P-38L-5-LO Lightning

Published: April 23, 2013
Company: Hobby Boss

I doubt the P-38 Lightning needs any introduction to modelers, as it has been a favorite of many of us for a long time. This Hobby Boss release is one of their latest in the Easy Build series of 1/72 scale kits and is a late-war -L version. It’s a reasonably priced kit with excellent surface detail and markings for two aircraft. The four-page fold-out instructions are straight forward, easy to… more

MiG-23MLD (Flogger K) Pitot Tube

Published: October 9, 2012
Company: Master Model

This is another of Master’s growing list of pitot tubes for specific 1/72 scale aircraft. This set continues in the tradition of excellent, quality products from this company. Master’s MiG-23MLD set includes a turned-metal pitot tube and photo etched brass vortex generators. These vortex generators direct air flow when the aircraft is at high angles of attack. If they are placed correctly,… more

MiG-29 Fulcrum Pitot Tube

Published: October 9, 2012
Company: Master Model

I’ve reviewed a couple of these products before and was impressed with the quality of their workmanship. Master continues the trend with their latest release. The MiG-29 set includes the pitot tube itself and two small, photo etched strakes. On the real machine, the strakes are positioned on either side of the area where the pitot tube meets the nosecone to help direct airflow when the… more

EA-18G Growler,VAQ-141 Shadowhawks Limited Edition

Published: August 1, 2012
Company: Hasegawa

The EA-18G Growler is the US Navy’s newest ECM aircraft, replacing the venerable Grumman EA-6B Prowler. Now in service with several squadrons, the EA-18G provides our military forces the latest hardware for electronic warfare. Boeing modified the basic two-seat FA-18F Super Hornet for the ECM mission by adding numerous antenna, sensors, and stores, and by removing offensive items such as the… more

L-39ZO Weekend Edition

Published: May 24, 2012
Company: Eduard

This elegant looking jet trainer has been in service with numerous air forces for many years and has even become a common sight at “warbird” fly-ins. Several years ago, Eduard released an exquisite little model of this trainer. Their latest version is the “Weekend Edition,” a more basic boxing of their “Original,” “Dual Combo,” or “Profipak” releases. To meet the “weekend” criteria, this kit… more

Soviet Tactical Aviation

Published: March 20, 2012
Book Author(s): Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov
Company: Hikoki Publications

In many ways, the development of Soviet tactical aviation, or Frontovaya Aviahtisya (FA), went through similar developmental phases as the Tactical Air Command of the USAF. Evolving out of the combat experiences of World War II, it made do with aircraft left over from the war. As technology advanced, the FA had access to the early jet fighter and then to purpose built fight-bomber aircraft.… more

Decals for Hunter, Thunderstreak, Starfighter KLu/ RNethAF

Published: August 14, 2011
Company: Dutch Decal

This decal sheet is a commemorative release celebrating twenty-five years of business for Dutch Decals and as such is a “limited edition printing”. As you might expect from a manufacturer with this name, the densely packed sheet supplies decals for three historic aircraft in the KLu/RNeth AF. It has marking for twenty-three options: five Hunters, six Thunderstreaks, and… more

BAe Hawk Mk.1 Pitot Tube

Published: August 9, 2011
Company: Master Model

We’ve come a long way in aircraft modeling when you can find a company dedicated to making after market pitot tubes for specific subjects in different scales. Way back when, a straight pin instead of a kit piece was “advanced modeling.” My review is for both the 1/72 and 1/32 versions of this product. Master has provided us with an exquisite, turned-metal replica of the BAe Hawk pitot tube. It… more

World's Fastest Four Engine Piston-Powered Aircraft, Story Of The Republic XR-12 Rainbow

Published: July 3, 2011
Book Author(s): Michael Machat
Company: Specialty Press

The Republic Rainbow has been a long-time favorite aircraft of mine. I grew up on Long Island, not far from Farmingdale where Republic is located, and my father worked there for twenty-five years. Even without that close association, I would still appreciate the sleek lines and tremendous performance of this machine. Mike Machat with his new hardcover book puts a spotlight on post-war… more

Kfz.70 6x4 Personnel Carrier

Published: June 20, 2011
Company: Dragon Models

The Kit:

Krupp’s Kfz.70 light truck was a workhorse for the German army throughout WW II. Initial production started in 1933 and continued through 1942 with a run of around 7000 units. It was often employed towing light artillery, particularly the PaK 35/36, 3.7cm anti-tank weapon. Dragon has released a kit of this ubiquitous vehicle in 1/72 scale and it’s a little gem… more