1. Home
  2. By Year and Month
  3. By Year and Month

all 2016

Front Cover

Spotlight On: Hawker Tornado, Typhoon, Tempest V
Book Author(s)
Janusz Światłoń
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
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
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
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!

Box art

Avro Shackleton MR.2
Review Author
James Binder
Published on
Company
Airfix
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$54.99

Airfix has been steadily updating its catalogue of 1/72 aircraft. One of their newest is the Avro Shackleton MR.2. This kit is a doozy! You will never have to look back at the old mold Shackleton kit again. Airfix gives you the choice of building either the early version with top turret or the late version with added antennas and turret removed. It also comes with a full interior with radarscopes, seats, panels etc., along with a detailed bomb bay with weapons, and movable rudders and elevators.

Product packaging

Mosquito Mk.II/Mk.VI Pitot Tube and Armament Set
Review Author
Mike Hinderliter
Published on
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$10.00

Master Models is a company that makes turned-brass after-market parts, specifically pitot tubes, refueling probes, and antennas.

The first thing I would like to point out is how good the packaging and instruction sheet is. The packaging consists of a zip-lock type bag while the part is in a smaller bag, keeping it from moving all over or losing one of these small pieces. The instruction sheet is very clear and easy to understand, needing only 3 steps: 1) Cut off original part; 2) Drill a hole (0.5 mm) and (0.7 mm) for the 20mm cannons; 3) Glue in the new metal part with CA.

Just be very careful drilling the holes, especially in 1/72 scale.

When compared to the kit part there is no comparison. The kit pitot tube and guns look like little blobs of plastic, while the Master Model parts are complete works of art. Once you use a couple of these pieces, you will be completely spoiled, and will never want to use the kit pitot tubes or guns again.