Ed Kinney
Reviews By Author
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RB-51 'Red Baron' Reno Racer - Part 1Published:
It is my distinct pleasure to present to you Paul Fisher’s latest full resin kit effort, the RB-51 “Red Baron”. I guess what surprises me most, having had the opportunity to build and review each of his magnificent 1/32nd scale aircraft kits, is his innate ability to continue to raise the bar on himself each time. This one is no exception, Paul having produced quality models for 32 years now. His kits come to you in a very sturdy cardboard box, very carefully hand packed and wrapped in several layers of tissue by Paul’s lovely wife Suzy. I mean c’mon! What more could you ask for? No kidding, you really don’t see very many like this in today’s market. After the tissue is removed and the exquisitely cast resin pieces are exposed, it is top quality as far as the eye can see.… more |
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Killer RaysPublished:
This 8.5 x 11 hardbound publication contains 240 pages and more than 500 photographs, both color and black and white completely one of the most extensive compilations of information on both the F-4D Skyray and F-5D Skylancer. It is well written, very complete and successfully gets the history across to the reader about the Navy’s first delta wing fighter. The text takes you through design and development programs, the intense rivalry between the Air Force F-102 and the Skyray and the engine changeover to the Pratt-Whitney J-57 that became absolutely necessary to the survival of the Skyray. Also included are short articles on both the F-102 and F-106 for comparison purposes. The aircraft held for a time not only the aircraft low altitude speed record, but “time to climb” records… more |
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Lockheed – Vega PV-1, Ventura PV-2 HarpoonPublished:
Soft cover, 192 pages of black and white detail drawings and photographs covering both of these aircraft and their varying roles in Naval as well as civil service. This book starts by covering the aircraft’s beginnings with the predecessor Lockheed (Electra) 10s, (Electra Junior) 12s and (Super Electra) 14s, and segues on to its wartime role as a patrol bomber used not only in England, but in the U.S. Navy as well. As with most Ginter books, the research touches on all serial numbers manufactured, and traces them to their assignments. This was a particular interesting read for yours truly, in that I hold a type rating in this venerable old bird. In the closing pages of this book, I was able to trace, by registration number, the two birds I had the pleasure to fly. I was… more |
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Weighted Wheels and TiresPublished:
These represent a fairly new product from Aires, long time producer of quality resin aftermarket aircraft accessories and they are absolutely GORGEOUS !!! As image shows, all tires and hubs are cast flawlessly as separate pieces which makes making painting a breeze. The tires have raised “Goodyear” and tire info in raised letters that take a light dry brushing extremely well. Images show the difference between kit and resin parts. There is also included a length of copper wire to be used as a brake line. I truly believe that these will sell very well when the work spreads as to the quality found here. See the “Wheeliant” line on Aires website at https://www.aires.cz/en/. Many thanks to Aires for the review sample. Please note that… more |
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A6M2 ExhaustsPublished:
Beautifully cast as “plug in” replacements for the kit parts these parts are ready to use. Designed for the Tamiya A6M-2 Zero. Many thanks to Quickboost/Aires for the review samples. Visit them on their website at www.quickboost.net for this and many other fine products. This item is highly recommended. |
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F-4 Phantom II Intake CoversPublished:
Recently released by Quickboost, Intake covers in 1/32nd scale for the Tamiya kit are now available. Beautifully cast, just cut off the moldings, paint red and apply the supplied “remove before flight decals”. This product is recommended. Thanks to Quickboost for the review item. |
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Loon Models No Cut Conversions - Scale Engine and CowlingsPublished:
This is a fairly new company coming to us from a familiar name, Roll Models, offering a very nice set of complete “twin row” engines and cowlings for the almost antique (although still a nice kit) Revell/Monogram B-26 Marauder. The set is nicely cast in cream colored resin, with a very slight amount of flash, easily removed by 1 or 2 passes with the sanding stick. In the box you'll find the following:
They are direct replacements with no cutting required, hence the “no cut” conversion. Hopefully this will be the start of many more welcome additions to their product line. Visit the website… more |
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E-2C Hawkeye Markings for VAW-117 and VAW-120Published:
On the heels of their earlier releases, Bingo Decals has released an all new sheet that includes selected markings from VAW-120 “Greyhawks” and VAW 117 "Wallbangers". Printed by Micro Scale, these are of the same excellent quality as those previously reviewed on this site. This particular sheet contains markings for 5 aircraft and 2 of them are the “salad shooter” style prop blades. They come nicely packaged in a large see through envelope and are exceptionally well done. I couldn’t help but notice that the pricing of the sheets with respect to the size and complexity vary. Still, in all, they are well worth the price of admission. Most highly recommended. Many thanks to Steve Ognibene of Bingo Decals for the review samples. |
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Aircraft Modelling - Osprey Modelling Master ClassPublished:
This most recent release in the Osprey "Master Class" series (designed to give the modeler the “biggest bang for the buck”) is printed with a hard cover and a spiral binder holding 192 pages loaded with easy to follow text and color shots of “how to” sequences. It also gives us beautifully completed models by Brett Green, world renowned master modeler, as well as highly talented folks such as Roy Sutherland, Mick Evans and others. It is designed to be a “workbench” book that will stay open (thanks to the spiral binding) when put down. Although this book is described as a “guide for the serious modeler”, it goes well beyond that, and should appeal to the “curious” among you that wonder (as I have so many times) “now how the hell did he do that !?” If you fall into that category, you… more |
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Lockheed – Vega - PV-1 Ventura PV-2 HarpoonPublished:
Soft cover, 192 pages of black and white detail drawings and photographs covering both of these aircraft and their varying roles in Naval as well as civil service. This book starts by covering the aircraft’s beginnings with the predecessor Lockheed (Electra) 10s, (Electra Junior) 12s and (Super Electra) 14s, and segues on to its wartime role as a patrol bomber used not only in England, but in the U.S. Navy as well. As with most Ginter books, the research touches on all serial numbers manufactured, and traces them to their assignments. This was a particular interesting read for yours truly, in that I hold a type rating in this venerable old bird. In the closing pages of this book, I was able to trace by registration number the two birds I had the pleasure to fly. I was… more |