Reviews

Review Author
Tomasz Menert
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$25.00

In 1934, the 20 mm anti-aircraft gun Flak 30, developed by the German company Rheinmetall, was adopted by the Luftwaffe. Based on the combat experience with the gun in Spain, Mauser upgraded it, and the new model was named the 2 cm Flak 38. The upgraded gun used the same ammunition as the Flak 30, with changes primarily aimed at increasing the rate of fire, which rose from 245 to 480 rounds per minute. The cost of one 2 cm Flak 38 anti-aircraft unit was 6,500 Reichsmarks. The new gun began entering service in the second half of 1940 and soon became a common close-range air defense tool in the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. Besides combating aircraft, the gun could also be used to engage lightly armored targets. A company equipped with twelve 2 cm Flak 38 guns was part of the anti-tank battalion of infantry divisions, and similar companies were also included in tank and motorized divisions. Production of these guns continued until the end of World War II.

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$88.00

Overview

Following their release of the F-35A in 2022 and the F-35B in 2023, Tamiya has completed the trident of 1/48 scale Lightning II model kits with their release of the F-35C late last year. I found the engineering of this kit to be phenomenal with all parts fitting just as one would want. The 78 steps for the construction are spread across the 34-page instruction manual, and steps typically contain no more than six individual parts, which keep the building process simplified. While the number of parts and number of decals required more time than some builds, the joy of the construction always made the time pass quickly. I would highly recommend this kit to any modeler with some experience looking to add the US Navy variant of the Lightning II to their collection.

Review Author
Chris Gibson
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$101.00

The Mitsubishi Ki-21 “Sally” was designed in 1936 and first flew in 1938, it was used extensively in the war against China and was a trainer for bomber groups.

This subject has been neglected in the model world but ICM has brought out a nice representation in 1/48th scale.

Included in the kit is:

  • Six grey sprues
  • One clear sprue
  • One grey sprue with figures
  • One set of decals
  • One instruction booklet
  • One instruction page for the figures

The instructions are pretty straight forward and the kit seems well detailed with fine panel lines and some rivet detail.

Section 1-7 starts with the left fuselage half with detail items and a bulkhead going in. there are also oxygen bottles and some clear parts added. The left tail section is also added in this section. I decided to glue both halves of the tail together at this point and added the tail at a later point.

Book Author(s)
The Journal of the Great War Aviation Society - Managing Editor: Mick Davis
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
The Great War Aviation Society
MSRP
$92.00

The non-profit UK based group known as the Great War Aviation Society publishes their journal, Cross & Cockade International, four times a year. Issues are available in English as printed [Softbound, A4 (8.27” x 11.69), 80 pages plus centerfold] as well as digital copies (or both). A new magazine, Contact!, is now available in both print and digital download. The Society also provides a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier for IPMS USA. This Journal is the sister of the US Journal, Over The Front. The Great War Aviation Society also hosts a lecture series available through Zoom. If interested, you will need to register early as the call is limited in attendance.

Review Author
Tim Wilding
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$59.99

The LVT-4, also known as the Landing Vehicle Tracked or “Amtrac”, was a pivotal amphibious vehicle used extensively by the United States Marine Corps and Army during World War II. Developed from earlier LVT models, the LVT-4 distinguished itself with its improved design that featured a rear ramp for faster troop and cargo deployment. This innovation was crucial during pivotal battles in the Pacific Theater, such as the invasions of Saipan, Guam, and Iwo Jima, where the LVT-4's ability to traverse both water and rugged terrain proved indispensable. Its versatility and robust performance cemented its place as an iconic vehicle of the war, playing a significant role in the success of amphibious operations.

Review Author
Tomasz Menert
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1:35
MSRP
$26.00

From ICM website:

These installations were used by the Wehrmacht to defend troops on the march from air attacks and to support the advancing infantry. They were originally installed on the special trailer “IF5” and Stoewer, BMW cars (type Kfz 1) in the initial period of the war, also later in the bodies of trucks and as fixed firing points.

Reviewer’s Comments:

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$7.50

Aires has provided the Reviewer Corps with Quickboost drop-in resin replacement exhaust tubes for Arma Hobby’s P-39Q/N Airacobra in 1/72nd scale.

In the Package and Product Notes

The sample review came in a plastic bag with a cardboard backing. There are no instructions for this set. For the Arma Hobby kit, they are replacements for part 52, quantity 2.

There are two (2) exhaust tubes from the traditional pour moldings for these resin replacements (not 3D generated). The quality is excellent, and the tube ends have holes molded in, so no drilling is required. Also, the base identifies which tube goes on the right and left side since there is a slight angle to the mounting surface when installed.

Review Process

I started by giving the resin part a warm soapy bath to remove any release agent.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
Two Bobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$16.00

Two Bobs Aviation Graphics has provided IPMS/USA reviewer corps with a wonderful decal set for the F-15E Black Panther Drone Killers in 1/72nd scale.

In the Package

One (1) decal sheet is provided with all the individual markings for each airplane. However, the decal sheet has enough stencil markings to make two (2) complete jets.

This 1/72 decal sheet covers twelve (12) schemes for the following S/N tail numbers:

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
Company
Atlantis Model Company
Scale
1:24
MSRP
$32.99

Atlantis Models has done it again bringing back the classic Pie Wagon Custom Show Rod by Tom Daniel from the crypt. It’s a skill level 2 number M6738 MADE IN THE USA kit and has around 40 pieces in 1:24 scale kit. Originally released in 1968, the kit features decals refreshed by Tom’s son, Kelly Daniel.

The model contains 70 pieces molded in the original purple, with clear, chrome and brass plated parts. It also features rubber tires, waterslide decals and the original sell sheet. The decals are great and really set off this, “One Cherry Ride” model! Speaking of decals, I also added some tire script decals from the aftermarket for emphasis. Final dimensions are L-6½”, W-3½” & H-3¾”.

I’ve always loved Tom Daniel kits, and this one hasn’t been seen since 1998. It would look great right out of the box and could be built in an evening.

Review Author
Tomasz Menert
Published on
Company
KP Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$27.25

Background

The development of the L-410 started in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. The first prototype, called L-410 Turbolet, flew on April 16, 1969. New versions followed, including the L-410UVP, which had an improved performance in take-off and landing, and the L-410UVP-E, the most common variant of the plane, which had an increased maximum take-off weight. The first flight of the L-410UVP-E took place in 1984. The production of this variant started two years later. The seating capacity for the different versions ranged from 15 to 19 passengers.