all 2014

Review Author
Roger Rasor
Published on
Company
The Great War Aviation Society
MSRP
$14.00

The latest journal of Cross & Cockade International is Autumn 2014. It is the third of four journals that make up Volume 45. C&C I is the quarterly publication of a non-profit UK based organization known as The First World War Aviation Historical Society. This organization has been publishing these journals since 1970 with the objective of furthering the study of First World War Aviation History. This journal continues the organization’s mission by providing a wealth of information on varied WWI aviation subjects…this time venturing into the realm of WWI Italian aviation before covering a substantial number of more typical Allied and Axis subjects. The cover of this journal features a painting by Ken Farmer of a pair of First Section AnsaldoSVAson patrol. It serves as a precursor to the lead six-page article about the missions flown by the Ansaldo First Section.

Review Author
Keith Gervasi
Published on
Company
Monogram
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$25.99

History

During WWII, the use of tanks revolutionized the way war would be fought. It was known as “Blitzkrieg”, and the German Panzer tank was the key vehicle in this new style of war. The Panzer medium tank had a number of major modifications during the course of the war. The MK IV featured a 75mm main cannon and two 7.9mm machine guns. However, the MK IV was not heavily armored and suffered greater losses as the war developed. The PZKW was conceived in 1934 and went into limited production by 1936. The MK IV version went into full production in 1943 and reached large production numbers. After the first version of the PZKW, the MK IV became the basis for numerous armored vehicles, ranging from self-propelled guns to munitions carriers and bridge-layer tanks. Its poor armor protection was supplemented by armor skirts on the sides and around the turret.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$14.95

Thanks to SAC for developing a metal gear set for this new kit; and thanks to the IPMS leadership for sending it on!

These SAC reviews may be the proverbial broken record; stronger, metal version of the kit’s gear, “form/fit/function” replacement. Bottom line is the SAC gear improves on the strength of the long kit legs.

Review Author
Gino Dykstra
Published on
Company
Academy Models
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$28.00

Recently Academy has jumped on the bandwagon of World War 1 related items by re-releasing a couple of their older 1/32nd scale aircraft. This one is the ubiquitous Nieuport 17. This new commemorative edition features new decals for three aircraft, a little string for rigging, and a small photoetch sheet for details.

Having built this model a number of times over the years, I still consider it one of the best offerings Academy has ever done of a WW1 aircraft. It captures the lines of this scrappy little fighter quite well. The only notable exception is the upper wing gun, which doesn’t to my eye come close to representing a Lewis gun, or any other aircraft gun of the period, for that matter.

Review Author
William Mahoney
Paul Mahoney
Published on
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$19.99

Although most of Round 2’s kits are re-issues of older models, this “Snap It” kit is an all new issue. As per Round 2’s website, “… parts molded in orange, tan, black, along with clear and chrome plated parts, modelers of any skill level can easily assemble a great looking replica with no paint or glue required!”

This is the second review written by my 9-year old son William, an IPMS Junior member. William primarily builds aircraft like his dad, but after doing one snap together car model review, he was anxious to do a second. As this is recommended for ages 8 and up, we thought it would be good to see how this model rates with its intended audience. The rest of the review will be in his words.

“When I opened this box, the model parts looked high quality, in particular because some of the parts were chrome. Most snap kits don’t have chrome parts.