MiG-21bis Photo Etch Set

Published: June 7, 2012
Company: Eduard

Eduard has released a PE exterior and interior upgrade for their new 1/144 MiG-21bis. I’ve reviewed the kit separately.

The “Kit”

Inside the envelope, you get a 2 ½ by 3 inch PE fret, cockpit and canopy detail, decals, and the instruction sheet. There are enough parts on the PE to do one of the two MiGs in the kit, and some “extras” which could be used on the second aircraft… more

MiG-21bis

Published: June 7, 2012
Company: Eduard

This is the second of three reviews of the new Eduard 1/144 MiG-21s.
The aircraft here is the MiG-21bis, the last variant of the later MiGs.

The MiG-21 in its various forms has been around for a really long time, entering service in 1959, and it’s still in service. The early versions are considered second generation fighters, but the newer versions, such as the MF, SMT and bis… more

Pz.Kpfw.III.Ausf.L Late Production

Published: September 14, 2021
Company: Dragon Models

The Panzer

The Panzer III was built by Daimler-Benz, and the A models were first produced in 1937. The first mass production version was the Ausf F, which entered service in 1939, just in time for Poland.

The Panzer III was upgunned and armor added due to the experiences in Russia in 1941 and ‘42. The Ausf J, the model preceding the L, was equipped with the 50mm KWK L39/60… more

F-106 Pitot Tube

Published: April 8, 2012
Company: Master Model

When I received the package with this item from Dave Morrissette, I thought the review might be a task, but this one turned out to be just wonderful.

What you get is a turned brass pitot tube which just glues on to replace the Hasegawa pitot. The brass part has the correct shape and fits right into the hole in the kit nose.

Then we come down to the part where this thing really… more

Martin Baker Mk 4 Resin Seat for Mirage/Jaguar

Published: July 7, 2022
Company: PJ Production

I have built several PJ Productions kits, done at least one of their conversions, and a number of their detail parts. I have real respect for Phillipe’s ability to produce a really good resin product.

You get one resin pour with 2 seats and 2 ejection handles. Both of the seats were free of flaws or bubbles, and those fine little handle assemblies were also flawless.

Rather… more

X-15

Published: September 14, 2021
Company: Dragon Models

The Aircraft

The X-15 was the first aircraft to “officially” make a space flight. The US considers any flight that reaches an altitude of 50 miles to be a space flight, and 8 pilots met this criterion. The FAI requires 100 km (62 miles) altitude for a space flight, and two flights, both with Joe Walker as pilot, achieved this height. The X-15 also holds the record for fastest manned… more

P-51/F-6 Pacific Mustang Decals

Published: December 18, 2021
Company: Kagero Publishing

These decals are first-rate from several perspectives.

First of all, they’re very well researched, and Kagero seems to have gone out of their way to do subjects which aren’t common among decal makers.

Second, the instructions are head and shoulders above anything I’ve seen as far as color instructions, decal placement instructions, and decal application instructions.

… more

F-6D Photo Mustang Conversion

Published: February 16, 2012
Company: Quickboost

History

The F-6D was a standard P-51D Mustang that was converted to photo-reconnaissance after completion. 126 P-51Ds built at Inglewood, California were converted to F-6Ds. The conversion consisted of 3 major items:

1. An oblique camera mounted in the side of the fuselage.
2. A vertical camera mounted in the bottom of the fuselage.
3. A radio direction finder… more

The Werewolf from Dark Shadows

Published: September 15, 2021
Company: Round 2 Models

The Kit

I’m not a big fan of Dark Shadows, it’s too much “Soap Opera” for me. I can’t follow who’s who, and what they’re doing from one episode to the next. But I really enjoyed the Round 2/Polar Lights 3 Stooges figures, so I went for this one.

The kit is pretty standard for a large-scale plastic item, with only a few parts: head (2 pieces), body (also 2 pieces), two… more

F-22 Raptor Egg Plane

Published: September 15, 2021
Company: Hasegawa

This is my fourth egg plane. The first was an F-4 Phantom, probably 20 years ago. Since then I’ve done two F-16s, and now the F-22. The original Phantom was very much an egg with wings and stabilizers added. This “aircraft” looks pretty un-egglike. Either that or it’s a very weird chicken.

The kit is pretty simple and goes together quite nicely. The fuselage is two pieces, separated… more