Arma Hobby continues to build on their 1/72 scale inventory with the release of this Cactus Air Force Deluxe set. I have previously had the pleasure of reviewing their F4F-4 Wildcat Expert Set (kit 70047) as well as their P-39Q Airacobra (kit 70055) and this release essentially combines the two kits albeit with a different version of the Airacobra. With the addition of 3D printed parts for both aircraft, the already great level of detail is improved for some key areas. I highly recommend this kit to modelers experienced in handling small parts looking to represent the Cactus Air Force planes between August 1942 and February 1943.

Report 2: Midway through Construction

This second report covers the build from Steps 26 through 48 of 64. It is essentially the assembly of the upper decks prior to attachment of the stacks and their associated appurtenances.

Through this point in the build, most of the parts fit exceptionally well, to the extent that some can be press fit together. When you encounter one that doesn’t fit as well, like the life raft stacks, it makes you wonder if you are doing something incorrectly. The life rafts did not stack up evenly when placed one on top of another, so I used more glue than usual and clamped them in place after assuring they were parallel. Although good overall, one drawback of the tight fit is that a mere paint layer could interfere with making a tight joint or may require a pinhole to be reamed out before being able to attach a part.

AN-26 History From Wikipedia

While the An-24T tactical transport had proved successful in supporting Soviet troops in austere locations, its ventral loading hatch restricted the handling of cargo. As a result, a version (An-26) with a retractable cargo ramp was designed that allowed the cargo deck to be sealed and pressurized in flight.

The An-26 includes military equipment, such as tip-up paratroop canvas seats, an overhead traveling hoist, bulged observation windows and parachute static line attachment cables. It can be configured in 20-30 minutes from the troop transport or freight mission to the medical evacuation role with up to 24 stretchers fitted.

The Decals

Continuing FOXBOT’S tradition of excellence from Ukraine, these decals are excellent in both registry and color. The carrier film has both minimal margins and thickness making the very pliable for contour and feature coverage.

Henri-Paul Enjames started collecting uniforms and equipment of the American soldier in Europe during the 19 43–1945 period. He was fascinated by the power of the United States Army and how it supplied soldiers with the most modern equipment and uniforms. His collection includes items in the best possible condition, many with readable markings providing information about manufacture dates and models. He used a 1943 Quartermaster Corps supply catalog to organize and show his collection. His intention with this book is to gather as much information as possible on the uniforms and equipment of the American soldier in Europe to illustrate authentic items.

Enjames’ Collection is shown in high-quality color photographs of the actual items with captions of the articles name, number, and years of use. Additional text provides background on the equipment illustrated.

The chapters are organized similar to the 1943 QMC Supply Catalog:

Mortons Media Group was established in the 19th century and has been producing book-length publications since the early 2000s. The company established a dedicated books division in 2019 and Mortons Books has already earned a reputation for publishing high-quality titles by authors who are true experts in their field. For the best reads on rail, aviation, nostalgia and history, look no further. This book is part of their imprint: Tempest Books addresses all aspects of aviation history are covered in authoritative detail. The aviators and aircraft of the Second World War are profiled by our titles alongside more modern fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and transports. 'Secret projects' and experimental designs are also an important part of the Tempest Books portfolio.