Dick Montgomery
Reviews By Author
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #822, June 2011Published:
Model Art Modeling Magazine is one of the finest periodicals on the market. Each issue covers subjects across the modeling spectrum. Regardless of your area of interest you will, sooner rather than later, find something of significance to you. The quality of the images within each issue is stunning, and that is important since the magazine is published in Japanese. There are always “work in progress” images and the tools and materials being used by the builder are always featured prominently in the images. It is not difficult, therefore, for the reader to use these “work in progress” articles as guides. While some details are certainly lost in translation, or the lack thereof, the general process followed in the “work in progress” is easy enough to follow. The main article in… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #820, May 2011Published:
Model Art Modeling Magazine is one of the finest periodicals on the market. Each issue covers subjects across the modeling spectrum. Regardless of your area of interest you will, sooner rather than later, find something of significance to you. The quality of the images within each issue is stunning, and that is important since the magazine is published in Japanese. There are always “work in progress” images and the tools and materials being used by the builder are always featured prominently in the images. It is not difficult, therefore, for the reader to use these “work in progress” articles as guides. While some details are certainly lost in translation, or the lack thereof, the general process followed in the “work in progress” is easy enough to follow. The main article in… more |
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Canopy Frame Mask for Zvezda La-5Published:
The “Parts”Eduard is known for supplying kits and hobby supplies of superior quality and excellent engineering and the EX330 Canopy Mask for the La-5 is no exception. The mask is a 2x2 inch square, with the mask components pre-cut to fit the canopy of the Zvezda La-5, kit # 4803. AssemblyThe instructions that accompany the mask are easy to use and clearly identify the location where each of the individual masks will be used. The masks are easy to remove from the backing sheet. Simply insert the tip of a blade under each mask piece, gently pull it up and off the backing sheet, and then attach it as per the mask instructions. Once the mask piece is in the correct location applying gentle pressure will ensure a good seal between the mask and the kit part.… more |
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Knob and Toggle Switches and Electric ConnectorsPublished:
The Detail PartsHobby Design offers the modeler a wide range of detail products, tools, masking materials and decals for a wide variety of modeling subjects. The three items discussed in this review are compatible with 1/20th, 1/24th, and 1/25thautomotive subjects. Each of these three items are contained in a small plastic baggie that is, itself, protected with a larger plastic baggie sealed with a cardboard fold-over flap. The double wrapping secures the individual pieces nicely and protects against accidental loss since both bags must be opened to remove the contents. This extra security will certainly be appreciated by the modeler and makes storage of the items much easier. The Toggle Switch baggie contains 20 pieces, as… more |
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HTV H-II Transfer VehiclePublished:
A Brief History The High Transfer Vehicle nicknamed “Kounotori” or “White Stork “was designed as an unmanned resupply module for the Japanese Experiment Module and for the International Space Station. JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) began development and design work in the early 1990’s with the first flight of “White Stork” taking place on September 10, 2009. “White Stork” can dock with the I.S.S. and unload its cargo in a shirt sleeve environment. Cargo can also be unloaded through a large opening in the fuselage of the “White Stork” using the Canada2 arm. Cargo can be mounted on a retractable payload “sled” which simplifies the extraction of the cargo, and that “sled” is represented in this excellent kit. The Model: A… more |
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Hayabusa Muses-CPublished:
A Brief HistoryFor seven years, 1 month and 4 days, Hayabusa (translated as Peregrine Falcon) traveled to and from the asteroid, 25143 Itokawa. Returning to Earth, the Hayabusa, or more precisely, that portion of the spacecraft designed for re-entry and landing on Earth, landed near Woomera, Australia. Hayabusa returned particles of the asteroid for study, resulting in a significant advance in our knowledge of asteroids and, at the same time, setting a high standard for future flights of this nature. The ModelAoshima has released several models of spacecraft recently, adding the Hayabusa to that distinguished and long list of “space” related models. It can be argued that this model provides the builder with the smallest model of a spacecraft on the… more |
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Hispano 20mm CannonPublished:
Master Model is known for producing high quality brass armament for aircraft and ship models. This new offering, AM-24-004, Hispano 20mm brass cannon for the AM-24-004, is another fine addition to this line of products. The Master Model parts replace all four of the 20mm cannons that are included in the Airfix kit. It is necessary to remove and use the breaches from the kit parts but the barrels can be discarded. Assembly is straightforward and documented on the instruction card contained in the Master Model package. One begins by removing the breach from the original Airfix cannons and by drilling a receiving hole in each breach. The depth and diameter of the receiving hole can be determined by identifying the locating pin on the brass barrel part that butts up against… more |
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Ju-88 On the Russian FrontPublished:
Illustrator and author, John Weal, has provided the third and final publication in the Ju-88 trilogy with the release of Ju-88 Kampfgeschwader on the Russian Front. Previously published are Mr. Weal’s books featuring the Ju-88 on the Western Front and on the North African/Mediterranean Front. Mr. Weal is fluent in German and that ability adds significant color and detail to the text. Little details make the reading lively and interesting an added plus to the historical documentation that one normally finds in Osprey publications. For example, Mr. Weal describes a situation in which some squadron leaders are opening their flight orders and he describes the flight orders as being enclosed in a green envelope. While it may seem to be a bit of trivia, when one reads… more |
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Moon Bus Decal SetPublished:
TSDS makes products designed for the Sci-Fi modeler and the decal set for the Moebius Moon Bus is just one example of the excellent quality for which TSDS is known. The decals are advertised as color water-slide decals and indeed they are both colorful and use the traditional dunk-and-slide application technique. The decals are printed on a single sheet, approximately 5x9. The markings are clear and crisp. Since the entire sheet consists of one large piece of carrier film it is important that each decal be removed from the carrier sheet with the “cut” lines being as close to the actual marking as possible. The decals responded very well to a short dip in water and none were damaged in the application process even though I handled some of them rather roughly. For… more |
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Moon Bus Lighting SetPublished:
JAI produces a growing number of lighting sets for the Sci-Fi modeler, and for general modeling purposes. In conjunction with a recent review of the new Moebius Moon Bus, JAI provided their “Moon Bus Lighting Kit.” Contained in the package were:
The on/off switches are “micro” switches, which means that they are very small and perform in the same manner as a typical light switch in your home, with the exception that the on/off lever “slides” back and forth rather than being toggled. The two LED lights can be used for many purposes and on the Moon Bus I decided to use my two LED’s to replace the… more |