Released simultaneously with the Fokker D.VII F kit, this decal set provides five alternative markings for the BMW IIIa-powered version of this famous fighter. It is the fifth in a series of decal sets that Wingnut Wings now offers for the different versions of their Fokker D.VII kits. This set includes two decal sheets, printed by Cartograf. The larger sheet contains the personal markings for each of the aircraft, with codes, national markings, and a variety of panel sections with bands and shapes that wrap around the fuselage. These panels have a number of indents and holes located within them that coincide with the location of openings for control lines, fuel filler ports, etc. The second sheet provides additional sizes of national markings, instrument decals, data plates, propeller markings, and additional stencils.

History

The Halberstadt CL.II series of two-seat close-support biplanes was introduced during 1917, and the type became the standard German type for the duration of the war, supplanted but never replaced by the later CL.IV and Hannover C1 biplanes. Robust and efficient in construction, and powered by the 180 hp. Mercedes D.IIIau water-cooled engine, the type was used to support ground troops – attacking, strafing, and bombing enemy positions, and causing considerable problems in Allied operations. In addition to ground support, the type often encountered Allied fighters, and crews often held their own against the more nimble Allied single-seaters. Postwar, surviving aircraft were flown into the 1920s, and the only surviving example, which was originally displayed in a Berlin aviation museum, is currently in Poland awaiting restoration. Detail photos of this aircraft are included in this publication.

The Panzerfaust ("armor fist" or "tank fist") was a cheap, single shot, recoilless German anti-tank weapon of World War II. It consisted of a small, disposable preloaded launch tube firing a high explosive anti-tank warhead, and was operated by a single soldier. The Panzerfaust was in service from 1942 until the end of the war.

Plus Model from Czechoslovakia continues to add to its list of quality aftermarket and modeling supply products; this time with a package of EasyLine Panzerfaust 60 weapons in 1/35th scale.

The package contains five tubes molded in light grey resin, and a small decal sheet with red markings that say Achtung! Feuerstrahl! ("Attention! Fire Jet!") for each. The parts are protected in easily removable resin jackets to prevent damage in shipping. Once clipped, sanded, painted, and weathered, they look right at home in any WWII diorama or on a German AFV.

Plusmodel from Czechoslovakia continues to add to its list of quality aftermarket and modeling supply products, this time with a package of two 0.4mm styrene sheets. The bright white sheets of plastic measure 110x190mm (about 7.5 by 4 inches – the size of a small notepad) and the 0.4mm thickness converts to about 16 thousandths of an inch (0.016).

The cards are a handy size and cut/scribe/snap easily for use in scratchbuilding and just about any other way you can think of using them. I personally find them the perfect thickness for creating support tabs for assembling those new heavy vacuform diorama bases being produced.

I recommend this Plusmodel product for any modeler who needs to use styrene sheet for his hobby.

I would like to thank Plusmodel for providing the sheets for review and IPMS USA for giving me the opportunity to try them.

This is Model Art Magazine’s Mechanics – Major Robots in Golden Age. As with the regular Model Art Magazine this is printed in Japanese with some English subtitles.

This special issue covers “Mechanic Models” with an emphasis on models from the 80’s. The subjects of this issue are covered with the use of built up models that are shown in full color photographs.

So what is a Mechanic Model? From going through this issue I would describe it as your Transformer, Gundam and Mech type model. Some of the models built are a RX-78 Gundam, Aura Battler Dunbine, ATM-09-RSC Scopedog Red Shoulder Special and VF-1J Valkyrie. With each of these is a build article that gives tips and tricks to the builder.

There is one model that is reviewed that almost everyone should recognize in this issue. This is the Fine Molds 1’48^th scale X-Wing Fighter. This has got to be one of the nicest kits of the X-wing that is on the market.