A much anticipated new-tool kit from Kinetic supplied to IPMS by Lucky Model – this is a great day. Add to that the excellent colored PE set designed for the kit (also from Kinetic but produced by Eduard) and I am in plastic heaven.
If you have read my review of the 1/48 scale detail set from Master Model for the Messerschmitt 163, this is going to seem eerily familiar, but as Halloween is approaching, eerie is not a bad thing. The topic for this review is a new set designed to upgrade your 1/72 scale Komet, and is the same as the company’s offering in 1/48. As with my review of that set, there is no recommended kit to use these new parts on, so I chose an Academy Me-163B/S release that was sitting in my stash. As with any of the other Master Model releases that I have come in contact with, these parts will greatly improve the look of your small-scale Komet.
Scale Aircraft Modelling is an excellent monthly publication focusing on modeling scale aircraft. No surprise there. And if you are a long-time fan of SAM, then it is also no surprise that I state that SAM is one of the best modeling magazines focused on aircraft that money can buy.
Averaging just under 100 pages, SAM is filled with “build” articles featuring some of the newer kits on the market as well as projects based on old favorites. In this issue (Vol 34, Issue 08), a number of featured articles span subject matter from World War I to jets, but the premiere article features the B-25.
Jay Laverty and Pat Sublemontier present an in-depth photographic reference for the B-25. Of course, the model around which this article is built (pardon the pun) is the HK 1/32nd B-25. The article really isn’t a review of the HK kit but rather it is a narrative which includes the load of aftermarket items that are made for use on the HK kit.
The Parts:
This product contains 8 white metal parts that replace kit parts L18 and L21 (tail gear components) and L9/L10 + L11/L12 + L5/L6 + L23/L24 (main gear components). All parts are used and completely replace the kit parts.
Assembly:
Assembly using the SAC white metal parts is straightforward and simpler than the parts they replace, mainly since the main struts are single piece affairs, unlike the kit parts (see photograph comparing the two).
Conclusion:
Iliad Design is a Canadian company producing books, color charts, and decals specifically geared to the modeler. Their latest release is this decal set in 1/48 scale.
Post-war Air National Guard P-51Ds from the following four units are covered:
All the specific markings for each aircraft are provided, but only one set of national insignia is given. As the post-war Stars’n’Bars are easily obtainable, I am happy to see the space devoted to covering as many unique subjects as possible.
This new Hobby Boss offering represents the final version of an armored observation vehicle used mainly for scouting and communications. It was designed to operate efficiently both on-road and off-road, riding on conventional tires as well as tracks. At least that was the promise. Of 140 ordered early in the war, 129 were produced and fielded, seeing service in North Africa, France, and on the Eastern Front.
Tragically one of the most famous ships of all time, the RMS Titanic was heralded as “unsinkable” prior to her fateful maiden voyage in April, 1912. A floating palace of luxury and nautical innovation, Titanic and her sisters Olympic and Britannic were the pride of the White Star Line. On April 15, 1912, Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank – taking 1502 souls with her.
Background This is the third item from this manufacturer that I have reviewed, and I am quite enthusiastic about the product line. This particular item is meant for all MiG-23 Floggers except the MLD variant. The MLD pitot tube (item number 48-059) is also available.
The parts are packaged in a small zip lock bag, stapled in a folded, heavy paper stock display hanger. The parts are also sealed in a small envelope of clear plastic film taped to a heavy card stock stiffener inside the bag. Also included is a small set of instructions.
A small instruction sheet is also included that shows the installation.
Italeri produces a number of HO scale (1/87th) railroad items, all featuring European rolling stock or motive power. The Vcff Hopper Car is another item in that successful and excellent line of kits. If you are an aficionado of European trains, specifically Italian equipment, then there is no question that this kit is of interest to you.
But why, you may ask, would I be interested in this offering? Foremost, the quality of this model is very high. The molding detail is excellent, showing lots of bolt heads, and the final product is quite accurate. In fact, placing it on my layout (yes…I’m an IPMS member and a model railroader, all at the same time!), I found that the gauge on the wheel sets included in the Italeri kit matches up with my Atlas track, and the model rolls properly on my layout. Beyond that fact, there are those who enjoy building plastic kits of railroad equipment, and this item makes an interesting addition to any railroad collection.
A great aftermarket product from the Polish company Master Model, Air Master series: an Me-163B Armament and Pitot Tube set. Inside the plastic baggie you get 2 brass Mg 151 machine gun barrels and a brass pitot tube. These three aftermarket details will make the Hasagawa kit even better. The Hasagawa kit’s pitot tube is much heavier and too bulky looking. The one from Master Model is longer and more delicate and truer to scale.
The Hasagawa kit does not have guns but includes the holes in the wings for them. Scratchbuilding mounts for the MM guns will be required, and the results will be well worth the effort. In the photos, I have placed some clay in the wing to stick the barrels into so everyone would see the effect.
Overall, this would make a great kit even better. I would like to thank Mater Model and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this kit.
