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Reviews of products for scale aircraft models.
Packaging

F-16 C Alaska Splinters (Part II)
Review Author
Paul R. Brown
Published on
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$14.00

The Air Force’s 18th Aggressor Squadron is based at Eielson AFB in Alaska and flies specially painted F-16s in fulfilling its role of simulating opposing air forces. Over the years its F-16s have worn a wide variety of paint schemes mimicking those used by potential opponents. Recently, the Squadron painted some of its F-16s in several variations of the “Splinter” scheme recently observed on Russian Su-34s and the Sukhoi T-50. Two Bobs have now issued decal sheets in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scales to allow modelers to depict these schemes.

F-102 Decals

F-102A & F-106 Decals
Review Author
Bob LaBouy
Published on
Company
Fundekals
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.00

Fündekals provided these five sample sheets for my review. Each sheet provides numerous decals. The F-102A sheets each provide either five or six sets of individual markings. In the case of the Stencil sheet at least one complete set of markings (many of which I used in completion of my F-102A model, and in the Stars and Bars sheets, numerous national insignia.

Front Cover

Chance Vought F4U Corsair
Book Author(s)
Maciej Noszczak
Review Author
Bob LaBouy
Published on
Company
Casemate Publishers
MSRP
$24.95

This is a very handy reference publication for modelers. In this booklet by Maciej Noszczak, there are 20 pages of beautiful line drawings, side view color plates and photos of the XF4U-1 prototype.

There is little in the way of text, aside from a long paragraph detailing the basic developmental stages for the Corsair family of aircraft.

The line drawings are highly detailed (including one full page inserted and removable page). The line drawings are prepared in 1/48th scale while the color plates are done in a larger unspecified scale. However, these color plates provide a number of valuable color references in both two-tone grey over white, solid dark grey, and the ever popular intermediate blue and dark blue over white schemes. Though far from an expert on the Corsair, I made several comparisons, using Tamiya’s 32nd scale kit and panel lines and even rivet details appear to be accurate.

Box Art

P-40N with CMK Add-On Parts
Review Author
Bob LaBouy
Published on
Company
Special Hobby
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$15.13

The Aircraft

The P-40N was in several respects the final and some would say the definitive P-40 Warhawk or the Kittyhawk Mk. IV. The most distinguishing feature was the extended canopy, which provided the pilot with a much better view from within the canopy. While it can’t be seen from the exterior, this model of the P-40N was powered by the Allison V-1710-87 engine.

The Kit

This kit was a pleasure to build and estimated to take only 20 hours to complete, appears to match the published dimensions in all respects, and provides an attractive addition to the Warhawk or Kittyhawk family of kits (not counting the CMK after-market items noted below).

The Build

The basic kit has a pretty low level of difficulty and would be pretty straight-forward. In spite of my early premonition about the Special Hobby kits, there are small locating pins and holes found in this kit. The very basic steps are as follows:

Product Picture

Heinkel He 177 Units of World War 2
Book Author(s)
Robert Forsyth
Review Author
Paul Mahoney
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$23.00

The title of this recent issue in Osprey’s Combat Aircraft series is a bit misleading. While it is called He 177 Units of World War 2, this book is much more comprehensive than that. The entire concept, development and deployment of this interesting aircraft are thoroughly covered.

Perhaps the very first paragraph of the book sums up the history of the He 177 best of all: “In the history of aviation, many aircraft, civil and military, have been the cause or subject of tortuous development, heated debate, disagreement, uncertainty, confusion, and often danger.” That pretty much says it all for Heinkel’s heavy bomber!

Product Picture

USN & USMC WW2 Carrier-Based Aircraft, Digital-Print

Book Author(s)
Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak
Review Author
Rob Benson
Published on
Company
Detail & Scale, Inc.
MSRP
$9.99

Thank you to Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak for continuing to bring back a tremendous resource for the modeler, in a digital format and now in 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 USN and USMC carrier aircraft of WW2, and comparing it to a more traditional format. The official title is U. S. Navy and Marine Carrier Based Aircraft of World War 2.

This review of the e-book and the nearly-mirror equivalent paperback will be in three parts;

Product Picture

Bf-109G-14 Profipack
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$49.95

The Bf-109G-14 was an attempt by the Luftwaffe to standardize fighter production of the G-5/G-6. It failed to do that but the G-14 was a good aircraft and served from 1943 until the end of the war.

Package

Spitfire Mk IX Cockpit Door
Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$6.50

IPMS/USA thanks the Aires team once again for sending us this simple, excellent item for use on a kit, in this case, a Quickboost spitfire pilot entry door replacement for the new-mold Revell 1/32 Spitfire Mk V through IX. And thanks to Phil and John for obtaining the sets for the team…

This set consists of one detailed entry door and a crowbar. The door is detailed enough you can leave the crowbar out (which I understand was a frequent option) if you so desire. The door contains frame and latch details, the torque tube with detailed U-drive section, and stringer detail.

Simplicity is the byword… leave on the pour stub, spray with your favorite lacquer primer, then paint with interior green and carefully weather and wash. Remove from the pour stub CAREFULLY, as the crowbar mounts and door latch is delicate but still strong. Install on your model, and touch up paint. DONE!

Package

Spitfire Mk IX Exhaust - Oval Openings
Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$8.00

IPMS/USA thanks the Aires team once again for sending us this simple, excellent item for use on a kit, in this case, a Quickboost engine exhaust replacement for the new-mold Revell 1/32 Spitfire Mk V through IX. And thanks to Phil and John for obtaining the sets for the team…

This set consists of two exhaust banks. This set is the oval/round openings version, and is perfectly designed to install in the Revell new mold 1/32 Spitfire Mk V through IX series.

Why buy? The kit items come in halves, split down the middle, and therefore have an almost impossible to fill seam which destroys the detail. Uhg.

Enter Quickboost...

Package Front

Bf-109G-6s
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Eagle Editions Ltd.
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$18.50

The second new release from Eagle Editions in their EagleCal line of decals is aimed at the Bf-109G-6. With the release of the Tamiya kit and the previously released Eduard and Zvezda kits there is no shortage of plastic to put these on. While I’m only reviewing the 1/48th scale decals, they are also available in 1/72nd and 1/32nd scales.

The Bf-109G-6 is a favorite amongst modelers and model manufacturers so the big thing is which markings to add to yours. EagleCals has you covered with this release.

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