The two decal sets are in clear register, well printed and of great use to the aircraft modeler. Those that scratch build their own instrument panels will find these immensely useful. As one who builds a lot of resin kits I can see these being of great benefit there as well. They also will enhance a kit instrument panel going over the raised detail. Lastly, the gauge decals also include a small rectangle of clear, thin plastic so those with a punch and die set can make their own glass covers for the instruments.
What's New
The Story
I bought this book because it was recommended to me by David W. Menard, the noted aviation historian and photographer, after I asked him some questions about American liaison aircraft used in Europe during World War II. Dave suggested that I contact Terry Love, the author, and the result was that I now have a copy of the book. I’m glad I bought it, because it certainly fills a gap in my library, and fills me in on some of the “L” types that were used during the war, and the reason why they were developed at that time. Although the book was originally published in 2001, I was not aware of it until now.
Another outstanding addition to the Aires line of resin detail and upgrade sets. This set for all versions of the venerable Hasegawa 1:72ndscale J-35 Draken. It may be able to fit to other kits but that is for you to find out! It is exquisitely cast in a medium grey resin and features extremely minute details absent from the kit parts. Anyone who loves The Saab Draken will want to add this set to their model. .
Only place to watch out for is cleaning up the inside seams at the top and bottom of the aft fuselage as this will be visible after the new tailpipe is installed. Again test fit many times before committing to glue. I had to install a stop bar of sorts behind and inside the fuselage to keep the nozzle from falling inside.
Aficionados of the Saab Draken will want to add this set to their pride and joy; and don’t forget these other sets:
Pro Art Models has been around since 2002. I first found out about them when I was looking for aftermarket items to hop-up the Italeri HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). They were one of the only names in the game. They had details for the interior, exterior, the fuel pump system and tires. They now carry a highly detailed rear mounted crane. They also carry a few radio sets that are absolutely gorgeous. There are currently three US distributors of Pro Art Models: Master Modelers Marketplace in Beaverton, OR, R&J Enterprises in Quilcene, WA and Military Hobbies in Orange, CA. You can also order direct from their site. They take MasterCard, Visa and my favorite PAYPAL.
Forward
There is a trend developing with me relevant to Osprey Books. As with the last Osprey book, once I started reading it I could not put it down. The book arrived on a Friday and I started it Saturday afternoon. On Sunday afternoon I was finished.
Description
This is a 7 3/4 by 10 inch hard-cover book with 384 pages. Befitting the number of pages, the paper quality is good. This book contains many illustrations, diagrams and the photos come from public, private, commercial and museum sources. The font is not large but is very readable. Each weapon described is accompanied by several illustrations, photos and in some cases personal anecdotes about the weapon. Information “boxes” further describe the weapon’s characteristics and specifications. With all the photos, illustrations and drawings the book was a faster read than anticipated.
Introduction
For those who love modern US Navy and Marine Corps jets, and like camouflage and color, nothing satisfies more than the schemes of an adversary and training squadrons.
VFA-125 also known as the "Rough Raiders" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The "Rough Raiders" are a Fleet Replacement Squadron flying the F/A-18 Hornet. From the units own home page, their mission “is the indoctrination and training of Navy and Marine Corps personnel for carrier-borne strike fighter squadrons in all phases of F/A-18 employment and, on order, to be prepared to supply replacement aircraft and pilots to the fleet.” They are also the home to the west coast F/A-18C demo team.
Twobobs released this set covering several VFA-125 aircraft providing markings for three “Raiders”:
The Parts
Hobby Design makes detail parts for automotive subjects. They offer a wide range of products from metal parts, to resin wheels, and photo etched detail sets for a wide variety of modeling subjects.
Here I review their HD07-0002 0.5mm Rivets. They are all metal and come 40 pieces per pack.
Assembly
It’s pretty straight forward I remove the molded plastic rivets from the part with a #11 blade. Then I used a #80 drill bit in the spot for the rivets to be placed that’s it pretty simple.
Conclusion
I highly recommended these products for anyone who wants to add realism to their models. Hobby Design makes a wide range of rivets to fit into all different application. Thanks to Hobby Design and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review these excellent products.
Anybody who has seen period photos of World War II Soviet soldiers will note that many times their uniforms are decorated with medals and awards. Occasionally a figure manufacturer will provide these molded into the chest leaving the modeler to paint, but the majority of plastic figures do not. Eduard has been working through various subjects within its colored photo etch range, and now we get not just one, but two sets of Soviet World War II uniform insignia and metals in full color! This review covers the early war period, 1940-1943.
Anybody who has seen period photos of World War II Soviet soldiers will note that many times their uniforms are decorated with medals and awards. Occasionally a figure manufacturer will provide these molded into the chest leaving the modeler to paint, but the majority of plastic figures do not. Eduard has been working through various subjects within its colored photo etch range, and now we get not just one, but two sets of Soviet World War II uniform insignia and metals in full color! This review covers the late war, 1944-1945 periods.