I’ve been hooked on Steve Ginter’s publications ever since I came upon his first ones which more or less amounted to just decent-size pamphlets in thickness, with no color. Since then, I have managed to glom onto a pretty good collection of his Naval Fighter Series and companion Air Force Legends Series as well.

Each successive Ginter book seems to set the bar a little bit higher, being a little better than the last one. For modelers or historians, they contain a wealth of information, photographs, drawings, specifications, and history. I consider them among the best reference sources in my stash for my facets of the hobby.

Fujimi has issued a Me-262 A-1A in 1/144 scale. I have built all the other scales from 1/72 to 1/32 and when this came up for review, I couldn’t resist. He kit comes with two gray sprues holding 21 parts and a small clear sprue with two canopies. A nice decal sheet with markings for one plane, a Me-262 A-1a Yellow 5 from 9/KG(J) 6 in April 1945. The instructions are on the back of the box along with a paint scheme and color references. The colors are wrong in a couple cases as the plane should be RLM76 on the bottom and RLM 81/82 on top with lots of mottling down the sides.

The Focke-Achgelis Fa330 was was a type of rotary-wing kite, known as a gyroglider or rotor kite. They were towed behind German U-boats during World War II to allow a lookout to see farther. Despite its advantages, the use of the FA 330 only resulted in a single sinking when U-177 used one to spot, intercept, and sink the Greek steamer Efthalia Mari on 6 August 1943.

The Allies came into possession of an FA 330 in May 1944 when they captured the submarine U-852 intact. After the war, the British government did successful experiments towing FA 330s behind ships and jeeps, but the development of the helicopter quickly occupied the attention of the military.

Fly models recently came out with two new kits in 1/32 scale, the Arado 234 Blitz jet bomber, and the Fa330 gyroglider. I am a big fan of odd and interesting German World War II aircraft and did not have one of their rotary wing craft in my collection. I couldn’t pass up the chance to give this kit a shot.

Bottom Line

Very specific and highly detailed photoetch set to equip one of only two Imperial Japanese Navy WW2 warships: heavy cruisers Aoba and Kinugasa.

History

First flown in 1935 and making its combat debut in 1936, the Ju 87 was used until the end of the war, first as a dive bomber (Until the Luftwaffe lost air superiority and it became easy pickings for allied fighters), then as a tank buster, and finally as a night attack/harassment aircraft. Arguably its biggest contribution was the fact that it became the propaganda symbol of German air power and the Blitzkrieg victories of 1939–1942. Roughly 6500 Ju 87s of all types were built from 1936-1944.

The Kit

Upon opening the box you will find an 8 page color instruction booklet, 2 sprues of injected plastic molded in grey, a VERY small photo etch fret, 2 separately bagged canopies and a very nice decal sheet. The plastic is very clean and crisply molded… but panel lines?? They are really finely done but at this scale I’m not sure they are necessary. The P/E fret is…well….small and had me wondering if my eyes were going to handle this well!

This datafile, written by the great J. M. Bruce was originally published in 2000. It has long been sold out and has now been reprinted in limited quantities. This is great news for aviation enthusiasts who missed the book the first time and also to modelers who are the proud owners of recent kits from Roden and from Wingnut Wings.

This datafile is larger than most at 42 pages and the pages are full of great photos, a detailed discussion of the Felixstowe aircraft and detail photos of such areas as the cockpit, construction, armament etc. An excellent feature of the book is a discussion of Camouflage and Markings written by Ray Rimell which covers some of the great dazzle schemes applied to the Felixstowe. Profiles of these schemes are contained on the rear cover. As usual with the datafile series, detailed 1/48 and 1/72 scale multi-view drawings are included. These also contain information of the beaching trolley.

Specialty Press and Crecy Publications bring us an outstanding study of the Ju-88 airplane. The book has a total of 15 chapters, which covers the historical backdrop under which the Ju-88 was developed, includes very detailed analysis on other prototypes and German bombers, even allied bombers in a similar class and then it delves into the evolution of the Ju-88 from the A-1 model, to the late war models and the long range maritime fighter patrol.

The chapters are

The owner of Masterwork truly knows Micro-metal machine work; Here is the first review of the three sets from Master Model which are all common in design but different in utility; IPMS USA sincerely appreciates Master’s support of our reviewer corps, and thanks to our leaders for sending these my way!

All parts are individually bagged by item within the generic display header bag; this prevents damage and ensures you have the correct bits to finish the set.

The Beaufighter crew/operator canopy was attached to the fuselage panels and during maintenance -or emergencies- the panels could unfastened and the canopy would swing open to the side (the crew would normally enter via a hatch in the fuselage floor).

This detail set provides you with two canopy sets, one for the “observer” configuration and another one for the “rear gunner” of the Beaufighter. I believe the observer configuration (radar operator) was only used in the MkV/NF version of the Beaufighter.

The canopies are casted in clear resin. Please note that this replacement part includes some sharply casted detail in the panels surrounding the canopies as well. In order to use this set you are expected to remove some plastic from the fuselage of the airplane and the extra panels around the canopy will replace the removed parts. By the way, the removal is done along panel lines so it will be easy to do the removal on the model parts.

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your 1/72 scale FJ-1 Fury, I would direct your attention to this photo-etched set from Resin Improvements. Although recommended for the VALOM kit, I was able to use the set effectively with the release from SIGA with only some minor plastic and metal removal. Most of the cockpit parts are pre-painted, which makes them both quick and easy to use right out of the package. A modeler with some experience using photo-etched parts should not have any issues with utilizing this set.

One of the newer companies that the IPMS/USA has picked up for Review Corps items is Resin Improvements from the Czech Republic. Although I had not previously heard of the company, their web site shows a 2011 date on it. I also noted when the set arrived that the photo etch fret has “© Eduard 2014” engraved on one end. In addition, the instructions are identical to those found in Eduard photo etch detail sets.

History Brief

The SSW D.III was a German single-seat fighter built by the Siemens-Schuckert Werke and served as a home defense interceptor. The D.III was a development of the D.IIc prototype. Around 41 D.IIIs were delivered to the front between April and May 1918, most of them went to Jagdgeschwader II. It was powered by a 160 hp (119 kW) Siemens-Halske Sh.III bi-rotary engine. The pilots were enthusiastic about the new aircraft's handling and rate of climb, however, after only 7 to 10 hours of service the Sh.III engines had serious issues with piston seizure and overheating.

This Master Model set provides10 barrels: Two machined aluminum 15”/42 Mark I barrels, eight machined brass 4”/45 Mark XVI barrels, and a single page instruction sheet.

You will need to cut the styrene barrel off and drill a hole in the plastic breach. The directions call out a 1.5 mm bit (~#53) for the 15”/42 Mark I barrels and a 0.5mm bit (~#76) for the 4”/45 Mark XVI barrels. Be careful to center the drill bit on both x-axis and y-axis.

Be sure to use your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the aluminum or brass. Be careful painting the barrels, especially the brass ones since paint can easily foul the hollowed out muzzles.

Of note is the re-sealable packaging that Master Model uses making the parts easy to review and stuff back into the package securely. That being said, you will want to be careful handling the brass barrels as their small makes them quite easy to disappear.

Model Art Magazine is a monthly magazine that covers aircraft, armor, ships and car modeling. Model Art started releasing magazines in 1966 and has evolved from there over the past forty eight years.

The November issue starts off with two quick articles. The first is a build article of the Zoukei-Mura SWS 1/48 Ta152H-1 and the second is on the Daco Products 1/48 F-104 Starfighter Improvement & Correction set.

The main article this month covers the design and development of the JGSDF Type 61 Tank. This article features five different 1/35 scale model kits including two different versions of the Type 61. The other three are a M4A3E8, M-46 and a T-34/85. These are used in the article to show the lineage to the Type 61. There is a multitude of color photos of these models throughout the article. Also included is a some technical drawings and a write up about Japans armor progression from the beginning of the JGSDF to modern times.

I really like how Hasagawa keeps releasing quality models of Japanese Anime vehicles. This one is one of the Arcadia ships (think there were 2, possibly 3 different versions) used by Space Pirate Captain Harlock. I found an English dubbed version on YouTube which, of course, featured the green ship instead of this one but still interesting to watch. I also found a fun site about the lack of continuity in the Harlock Universe that is worth a read if you like this kind of stuff.

In recent years the art of realistically weathering models, of almost any genre, has been both a heated topic and a much sought after skill, one that has been changing and evolving regularly. Modelers from different areas of the globe often have very different techniques, which come through as very different results on their finished products. Some of these are very subtle and must be carefully examined to detect all of the nuances while others are very bold and jump right out at the viewer. Some modelers are happy to share their weathering techniques and others are reluctant to reveal the secrets to their incredible finishes.

Fortunately for us, AMMO products, by Mig Jimenez, has worked to pull together a group of modelers with the former traits: not only happy to share, but willing and able to put it into words and pictures these techniques for all to see and try. AMMO presents their work in “The Weathering Magazine”.

With Wingnut Wings release of dual boxings of WWI floatplane kits, Albatros Productions has decided to again offer a limited edition reprinting of its long-out-of-print Datafile 55 – Brandenburg W29. The subject must be a popular one because this is the second time Albatros has reprinted this Datafile.

The Revell Bf-109G-6 when released was a welcomed addition to the 32nd Luftwaffe modeler. The Hasegawa kit was getting more difficult to find and was expensive nonetheless. The Revell kit at a third of the price was a bargain. However, the kit did have some shortcomings. One of the noticeable errors was the oil cooler under the nose. The kit was just not right. The sides were too vertical and that threw off the angles of the whole assembly.

The Quickboost piece is a single part with a minor pour block on the front of the cooler. You will have to clean out the front opening. This is nothing too difficult. Then to that piece you’ll have to add the kit exhaust flap. The part is a direct replacement for the kit part. The shape is spot on and looks significantly better than the kit part.

This set will require some patience but nothing that a modeler with a few resin pieces under his belt couldn’t handle.

Highly recommended

Worldwide interest in Wingnut Wings’ announcement of a new 1:32 scale Brandenburg W12 floatplane kit along with Copper State Models recent 1:48 scale kit releases have prompted Albatros Productions to offer model builders a limited edition reprinting of its long-out-of-print Datafile 61 covering the Brandenburg W12. It is one of three reprints of Datafiles covering WWI floatplanes to be announced this year.

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a supersonic fighter-interceptor- bomber and fourth in line of the iconic Century Series aircraft. Author Jaroslaw Dobrzynski describes the Starfighter evolution and technical history in great detail. Mushroom Model Publications is highly regarded in the modeling world for providing top quality books at a fair market price. Written specifically with the scale modeler in mind, Mushroom Model Publications has released another illustrated masterpiece. Featuring 40 beautiful color profiles including data from the original technical manuals plus photographs of contemporary and surviving examples. The author examines and presents a completely documented, comprehensive coverage from the prototypes to the final export and license-built versions. They are all fully described and beautifully illustrated plus he listed all the changes in specification, equipment and performance records.

The Kit

This automotive model review covers the 1940 Ford Fire Chief Car 1:25 scale MPC kit #815/12. The copyright date on the inside of the body is 2014 although kit has been released before. This is a Skill Level 1 “Snap-It” kit for modelers eight years and older. It includes parts molded in red, tan, and black with chrome, clear and transparent red parts and waterslide decals.

With any jet the most obvious thing about the cockpit is the ejection seat. If you were to do anything to improve the look of your model cockpit then just add an ejection seat or two in this case.

Packaged as usual for Quickboost in a self sealing package with card board backing sheet this protects the parts while still allowing you to see them. This set has two seats with molded on seatbelts. The resin pieces are molded on pour blocks that will be easily removed. They are flawlessly cast in light grey resin. The belts are perfectly draped and look very realistic. I could find no flaws. There was a little bit of resin that will have to be removed from the seatbelt as it is draped realistically, but to cast it there is a very, very thin membrane of resin that will need to be cleaned up. It will take less than a second to do it. It is not a flaw but designed that way.

History

The 056 Class patrol ship replaces the older 037 Class and was first suggested in the 1980’s but did not emerge until 2012. The ship is a thoroughly modern design with a modular hull featuring stealth properties. It weighs 1,400 tons fully loaded and has a length of 89 meters and a beam of 11.6 meters. Power is provided by 2 marine diesel engines giving a maximum speed of 28 knots and a range of 6500 kilometers. A mixed armament is carried consisting of a 76mm gun, 4 x YJ-83 anti-ship missiles, 10 x HQ-10 SAM missiles and 6 torpedo tubes. The rear deck has a helipad to operate small to medium size helicopters. A total of 20 ships have been ordered for the PLAN, and the type has been offered for export with a different hull and armament options.

Master Model continues to “turn” out metal details for the model maker. Here they are offering the static discharge whips that you see on all high performance Eastern Bloc built jets. You know - the ones on the trailing edge of the wings and tail surfaces that, if they are molded, quickly snap off never to be seen again. Plus molded discharge whips are often out of scale. Previously I stretched sprue and then quickly exposed the tip of the rod to heat to cause it to mushroom slightly. This is a good solution except the whips always were too big and quickly snapped of at the slightest touch.

The MiG-19PM is the missile version of the short lived MiG-19 family. The PM had four pylons which allowed the aircraft to fire beam riding AA-1 missiles.

This set is packaged in a Ziploc bag. There are five parts in the package. The large pitot tube is beautifully rendered out of turned aluminum. There are four turned brass missile rails that are designed to fit on the front of the missile pylons. These will hang out the end of the pylons so you know they will break off during handling, unless you replace them with these metal extensions.

So you have an easy to install upgrade for a reasonable price. This simple and effective upgrade offers strength and perfectly round cross section with minimal work. What more can you ask for? The set is indicative of the quality that I’ve come to expect from Master. Another winning product.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Master and IPMS/USA for the review copy.

The landing lights under the wings on the MiG-21 is quite a visible feature. The Eduard kit has you just add a plastic piece over the area. It may be adequate for some but for others it will just beckon those to detail it. Enter the Quickboost set.

Two resin blocks are included. One is crystal clear with outer part of the light and then the other part is a very tiny filament part. It is as realistic as the real thing. The other resin block is molded in light grey resin. This is the housing for the light. Just paint this part gloss silver, add the filament and you will have a perfectly realistic landing light housing.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Aires and IPMS/USA for the review copy. You can get yours directly from Aires at www.aires.com or at your local hobby shop or online retailer.