The Kawasaki Police 1000 is probably one of the most recognizable motorcycles on the planet. The motorcycle has appeared in countless TV shows and Movies. The most notable of which is the TV series CHiP’s, Starring actors Eric Estrada and Larry Wilcox. Adapted in the 1970’s by the California Highway Patrol as a patrol bike, the Kawasaki Z1 quickly gained a reputation as a highly dependable and agile motorcycle. After several improvements and a name change to the KZ1000C1 police version, the bike became a staple in the motor pools of Law Enforcement agencies all across the country. Aoshima has faithfully reproduced the bike in its California Highway Patrol, Las Angeles Division, trim.

If you are looking for a unique addition for your next 1/35 scale US Army Airborne diorama, please allow me to direct your attention to the Plusmodel offering of a Cushman 53 scooter. The kit comes with decals for a single scooter that was used by the 101^st Airborne. This kit was more challenging to build than the 1/48 scale scooters I have previously reviewed, and this kit will also require you have some experience with small photo-etch items. I would highly recommend this kit to anyone wanting something unique to sit next to their 1/35 scale figures or vehicles.

Review

Hobbyboss has released the main production variant of the Me-262: the A-1a version. The kit comes in 13 sprues, a clear sprue for the canopy and a metal nose wheel well to prevent having a ‘tail sitter’. The sprues are cleanly molded, free of flash and with well-defined recessed panel lines.

The model has a full interior, consisting of a nose gun bay, fully detailed cockpit and main landing gear bay plus a nicely detailed back fuselage (with a radio set and a compass set). However the detail in the back fuselage is pretty much impossible to see once the model is finished. There is only one service panel and it is not large enough as to allow viewing all that detail.

Initial Impression

The kit comes in a two part box, with a card stock cover and corrugated base providing very good protection for the kit. The front shows the five figures in one street scene and one side shows each figure individually.

Upon opening the box, we find the kit and instructions. The front of the instructions show the sprues with part numbers. A color list is included with Model Master stock numbers and the color names in Russian and English. The opposite side of the instructions shows drawings of the completed figures with part numbers in black and color call outs in red. The color guide is more useful since the sprue layout keeps each figure’s parts together.

The parts are arranged one one sprue of light brown plastic, which is relatively soft and responds well to Plastruct Cement. Each figure’s parts are kept in one corner of the spue with the last figure extending down the middle.

The U.S. Navy started converting SH-3A and SH-3D Sea King Helicopters into the Utility version designated SH-3G, eventually converting 105 early airframes into this version. The conversion included removing all of the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) gear and provisions to install 175 gallon external fuel tanks on the lower sponson supports. The G model was also outfitted with an improved refueling system that would allow it to Hover In-flight. Using this system it could hover over a ship and using the rescue hoist cable, bring the refueling hose aboard and fuel. The Navy also strengthened the load area of the floor to handle heavier loads. All SH-3G models were fitted with smaller non-ASW sponsons since it was no longer being used in the ASW role. Some of the earlier conversions were fitted with a gun mount for an M60 machine gun or the 7.62 mm minigun. The main job of this helicopter was ferrying equipment and personnel from ship to shore and back.