Dave Koukol
Reviews By Author
F-35A Lightning IIPublished: February 23, 2013 BackgroundThe absolute latest in American manned fighter aircraft, Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II is slated to replace aging F-16, F-18, and AV-8B aircraft in the lightweight fighter attack role in the US Air Force and US Navy in the next several years. The land-based F-35A will replace the F-16, the vertical-takeoff F-35B will assume the Harrier's role, and the carrier variant… more |
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SR-71A Blackbird, “Gravestone” Limited EditionPublished: January 9, 2013 Background Conceived originally as a high-altitude, high-speed interceptor to counter an anticipated Soviet strategic bomber threat (YF-12) and a strategic reconnaissance platform replacement for the U-2 (SR-71) in 1959, Lockheed’s “A-11” platform has become one of the most recognizable and awe-inspiring aircraft designs of all time. Setting and holding world speed and… more |
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Armored ¼ Ton 4x4 Truck with BazookasPublished: January 9, 2013 BackgroundArguably the most recognizable Allied vehicle of World War II is the timeless and versatile ¼ Ton 4x4 Truck, a.k.a. “Jeep.” While used for a myriad of tasks by Allied ground forces, scouting and reconnaissance were near the top of the list. Some variants of recon Jeeps were outfitted with .50-caliber machine guns, some with armor plate, and some with dual bazookas in lieu… more |
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The Incredible Hulk Monster TruckPublished: December 30, 2012 From the pages of Marvel Comics to the arenas and stadiums of North America, the Incredible Hulk has certainly made a brutish and unruly impression upon the imaginations of youngsters and adults for generations. It is also the subject of Round2’s recent release under the AMT brand of this popular monster truck with an equally-popular monster/superhero theme. Another installment in the… more |
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MQ-9 Reaper Landing GearPublished: November 27, 2012 Another very welcome offering from our friends at Scale Aircraft Conversions is their white metal landing gear set for SkunkModel Workshop’s 1/48 scale MQ-9 Reaper. Since reviewing the Reaper kit back in June of 2011, my sample has succumbed to the insatiable pull of gravity against its spindly injection-molded main struts, settling into a “low-rider” crouch with the… more |
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Normandy: A Graphic History of D-DayPublished: November 16, 2012 More often than not, books reviewed by the IPMS Reviewer Corps are targeted for the scale modeling enthusiast, history buffs, or a combination of the two. Wayne Vansant’s Normandy: A Graphic History of D-Day is a little different. Unlike more traditional narratives or photo references, it brings the events of the Allied invasion of "Fortress Europe" to life in vivid color in a comic… more |
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Ford AeroMax SnapTite TruckPublished: October 30, 2012 Introduced by Ford in 1988, the AeroMax was part of their L-Series of trucks produced over 28 years starting in 1970, designed for fuel efficiency, performance, and comfort for long hauls. Revell’s 1/32 SnapTite kit embodies AeroMax with 52 parts molded in white, black, chrome plate, and clear. A sheet of peel-and-stick decals and a set of instructions round out the box contents.… more |
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U-2R Dragon LadyPublished: October 4, 2012 Stemming from a 1953 United States Air Force requirement for a single-seat aircraft to overfly the Soviet Union for photographic reconnaissance at altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet, the U-2 took form under the direction of the legendary aircraft designer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson of Lockheed’s renowned “Skunk Works.” Initially rejected by the Air Force (partly because of the inclusion of the… more |
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USN Carrier Deck 1944-1945Published: October 1, 2012 Once again, Eduard steps up with an innovative photo etch accessory to add realism and context to 1/72 scale aircraft. In the tradition of their superb PE sets to go in and on aircraft kits, the growing series of pre-painted PE flight deck and airfield operating surfaces adds this little beauty to its ranks. Pre-painted in the wood stain flight deck color, this little gem… more |
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USN Carrier Deck 1943-1944Published: October 1, 2012 Once again, Eduard steps up with an innovative photo etch accessory to add realism and context to 1/72 scale aircraft. In the tradition of their superb PE sets to go in and on aircraft kits, the growing series of pre-painted PE flight deck and airfield operating surfaces adds this little beauty to its ranks. Pre-painted in the wood stain flight deck color, this little gem provides a… more |