Reviews of products for scale aircraft models.

Review Author
Rick Reinert
Published on
Company
Modelsvit
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$61.49

BLUF -Bottom Line Up Front

As Modelsvit states on their website, they specialize in short run (limited production) kits. The kit builds up into a reasonable scale model of the P-51H. Modeling experience with limited run kits and patience will result in a reasonable representation of one. This kit is not for beginners! It is really for experienced modelers.

The Modelsvit P-51H was first released in 2019. The version of the kit in this review was re-released in 2023 with a new set of markings. There have been a few P-51H’s released earlier by Hawk, Historic Plastic Models, and Classic Airframes in this scale. I have no idea how those build up, so there is no comparison to those kits.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
Euro Decals
Scale
1:32
MSRP
$42.47

Euro Decals has provided IPMS/USA reviewer corps with a wonderful decal set for the WWII Vought Corsair in 1/32nd scale. There is no specific mention of a preferred model kit, however, the decals are for the following variants: F4U-1, -1A, -A, Mk. II, and Brewster F3A.

This 1/32nd scale decal sheet covers seven (7) aircraft schemes:

Book Author(s)
Abraham Abrams
Review Author
Michael Furry
Published on
Company
Helion & Company
MSRP
$29.95

The J-20 is a fifth generation fighter aircraft that has elevated China to a world leader in combat aviation. J-20 Mighty Dragon, Asia’s First Stealth Fighter In The Era Of China’s Military Risetraces the development of the J-20 from its roots in the Korean War to the current deployment status as well as the responses other nations have taken to counterbalance this modern air superiority fighter. The text is organized into five chapters covering China’s need for an air superiority fighter, development, deployment, the aircraft’s future and assets needed for deployment, and international challenges and responses. Supporting the highly informative text are hundreds of color photos and captions that give further insight into this highly advanced fighter aircraft. In addition to the photographs, five pages of color profiles are also included, as well as a map displaying the locations of units operating the J-20.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
Yahu Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$11.99

Yahu Models has provided the IPMS reviewer corps with a 1/48th scale P-38L Lightning instrument panel. The base kit for this upgrade is designated for the Tamiya P-38J Lightning kit (61123). Referencing warbirdsresourcegroup.org, the “L” variant was an improved “J” variant with new engines and new rocket pylons. Thus, no differences in the airframe external shape. Of the P-38L-LO variant, 3,810 were built.

In the Package

The instrument panel (IP) detail set is enclosed in a plastic bag with one (1) photoetched (PE) IP already assembled, one (1) clear acetate sheet with printed detail, two (2) PE etched sheets for other cockpit panels. My sample review was missing the PE sheet that would have added detail to part M24. I did note in the pictures which part was missing.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$45.99

Recently released by the folks at ICM is the Focke-Wolf Fw-189C/V-6 in 1/72 scale. The kit received my attention due to the unique shape of the cockpit as well as the resemblance to the American P-38. The kit builds with relative ease, but I would recommend it to modelers with experience in dealing with smaller parts.

The real aircraft came from the experience gained by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War as a needed attack aircraft. Powered by two Argus As410A-1 engines, each providing 465 hp, the plane had a service ceiling of 6800km (4225 feet) and a maximum speed of 368 km/h (228 mph). The plane carried two 20mm cannons and up to six 7.92mm machine guns as well as up to four bombs. While the plane tested well in 1940, the Henschel Hs-129A would be selected for production.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
Arma Hobby
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$79.99

Arma Hobby has released a new 1/48th scale P-39N Airacobra. It is the new tooled 2024 version following the P-39Q, released earlier, and they share the same sprues, but the wing sink marks noted in the “Q” boxing looks to be fixed.

In The Box

The kit is enclosed in a side open box with all the contents sitting in a sturdier cardboard tray. The sprues are enclosed in a single plastic bag and within are more bags that hold three (3) steel ball bearings (for nose weight), the clear sprue, and another for a small 3D printed nose air louvers.

The injected plastic hardness is on the medium side. The recessed and raised molded details are good for this scale.