Bell X-1

Published: October 6, 2022
Company: Revell

Introduction

1947 was a much simpler time but there were complex problems to be solved. 'Let's put a rocket motor in a small fuselage shaped like a 50 caliber bullet and see if we can maintain controlled flight, faster than the speed of sound'. Sounds simple enough.

Looking back now, the X-1 was simple in shape, power and design and we are still learning from those tests.

Revell has re-released the X-1 as a model kit that captures that simplicity with great detail.

My thanks go out to Revell for providing this kit for review and to IPMS USA for letting me do the review.

In the Box

There are 49 parts in this kit molded in gray and 2 clear. At 1/32 scale, the parts are big and easy to handle and assemble for young, small hands or us '… more

Leif Ericson Galactic Cruiser

Published: October 10, 2011
Company: Round 2 Models

Introduction

In 1968, in the first peak of the AMT Star Trek model series, AMT released the Leif Ericson Galactic Cruiser as a start to an intended line of original, AMT-designed sci-fi vehicles. Each ship was to have a story, including key characters. The ship was designed by Star Trek's Enterprise designer, Matt Jeffries. The Leif Ericson was a sci-fi modeler and fan-favorite even then.

In the summer of 2011, AMT re-released the Leif Ericson with its original box art design, with parts cast from the original molds (reviving the clear parts) and an updated Light Emitting Diode (LED) kit.

My thanks go out to AMT for providing this kit for review and to IPMS USA for letting me do the review.

The Kit

There are 22 parts molded in AMT’s light green… more

USS Enterprise, Tholian Web Edition

Published: July 15, 2011
Company: Round 2 Models

Introduction

This release of the original AMT Enterprise commemorates the original TV series episode, "The Tholian Web". In that show, one of the Enterprise's sister ships, the U.S.S. Defiant, is captured by the use of an energy 'web', spun by the Tholians. While Kirk & his team investigate, the Tholians make their move to take the Enterprise as well.

My thanks go out to Round2/AMT for updating and re-releasing this old kit for all us old fans (as well as the new ones) and providing this kit for review. I also thank IPMS USA for letting me do the review.

In the Box

This is the same kit that AMT originally released those many years ago, boxed in Retro-style packaging with original instruction sheet but with a few new features including parts for 2… more

F-111C RAAF "Special Edition"

Published: October 10, 2021
Company: Academy Models

Introduction

My thanks go out to MRC-Academy for providing this up-dated kit for review and to IPMS USA for letting me do the review. My apologies to Academy & IPMS for this review taking so long - I hate it when my job gets in the way of my hobbies but I had some issues at work for a while there.

In the Box

The box contains 7 gray and 1 clear sprues (including the new sprue "S" with many new detail parts), a nicely scaled, turned brass air data tube, instructions, a full-color (11.75" x 16.5") poster depicting painting and marking placement and a superb new decal sheet by Cartograf. There are about 287 parts but you won't use 70 of them so you'll have a good set of extra bits when you're done.

The instructions are very clear and well organized.… more

Steampunk Modeller, No. 1, Vol 1

Published: November 8, 2021
Company: Steampunk Modeller

Introduction

"Steampunk", according to Wikipedia, "...is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s..." and "...involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy." "Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but… more

Tom Daniel's T'rantula - Wild Digger With Drag Chute

Published: March 2, 2011
Company: Revell

Introduction

When Monogram released the T’rantula in 1968, I was interested - another Tom Daniel design of a cool but hot rod. Problem was, I would have had to mow an extra lawn or two for the money (probably a whopping $3 or $4 back then) since my budget was quickly spent on Vietnam era aircraft and armor kits that I could watch on the news. I was pleased to see Revell re-release this kit in December 2010 so I could finally satisfy my curiosity.

My thanks go out to Revell for re-releasing and providing this kit for review and to IPMS USA for letting me do the review.

In the Box

Inside the box are 66 parts on 5 sprues of citrus green, chrome and clear, 4 tires, instructions and a decal sheet of dash instruments, racing logos and a… more

IJN Battleship Nagato 1941 "Outbreak of War"

Published: January 4, 2011
Company: Fujimi

Introduction

In 1941, the IJN battleship Nagato(already 21 years old and 5 years after her last major re-fit) was the flagship of the Combined Japanese Fleet, flying the flag of Admiral Yamamoto. On 2 December 1941, Nagato transmitted "Niitakayama nobore 1208" to the fleet, which translated into "Climb Mount Niitaka on 12/08" (12/07 Hawaii time).

In mid-2010, Fujimi released a 1/500 scale rendition of Nagato, as she appeared in 1941, at the 'Outbreak of War'.

First, many thanks to Fujimi for providing this kit for review. This kit is well thought-out, engineered and designed and features excellent detail and fit for a 1/500 scale kit.

In the Box

Inside the box are 21 sprues of gray, black and clear individually bagged parts, a 9 1/4" x 14 3/8… more