Doug Cole
Reviews By Author
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Highway 32: 1982 Z/28 CamaroPublished:
After decades in the Monogram “tomb of doom” Atlantis has saved some of the Route 32 kits from the crypt and reissued them for us to enjoy once again. This model of the 1982 Z/28 Camaro was initially issued in 1982 and is now available as brand-new stock. Back in the day, because these kits were relatively inexpensive and perfectly sized, many of these kits were primarily adapted to serve as slot car bodies. As fashionable as that was, they were also nicely detailed models when built with moderate detailing. If you collect a lot of models, or you’re concerned with space, 1:32 scale car models are only about 6” long but are good representations of the real thing. The kit consists of 47 pieces for the single-purpose version of the 1982 Camaro Z/28. It is molded in color and… more |
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Tom McEwen's Mongoose Rear Engine DragsterPublished:
This review covers Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen’s Rear Engine Dragster kit. It’s a 1:24 Scale kit from Atlantis Models #M7529. Rescued from the scrap heap by Atlantis and re-released in 2024 it hasn’t been seen in decades. It’s not for the average builder, but with some forehand knowledge, it’s not that hard to get this nostalgic model on your shelf. Tom “The Mongoose” McEwan was half of a tag team with partner Don "the Snake" Prudhomme that’s been called The Greatest Rivalry in Drag Racing. Known for his endless promotion, Tom ushered in a new era for motor sports when he got a sponsorship deal with Mattel’s “Hot Wheels” franchise. Aside from being NHRA winners this put the team in the hands, and minds, of nearly every boy in America. It was a stroke of marketing genius - bringing… more |
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Don Garlits’ Swamp Rat XXX DragsterPublished:
This review covers the Don (Big Daddy) Garlits’ Swamp Rat XXX Top Fuel Dragster 1:25 Scale Atlantis H7152. Saved from oblivion Atlantis has reissued this model. It’s made in the USA and soon to hit model retailers everywhere. In the drag racing world, they don’t come any bigger than “Big Daddy”. He helped make changes for safer racing and his designs live on in the modern era. He’s a legend to his fans and his numerous championships, speed records and innovations made drag racing what it is today. Originally issued in 1987, I don’t think it’s been seen in decades. This brand new re-release from Atlantis Models has 77 pieces, molded in white, chrome and clear with vinyl drag racing tires and nice-looking waterslide decals. Included is a replica figure of Don Garlits. … more |
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McLaren MP4/2CPublished:
The McLaren MP4/2C is a legendary Formula 1 racing car that debuted in the 1986 season. Designed by Gordon Murray, the MP4/2C was highly successful. The car featured an aerodynamic design and innovative technical advancements. Powered by a turbocharged TAG Porsche engine combined with the car's lightweight construction and advanced aerodynamics, it was hailed as a marvel of engineering, pushing the boundaries of Formula 1 racing. The talented McLaren team, led by the exceptional Alain Prost, enjoyed a remarkable 1986 season. Prost's stellar performance not only secured him the drivers' championship but also clinched the Constructors' Championship for McLaren. The MP4/2C's outstanding performance and reliability were pivotal factors in the team's triumphant campaign that… more |
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DHC-6 Twin Otters Decal SetPublished:
This set of decals was released by Iliad Designs in 2021 and includes the following markings for some unusual DHC-6 Twin Otters. Markings for the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and the DHC-6-300 Twin Otter in these liveries
The decals are in excellent register and show very accurate color for these unusual aircraft. Iliad Designs has always been a leader in the aftermarket decal sphere and this great set won’t disappoint. Thanks go to Iliad Designs for providing this set and to IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them. |
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More DHC-6 Twin Otters Decal SetPublished:
Iliad Designs has released a new sheet for the DHC-6 Twin Otter, which is their second. The subject aircraft has seen extensive service with various nations. There are six sets of markings. The first is a short-nosed aircraft with United Nations insignia. The second is a USAF Academy plane with period WWII markings. The third livery is of the Ethiopian Army. Next is the Panamanian Navy. The fifth is a Chilean SAR unit and the decals are of the black separation bands. Lastly, there’s a Peruvian DHC-6 float plane The decals are in excellent register and show very accurate color for these unusual aircraft. Iliad Designs has always been a leader in the aftermarket decal sphere and this great set won’t disappoint. An instruction sheet is included. showing upper and… more |
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Piper L4 Cub Grasshopper Detail (2 Sets)Published:
The ItemIf you want to bring your Piper L4 Cub Grasshopper aircraft kit to the next level, this excellent detail set is just the thing for you. This extensive PE sheet set has most of the appliqués that can be added to the kit to provide a fully detailed rendering of the Piper L4 Cub aircraft. In addition, acetate window sections and resin cockpit and wheel sets are also included PE parts generally require certain tools to bend/and manipulate the parts for a good fit. You’ll find those at online and local hobby shops. Adhesion can be done in a variety of ways including thin cements, paint, or even floor polish, depending on the part’s requirements. This set comes with instructions and the parts are correspondingly numbered on the fret tree. Resin parts require cleanup… more |
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Hawker Tempest Mk.V Vacu CanopyPublished:
The ItemIf you want to bring your Mark I Hawker Tempest Mk.V aircraft kit to the next level, this excellent canopy set is just the thing for you. This crystal clear vacu-formed canopy provides an excellent viewing piece for the cockpit area Adhesion can be done in a variety of ways including thin cements, paint, or even floor polish, depending on the part’s requirements. All-in-all this set will definitely enhance the appearance of your Mark I Piper L4 Cub Grasshopper kit. The SubjectThe Hawker Tempest Mk.V was a British fighter aircraft that was primarily used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Second World War. It was developed from the Hawker Typhoon, and intended to address the Typhoon’s unexpected deterioration in performance… more |
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Curtiss SNC-1 Falcon II Landing Gear SetPublished:
The Item If you want to bring your 1:48 scale Curtiss SNC-1 Falcon II Aircraft model kit to the next level, this excellent white metal cast detail set is just the thing for you. This 14-piece complete gear set with struts not only provides sturdy, fully detailed parts replacements, but they are specifically designed to fit the attachment points of the Dora Wings model. Remove the parts from the casting stubs so as to avoid bending them. As with other SAC sets, there are minimal casting seams on the parts that will need to be removed. Simple scraping, filing, or sanding makes for easy clean-up. After removal from the casting stubs, the parts can be carefully polished with a rotary tool brush, then primed and painted. Because of their malleable nature the… more |
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Sidewinder Show Rod by Tom DanielPublished:
I was simply elated when Atlantis Models not only rescued the tooling for the Sidewinder Custom Show Rod from the boneyard, but released it with special burnt copper brightwork and a spectacular new set of decals, designed by Tom’s son Kelly Daniel. It’s kit number M2210 and has around 40 pieces in 1/24 scale kit. Fig 1) I’ve always loved Tom Daniel kits and this one hasn’t been seen since the 90’s. It’s nearly a clone of Tom’s “Rattler” model kit released in 1975 with some notable improvements. This kit would look great right out of the box and could be built in an evening. Fig 2) Molded in color with burnt copper plated parts, soft rubber tires, clear window parts and waterslide decals. I would rate this an easy builder for the novice but as Tom Daniel once quipped, “… more |