Pablo Bauleo
Reviews By Author
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Messerschmitt Bf-110G-4 WeekendPublished:
Eduard has released its Messerschmitt Bf-110G-4 in the Weekend format. I appreciate Eduard releasing kits in the “weekend” format as a more affordable channel for modelers to get access to a kit. This is the most expensive kit ever boxed in the Weekend format ($39.95) but you get a lot of plastic for your money; as a reference point, the Profipack version retails for $64.95. So, what is in the box? You get all the plastic sprues from the Profipack packing, except sprue D (underwings ordinance). The decal sheet, printed by Cartograf, has one option and stencils are included. The box includes 11 sprues for a total of 349 parts. I should mention that you get over 100 parts (mainly from the 110E) that go straight to the spares box. The kit does not include photoetch nor canopy… more |
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FuG 220 Sn-2b radar antenna for night fightersPublished:
The FuG 220 Sn-2b radar antennas were installed on Bf 110 and Ju 88 night fighters during World War. These radar antennas are the focal point of any night fighter kit. Model Master from Poland provides us with turned brass antenna struts and antenna dipoles to enhance the look of our next night fighter kit. The turned brass parts mean that no mold line is present and that alone is enough of a reason to consider upgrading your kit. The other advantage is that antenna struts and dipoles actually have a circular cross-section. Assembly is straightforward and simple. The instructions recommend soldering the parts together for assembly, but my soldering skills are not very good. I’ve used super glue instead. It worked OK, but I managed to knock off the dipoles in a few… more |
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The Scale Viper: A Modeler's Guide to Building the F-16Published:
Different modeling books tend to have a “tools round-up” in their introduction chapter. This book includes which probably is the more important tool: “The modelers’ eye”. What is meant here is that you have to study the subject, look at it several times, noticing details each time you look at the subject in order to take notes and attempt to recreate and model whatever you “see” when you are looking at pictures or the real thing you are planning to model. The following chapter briefly covers the basic techniques of model weathering and then the book dives into very well photographed and highly detailed construction of 11 models, ranging from 1/32nd to 1/72ndscale. Markings range from USAF, to Chilenean and Israeli Air Forces. This book does not cover in… more |
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Osprey: Field of Glory - RenaissancePublished:
I’m not a war gamer, but I’ve been curious about it for a few years now so I jumped to the opportunity to review a war gaming book. Fields of Glory is a series of war gaming books oriented to the ancient and medieval ages. This current book is the first of the series expanding into the renaissance era and as such is the rulebook. The book has a historical introduction to the military doctrine of the renaissance era including pros and cons of different military formations of the time (tercios, keils, cavalry, etc). Then the book moves into what is needed in order to be able to play, before diving into details of troops, battle groups and in general, the rules of the game, including movement rules and combat phases like impact, maneuvering, shooting and melee. Each… more |
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The Viper Story, Part II: Test & Training F-16sPublished:
This book covers the F-16 in its use as a platform for weapon testing, flight training, and for adversary training. The book covers different wings and squadrons, including details of the syllabus that pilots undertake as part of their training, or the day-to-day operations of different weapon test units. Be aware that not every picture has a caption, but rather that a group of pictures depicting different aspects are described in an accompanying paragraph. Among different squadrons and wings featured in the book are the weapons school at Nellis, Nevada; the Aggressor squadrons –including those beautiful Arctic camouflaged Vipers-, the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke, Arizona and some training squadrons from different Air National Guards wings. The most pleasant surprise of… more |
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Bell UH-1N/Bell 212Published:
The Bell “Hueys” have been a workhorse of rotary wing groups in many air forces for decades. The UN-1N/Bell 212 is the twin engine of the ‘Huey’-family, sporting an enlarged fuselage. This kit is a re-issue of the venerable “Twin Huey” from Italeri. The kit comes in two sprues (molded in medium gray plastic) plus a third sprue of clear parts. There is no flash and no ejector pin is located in any visible area. (Good engineering there!) The sprues include 7.62 mm machine guns. Decals look very nice, although the green on the Italian national markings seems to be a little bit out of register. Not surprisingly, construction begins with the interior. You have the option of installing a “fabric” bench for personnel carrier or to leave the whole cabin open for cargo. The… more |
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"The Bug" Photo-etch WorkstationPublished:
Photo-etch bending could sound intimidating but it shouldn't, particularly if you have the right tools for it. The Small Shop has designed "The Bug" to be the one-stop photo-etch bending tool. The tool is very well designed; compact, versatile, easy to use and made of aircraft grade aluminum. The rotating head has a 2-inch straight edge for long bending lines, a "swiss comb" side with 6 "teeth" for boxes, and a variety of fixtures to fold parts of different sizes and material strengths, or for scratch built handles. All of these in a compact 2x2.5 inch base. It should be mentioned that some of hold-down fingers are reinforced for bending thicker brass, while others designed for thinner, more delicate parts. It is a nice touch from the Small Shop to include a razor blade (used… more |