Greg Wise
Reviews By Author
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Auto Repair CrewPublished:
With this figure kit, sculpted by A. Gagarin, Master Box has added another fine set of figures to an already impressive list. Molded in a light tan color, the semi-soft plastic is flash-free and needs only minor clean up. The set features four figures, a work table, a tire pump, and a tool pouch. Each figure has around 6-7 parts that fit nicely and is well balanced. I had the whole set completed in 30 minutes. Bottom line, I highly recommend this to any armor modeler old enough to use a hobby knife safely. My thanks to Master Box, Dragon Models USA, and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review such a fine product. |
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German Flame Thrower Tank Pz.Kpfw.IIIPublished:
Scaled for the ART OF TACTIC games, Zvezda has created another niche for the plastic modeler. Nine parts make up the tiny tank, ten if you add the game flag. All the parts are nicely detailed and the overall fit is pretty good. My only gripe would be the sprue connections could have been more user-friendly. I will point out that during construction I did use glue, just to tighten up the seams; maybe the typical gamer would not be bothered by this, but, as a typical modeler, it bothered me…but not a big deal. I spent around 30 minutes on the build before it went to the paint shop. Also included in the box is a game flag (to be attached to the tank) and game card. There are no decals or painting charts provided with the kit. Bottom line: I don’t know anything about the game, but… more |
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Ford Tri-MotorPublished:
History BriefThe Ford Motor Company targeted the new airline and commercial markets with an innovative, all new metal aircraft design. In-fact, it was the first all-metal aircraft and the first commercial aviation transport. Ford first designed and produced the aircraft in 1926; it was affectionately nicknamed the “Tin Goose.” Of the 199 examples built in the United States, approximately 20 survive today, with 11 still flying. The unique corrugated aluminum skin made the Ford a rugged airplane, and it incorporated state of the art features like an enclosed cockpit, brakes, a heated passenger cabin, full cantilever wings, and doughnut tires. The three Wright J-6 900 horsepower radial engines gave the Tin Goose a cruising speed of 110 mph and a top speed of 130 mph. … more |
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Nakajima B5N2 TYPE 97 Carrier Attack Bomber (Kate) Model 3Published:
History BriefAllied code-named “Kate,” the B5N2 was a highly maneuverable aircraft for its type, powered by one Nakajima Sakae 21, a twin-row 14-cylinder 1000 hp radial engine. With a top speed of 235 mph, it had a operational range of 610 miles. A three-man crew was standard. Its armament featured one 7.7mm machine gun for rearward defense and payload capacities of either one 800kg bomb, two 250kg bombs, six 60kg bombs, six 30kg bombs, or one 800kg torpedo. Officially adopted in December 1939 as a follow-up of the B5N1, the B5N2 Type 97 proved to be an accurate bombing and torpedo platform and easily found its way to all six IJN carriers in the Nagumo task force that attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the Pearl Harbor raid. The type 97 became the Navy’s mainstay in the early… more |
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Mitsubishi A6M5a Zero Type 52 Koh Fighter-BomberPublished:
History BriefThe ultimate version of the Zero was the A6M5a type 52. Powered by one Mitsubishi NK1F Sakae 21, a fourteen cylinder air-cooled radial rated at 1130 hp for takeoff, 1100 hp at 9350 feet, 980 hp at 19,685 feet – amazing when compared to previous versions. The A6M5 also featured rounded non-folding wingtips, making a stronger wing for faster climbing and increased the diving speed to 460 mph. This Zero was better armed, with two 7.7-mm Type 97 machine guns in the fuselage and two 20-mm Type 99 cannon in the wings; these were belt feed instead of the older drum feed. Other less notable improvements, like thicker skin and added speed from exhaust thrust, were also implemented to the basic Zero design; however these improvements were still not good enough to compete… more |
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MC.200 Saetta 2a seriePublished:
History BriefThe most common fighter used by the Italian Regia Aeronautica during World War 2 was the Macchi MC.200, over 1150 being built in various versions. From the Mediterranean area and North Africa to Russia, the MC.200 saw action on all the main fronts. Based on the Fiat G-50 all-metal construction design, it was powered by the A-74 RC 38, a twin row 14 cylinder air-cooled radial engine. The engine produced 840 HP and was mated to a 3-bladed propeller, tightly packaged in its cowling, giving it distinctively bulged rocker covers. The Saetta was well liked by pilots for its maneuverability and rugged construction; however, the Saetta, when compared to its counterparts, was underpowered, outgunned, and outdated. These shortcomings were addressed with the next… more |
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German Staff Car Type 170V Cabriolet BPublished:
History BriefThe Mercedes 170V was very popular passenger car when released, and was built in both sedan (hard top) and cabriolet (convertible/soft top) forms from 1935 until 1942. Once pressed into military service, they became popular as staff cars. The factories survived WWII, then from 1949 until 1952 the Type 170V was produced once again and became instrumental as a commercial offering, taking the company from the ashes after the war. The ProductPackaged in a sturdy box featuring typical MiniArt artwork is one well-packaged model kit. All 285 plastic parts are well protected in sealed poly bags, and even the cab has its own box. Also included is a beautiful 48-piece photo-etch fret, one decal sheet, and, of course, a beautifully well-illustrated… more |
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P-51 Mustang Wheels, Smooth Style (Early Mustangs)Published:
The ProductIt’s packaged in a simple zip-lock poly sleeve attached to apiece of card-stock sporting a pair of maple leafs. Ultracast has managed to produce a high quality resin casting of the early style Mustang wheels. The rims have the correct spoke pattern and include the valve stem; however, the brake line connection is correct only for the left side, since the pair are from the same mold. It’s not really a big deal and can easily be corrected by simply scraping off the fluid bolt and moving it to mirror the other wheel. I detected no flaws in the quality of the mold or the resins used. The Bottom LinePart for part, Ultracast has always had the finest aftermarket parts for the Mustang. These wheels are no different. I recommend these wheels to any true… more |
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Hawker Typhoon Seat (with Sutton Harness)Published:
The Product: Attached to apiece of folded card-stock in a simple zip-lock poly bag, I found a pair of finely cast resin seats. The detail and quality is simply amazing. And is just what the Doctor ordered to cure the ho-hum kit seat part syndrome. The seat is correctly fitted out with the Sutton harness and backrest cushion, the rolled pan and tube seat construction is faithfully represented. Some people prefer ‘photo etch belts’ vs. the ‘cast in mold’ harness belts, and of course this is just my opinion, but I like the molded harness belts a lot better, and for several different reasons, plus when they look like these do I’m a very happy camper. The Bottom Line: Awesome product I give it a 5 star rating. I highly recommend it to anyone at any skill level.… more |
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Hawker Typhoon/Tempest Seats (with Mid-Late War “Q” Type Harness)Published:
Arriving in a small zip-lock bag stapled to folded card wearing Canadian maple leafs, we find a pair of beautiful seats, complete with molded cushions and the unique “Q” type harness belts, keeping with their high standards Ultracast has produce a high quality resin castings that correctly represents a accurate seat for these two aircraft during the mid to late war time period. The Typhoon and Tempest, lucky day you score two for one on this deal since you get two seats in the package you can use both of them for the two offerings that are available. First the Hasegawa Typhoon, and yes it is a beautiful kit, but the kit seat part is weak and featureless to say the least, even photo etch harness belts would not help, in fact years ago Hasegawa themselves released the… more |