Tu-2T

Published: December 9, 2022
Company: ICM

The Tupolev Tu-2, along with the Petlyakov Pe-2, are arguably two of the most eye-pleasing twin-engine attack aircraft of World War II. In 1/72 scale, the Airfix Pe-2 has been available to modelers since the 60’s. An injection-molded Tu-2 kit in this scale was finally boxed by ICM in the late 90’s.

The “T” is the torpedo-toting version of the venerable attacker, and the sprues containing the torpedoes, pylons and support struts are clean and crisp – comparable I suspect to recent ICM releases. However, the remaining sprues have to be first-mold, and are heavily draped in flash. The plastic is also very soft – similar to new Airfix kits – and the sprues gates are thick and ill-placed, like a Trumpeter kit. My review deadline for this build came and went partially because I spent… more

How To Paint WWII US Navy Late Aircraft – Solution Book 14

Published: October 22, 2022
Book Author(s): Juan Alonso
Company: AMMO by Mig Jimenez

Although I’ve used several products from this prolific manufacturer, I’ve not had the opportunity to read one of their publications. The apparent premise and structure of the book (and all books in the Solution series I imagine) is to take a specific subject and then using paint and weathering products from AMMO of Mig, obtain a somewhat advanced result, at least to the paint and weathering of the model.

The website description verifies this is intended as a “simple and basic guide,” and such it is, but there are some great tips for any level of modeler, both about basic techniques used to achieve a particular effect and about the uses of AMMO’s products.

I like to attempt to create a realistic finish on my models rather than a factory-fresh look, so I’m always looking… more

McDonnell Douglass F-4 Phantom II: FlightCraft #28

Published: October 22, 2022
Book Author(s): Geoff Coughlin
Company: Pen & Sword

The F-4 Phantom II needs no introduction to serious aircraft modelers. Arguably one of the most important warplanes of the 20th century, over 5000 were built during a 23-year production period, and the Phantom was flown by all 3 U.S. air services (USMC, USN, and USAF) as well as the air forces of 11 foreign operators.

There are many great Phantom reference books on the market. Most focus on either actual aircraft pictures and reference material, or on a collection of models. As a Phantom enthusiast (I have 7 or 8 built models in my display cabinets and another 60+ in my stash), I have several of each type of book in my library, and this one is unique in that it is a combination of both.

The book is basically divided into three sections. The first section is a narrative… more