The MiG-15 UTI is the two seat trainer version of the MiG-15 fighter. Originally developed to provide conversion training for the transition from propeller aircraft to jet aircraft, it served as the primary jet trainer for the USSR and much of the Warsaw Pact air forces into the 1970’s.

As with Eduard’s MiG-15 and MiG-15bis, this is a new mold, very different from the old KP MiG-15UTI that some of us still have in our stashes. While the kit is clearly based on Eduard’s current MiG-15/MiG-15bis kits, there is only one common sprue, the one for the wings, as the others are all tailored for the two-seater. As these are overtrees, not a kit, they do not come with instructions or decals, however, since Eduard posts its instruction sheets on its website, all you need to do is go online and download the instruction sheet for the regular kit and you are ready to go!

The Hawker Typhoon

The Hawker Typhoon was designed as a replacement for the Hawker Hurricane, and was intended to be a medium to high altitude interceptor, However, several design problems did not permit the Typhoon to meet this requirement. Initially the Typhoon Mk Ia was fitted with twelve .303 calibre machine guns, while the later version, the Mk. Ib, was fitted with four 20 mm Hispano Mk. II cannons.

Decal Sheet Contents

The subject of this review is a decal sheet that is 2 3/4" wide by 4" long, and includes national markings for one aircraft. Two sets of top wing insignia are included, along with the fuselage side and underwing markings, as well as the fin flash.

The latest journal of Cross & Cockade International - Winter 2015, features a photo of Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8 B-291 of 15 TS in the snow during winter 1917-18 on the cover. The rear cover shows the result of an apparent RAF B.E. 12b collision just outside Penston aerodrome on April 28, 1918. This issue also includes a separate A2 size sheet in color covering Ordnance Survey maps that are marked up with the location of WWI aviation interest sties in Ireland. The back of this foldout provides maps showing RAF Areas and Groups for April 1918, November 1918, June 1919, and January 1920.

Note: The $40 price is for the 4-issue subscription.

The German war machine produced some of the world’s most advanced aircraft designs from World War 2. The Luftwaffe's wonder weapons, when compared to their contemporaries, were clearly years ahead of their time. The Horten Ho 229 is the poster child of these machines and has always fascinated me. I’m always looking for modeling reference material on cutting edge German weaponry of the era and this publication fills in a lot of empty blanks. The book covers the story of the young Horton Brothers and the people who influenced them in their early years and during the war. The authors have compiled in great detail the most thorough technical study, complete development summary and operational record of the Horten Ho 229. Even though it was a promising design, throughout it’s operational life it continued to be a work in progress for the Horton Brothers.

Scale Aircraft Modelling's November 2015 issue comes to us with a cover featuring a nicely framed picture of a Beaufighter and promises scale plans and profiles as well as other articles. Inside, it delivers as promised or even more.

Tony Grand leads off the builds with Magna Models 1/72 Seamew kit. A resin model of an unusual plane and Mr. Grand shows how to polish it up by reinforcing parts, fixing flaws and showing how nice the kit can look with some attention and effort.

A real highlight for me was Francesco Pigoli’s build of Revell’s 1/72 F-22 Raptor. Mr. Pigoli used Eduard’s Raptor interior and a lot of scratchbuilding skills to detail wheel and armament wells, intake FOD guards and more. There are many more fixes and the end result with a great paint scheme is phenomenal.