MRC-Academy's latest release from Gallery Models is the 1/48 scale HH-34J USAF Combat Rescue version of the H-34. Previous versions have included the USMC H-34 Chocktaw and the H-34 US Navy Rescue. This is the unarmed recue version and comes with markings for a USAF version as well as German SAR version. Both markings are primarily silver. The kit is primarily styrene but there are two nice photoetch frets for screens and smaller parts.

The build starts with the interior and the interior is complete and full length. Starting from the front, there is a full front engine compartment, a well done cockpit and full crew area. Behind this is the tail of the helicopter and it is ribbed and has its bulkheads. The engine is 40 parts alone and looks great when done. Watch alignment on this carefully- the engine exhaust protrudes through the side and if alignment is off a little, it will not line up with the doors.

Caracal Models has released a sheet for the 1/48 Kitty Hawk F-35. This decal set includes two sheets with markings for 2 USMC, one 1 US Navy, 2 USAF and 1 RAF aircraft for a total of 6 airframes.

The options on this decal sheet are:

• F-35B BuNo 168059, VMFAT-501, US Marine Corps
• F-35B BuNo 168718, VMFA-121, US Marine Corps
• F-35B BF-05, VX-23 Strike Test, US Navy
• F-35B ZM137, Royal Air Force
• F-35A 08-0746, 58th FS, USAF
• F-35A 10-5009, USAF

They all are in the “F-35 Gray”, which seems to be FS 36170. No manufacturers have that color in their line (as of April 2014) so you are recommended to use “Dark Slate Grey” as a close alternative. The decal sheet includes airframe stencils for one aircraft.

Thanks to Ross at SAC for yet another outstanding metal gear set; IPMS USA are pleased to receive the support from your contributions!

This set is, the usual, a simple drop-in replacement for the kit items. The set contains a compressed oleo main gear strut, a two-part nose gear, and the retraction strut for the nose gear.

Not much to say; use superglue to assemble; they fit perfectly, and impress with strength and “peace of mind” with attaching wheels/tires to the axles.

As usual, SAC landing gear are an excellent investment. The Harrier, in particular, is noteworthy for having the fragile plastic gear on most kits breaking off during handling; not so with SAC gear!

Thanks again to Ross and SAC for continuing their line of strong metal gear!

THANK YOU to our friends and suppliers at Quickboost for these excellent antenna and air scoop details, which are for use on the Kinetic and Wingman KFIR C2/C7 kits.

The link to the scoops is http://www.quickboost.net/Obrazky/48578.jpg

Not much to say here; no seam on the air scoops, delicate details, and antennas that look better than the kit items… and no filling of the air scoop seams

Highly recommended for improved detail on either kit version,Thanks again to Quickboost and IPMS USA for providing these items…

History

The Wright R-3350 twin row radial engine started its development cycle in 1937, and the engine first flew on an airplane in 1941. It was an eighteen cylinder radial engine originally rated at 2200 hp, but later models with fuel injection produced over 3600 hp. Used in the Boeing B-29 during the war, the turbo-compound version developed after the war was used in various types of airliners, including the Lockheed Constellation and the Douglas DC-7. More recently, these engines have powered Reno-type air racers, notably Hawker Sea Furys and Grumman F8F Bearcats.

Google lists many types of aircraft that used these engines, including many prototypes