The Kawasaki Police 1000 is probably one of the most recognizable motorcycles on the planet. The motorcycle has appeared in countless TV shows and Movies. The most notable of which is the TV series CHiP’s, Starring actors Eric Estrada and Larry Wilcox. Adapted in the 1970’s by the California Highway Patrol as a patrol bike, the Kawasaki Z1 quickly gained a reputation as a highly dependable and agile motorcycle. After several improvements and a name change to the KZ1000C1 police version, the bike became a staple in the motor pools of Law Enforcement agencies all across the country. Aoshima has faithfully reproduced the bike in its California Highway Patrol, Las Angeles Division, trim.

Caracal Models has created an excellent decal set featuring numerous colorful US Navy schemes for Trumpeter's HU-16A Albatoss kit. This decal set also address the biggest deficiency in the Trumpeter kit, the absence of walkway decals. The three decal sheets included in the set are printed by Cartograf, and are accompanied by a color glossy eight-page placement and painting guide. Suggested paints are given in FS numbers. The decal colors are opaque and appear to match the FS equivalents accurately when compared to fan deck chips. The decals are just thick enough, going on easily without tearing and hugging down to the surface quite nicely using Microscale setting solutions. All marking were in perfect registration.

Written by Pobert Peczkowski, with color illustrations by Teodor Liviu Morosanu, this book focuses on the “D” model of the ubiquitous P-51 Mustang. For such a small book, 6 ½ by 9 inches, it packs a powerful punch in its 152 pages of intense coverage of the Mustang.

There are 32 pages of black and white images which cover the development of the “D” and “K” models of the Mustang. A full-color section of 120 pages provides a great deal of “detail” for the modeler who wishes to “up their game” on a Mustang project. Drawings and illustrations are included, and add that extra value that modelers seek when selecting research material.

Bound within the publication are 3-view plans of the “D” in 1/72nd scale, with 1/48th and 1/32nd plans, on folded paper inserted in the book.

A set of excellent full-color profiles are included on the final 28 pages of the book.

This is a 1/25 un-assembled promo. The kit contains 40 pieces molded in clear, and black, seats are molded in black vinyl. This is an official Indianapolis 500 licensed product and includes an Indy 500 sticker and 5x7 picture of the car. This model is part of Round 2’s Showroom Replica series

History and Research

The Chevrolet Corvette has become a familiar star at the annual running of the Indianapolis 500. The subject model of this review is the 2008 version of the Corvette or “C6” model. It was the 10th Corvette chosen to pace the annual May Indy 500 race. The 2008 Pace car celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the first Corvette to pace Indy. This 2008 model was styled after the 1978 (C3 model), complete with black over silver.

Engine

The kits Chevy 409 can be built with either dual quads or blown. There is flash on the engine parts and after it has been removed, the engine fits together fairly well. Detail of the engine parts is defiantly showing its age.

Chassis

The chassis frame rails are separate from the chassis, which can make for further detailing easier. The exhaust system, front & rear suspension are also separate pieces. With a little grinding and relocation of the spindles, the front end can be brought down. The kit also provides a straight tube axle with leaf springs for building a gasser.

Interior

The interior is a bit on the sparse side so I opted to swap out the kit seats with a pair of resin aftermarket parts. The door panels are fairly well engraved.