While many other kits of the F/A-18E have been released in 1/72, Academy’s recent release is a continuation of its recent focus on enticing new people to the hobby. It is not a snap-tight kit with all the negative connotations that often has, nor is it a “normal” model kit. Like several of its other releases last year and this year, this kit is for the most part a push-fit kit, however, it showcases some of the best model engineering I have seen as many joints where the parts fit together are exquisite and most of them vanish once assembled.

Even though Kitty Hawk Model released its big and beautiful T-28B-D Trojan back in 2016, I was thrilled to see it come up on the review list recently. No doubt the company is preparing for the release of the new ‘C’ version (with a tail hook), due out any time now. Either way, the big 1/32nd scale T-28 is sure to please.

And pleasing it is – the smart, clean lines of the venerable trainer are beautifully captured in this multi-media kit. Among the options offered are two types of propeller blades, three types of wheels, and a huge variety of underwing stores should you decide to arm your Trojan. In addition, the engine bay can be exposed on one or both sides with cowl flaps that are detailed inside and out.

The thin, three-piece canopy is crystal clear and there are two large weights provided that are inserted just behind the engine firewall to (help) stand this big boy up on its tricycle landing gear.

Most modern model kits, although well detailed, could use some aftermarket parts to give the kit that extra “pop” of reality. Eduard has done such an accessory with their “Big Ed” kit for the 1/48 Great Wall Hobby T-33 kit. The “Big Ed” kit actually contains four items: a painted photoetched T-33 interior and exterior detail kit; painted photoetched steel seatbelts for the ejection seats; a photoetched set of landing flaps; and finally, a die-cut mask for the kit.

If you are not familiar with Eduard kits then you might be confused by the differences between the five different types of kits that Eduard produces. (Content paraphrases content on the Eduard Website)

Overtree kits are very basic in content, with no reduction in the quality of molding or fit. There are no instructions, no decals, and no photoetch or resin. For a rather low price one gets the parts trees and that’s it. We are talking a price in the range of $15.00 for some excellent parts sufficient to produce one model of high quality, but you will need to supply the instructions and decals from other sources. Overtree kits are not necessarily “easy” or “easier” to build than other Eduard editions of a particular subject, they simply contain the parts for one model and nothing else.

Hobbico and Italeri USA once again earn appreciation from IPMS USA for providing a sample of a long-awaited product, the Italeri 1/32 F-35 Lightning II. Of course, the usual bow and thanks go to IPMS USA leadership for sending me this kit!

This kit is a medium sized box containing Italeri’s standard medium gray plastic, yellow-tinted clear canopy and other parts, a photoetch fret for some details, a small sheet of masking for only some/part of the Low-observable (LO) panels, and an excellenft Cartograf decal sheet with markings for US, Israeli, British, Australian, and Netherlands users.

Initial impression is good; the weapons bay will be the hard part, and this was proven out in construction. The detail is there and if you are not in a hurry will reward you with an excellent focus point for your efforts.