Scott retired from the commercial nuclear industry with over thirty years of experience in Maintenance, Engineering, and Training. Prior to that he served on two aircraft carriers during his time in the U.S. Navy. He has been building models for over 50 years with his first kit being purchased with money from his grandparents for his sixth birthday. With a stash that consists of more aircraft than anything else, Scott still enjoys building a little bit of everything (including but not limited to tanks, cars, show cars, military vehicles (aside from tanks), ships, figures, real space, and some science fiction), which keeps his stash growing. Scott and his wife Fern reside in southwest lower Michigan, not far from South Bend, Indiana, and have three adult children and currently three grandchildren as well as a small dog and a large cat.
I have known John Vojtech since the 1990s when he was building models with incredible detail and was starting to sell his razor saws. While I still use my original saw frequently, he has in the decades since branched out to provide a myriad of tools for the modeler as well as some model kits under the UMM-USA name (also known as Unique Master Models). One of the items he provided at the recent IPMS-USA Nationals was this stand created for 1/32 to 1/24 scale aircraft. Modelers who build on larger scales should find multiple uses for this stand.
This stand is produced by JH Models and sold through UMM-USA here in the states. A large (14-1/4 by 23-5/8 inches), thin cardboard box contains a plastic bag that holds three sheets of 1/8 inch plywood, an instruction sheet, and a small bag… more
In addition to producing some wonderful model kits of a plethora of subjects, ICM has also added a line of acrylic paints, some of which have been reviewed here in the past. This set contains basic colors, which are good for adding details to nearly any subject, and can be mixed as needed to create any color you can imagine. Modelers who are familiar with water-based acrylic paints will have no issues with using this set.
When inspecting the box for this set you will see the six colors included as well as a chart showing basic colors that can be mixed by using the paints provided. While this is a limited example of colors that can be created, if you are unfamiliar with creating new colors, this set is a good starting point. Included in the set are White (item 1001), Black (1002… more
One of the newer suppliers for the IPMS-USA Review Corps is DXM Decals, the DXM stands for Double Excellent Models. While as the name implies, the company specializes in decals, they also produce detail parts and paint masks for airbrushing aircraft. The company produces their products for 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scale aircraft. The decals are printed by Cartograf, who is known for their quality work. Any modeler that has applied water-slide decals will have no issues with using this set.
This set is Tomcat Collection 3 and provides decals for seven unique aircraft. There are three different F-14D Tomcats serving with VF-31 representing aircraft in April 1997 (CAG (Commander Air Group) aircraft), November 1997 (CAG aircraft), and September 2006. The 2006 markings are for the “Last… more
Unique Master Models, or UMM, is well known to many modelers for the model work of the owner, and for the many unique tools offered over the years. One of the newer products is the Profiler – Scribing and Contour Guide. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, this tool is a great addition for modelers who scratch-build, as well as for those needing to scribe around curved surfaces.
This tool measures 130mm by 3mm, it consists of a soft metal strip that is smooth on one side and textured on the other and is coated with a rubber-like substance. The coating prevents the tool from slipping during use, and the metal will hold its shape, but can be straightened to allow for repeated use. Small 110mm by 2mm and large 150mm by 4mm Profilers are also available, depending on the needs… more
Quickboost products are part of the Aires line of resin and 3D printed detail items known to many modelers over the years. One of the latest products is this set combining resin and 3D printed resin steps and ladder parts for use on the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat. Modelers with some experience with small resin parts should have no problem utilizing this set.
This set contains a total of four resin parts held on a single block as well as a single 3D printed part. The set will replace kit parts A5/6 and 24 and there is also a single-page instruction sheet included to assist the modeler in using the replacement parts. The replacement pilot and RIO steps are conveniently molded to replicate the tabs used on the kit parts, which will aid in their installation. There is an option of… more
Quickboost products are part of the Aires line of resin and 3D printed detail items known to many modelers over the years. One of the latest products is labeled as “Antennas” but consists of both antennas and sensors for use on the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat. Modelers with some experience with small resin parts should have no problem utilizing this set.
This set contains a total of ten resin parts held on a single block. The set will replace kit parts J2/3/4/5 and 6 as well as a molded in conical AOA probe that will require removal. The resin block conveniently spells out which kit part is replaced by the resin ones. There is also a single-page instruction sheet to assist the modeler in using the replacement parts.
My hits for this set are the high level of detail provided in the… more
One of the newest releases from venerable Tamiya is this wide-wheel version of the Schwimmwagen Type 166, which incorporates parts from their previous release (kit 224) back in 1998. The new release includes new sprues C and V which include the wide-wheel parts, new figures, and new weapons. As with any Tamiya kit, the engineering is perfect, which makes this kit ideal for modelers of nearly any skill level, and it is therefore highly recommended.
Upon opening the box, you will find four sprues molded in Tamiya’s tan plastic, a separate lower body, a mesh screen, clear acetate, and decals. Also included are a ten-page instruction sheet, a Tech Tips sheet, and Background Information. The Background Information includes Development, Design, and Production and Deployment information… more
The IPMS-USA recently began receiving items for review from Gaahleri. The company is relatively new and first introduced airbrushes and has since expanded into the production of their own line of paints. Kaleido ColorWorks is their premium sub-brand of water-based paints, which are developed with RapidAir Technology. In addition to all the individual colors, Gaahleri also has sets of paint available for consumers.
One of the latest releases is the 24 Auto Colors Set. Using their Rapid Air Technology, the paints deliver a lacquer-like performance in a water-based paint that is non-toxic, and environmentally responsible (as described on their website). These paints are formulated for airbrushing and are contained in unique 20ml bottles made of clear plastic that supports easy… more
The IPMS-USA recently began receiving items for review from Gaahleri. The company is relatively new and first introduced airbrushes and has since expanded into the production of their own line of paints. In addition to their individual and sets of paints, they have also released their own Cleaner, which can be used on both paint brushes and airbrushes. This cleaner is advertised as being non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable, and safe for the environment by Gaahleri.
The Kaleido ColorWorks Cleaner used in this review came packaged in a 210ml (7.1fl oz) bottle that sells reasonably at $9.99, which is comparable to other airbrush cleaners. I have successfully used the Cleaner for the Gaahleri ColorWorks Metallic paints as well as several of their Auto Colors. While the Cleaner does a… more
The IPMS/USA recently began receiving items for review from Gaahleri. The company is relatively new and first introduced airbrushes and has since expanded into the production of their own line of paints. Kaleido ColorWorks is their premium sub-brand of water-based paints, which are developed with RapidAir Technology. In addition to all the individual colors, Gaahleri also has sets of paints available for consumers.
One of the latest releases is the 12 Metal Colors Set. Using their Rapid Air Technology, the paints deliver a lacquer-like performance in a water-based paint that is non-toxic and environmentally responsible (as described on their website). These paints are formulated for airbrushing and are contained in unique 20ml bottles made of clear plastic that supports easy… more
