Dick Montgomery
Reviews By Author
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Kaguya (Selene) Selenological & Engineering ExplorerPublished:
A little historyThis Aoshima kit represents a spacecraft that was launched at 10:31 a.m., Sept 14, 2007, from the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehicle was an H-IIA, the subject of another Aoshima kit, (Aoshima 151-23000). The spacecraft was named “Selene” which is a representation of the descriptive phrase, “Selenological and Engineering Explorer”. Selenology is the branch of astronomy that studies the physical characteristics of the moon. Selene studied the physical characteristics of the moon up close and personal and, after its twenty-month mission, Selene executed a planned “hard landing” (a planned crash into the lunar surface) on June 10, 2009. The… more |
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Windsock Worldwide, Vol. 27, No. 6 - November/December 2011Published:
Windsock Worldwide is considered to be the “gold standard” by many historians and modelers when the subject matter is World War I aviation, and this issue will not disappoint. This issue is designated by Albatros Productions as a “Special Collector’s Edition.” That designation is well deserved. This issue was expanded to 40 pages. The flyer inserted into this issue best summarizes the contents and reads, “Apart from the World exclusive reviews of the early and late version RAF Fe-2bs and Rumpler C.IVS, there is an extended, highly-detailed, 14 page build log of the early Fe-2b by editor Ray Rimell. This heavily-illustrated stage-by-stage guide also includes contemporary diagrams from the original Parts Schedule to aid modellers seeking extra documentation. Elsewhere, the bumper… more |
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Apollo 11 Lunar Module "Eagle"Published:
The PartsFour Landing Probes (part # 5) are included in this kit but they are not to be found on the instruction sheet. One will notice a small slot on the underside of each of the landing pads. If one is going to display the LM in-flight, then the probes can be attached by using that slot. There are also two Egress Platforms, one to be used in the deployed position and I assume the other to be used for the in-flight position. The difference between the two parts is the angle between the locating pin on the undersurface of the Egress Platforms and the locating pin itself. Interestingly, if the model is to be displayed in the in-flight position, some surgery will be required on the landing gear. There are 2 parts each of numbers 17, 18, 19, and 20. These parts are, as… more |
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F/A-18B/D Hornet "Blue Angels" Limited EditionPublished:
Released in October, 2011, this Hasegawa kit is a superb model and is a “must have” for any Blue Angels aficionado, or any Hornet fan. The parts supplied in the kit allow one to build either the B or the D model of the Hornet, both in Blue Angels markings. I was at the air show at Randolph AFB in November, 2011, at which #7 replaced a non-serviceable Super Hornet, and was very pleased to see that it was #7 that Hasegawa was featuring in this fine kit. The PartsThe parts are molded in a blue color that is a very close approximation of the FS15050 of the Blue Angels. A small fret of photo etch is included, as well as cast metal landing gear. There are approximately 225 parts in this kit, some 40 of which are not used for the Blue Angels B or D model of the Super Hornet.… more |
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H.IIB.Launch.VehiclePublished:
The H.IIB Launch Vehicle by Aoshima is a great little kit. When mounted on the display base provided in the kit, the model measures just shy of 6 inches in height. The display base has a small footprint, measuring about 2 inches by 4 inches. The completed project will not consume much volume in your model display case. While the space required for display of the H-II is very small, the eye appeal of the finished model is quite large. The color scheme is dramatic, as is the shape of the vehicle and payload shroud. The H-II features four SRBs attached to the main rocket body, with a payload shroud topping off the full stack. The rocket nozzles are molded as single pieces while the SRBs, payload shroud, and main rocket body are molded in “right/left” halves. Aoshima… more |
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F-104 Pitot TubePublished:
Quickboost has released a set of 3 pitot tubes applicable to F-104s produced by any manufacturer. The pitot tubes are scaled nicely, which means that they are very small in diameter with a nice taper leading to a very delicate tip. A great feature provided by Quickboost is a molded mounting pin, about 16th inch in length, that will fit into a hole in the nose of the model receiving the pitot tube. This mounting pin provides sufficient surface area at the point of attachment to secure the tube in a snug fashion. Quick, clean, and easy to use, requiring no cleanup, this Quickboost product will add to the appearance of any F-104 on the market. The product is highly recommended. Thanks to Quickboost for providing this sample item to IPMS, and to IPMS for the opportunity to… more |
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Land-Based Wooden Wheel ChocksPublished:
Wheelliant has several offerings of wheel chocks in 32nd scale. Set # 132-013 is for use with land-based USAF and US Marine aircraft. The castings are exceptionally clean and crisp with no sink marks or imperfections. This set of chocks provides four larger chocks and a pair of smaller ones. A short length of “rope” is included, and has a texture and appearance that is very much appropriate for 32nd scale. These chocks are ready to go directly from the package and will add a touch of realism to the appearance of the subject being modeled. This product is highly recommended. Thanks to Aires for the review sample and IPMS for the opportunity to review it. |
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Tornado ADV SeatbeltsPublished:
Eduard provides a complete set of parts to enhance the appearance of the ejection seats for the Hobby Boss Tornado ADV with this product, Eduard’s Tornado ADV Seatbelts Set, # 49547. The Eduard set is colored so no painting will be necessary. A PE “bender” is not required to use the Eduard set. The Eduard parts can be easily manipulated and re-shaped with a pair of tweezers. Some of the parts are quite small, so a modicum of caution must be exercised not only to prevent the parts from becoming one with the carpet, but also to prevent any unfortunate accidental bends being introduced to the PE parts. Some minor surgery on the Hobby Boss seats is required prior to application of the Eduard PE parts. Refer to the Eduard instruction sheet and it will clearly illustrate… more |
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Tornado Gr.1 Interior (Self Adhesive)Published:
For those who wish to build a first class model of the Tornado, Eduard has some items that will make the interior of the Tornado come alive with detail and color. Eduard is offering an excellent set of photo etched parts to replace some of the molded cockpit detail found in the Hobby Boss Tornado kit, and the Eduard parts are “self-adhesive”. It is necessary to remove the molded detail on the instrument panel and side consoles of the Hobby Boss parts. While doing so goes against the grain for most modelers, rest assured that the appearance of the cockpit will be improved once the Eduard parts are installed. There are some cautions that must be observed when working with self-adhesive PE. Eduard suggests that all of the PE parts are left on the protective backing paper, cutting… more |
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Fw-189 Propeller with ToolPublished:
The Parts: Quickboost is releasing products similar to this item for an ever-widening range of aircraft, and each of these products that I’ve seen lives up to the high standards of quality for which Quickboost is known. Included in this offering are four individual prop blades, two prop hubs into which the blades are fitted, and two spinners. Of course, also included is the “tool”, which is a solid block of resin with a specially designed layout that holds the prop blades and hubs in correct alignment for assembly. Assembly: Assembly is straightforward and can be accomplished after painting. That makes life easier for the builder. One simply places a “hub” in the receiving bay within the “tool”, places a prop on the “tool”, and… more |