Dave Morrissette
Reviews By Author
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AIM-120C AMRAAM MissilePublished:
Eduard’s latest addition to the Brassin line of resin aftermarket pieces for 1/32 scale jet aircraft is a set of two AIM-120C AMRAAM medium-range missile. The C version of this missile started making operational use in 1996. That means this missile is appropriate for jets past 1996. It featured extended range and homing improvements over the A/B version. Each box contains parts for two missiles with the option of making a training or tactical version. Inside the package, you’ll find 26 pieces of perfectly cast resin with options of two different heads and two different motor sections. There are also decals included for both versions. So, first decision- tactical or training. Use the following parts for the one you choose:
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AIM-120A/B AMRAAM MissilePublished:
Eduard’s latest addition to the Brassin line of resin aftermarket pieces for 1/32 scale jet aircraft is a set of two AIM-120A/B AMRAAM medium range missile. Each box contains parts for two missiles with the option of making a training or tactical version. Inside the package, you’ll find 26 pieces of perfectly cast resin with options of two different heads and two different motor sections. There are also decals included for both versions. So, first decision: tactical or trainings. Use the following parts for the one you choose:
Once you have decided, make sure your cuts on the seeker head are straight and the cuts on the selected engine section is flat. This will prevent any seams. The… more |
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Photoetch Parts - Complete GuidePublished:
Having been building models for quite a while, I have seen things progress a lot. And with my over 400 built kits, photoetch still can baffle me like no other modeling medium. So when the opportunity to review this latest book from AK Interactive came along, I jumped on the opportunity to review it. A quick over view shows this is a fairly comprehensive guide with a section dealing with what photoetch is, how its made and what tools you’ll need to work with it. It then progresses to several simple examples and also using colored photoetch and finished with advanced techniques and soldering. Another nice fact is that the book covers aircraft, armor and ships as well as trains and can be easily transitioned into genres. A quicker review of the Index looks like this:
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Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Nick) Part 2 - Cockpit and FuselagePublished:
Zoukei-Mura’s latest release in 1/32 scale is the wonderful Ki-45 Toryu (Nick). This twin engine 2-seat, heavy fighter was used by the Japanese Army in WWII. In Part 2, I will get the cockpit and gunner position built and the fuselage assembled. The cockpit on this kit (like all ZM kits) is a jewel. There are 60 well molded parts with several options depending on which option you are building. The two major changes for Option B (my choice) are that there is no upward firing guns between the pilot and gunner and also, there is no back seat for the rear gunner position. Another note- much of this will not be visible when the build is done unless you use the clear parts. Construction begins by adding the floorboard and fuel tank to the main wing strut. The front and back… more |
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Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Nick) Part 1Published:
Zoukei-Mura’s latest release in 1/32 scale is the wonderful Ki-45 Toryu (Nick). This twin engine 2-seat, heavy fighter was used by the Japanese Army in WWII. Let’s not wait another minute and jump into the box and see what’s what. The first thing you will notice opening the box is both clean and gray sprues. As with all Zoukei-Mura kits, this has a full interior and to show it off, they give you the option of clear or gray parts. Six sets of sprues are duplicated in clear including the wings, fuselage, tail, engine nacelles and nose. The total of the gray sprues is eighteen plus a clear canopy. Also included in the box are the 59-page instructions, markings for two planes from Cartograf and masks for the canopy. My first recommendation with this kit is to sit and read the… more |
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U-2A Dragon LadyPublished:
The U-2 is one of those historic planes that many people have heard of whether they are fans of planes or not. From the shooting down of Francis Gary Powers to its long service of gathering intelligence, it has always interested me. AVF Club has issued their first kit of this iconic plane as the U-2A Dragon Lady. Inside the box, there are eight grey sprues with petit panel lines and no flash, easily the equivalent of top-flight manufacturers. One crystal clear sprue is provided along with a large decal sheet and a nice picture of the box art. There are three options in the box for markings:
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USS Carl VinsonPublished:
I wanted to build one of the new USN Super Carriers and since I wanted a water line model, I added Coastal Kits 1/700 water base that was reviewed previously. I broke the build into separate parts- hull, air wing, flight deck Italeri has released several versions of the US nuclear carriers in 1/720 scale and this latest rebox release represents CVN-70, the USS Carl Vinson which is notably as the carrier to dispose of Bin Laden’s body along with supporting the current war on terror. I am big fan of the carrier too as most know as my son was stationed on… more |
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Douglas F4D/F-06 Skyray & F5D SkylancerPublished:
Guideline Publications newest release is No.117, Douglas F4D/F-6 Skyray and F5D Skylancer. This is a softbound book of 58 pages and is very well illustrated with both color and black and white pictures, line drawings and many color profiles. I love this era of aircraft with lots of colorful schemes in Gull Gray and white. This book is a great reference so let’s take a look inside. The book starts with the development and teething problems of the F4D mostly due to the planned engine not being ready and the test engine being underpowered. There are several excellent pictures of the prototype which, interestingly enough, was painted over all Sea Blue. When the fuselage size was increased, and the larger engine installed, the program took off and the shape is one familiar to… more |
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Pe-2 PeshkaPublished:
As a little background, the Petlyakov Pe-2 was a Soviet light bomber used during World War II. Pe-2s were manufactured in greater numbers (11,427 built) during the war than any other twin-engined combat aircraft except for the German Junkers Ju-88 and British Vickers Wellington. Eduard continues their tradition of taking great kits and adding the “Eduard” touch with new decals, resin and… more |
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Browning .50 Caliber Shells and CartridgesPublished:
For those wanting to do dioramas and figures, there is a lot of guns involved and Master Model has come to the aid of modelers everywhere with two sets. They both represent .50 caliber machine gun rounds with an options of spent shell casings or full cartridges. Each set contains 25 pieces of magnificent metal work.
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