Review Author
Charles Landrum
Published on
November 30, 2014
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.00

The KH-25ML is a Soviet/Russian LASER guided surface to air missile, designated AS-10 Karen by NATO. Its primary use was/is against hardened targets like fortifications, bunkers, or armor. In Afghanistan Su-25 crews started employing the weapon in the mid-80s to try to collapse cave entrances used by the Taliban. The CEP is cited at 4 meters. In addition to the Su-25 other Soviet era strike aircraft such as the MiG-27 Flogger, and Su-17M and Su-22M Fitter carried the weapon. These aircraft used nose mounted optical target tracking sensors with boresighted laser designators, for self-designation. While superseded by newer weapons, it can still be found in the inventories of many former Soviet states, Warsaw Pact countries and client states.

Review Author
Robert Head
Published on
December 1, 2014
Company
Trumpeter
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$48.95

The History

Trumpeter describes the history of its latest kit subject, the Cessna A-37A Dragonfly in 1/48 scale, on the box. The Dragonfly was developed from the T-37 trainer for combat service in Vietnam. A series of new components were applied to the aircraft, including: one GAU-2B/A 7.62 mm minigun, two drop tanks on the wing tips, three weapon stations under each wing, stronger landing gear, and two more powerful J85 engines. The new A-37As were affectionately nicknamed the Super Tweet. They were sent to Vietnam as part of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Group, 604th Air Assault Squadron on July 17, 1967.

Review Author
Jim Stepanek
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Revell, Inc.
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$23.95

The Revell 1/25 scale ’70 Ford Torino GT is a wonderful kit with very little flash to be cleaned. The engine fits together very well, and the kit gives you two sets of valve covers and two different air filters. I chose the Lynx-type filter for its lower profile. The very nice chassis has separate suspension components and exhaust pipes. I replaced the kit exhaust extensions with aluminum tubing. The kit even comes with a set of slapper bars.

The interior has separate side panels, seats, and console. This is way all kits should be made! Each component features excellent engraving that just screams for extra detailing.

Review Author
Pablo Bauleo
Published on
December 2, 2014
Company
HGW Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$20.46

UMM-USA is distributing a very neat model detailing item produced by HGW Models: riveting decals. To be completely honest, I don’t know if this set should be called a decal; it is more like a “wet” transfer than a traditional decal, but more on that later.

This set, for the 1/48 Tamiya P-47D Razorback, provides an easy way to add raised rivet details to the surface of your model. Arriving in a simple bag package, you get two sheets of continuously printed decals for a single Razorback. Note that I mention that they are continuously printed, as you will have to cut and trim each section before application.

Review Author
Franklyn Cook
Published on
December 3, 2014
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$8.00

A nicely detailed 1/72 USAF Fighter Pilot! He stands in a USAF flight suit, harness, helmet in his right hand, and wears a USAF flight cap. Missing is a g-suit and the distinctive “bulletproof” mustache worn by USAF fighter pilots during the Vietnam War. However, with some careful painting, you can suggest these things at this scale.

The figure arrived in a clear package with insert. On the insert you’ll find a simple color illustration with paint suggestions. No specific paint manufacturer is suggested. Refer to references for correct colors.

The figure consists of separate pieces attached to a resin casting block: main body, left arm, right arm, and helmet. All you have to do is carefully remove them from the casting block and perform some light cleanup. Use superglue to assemble the figure.

A problem area encountered is the left arm, specifically the unnatural bulkiness of the left shoulder. Remove some material and it should look right.

Review Author
Franklyn Cook
Published on
December 3, 2014
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$8.00

A wonderfully detailed 1/72 Soviet air force pilot! He stands in a blue flight suit, leather jacket, leather boots, sidearm, and white flight helmet. His arms are crossed behind him. One imagines him attending a pre-flight briefing or a post-flight discussion, or posing proudly beside his aircraft while someone snaps a photo. Be sure to add some snow at the edge of the tarmac!

The figure arrived in a clear package with insert. It is a single piece on its resin casting block. All you have to do is carefully remove it from the casting block and perform some light cleanup. There was some flash around his hands and under his nose, but the mold seam was easily cleaned up.

On the insert you’ll find a simple color illustration with paint suggestions. No specific paint manufacturer is suggested. Refer to references for correct colors.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
December 3, 2014
Company
Gator Masks
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.00

The Aggressor schemes as applied to Air Force F-16s are some of the ‘coolest’ paint schemes applied to the light weight fighter. Whether it is the Artic, Desert Flanker, Lizard, Blue Flanker or the Blizzard scheme they add lots of color to the drab F-16. The most unique of the Aggressor schemes is the Blizzard one. This set is based off of the USAF F-16C Block 30 (or Block 32) #86-0269 from the 64th AS in 2012. The markings are available through Afterburner Decals Aggressor sheet (48-085). This aircraft is the sole aircraft painted in this scheme, however, it is the best of the bunch. It features squiggly lines of color in FS35109 (dark blue), FS36628 (light grey), FS36270 (dark grey) and FS36251 (mid grey).

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
December 3, 2014
Company
Aerobonus
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$10.00

Figures are the easiest way to provide scale to your model. Aerobonus figures are an inexpensive way to add figures to your model.

The latest offering from Aerobonus features a Luftwaffe pilot in flight overall in a relaxed pose waiting for his aircraft. There are four perfectly cast pieces. The breakdown is not what you’d expect. There is the body with one arm cast in place. There is another arm. Of course there is a head too. The unique thing is the separate headset which would be added to the hand.

The instructions are basic drawings with basic colors called out. This is adequate for the modeler but some may find the basic look and dismiss this figure due to that. They would be wrong. The figure is wonderfully sculpted with impressive folds and highlights. The head looks perfect as well. The proportions of the whole thing are perfect for 1/48th scale.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
December 4, 2014
Company
HAD Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$7.38

As a Cobra pilot on the border in Germany during the cold war, the Mi-24 Hind was the boogieman. It is one big ugly and deadly helicopter. I’ve always wanted to fly one.

The Hind has sported some very colorful paint schemes, especially since the end of the cold war. Big and ugly can become somewhat beautiful when you put a nice paint scheme on them they become less ugly, kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.

The latest offering from the Hungarian company, HungAeroDecals, covers four Mi-24V Hinds in Hungarian service. The decals are printed on a 2 ½ x 4 7/8 (6.5 x 12.5cm) printed by BOA Agency so you know they are very thin, opaque and react well with setting solutions. Just make sure that you use plenty of water to slide them on. The instructions are on a single sheet of A4 paper with full color side view drawings of both sides of the four aircraft. Other than notes on the countries of the aircraft there is no other information on these aircraft or units.

Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
December 6, 2014
Company
Aviaeology
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$4.17

Please note that Aviaeology has a website that is currently under revision. Aviaeology requests that purchases be made thru their eBay store.

For those who have purchased decals from Aviaeology before, you are already aware of the high quality of their products, and you are also aware of the excellent documentation that Aviaeology provides to its customers.