Pat Villarreal
Reviews By Author
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F-86F-40 Sabre, Part 1: Box ContentsPublished:
Academy/MRC has released a new North American F-86F-40 Sabre in 1/48th scale with leading edge slatted wings. There are two new sprue-runners (H & I) with upgraded wings, slats, 200 gallon drop tanks, and main landing gear wheels. From Scalemates.com, the original molding by Academy (in 1998) has the unslatted “6-3” wings. 7 of the 9 sprue-runners are from the original molding which includes two pilots (one seated and one standing), ordnance (bombs, missiles, & fuel tanks), and the option to modify the fuselage and show off the engine. A transport dolly to support the separated aft fuselage is included - NICE! In The BoxThe kit is enclosed in a top open box and comes with eight gray sprues, one clear, decal sheet, and a masking set. Instructions are well… more |
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Wilde Sau: Until the Fall of the Empire, Limited Edition Dual Combo Kit of the Fw 190A-8 and Fw 190D-9 (Part 3: Fw 190D-9 Build-Final)Published:
Eduard has graciously provided the IPMS Reviewer Corps with their new Limited Edition dual combo kit: Wilde Sau, Episode Three: Until the Fall of the Empire. Featuring the Fw 190A-8 and Fw 190D-9 kits in 1/48th scale. This is Part 3 of this kit review, and it will focus on the Fw 190D-9 airplane build. In the BoxFor the Fw 190D-9 kit, the second half of the instructions are dedicated to its assembly. Per Scalemates.com, the Fw 190D-9 kit is an older molding (2010) than the Fw 190A-8 kit (2017). The D-9 wing and fuselage rivet detail is not as prevalent compared to the A-8 kit. So, there are some dissimilarities in parts molding and format. This is not bad but noticeable. For the D-9 kit, assembly starts in the cockpit, but you will have to cut of the… more |
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Wilde Sau: Until the Fall of the Empire, Limited Edition Dual Combo Kit of the Fw 190A-8 and Fw 190D-9 (Part 2: Fw 190A-8 Build)Published:
Eduard has graciously provided the IPMS Reviewer Corps with their new Limited Edition dual combo kit: Wilde Sau, Episode Three: Until the Fall of the Empire. Featuring the Fw 190A-8 and Fw 190D-9 kits in 1/48th scale. This is Part 2 of this kit review, and it will focus on the Fw 190A-8 airplane build. Part 1 of this review looked at the box contents. In the BoxFor the Fw 190A-8 kit, the first half of the instructions are dedicated to its assembly. It starts in the cockpit where Eduard provides smooth panel parts to allow the PE details to be glued directly to the plastic without having to first remove & sand away the raised detail. But there are options to use decals to overlay on top of the molded panels or you can paint it by hand. Once the… more |
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Wilde Sau: Until the Fall of the Empire, Limited Edition Dual Combo Kit of the FW 190A-8 and FW 190D-9 (Part 1: Box Contents)Published:
Eduard has graciously provided the IPMS Reviewer Corps with their new Limited Edition dual combo kit: Wilde Sau, Episode Three: Until the Fall of the Empire. Featuring the Fw 190A-8 and Fw 190D-9 kits in 1/48th scale. In the BoxThis is a typical Eduard top-open box with beautiful artwork. Inside are parts for a Fw 190A-8 and a Fw 190D-9 WWII German airplane. Also included are photo-etched frets for each plane, along with two sets of resin wheels and masking sets for the wheels and canopies. The instruction booklet has 32 pages with easy-to-follow steps and well-detailed illustrations. Decals are on one large sheet for both planes, along with a separate stencil decal sheet for each plane. Decals are the kind where you can lift off the carrier film after… more |
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Mitsubishi F-2A/B Exhaust Nozzle - ClosedPublished:
Aires has provided the Reviewer Corps with a resin replacement of the Fine Molds Mitsubishi F-2A/B Exhaust Nozzle in the closed position. The sample review item comes in a cardboard backed plastic blister package. There are no instructions, but it does reference this is a replacement part for A48. This is a traditional pour into a mold resin part, not 3D printed. The detail in 1/72 scale is small, yet very fine. The scribed exterior exhaust petal detail is thin and scale appropriate and the internal petals have detailed horizontal ribbing to allow a dark wash to give it more depth. ConclusionsThis is a great traditional resin part if you want to replace the Fine Molds Mitsubishi F-2A/B exhaust nozzle in 1/72nd scale. Just wash and add paint. Highly… more |
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F-16I Sufa Ejection Seats with Safety BeltsPublished:
Quickboost has provided the Reviewer Corps with drop-in resin replacement ejection seats for the Kinetic Gold F-16I Sufa in 1/48th scale. In the Package and Product NotesThe sample review came in a plastic bag with cardboard backing. There are instructions included and they show how to assemble the seats. There are four pieces from traditional resin pour moldings and one 3D generated for the finer details of the grab-handle and canopy breakers. The quality is excellent with incredible fine detail. ConclusionsHighly Recommended! This is wonderful resin replacement ejection seat. Very fine details and all you really need to do is assemble and paint. It will add more interest to the cockpit of your 1/48th scale F-16I Sufa. I want to thank Aires… more |
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PBY-5 Catalina Correct Cowlings Closed FlapsPublished:
Quickboost has provided the Reviewer Corps with resin upgrade replacement detail for Academy’s PBY-5 Catalina Correct Cowlings with closed flaps in 1/72nd scale. In the Package and Product NotesThe sample review came in a plastic bag with cardboard backing. There are instructions for this set, and it will show you how to integrate the new parts along with the kit’s parts. There are traditional pour moldings for the cowlings, flaps, side air intakes, and 3D printed parts for the engine extension. The quality is excellent with very fine detail. Please note, since this is a resin part, Superglue (CA) or another bonding agent will be needed to secure the headrest to the kit plastic. ConclusionThis is a great resin part upgrade if you want to add… more |
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A-4C Skyhawk WipersPublished:
Quickboost has provided the Reviewer Corps with a drop-in resin replacement windshield wiper for Hasegawa’s A-4C Skyhawk in 1/48th scale. The sample review came in a plastic bag with cardboard backing. There are no instructions for this set. For the Hasegawa kit, this is a replacement for part A16. There is one 3D printed windshield wiper. The quality is excellent, and true to scale. It is a very petite part when compared to the kit’s. Because of this tiny size, eye magnification assistance (think Opti-Visor) may be needed when handling it. Please note, since this is a resin part, Superglue (CA), school glue (PVA) or another bonding agent will be needed to secure the wiper to the windscreen. This is a nice 3D resin part, and it will give you the correct scale thinness if you want to… more |
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P-39Q/N Airacobra Exhaust - 6 PipesPublished:
Quickboost recently provided the Reviewer Corps with drop-in resin replacement exhaust pipes for Arma Hobby’s P-39Q/N Airacobra in 1/48 scale. The sample item came in a plastic bag with cardboard backing. There are no instructions for this set. For the Arma Hobby kit and they are direct replacements for part A22. There are two exhaust pipes (left & right) from the traditional pour moldings for these resin replacements (not 3D generated). The quality is excellent, and the exhaust pipe ends have holes molded in, so no drilling is required. ConclusionsThis is a great traditional resin set if you want to replace the engine exhaust on your P-39Q/N Airacobra in 1/48 scale. Just wash and add paint. Highly Recommended to everyone who wants to add more detail to their P… more |
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F4U-1 Corsair Headrest Type BPublished:
Quickboost has provided the Reviewer Corps with a resin upgrade replacement detail for Tamiya’s F4U-1A or D Corsair Headrest Type B in 1/72nd scale. In The Package and Product NotesThe sample review came in a plastic bag with cardboard backing. There are instructions for this set and it will show the removal of the headrest pad for parts B15 & B16. This will allow the new headrest to be installed on the forward side of the bulkhead. Note: this part cannot be used on F4U-1 “Birdcage” variant with the aft scalloped windows. There are two headrests provided and they are the traditional pour moldings (not 3D generated). The quality is excellent with very fine detail. Please note, since this is a resin part, Superglue (CA) or other bonding agent will be… more |