Chris Smith
Reviews By Author
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Air to Air Missiles, Development and Combat Across 80 Years, Volume 2: First Generation and Early Experience, 1944-1959Published:
This is the second in a six-volume history of air-to-air missiles (AAM). In the first volume (see my review on this website), the author Bill Norton laid down the basic terminology and operating concepts used in designing and employing these weapons. In this second volume, He begins a generational examination of the weapons by their countries of origin. The book is divided into three sections. In the first, the efforts of Germany, Great Britain, and the United States during the latter part of WWII are covered. Although no guided AAM was fielded before the war ended, their progress in propulsion and guidance systems laid the groundwork for what would happen in the post war period. Germany certainly got close with their X-4 missile, guided by wire controls that trailed the missile after… more |
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A-4E/F/M Skyhawk 1:32 Landing GearPublished:
This set replaces part of the landing gear in the Trumpeter A-4 Skyhawk kit #02266). The kit already includes metal main gear legs so the main advantage of this set is the nose gear. The Trumpeter nose gear is cast as a single strut, fork and wheel. In 1/32 scale, this is not a good look, especially considering how prominent the Skyhawks nose gear is. This set separates the nose gear tire from the forks that hold it. You will still need to use the kit parts #F-1,5,51 to complete the nose gear. The soft metal SAC uses tends to get bent in the package but is easily straightened out. The fork assembly is cast separate from the main gear leg and requires drilling out to fit. The one advantage I’ve always liked about SAC gear is the ability to polish the metal to represent the… more |
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P-51B Mustang, China/Burma/IndiaPublished:
These kits have been around long enough now for me to say it’s the best of its kind in this scale. Since I’ve covered the basics of its construction in a previous review for this site, I’ll focus on details specific to this release. The primary feature of this kit is the inclusion of M-10 rocket or “Bazooka”, tubes. A separate runner of parts contains the tubes and the two types of mounting hardware. Also included are templates to locate the mounting holes on the wings. The quality of these parts is on par with the rest of the kit. Three different marking options are included on the decal sheet as follows:
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Air to Air Missiles, Development and Combat across 80 Years, Volume 1: Technology, Development and OperationPublished:
Air-to-air missiles (AAMs) are a part of almost every tactical aircraft and some helicopters these days. If you’re anything like me, they tend to be part of the finishing bits we grind through at the end of a build. Perhaps a deeper understanding of these weapons and their integral connection to the aircraft we build will make finishing those missiles a bit easier. This is the first of six volumes dedicated to the history of air-to-air missiles (AAM). In this first volume, the author, Bill Norton, a former Air Force officer and flight test engineer with 40 years of experience, introduces us to a comprehensive history—in six volumes of these weapons. Four sections comprise this book: Introduction, Missile development, Missile Elements and Operational Fundamentals. Mr. Norton has… more |
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References for Modelers, North American P-51B MustangPublished:
Kagero has issued a series of “References for Modelers”, each focusing on a specific subject. In this case, the P-51B Mustang. The format consists of color artwork, photos, and line drawings in two scales. A bonus decal sheet is included, along with color artwork in the centerfold showing their placement. Up front, the book explains that most of the photos have appeared elsewhere, but this series presents them differently. They have been enlarged enough to show details lost in smaller formats. Two great examples appear on pages four and five, one showing a close-up of the equipment behind the pilot’s seat and the other a nice view of bazooka tubes on a P-51 in China. As for the decals, in this volume we get markings for the Mustang of 4th FG ace Duane Beeson in both 1/… more |
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UH-60A Black HawkPublished:
The UH 60 Blackhawk line has become a staple of military forces around the world. It’s hard to think of a mission this helicopter doesn’t perform including troop carrier, rescue, special ops, electronic warfare, maritime patrol and anti-submarine duties. This release from ICM covers the first version of the Blackhawk the UH 60A troop carrier which entered service with the United States Army in 1979. Having built several ICM kits, this one lives up to the standard that they’ve established with finely molded details, excellent fit and reasonably good references in the instruction sheet and on the box. Decals are provided for three versions, a Blackhawk serving with US Army in Afghanistan in 2005, another serving with the Kentucky National Guard in 2009 and the subject of this build that… more |
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Nieuport Ni-11 Bebe "Italian Aces"Published:
When the Nieuport 11 arrived at the front in 1916, it signaled the end of the Fokker Eindecker’s dominance. This was mainly due to the overwhelming numbers of Ni 11 produced. The Italians built these aircraft under license and a number of Italian pilots became aces in them. This boxing provides decals for three; Francesco Baracca (34 victories), Fulco Ruffo di Calabria (20 victories), and Alvaro Leonardi (8 victories). The kit is packaged in an end-open box with artwork depicting Leonardi’s Nieuport. A color finishing guide on the back of the box gives paint color references and decal placement. The kit parts are molded in gray plastic with a single sheet instruction guide and a small decal sheet. Surface details are a bit heavy for the scale, especially the fabric effect on the… more |
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Book Review: The North American P-51 "Early Mustang"Published:
I’ve always been a fan of the early Allison powered Mustangs so it’s nice to see publishers filling the gap for historians and modelers alike. This publication goes even farther by including the merlin powered B and C models. This is a second edition of a book first printed in 2013. It is broken down into three sections, Airframe, Miniatures and Appendices. Under the airframe banner there is a history of the prototypes, test, and service aircraft including the British versions as is only fitting for a book published there. All the Allison powered versions are covered including a list of the units that flew the aircraft. Especially helpful are side profiles though-out the chapters that outline the differences in specific airframes. Color profiles and photos support the… more |
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Cessna O-2 Skymaster Instrument PanelPublished:
As I get older, I’m appreciating things that make model building easier on the eyes. Instrument panels are a real challenge even when they come with a decal or in the case of the ICM O-2 kit, separate decals for each instrument on the panel. Thankfully, Yahu models offer this set to upgrade a highly visible area of the kit. This set is comprised of two-color photo-etch parts covering the instrument panel/sub-panel and fuse panel for the left fuselage half. Unlike some color photo-etch panels with dots on a circle, these look like actual instruments. They are built up in layers that allow the instruments to slightly recess and have a semi-gloss sheen for a glass-like finish over the dials. Installation is easy. Remove any raised details from the kit parts-except the… more |
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P-51D-5 "361ST FG"Published:
Another P-51 Mustang joins the continuing parade of new releases of this subject. This one from KP is advertised as a “new tool” for 2024 on the box top. I’ve had my share of challenges building KP kits, so I went into this build with high hopes. They get high marks for presentation. The kit comes in an end open box with beautiful artwork on the front and full color finishing guide on the back for all the options on the decal sheet. You get three choices, all from the 361st FG. Two grey frames and one clear hold the parts. The surface detail is up to current standard and the canopy is seamless and clear. There are two seat and exhaust options as well as a rearview mirror. Ailerons, flaps and the rudder are separate parts, but the landing gear bay is old school molded… more |