Steven J. Corvi
Reviews By Author
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F-86A 'Advanced Kit'Published:
This first release by ClearProp is an early F-86A-5 in the airplane's pre-Korean War configuration. Clear Prop has shown photos of the future releases which will be a pretty thorough coverage of the Early A & E models of the F-86 with the leading edge slats. The parts trees of the current release have two nose cones - one for the F-86A, and one that is scribed for the ranging radar positioned in the nose of the F-86E, which indicates a future E release! Clear Prop has declared their commitment to covering the early North American F-86 Sabre. The ‘Korean War’ F-86A-5 will be released by Christmas 2024, with an F-86E to follow in 2025, according to sources. The kit has delicate engraved surface detail, and the wing is correct for the slatted version since there is no “ledge” for the… more |
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B-26B MarauderPublished:
The Martin B-26 Marauder was a twin-engine light bomber which entered U.S. Army Air Forces service in 1941. 5,000 airframes were built, and the aircraft was used in all theaters of operations for the U.S. during World War II. The Martin B-26 was a medium altitude [10,000 to 15,000 feet] bomber with the lowest loss rate of any Allied bomber! Many Allied air forces flew the Marauder including; U.S., British, Free French, Australian, South African and Canadian in combat. At the conclusion of World War II, B-26 crews had flown more than 110,000 operational sorties and had dropped about 150,000 tons of bombs on the enemy. The Martin B-26 was declared obsolete by the United States Air Force in 1948, but few had even been airworthy by this late date. The B-26 designation was transferred to… more |
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F-4 E/G Landing Gear Upgrade Set for Zoukei-Mura KitPublished:
Packaging and ProductThe sample review I received came in nicely packed black box with labeling and full instructions. It was also well packed in foam to prevent damage. There are five (5) 3D printed parts in assembly cages, six [6] 3D printed parts of the wheel hubs and three (3) resin poured wheels, and a bag containing a metal rod and tube. The printed resolution of the landing gear is tight and very detailed! There are a few tiny details throughout the entire 3D print and some careful painting and contrast weathering will make them come to life! Review ProcessI separated the tires from the pour stubs by using a hobby knife blade & fine sprue cutters. I recommend you be very careful and study the instructions [very helpful] and the parts before cutting so… more |
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F/A-18E/F F414 Exhaust NozzlesPublished:
These F/A-18E/F/ [F 414] Exhaust Nozzles (for the Meng Kit primarily) are a recent release by the Chinese manufacturer Fab Scale. Fab Scale’s online presence is hard to find with the provided QR codes stating that the site can’t be reached. The same is for the supplier, Warspite Model Company. These are nice drop-fit replacements for the exhaust on the Meng kit and I suspect it would also fit the Hasegawa kit. The sturdy box protects the three pieces, each in their own protective Ziplock pouch. There are no instructions included but since this is a rather simple assembly, it is not detrimental. The box art [line drawings] shows the arrangement of the three parts. I removed the 3D supports with a hobby knife, which was easy, and after a quick clean up the parts were ready for… more |
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OV-10D BroncoPublished:
What is in the Box
The North American OV-10 Bronco was designed as COIN [Counter Insurgency] light attack aircraft with VSTOL [vertical and/or short take-off and landing ] capability. IT was primarily introduced to USMC and USN squadrons which was the intended customer. The USAF however was interested in this airframe as a FAC [Forward Air Control] aircraft to replace the Cessna L-19/O-1 ‘Bird Dog’ & Cessna O-2 Skymaster. The OV-10 Bronco being a purpose built FAC aircraft had many advantages over the earlier Cessna airframes. The OV-10 was produced in 3 major variants OV-10A, C [export version] and Final… more |
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Decal Fixer and Decal SoftenerPublished:
From the GSW Website, here are the use and application of these new items. I used them on my review build of a Supermarine Spitfire and you can see the results. GSW Decal Fixer helps the application of decals onto surfaces of models, miniatures and dioramas. The GSW Decal Fixer prepares the surface with special agents that soften the solvents of modern paints making decals more resistant and glue stronger. In addition, the decal fixer makes the decal more flexible and increases the adherence, preventing the silvering effect. … more |
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Hurricane Mk IICPublished:
What is in the Box
ConstructionThe Arma 1/48 Hurricane IIC starts with an unconventional build sequence, wings first, which was like their 1/72 kit. The parts are cleanly molded with crisp detail and accurate scribing. There was no flash, the parts are molded with no sink marks, and what few ejector pin marks I did see were all in areas that were not visible on the model. There is an errata in the kit to change the fit of the wing. It is minor but something to be aware of. Also, there is an error on the ejector ports for the 20mm cannons. One must be filled while another… more |
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Supermarine Spitfire IA [Mid]Published:
Kotare has released a brand new tooled injection molded kit in 1/32 of the Mid Production Spitfire IA, which hasn’t been done since 1967. This kit was released on March 7, 2023 and is the first from this manufacturer. IT includes a beautifully illustrated color instruction booklet with actual period photographs of wartime Spitfires, which is a nice touch! This is very similar to another New Zealand company that did 1/32 World War One aircraft! This is a brand new company led by model enthusiast and builder Mark Robson , who is a practicing veterinarian, along with Richard Alexander from Wingnut Models who rounds a team of great modelers and enthusiasts that have various skills in model production. The quality of the moldings and the tooling is some of the best I have seen in… more |
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Hurricane Mk II DPublished:
What is in the Box
ConstructionThis Arma 1/72 Hurricane IID starts with an unconventional build sequence, wings first, which includes the modification for the [-IID] 40 MM canons armament. This is really the only part of the kit that may cause concern for the neophyte builders. The plastic is a bit soft so careful sanding and re-scribing is necessary. Arma does give you a nice little resin [3-D printed] template for the upper wing. This provides the access panels to the 40mm underwing canons. You have to remove the four 20mm Hispano Suizo… more |
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A-26 Invader: Douglas A-26/B-26 from WWII through VietnamPublished:
The author is David Doyle who is an American writer on historic military vehicles, aircraft, hardware and warships. He has written over 100 books published by various publishers. He also sells books through his own website. He has published through Schiffer publications on numerous occasions. David Doyle books can be purchased directly from the author! The books is of the coffee table variety, with many color photographs and color illustrations that are accurately produced. This bodes well for the modeler as a construction reference for many types of kits. Schiffer has produced a series Legends of Warfare Aviation series to cover many World War Two era and jet aircraft types. The format of the current work on the A-26… more |