Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
Cyber-Hobby
Scale
1/200
MSRP
$24.95

Dragon has started producing kits in 1/200th scale of larger planes. This is a great idea for those who want a replica of a specific plane but don't have the shelf space for larger kits. This issue is the Avro Vulcan B.2 and comes with three grey plastic sprues and one small clear sprue. Molding is excellent and there are a little over 50 parts and half of it is landing gear and wheels. There is the option to build in-flight or on the ground. Two sets of markings are provided:

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$21.95

Many modelers were excited with the release of the 1/48th scale Demon series from Hobbyboss, as the only kits available prior to this were limited run kits from Grand Phoenix, Collectaire, and a vacuform, too, I believe. For those desiring that extra shimmer to a nice kit, Aires has come to the rescue with five sets to add even more detail. The sets, prices and part numbers are listed below:

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$5.50

Thanks very much to Iwona and Piotr at Master Model for providing us this review item. IPMS/USA is always excited to have high-quality products show up in our mailbox.

Look at the picture and tell me I can say anything that will add to what you see. This is just an amazing little item; one turned brass F-104 pitot tube. Next to the kit injected item, it looks less chunky, is far stronger than plastic, and adds more than a little to the final product. It makes the kit pitot look like a wooden 2 x 4! I have purchased a bunch of these things, for not only the F-104 but other century series birds as well. They are that good!

I rate this as higher than 10, as I can’t come close to this level of machine work. Thanks once again to Master Model for this item, keep them coming! And thanks to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to say so.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$7.00

Master Models continues their excellent line of replacement pitot tubes with one designed for the Trumpeter/Hobbycraft F-105. The part is a single milled aluminum piece. The first picture shows how it compares to the Trumpeter kit part – no seam and much finer on the end. Also, it will be a lot harder to break off. I then compared to the Trumpeter kit nose and the old Cutting Edge replacement nose. Fit to the Cutting Edge pieces was superb and to the kit not bad, as I did have to open the hole a little.

For as many times as I have broken kit pitot tubes either prepping them for a build or after the build going to contests, dusting , etc., this is a great bargain at $7.00. It is a drop-in fit and is tough and better detailed. Highly recommended!

My thanks to Iwona and Piotr Czerkasow from Master Models for the review sample and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it.

Review Author
Roger Carrano
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$29.95

Eduard has once again followed suit and comes right behind manufactures when a new kit is developed and released for sale. This time Eduard has come up with the full interior for the F/A-18E from Trumpeter. This package comes with enhancements for the instrument panel and side consoles in full color which have been copied to the exact specifications that can be allowed. The details of these PE parts just cannot be possibly duplicated by hand and, because of the perfect colors, it makes for the best possible instrument panel that can be replicated. This is also followed through with the side panels, small switches, and tiny dials which are located on the panels. Since all panels are self adhesive, gluing is not necessary unless handled improperly. Even so, if that should happen, a little CA glue should suffice to hold it in place. There are two frets included in this package. One of them is for the instrument and side panels which are in full color.

Book Author(s)
John Weal
Review Author
Perry Downen
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$22.95

Although ostensibly designed to be a civil airliner, the military potential of the He-111 was of greater importance to Germany in the mid-1930s. Of the several prototypes built by Heinkel, the second and fourth were configured as civil versions to carry 10 passengers and mail. The first and third were configured as the military versions. While Lufthansa took delivery of six aircraft, development continued on the military version, with deliveries made to the first operational squadron in May, 1937. This aircraft went on to become the primary medium bomber of the Luftwaffe during the early stages of WWII. Before WWII ended, more than 7,500 He-111s were built.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
April 2, 2012
Company
True Details
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.99

Thanks go first to Squadron Products for supporting IPMS/USA with these review items; without the support of our model companies, we would all be carving wood again.

This accessory set contains two new cowls with corrected front opening, two sets of propellers, and engine gear box fronts with magnetos and control mechanisms. The price is right for what you get, too!

First, the propellers are exactly the same as those I reviewed earlier for the Revell/Monogram P-61 kit. The spinner contains prop hub mount detail, and the props themselves are all separate; the propeller mounting bosses fit tightly within the spinner/hub area. Just be careful to set the pitch and prop run-out and you’ll have no problems. Center-drill a hole for the prop shaft, and they are complete.

Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
April 3, 2012
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$74.95

History

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB is a 4th generation air-superiority and multi-role fighter, 2-seat trainer variant. The original design for the MiG-29 saw the F-16 and F-18 as its primary adversaries. The first aircraft were received by Soviet Frontal Aviation units in 1984. The aircraft was designed to take off from small, unimproved fields, have a useful combat radius, and a quick turn-around time. It was also to carry a variable payload of weapons.

The Kit

This is my first Eduard Limited Edition adventure. The kit is the original Academy mold. The kit has engraved panel lines, well detailed tandem cockpits, multi-part canopy, optional position speed brakes and bypass inlets, multi-part exhaust nozzles, and external stores (drop tank and 2 each R-27, R-73 and R-60 missiles).

Review Author
Andrew Birkbeck
Published on
April 3, 2012
Company
Bronco Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$32.95

Eight or so years ago, Tamiya resurrected 1/48th scale for military vehicles models. There is now a new player in the game: Bronco Models of Hong Kong. Bronco has recently launched three sister kits into this niche market: the T17E2 Staghound armored cars, each with a different turret layout. The kit under review here is the anti-aircraft version. And all I can say is WOW, what a fantastic kit it is!

Review Author
Chad Richmond
Published on
April 3, 2012
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$75.00

Between 1958 and 1981, Iraq received more than 3300 T-54/T-55’s from the Soviet Union, East Germany, Poland, Egypt, Romania, and China. Even though the basic tank design had become obsolete in the 1980’s, Iraq, like most owners of the T-54/55, continually attempted to make upgrades in their aging fleet of armor. Prior to the Gulf War, the Iraqis came up with the “Enigma” design, which was nothing more than bolting on extra armor blocks on the glacis and turret to provide extra protection. These were nothing more than hollow welded boxes that were bolted on. A counter-balance arm was required on the rear of the turret because of the extra weight on the front of the turret.