Michael Novosad
Reviews By Author
|
Panzer RollenPublished:
OverviewPanzer Rollen provides an insightful look into the workings of the Military Intelligence Service that was so invaluable in shaping both the strategy and tactics of the Allied forces during the Second World War. |
|
F-14A/B/D Data and Weapons DecalsPublished:
Background InformationFightertown decals is an online retailer offering decals for the various series of F-14 Tomcats and F-18 Super Hornets. Currently, the offerings are limited to 1/48th scale aircraft and data markings. Each decal sheet includes marking for several aircraft. Decal Sheet ContentsThe decal sheet is big: 8 5/8" by 11 1/2" size. A smaller decal sheet is also included that provides additional windscreen tinting decals, plus smaller items that are somewhat of a mystery to me at this point. This set of decals includes an interior or exterior green film tint for the windscreen, placards for the landing gear struts, placards for the canopy interior, decals that represent piping and conduit fasteners for inside the gear bays, various fuel… more |
|
MiG-19 / Shenyang J-6s DecalsPublished:
Background InformationIliad Design is a Canadian producer of decals, books, and aircraft color charts. Decals are offered in 1/32nd, 1/48th and 1/72nd scales and cover propeller- and jet-powered aircraft Decal Sheet ContentsThis sheet offers markings for seven MiG-19 and Chinese manufactured J-6 aircraft. Countries include Egypt, Pakistan, and Russia. Many of the color schemes are a bit odd and unusual, which makes for some interesting subjects. The first aircraft is a Shenyang J-6, the Chinese version of the MiG-19S, in Pakistani Air Force markings. The aircraft is a three-color scheme, with the FS colors called out. Next is a Shenyang J-6 of the Egyptian Air Force, in a two-color scheme, and the FS colors are noted. The third… more |
|
PE Zoom Set for Tamiya Heinkel He219A-7Published:
Contents DescriptionThis PE set includes a small PE fret with all of the pilot's instrument panel and side panels along with the rear cockpit (radar operator's position) many panel faces. A pair of rudder pedals is also included. A three-page set of instructions is included that locate each panel face and indicate where the raised detail included on the kit parts must be removed. The PE parts do not include adhesive on the backside, and therefore the modeler must carefully glue each part in place. I took the plastic kit parts as indicated on the instructions and removed the raised details with a micro-chisel and sanded the rough surfaces with a medium grit sanding pad. Once the surfaces were smoothed, I washed the parts in warm water and a mild detergent, scrubbing… more |
|
Steel Seat Belts for Tamiya Heinkel He219A-7Published:
Product DescriptionThis set consists of a small steel fret with seat belts for the pilot and radar operator. It is small fret, but it does the job. I removed each part using PE shears and buffed the small spur off with a medium sanding pad. None of the painted surfaces were marred in this process, but nonetheless care is still required to avoid possible damage. I used Gator glue to attach the belts to the seats and allowed the glue to dry thoroughly before carefully bending the parts to fit the contours of the plastic parts. Again, a small dab of Gator glue was use to fix the ends of the belts in place. I feel the Eduard steel belts are a bit easier to bend than the older brass belts and conform to the seat profile quite nicely. ConclusionThe steel… more |
|
Photo-Etch Set for Tamiya Heinkel He219A-7Published:
Contents DescriptionThis three-piece PE set includes a small PE fret with all of the pilot's instrument panel and side panels along with the rear cockpit (radar operator's position) many panel faces, plus two frets for parts for the wheel wells and miscellaneous exterior details. A pair of rudder pedals is also included. A four-page set of instructions is included that locate each panel face and indicate where the raised detail included with the kit must be removed. The instrument panels PE parts do not include adhesive on the backside, and therefore the modeler must carefully glue each part in place. The CockpitI took the plastic kit parts as indicated on the instructions and removed the raised details with a micro chisel and sanded the rough surfaces… more |
|
Die-Cut Mask for Tamiya Heinkel He219A-7Published:
Contents DescriptionThis mask set is provided on a small Kabuki-like tape material that is die cut, and includes an instruction sheet for locating the individual pieces on the clear parts of the Tamiya Heinkel He219A-7 kit. This set also includes masks for the canopy and windscreen interior. This will be my second Tamiya Heinkel He-219. I used the earlier version of an Eduard mask on the canopies and was satisfied with the results. The original masking set included masks for the exterior surfaces only. I looked forward to see how the new product would perform. A small instruction sheet is provided with diagrams locating each mask for the multipaned canopy. Where the use of a liquid masking is required is also identified. The instructions walk the modeler… more |
|
Spitfire Mk I Landing GearPublished:
Contents DescriptionThe main landing gear is a single casting similar to the kit's plastic molded part, and the tail wheel is also included. I found a mold seam on the tail wheel and on one leg on the main gear. Both should be easily removed. Both parts appear to be a one-on-one replacement for the plastic kit parts. No fuss, no muss! I decided to paint the metal parts just for fun and to see the detail once painted and weathered. I started with Alclad black micro filler primer, and allowed that to cure for a day. Next I applied a coat of Alclad dull aluminum. A pin wash of burnt umber oil paint was applied, followed by Testors chrome silver on the oleos. What a difference a coat of paint makes! If you require a more sturdy landing gear for your new Tamiya… more |
|
Pz Kpfw IV Return Rollers Type IPublished:
Additional information is available on Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/OKBGrigorov/ BackgroundOKB Grigorov is a scale model manufacturer based in Bulgaria. The business was established in 2003. Their main goal since then is to provide quality models and accessories with the maximum amount of details. The product line includes several 1/72th scale armour kits along with separate photoetch sets, brass gun barrel and idlers. Also, they offer 1/72 and 1/35 resin armor accessories, 1/350 and 1/700 scale naval accessories, 1/72, 1/48, 1/35 and 1/350 resin and PE AFV sets. Also include is a line of 1/72 scale military weapons. Their product line continues to grow. Contents DescriptionThe… more |
|
MiG-25RB/RBTPublished:
Brief History The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25, NATO reporting name Foxbat, is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was among the fastest military aircraft to enter service. It was designed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau and is one of the few combat aircraft built primarily using stainless steel. It was the last plane designed by Mikhail Gurevich before his retirement. The first prototype flew in 1964, and the aircraft entered service in 1970. It has an operational top speed of Mach 2.83 (Mach 3.2 is possible but at risk of significant damage to the engines) and features a powerful radar and four air-to-air missiles. When first seen in reconnaissance photography, the large wing suggested an enormous and highly maneuverable fighter, at a… more |