AIM-9E Sidewinder

Published: June 5, 2015
Company: Eduard

Developed as a Sidewinder for the U.S. Air Force, the AIM-9E was based on the U.S. Navy AIM-9B, but with some enhancements, based on early combat challenges of the B- model. The cooling for the detector used Peltier thermoelectric cooling, and the forward canards were changed. Ford produced 5000 of the missiles from re-purposed AIM-9B missiles. The AIM-9E measured 9 feet, 10 inches long, 22… more

German Soldier-Bicyclist, 1939-1942

Published: May 10, 2015
Company: Master Box Ltd

If you read my previous review on Master Box Limited’s release of the German Army bicycle (kit 35165), some of this will look familiar. If you are looking to add something unique to your collection of 1/35 scale German military vehicles, or to spice up your next diorama, Master Box Limited has now released their bicycle kit with a rider figure. Although it is a challenging build, those… more

F4F Wildcat Landing Gear

Published: April 2, 2015
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

Scale Aircraft Conversions is marking their Silver Anniversary this year, with twenty-five years of supplying resin and white metal parts to model builders. This is the fifth landing gear set from SAC that I have reviewed, and once again, they have provided an excellent metal option for kit-supplied landing gear. This set is intended for the 1/32 scale F4F Wildcat that was released by… more

F3H Demon Cockpit Detail Set

Published: November 25, 2021
Company: Pavla Models

If you are looking to improve the cockpit, both inside and out, for your 1/72 scale EMHAR F-3H Demon, I would direct your attention to this cockpit and canopy set from Pavla Models. Recommended for the EMHAR kit released in 1991, this set provides a new front end for the plane in detailed resin, which is a step above the old plastic detail provided in the kit. Modelers with some experience in… more

FJ-1 Photo Etched Parts

Published: March 24, 2015
Company: Res-Im

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your 1/72 scale FJ-1 Fury, I would direct your attention to this photo-etched set from Resin Improvements. Although recommended for the VALOM kit, I was able to use the set effectively with the release from SIGA with only some minor plastic and metal removal. Most of the cockpit parts are pre-painted, which makes them both quick and easy to use… more

F3H Demon Nose

Published: November 25, 2021
Company: Pavla Models

If you are looking to improve the appearance of the nose on your 1/72 scale EMHAR F-3H Demon, I would direct your attention to this new release from Pavla Models. Recommended for the EMHAR kit released in 1991, this replacement nose is a clear advancement over the old plastic nose provided in the kit. Modelers with some experience in using resin parts should have no issues with utilizing this… more

Imperial Japanese Navy Submarine I-15/I-46

Published: February 10, 2020
Company: Fujimi

If you are looking for something to build quickly, which I find relaxing after a particularly challenging build, you may want to consider this recent release from Fujimi.

Late last year, Fujimi re-released this combination kit of the I-15 and I-46 submarines, so I jumped on the opportunity to build these two boats once again, but with roughly twenty years of advancement in my modeling… more

F-16CJ Block 50 Wheels

Published: January 8, 2015
Company: Eduard

One of the latest releases from Eduard in their Brassin line are a set of wheels meant to replace the kit provided ones in the Tamiya 1/72 scale F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. Consisting of three resin parts and a set of masks to aid in airbrushing the wheels and tires, the set can be used to dress up the appearance of the Tamiya kit. The F-16CJ Block 50 release by Tamiya follows their impressive… more

AIM-9M/L Sidewinder

Published: January 8, 2015
Company: Eduard

Developed jointly by the US Air Force and US Navy starting in 1971, the AIM-9L was a vastly improved Sidewinder that was based on the H-model. The missile used All-Aspect Capability against maneuvering targets, as well as high-speed targets. The forward canards were longer in span, and of a double-delta design. Production began in 1978 with over 16,000 missiles being built by Philco-Ford,… more

AIM-9D Sidewinder

Published: January 5, 2015
Company: Eduard

Developed as a follow up to the B and C models of the Sidewinder, the AIM-9D featured a Nitrogen cooled Infrared (IR) seeker and utilized the Hercules MK 36 solid-fuel rocket motor. Philco-Ford and Raytheon produced about 1000 of the missiles between 1965 and 1969. The missile was 9 feet, 5 inches long; 24.8 inches across the rear fins, and had a diameter of 5 inches. Weighing in at 195 pounds… more