Review Author
Michael Novosad
Published on
August 21, 2018
Company
Twobobs Aviation Graphics
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$15.00

Note: Part II of my review for the Two Bobs F-16C Alaskan Splinter decal set 48-262 contains much of the information included in the original review, but has added information for the painting and decaling of a Hasegawa 1/48th scale F-16C. This is addressed under "Application" below.

Two Bobs

Two Bobs Aviation Graphics offers decals in 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32nd scales for most modern US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps military aircraft. There are also sheets for some Russian, Chinese and British modern jet aircraft. In addition, Two Bobs offers a 1/48th scale T-2C Buckeye and a T-45C Goshawk, a publication, and sanding sticks.

Their website supplies images of their decal sheets so the buyer will know what is being purchased. One nice feature that I really like is the inclusion of the FS numbers for the various camouflage color schemes on their full color instruction sheets.

Review Author
Eric Christianson
Published on
August 21, 2018
Company
CMK
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$2.10

Czech Master's out of Czechoslovakia continues to add to its list of quality aftermarket and modeling supply products; this time with packages of linked brass chain. Reviewed here are two sizes: 2.8mm (Coarse) and 1.8mm (Medium), suitable for 1/35thscale. The brass chain accepts blackening agent, such as A-West’s ‘Blacken It’, turning the chain from a bright, brass color to a darker color, depending on how long the chain is left in the liquid. Once dry, pigments can be added to flesh out the effect desired. The two sizes are perfect for filling in detail on armor models and/or diorama layouts, and measure 30 cm, or just under 12 inches in length.

I recommend this Czech Master's product for any modeler who wants to add a nice little bit of detail to their work.

I would like to thank the Czech Master's for providing the chain for review, and to IPMS USAfor giving me the opportunity to work with it.

Review Author
Ben Morton
Published on
August 21, 2018
Company
Master Model
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$5.00

Master Model of Poland has been making turned brass and aluminum gun barrels and pitot tubes (among other items) for several years now and turns out some outstanding replacement parts for aircraft, armor, and ship modelers. All of their products are reasonably priced as well.

Adding to the Air Masters series, Master Model of Poland has a simple replacement part for that 1/32ndscale Kitty Hawk OV-10 Bronco that is languishing in your stash. And all for the want of a descent pitot tube. I say that because the pitot tube is rather prominent on this aircraft.

Book Author(s)
Edward Hampshire; Illustrator: Adam Tooby
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
August 20, 2018
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$18.00

Edward Hampshire graduated from the University of Oxford in 1998 with a BA in History. He completed his Masters in War Studies / Naval History at King’s College in London in 2002 with a dissertation on the British Naval intervention in the Baltic, 1918-1920. Edward completed his Ph.D. in War Studies/ Naval History in 2009., with a thesis on British naval equipment of the 1960s. His focus is Cold War era navies and British defence policy since WWII. Dr. Hampshire has taught at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and has worked at the National Archives. He has been featured on television and radio, including the BBC, ITV, ABC, and NBC. Dr. Hampshire's previous book was published in 2013, East of Suez to the Eastern Atlantic, British Naval Policy 1964-70. He also co-authored British Intelligence: Secrets, Spies and Sources, published in 2008. Osprey published Soviet Cold War Guided Missile Cruisers (New Vanguard 242) in 2017.

Book Author(s)
Gordon L. Rottman; Illustrator: Peter Dennis
Review Author
Bill Kluge
Published on
August 20, 2018
Company
Osprey Publishing
MSRP
$19.00

Prior to the First World War, U.S. Marine units were generally small and specialized, primarily naval base guard units or ship based detachments. In the decade leading up to The Great War, these smaller units were combined as needed to form provisional regimental sized units for specific missions, and disbanded when those missions were completed. Fourteen Marine regiments were raised during World War I, but by the eve of World War II, only seven understrength regiments remained. By the end of the war, the Marines had established six divisions comprising 18 infantry regiments, in addition to numerous specialized outfits that were created, disbanded, or merged into other Marine Corps units.

Review Author
Rob Booth
Published on
August 20, 2018
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$11.00

Aires has produced a set of resin flying control surfaces parts for the Wingsy Kits A5M2b Claude. The resin replacements are a simple drop-in for the kit’s plastic parts. The supplied items include two ailerons, two horizontal stabilizers and one vertical stabilizer. The tail plane parts will require modification of the horizontal stabilizer to accept the new resin parts.

An evaluation of the parts (see photos) indicates a replacement of superior detail that will provide not only better detailing, but control posable surfaces compared to those supplied with the kit. The parts are cast using Aires fine, rigid, grey resin with no signs of any bubbles or flash clean-up necessary. The ribbing detailing appears the slightest bit proud to me, but nothing that a couple of swipes with some fine sandpaper won’t address.

Review Author
Rob Booth
Published on
August 20, 2018
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$4.30

Quickboost has produced a set of resin exhaust parts for the Wingsy Kits A5M2b Claude. The resin replacements are a simple drop-in for the kit’s plastic parts. The supplied items include two replacement manifolds with exhaust pipes.

A side by side evaluation (see photos) with the kit parts indicates a replacement of superior detail that will provide a more accurate exhaust system than those supplied with the kit (particularly if posing the engine area exposed). The parts are cast in fine, semi-rigid grey resin with no signs of any bubbles or flash clean-up necessary.

As with any resin parts, be sure to wash thoroughly and rinse of any mold release before priming (a must for any/all resin). Use your favorite metallic paint to create a well-rendered exhaust for your Claude.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and Quickboost for the opportunity to review this item.

Review Author
Rob Booth
Published on
August 20, 2018
Company
Coastal Kits
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$32.00

Coastalkits from the UK has produced a line of model display bases in various designs, shapes and scales from grass airfields to modern hardscapes. This particular design is a rectangular replica of typical concrete hangar floor and photo backdrop of a hangar wall and bi-parting door. The dimensions are 420mm X 297mm X 420mm (about 12 X 16-1/2 inches) and is suitable for small to medium sized 1/48 scale aircraft.

Book Author(s)
Marek J. Murawski and Marek Ryś
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
August 20, 2018
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$29.95

Marek J. Murawski has authored over 100 books with Kagero, primarily in the form of aircraft monographs, squadron histories, and air battles.

Marek Ryś has authored and illustrated many books with Kagero, primarily in the form of aircraft monographs, squadron histories, and air battles. Mark does have a hardcover book coming out in November 2018 from Mushroom Model Publications in their Spotlight On series, “On the Fly”.

Book Author(s)
Martin Derry and Neil Robinson, Illustrator: Mark Rolfe
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
August 19, 2018
Company
Pen and Sword Books Ltd
MSRP
$29.95

Martin Derry has worked extensively in the field of aviation publishing. He is the the author of British Military Aviation: 1960s in Colour (2007); Hornet and Sea Hornet: De Havilland's Ultimate Piston-engined Fighter (2010); Hawker Hurricane and Sea Hurricane (2015); Avro Lancaster (2015); Avro Shackleton (2016); English Electric Lightning (2017) and the forthcoming Gloster Meteor (2018).

Neil Robinson is a respected aviation historian and author, who has worked on a number of related projects over the years. He is the author of RAF Trainers 1918-1945: Camouflage and Markings (2012), and Air War Over the Falklands (2012). Hawker Hurricane and Sea Hurricane (2015); Avro Lancaster (2015); Avro Shackleton (2016); English Electric Lightning (2017) and the forthcoming Gloster Meteor (2018).