JGSDF Komatsu LAV Detail Set

Published: September 26, 2017
Company: Hauler

Hauler has chosen to support a very fine kit with this release of a photo-etch & resin parts for the 1/48 Tamiya LAV. Please note, Tamiya also makes this LAV in 1/35 scale. Like the 1/48 HUMVEE kit Tamiya also produces, this kit can benefit from a bit of bling to really make the finished model pop! This set from Hauler includes a large photo-etch fret, one small photo-etch fret and two… more

P-40 E–N Details

Published: September 11, 2017
Company: Master Model

Yet again Master Model has hit a home run with this with this very affordable upgrade to your existing 1/32 P-40 E through N aircraft kits. Master Model has released a detail set that addresses the Browning 50 caliber blast tubes, iron gun sights, and the pitot tubes. Included in the set are six beautiful brass blast tubes, a photo etch sight ring (and spare), one iron sight post and a brass… more

Mitsubishi A6M5c/A6M7 Zero Fighter Type 52 Hei/Type 62 'FUYO Unit'

Published: August 27, 2017
Company: Hasegawa

The Mitsubishi A6M7 Type 0, according to Wikipedia, is based on the A6M6, which in turn is based on the A6M5c. The bottom line for this variant of the venerable Zero is that it was designed for a role as a fighter bomber. It was fitted with 3 - 13.2mm Machine guns (1 in the fuselage and 2 wing mounted) as well as 2 wing mounted 20mm canons. Additionally, it has hard points to carry various… more

Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 Flying Boat Model 12

Published: June 4, 2017
Company: Hasegawa

This H8K Emily was certainly an eye opener for me as it to date is the largest model kit I’ve built and in 1/72 scale that is simply amazing. In scale, the wingspan of the Emily is 0.53 meters (20.75 inches). To give you an idea of its true size, the Emily is just a couple of meters smaller in wingspan than a C-130 Hercules. The first boxing of the H8K by Hasegawa in 1/72 dates back to 1967… more

IJA Type 4 Light Tank “Ke-Nu”

Published: February 3, 2020
Company: Dragon Models

The IJA Type 4 “Ke-Nu” was designed and built during 1944 utilizing two existing IJA tank components. The designers mated surplus Type 97 Chi-Ha turrets left over from the Type 97 modernization program with obsolete Type 95 Ha-go tank chassis. In total 100 tanks were produced with this recipe. According to the Dragon Models website, this kit utilizes a brand new Type 97 Chi-Ha turret &… more

244th Sentai Part 2 Decals

Published: February 18, 2017
Company: Lifelike Decals

The 244^th Sentai (Fighter Group / Fighter Regiment) was formed in 1941 and charged with the defense of Tokyo. As apparent from the options included in this decal set, the unit started flying Nates and later turned in their Ki-27s for Ki-61s & Ki-100s.

There are a handful of Ki-61 Hien kits on the market in 1/48 scale with the most prominent player being Hasegawa. Along… more

A6M5 Zero Landing Gear (Has)

Published: January 31, 2017
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

Upfront, I want to thank Scale Aircraft Conversions for providing outstanding aftermarket bits for our beloved model kits, and to the IPMS USA a big thank you for allowing me to review the Scale Aircraft Conversions metal gear.

Since my early days as a lad building and enjoying model aircraft, the A6M Zero has been on my short list of favorite propeller drive fighter aircraft. Recently… more

Gloster Gladiator Resin Replacement Stabilizer and Elevator

Published: January 2, 2017
Company: Aires Hobby Models

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Gladiator, as in my opinion it is one of the best looking biplane aircraft ever designed. The Gladiator prototype first flew in 1934 and entered service in 1937, just a year and a half ahead of the Hawker Hurricane. The Gladiator was utilized by 18 nation’s air forces during the war, and its last recorded combat operation being flown by the Finns in February… more

DH-82a Tiger Moth Photoetch Details

Published: December 11, 2016
Company: Brengun

Over the past few years Airfix has been turning out some stunning kits and thankfully the detail community has been stepping up to the plate to provide details for those new kits. No exception is the Czech company Brengun who has released a nifty detail set for the new tool Airfix DH.82a Tiger Moth series of kits.

Brengun provides a single photoetch sheet with instructions that incudes… more

Mitsubishi Ki-67 Heavy Bomber Hiryu "14th FR"

Published: November 27, 2016
Company: Hasegawa

The Ki-67 was a very robust aircraft, able to withstand heavy battle damage and employed good defensive armament. Its high maneuverability allowed it to carry out dive bombing attacks and escape from a low level. Japanese troops nicknamed it the "Flying Dragon," while the Allies gave it the code-name "Peggy." This limited edition kit features resin upper panel and drop tank parts, side panel… more