UMM continues to make and issue tools that their owner John Vojtech has developed and used to make his award winning models. The UMM™ 3D Center Locating Tool Jig is one of those tools. What you get is two pieces of aluminum bolted together so that the bottom forms a v-shaped notch and the top forms a straight edge aligning with the point of the notch. The purpose of the tool is simple, find the exact center of a round or square object. This is extremely handy when you need that center for drilling out holes or attached things exactly on center.

Quickboost is well-known for producing high quality, “drop in” resin replacement parts for many model kits from a variety of manufacturers. Many of the current Airfix kits are produced from new molds, and are exceptionally well molded and nicely detailed on their own. However, with the limitations inherent in the injection molding process, some parts can be improved with resin parts, which can be molded with a greater level of detail and accuracy.

The Mk. 84 general purpose bomb is a 2000 Lb. weapon which can be configured with different fins and fuses depending on its mission at the time. In this iteration, Eduard has provided a Mk. 84 with retarded fins, I believe based on the BSU-50/B parts to allow lower release and the plane to escape the blast radius.

Eduard’s set comes with two main bomb bodies, three styles of fuses, a photoetch fret with two pieces, decals, and instructions. Construction is simple- take your time and cut the main body away from the pour stub being careful of the rear fins. Sand smooth and add the photoetch to the rear. After that, all that is needed is to select the fuse type. The fuse can actually be added after the painting.

Color is simple with olive drab being the main choice. The decals are well done and settle very well. A little wash to accentuate the well molded details followed by a flat coat and done.

From the very beginning of the Second World War, Great Britain was aided in her naval war against the Axis Powers by officers and sailors of her former colonies, or Dominions, as they were formally known. In this Osprey New Vanguard edition, naval historian Angus Konstam begins by describing the somewhat complicated arrangement of how Britain’s former possessions were differentiated as colonies, protectorates and Dominions. Dominions, known as Commonwealth Nations after 1926, were described as “autonomous communities within the British Empire”, and were to varying degrees, responsible for their own defense, yet were expected to contribute to the overall defense of the empire as a whole.

For several years, Quickboost has been known for producing high quality, molded resin replacement parts for many model kits from most manufacturers. The current Airfix kits are produced from new molds, and are exceptionally well molded and nicely detailed on their own. However, with the limitations inherent in the injection molding process, some parts can be improved with resin parts, which can be molded with a greater level of detail and accuracy.

Quickboost now offers a set of resin replacement propellers for the Airfix 1/72 Dornier Do17Z kit. The Dornier Do 17 was a light bomber used by the German Luftwaffe before and during World War II. Designed in the 1930’s, they first saw combat with the Condor Legion in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Although it was eventually replaced in frontline service, the aircraft was used throughout the war in a variety of roles.

This is Mushroom Model Publications’ sixth book in their Maritime series. It is a translation of the same title in Russian published in 2012 (ISBN 978-5-904180-57-7) and is a monograph dedicated to the service of three Imperial Russian 415’ Protected Cruisers: “Aurora, Diana” and Pallada”. All three participated in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 and the Aurora and Diana participated in World War I in the Baltic Sea. The Aurora participated in the Siege of Leningrad, one of the bloodiest battles in World War II. A video trailer of the book can be seen on YouTube at https://youtu.be/RJukrtoauDos. Four A3 folded up plans, printed on both sides, detailing the side and top views are included from the (Russian) State Naval Archives collection. I counted 224 black and white photos and 88 drawings or sets of drawings (not counting the four sheets of folded drawings).

I am no expert on the Ford Model T cars, but by using the internet I have found out several things. The Model T was the first affordable car that opened car ownership to the American middle class, which was due to the assembly line production method that reduced car prices. The Model T's made in 1913 were priced at $525 for a runabout, which is another name for this model car. 170,211 Model T's of all types were made in 1913 and this was the last year in which you could get a color choice. The colors being black, gray, green, blue and red. The first Model T was made in 1908 and production lasted for 17 years. Even today the Ford Model T is a name that is recognizable to a majority of American car owners as there are still several thousand of these cars that are still running. If you go to most car shows you will still usually find one or two Model T's on display.

Czech manufacturer Quickboost continues to expand its aftermarket line of simple details that enhance the look of your models.

This time the aftermarket piece is the very distinctive muzzle of the Mk 103 cannon, with its “organ pipe” look, a difficult piece to reproduce in injection molded parts.

The parts are finely molded, with all the pipes –and gun opening- being hollow. There are no bubbles nor are defects of kind and the attachment point to the pouring stub small and easy to remove.

The parts are a simple “drop in” replacement to the plastic parts. I only added a small piece of metal rod (copper) to strengthen the connection point to the nose of the Me-262.

This is a very easy and simple way to enhance your next model. Recommended.

I would like to thank Quickboost, AIRES and IPMS/USA for the review sample.

Thanks to Mathomodels for this sample.

This is a kit of two average sized wooden pallets used in transporting any number of products by way of some type of fork lift. They would be at home in a base camp, as debris in a modern setting, or in the bed of a truck. With some creative cutting of the parts, they could be displayed as broken or disassembled.

This small resin kit is packed in a zip-lock bag attached to a peg hangar. It includes 8 resin parts to make two compete wooden pallets that scale out to about 32 X 48 inches. Parts are cast in gray resin. At first glance, there appeared to be a very fine wood grain pattern, but this was lost to a coat of primer. There are two upper portions and six bases/legs. There are no instructions, but assembly is completely intuitive. Simply cut the pour plugs and put a tiny drop of superglue to attach the legs at the outer and middle slats.

This kit contains four figures (three enlisted and one officer), and two sprues of small arms and equipment. The kit is made by ICM but packaged with the Tamiya name. The small arms and equipment sprues appear to be the same as those in the ICM Anzac Infantry (1915) kit and include a very nice assortment of extras. Each sprue has four Lee-Enfield Mk III rifles and two Ross Mk III 1910 rifles (14 rifles total counting both sprues and the two Lee Enfield rifles from the figure sprue!) along with grenade launchers, grenades and wire cutting attachment. There is also a Webley .45 revolver and Lewis machine gun with bipod. There is also an assortment of personal equipment such as canteens, ammo pouches, etc. and tools including shovels, axes, wire cutters and pick-axes. There are also four helmets, which you will probably need.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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):

MMP has published Ship Plans No.1 featuring the Japanese Destroyer Minekaze. This publication consists of a number of fold-out line drawings of the Minekaze in 1/350th scale, 1/200th scale, and 1/700th scale. The line drawings show the vessel as configured in 1920, 1939, and 1944.

Much detail is shown including railings, rigging, armament, depth charge racks, antennas, and utility boats. There is little text beyond captions for some of the drawings.

This publication will prove extremely useful to ship modelers who favor IJN subjects. Also, it should be noted that this publication is identified as “No 1”, promising more publications in this series.

In North America Casemate serves as the distributor for MMP, and in Australia the distributor is Platypus Publications.

Eduard Brassin line continues to expand by adding a very nice all-resin model of the AM-39 Exocet missile. While the Exocet is forever associated with the Super Etendard, it is also used in different aircraft, like Mirage V, Alpha Jet, Super Puma helicopters, and patrol aircraft like Breget Atlantic and P-3 Orion, just to name a few. As such this aftermarket set can be used in many different models.

In the box you get several cast resin pieces, all free of bubbles and imperfections. The casting blocks are small in size and easy to remove.

The missile body and body fins are cast in a dark-colored resin, while the missile exhaust tubes are cast in a clear-colored resin. The parts cast in clear-colored resin (exhaust tubes) are the only option you have; to build a Block 1 or a Block 2 AM-39. Do your research as to which block version you should build.

Osprey is a publishing house in the United Kingdom. This book at the time of this review is slated for an October 20, 2015 release date but from what I have read and see history buffs and modelers alike will not be disappointed. It is packed with useful information and illustrations covering every era of warfare and the uniforms and clothing that was used in those conflicts.

For this book the chapters are organized as follows:

The latest journal of Cross & Cockade International - Autumn 2015, features a color painting by Geoffrey Watson of the Vickers FB.19 A5227 on the cover. A5227 carried interesting armament in the form of two extra Lewis machine guns on the lower wing just inboard of the wing struts, bringing its total armament up to four machine guns. This issue also includes a separate A2 size sheet in color covering Ordnance Survey maps that are marked up with the location of WWI aviation interest sties in Ireland.

Cross & Cockade International is a non-profit UK based group known as the First World War Aviation Historical Society that publishes their journal four times a year. They also provide a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier. In fact, this issue includes some updates for that monograph in the Fabric section.

The delta wing design configuration is synonymous with Convair. No other aircraft company had as many delta designs as they did. Convair designed America’s first jet with delta wings, first and only seaplane supersonic jet fighter as well as the phenomenal B-58 Hustler! This is a new paperback version of a book previously released in hardback.

The book is broken down into 20 chapters. The first two explain what delta wings are and the history of Convair and its predecessors. Chapter three covers the XF-92 which was the first US jet aircraft of Delta configuration. It covers the history of this aircraft and is accompanied with many photos several in color. The next five chapters are devoted to the F-102 Delta Dagger and cover it from inception through combat in Vietnam and on into use by the various Air National Guards.

Brengun has been bringing out more and more stuff in 1/144 scale, kits, accessories and detail sets. This is darned good, because those of us who do “Braille scale” need more and more help. Many of the older kits are so lacking in detail that any addition would be SO welcome. And this is one of those detail sets.

So on to the adventure. The detail set is a single PE fret, approximately 3 ½ by 6 ½ inches. (9cm X 16.5cm). There is a single page instruction sheet which shows the Revell parts replaced by PE parts and the PE add-ons for some parts.

It has been a while since AMT has issued the Lil Hot Dogger. I thought the plastic was typical to their current releases being just the right consistency for trimming, sanding, and gluing. All the clear parts were crystal clear with little flash. The white styrene molds themselves had produced small areas of flash especially around some of the larger parts and many ejector pin marks in noticeable locations.

Parts count:

This 1/48 scale decal set, available from Iliad Design, provides markings options for 3 different P-47N’s flown by the Puerto Rican Air National Guard, Hawaii Air National Guard, and Maryland Air National Guard. Markings are included for three natural finish Thunderbolts. The Iliad set includes 3 special markings and enough marking data to complete 3 aircraft.

The three options are:

History Brief

The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien ("flying swallow") is a Japanese World War II fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. Built to compete with the P-40 Warhawk, the Ki-61-I was the first Japanese fighter to feature a liquid-cooled inline V engine. It was also the only mass-produced Japanese fighter of the war to use a liquid-cooled inline V engine. The first encounter reports claimed Ki-61s were Messerschmitt Bf 109s: further reports claimed that the new aircraft was an Italian design, which led to the Allied reporting name of "Tony", assigned by the United States War Department. The Japanese Army designation was "Army Type 3 Fighter”. Over 3,000 Ki-61s were produced. Initial prototypes saw action over Yokohama during the Halsey-Doolittle Raid on 18 April 1942, and continued to fly combat missions throughout the war. Most of the type was tasked with defending the home islands against bomber flights.

About the Company

AOA is a new decal company that for the most part specializes in aircraft from the Vietnam War era. I have reviewed their items in the past and I have always been highly impressed with the quality and the subjects that they are covering.

What’s on the Sheet?

This particular set covers one of my favorite aircraft, the OV-10 Bronco. The twin-boom Bronco has had a long and proud career that has spanned over 50 years now and is still in limited service to this day. Reliability, ease of operation and maintenance has made this aircraft a fond machine among pilots and air crew charged with maintaining it.

This decal set covers about 16 aircraft from 4 different TASS squadrons and you will have enough decals and stencil data to build 2 complete aircraft.

The decals cover the aircraft from the 19-23rd Tactical Air Support Squadrons (TASS)