The OV-10 Bronco is a very popular subject for modelers in all variants. The aircraft first flew in 1965 and performed it role very well up into retirement. With these aircrafts unique capabilities, the aircraft has been getting the attention of the US military and a second career may happen. For modelers, there are only a few options available in 1/72 scale and detail can be very vintage or lacking all together. Quick boost comes to the rescue for the OV-10D with a very nice outboard weapons pylon set.

Two Bobs Aviation Graphics is one of leaders in aviation decals with an impressive variety in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. This latest release has very colorful markings used by VAQ-137 and VAQ-138 and has markings for two aircraft, one for each unit.

There are two sheets are printed perfectly without any print register errors. The small markings are very fine and easy to read. All the markings are included from unit markings down to the stencils and walkways. Stencils and other markings are included on a smaller second sheet insert and you should not need the kit decals for your build. There is one (front and back) color instructions sheet that clearly show placement of markings for both subjects. The instructions indicate the correct FS paint colors and cross reference to AK, Hataka, Mr. Color and Mr. Paints. The color layouts for each aircraft and easy to distinguish where each color is applied.

The Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber was developed for the RAF in 1938 using the experience gained from the Blenheim light bomber. Seeing service from 1940 with RAF Coastal Command, the type saw action across the World’s oceans, but most notably in the Channel and Mediterranean, as a torpedo bomber, conventional bomber and mine layer, until replaced in frontline service by the derivative Beaufighter from 1942. At least 1,180 were built in the UK and Australia.

This is the first time a conventional IM kit of the Beaufort has been produced in 1/48 and that it comes from the remarkably resilient Ukrainian ICM firm is especially noteworthy – that they can produce and distribute new kits when their country is under threat of destruction is quite amazing!

Red Fox Studio manufactures 3D acrylic resin instrument panels and details for aircraft cockpits in several scales and are now available through the AMMO website for purchase. The parts in this scale are quite detailed for their small size and are even pre-painted! The placement of these bits is easy- one simply has to separate the part from the cardstock and glue it in place using any white glue you have on hand- including that created by AMMO. The parts can also be washed with AMMO enamel or acrylic paints, and varnished with acrylic based varnishes. In addition to adjusting each cockpit detail to the correct scale, each piece features a hyper-realistic finish on the instruments, gauges, and displays, imitating the reflection of the glass bezels.

Model aircraft displayed wheels down are susceptible to damage from the weight of the model on the plastic landing gear. There have been many after market solutions and among the leaders is Scale Aircraft Conversions from Royse City, Texas, who have been answering modelers’ prayers since 1990. Their white metal landing gear is designed to bear the weight of the model and complement the detailed non-load bearing plastic parts. Their extensive range covers white metal landing gear from 1/144 to 1/18 scale aircraft.

The V-22 Osprey first took flight in 1999 and there are currently 400 Osprey aircraft in service. Models of the V-22 Osprey are represented in various scales, with this white metal landing gear set in 1/48 scale. This set is manufactured for the Hobby Boss kit (No. 81769). As a ground pounder, I have a deep affinity for aircraft that support ground combat operations. And while I don’t have the Hobby Boss kit in my stash, there is the Italeri kit (No. 2622).