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April 2016

Package

German Luftwaffe Pilot WWII for Bf 109 Late Version
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
April 30, 2016
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$8.00

This Aires Aerobonus figure is a perfect addition to your diorama or display base. This German Pilot figure is designed to be used with any late version Bf 109 in WWII. The figure is designed to have its right foot standing in the seat, with the left foot on the cockpit edge and both hands on the canopy framing. The pilot is wearing a parachute, but no life vest. Aires Aerobonus provides a resin figure with separate arms and head on one pour stub with side bars to protect the figure. Of note is the re-sealable packaging that Quickboost uses that makes the parts easy to review and then stuff back into the package securely. The supplied instructions provide color drawings for painting.

The SBS in World War II

Book Author(s)
Gavin Mortimer
Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
April 30, 2016
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$25.95

I have never heard much about the British Special Boat Service and was pleased to hear of this book as it tells of the SBS exploits that were never really told fully before.

The book tells the story of the SBS from its conception from within the Special Air Service (SAS) in 1942 through to the end of World War II when it was disbanded. The story covers the missions and history of the unit, its men and the major impact they had on the war in and around the Mediterranean. Like the SAS the SBS were very highly trained and ruthless. They were experts in Guerilla warfare and exploiting the Germans weaknesses and local country side whenever they could.

The SBS used hit and run tactics on German airbases and installation in and around the Mediterranean to help reduce the forces available to attack the Allies as they fought in North Africa and Italy. They were used intensively in actions on the Greek islands to hinder the German war effort.

Box art

De Havilland Mosquito FB.VI Final Part
Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
April 30, 2016
Company
Airfix
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$175.00

In this final installment of the review of this superb kit we will look at the engines and we will get the airframe assembled and get the decals applied.

The engines are really models unto themselves. I took my Mosquito to a club meeting and displayed it as a Work In Progress, and most of the comments and questions about the kit dealt with the engines and the plumbing for the engines.

There is a great deal of detail and plumbing, and the best part is that the cowls can be left open to show off your handiwork. As with other aspects of this kit, you are strongly advised to study the instructions, and to follow the sequence of construction laid out in the instructions. This is especially important when it comes to the tubes and pipes that are attached to the engines, and that run from the airframe into/onto the engines. Test-fit as much as you can before assembly.

Metal parts

Mosquito Landing Gear
Review Author
Dick Montgomery
Published on
April 30, 2016
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/24

I purchased an Airfix Mosquito kit, (A25001) in 2010 while attending the IPMS National Convention in Phoenix. After waiting for over 5 years after the purchase I decided that it was “Mossie Time”. The short version of the story is that while the Airfix kit was a fun and enjoyable project, through impatience and clumsiness I managed to trash one of the main gear to the point that it would not support the weight of the model.

Having learned a valuable lesson, and having a timely opportunity to review the 2nd release of an Airfix Mossie in 24th scale, I decided that I would incorporate the SAC gear into the Mosquito review of the Airfix A25000A kit. (The primary difference between the two Airfix kits is that the 2nd release does not contain parts for the Nightfighter version and has a different set of decals.)

Front Cover

Spotlight On: Hawker Tornado, Typhoon, Tempest V
Book Author(s)
Janusz Światłoń
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
April 30, 2016
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$35.00

Janusz Światłoń authors the ninth book in Mushroom Model Publications’ series that presents detailed illustrations of celebrated aircraft (and in one case, AFV). This volume’s focus is on the Hawker Tornado, Typhoon, and Tempest V fighters that display a variety of authentic camouflage schemes and markings. A native of Krakow Poland, Janusz Światłoń, is an aviation history enthusiast and military modeler. He has retired for the Polish military after serving with the 6th Airborne Brigade. He has a long history of being published as an illustrator and as an author for many magazines and books from publishing houses as Osprey, Kagero, AF Editores, Chevron, and Mushroom Model Publications.

Package

U.S.A.F. Fighter Pilot - Korean War 1950-1953
Review Author
Phil Peterson
Published on
April 30, 2016
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$8.00

Aero Bonus is the figure line from Aires. They do several figures ranging from 1/72nd to 1/32nd. This 72nd scale guy, as the name implies, is a USAF Fighter Pilot during the Korean War. You could also use it with any other USAF jet from the early 50’s and probably into the 60’s. He is depicted wearing khakis and what I think is a B-15 Flying Jacket. He is topped off with the standard Garrison Cap.

The figure is cast in 4 grey resin parts on one mold block, a body, two arms and a separate head. The parts are perfectly molded with just a slight seam to be removed from the inside of the legs.

There are no assembly instructions but it is pretty obvious where things go. A generic paint guide is provided basically telling you to paint him olive with a blue hat.

Packaging

B-29 Superfortress Engine Cars
Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
February 4, 2020
Company
Metallic Details
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$50.00

Product provided by: The reviewer while trolling the internet, and his wallet

Metallic details is a new company to me. Based in the Ukraine, I found them while searching for 1/48 engines for my Monogram/Revell (Now Revell) B-29 builds. They have a VERY comprehensive and growing catalog of items for armor, aircraft, cars, they are obviously growing!

When I received the package about two weeks after ordering (that’s REALLY good delivery time given today’s worldwide issues) I was impressed with the quality of what was provided, read on!