This latest addition to the Ampersand Group's Visual History Series contains a wealth of information not only for the historical buff but, to the serious modeler whose dedication for detail will provide immense resource. David Doyle and Ampersand Group, Inc. have provided the serious modeler a welcomed addition to his library.

At first glance one sees a clear, detailed, color cover page depicting the crew of a M48A3 at Fire Base Bastogne in Viet Nam on 16 April 1968. The back cover shows an image of a damaged M48A3 at the 218th Collection, Classification, and Salvage Company at Long Binh 14 June 1967. The book is broken down into various sections including;

The Introduction consisting of the first 13 pages giving a brief history of the M48 Patton series of medium tanks from the inception and development, to upgrades and modifications.

History

The Avia B.534 was one of the classic biplane fighters of the 1930’s, and was used by several European air forces almost until the end of World War II. I did a review of Eduard’s kit of this aircraft in May, 2015, so for a detailed account of its service, I refer you to the IPMS review site. The aircraft appeared in four basic versions, differing in cockpit arrangement, armament, wheel covers, and propeller. There are many references available on this aircraft, including the old Profile #152, and most sources are available on line.

Aires-Quick boost has solved a few issues with the base kit in this set. The De Havilland prop is the one included in the Airfix kit. A comparison of the kit part to this one shows several advantages going to Aires. First, the spinner is cast as a single part with very fine lines representing the breaks in the real aircraft’s spinner. Next, there is a hole cast in the front that’s not on the kit part. The tool (jig) allows accurate placement of the blade angle. It also provides a hole that centers the spinner hole (you have to drill out) when you set it into the round recess provided. Be very careful to cut the blades off the casting block in a way to leave the maximum length to inset into the spinner. If you cut them short, you will have difficulty maintaining the 120 degree spread between the blades. Another plus for this set is the spinner on the version I built had a white front and black rear portion. Luckily there is a fine joint line right where the masking has to go.

This is direct replacement for the Airfix part. Like their rounded exhaust (part 72 482 see my other review) this is also a direct replacement for the kit parts. This detail set has the exhaust ends drilled out to save you the trouble of doing so. That’s especially helpful given the oval shape of the exhaust ends. The parts are easy to get off the casting block and a perfect match for the mounting holes on the base kit. Thanks to Aires-Quickboost for giving improved options for both exhausts provided in the base kit.

History

The Mitsubishi T-2 was a jet trainer aircraft used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. In 1967, Japanese aviation firms Fuji, Kawasaki, and Mitsubishi, each submitted proposals, and in September 1967, under lead designer Dr. Kenji Ikeda, Mitsubishi's design was selected. The official contract was issued for the development of the XT-2 was placed on 30 March 1968, with Mitsubishi as prime contractor and Fuji as Prime sub-contractor. Several other subcontracts with aerospace firms and other minor aviation manufacturers were also established.