Dave Koukol
Reviews By Author
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Marvel Comics The Amazing Spiderman Volkswagen BeetlePublished:
Making his debut with Marvel Comics in 1962, Spiderman has been an icon of the comic superhero scene for over 50 years. Similarly, since the end of World War II, and with a bit more longevity, the VW Beetle has become a worldwide automotive icon in and of itself. Combine the two, and you get Polar Lights’ Marvel Comics The Amazing Spiderman Volkswagen Beetle. Targeted for ages 8 and up, the kit is part of the Snapit series designed to introduce youngsters to the hobby of scale modeling with subject matter to capture vivid imaginations. Molded in red, black, clear, and chrome-plated parts, the Spidey Beetle features a detailed engine with opening hood, opening trunk with spare tire (in the front, of course), and a full passenger compartment. Vinyl tires and metal axles are… more |
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25 Pdr Ammo Set and No.27 Limber with Canvas CoverPublished:
Designed to accompany the British 25-pdr field gun, the Type 27 ammunition limber carried 32 rounds of ammunition in 16 trays and was towed between the prime mover and the 25-pdr. Bronco’s rendition of the Type 27 and associated ammo types is an excellent example of the limber in 1/35 scale. Finely molded in tan styrene with an ample fret of PE, the kit parts pack the modest box and seem overwhelming in number at first glance. Detail is crisp and seems accurate compared to limited online resources and other kit offerings of the Type 27. The build, as would be expected with such a host of parts, is a bit slow and rather tedious at times. Assembly of the limber “box” requires some advanced skill and technique to tack, align, and secure a couple dozen tiny styrene and PE… more |
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Akula Class Attack SubmarinePublished:
BackgroundCode-named “Akula” by NATO and Project 971 Щука-Б (Shchuka-B, 'Shchuka' meaning pike) by the Russian Navy, this nuclear-powered attack submarine was first deployed by the Soviet Navy in 1986. In all, 15 Akula class attack boats have been built, spanning 4 distinct subclasses, with the original 7 commissioned between 1984 and 1990, six upgraded boats between 1991 and 2009, and one-each offshoots in 1995 and 2001 respectively. The KitHobby Boss launches another winning submarine kit in the form of the Russian Akula Class Attack Sub. Measuring about 12-1/2 inches long, its 2-piece full hull exhibits fine engraved surface features and an integral faired sail. The single sprue of crisply-molded parts includes periscopes and antennae, dive planes,… more |
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SAS 1/4 Ton 4x4 Truck ETO – Smart KitPublished:
BackgroundOne of the most recognizable Allied vehicles of World War II was the Jeep – or ¼ Ton 4x4 Truck. Outfitted for a variety of roles, one of the most dashing was the role of British Special Air Services (SAS) “raider” operating far behind enemy lines. Equipped with extra fuel tanks, Vickers machine guns, and bullet-proof driver and passenger windshields, the SAS Jeeps were lightweight, agile, rugged vehicles well-suited for commando operations focused on disrupting enemy activity. The KitAnother offering in their prolific line of Jeeps, Dragon beautifully captures the essence of the SAS raider. Molded in gray styrene with a fret of photoetch detail, a small sheet of decals, and instructions, this little subject is packed with features. Notably, a… more |
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Flakpanzer IV Ostwind Ausf.G w/ZimmeritPublished:
BackgroundWith increasing Allied air dominance in the European Theater in World War II, German armored forces found themselves in need of mobile and survivable anti-aircraft defenses to cover and protect their operations on all fronts. Originally equipping wheeled and half-tracked vehicles as self-propelled anti-aircraft platforms, the requirement for a more robust solution was quickly recognized. The solution came in the form of salvaged chassis from damaged Panzer IV variants retrofitted with anti-aircraft armament. One of the final variants to see combat operations was the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" (“East Wind”). The Ostwind’s single rapid-firing 3.7cm Flak 43 and increased armor was a marked improvement over its “Wirblewind” predecessor’s quad 2 cm mount. Of the 100… more |
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Pz.Kpfw. III (5cm) Ausf. H Sd.Kfz. 141 Early Production - Smart KitPublished:
BackgroundBased on requirements laid down in 1934, and first seeing production in 1937, the Panzer III was fielded as the primary battle tank of the Wehrmacht at the outset of World War II. Upon engaging the Red Army’s T-34’s and KV-1’s it was evident the Panzer III was at a significant disadvantage. The E-, F-, and G- models were retrofitted with a larger 50mm main gun, which became standard on the –H model along with additional armor bolted to the rear, glacis and front superstructure of the hull. The Ausf. H also received an improved transmission and redesigned sprockets and idlers. Of an initial order of 759 Ausf.H’s, only 308 were produced until April 1941. The KitBuilding on the success of an earlier release of the Panzer III Ausf.H Late-Production… more |
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British 25-Pdr. Field Gun Mk. II w/Limber – Smart KitPublished:
Designed to replace dated World War I 18-pounders and 4.5-inch howitzers, the 25-pounder became an icon of Commonwealth artillery forces during World War II, serving as the primary field gun and howitzer. Versatility of ordnance types, mobility, and lethality, accompanied by a high rate of fire, made the 25-pdr an indispensible element of Allied field operations, and enabled the design to serve with Commonwealth and other armies into the latter half of the 20th Century. Accompanying the 25-pdr, in most cases, was the Type 27 ammunition limber, which carried 32 rounds of ammunition in 16 trays. The limber would be towed between the prime mover and the 25-pdr. Dragon’s rendition of the Mk II variant of the 25-pdr and sidekick Type 27 limber is superbly executed… more |
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USS Enterprise "Space Seed" EditionPublished:
OverviewContinuing to leverage and proliferate the Star Trek brand, Round2 Models has released another episode-specific rendition of the original series (TOS) Enterprise, this time under the Polar Lights label in 1/1000 scale. Joining the AMT TOS Enterprise and its “The Tholian Web” offering is the “Space Seed” edition, featuring a newly-tooled 1/1000 scale SS Botany Bay. In The BoxThe Enterprise kit is the standard Polar Lights “Snap-It” kit which has been on the market for several years now, and is molded in light gray plastic with a sprue of clear parts and a sheet of decals with options to build an of several Constitution Class starships. The stand from the “Refit” (1980’s) movie version of enterprise is included with an adapter arm to suspend Botany… more |
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VW New BeetlePublished:
Timeless and unmistakable in form, the VW Beetle became a symbol of the 1960s and early ‘70s in the United States. After roughly two decades of absence in new car showrooms, the “New Beetle” re-emerged as a concept car in 1994, followed shortly by production versions. Although originally released in 1999, Revell’s rendition of the modern “Bug” is a beauty – both in form and engineering – and serves as a great subject for young or novice modelers. Molded in yellow and black, with chrome-plated trim parts, clear windows, and a sheet of peel-and-stick markings, the model can be readily built into a reasonable and convincing facsimile of the real thing in under an hour. Body, chassis, and interior detail is crisply and accurately defined and well-molded. Part fit is… more |
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Smokey and the Bandit '77 Pontiac FirebirdPublished:
In 1977, the Pontiac Firebird became the rage of pop culture in its strong supporting role in Smokey and The Bandit, and ensuing sales of the Trans Am variant skyrocketed overnight. Revell does a magnificent job capturing the essence of The Bandit's ride in this re-release of their 2004 tooling of an American muscle car legend. Molded in white, clear, and chrome-plated styrene with steel axles and vinyl tires, the kit consists of 89 parts and a sheet of decals. Mold quality is very good, with little flash and very manageable mold parting lines. Detail, raised and recessed, is crisp and in-scale, and tracks well to reference photos. The tires are beautifully seamless, and just need to be pressed over their hubs to be display-ready. Assembly was without… more |