Pablo Bauleo
Reviews By Author
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Dewoitine D.520Published:
The Topdrawings series specializes in line-drawings of a given subject in each booklet. The 104th installment in this series is devoted to the Dewoitine D.520. This booklet has line drawings (front, back, left, right, top, bottom, plus fuselage contours) for the D.520 C-1 early series (long spinner), D.520 C-1 late series (short spinner) and the two seat trainer the D.520 DC. All drawings are reproduced 3 times: in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale (in a pull-out sheet). There are also drawings describing the armament setup and access panels. In addition to the B&W line drawings, you also get 2 color profiles, in some cases with multiple views (left side, right side, etc) of the same aircraft. Markings are for French service. The booklet also includes a… more |
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Spotlight on F-15 EaglePublished:
The Spotlight ON series specializes in color profiles of a given subject. In this case it is the F-15 Eagle. The book starts with a two pages description (landscape format) the characteristics of the aircraft and operational history of it. It is not meant to be exhaustive; it is just a primer as the real reason for this book are the fantastic 40 color profiles of the F-15 Eagle in service with different air forces. With an aircraft that has seen such an extensive service -and combat- it is not possible to cover every single camouflage scheme worn by them. As such the book selects a representative sample of mainstream and one-off schemes, like retirement schemes and such. Among the profiles you will find the liveries of USA -including several ANG and NASA… more |
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WWII Regia Aeronautica – Early Colors and Late ColorsPublished:
I have been using enamels for many years (a couple of decades) now. Enamel hobby paints are getting hard to find and there are the health considerations on enamels, so I have been exploring different acrylics options out there. I was excited to see I had the chance to review the AMMO products as my recent experiences with their products have been good. The set A.mig - 7237, Regia Aeronautica Early Colors, includes six 17 - ml eye - dropper style containers of paint for
These “Early Colors” were used - among others - by the CR.42, Breda.65, Sm.… more |
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Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM)Published:
The Tanque Argentino Mediano (TAM) is a 30-ton armored tracked combat vehicle with a 105 mm cannon based on the running gear and hull of the Marder Infantry Vehicle. It has been designed considering the constrains of roads, bridges and terrain of Argentina. It was designed as a joint effort of Thyssen-Henschel and TAMSE (an Argentinean company specially created to build the TAM). The hull has been adapted into a whole family of vehicles, including APC, mortar carrier and even a 155 mm SPG on an elongated hull. Dukel Hobbies, from Buenos Aires, is a large retailer that caters to the hobbyist in Argentina. Recently they started dipping their toes into the manufacturing business, with the TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano) in 1/35 scale and their upcoming Pucara aircraft in 1/48 scale… more |
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Ki-43 WheelsPublished:
Brengun from Czech Republic specializes on aftermarket details; for the most part releasing drop-in resin or photoetch replacement parts. This set is intended to replace the kit wheels of the 1/48 Ki-43. Most likely the main recipient is likely to be the Hasegawa kit, but it could certainly work with the Arii or Fine Molds rendition of the airplane, with perhaps some minor modifications. The parts are molded in grey resin, free of bubbles or imperfections and with great surface detail. The attachment points of the wheels to the casting blocks are miniscule and removal and clean up should be an easy task. In addition to the resin parts, a small photoetch fret is included. Depending on which version of the Ki-43 Oscar you are modeling, some had open hubs with… more |
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Duke Hawkins – Sepecat JaguarPublished:
I’ll be honest. I’ve never heard of HMH Publications or Duke Hawkins before I had the opportunity of reviewing this book. After having had the chance of reviewing the book I am very glad to have been introduced to them. This book exudes quality. The quality evident, both in the content that is covered (i.e level of detail) and the quality of the printing. The paper quality is super, with a satin finish. All pictures are in color, with proper exposure and very sharp focus, so all details are crisp. The pictorial book is split in the following sections: Action, Cockpit, Fuselage, Weapons, Maintenance. As you can imagine, the pictures have very descriptive and relevant captions, helping you understand what detail is being highlighted in each image. Not only are you getting… more |
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Macchi Mc.205 Wheels & Paint MaskPublished:
Aires Models from Czech Republic specializes on aftermarket details; for the most part releasing drop-in resin replacement parts. This set is intended to replace the wheels of the 1/48 Hasegawa Macchi 205. The set includes tail wheel and tail wheel fork. The parts are molded in grey resin, free of bubbles or imperfections and with great surface detail, down to the manufacturer of the tires molded with enough raised detail that will take dry-brushing fantastically! The attachment points of the wheels to the casting blocks are miniscule and removal and clean up should be an easy task. In addition to the resin parts, they include painting masks which are super-handy to have and use. The masks are pre-cut so it is as simple as peeling, placing and you are ready to… more |
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The Italian Folgore Parachute Division – Operations in North Africa 1940-43Published:
Casemate Publisher is distributing a book from Helion & Companion Publishers on “The Folgore Parachute Division, Operations in North Africa 1940-43”. The author has done extensive research on the topic and each chapter is profusely referenced. Each chapter describes a very clearly defined period of time of the Division and has the very logical breakdown, as follows:
It also includes two appendices covering the Order of Battle and a list of recipients of the Gold Medal for Military Valor. The main highlights on the history of the… more |
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He 111Z-1 Zwilling Landing GearPublished:
Scale Aircraft Conversions specializes in white metal replacement parts. Its line of replacement landing gear has been expanded to include a set for the ICM 1/48 He 111Z-1 Zwilling. The set is including a total 20 parts covering the main landing gear struts, fork and tail wheel. I am not 100% sure, but most likely these parts can be used with any of the ICM (single fuselage) He 111. These parts are drop-in replacements for the plastic parts. To complete the landing gear, there is an extra plastic part that needs to be used. That part (c-10 from the instructions) does not carry weight; hence it makes sense to not replace that plastic part with white metal. Considering the size -and weight- of the He 111Z-1 Zwilling, investing on a sturdy landing gear is likely to… more |
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USAAF P-51 "North Africa"Published:
Accurate Miniatures P-51 has been released and re-boxed many times. This time Academy is re-releasing the Allison engine version of the P-51, with a nice decal set focused on the North Africa theater of operations with both RAF and USAAF service. I should point out that one of the marking options is for service over the European Theater of Operations. The molds date back to the mid-90s. Despite the vintage of the molds, the plastic is molded perfectly, with very sharp recessed panel lines and no flash anywhere to be found. I’ve assembled and detailed the cockpit as per instructions. Careful painting pays off, as the detail of the cockpit is among the best I’ve seen in injected plastic. A couple of things to mention are that the Instrument Panel is molded in clear… more |