Xuron has released another pair of high-quality clippers from their line of consumer products used by modelers. The extra-long, ultra-sharp tips cut through PE like butter without bending or twisting it. The ergonomically shaped handles offer superb control and stability, as well as comfort. A return spring brings the tool back to the open position after each cut.

First and foremost, these are scissors, not clippers. The shearing point comes mid-way between the two blades, just like a pair of scissors. What this means is that they are excellent at cutting PE parts off the sprues, but they do not cut them flush against one edge, as Xuron’s excellent sprue cutters do with plastic. I was hoping that the company had come up with a way for me to snip off PE parts without having to sand the edges where the tiny metal nubs might remain, but that's just personal preference on my part.

I’ve built most of the major Sea King versions out there; this kit is a new release, not a re-pop of some other company’s work. Earlier in 2012, Cyber Hobby released this kit as an HC.4 troop transport in their Falklands theme; that kit was reviewed by IPMS/USA by Ben Guenther, IPMS# 20101, on 22 Sep 2012, if you would like to read about it (http://web.ipmsusa3.org/content/sea-king-hc4-falklands-war). What you get in this version are the same parts, with the large radome as a major modification for the kit.

There is probably no more uniquely a Soviet/Russian weapons system than the unguided rocket – think Katyusha. Their use, on a smaller scale, extended to Soviet concepts of close air support with aerial unguided rockets. Whereas in Western air forces the unguided rocket is a thing of the past in favor of precision munitions, they remain a staple with most Soviet/Russian-influenced air forces. Such is their belief in the system that the Soviet Union produced a broad array of rocket pods to accommodate their principal unguided 55mm aerial rocket, the S-5. Provided in this set is the early UB-16 without the extension tubes for the 5 interior rockets. Later UB-16s have the extension tubes. They are listed for use with the MiG-17, MiG-19, and the MiG-21, but I have also seen them carried on Syrian L-39s.

History Brief

The Seafang was essentially a Spiteful redesigned for the Royal Navy carrier use. Two prototype Seafang MK.32s were ordered on March 12, 1945, followed by an order for 150 Seafang MK.31s on 7 May 1945. To expedite entry into service, the interim Mk.31 was ordered, which was a navalised Spiteful with a tail hook, allowing the MK.32 to be developed. The Mk32 featured a contra-rotating propeller (eliminating engine torque), power folding outer wing tips, and a proper arrester hook.

The Product

Kit features very nice engraved panel lines, weak cockpit details, nice gear bays, reconnaissance camera, optional position flaps and wing tips, working prop, and 3 decal options. My sample was flash-free and well packaged in a sturdy box. Also included is a photo-etch fret for the radiators and an excellent color plate.

Called the most famous aircraft ever produced by Japan, the Zero fighter first appeared in 1939 and was arguably the best fighter aircraft – land- or carrier-based – in the world. It had great range and maneuverability, and its firepower was at least equal to any of its rivals. It had a wingspan of 12 meters and carried an offensive firepower combination of two 7.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm cannons.

Development of the aircraft started in May, 1937, and the prototype delivered a speed of 491 km/h with its 780 hp Zuisei engine. In 1940, the Japanese Navy adopted the Sakae engine for the aircraft – a 14-cylinder, 940 hp radial engine.

What you get in the large box from Hasegawa are two complete kits; they have recessed panel lines, and there are decals for four airplanes, two each from the 12th and 14th Naval Flying Groups.