I have to respect Iliad Design in Canada, which does not follow the convention of releasing decals just for kits new out on the market, but instead releases subjects off the beaten path. This latest release is a series of markings for the US Navy’s version of the T-33, the TO-2/TV-2. The T-33 was an initiative by Lockheed to develop a trainer from its P-80 fighter. Debuted in 1948, the T-33 was immediately bought by the US Air Force and proved to be iconic aircraft which still soldiers on today in many Air Forces. The Navy, which had acquired the P-80 (Navy designation TO-1) for evaluation, also had a need for two-seat jet trainer and acquired 650 of the planes by way of the US Air Force. In Naval service it was at first designated the TO-2 and later the TV-2. The T-33/TV-2 is a forgiving and stable platform and the Navy soon pushed these two-seaters into other roles such as drone aircraft controllers and chase aircraft for test and evaluation programs.

From the title one could conclude that the entire magazine is dedicated to these two ships. That would be incorrect! The book also covers the IJN Yuikaze, USS Ticonderoga, IJN Noshiro, Ice Breaker Shirase AGB 5003, JMSDF PG-824 Guided Missile Patrol Boat, JMSDF Defense Ship Akizuki, IJN Tanker Ashizuri, IJN Hiryu, S-100 German fast Attack and a section on the old Monogram/Revell 1/506 USS New Jersey! Eleven of the models are in 1/72 scale, two are in 1/350^th and another in 1/72.

Since the text is entirely in Japanese, so unless you read kanji the magazine is only for the pictures. But there are a lot of pictures and much useful information to be gained from them. Some of the ships are both photo essays of the model and the building process; others are of just the finished model. All of the models are stunning in detail and appearance, the model of the Hiryu especially so.

This F4U-4 Corsair cockpit set is packaged in the typical Aires style, coming in a sturdy plastic package with foam backing, along with instructions tucked in between the cardboard back and plastic. My first impression was of how crisp the detail is on the cockpit sidewalls and bulkheads. Also included is a photo etch fret and colored instruments on clear plastic. Mold release agent is non-existent on the parts; however, I still recommend washing the resin before use.