Ed Kinney
Reviews By Author
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Air Modeller #38, October/November 2011Published:
Published bi-monthly, I am sure I am repeating myself, but this has to be one of (if not THE) the finest quality modeling magazines on the market today. 65 pages of some of the best quality workmanship I’ve seen. Also, the column “Air Born” contains all the new releases in kits, tools, decals, resin and PE aftermarket bits, etc., and in this issue, a photo essay of the Mustang in combat and a series of photos of a Dutch AH 64 operating in Afghanistan. This time the subject contents are as follows:
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SAC Landing Gear in Three ScalesPublished:
Recommendation – most high Well, it’s October and, as usual, Ross McMillan and company have not rested (at least for very long). This is only a guess, but with a model as potentially heavy as the 1/32nd He-111, I can’t help but think that metal gear could easily be a necessity. Also, the 1/48th Hasegawa kit (of which I have built 2) was a request from yours truly in that the plastic kit gear is weak. In any event, here are this month’s offerings. Make sure you visit their website for these and the ever-increasing selection of replacement gear available.
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F-100 Thunderbird DecalsPublished:
If you attended the Nationals in Omaha and had occasion to stop at the National Office Managers Table, you have probably seen these on display with a notice that they were soon available. Well, soon is now. Fellow IPMS member Ray Beyers has beautifully crafted this set of markings to fit the 1/32nd scale Trumpeter F-100D in both schemes (P32-025 for the 1965 show season and P32-026 for 1967). Each set of markings comes with 4 separate sheets and a partial containing the extremely complex flag markings, as well as the Thunderbird logo. Even a pilot’s helmet decal with the logo and scallops is included. These decals are custom-printed by Microscale Decals. I have received an email set of photos from Rick Bellanger, who had this aircraft under construction to the point that it was… more |
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Landing Gear Replacements in four scalesPublished:
Well, here it is September already, and our busy beaver fellow IPMSer Ross McMillan follows through with 6 new releases, including one for the all-new Tamiya 1/32nd P-51D Mustang.
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NATO Refueling ProbesPublished:
Master Models continues its excellent string of releases in all scales with turned aluminum refueling probes in 1/32 and 1/48 scale. The parts are perfectly made and, like many Master Model parts, simple to use. You build the refueling probe, paint as required, and the cut the tip off. Drill a hole for the part and glue it on and it leaves you with a perfect part with a realistic metal finish because it is metal. Items are:
Highly recommended to add a perfect finishing touch to any kit using a NATO refueling probe. My thanks to Master Models and IPMS/USA for the chance to review these excellent parts. |
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Replacement Landing Gear for Tamiya 1/32 P-51DPublished:
While meandering through the vendors rooms at the Omaha Nationals, I bumped into Ernie Gee while visiting with Gordon Kwan of Sprue Brothers. For those of you who don’t know, I consider Ernie to be the living GrandMaster of lost brass castings such as landing gear, boat propellers, and a multitude of other stuff. He handed these to me and asked if I might review them. Well…here is the review. EXQUISITE! There really isn’t much more to say about the absolutely beautiful work this guy does. (The last Fisher kit I reviewed, the RB-51 Red Baron Racer, had Ernie’s landing gear included, as does the F7U Cutlass I’m currently knee deep into). There can’t be enough good said about the quality of these products. If you haven’t tried any G Factor products, it’s past time. These can be ordered in… more |
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Luftwaffe Anti-Personnel WeaponsPublished:
This newly offered Special Product just goes to prove the age old adage “you can never have too much information”. This 30 page monograph clearly shows the reader everything they ever wanted to know about these weapons and I must admit, it was a most interesting read. It comes in an 8.5x11 format with a stiff cover and contains a plethora of detail information in the form of black and white line drawings and text on several of these weapons. It is well done and worth having if you have an interest in the subject. You might wish to take advantage of the member price and join IPMS/Canada when you order. Also, please check out the other Special Products on their website. Many thanks to Randy Lutz for the review sample. |
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Air Modeller #37, August/September 2011Published:
Recommendation – Most HighAnd yet another issue (Aug/Sept 2011) is here and, as it states at the top of their cover page, “Showcasing the very best in Scale Aircraft Modeling”. In my opinion, this is most likely the finest collection of some of the finest models built by some of the finest modelers…oh well, I’m sure you’re getting the picture by now. This issues’ cover sports the Academy 1/72nd French Navy F-8 Crusader by Francois Regis-Binder, and to say that it’s spectacular just doesn’t get it! In addition to the article, there are several pages of 1:1 Crusader detail photos that will be a welcome addition to your research stash. Also in this issue are the following:
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F-100 Super Sabre Units of the Vietnam WarPublished:
All new from Osprey comes number 89 in their Combat Aircraft Series, authored jointly by Peter E. Davies and well known “Hun” expert Dave Menard. As in the past, this book comes in soft cover with 96 pages, including a plethora of color photos, black and white shots and several pages that include 27 profiles in full color of a collection of F-100s. In all, very nicely presented. The text begins with “Hun” development, goes on to describe the aircraft as a warhorse, and continues with mission identification. It also covers not only the Wild Weasel Huns but also the Misty FACs as well. I found this to be a most interesting read and a welcome addition to my aviation library. Many thanks to Sara Batkie for the review sample. For more information, contact her by phone at 718-433-… more |
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F-84 Thunderjet in ActionPublished:
Let me begin by saying that this latest “In Action” series publication is (in my humble opinion) the finest to have gone to press to date. Further, I have had the pleasure of knowing Larry Davis for more than 40 years and I will not hesitate to tell him that this is his best effort yet. A full 72 pages of black and white, color photos and profiles as well as line detail drawings make this one of the most desirable I’ve seen on the subject. Artwork for the cover is by Dan Greer and line drawings are by Matheu Spragains and are exceptionally well done. The coverage in this publication extends to the “Thunderstreak” and “Thunderflash” as well as the “Thunderjet”. Sample scans have been included with this review, but it’s only a small portion of the outstanding information… more |