David Horn
Reviews By Author
|
RAF C-130J HerculesPublished:
Caracal Models is one of leaders in aviation decals offered in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 and 1/144 scale with many unique subjects never offered before now. The C-130 is not a new subject to Caracal but a first in 1/144 scale. This launch subject is quite colorful and unique to say the least, which is a welcome sight. Printed by Cartograph, the sheet is printed perfectly with markings that are very fine, easy to read, and very vibrant colorful portions. Markings included for three schemes of the RAF 47 Squadron, two 100th anniversary, and a 50th anniversary markings on the C-130J C5 Hercules. There are four red/white strips that are used on the propeller tips. The instructions consist of four color pages that clearly show placement of markings for the… more |
|
KC-10 ExtenderPublished:
Caracal Models is one of the leaders in aviation decals offered in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 and 1/144 scale with many unique subjects never offered before now. The KC-10 is not a new subject, however it has been a long time since this subject has been available. With that being noted, older decals may not be reliable and the quality of printing is also in question. Printed by Cartograph, the single sheet is printed perfectly with the small markings are very fine and easy to read. Markings included from unit markings at March, Travis, Barksdale, McGuire and Seymour-Johnson. With these six different markings, there are three different color schemes with a clear guide on the time frame the color applies to. There are instructions consist of eight color sheets that clearly show placement… more |
|
C-130 E/H Engine SetPublished:
Brengun is a new company to me, but what I have seen they are producing a wide range of unique resin and photoetch accessories in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 as well as 1/144. These nacelles were previously produced by Attack Squadron (Arma Hobby) and that product line was sold to Brengun, which is a big relief to C-130 fans. This resin set comes in a sturdy cardboard box containing four complete engine nacelles, prop spinners, cowl flaps, blade antenna, and sixteen propeller blades. There is a small instruction sheet explaining the modification required to the inboard nacelle attachment point. The modification corrects the alignment of the prop blades between engines. The correct arrangement is the propeller blades are all in line with each other instead of how the kit is produced… more |
|
EA-18G "Pew Pew" Growlers DecalsPublished:
Two Bobs Aviation Graphics is one of leaders in aviation decals with an impressive variety in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. This latest release has very interesting markings used by VAQ-209 with a “Star Wars” theme on the aircraft. A black/white Darth Vader helmet, the word “VADER” on the spine and VADER 1 (white decal hard to see in picture) on a black fuel tank are on the CAG aircraft. The line jets have a gray/white Darth Vader helmet (third decal sheet) on the tail. The three sheets are printed perfectly without any print register errors. The small markings are very fine and easy to read. All the markings are included from unit markings down to the stencils and walkways. Stencils and other markings are included on a second sheet insert. There is one (front and back) color… more |
|
US Navy Pilot Seated in A/C WWIIPublished:
PJ Production is well known for its figures and this time has provided another fine example of military pilots for a specific era. Most often, pilot figures covered are US Army or international pilots. This set is specific to the US Navy which is a nice touch to their ever-expanding product line. The product contains two figures of two different styles with a small amount of flash is on the figures which is simply brushed away while detail is nice and crisp. Both complete figures (less arms), wearing helmets with the goggles up and seat belt harness on. The two have slightly different head positions and the arms only allow for right hand on stick and left hand on a throttle(s). Test fit is in the 1/72 Azur Vindicator and the figure parts appear slightly under… more |
|
US Navy Pilot Seated in A/C (50s)Published:
PJ Production is well known for its figures and this time has provided another fine example of military pilots for a specific era. Most often, jet pilot figures from the 60’s through the eighties are very common but 1950s era jet pilot figures are not very easy to find especially in 72 scale. This collection leads in filling this short span of helmet and clothing styles on pilot figures. The product contains two figures of two different styles with a small amount of flash is on the figures which is simply brushed away while detail is nice and crisp. There was a small hole of the face that will need to be filled which appears to be a casting flaw. Both complete figures (less arms) are wearing helmets with the visor up and oxygen mask on. The two have slightly different head… more |
|
EA-18G "Pew Pew" GrowlersPublished:
Two Bobs Aviation Graphics is one of leaders in aviation decals with an impressive variety in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. This latest release has very interesting markings used by VAQ-209 with a “Star Wars” theme on the aircraft. A black/white Darth Vader helmet, the word “VADER” on the spine and VADER 1 on a black fuel tank are on the CAG aircraft. The line jets have a gray/white Darth Vader helmet on the tail. The sheets are printed perfectly without any print register errors. The small markings are very fine and easy to read. All the markings are included from unit markings down to the stencils and walkways. Stencils and other markings are included for the fuel tanks and jamming pods. There is one (front and back) color instructions sheet that clearly show placement of… more |
|
North American P-51 Mustang Part 3Published:
Lifelike is one of leaders in aviation decals with a unique variety of markings, usually hard to find subjects. This set covers one subject but six variants. I did not have a clue there were this many renditions of “Big Beautiful Doll” (BBD). Three restored P-51D Mustangs sported BBD markings over the years following WWII. Tragically two of these crashed recently, with one in 2011 where the pilot bailed out successfully after colliding with an A-1 Skyraider at Duxford England. The second crash in Arizona resulted in two fatalities in 2016. The six subjects, all markings worn during WWII and flown by John D. Landers and two airframes include:
|
|
Beechcraft T-34A MentorPublished:
Aircraft and HistoryThe Beechcraft T-34A Mentor is a single engine, two place (tandem cockpit) military trainer developed in 1948. The design is based on the highly successful Model 35 Beechcraft V-tail Bonanza but uses a conventional tail and narrower fuselage seating two in a tandem arrangement. The T-34A first entered service with the US Air Force in 1953 and replaced the North American AT-6 Texan as the initial primary trainer. Two years later the Navy ordered the T-34B for the same role at the Air Force. The T-34A remained in service with the USAF for just a few years until it was replaced by the T-37 “tweet”. T-34’s that were not sent to flying clubs or foreign military sales were transferred to the USAF auxiliary Civil Air Patrol until they were retired in 2003.… more |
|
AIM-9X SidewinderPublished:
Entering service in 2003, the AIM-9X is the latest version of the “Sidewinder” family of heat seeking missiles. Some of the advancements over previous versions is 90 degrees off boresight capability that is compatible with helmet mounted displays. The missile also incorporates thrust vectoring control improving turning capability. The AIM-9X also internal cooling which removes the need for launch rail nitrogen bottles. The AIM-9X is typically air launched but can be fired from land and sea platforms. Eduard is known for a wide variety of high quality resin, photo etch and full kits. The AIM-9X is part of their “Brassin” line includes resin and appropriate decals. This product is cast in gray resin and bubble free with a small pour block that you can clearly define where the… more |