JMSDF Harushio Class Submarine

Published: December 27, 2023
Company: Hobby Boss

Upfront, I want to upfront thank Hobby Boss for producing this kit and MRC for providing it for a review sample. Likewise, I would like to extend to the IPMS/USA a big thank you for allowing me to review the Hobby Boss JMSDF Harushio class submarine.

Background

JS Harushio was laid down at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard on 21 April, 1987 as the 1986 plan 2400-ton… more

SBD Dauntless Resin Replacement Wheels

Published: July 5, 2022
Company: Brengun

Upfront, I want to thank Brengun for providing outstanding aftermarket bits for our beloved model kits, and to IPMS USA a big thank you for allowing me to review the Brengun resin replacement wheels. Today’s review represents resin replacement for any 1/72 SBD dauntless kits. This set includes two (2) pair of resin weighted wheels each pair having a different pattern along with one pair of… more

TBF/TBM Avenger Landing Gear (Hasegawa)

Published: July 5, 2022
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

Upfront, I want to thank Scale Aircraft Conversions for providing outstanding aftermarket bits for our beloved model kits, and to IPMS USA a big thank you for allowing me to review the Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) metal gear. Today’s review represents a direct drop-in replacement for the 1/72 Hasegawa Avenger TDM/TDF line of kits. This set includes five (5) parts to include: both main gear… more

RF-4E Phantom II, JASDF 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

Published: September 10, 2021
Company: Platz

It had to end eventually. After nearly a 40-year run in the Japanese Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF) venerable Phantoms were finally retired in 2020. Several model companies re-released their RF-4 / F-4 kits to commemorate the myriad of markings worn by these Phinal Phantoms at the end of their JASDF careers. Platz was no exception and one such release included the RF-4E Recce Phantom with… more

DG-1000S Glider AKVY

Published: March 1, 2021
Company: Brengun

As a glider pilot, I couldn’t pass up a review of this kit from Brengun. The DG-1000S is a two-seater built by DG Flugzeugbau and can be configured for either an 18-meter or 20-meter wingspan. (The Brengun kit represents the 18m wing setup.) DG no longer produces the 1000 but now builds an improved version, the DG1001. For those of you who are adventurous with making painting masks or homemade… more

Fieseler Fi 103 / V-1 'Hi-Tech'

Published: November 19, 2019
Company: Special Hobby

Based off of the 2018 tooling of the Fi-103, Special Hobby has recently released another kit with some welcome extras to allow the builder to display the V-1 on its handling dolly. This configuration would make for a really cool little vignette or diorama if the builder so desired. Rest assured, the kit can also be built in the flight configuration as well. J

Special Hobby has added 12… more

Japanese Refueling Cart

Published: August 25, 2019
Company: Brengun

I was intrigued by this model offered by Brengun that would be a great piece to add with your Japanese ground-based aircraft display base. My hopes are that I will eventually have an opportunity to try the 1/48 scale version of this accessory.

Typical with Brengun’s other releases, they provide the end user with some extremely nicely cast parts molded in a darkish grey resin. If there… more

Japanese Airfield Fire Extinguisher

Published: August 23, 2019
Company: Brengun

I have to say I was intrigued by this model offered by Brengun that would a great piece to add with your Japanese ground-based aircraft display base. My hopes are that I will eventually have an opportunity to try the 1/48 scale version of this accessory. J

Typical with Brengun’s other releases they provide the end user with some extremely nicely cast parts molded in a darkish grey… more

DH 100 Vampire FB Mk.52 Over Northern Sky

Published: May 18, 2019
Company: Special Hobby

The De Havilland (English Electric) Vampire was conceived in 1941 and first took to the sky in 1943. According to Wikipedia it was used by over 30 nations and was last flown operationally by Rhodesia in 1979. Given the longevity of the Vampire, and its interesting twin boom look I took on the challenge of this build and review.

This release of the Special Hobby Vampire (Formally CMK… more

B-25 Wheels

Published: January 14, 2022
Company: Reskit

Before starting this review, I was un-aware of RES KIT and now that I am aware, I will certainly keep an eye open for some of their other accessories. They supply modelers with resin ordnance, weapons, wheels, engines, intakes as well as figures. Check them out!

Currently on my workbench is an Airfix B-25C/D and I thought I might give the wheels from RES KIT a try on the model when it… more