invasion and defeat of the Polish Military) into events listed in the book. We learn that the Polish Pilots operated from various French aerodromes, but no real discussion is made of how the French integrated the Polish Pilots/Units into their order of battle. The combat narratives are short, and I wish they had been expanded too. The next section is much better, and very valuable to a model builder. Black and white… more |
|
The Battle of TinianPublished:
Frontline books cover a small but vital part of the War in the Pacific in “The Battle of Tinian”. This is another offering in the Images of War series of books. The book is 175 pages long with over 200 photographs and illustrations. The book starts with the Battle of the Philippine Sea (occurred just before the Saipan operation began) and the great Marianas Turkey Shoot. Afterwards, the book looks at how both sides approached the upcoming battles. The Japanese High Command was looking for a final battle to defeat the Allied Forces, and stop their advance. The A-Go battle plan. The Japanese initially thought the next allied attack would happen in the Carolinas Island chain, until air attacks on the Marianas Island chain convinced them (correctly) that the next allied… more |