Review Author
Robert Head
Published on
October 1, 2015
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.00

About the Company

Two Bobs is a limited run custom decal company based out of Fort Worth, Texas owned and operated by Mr. Bob Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez is a former enlisted Air Force engineer and has been very active in the modeling community almost all of his life. Two-Bobs decals usually sell out very well and since they’re limited run subjects they are not available for reprint.

What’s on the Sheet?

This particular sheet covers the Miramar Hornets of VMFA-225 and VMFA-232.

The aircraft covered are as followed:

Review Author
Timothy Rentz
Published on
October 2, 2015
Company
Tamiya
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$31.00

The kit contains a 3 ton truck, apparently an Opel Blitz although it does not say so, a driver figure, and a sprue of fuel drums, jerry cans, bags and rolled up tarps, and decals for two marking options.

There are two duplicate sprues for the wheels and tires, some suspension parts, headlights and other parts that are identical. The ejector pin marks are on inside of truck bed and inside of the doors and easy to hide. Unfortunately, there is no option for canvas cover to be over the bed. There is also no engine in the kit. The grill is molded solid as are the tool clips. The kit does have an option for clear headlight lenses or covered headlights with a horizontal slit across the face of the headlight.

Assembly

Initially the assembly went very well. The parts fit well and are generally designed for easy assembly. The steering column inserts from engine well side of the firewall and is very secure, ensuring proper angle of the steering wheel.

Review Author
Al LaFleche
Published on
October 2, 2015
Company
Matho Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$7.75

Thanks to Matho Models for this sample.

Modern personnel carriers are often seen with boxes of bottled water or soda in and about the crew compartment and cargo areas. As modelers, these can add a splash of color to otherwise drab subjects.

Review Author
Al LaFleche
Published on
October 2, 2015
Company
Matho Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$4.45

Thanks to Matho Models for this sample.

During the First World War, it was common to see posters to support the effort, buy bonds and accept the sacrifices asked of people on the home front.

This item, packed in a zip lock bag with a hanger and cardstock backing, provides 22 various US posters in 1/35 scale printed on 0.1 mm semi-gloss paper. Under extreme magnification, reading glasses, Optivisor and magnifying lamp, I was able to see some signs of the printing process, however, under normal viewing conditions, these look fine. All but the finest print is readable, colors are sharp but muted enough to not be overwhelming. Each poster will need to be cut from the sheet using a straight edge and sharp X-Acto type blade. A couple will need closer than usual attention to get the light edges cut properly as they tend to blend into the background.

These will add a touch of color to a street scene and some might even work as a name plate on a figure base.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
October 2, 2015
Company
AOA Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$14.75

AoA (Angle of Attack) decals: New on the block, and focusing on Marine Air … We sincerely appreciate this new decal manufacturer sending IPMS/USA their latest releases for review! (…and the usual thanks also to IPMS USA Reviewer corps leadership for sending these my way.. )

This sheet is a comprehensive delivery focusing on one Marine and one USAF Bronco with two different schemes operating out of Danang AB in South Vietnam. I utilized the Marine decals… NOTE! This sheet includes only the major airframe details for the two subject aircraft. From their website: “This small 1/32 decal sheet includes two Marine VMO-2 aircraft, one from 1969 and the other from 1970; and the USAF 20th TASS CO's "famous" shark-mouthed Lois Little, which can be depicted from different time periods in 1972 (although a third option is also possible). “

Review Author
Jim Pearsall
Published on
October 3, 2015
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/144
MSRP
$26.99

Round 2 Models has certainly come out with some interesting stuff in the last few years, including AMT, MPC, Polar Lights (Aurora), Hawk and Lindberg kits from yesteryear. As IPMS Historian, I also find it gratifying that the models that have disappeared from the shelves have reappeared for the newer modelers to enjoy.

The Plane

The de Havilland Comet was the first purpose-built jet airliner which first flew in 1949, entering service in 1952. The major overseas airlines of the early fifties were BOAC and Pan Am. BOAC ordered British made Comets, Pan Am bought American made Constellations, DC-4s and then 707s, DC-8s and Convair 880s.

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
October 3, 2015
Company
Round 2 Models
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$30.99

The Kit

This review covers the Carl Casper Cosmic Charger 1:25 Scale Model Kit #826. A 2015 release, this model is a reissue with some brand new parts and updated decals. It is rated a skill level 2 kit for the 10 year and older builder although I think this is a bit conservative, and a level 3 rating is probably in order. This is due to the large decals and delicate frame construction. It is molded in white, clear, and chrome pieces with waterslide decals and instructions. Two versions can be built; either a front or top blower configuration are included. This kit features a highly detailed rendition of the 426 Hemi V-8, 15 new parts and pad printed drag slicks. The completed dimensions are Length: 12” Width: 2½” Height: 2¼.”

Book Author(s)
Steven J. Zaloga, illustrated by Ian Palmer
Review Author
Marc K. Blackburn
Published on
October 3, 2015
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$17.95

The New Vanguard series is Osprey’s long running series that looks at weapon systems through the ages. One of their most prolific authors, Steven J. Zaloga, has turned his considerable talents toward one of the most least understood Soviet Main Battle Tanks, the T-64. Unlike other Soviet tanks that were exported around the world and have seen combat, the T-64 has largely remained within the confines of the old Soviet Union, making this volume on the slim side. As with all Osprey books, this one includes color profiles by Ian Palmer, a cut away of the vehicle, and plenty of photographs.

Review Author
Eric Christianson
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Dragon Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$79.00

Dragon Models offers up yet another premium early Tiger I kit for German WWII armor enthusiasts; this time with the famous ‘131’ vehicle captured in North Africa. This particular vehicle was shipped to Tunisia between 12 March and 16 April 1943. The tank was assigned to No. 3 Platoon in No. 1 Company of the 504th Schwere Heerespanzerabteilung (German heavy tank battalion) during the North African Campaign. It bears the turret number 131 by which it has come to be known. Preserved at The Tank Museum in Bovington, England, it is the only operating Tiger tank in the world.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
October 3, 2015
Company
AOA Decals
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$22.00

NOTE: This review covers two decal sheets. The stencil decal, 32005 has a MSRP of $12.50. It can be found on the AOA website at: http://www.aoadecals.com/32005/home.htm.

AOA (Angle of Attack) decals: New on the block, and focusing on Marine Air … We sincerely appreciate this new decal manufacturer sending IPMS/USA their latest releases for review! (…and the usual thanks also to IPMS USA Reviewer corps leadership for sending these my way.. )

The two sheets being reviewed were provided in the same package; I don’t know if this is the common delivery method.

This (32-004) sheet covers a total of 21 different options for the OV-10A/B as flown by Marine and Navy Air in Vietnam. Included with this sheet was the stencil set, 32-005, which includes propeller warning markings, ejection triangles, etc…

Options include for 32-004 (from AOA’s Website):