History

The first prototype of the Fw 190 took to the air on June 1st, 1939 but due to some minor faults (Ok, so there were enough problems that the RLM halted development) it was not accepted into the Luftwaffe until 1941. June 1941 saw the Luftwaffe accept the first 100 Fw 190A-1s that were armed with four 7.9mm MG 17s. November of 41 saw the next version, 190A-2, introduced with two MG 17s and two MG 151s of 20mm caliber in the wings. Part of this series received an additional pair of 20mm MG FFs. The A-2 was powered by the modified BMW 801 C-2 engine and problems with the engine rear bank of cylinders overheating were finally solved by the simple introduction of a ventilation slot on the two sides of the engine cowling as in the A-1 version.

IPMS/USA again thanks the Eduard team for sending us more of their prolific output targeted toward improving already great kits. Thanks to Phil and John for obtaining the sets for the team…

This set is an upgrade to the 2018 release of the new-mold Airfix 1/72 Wellington 1a/c. Consisting of three parts, it is the two main wheel/tires as one part each, and the single-part tail wheel strut and wheel/tire assembly, and a masking set for same. On the kit the main wheels are split into two halves per old-school molding, which the resin items dispense with, having a casting block on the ground section of the tire. .

Thank you to Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak for continuing to bring back a tremendous resource for the modeler, in a digital format with print-on-demand paperback format. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to test out this new and exciting method of researching history, details, versions and markings of the F4F & FM Wildcat and variants.

Overview

The publication is another extraordinary compilation of history, data, and images of a USN aircraft that was critically important throughout World War II. The content is organized into history, U. S. variants, French and British versions, aircraft details, paint schemes, and a very comprehensive and current modeler’s section.

PJ Production is well known for its figures and this time has provided another fine example of military pilots for a specific era. Most often, jet pilot figures from the 60’s through the eighties are very common but 1950s era jet pilot figures are not very easy to find especially in 72 scale. This collection leads in filling this short span of helmet and clothing styles on pilot figures.

The product contains two figures of two different styles with a small amount of flash is on the figures which is simply brushed away while detail is nice and crisp. There was a small hole of the face that will need to be filled which appears to be a casting flaw. Both complete figures (less arms) are wearing helmets with the visor up and oxygen mask on. The two have slightly different head positions and the arms only allow for right hand on stick and left hand on a throttle(s).

If you are looking for some improved detail, and a quick way of handling cockpit controls painting for your F-14D, then Eduard has once again come to your rescue! This set consists of two PE frets, one being the Zoom set for the cockpit placards and one for additional cockpit and canopy details. Modelers with experience adding photo-etched details will have no issues utilizing this set.

When Tamiya released their 1/48 scale F-14A (kit 61114), which I immediately had to add to my stash, the parts layout led me to believe that a “D” model would likely follow. Just in time for the 2018 IPMS Nationals, Tamiya did indeed release kit 61118, of the ultimate F-14, which was also quickly added to my stash. While Tamiya did a fine job in rendering the cockpit and canopy details in plastic, this PE set makes quick work for representing the various panels with pre-painted items, and improves and also adds details to the canopy.