Rick Bellanger
Reviews By Author
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B-25 Canopy Framing MaskPublished:
The set consists of two paper tape sheets. These are pre-cut to fit the clear parts on the Mitchell. If you were only going to buy one detail set for the B-25, this would be the one you would have to get. The masks are designed to fit each clear piece on the model. Once they’re applied, you can leave them on for the duration of the build and let them be the last thing to remove before showing off your masterpiece. I used two of these sets to do my plane. You only get enough to do the outside of the clear parts and I wanted to show the framing on the inside, too. They are easy to apply and can very easy to line up. A little burnishing is all that is needed before your first coat of paint. Try not to go too heavy on the first coat; you might get some seepage under the… more |
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B-25 Ammunition Belts PE SetPublished:
The set consists of one photo etch sheet. The PE parts are an unpainted natural metal (silver) color. This set is kind of interesting. You use the kit parts and these simply wrap around the existing belts, providing a very good looking ammo belt tray combination. The instructions are quite adequate in explaining the bending and placement of the details. The down side of this beautiful set is that once the plane is completed, it is hard to see all the work you have done. The new details are a little difficult to apply. I found if you glue the sides first, than wait a little bit for the glue to set, then you can bend the top down to fit. Also, the bottom of the belts are not detailed. This is especially noticeable in the forward bombardier’s compartment. … more |
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F9F Cougar Walk AroundPublished:
Squadron has done it again. They have provided us with another volume included in their outstanding Walk Around series. This particular one deals with the F9F Cougar and all its variants. It is written and laid out in the typical Squadron Walk Around fashion. The book introduction starts with a brief but comprehensive history of the development and deployment of the Cougar. There are tables that show the differences between each version and a section on the different nose and canopy variations. The rest of the book is high quality black & white and color photos with captions. The majority of pictures are color. All photos have a very comprehensive caption that explains what you are looking at. I would say that half the photos are from display aircraft and… more |
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USS New York LPD-21Published:
At the IPMS Nationals this summer I had the opportunity to see the latest and greatest of Gallery Models/MRC's products. I was given the opportunity and pleasure of being allowed to do the review of this kit provided by MRC/Gallery Models and IPMS/USA. HistoryThe USS New York, LPD 21, is the fifth ship in the San Antonio-class of amphibious transport dock vessels and the seventh ship to bear the name New York. The San Antonio-class brings together a number of modern technologies as well as the functionality performed by several different classes of amphibious assault vessels previously built. The key features of the San Antonio-class include a hull and superstructure design that reduces radar cross-section, a large flight deck on the stern, and the ability to have a… more |
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AMC DH.2Published:
Model features (taken directly from Wingnut Wings’ website): Released in October 2012
You know what? – it’s all true and you get a lot more. The Aircraft Manufacturing Company de Havilland 2 (AMC DH.2) first flew in June, 1915, was sent to the front in July for evaluation, and was promptly captured in August. This didn't deter the development, and by… more |
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B-25J "The Strafer"Published:
This is the second release of the HK Models B-25J series. The first was the Glass Nose version which was thoroughly covered by Ed Kinney's excellent review. This version is "The Strafer", which has the solid nose containing eight .50 cal machine guns. This version relies on most of the parts provided in the glass nose version and includes several new part trees of gun nose. The same engine, wing, landing gear, tail, and fuselage parts are used and you get new nose details and decals. We will start the build by following the instruction sheet with a few exceptions. There are 38 steps and I did deviate from the order on a few. I omitted several parts during the assembly because I incorporated several aftermarket products. These include the upper turret photo etch… more |
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F-15 Eagle Corrected Exhaust NozzlesPublished:
I have built several Tamiya 1/32nd scale F-15's and thought the kit engine exhausts were quite adequate. Little did I know that they could be vastly improved by using these detail parts provided by Two Mikes. The resin exhaust nozzles are direct replacement pieces for the kit parts which are "Overly Long," as stated in the instruction sheet. They can be used on the F-15A/B/C/D/J and DJ version. You will still use some of the original plastic engine details but the major parts are included in this kit. The instruction sheet is easy to read and understand. The details in the photos provide all the information you may require except painting instructions. You get two assemblies that include nozzles and actuator arms. You will have to cut the nozzles from their casting… more |
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Pitot Tube, RAM Air Inlet and AOA Probe for the F-4 Phantom II, Short Nose VersionPublished:
I have built several 1/32nd scale Phantoms, both Revell and the Tamiya versions, and have found the weakest and most fragile of all the parts are the pitot tubes and the tail probes (AOA). Thankfully, Master Model has come along with a very nice set of finely cast and turned items to replace these items. In the short nose version set, you get three replacement detail parts to fit the F-4B, C, D, J, N, S, and all British versions of the Phantom. You get a pitot tube and RAM air inlet for the tail and an angle of attack (AOA) probe for the port side of the front fuselage. All appear to be turned brass of the highest quality. The instruction sheet gives you exact locations and procedures for applying these detail parts. You will have to remove some existing detail in order… more |
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Pitot Tube, RAM Air Inlet and AOA Probe for the F-4 Phantom II, Long Nose VersionPublished:
I have built several 1/32nd scale Phantoms, both Revell and the Tamiya versions, and have found the weakest and most fragile of all the parts are the pitot tubes and the tail probes (AOA). Thankfully, Master Model has come along with a very nice set of finely cast and turned items to replace these items. In the long nose version set you get three replacement detail parts to fit the F-4E, F, G, EJ, RF-4B, C, E and EJ version of the Phantom. You get a pitot tube for the pointy end of the nose, RAM air inlet for the tail, and an angle of attack (AOA) probe for the starboard side of the front fuselage. All appear to be turned brass of the highest quality. The instruction sheet provides exact locations and procedures for applying these detail parts. You will have to remove… more |
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US Wheel Chocks, WWIIPublished:
With the release of all the World War Two US aircraft in this scale, it didn't take long for aftermarket companies to step in and start producing detail sets. Profimodeller is one of these and they have come up with some really nice stuff. The wheel chock set is a nice addition and will work great when I display the new HK Models B-25 on a base. I went to Profimodeller's website and found it quite easy to use. They are very helpful in answering questions and quick to respond (note the time difference, you are dealing with Czechoslovakia). I used Pay Pal for payment and received my goodies in a week. This will be a "First Look" type review. I will be building a B-25 and incorporate the set in the build, but it's going to take a while. The chocks are made of resin… more |