Master Models has created a superb replacement for the venerable M61 Vulcan cannon found in so many planes. The set consists of 6 perfectly turned brass barrels with hollowed out ends, a machined brass ring a machined center barrel and a set of photetched pieces to bring it all together.
Eduard continues to lead the pack in taking older kits and upgrading them with PE and resin upgrades. In this case, we have the Academy MiG-29A, which in its own right is an excellent kit, with several items added to bring the basic kit to the next level. In this case, Eduard’s own PE instrument panel and detail set, combined with their in-house “Brassin” resin upgrades. Oh yeah, there is also one outstanding decal sheet included with no less than five variants to finish your model; Two Soviet, one Polish, one Czech Republic, and one Iranian. All are in register, and make for quite a variety of color schemes. The decals also include a comprehensive stencil suite, including missile and launch rail details. Outstanding!
Fisher Model & Pattern has released a set of parts for the newly re-released Space Shuttle in 72nd scale. Parts included are single-piece resin parts and include
This item is so new that a set of instructions was not yet ready to be included with the review sample provided, but as the note that accompanied my sample stated, “It isn’t all that hard to figure out where they go.”
This volume is a newly developed account of the naval war between the United States and its Allies against the Japanese from 1941 through 1945. Since the author and publisher are British, it naturally follows that there is a subdued emphasis on the British and Commonwealth participation in the war, a good thing since this topic has not been covered in a lot of detail over the past few years. In a little over 200 pages, the author condenses the topic to the point that it isn’t really a comprehensive history, but instead a series of chapters dealing with specific issues and events associated with the war, along with his interpretations of the causes and effects of these events.
Pegasus Hobbies is a small model company that, while geared mostly towards war gaming, has produced some very nice models over the past few years. I’ve built a few of their models, so when their new Panzer 38T came up for review, I jumped at the opportunity.
The Pegasus Hobbies Panzer 38T kit actually contains two full kits. Each tank comes in 27 pieces on 4 sprues. Since the model is aimed at gaming, construction is very simple, with the entire suspension, road wheels and sprockets, and tracks molded as a single piece. Detail throughout the model is crisp, and while it may be a bit over sized, this helps later with weathering. The only real downfall to the molding is that the main and machine guns are solid and need to have the ends drilled. [Not the hardest task, yet the machine guns do take a steady hand to drill]. Additionally, there are no decals included in the kit.
The EF-2000A Typhoon, otherwise known as the Eurofighter Typhoon, the one of the latest generations of advanced technology fighters. Since its debut, several kits have been released, including the Revell and Trumpeter 1/32 scale kits. While I have not yet seen the Revell kit, the Trumpeter version is a great kit, but sadly is lacking in the pilot’s office. Once again, Aires to the rescue! Aires has released a great cockpit set for the Typhoon. While the set is designed for the Revell kit, I found it also fits great in the Trumpeter kit. The set is cast resin with a high level of detail, and few, if any, casting defects. The set also includes a set of flexible cast oxygen hoses, a clear cast HUD glass, and a fret of photo-etched metal parts.
I’ve always been interested in self propelled flak guns, whether on a truck or tracked vehicle. Maybe it’s the interesting combination of equipment that makes some very unique looking vehicles. For several years I had the old Italeri sWS kit hanging out in the closet, along with some various details with the idea of building it someday. Lo and behold a new company, Great Wall Hobby, comes on the scene with all-new tool sWS. I hedged my bets and figured they would eventfully release some of the self-propelled flak halftracks based on the sWS. Sure enough, I didn’t have to wait long!
The Type 170V made its first appearance as a military vehicle in 1937. The frame was made from a tubular X-shape, with independent front and rear suspension. The car was powered by a 38 hp, four-cylinder engine. A total of 86,615 170V cars were built by 1942, and it was the most popular “civilian“ vehicle used by the Wehrmacht.
The vehicle was also built after the war by Daimler-Benz in a diesel-powered version. It proved to be very popular based on its proven wartime experience. With some research, the modeler may be able to depict a post-war vehicle with this base kit.
Master Box Ltd originates in the Ukraine. This is my first build by this manufacturer.
The instruction sheet is an oversized fold-out map style, with instructions on both sides.
