Mike Van Schoonhoven
Reviews By Author
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #46, Winter 2012 – Special Ship Model EditionPublished:
This is Model Art Magazine’s special quarterly issue that focuses on naval subjects. As with the regular Model Art Magazine, this is printed in Japanese with some English subtitles. In this issue, the main focus is on the IJN Unryu-class aircraft carrier. There is a multitude of color and black and white photographs that show both models and period photos of the ships in this class. The rest of the issue is a series of smaller articles mainly dealing with IJN subjects. One of the other articles covers models of three Japanese Coast Guard vessels by Pit Road Models. The last non-IJN article covers Revell’s USS Flasher, Growler, and Lionfish submarine model kits. This is not three different kits — it’s the same one marked differently over the lifespan of… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #859 – JASDF Modeling & Equipment GuidePublished:
This is a special issue from Model Art Magazine that deals specifically with the JASDF (Japanese Air Self-Defense Force). The magazine is broken in to three sections. It is printed in Japanese with some English subtitles. The first section shows off some wonderfully built models and several aircraft walkarounds of the JASDF. Model Art really did a great job covering this area. They dedicated ninety pages of this issue to this section. The next area that is covered is the aircraft and weaponry of the JASDF. Again, Model Art really did a wonderful job here. Each subject is represented with one color photograph and a small description in Japanese text. The last section deals with models, decals, and aftermarket parts that are available… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #860, January 2013Published:
Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One feature of these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used. The feature article in this months issue showcases the IDF (Israel Defense Force). They use a multitude of well-built models, photographs, and drawings to represent the aircraft and armor that the IDF use. There are two short articles following the IDF’s. One pertains to Republic of China destroyers that were American at one point, the DDG-995 USS Scott and DDG-994 USS Callaghan. This is followed by a quick preview of Model Art Modeling Magazines JASDF (Japanese Air Self-Defense Force). The next section is the New… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #858, December 2012Published:
Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is published monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One feature about these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used. In the December issue of Model Art, they start out with a modeler’s how-to guide. In this section they cover how to replicate wood on WWI aircraft, accenting panel lines (washes), and shading. The next article covers the 2012 All Japan Plamodel Hobby Show. While there does not seem to be much coverage on built models, they do several pages of new releases. To modelers, it looks like 2013 will be another banner year for new kits in all genres. Following that is a comparison review of six different Tony fighters… more |
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KC-135 Stratotanker Walk AroundPublished:
The KC-135 started as the Boeing Model 717, which was based on the Model 367-80. Boeing delivered 820 KC-135 and derivative models between 1957 and 1966. The KC- 135 has gone through many modifications over the years and is still in active U.S. Air Force service today. This is the first time that I have ever gotten a Squadron Signal book upon its release and all I can say is wow! The book consists of eighty-eighty pages with almost every single photograph being in color except with a few that shows the KC-135 early in life. The book does talk about the KC-135A briefly, but the main focus is on the KC-135R as that is the main model that is in service at this time. The detail and quality of the photographs is phenomenal and gives the perception that you are almost… more |
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U.S. Waterproof BagsPublished:
Plusmodel released this set of resin U.S. waterproof bags. You get thirteen pieces in the kit. Included are several different sizes of bags and one field telephone. The bags are produced in a light gray resin and are nicely detailed. There is a decal sheet of stencils for the bags. The stencils are done in a white color. Just my opinion – these should have been done in black and, for the most part, any stenciling that is on field gear it is usually inside. These bags would make a great addition to loading up a tank or cargo vehicles with personal gear. I highly recommend these to anyone who likes to load up their vehicles with gear. I would like to thank Plusmodel and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this product. |
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M-60 Machine GunPublished:
The M-60 machine gun began development in the late 1940’s. The U.S. Army adopted the M-60 in 1957, and it is still widely used today within the U.S. armed forces. In the Easy Line / Plusmodel kit, you get enough pieces to make two complete guns. The parts in the kit are of a well-mastered resin with a malleable photo etch brass. There was minimal flash on the resin, with small manageable pour stubs that connect the resin pieces blocks. Some care will be needed as I got a little heavy-handed and broke off the charging handle. Not a big deal, as it is an easy fix. I used Gator glue to attach the photo etch to the resin with good results. Upon completion, this is a good miniature representation of the M-60 machine gun and would make a great addition to any diorama… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #856, November 2012Published:
For those unfamiliar with Model Art Modeling Magazine, it is a Japanese-produced modeling magazine that is released monthly. Along with the monthly releases, the company also releases several special issues. These special issues cover a multitude of subjects from IJN submarine depot ships to F1 race cars to airbrushing, as a few examples. The text is primarily in Japanese with some English subtitles but the photography is phenomenal. The main article in the November issue is a continuation of articles from the September issue on heavy and medium IJN aircraft carriers. In the current issue, they cover IJN light carriers. Each of the carriers is represented by a 1/700th scale model kit. The carriers are the Hosho, Ryujo, Shoho, Zuiho, Ryuho, Chitose, Chiyoda, Taiyo, Unyo… more |
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F2A Buffalo Landing GearPublished:
Scale Aircraft Conversions comes to the rescue again with another of their white metal landing gear upgrades. One of their latest upgrades is for the Czech Model F2A-3, Special Hobby F2A-2, and the Model 239 & 339 Buffalo kits. The replacement parts included are the main landing gear (MLG), retraction struts for the MLG, uplock roller brackets (not in the kit), barrier guards for MLG, and three different tail wheel assemblies. There is one tail wheel assembly for the F2A-2 and -3 and the Model 239 & 339. I will say that the MLG that SAC provided is a step above the kits’. Yes, there is a small seam that you will have to clean up, but it would be not even be close to the work that is involved in the two kit pieces that make up the kit MLG. The fit of the MLG… more |
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Model Art Auto Modeling, #855, October 2012 – Special Auto Modeling, Vol. 27Published:
Let me start by saying that this review really took me out of my comfort zone. I am not a car modeler by any scope, but I feel that with reviewing this magazine it gave me a better appreciation for car models. In this special of Model Art, the focus is primarily on the F1 series race car. Now, all of the F1 fans please be gentle with me as I give my review, as I am doing my best to interpret Japanese on a subject I know little about. The issue starts off with coverage of Champion machines from 2006 - 2011. They use three different model manufacturers (Studio 27, Fujimi, and Minichamps diecast) to represent the winners. All the models are in 1/20th scale except for the Minichamps in 1/18th scale. The next section has cars that participated in individual races… more |