Review Author
Roger Rasor
Published on
September 16, 2021
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$6.50

1/72 model aircraft builders, like 1/48 model aircraft builders, now recognize that not all Quickboost detail parts are grey resin. Some are yellow, red and blue! Among the latest releases from Quickboost are sets of multi-colored aircraft recognition lights. This one, set #QB 72 338, is sized for 1/72 scale models. It includes three sprues; one each of transparent yellow, red and blue resin, which contain three small cylinders that will fit typical bezels found on most 1/72 scale aircraft.

After carefully drilling out the lights that are cast on the underside of an aircraft’s wings or fuselage with a drill bit that matches the diameter of these little castings, just fit each of the cylinders in their corresponding hole and anchor it with a drop of future, epoxy, or superglue. It should make an easy job of enhancing the detail in that area of any kit that does not include clear parts to do the job.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
January 3, 2012
Company
Skunk Models Workshop
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$39.99

Skunkmodels continues its run of excellent diorama items with a 1/48th scale Nimitz class carrier deck including the blast deflectors. When complete, this will be about 24" x 14" in size. The parts count is large to get an accurate deck with 112 styrene parts and a 5-piece PE set. In addition to this, you can get the PE tie down set which includes over 160 etched tie downs for about $6.00 (and it is worth it). Options include two open or closed hatches, a shuttle for the catapult, and, of course, a positionable blast deflector. Lastly, there are four very nicely molded deck figures.

Review Author
Steve Collins
Published on
January 5, 2012
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$12.00

Once again, Quickboost offers us an upgraded set of propellers for a current kit, the Hasegawa B-24 in 1/72 scale. The bag includes four sets of propeller blades and spinner and an alignment tool for assembling the props. Each set of blades and spinner includes four blades, but, of course, you only need three. If you’re like me, you’ll probably appreciate the extra parts (they don’t call me "Ol' Ten Thumbs" for nothing).

As you can see from the attached photos, the hubs provide just that little bit of extra detail over the kit parts. The tool guarantees the blades will be set at the correct angle when you assemble them to the hub.

Review Author
Steve Collins
Published on
January 5, 2012
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$13.50

Aires is probably the best known provider of resin aftermarket accessories. Well, they’re certainly the most prolific. And I still haven’t figured out how they make the detail so fine. I’d almost swear they have little one-inch tall guys making this stuff. This set is an exhaust for the F-16I Sufa kit from Hasegawa. The set consists of five finely cast resin parts, two to make up the exhaust petals, one for the exhaust chamber, one for the aft compressor blades, one for the engine ring on the fuselage and one photoetched piece to represent the flame holder of the afterburner.

Review Author
Walt Fink
Published on
September 16, 2021
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$24.95

The final creation of the legendary designer Harley Earl, the ’59 Chevrolet caused a big “Wow!” reaction when it was introduced – the total redesign sported a long, low hood, and tail fins about as appropriate for an aircraft as a car. Automobile enthusiasts were impressed with this total metamorphosis, particularly since the predecessor ’58 Chevy had all softly-rounded corners and a jellybean look.

Revell’s kit is a re-issue of the 1993 Monogram offering, but the “2 ‘n 1” boxing means it now includes customizing parts such as lake pipes, a tubular grille, spinner hubcaps, fender spotlights, and decals. The continental kit and fender skirts are still included and can be used on either the custom or the stock version.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
July 4, 2020
Company
Moebius Models
Scale
1/8
MSRP
$39.95

This is going to be the easiest review I have done in a while. This is the best styrene figure kit produced...at least to date. Now for the why's. The kit is 1/8 scale and includes Bela Lugosi in the Broadway version of Dracula (it looks like the movie a lot). The kit can be broken down into 4 parts. First is an excellent base with dungeon floor and walls and the door to the dungeon. This includes rock piles, skull, obligatory rodent, lit torch, and an excellent door with its hardware. Second is the figure in a good pose wearing a tuxedo with shoes and gold chains. Third is the cape, which is molded in such a way that it can be added to the painted figure and still drapes naturally. Last, and the most for me, are the head and hands. This is the best likeness of Lugosi around. That includes the expensive resin kits and the collectible toys – this face is every bit their equal.

Review Author
Tom Moon
Published on
January 7, 2012
Company
Bronco Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$42.95

This kit is a representation of the 25 pdr field gun used by the British Army during WWII. The original design was for a field gun designated as Mk II. It replaced two WWI field guns. In 1943, an anti-tank round was designed for the gun and a muzzle brake was required due to the higher muzzle velocity. This was designated as Mk II/I if modified, and Mk III if built from production. This gun served with all British and Commonwealth forces during WWII, Korea, and into the 1990’s.

This is a multimedia kit but the use of the PE is required, there are no optional plastic parts. Please be aware that some of the plastic parts are very, very small and will take a steady hand to get them off of the sprue without damage. And, when they are off the sprue, these minuscule parts do their very best to hide or get lost in the carpet or even on the work table.

Review Author
Dave Koukol
Camden Koukol
Published on
September 15, 2021
Company
AMT
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$24.99
  • Stock # AMT705 - #5 Mark Martin - $24.99
  • Stock # AMT706 - #24 Jeff Gordon - $24.99
  • Stock # AMT707 - #48 Jimmie Johnson - $24.99

Introduced mid-season 2007, NASCAR’s “Car of Tomorrow” (COT) hit the track in an effort to improve driver safety, decrease operating cost, and level the proverbial playing field between the monster multi-car teams and the smaller race teams competing in the Sprint Cup Series. Although received with skepticism and initial contempt by some drivers, the “wing thing” proved to be a more rugged, reliable, and measurable machine than its predecessor. With COT’s arrival, manufacturer’s body styles settled in around 4 core models: Chevy Impala, Ford Fusion, Dodge Charger, and Toyota Camry.

Review Author
Jack Kennedy
Published on
January 7, 2012
Company
Master Box Ltd
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$15.75

Master Box has done it again. This time they produce a four figure set of US Soldiers at a Checkpoint in Iraq.

The figures come in four different poses with multi parts to make up four complete figures. I would like to point out that the box art is superb and is terrific for use as a color guide. The only thing missing is the concrete barrier as shown on the box cover. The rear of the box is the layout of the parts and two figure views of each figure showing where the various parts belong.

I found the detail of the figures and accessories to be terrific, especially the weapons. The heads are separate from the helmets, too, making the well detailed faces easier. I also found the parts almost free of flash and required almost no cleanup before assembly.

After assembly, I primed the figure with Duplicolor Light Grey Automotive primer. This is my favorite as it dries very fast and does not obliterate any detail with a light coat.