IPMS Number
45124

Reviews By Author

Product Picture

Airkraft Modeling Guide 1: Fighters and Attack Aircraft of the Vietnam War

Published:
Book Author(s): Andy Evans
Company: SAM Publications

I really enjoy using the aircraft specific titles that Sam Publications puts out because of the amount of research, detail, and sections that are aimed at the model builder. I had been wondering about the Hataka paint line and how they compare to other paints. When I saw that this new series was done with HobbyZone and Hataka paints and that it had the same great look as other Sam Publications books. I just had to have it.

This first book of the series focuses on the aircraft of the Vietnam War, specifically the fighters and attack aircraft.

The Aircraft Modeling Guide is divided into 21 sections. They are:

  • Introduction - The Air War over Vietnam
  • Colour Artwork
  • US NAVY - F-4J - Phantoms War
  • US AIR FORCE - F-104 Starfighter -… more

Product Picture

AV-8B Harrier Ejection Seat w/Belts

Published:
Company: Quickboost

Quickboost has added the seats for the AV-8B Harrier to their line of resin aircraft accessories. This latest addition is molded in a grayish resin, smooth, seamless and bubble free. The seat is molded in one piece and is easy to remove from the mold block.

The package states that it is for the Hasegawa kit but it would probably work well with any of the AV-8B Harrier kits. I compared it with the Hasegawa kit. Talk about a noticeable difference, the detail on the Quickboost part is outstanding. From the photos you can see that the Quickboost seat has the belts molded on it and I can’t believe the amount of detail. The seat that came in the kit is so plain and flat while the Quickboost seat is much more detailed.

I very highly recommend this product if you want a really… more

Product packaging

Mosquito Seats w/ Safety Belts

Published:
Company: Quickboost

Quickboost has added the seats for the Mosquito to their line of resin aircraft accessories. This latest addition is molded in a grayish resin, smooth, seamless and bubble free. Both seats are molded in one piece and are easy to remove from the mold block.

The package states that it is for the Tamiya kit but it would probably work well with any of the Mosquito kits. I compared it with the Tamiya kit. Talk about a noticeable difference, the detail on the Quickboost parts is outstanding. From the photos, you can see that the Quickboost seats have the belts molded on and I can’t believe the amount of detail on them. The seats that come in the kit are so plain and flat while the Quickboost seats just pop out at you.

I very highly recommend this product if you want a really… more

Product packaging

Junkers JU 87 Stuka Seats w/ Belts

Published:
Company: Quickboost

Quickboost has added the seats for the JU 87 Stuka to their line of resin aircraft accessories. This latest addition is molded in a grayish resin, smooth, seamless and bubble free. The seats are molded in one piece and are easy to remove from the mold block. The set contains both the front and rear seat.

The package states that it is for the Zvesda or Academy kits but it would probably work well with any of the JU 87 kits. I compared it with the Academy kit. Talk about a noticeable difference, the detail on the Quickboost parts is outstanding. From the photos, you can see that the Quickboost seat has the belts molded on and you can almost feel the metal underneath. You will definitely want to have the canopy open for this.

I very highly recommend this product if you… more

Box Art

B-239 Buffalo 'Finnish Air Force Aces Combo Part 2'

Published:
Company: Hasegawa

The B-239 Finnish Brewster Buffalo was an export version of the F2A-1 U.S. Navy Buffalo that was de-navalized by removing the tailhook, life-raft containers, cockpit armor and not having self-sealing fuel tanks. They were then equipped with a lower horsepower engine. All of these changes made for a lot lighter and maneuverable aircraft.

This kit is a re-release of their earlier kit and is the 2nd set from the original Finnish Aces combo, designated as Part 2. This time it includes 2 kits like Part 1 and a new set of decals with 3 different paint schemes from Aces of the Finnish Air Force. There are 8 sprues of parts with 12 extra parts that would be used for different versions; these are perfect for adding to the spares box. The decal options in this kit are:

  1. more

Box art

Gulf War Anniversary Box Diorama Set: Part 4 - Iraqi MI-25 HIND-D

Published:
Company: Italeri

Italeri has put together a set of models to commemorate the anniversary of the Gulf War. The set includes tanks and helicopters from the United States and Iraq. Iraq is represented by the T-62 main battle tank and the Hind-D MI-25 helicopter, while the U.S. is represented by the M-1A1 main battle tank and the Cobra AH-1W helicopter.

Since this is a large box of models, Jim Pearsall asked me if I would like to build the Helos from the set. I was glad to accept because both of these models are on my “Models I want to build list”.

The MI-25 HIND-D Helicopter

The MI-25 is an export variation of the Soviet MI-24 and is denoted with a letter suffix of “HIND-D”. It is a large helicopter that is used as a gunship/attack helicopter. It is also utilized as a troop… more

Product Picture

Gulf War Anniversary Box Diorama Set: Part 2 - U.S. Cobra AH-1W

Published:
Company: Italeri

Italeri has put together a set of models to commemorate the anniversary of the Gulf War. The set includes tanks and helicopters from the United States and Iraq. Iraq is represented by the T-62 main battle tank and the Hind-D MI-25 helicopter, while the U.S. is represented by the M-1A1 main battle tank and the Cobra AH-1W helicopter.

Since this is a large box of models, Jim Pearsall asked me if I would like to build the Helos from the set. I was glad to accept because both of these models are on my “Models I want to build list”.

The Cobra AH-1W

The AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter is a close air support attack helicopter used by the United States Marine Corps. It has a 20mm M197 Gatling gun; and can carry Hydra 70 rockets, 5 in Zuni rockets, TOW missiles, AGM-114… more

Package

German Radar FuG218 NEPTUN

Published:
Company: Master Model

Master Models is a company that makes turned brass aftermarket parts, specifically pitot tubes, refueling probes, and antennas.

The first thing I would like to point out is how good the packaging and instruction sheet is. The packaging consists of a zip-lock type bag while the part is in a smaller bag, keeping it from moving all over. The instruction sheet is very clear and easy to understand, only needing 3 steps. Cut off original part, Drill a hole (0.3 mm), Glue in the new metal part. Just be careful drilling the hole, especially in 1/72. You have to put each antenna group together which includes 3 parts. Mine got a little bent because of how small they are. I needed to use my visor with the highest magnification. Others will probably have an easier time than me if they are… more

Package

F-4C/F-16C 50 Years of YGBSM

Published:
Company: Twobobs Aviation Graphics

This sheet of markings was put out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Wild Weasel missions. To make it an even better set, they brought back the markings from their “First of the Weasels” set. Markings for the external weapons and pods are also included so you can model the F-16 as it looked when it was rolled out for the anniversary.

The F-16C block 50 represented is:

  • SN 92-0920, 20th Fighter Wing, June 5, 2015, 50th Anniversary WW

Here is a list of the F-4s. They are from the 18th TFW Nov 1972:

  1. 64-0840, “Super Cocks Swiss Samlar”
  2. 63-7474, “Brain Damage”
  3. 63-7470, “Rub-A-Dub-Dub”
  4. 63-0791, “Squirrely Bird”
  5. 63-7423,”Jail Bait”

I’ve always been impressed by the different… more

Product packaging

Mosquito Mk.II/Mk.VI Pitot Tube and Armament Set

Published:
Company: Master Model

Master Models is a company that makes turned-brass after-market parts, specifically pitot tubes, refueling probes, and antennas.

The first thing I would like to point out is how good the packaging and instruction sheet is. The packaging consists of a zip-lock type bag while the part is in a smaller bag, keeping it from moving all over or losing one of these small pieces. The instruction sheet is very clear and easy to understand, needing only 3 steps: 1) Cut off original part; 2) Drill a hole (0.5 mm) and (0.7 mm) for the 20mm cannons; 3) Glue in the new metal part with CA.

Just be very careful drilling the holes, especially in 1/72 scale.

When compared to the kit part there is no comparison. The kit pitot tube and guns look like little blobs of plastic, while… more