Saturn V Skylab Launch Vehicle

Published: October 16, 2011
Company: Airfix

The Parts

Airfix has upgraded their original Apollo Saturn V kit (1991) to a Saturn V Skylab Launch vehicle with the additional of a new sprue. This new sprue provides the parts needed to represent the Saturn V in its Skylab launch configuration. The lab, itself, is not provided in the kit beyond the basic cylinder which make up the lab components that could be seen by the viewer during the rollout and launch of the Skylab mission.

This release also provides the CSM launch shield and escape tower, as well as a LEM. These are the old, original parts and even though there are some “scale” issues with the CSM it allows one to build a decent Apollo Saturn V from the parts contained in the Skylab kit.

The fit is rather good considering that everything beneath the… more

Su-24M Fencer Antennas

Published: October 5, 2011
Company: Quickboost

The Detail Parts:

Quickboost offers a set of four antennas for the Trumpeter Su-24M in 48^th scale. The parts are “scaled” appropriately for 48^th and that, of course, means the parts are rather small and delicate. Caution must be the rule when removing the parts from the sprue and then, again, when attached to the aircraft.

Upon first glance, one will think that Quickboost has relaxed its consistently high standard of quality. The antennas appear to be covered with flash. But look again and you will see that this is not the case. Quickboost has supported the parts while on the sprue with a thin layer of material that protects the parts and provides additional “contact points” between the parts and the sprue. This extra material is… more

Ju-87B/R Prop and Tool

Published: October 5, 2011
Company: Quickboost

The Detail Parts:

We all know what a propeller is, but what is this “tool” of which we speak? Trumpeter provides a block of resin with a “bed” for the prop blade to be placed into, and a locating hole and ring for the spinner. When placed into the “bed” the prop will assume the correct angle for alignment with the spinner. Using this tool, which is also included in many of the other Quickboost prop sets, alignment of exactly the same angle and orientation will be achieved for each of the three blades. What a great idea!

Included in this package are 3 blades, a spinner, a shaft which will align the spinner and prop into the nose of the Stuka (and also into the “tool”) and the “tool” itself. The blades will need a few swipes with a sanding stick to remove a… more

Ju-87B-2 Pitot Tube

Published: October 5, 2011
Company: Quickboost

The Detail Parts:

Quickboost has a well established reputation for offering detail parts that are of excellent quality and this product maintains that reputation. There are three Pitot Tubes on a single sprue, bracketed by “goal posts” which serve to protect the Pitot Tubes.

This product is designed to be used with the Italeri Ju-87B-2 Stuka. Upon examination you will see that the Pitot Tubes can be used on other subjects but they are designed for the Italeri kit. Each Pitot Tube measures 11/16^th of an inch in length, and, to the best of my ruler’s ability, slightly less than 1/32^nd of an inch in diameter at its base. The tubes have a constant diameter for the first 15/32^nd of their length, and then the diameter reduces by… more

"Goddess of Flight" Display Stand

Published: September 27, 2011
Company: Scale Offerings

The Parts

The Goddess of Flight provides a sturdy and classy display base for models. The Goddess figure consists of seven parts, all cast in resin. Her feet are contained within a base that can simulate clouds or water, depending on what model she will be supporting. There are no “feet” per se, but a resin locating peg that slips into the cloud/water base.

This cloud/water base comes with a ¼” (approx.) nut that is embedded firmly in the resin. The nut slides upward through a finished wooden base which provides lateral support for the finished Goddess and a whole lot of “class”. The wooden base is circular, comes completely finished and is very attractive.

The arms are definitely “right” and “left” and only fit when inserted into the correct shoulder socket.… more

Space Shuttle, External Tank & Boosters

Published: September 17, 2011
Company: Revell

The Parts

You will recognize the molding as it goes back, to my knowledge, to at least 1999. On several of the pieces in the box, one can find the original copyright inscription of “Revell 1999”. It has also been released under the Monogram label as well, as is the case with this review item. This is not a problem, since the kit was a good kit in 1999 and is still a good kit in 2011. That having been said, there are some signs of age on the finished parts. On several pieces a tan-colored stain appears, and upon inspection with a fingertip, this substance appears to be oil. The location of the stains indicates that it might be a mold-release agent that simply was not cleaned up properly before packaging. It is advisable, therefore, to wash all of the pieces thoroughly prior to… more

WWII U.S.N. Ship Guard Rail Set

Published: September 7, 2011
Company: Lion Roar

The Detail Parts

Lion Roar has a reputation for offering excellent P.E. parts for ships and this new product continues that tradition of high quality. This product is labeled as, “WWII USN Ship Vessels Guard Rails” and is not specific to any one kit, but rather, is generic and applicable to most, if not almost any WWII USN subject.

The package contains two frets, both loaded with railings and stanchions. Both frets are identical in content.

There are 2 different styles of Guard Rail contained on each fret. Parts 1 and 2 are Guard Rail sets with extra support rods attached to each stanchion. Parts 3 and 4 do not have the extra support rods attached to the stanchions. Parts 1, 2, and 4 all have 3 horizontal “rails” or “cables” and Part 3 has two “rails” running… more

Space Shuttle Rocket Set

Published: August 30, 2011
Company: Fisher Model and Pattern

Fisher Model & Pattern has released a set of parts for the newly re-released Space Shuttle in 72^nd scale. Parts included are single-piece resin parts and include

• 3 Shuttle Main Engine Nozzles
• 2 Orbital Maneuvering Nozzles
• 2 Aft Control Thruster Housings

This item is so new that a set of instructions was not yet ready to be included with the review sample provided, but as the note that accompanied my sample stated, “It isn’t all that hard to figure out where they go.”

As one can see in the attached images, each of the 3 Shuttle Main Engine Nozzles is molded as a single piece. The outer surface has a great deal of detail in the form of piping and rings. The casting is extremely sharp with no flash. I found two small… more

F-16 Aggressive Eggs Decals

Published: August 10, 2011
Company: Twobobs Aviation Graphics

Two Bobs products are well known for their high standards and this decal is no different. The decal sheet is quite extensive, with Low Vis insignia, tail codes, and sundry fuselage markings. The decal sheet is accompanied by two full color camouflage guides for thirteen different "Egg-Planes". A set of the markings was used as a test sample and applied to a scrape wing which was cleaned and prepped, and then primed with a gray primer.

As is the case with all of the Two Bobs decals I've applied, the test samples went on smoothly and easily. The test samples worked well with Micro Sol, Micro Set, and Solva Set, displaying no difference in adhesion over panel lines using any of these three common setting solutions.

Thanks to Two Bobs for the review sample. This product is… more

Goods Shed

Published: July 22, 2011
Company: MiniArt

MiniArt has created a lengthy list of structures, vehicles, and “artifacts” that can be used to enhance dioramas or serve as the main components of a diorama. The Goods Shed features an interesting “front” with windows and a large cargo door, with an attached loading platform and stairs. The structure lends itself to placement near a railroad track but can also just as easily be placed near a street or road.

This particular kit also comes with some extra goodies in the box, not shown on the box top or kit plans. Several lengths of “pipe” are provided in case one wishes to depict fuel or water delivery. Window shutters are included, as are parts for street lamps, iron fencing, and detail parts for the structure such as door hinges, a brick chimney, and other odds and ends.