If you are interested in building some of the older kits that you may have missed when they were first introduced, you have a friend in Round 2 Models, who is re-releasing kits from the likes of AMT, MPC, and Polar Lights. One of their latest releases is the AMT F-14A Tomcat that includes vintage kit packaging and some nicely produced decals. The kit has parts included to add up to four Phoenix (AIM-54) missiles, two Sparrow (AIM-7) missiles, two Sidewinder (AIM-9) missiles, TARPS (Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System), and has the markings for two different early F-14A aircraft. The built-up kit is a respectable looking early F-14A Tomcat; just keep in mind that, being an older kit, there will be some fit issues to overcome, and there are some items not mentioned in the instructions.

Dragon Models has released an updated version of their original (excellent) Sd.Kfz. 234/4 armored, anti-tank wheeled vehicle produced five years ago (#6221). This update replaces the eight large wheels and spare with newly engineered sandwich-style wheels that are magnificent. Each highly visible wheel is made up of eight thin disks that are assembled to produce accurate and stunning tread, with separate two-part hubs that simplify painting and weathering.

The only other change is that Dragon has replaced the aluminum barrel in the original kit with a slide-molded one in the update. For fit and finish, I prefer the latter, so that’s also a welcome replacement.

This is one of Model Art Modeling Magazine’s special editions. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One benefit to these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used.

This special issue covers 1/700th scale ships of the IJN, almost all of which are waterline versions.

The first article is about Tamiya and their Water Line Series. They use several pictures of the actual models, brochures that came in the kits, period photos, and even a nice picture of Mr. Tamiya himself.

Next is another short article that features some beautifully built models. Unfortunately, due to the text being Japanese, I cannot say for sure what the article is about.

Scale Aircraft Conversions makes various landing gear sets out of lead-free white metal. Some come with the wheels attached, if needed, while others might have the wheel bay included to help with added weight, but most only come with the new landing gear struts. This offering is for the Airfix TSR.2 and is a welcomed addition because, in 1/72, this is a large model that can get a little heavy on its plastic gear.

The detail of the metal parts is crisp and looks flawless. The advantage to these parts is their strength, so they shouldn’t warp with time under the kit’s weight. They will also hold up well while you work with it – no accidentally snapping plastic gear struts apart. To attach the new landing gear, you will need to use CA glue. On SAC’s website they recommend a thicker “gap filling” CA glue so you can position them the way you want and then use an accelerator to bond the parts instantly.

Quickboost has added the engine for the Eduard F6F Hellcat to their line of resin aircraft accessories. This latest addition is molded in a grayish resin – smooth, seamless, and bubble-free. Usually, the mold blocks are small and very easy to remove. These are a little more involved but not too bad, only larger. There is one on the back of the engine that needs to be given a little more attention to remove straight and be sanded smooth.

Comparing the Quickboost engine with the Eduard engine, you can see that the Quickboost engine has fewer parts than the Eduard one. Both seem to be detailed, but resin usually can better represent details than plastic. Basically, it’s up to the modeler to decide what he wants to do.

I very highly recommend this product if you want a nice and detailed engine for your Eduard Hellcat.

I would like to thank Quickboost and IPMS USA for the chance to do this review.