U-boat IXC Set 3

Published: August 19, 2014
Company: Eduard

Set 3 of the Eduard Photo etch set for the Revell U-505 submarine in 1/72 scale consists of detail for the hull. I’m not a “PE guy” but as with Part 2 of the Eduard sets, when asked, I accepted the challenge since I had the opportunity to build the sub.

This set consists of one sheet of brass. Although the instructions do not show any removal of kit parts needed to install this set, I… more

U-boat IXC Set 2

Published: August 18, 2014
Company: Eduard

Set 2 of Eduard's PE for the new Revell U-505 in 1/72 scale consists of detail for the deck plus the armament. I’m not particularly “into” photo etch, but when asked I accepted, since I had the opportunity to build the sub. This set consists of one sheet of brass.

I started with the deck plates, as I thought they would be the easiest components. Although the instructions show that… more

North American P-51 Mustang Part 2

Published: January 18, 2014
Company: Lifelike Decals

When I was first assigned this review I started four P-51D kits thinking I’d get a jump on things, but when the decals arrived I discovered they were meant for two P-51Bs and two Ds. So much for planning ahead.

The decals were on register and looked great in the package. The four aircraft represented are:

• Aircraft #1: Malcolm Hood P-51B “Salem Representative” flown by Lt… more

F9F Panther Wingfolds

Published: January 12, 2014
Company: Aires Hobby Models

Aires’ F9F Panther wingfold set comes in a bubble package, consists of 10 parts, and is made for the Hobby Boss F9F kit #87249. The pieces in the package are very nicely done and look great.

To install the Aires sections, about 1/4 inch needs to be cut out of the kit’s wings. I “under-cut” mine (slightly less than a full cut) then filed them down until I got a good fit. I had to thin… more

Saturn V Apollo 11

Published: October 7, 2013
Company: Dragon Models

A direct descendant of the German V-2, NASA's Saturn V rocket was – and still is – the most powerful rocket in the world. It was developed over a period of seventeen years, with its final name and design being accepted in 1963.

Apollo 11, the subject of this Dragon kit, was in some peoples’ estimation the greatest achievement of mankind. The mission itself was the fifth in the Apollo… more

B-17F Flying Fortress "Knock-Out Dropper" Limited Edition

Published: July 25, 2013
Company: Hasegawa

Designed in 1935, the B-17 became a force to reckon with by 1942 when the F model was introduced. It had a total production run of 3,405 – 2,300 by Boeing, 500 by Vega, and 605 by Douglas.

This release by Hasegawa features a new set of decals, but the same basic moldings which this kit had 35 years ago: overall good fit, lightly raised panel lines, light grey plastic, and some sink… more

MJ1-B Bomb Loader

Published: June 20, 2013
Company: Videoaviation

The MJ1-B is a United States Air Force bomb loader built by Hydraulics International. It has served in various forms since the 1950's and sports a 3000 lb. lifting capacity and a 25-horsepower engine. It is able to lift up to a height of 78 inches and was widely used in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War.

The kit consists of enough parts to build either the MJ1-B (the late version), or… more

Hawk 100 Series Landing Gear

Published: June 10, 2013
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

Intended for the Kinetic 1/32 scale Hawk 100 trainer kit, this SAC replacement gear set includes a nose gear, right and left mains, and the two main retract struts. The 5 metal landing gear pieces are finely cast and are made of a soft white metal which cleaned up in quick order with a file and a Flex-I-File. They’re the same length as the kit’s gear, but are slightly thinner in diameter. You’… more

Hawk 100 Series Advanced Jet Trainer

Published: June 10, 2013
Company: Kinetic Model Kits

The Hawk 100 series jet trainer is a British two-seat, single-engine advanced jet trainer. It was selected for use in a joint venture between Bombardier Aerospace Corp. and Canada. Some were also ordered and built in Australia. It is used in many variants by many countries friendly to England.

The kit is molded in light gray plastic and comes with a photo etched set; the clear parts are… more

Mel's Drive In

Published: May 5, 2013
Company: Moebius Models

This HO scale rendition of Mel’s Drive-In from the movie, American Graffiti, comes with a colorful and attractive box art. It’s a multi-media kit, with the exterior structure in plastic, but with the interior supplied on pre-printed card stock. The instructions are easy to follow and consist of 7 steps.

The suggested colors are listed, but are basic, such as white, grey, and… more