Reviews

Review Author
Rob Booth
Published on
Company
Brengun
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$17.50

Brengun Models is a scale model and detailing parts manufacturer located in the Czech Republic. Their lines include limited production run multi-media kits and exquisitely detailed photo-etched, turned brass and white metal replacement parts for aircraft in the most commonly produced scales.

Brengun has produced a set of two AGM-88 HARM missiles for any appropriate1/48 scale aircraft kit.

Review Author
Dan Brown
Published on
Company
Kitty Hawk
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$139.99

The HH-60H “Rescue Hawk” was first developed in the 1990s as a rescue variant of the SH-60F “Sea Hawk”. Two versions were developed at this time, the HH-60H for the US Navy and the HH-60J for the US Coast Guard. For its search and rescue role it is equipped with long range fuel tanks, a FLIR Sensor and a few defensive countermeasures. It can also support anti-surface operations by mounting up to 4 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on special pylons. Since it is based on the SH-60F, the HH-60H retained the ability to operate from small flight decks and be folded up to fit in deck hangars. It’s last year in service with the Navy was 2019. This new kit from Kitty Hawk is the latest in Kitty Hawk’s line of Seahawk variants. The previous version being the MH-60R.

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
Company
PJ Production
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$39.00

A type well known to anyone with even a casual interest in aviation history, the Dassault Mirage III is one of the classic early supersonic fighter jets. First flown in 1956, it has served in 14 countries and accrued an impressive combat record most notably with the Israeli Air Forces. Another export customer was the South African Air Force. Two examples of the countries Mirages III EZs are represented in this kit. Seventeen examples of the EZ variant were purchased by South Africa and used between 1965 and 1972. They were used during the African Border War but as an interceptor, the radar system was found wanting. These aircraft are all retired from service today.

Book Author(s)
Eduardo Manuel & Gil Martinez
Review Author
Hub Plott
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$24.95

This book covers the Fiat G.55 from WWII to its post war service. At first glance the book is reminiscent of the Ali d’Italia series being roughly the same size and length but with the entire printed portion in English.

The first 62 pages of this book covers the development and use in combat of the G.55 by both the regia Aeronautica, ANR and the Luftwaffe. An interesting story of the one G.55 to appear in British markings is also covered. This aircraft was flown by a defector who also was transporting an escaping OSS agent out.

One of the best sections in my opinion covers the post war use of the G.55. The post war Italian AF as well as those of Syria, Egypt and Argentina all used the G.55 and this is the first English language volume I have seen that has detailed this service. For the modeler this provides many interesting schemes to go along with those of its WWII service.

Review Author
Jarrod Booth
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/144, 72, 48, 32
MSRP
$9.99

ICM has fast become a leader in the field of plastic models. These stands represent some of their latest releases. The black plastic set was preceded by a clear stand edition – A001.

This was a simple set and included six parts for assembling three black stands of different sizes for aircraft models. The stands could be used for the followed scales:

  • 1/144
  • 1/72
  • 1/48
  • 1/32

1/24 scale aircraft would be too large and heavy to be supported by the largest stand.

ICM’s packaging was superb with a colorful box top and a strong lid type box containing the parts and instruction sheet.

Review Author
Jarrod Booth
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/24
MSRP
$107.99

Having previously built Italeri’s Iveco Hi-Way 40th Anniversary and the Mercedes-Benz Actros MP4 Giga Space, I had a pretty good idea of what was in front of me building this truck.

All the parts sprues were presented in the same organized fashion, and like the Iveco Hi-Way, the Scania R730 included a fantastic chrome adhesive sticker sheet on top of the gorgeous decal sheet. Italeri mentioned that the chrome plastic sprues were newly tooled, but they were identical to those found in the Iveco kit mentioned above, except for the addition of the sun visor and exhaust pipe panel.

Review Author
Eric Christianson
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$39.99

Kiev-based ICM is back again with a new offering in its Einheits-PKW (“Uniform all-terrain passenger car”) line – this time with the light Anti-Aircraft version. This highly detailed and diminutive subject sports twin MG-34 machine guns and crew seat in place of the two rear seats.

History

Officially introduced at the end of February 1938, the Truppenluftschutzkraftwagen – “Air Raid Vehicle” - (Kfz. 4) had four doors and a spare wheel mounted at the rear of the car body like the Kfz. 1 & 3.

The units which were allowed to have Kfz 4’s had only one vehicle, each. A light tripod for each gun was stored at the rear. With the tripods, the MG 34’s could be used outside of the vehicle. Even though the guns were able to be fired in any direction from the vehicle, the practical effect of this weapon during combat was questionable.

Review Author
Brian R. Baker
Published on
Company
Croco Models
Scale
1/72 and 1/48
MSRP
$5.00

Historical Background

Latvia, a small Baltic republic, developed an air force in the twenties, and adopted a striking insignia of a red swastika ( no relation to the German version) on a white circular background. Aircraft operated with this insignia in place up until the outbreak of World War II, Many of their aircraft were imported from Britain, including Hawker Hinds, Bristol Bulldogs, and Gloster Gladiators. In 1940, Latvia was invaded by the Soviet Union, and all surviving Latvian military aircraft were captured by the Russians. Any aircraft that remained were later probably destroyed by the Germans.

Book Author(s)
Tony Wilson
Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Casemate UK
MSRP
$19.99

This book covers the story of the development of one of Britain most famous Cold war fighters The English Electric Lightning. I become fascinated by this beautiful Cold War Icon when I was a child, and this was the front-line fighter for the RAF. The book is a incredibly deep dive into the design and development from the very beginning of the idea of a two engine cold war fighter plane.

The book is in two sections

Book Author(s)
Dariusz Karnas
Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$11.99

With the release of the Zvezda Mi-24V/VP and P there was a need for a reference that could cover the rivet patterns. Enter MMP Books Scale Plans series. In particular, this book which is No.67 in the series highlights the Mi-24D/V Hind.