Jarrod Booth
Reviews By Author
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CASA C-41A - "US Transport Plane"Published:
The CASA-212 Aviocar is a versatile transport aircraft that was manufactured in Spain since the ‘60’s, and Indonesia until 2012. The C-41A is a military version used by the US, Mexico and many other countries within Central and South America. It exhibits excellent short field takeoff and landing (STOL) abilities, and is able to operate from unprepared airstrips. This model is a re-release of various other versions of the aircraft. It comes in a very sturdy top opening box with a nice painting of the US military C-41A. All sprue trees were contained in one bag, with the clear parts and decal sheet in their own bags. The clear plastic bags are closed with sticky strips, so be careful when removing the decal sheet, and that you don’t allow the sticky strip to attach itself to the… more |
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The Messerschmitt BF 109 A comprehensive Guide "F to K" VariantsPublished:
The Bf 109 is one of the instantly recognizable aircraft of the Second World War, and it is iconic as one of the Luftwaffe’s most potent warplanes. This book was originally published in 2007 and written by Lynn Ritger. It remains one of the most informative texts for the enthusiast and modeler. This updated version includes all new model builds, aftermarket accessories and decals. As the pages are turned, the reader is greeted with a plethora of mostly black and white period photos, color side view pictures, detailed drawings and various references for the modeler to take note of. The book follows the development of each variant from F to K, theatres it performed in, and details some of the ground crew and pilots who operated them. Tables are included in each section… more |
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AMX Leclerc Series 2 Main Battle TankPublished:
From the Tamiya USA website: This modern Tamiya classic, originally released in 2005, has been updated with plastic road wheel parts in place of the original's die-cast components. The Leclerc features a 4-stroke V8 diesel allowing a top speed of 72km/h on road and 50km/h cross country, and is equipped with a French-built 120mm, L/52 smoothbore cannon. Series 2 tanks have an air conditioner to cool the computer system as well as several other improvements. The kit comes packed in Tamiya’s standard, strong box, with each sprue individually packed in its own plastic bag. A nice touch is a folded black and white sheet that provides French tank history and technological data on the various systems that make up this advanced tank. It is repeated in four languages on… more |
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R.M.S. Titanic (Olympic, Britannic) - Masts SetPublished:
The tragedy of the Titanic sinking is legendary and needs no introduction. For those of us who are, or will build the 1/350 Minicraft Titanic kit, this mast set is a cause for celebration! I have personally had this ship kit half built and left for a good number of years. I had already scratch built many items to adorn the bridge, grand staircases, and other areas, as well as acquiring about every brass photo-etch set and even a wooden deck set. When I saw this Mast set show up for review, I had to have it and hopefully kick start my enthusiasm to finish this long drawn out build! Goodness knows how much grief I’ve gotten over the years from my wife and model buddies about when the Titanic will be finished! Master continues to build on their extensive offerings, and… more |
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North American P-51 IVa (K) – British Camouflaged MustangsPublished:
I was drawn to this decal set for two reasons: One, I thought that camouflaged Mustangs are not seen as much as the bare metal US aircraft. Two: I had to do the Aussie Southern Cross marking being an Aussie! LPS Hobby is a decal manufacturer from Brazil. The decal sheet, instruction sheet and cover page are contained within a generously sized zip-lock bag. This small decal set contains marking for three British camouflaged P-51K Mustangs from Royal Canadian, South African and Royal Australian Air Forces:
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He 219A-0/A-2 Gun BarrelsPublished:
This is another high-quality resin aftermarket product from QuickBoost and their parent company Aires. These gun barrels are a simple replacement for the 1/32 Revell He 219 barrels. They are attached to a resin stub, and each gun will need to be removed with a razor saw. All the barrels show fine detail and hollowed barrel ends. Per the QuickBoost instructions when using Part # 2 (that replaces kit part # F41), the outer two barrels need to be removed. QuickBoost shows where to cut with the use of indentations in the stub. This is also shown in the Revell instructions. These guns will be used in the forward fuselage belly. The two guns that were removed can be used in the upper fuselage gun pack if required. Part 1 is a wing root mounted gun and replaces Revell… more |
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Beechcraft Bonanza F-33Published:
The Beechcraft Bonanza was developed and first flown in 1947 in the “V” tail configuration. In the mid 50’s the design was changed to include a conventional empennage, consisting of vertical tail and horizontal tailplane. This model was called F-33. This 1/48 scale Bonanza has been around a long time through several different model manufactures, in the “V” tail set up. I remember building it years ago. I think I donated it to my high school that had an aeronautics program. This is Minicraft’s second rendition of the F-33. The molding for the most part is good considering how old these must be, with little flash and very nice engraved panel lines on the wings, tail plane’s and fuselage sides. The interior looks accurate for what will be seen. The instrument panel is nice… more |
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Aircraft Clear Display StandPublished:
Minicraft recently released a second decal scheme for their Beech Bonanza F-33 kit. Along with the Bonanza model, this display stand was looking for a home and a kind word on the IPMS Review Corps list. This stand is packaged in an industrial strength clear plastic bag with a cardboard fold-over label stapled to the bag top. There are four parts of clear plastic, attached to the sprue with somewhat discrete attachment stubs. With care the parts can be removed with minimal stub marks left. These can be polished out, or the base can be painted. The parts fit easily together. The vertical shaft slides into the round base and fits securely without glue. This shaft can be cut down to any desired length. Make sure you insert the solid end of the shaft into the base. The top… more |
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Battle of Britain 1940: The Luftwaffe's "Eagle Attack"Published:
Battle of Britain 1940: The Luftwaffe’s “Eagle Attack” is a new title in a new series called Air Campaign. The author is Doug Dildy, a USAF Academy graduate and former USAF Colonel. He has a Degree in history and a Master’s Degree in Political Science. The art work and illustration are superbly done by Graham Turner. This book is a detailed account of the Luftwaffe’s Operation “Adlerangriff”. It details the Luftwaffe and RAF’s capabilities, objectives, equipment, strategies, and changes made throughout the campaign, through to its ultimate failure. Following the introduction chapter is a chronological flow by date of the battle with summaries of directives, commands and actions. This then flows into the next chapter explaining the Luftwaffe’s (Attacker’s)… more |
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Messerschmitt Me 262B-1/U-1 Night FighterPublished:
The Me 262 Schwalbe (Swallow) was the first operational jet fighter. Design and testing of the first German jet engine was well underway even before World War II started. Due to problems encountered with new materials needed, fatigue and German High Command intervention and delays, the aircraft did not see operational flying until April 1944. The Me 262 was highly maneuverable and faster than any other aircraft of the time, but continued to suffer from engine problems. Many aircraft were lost to engine problems or mishandling. Me 262B-1/U-1 was a two seat trainer converted into a night fighter, with the addition of a FuG 218 Neptune radar. This was an eight-dipole antenna array mounted on the nose of the aircraft. This 1/32 scale Revell Me 262 kit is a brand new kit.… more |