Dick Montgomery
Reviews By Author
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X-Planes of Europe: Secret Research Aircraft of the Golden Age 1946-1974Published:
Many Americans are familiar with the X-Planes developed in the USA. You would be hard-pressed to find an aircraft modeler who is not familiar with the X-1, X-3, X-15, and any of the other experimental aircraft developed over the years. Ask those same modelers to describe the HP.115 XP941, the XG900, or the Payen PA-49, and you might be greeted with a blank stare. In 300 pages this excellent publication makes available much information about the X-Planes of Europe for the first time. The authors, Tony Buttler and Jean-Louis Delezenne, are experts in their chosen fields. Tony Buttler was a metallurgist for 20 years before becoming a freelance aviation historian specializing in the design and development of military aircraft. X-Planes is Buttler’s 16th book and he has also written… more |
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RAF Tropical/Desert (WWII North Africa & the Med) Colour ChartPublished:
Taken from the Iliad website, the description for this line of products reads, “Each set of pages provides ACTUAL PAINT CHIPS (not just printed reproductions) for the colours and schemes described! These have been carefully researched and produced to match the original factory production colours as closely as possible. Each Aircraft Colour Chart set also provides brief chronological descriptions of the various camouflage schemes as they evolved, and also one or more pages depicting typical camouflage patterns for the schemes covered. The heavy cardstock pages are drilled for insertion into either a 3-ring or an ISO binder, and the assembled collection will provide you with a superb colour reference.” Currently, Iliad offers 15 Colour Charts.… more |
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Luftwaffe Early & Mid-War Fighters Colour ChartPublished:
Taken from the Iliad website, the description for this line of products reads, “Each set of pages provides ACTUAL PAINT CHIPS (not just printed reproductions) for the colours and schemes described! These have been carefully researched and produced to match the original factory production colours as closely as possible. Each Aircraft Colour Chart set also provides brief chronological descriptions of the various camouflage schemes as they evolved, and also one or more pages depicting typical camouflage patterns for the schemes covered. The heavy cardstock pages are drilled for insertion into either a 3-ring or an ISO binder, and the assembled collection will provide you with a superb colour reference.” Currently, Iliad offers 15 Colour Charts.… more |
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Japanese Navy Aircraft Colour ChartPublished:
Taken from the Iliad website, the description for this line of products reads, “Each set of pages provides ACTUAL PAINT CHIPS (not just printed reproductions) for the colours and schemes described! These have been carefully researched and produced to match the original factory production colours as closely as possible. Each Aircraft Colour Chart set also provides brief chronological descriptions of the various camouflage schemes as they evolved, and also one or more pages depicting typical camouflage patterns for the schemes covered. The heavy cardstock pages are drilled for insertion into either a 3-ring or an ISO binder, and the assembled collection will provide you with a superb colour reference.” Currently, Iliad offers 15 Colour Charts.… more |
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Landing Gear for 747-800 by ZvezdaPublished:
The Parts: Included in this product are 22 white metal replacement parts for the Zvezda 1/144th scale 747-800. The Zvezda product number for the 747-800 kit is 7010. These white metal parts replace all but one of the Zvezda gear parts contained in the kit. The only Zvezda gear part not replaced by the replacement parts is E58, a part that attaches to the nose gear strut. Of course, the tires and wheels, themselves are not included as kit parts that are replaced and the builder will use those supplied in the kit. As usual, the SAC replacement parts can be substituted for the kit parts without interference with the order of construction called for in the kit instructions. Conclusion: This Scale Aircraft Conversions… more |
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Scale Aircraft Modelling, Vol. 34, Issue 6Published:
SAM, or more precisely Scale Aircraft Modelling, is an excellent monthly publication focusing on modeling scale aircraft. No surprise there. And if you are a long-time fan of SAM, then it is also no surprise that I state that SAM is one of the best modeling magazines focused on aircraft that money can buy. Averaging just under 100 pages, SAM is filled with “build” articles featuring some of the newer kits on the market, as well as projects based on old favorites. In the August issue (Vol 34, Issue 06), a number of featured articles span subject matter from World War I to modern jets, both military and civil. James Ashton’s article features the Special Hobby Ba.65 Two Seater. James uses oils to produce some excellent weathering techniques. The color images reveal… more |
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Garden FurniturePublished:
Plusmodel is a Czech based producer of some very interesting kits, accessories, diorama “equipment,” and other assorted after-market goodies. A quick check of the Plusmodel website will show the depth and range of this company. There is an English language option for those who prefer the Queen’s English. Garden Furniture is a balsa kit consisting of about 30 pieces, which builds into a very nice picnic table and two bench seats. The parts are contained in a single sheet of balsa which has been scored in a manner that allows the builder to remove them from the sheet and also punch out the various holes in the legs for the benches and table legs. The parts appear far more delicate than they actually are but some care must be maintained so that the parts are not broken. I… more |
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German Aircraft Seatbelt SetPublished:
Fine Molds has released several sets, in varied scales, for WWII German and I.J.N. aircraft. This review features the 1/48th scale set for German WWII aircraft. The seatbelts are generic, not specific to any one particular aircraft. Upon opening the box and checking the contents, one finds four sets of shoulder harness/seat belt sets. The parts are molded in plastic. All of the traditional techniques for working with small plastic pieces come into play. The parts have very small components, so it is recommended that the parts are removed from the carrier sprue very carefully. The belts can be shaped over the contours of the kit seat, gently of course, by simply applying a very small amount of pressure. Attaching the parts is simple. Just use the same adhesive that you… more |
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Apollo 11 Command/Service ModulePublished:
Dragon has provided an excellent rendition of the famous Apollo 11 Command/Service Module (CSM) in 1/48th scale. This kit can be viewed as a companion kit to Dragon’s #11008 LEM kit. Together, they make an awesome pair! Dragon advertises that this kit is a “Delicate Apollo 11 CSM w/display stand.” While the appearance of the model gives one the impression that it is, indeed, “delicate,” in truth the model is rather robust. The manner in which the parts fit together lends considerable strength to the model and one need not be concerned for any “delicacy” issues during assembly. Dragon takes justifiable pride in the appearance of the VHF antenna array. The antenna components are actually photo-etched and have been manufactured with a concave appearance. If there is any… more |
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USMC Aviators - Marine Corps Airmen in the Pacific 1941-1945Published:
USMC Aviators is the 3rd book written by Gregory Pons, and was released on May 22, 2012. The previous two books were 8th Air Force, American Heavy Bomber Groups in England, 1942-1945 and 9th Air Force, American Tactical Aviation, 1942-1945. This hardback book of 191 pages contains both color and black & white images. Originally written in French, the English language version of the book was translated by the author and David A. Reid. All of the images and documents contained in the book come from reliable sources, including the author’s collection, photo albums of veterans, and U.S. Government archives. Not many history books employ the unique and highly enjoyable approach that one finds in USMC Aviators, Marine Corps Airmen in the Pacific… more |