Reviews

Review Author
Scott Hollingshead
Published on
Company
Hauler Brengun
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$6.80

For those who prefer the smaller footprint of 1/72 scale WWII German subjects, Hauler has released this set of license plates, which look great for their size. While I typically start my reviews with a little history on the item that I am reviewing, when it comes to license plates, there is just not much to write. What I can tell you is that on a single photoetched fret, Hauler provides 58 plates of the three styles used most during the war. 27 of the plates are etched with a raised outer edge, while the remaining 31 are flat plates.

These plates will be an easy item to add to any kit to either replace the plastic equivalent or can be added if the kit neglected to add the plate(s). While no instructions are provided, none are needed as you can replace the kit plate(s) following those instructions for location or using reference photos to install them in the correct location.

Review Author
John Noack
Published on
Company
Zoukei-Mura
Scale
1/144
MSRP
$39.00

(Note: This is a split review of a combination package, I took the 1/144 version and another reviewer is doing the 1/72 kit).

While one can argue whether this aircraft would have truly been a stealthy fighter, the fact remains that it is one of the most intriguing possibilities to come out of the minds of the Horten brothers. Much has been written about their innovative designs, their clashes with Luftwaffe leaders, and the remaining Ho229 at NASM – I encourage the reader to dive into the plethora of research and opinions. But for now, let’s dive into the kit build.

17 light gray parts and one clear sprue make for a quick build – you could literally finish this little jewel in one setting unless you’re a slowpoke like me. The cockpit is basic but in 1/144 with a small canopy, you’re not going to see much of it anyway.

Book Author(s)
David Campbell
Review Author
Bob LaBouy
Published on
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$22.00

In his organization of this book, Mr. Campbell provides a logical approach to this ground combat at Verdun. The Table of Contents provides for the basic outline:

  • Introduction
  • The opposing sides
  • Bois des Caures
  • Mort-Homme
  • Fort Vaux
  • Analysis
  • Aftermath
  • Unit Organizations
  • Bibliography
  • Index

The publishers’ notes include this summary of Campbell’s book:

Review Author
Phil Pignataro
Published on
Company
Brengun
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$7.39

I asked for this review product as motivation to finish a 30 year old project. On my “shelf of doom” sat a partially completed Fujimi Cutlass which I purchased from the Squadron Shop near Silver Spring, MD circa 1987. Remember when Squadron had “brick and mortar” stores?

While waiting for the package to arrive, I dusted off the Fujimi box and was surprised to discover it was not as far along as I thought. More on this, later.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$88.99

Kit

The Dornier DO 217N-1 was a German multi-purpose bomber of the Second World War and was produced between November 1940 and May 1944. The DO 217N-1 was a night fighter based on the DO 217 which had powerful armament and radar.

Book Author(s)
Bert Kinzey
Review Author
Rob Benson
Published on
Company
Detail & Scale, Inc.
MSRP
$19.99

Thank you to Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak for continuing to bring back a tremendous resource for the modeler and aviation historian, in a print-on-demand format. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to review the latest Detail & Scale publication describing history, details, and versions of the F9F Cougar. The official title is F9F Cougar in detail & scale, Detail & Scale Series, Volume 2 Revised Edition. This volume is part one of a revised Cougar series first published in 2014 and focuses on aircraft history and details. There are all sorts of new materials in this volume compared to the previous edition. A later revision will include colors and markings of Cougar units.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.95

Kit

The 1/48 Eduard canopy masks kit for the ICM DO 217N-1 contains one sheet of thin die-cut masking tape. There are 31 window masks and additional masks for the wheels. The single-page instruction guide is easy to follow. Each clear kit piece is identified (F1, F2 , F5 & F7) and left- and right-sided masks are mapped to their corresponding position on the diagram for that part. Note: clear kit parts which are not indicated on the masking diagram are not intended to be painted. Masks for the wheels are also clearly identified (D20, D21 and D4).

Reviewer’s Comments

The ICM Dornier 217N-1 kit has a lot of canopy. Luckily, Eduard has produced an excellent mask set to assist the model builder with achieving nicely painted glass and an impressive look for your plane.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$24.95

Kit

The 1/48 Eduard photo etch exterior kit contains one unpainted photo etch tree containing approximately 40 individual parts. The double-sided instruction sheet is generally easy to follow. Several kit parts will require cutting; these are indicated in red as is standard fashion for Eduard instructions.

Reviewer’s Comments

Your use of this exterior PE kit will depend on how you wish to build your plane. Therefore, I recommend the builder take the following into consideration when making a decision about this PE kit: decide in advance whether you want to have an open or closed bomb bay, if you want to have open or closed cowling vents, and consider your tolerance for fragility.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$36.95

Kit

The 1/48 Eduard photo etch interior kit for the ICM DO 217N-1 contains one full-color photo etched tree containing 50 numbered parts. An additional unpainted tree containing around 45 individual parts is included. The double-sided instruction sheet is generally easy to follow, but there are several points of confusion discussed below. Several kit parts will require cutting; these are indicated in red as is standard fashion for Eduard instructions.