Fokker D.VII Decals Part 2

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Lifelike Decals

The latest release from Wingnut Wings is the family of Fokker D.VIIs. These late-war beauties are beautifully adorned with artwork and colors. So Lifelike has decided to offer some unique decal options for the modeler.

Lifelike’s website is always updated with things that may have changed since decals have been released. It is nice that they offer updated decals when the markings are found to be different than those included in the original release. Does this mean that Lifelike Decals is wrong? No, not at all. Lifelike is not afraid to make educated guesses based on the latest information. When new information becomes available, they let you know what has changed. This is unlike any other decal supplier in the world. That is just the level of professionalism that Lifelike… more

Fokker D.VII Decals Part 1

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Lifelike Decals

Wingnut Wings has singlehandedly sparked a resurgence in WWI large scale kits. Their quality and engineering have set a standard by which all other model kits, regardless of scale or era, are judged. Sometimes the biggest problem is what markings to apply – or is it how many kits to buy? Well, Lifelike can help you with one of those problems and hinder the other.

Lifelike has consistently produced first-rate decals for a variety of aircraft. This time they have turned their attention to the latest from Wingnut Wings, the Fokker D.VII. WNW has produced no less than four different versions of the greatest WWI fighter plane, those produced by Fokker, OAW, Albatross, and the Fokker F. Well, you will need some marking help.

The instructions are printed on two single-sided A4… more

F-100C Super Sabre Early Cockpit Set

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Aires Hobby Models

The Trumpeter F-100C is a nice kit, but the cockpit could definitely use some improvement. The ejection seat is basic at best.

Aires has a multimedia answer for the kit. Fourteen resin pieces are molded in light grey resin with no blemishes or bubbles anywhere. The resin pieces are impressive with the amount of detail included on them. The control stick is particularly nice. An ejection seat is included, which will include PE belts and buckles upon completion.

Speaking of PE, there is a fret of nickel photo etch. The fret includes canopy rails, as well as the belts and buckles. A film of the instrument panel dials and HUD is also included.

The instructions are printed on typical A4-sized light blue paper. The instructions are easy to understand. Since the… more

F-16 Pitot Tube & AOA Probes

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Master Model

Master Model has released a nice detail set for the beautiful F-16. This pitot tube can be used on the 1/32nd scale Tamiya, Hasegawa, or Academy kits. Included in the ziplock bag is a separate bag that holds three pieces: a turned metal pitot tube and two Angle of Attack probes for the sides of the nose cone. Each item is easily attached by drilling a small hole and inserting the metal part.

The reason for using these parts is the susceptibility of the kit’s pitot tube to be broken off during handling. A more reasonable reason to use them is the scale thickness, as well as their strength. There are also no mold lines to clean up so they look much more realistic than plastic pieces.

Master Model continues to produce some of the world’s finest turned metal items. This set… more

F-4 Phantom II Aircrew

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Plusmodel

Plusmodel’s Aero Line continues to release excellent figures for the 1/48th scale modeler, and this one is no different. Their latest is not one, but two figures, packaged together in a sturdy plastic sleeve mounted on cardstock. The instructions are in two parts – the front shows the two figures in a small size with all the packaging information, while the back shows the same photo, only much larger and more useful for the modeler.

Inside the plastic holder you get two figures molded in light grey plastic. Each figure is molded as a single piece with minimal flash and no imperfections. The flash is easy to remove, as is the mold pour block. These two figures are perfect for either the first-time figure modeler or the experienced one. Each figure is unique in its pose and both… more

Hamilton Standard 11’7” dia. 3-Blade (6353A-18) Prop and Spinner

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Ultracast

Props and hubs have become a staple from Ultracast. Their latest one is designed for the B-17, B-24, C-47, or DC-3. Molded in light cream resin, my examples were perfectly rendered. These props are the narrower chord design used by these aircraft. If you want the wider chord prop, you’ll need set #48241. You get two hubs that are perfectly formed with the appropriate hub detail. The props are also perfectly formed and there are six blades. The parts have minimal resin blocks to remove, easily accomplished by even the novice.

One thing is, if you are going to use this on the B-17 or B-24, you will need two sets.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Ultracast for the review copy and IPMS/USA for the review space.

Hamilton Standard 11’7” dia. 3-Blade (6477A-0) Prop and Spinner

Published: April 22, 2013
Company: Ultracast

Molded in light cream-colored, blemish free resin, this set contains two prop hubs with exquisite molded-on detail. There are also six propeller blades, which are straight. These are slightly wider in chord and appear to be a paddle blade. These blades are used on the B-17F/G, B-24, C-47, and DC-3. If you are building a B-17 or B-24, you will need two sets. Clean-up is easy. The blades only need a quick swipe with a sanding stick to be ready to use. The hubs only need a quick cut with a knife blade to be ready to use.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Ultracast for the review copy and IPMS/USA for the review opportunity.

Messerschmitt Bf-109F-4

Published: March 25, 2013
Company: Zvezda

The arrival of the Zvezda Bf-109F-4 has been highly anticipated by this modeler. Having built the Bf-109F-2, I was excited about the possibilities. Packaged in an extremely sturdy cardboard locking-lid box, the kit features a beautiful painting of a JG54 aircraft in combat. This is just an exciting beginning to the model.

Inside the cardboard box, you are treated to three large light grey sprues, two smaller light grey ones, and a sprue of clear parts. There are over 200 parts and they are beautifully rendered, although my lower wings were slightly warped. This would be no big deal, as the upper wings would take care of the warp. The detail is gorgeous and perfectly rendered with no flash anywhere. You get parts for the F-4 and F-4/Trop. A relatively complete engine is included… more

MiG-21U, US, UM Pitot Tube

Published: February 20, 2013
Company: Master Model

The two-seat MiG-21U, US, and UM family each has a uniquely shaped pitot tube with guide vanes. Master Model represents this pitot tube quite accurately.

This set comes with two turned metal barrels and a fret of six vanes. You only need four vanes. The metal barrels are designed to be slipped into each other. The absolute crazy thing is the small mounting holes for the vanes that are drilled in the outer metal barrel.

The instructions recommend that you add the outer portion with the vanes after the model is completed to avoid damage. Sounds like good advice. The vanes are very small. Foresight is appreciated – Master Model includes two extra vanes just in case the carpet monster needs to be fed.

Master Model produces the best pitot tubes in the industry. Between… more

MiG-21PF, PFM Pitot Tube

Published: February 20, 2013
Company: Master Model

The MiG-21PF and PFM are represented in model form by the Academy kit. This pitot tube is quite simple compared to some of the others in the MiG-21 family.

The set is simple in that it has a single turned metal barrel. The pitot tube is scale thickness, but the thing I like the best is additional strength of the brass tube. The instructions are quite basic and show the proper angle of the pitot tube in relation to the fuselage. A simple .6mm hole in the kit will prep the model for the turned metal pitot tube. Then, it is just as simple as inserting the pitot tube. Painting instructions are included.

This pitot tube is typical quality from Master Model. Its strength and scale thickness make this a required addition to your MiG. Just be careful you don’t poke yourself with… more