Book Author(s)
Lechosław Musiałkowski
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
June 30, 2018
Company
Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
MSRP
$25.00

Lechosław Musiałkowski has written two additional books for MMP: Polish Wings 19: Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 & Polish Versions (2015) along with Bomber Aircraft of 305 Squadron(2014). In addition, he has authored numerous monographs in Polish (Wydawnictwo Ministerstwa Obrony Narodowej series), covering the B-25 Mitchell, Catalina, C-47, Boston (Havoc), etc.

A native of Krakow Poland, Janusz Swiatlon is an aviation history enthusiast and military modeler. He has retired from the Polish military after serving with the 6th Airborne Brigade. He has a long history of being published as an illustrator and author for many magazines and books from publishing houses as Osprey, Kagero, AF Editores, Chevron, and Mushroom Model Publications.

Review Author
Paul Mahoney
Published on
June 30, 2018
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$13.95

A newer addition to Scale Aircraft Conversions ever-expanding line of metal landing gear is this set for the Airfix 1/48 scale Supermarine Walrus.

Like most of SAC’s sets, this is meant as a drop-fit replacement for the kit’s plastic landing gear. The set comprises of both main gear legs and the tailwheel (with accompanying fairing). All are made of sturdy, white metal.

I could see no appreciable difference in the detail between the kit items and those in this set. They look to be almost exactly the same. If anything, I believe the SAC details were a bit softer than the kit items.

I will say the SAC gear is considerably stronger than the kit plastic. The Walrus is a big and somewhat hefty model, so the additional strength might come in handy. I haven’t heard of any issues with the Airfix landing gear, but that is really the only advantage over the plastic parts that I can see in this set.

Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
June 30, 2018
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$20.00

The Czechoslovakian Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin (NATO code Maya) became the standard jet trainer for the Warsaw Pact Air Forces. First flight was on April 5, 1959. Two-thirds of the over 3,000 aircraft manufactured have served with the Soviet Air Force as its standard basic, intermediate, and weapons platform trainer. The L-29 has seen combat in several wars, notably the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the Nigerian Civil War in the sixties. Many have been sold to the private sector with some performing in airshows and air races.

This set is specifically designed for the AMK 1/48 L-29 kit. Of course it will work in the Eduard kit as well since Eduard used the AMK molds for Eduard’s enhanced release. I don’t have the earlier Planet Models resin kit, but I’m sure these seats will dress it up as well.

Review Author
Rob Booth
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.95

Chances are, if you model aircraft in any of the major scales you are well familiar with Eduard. Their product range varies from simple photo-etched enhancement frets to multi-media kits, conversion sets, and accessories which are amongst the finest in the hobby. Their products may be purchased online through www.eduard.com. I have built a few of their kits, and have used many of their accessories over the years. I am even a card-carrying member of the Bunny Fighter Club, which provided me a carrot-themed 1/48 Mig-21 and allows me a modest discount when buying direct. Check the website, and it will make sense.

Review Author
Paul R. Brown
Published on
June 30, 2018
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$13.95

This set is designed for Zvezda’s new tool Su-33 that was released in 2016. The set consists of three parts, the central portion of the nose gear strut and both main gear struts. The nose strut is a drop-in replacement for part C59, the central nose strut and its retraction arm. On the other hand the main gear struts replace several parts as the casting reflects the main gear struts (C81 & C82) with their respective side brace connector (C77 and C78) and an actuator (C74 & C75) already attached. On my set there is a small triangular connection cast between the center of the actuator and the main gear strut, which I assumed was supposed to be there as a brace, but after checking several online photographs of the Su-33 main gear; I discovered that it should not be there, so I will need to remove it.

Review Author
Keith Gervasi
Published on
January 25, 2021
Company
Airfix
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$32.99

History

(From the Airfix site)

With regard to aircraft that have operated from the decks of a British aircraft carrier, there can be little doubt that the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 was the most spectacular. Purchased to replace the Sea Vixen in the role of all-weather fleet defense, the Phantom was the largest and heaviest aircraft ever operated from a British carrier and required a special breed of airmen to fly them.

Review Author
Phillip Cavender
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Hobby Fan Trading Co., Ltd.
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$62.93

Introduction

Without giving a lengthy history of the M60 Patton the following is a short summary of the M60A2. The M60A2 nicknamed the “Starship” grew out of the development of the M60A1 with a CVWS (Combat Vehicle Weapons System) turret firing a 152mm conventional round. Planning began in the late 1950s. These were initially named the M60A1E2 then later standardized to the designation M60A2. Production was ended in 1975 with a total production run of 526 vehicles.

In the advertising literature AFV Club states this new kit features:

Review Author
Paul R. Brown
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$9.95

The AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures pod is used by the US Air Force, the Air National Guard and several US allies. The pod is a modular design that can be configured to address a variety of threats. It is cleared for use on the F-4, F-5, F-16, F-111, A-10, F-15 and C-130.

This set depicts the deep version of the ALQ-131 pod, often seen on an outer wing pylon of an A-10 or sometimes a C-130. The set is very straightforward consisting of the pod, two mounting lugs and a decal sheet.

Review Author
Paul R. Brown
Published on
February 3, 2020
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$9.95

The AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures pod is used by the US Air Force, the Air National Guard and several US allies since the 80’s. The pod is a modular design that can be configured to address a variety of threats. It is cleared for use on the F-4, F-5, F-16, F-111, A-10, F-15 and C-130.

This set depicts the shallow version of the ALQ-131 pod, often seen on the centerline pylon of USAF F-16s or an outer wing pylon of the A-10. I was also able to find a photo online of one mounted under the forward fuselage of an Australian F-111. The set is very straightforward consisting of the pod, two mounting lugs and a decal sheet.