Pat Villarreal
Reviews By Author
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Marsden Mat (PSP)Published:
A new 3D printed Marsden Matting (AKA: PSP, Perforated Steel Plate) is now available from Majestic Frames out of Warner Robins, Georgia. Due to a lack of affordable individual PSP for the modeler to create a 1/48th scale diorama base, an IPMS member (and a small business owner) took it upon himself to fill a void in the hobby. In the Package and Product NotesThe sample review came in to two (2) Ziploc bags. Each bag has 105 pieces, enough plates to cover an 8 X 10 inch base (203 X 254 mm). One bag has a “(T)” in the title which has 0.03 inch (0.8 mm) thick plates. The other bag has 0.05 inch (1.3 mm) thick plates. Each plate size is 0.3 X 2.5 inches (7.6 X 63.5 mm). In addition, a sample base was also sent with PSP already installed on a matt board and… more |
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F-16C Nellis Cajun Aggressors DecalsPublished:
New decals of the F-16C Block 30B Nellis Cajun Aggressors in 1/48th scale is available from TwoBobs Aviation Graphics. Markings are for the 926th Wing, 706 Aggressor Squadron based out of Nellis AFB, Nevada, December 2023. In the PackageThere are two (2) decal sheets provided. The main sheet provides the colorful tail markings and stencils. The second sheet is smaller and has some dedicated stencils for the Kinetic kit and ECM pod. They are printed by Cartograf and have minimal excess clear film around the edges. The colors are vibrant and the registry is perfect. This decal set has markings for 2 aircraft. One for the colorful splinter and tail scheme (SN 85-1501, Nicknamed: “FELON”) and the dark gray “Have Glass V” scheme (SN 86-0222). It… more |
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F-104A/C J79 Exhaust NozzlePublished:
A new 3D printed F-104 Starfighter Exhaust Nozzle set in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale as a drop-in replacement for the Hasegawa kit utilizing the “Early” J79 engine. Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale at the time of this review, but a few foreign hobby websites were selling this product. In the Package and Product NotesThe sample review came in a small cardboard box and parts were individually wrapped in Ziploc bags. There are three (3) parts of this exhaust nozzle set printed with pink salmon-colored resin. These parts replace kit parts R26, R27, U6 (2X), and K3. The printed resolution of the exhaust nozzle is very fine with no visible build up layers and the print quality is excellent. Review ProcessI started… more |
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AN/ALE-50 Towed Decoy SystemPublished:
A new 3D printed AN/ALE-50 Towed Decoy System in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale as a drop-in replacement for the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon Tamiya kit. Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale at the time of this review, but a few foreign hobby websites are selling this product. In the Package and Product NotesThe sample review came in a plastic bag with a cardboard topper for a pegboard display. Two (2) AN/ALE-50 units are printed with pink salmon-colored resin. These parts replace kit parts J30, J33, and J34. The printed resolution is very fine with no visible build-up layers and the print quality is excellent. Review ProcessI started by separating the parts from their base by using side-cutting nippers. Next, wet… more |
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3D Tool Caddy Without Dedicated Knife HolderPublished:
A new 3D printed tool caddy for the model building hobbyist. It has multiple compartments to fit all types of tools and a handy yet convenient addition to any modeler’s benchtop. In the Package and Product NotesThe tool caddy is molded in gray resin and produced by a 3D printer. The buildup layers are visible (but small), and a nice recessed printed “CPM” logo is located on the backside wall of the caddy. If one wanted to paint it a different color, it can be easily done but I would recommend a good primer coat first. The footprint measures 7.25” long X 2.56” wide (184 X 65 mm). The back wall is 2.5” tall (63.5 mm), and the lower compartment walls are 1.5” tall (38 mm). The two largest compartments are sized to hold square bottles of Tamiya style thin cement… more |
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F-16 Fighting Falcon Landing Gear (Heavyweight)Published:
A new set of 3D printed F-16 Fighting Falcon landing gear in 1/48th scale is provided by Detail & Wonder Studios for the Tamiya kit. This is a drop-in replacement for the Tamiya kit. Note: There is no official website for Detail & Wonder Studios, but a Facebook page is available. In the Package and Product NotesThe sample review I received came in a small black box with tape stating “Test Set.” However, I did find on their Facebook page a box with the printed label. There are four (4) 3D printed parts, three (3) resin poured wheels, and bag containing a metal rod and tube. A bonus is an attractive photo etched metal placard for your F-16 to add to its base if so desired. The printed resolution of the landing gear is incredible. There… more |
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LAU-129 Missile Launcher for F-16Published:
A new set of 3D printed F-16 LAU-129 Missile Launcher in 1/48th scale (4 pieces) is provided by Fab Scale for the Tamiya kit. This is a drop-in replacement for the Tamiya kit for launchers that hold AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale, a business card was inside the box referencing Scalemates.com In The Package & Product NotesThe sample review I received came in a small plastic box wrapped in a Ziploc bag and surrounded by foam. There are four (4) 3D printed LAU-129 missile launchers printed with pink salmon colored resin. These parts can replace C28 & C29 from the Tamiya kit. The printed resolution of the missile launcher is amazing. There is a lot of tiny detail throughout… more |
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F-16 F110 Exhaust Nozzle Open Form (Tamiya Kit)Published:
A new 3D printed F-16 Exhaust Nozzle set in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale as drop-in replacements for the Tamiya kit (General Electric F110 engine). Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale at the time of this review, but a few foreign hobby websites were selling the exhaust nozzle. In The Package & Product Notes The sample review came in a small cardboard box and parts are individually wrapped in Ziploc bags. There are three (3) parts of this exhaust nozzle set printed with pink salmon colored resin. These parts replace kit parts A18, H12 & H3. The printed resolution of the exhaust nozzle is very fine with no build up layers and the print quality is excellent. Review Process I started by separating… more |
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F-16 Big Mouth Integrated Intake (Tamiya)Published:
A new F-16 one-piece 3D printed resin intake in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale for the Tamiya kit.This is a drop-in replacement for the Big Mouth intake for the GE F110 Engine. Sample comparison Tamiya kit is from Block 50. Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale, a business card was inside the box referencing Scalemates.com In The Package & Product NotesThe sample review came in a small plastic box and was wrapped in a Ziploc bag. There is one (1) 3D printed part made from white colored resin. This part will replace H5 & H9 from the Tamiya kit. The printed resolution of this intake is excellent and is an exact replica of the Tamiya parts but without the seam running horizontally on the sides. Review Process… more |
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F/A-18E/F Exhaust Nozzles (Early Version)Published:
A new set of 3D printed F/A-18E/F Super Hornet exhaust nozzles (early version) in 1/48th scale are provided by Detail & Wonder Studios for Hasegawa and Meng Kits. Note: There is no official website for Detail & Wonder Studios, but a Facebook page is available. In the Package and Product NotesThere are two (2) 3D-printed exhaust nozzles inside a small but very sturdy black box. Each nozzle is individually enclosed in a plastic Ziploc bag and cushioned with a foam insert. These are drop-in replacements for the Hasegawa and Meng kits. The printed resolution of the nozzle is immaculate and there are NO visible build-up layers. There is a lot of fine detail throughout the entire nozzle and some contrast color weathering will make them pop during… more |