Rod Lees
Reviews By Author
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CH-53/MH-53 Landing Gear (ACA)Published:
Thanks to Ross at SAC for continuing to provide us review items; we at IPMS USA sincerely appreciate your contributions! This set is, yet again, a simple drop-in replacement for the kit items. The set contains two main gear struts, a nose gear, and the retraction strut for the nose gear. Definitely a must if you are adding a lot of weight to the model; and particularly useful if everyone who views your model wants to “spin the rotor” (too much temptation) and see if it works. (Office fun if you take models to work: Make your wheels, props and rotors fit real tight and watch the face of the holder when they snap off parts. Of course, there is the repair, but it’s a common theme.) The usual notes apply to this gear; they fit perfectly, and provide the same level… more |
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Dassault Mirage F.1 - Pitot Tube and Angle Of Attack ProbePublished:
Another in a long line of excellent turned metal (brass) items from Master Model. IPMS/USA sincerely appreciates the Master Model’s support in providing a world-class product to improve our models… THANK YOU! I am always fascinated by the level of detail these parts have on them. My only experience with turning metal is best left unsaid, however these probes are almost as close to perfect as they can be. This package contains two metal parts in a double-bag system. The outer bag holds the protective card with details on the contents, and then an internal “small” bag holds the even smaller pitot and AOA (Angle of Attack) probes. There is not much to say about the assembly process. Pull out the directions, carefully drill holes where required-in this case the… more |
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Convair B-58 Hustler Pitot TubePublished:
Another excellent turned metal (brass) pitot assembly from Master Model. IPMS USA sincerely appreciates the support of Master Model, who continue to provide first-class products to improve already great models…. THANK YOU! This one is as simple as it gets; a pitot tube combined with the Pitot Boom which fits on the nose of the Italeri 1/72 B-58 Hustler. Looking at the kit item and Master Model’s replacement, it is easy to see why you should buy this one. First, the kit item is really way too short; Master Model fixes that. Use superglue or epoxy to install, the fit is perfect and doesn’t need anything else. There is an excellent instruction sheet as well, other aftermarket companies should follow this lead. A quick word about the strength of these items. I accidently… more |
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Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo PorterPublished:
Our thanks up front to Squadron mail order for providing this kit to IPMS so we can review it! A note about Squadron’s customer service; had one small issue with a part sprue, and we received the parts ASAP. Thanks Squadron for your attention and drive to ensure you maintain your customer base! And thanks to IPMS leadership for sending this one my way The Turbo-Porter is an interesting aircraft; it is designed for a specialized purpose, operating from unprepared airfields, with short takeoff and landing capabilities. In this kit, markings are provided for French Air Force operations; one overall white with a cheatline, and one in overall dark gray. I used Tamiya IJN Saesebo arsenal gray for my build as it seems close. The instructions are well done in several languages… more |
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Mirage F1 CT/CRPublished:
Sincere appreciation goes to Kittyhawk for providing IPMS USA another of their kits for review… although the company is relatively new, the kits so far have been great efforts and I look forward to what is next... This kit is a re-release of Kittyhawk’s F-1 kit released a couple of years ago. I remember reading of “fit issues” noted by a reviewer (from another site).... I experienced no major fit issues on this build. The kit did require a bit of filler to be used, where the forward fuselage mated with the aft section, and the intakes. That is pretty well a given on most jets, so I consider them non-issues. The only aftermarket I added involved an Eduard cockpit PE upgrade; the kit seats, (early and late type are provided, I believe they are Martin Baker) proved more… more |
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Mitsubishi F-1 '6SQ Sea Camouflage'Published:
The usual “Heavy Appreciation” goes out to Hasegawa USA for providing IPMS USA yet another fantastic re-release of one of Hasegawa’s catalog for review. This kit is a re-release of Hasegawa’s mid-1980’s F-1 models. The molds have endured the test of time, and no flash is present on this kit. Engraved panels, accurate details, tight construction, and a change in pace for F-1 lovers in the form of a new decal sheet. Although I like the standard F-1 Japanese three-color scheme, this was just, well, different! Starting with the cockpit, relief and raised detail is provided for the side panels and instrument panel, over which decals can used if your painting skills are not up to the effort. I used them and Solvaset helped them snuggle in. A three-part indigenous ejection… more |
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Alpha Jet Landing GearPublished:
I’d like to express my ongoing appreciation to Ross at SAC for continuing to provide us with review items; I know that everyone at IPMS/USA sincerely appreciates your contributions. This is another in a series of “drop fit and direct replacement” metal gear for your models. In this case, the set is for the Kinetic-series of Alpha jets in 1/48. In my case, it is being used on my “Wingman” German aftermarket release of the kit, and as such, the weight of the resin cockpit, seats, and more make use of metal gear almost mandatory if you don’t want the “failed plastic gear” effect on your model. As an aside, the Wingman release is fantastic too, but that’s not the point of the review. As you can see by the pictures, 11 parts are provided for this set, totally replacing the… more |
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Metal Landing Gear for Kitty Hawk Mig 25Published:
The usual comments of appreciation to Ross at SAC for continuing to provide us review items; we at IPMS USA sincerely appreciate your contributions! Unlike other landing gear on kits, Kittyhawk have provided a sturdy but complex design to emulate the actual landing gear on the Mig 25. If you have ever worked on or around Russian gear, you know that it is built like a tank, but sometimes can be a bit complicated. The Mig 23 comes to mind, but surprisingly the Mig 25 main gear is ALSO a complex assembly. As you can see by the pictures, a grand total of 11 parts are used for each main gear, including the metal rod. Now, you CAN use all this, and in the end have a sturdy gear (See side by side of kit gear unassembled plus assembled). Or you can make your life a bit easier… more |
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CF-18A Hornet “Canada Special Marking 2012”Published:
Thanks very much to our fantastic supporters at Hasegawa USA for providing IPMS USA yet another of their fine kits for review… we appreciate the opportunity to showcase some of the best models out there! This is yet another re-release of Hasegawa’s first range mid-1980’s F-18 models. The molds have well-endured the test of time, and no flash is present on this kit. Engraved panels, simplified construction, and an absolutely cool decal sheet await… Starting with the cockpit, decals are used for the instrument and side-console details. A two-piece ejection seat is provided, and use of the provided aircrew figure is recommended to avoid having to make a harness. A basic control stick rounds out the interior, and no problems will be experienced in construction here. … more |
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Boeing 707, C-135 Landing GearPublished:
Again, thanks very much to Ross at SAC for doing the hard work for us on this gear. We at IPMS USA sincerely appreciate your contributions for review! This is a simple drop fit for the Heller 707 or E-3 models. If you want to build the AMT/Heller/Italeri KC-135A/R with SAC gear, they provide that as item 72001. The packaging says 72072 can be used on a KC 135 as well. I did not hold them up to each other, but I’m certain they could be used for either kit. You’ll have to modify the nose gear for the KC-135, as that gear is different than the E-3 or 707; and the actuator arm for the KC-135 is longer on those kits. Historical note once again: The KC-135 came first, not the 707. The KC is based on the “Dash 80” airframe, and is different than on the 707 or E-3, which is a… more |