David Horn
Reviews By Author
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F-16C Alaskan Splinters Part IIPublished:
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 covers a highly desired subject of Alaskan aggressor aircraft. This Alaskan part II increases the variety of markings including the current colors which two are single color with one all black and the other all gray which was used for ferry flights to Eielson. The sheets are printed perfectly with the small markings are very fine and easy to read. All the markings are included from unit markings down to the stencils and walkways. There are three full (front and back) color instructions sheets that clearly show placement of markings for the six subjects. The instructions indicate the correct FS paint colors for each aircraft and easy to… more |
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Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6 cockpitPublished:
This set comes in an extremely large box considering the size of the completed conversion but it takes a lot of room to hold what is in the set. There are four clear bags worth three containing resin and one containing photo-etch, instrument decals and clear sheet for instruments. The photo etch has a standard brass sheet and a second sheet that is full color photo etch. Next in the box is a lengthy full color instruction sheet containing twelve pages that clearly describe what kit parts to modify and where the update set parts go. The first step is to trim all the resin and clean the parts in simple green or something to remove any contaminants. Take your time trimming since some areas are thin and you may break through a part like I did on the seat pan. The instructions are… more |
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Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 Landing GearPublished:
Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) manufactures white metal landing gear that is a direct replacement for the kits plastic landing gear. The metal landing gear offer greater strength over the kit parts as well as having most of the mold lines removed. At times the metal will be bent out of shape but that is easily corrected by bending it back to the correct shape. This set includes six parts, the main gear struts, two retract arms, one tailwheel trailing link and strut. All the main gear and tailwheel items are exact copies of the kit parts with most of the mold lined cleaned up. The tailwheel kit part has excessive molding flash and that is cleaned up on the SAC version. SAC gear does require some clean up for the rare cases there are still seam lines. You many also sand… more |
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Messerschmitt Bf109G-6 Landing GearPublished:
Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) manufactures white metal landing gear that is a direct replacement for the kits plastic landing gear. The metal landing gear offer greater strength over the kit parts as well as having most of the mold lines removed. At times the metal will be bent out of shape but that is easily corrected by bending it back to the correct shape. This set includes four parts, the main gear struts and two options for the tail wheel. The main gear are exact copies of the kit parts with most of the mold lined cleaned up. The tail wheel offers both tail wheel versions offered by Tamiya where one has a canvas covering over the oleo strut and the other showing the strut exposed. Tamiya’s instructions indicate which subject uses which tail wheel option. SAC… more |
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Tornado Exhaust NozzlesPublished:
This update set is typical Aires, coming in a sturdy plastic package with foam backing and instructions tucked in between the cardboard back and plastic. First impression is how crisp the detail is on the internal afterburner nozzles and after burner cans. Mold release is non-existent however I still recommend washing the resin before use. Compared to the Revell kit parts, the Aires set has a finer detailed afterburner fuel manifold & flame stabilizer at an astonishing degree of detail. One word or warning as you will see in the pictures, be very careful when removing the excess material. I used a belt sander and trimmed to what appears correct in the instructions and it gets very thin. Portions of the burner ring backing vanish just leaving the fine webs of the fuel… more |
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AN/ALQ-184 (short) ECM podPublished:
The AN/ALQ-184 is an electronic countermeasure pod carried by a variety of military aircraft and commonly seen on the F-16 and A-10. The ECM pods function is to jam and deceive the enemy radar. Eduard is known for a wide variety of high quality resin, photo etch and full kits. The AN/ALQ-184 Is part of their “Brassin” line which is a multi-media product that includes resin, photo etch 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 part is and what resin needs to be cut away. There are two photoetch frets, however only one is needed. Detail is basic, but they do not require much detail. The decals are nice, however some of the sections are joined with lengthy clear carrier film.… more |
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De Havilland Mosquito B Mk.IX/Mk.XVIPublished:
Aircraft and HistoryThe De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito, commonly called “Mossie” or “Wooden Wonder” was a fast, twin engine multi-role aircraft developed and operated during WWII. The Mosquito could operate as a bomber or be fitted with guns (in the nose or in bomb bay) and operate as an effective fighter. Speed was one of the Mosquitos best defensive assets where this aircraft was faster than most piston powered fighters Germany operated. The Mosquito was very capable at high altitude, low altitude, daytime and night operations. Construction of the Mosquito consisted mostly of wood which was beneficial since “strategic material” (metal) was in high demand during WWII and small “cottage industries” were capable of building parts for the Mosquito and reducing the… more |
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M230 Chain Gun Barrel (30mm) AH-64 ApachePublished:
Packaged in a thin heat sealed pouches and one portion in a reinforced section with parts adhered to low tack tape. There are eight unique machined parts and a small photo etch (PE) fret. The duplicate photo etch parts may come in handy in case you mess up bending parts or you lose them. The PE is extremely thin, maybe twice the thickness of aluminum foil so take care. You will need to pick the parts up with tweezers and I was lucky the small parts did not fly across the hobby room. Compared to the Academy parts, the Master Details (MB) parts are very fine and detail is the finest I have ever seen, and directions are very clear and easy to follow. Assembly started with the main gun barrel and one PE part. Next you will want to bend up the other PE part. Install the vented… more |
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EA-18G Growler "USS Ronald Reagan CVW-5 CAG" Limited editionPublished:
Aircraft and HistoryThe EA-18G is one of the latest approach to airborne electronic warfare. It’s roots go back to WWII when the radar made it’s first appearance and something as simple as aluminum foil was dropped by aircraft with the intent of fooling enemy radar. Technology made rapid advancements as did radar systems. Various airframes were used over the years to employ “jamming” technology with much success but there were also some limitations. Some of the airframes were effective but had a large crew required to operate and others were stable platforms but if put in a defensive position were sitting ducks. A couple of airframes (EF-111 and EA-6B ) had a great mix of capabilities with a solid jamming platform, defensive and evasive capabilities. Age and other… more |
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Ladder for F-15 EaglePublished:
Plus Model, maker of fine detailed aftermarket products, just produced a ladder for the McDonnel Douglas F-15 Eagle. What is unique about this item is that it is injection molded instead of resin or photo etch that other companies make. Although this does require some assembly, being able to make fine adjustments to better fit the various kits is a real bonus. The kit comes in a sturdy box and the sprue is in a suitable plastic bag. The instructions are printed on the back of the box and are basic but sufficient to assist your build. The 8 parts have minimal flash which cleans up easily. Assembly was simple but when I test fit the ladder just after assembly. Remember to always check your references and test fit on your kit. After a coat of primer, I painted the… more |