These sets from Yahu Models have intrigued me for a while now. This opportunity to do the review through IPMS was the perfect opportunity to try them out. I just happen to have a 1/24 Spit in my stash.
ICM’s Leopard 2A6 in 1/35 scale is a Revell-Germany re-boxing kit. However, it represents a tank used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and includes a very attractive set of 5 figures with a dog. The box cover display shows the tank crew at rest with two members occupied with the running gear. The tank assembly consists of 246 parts and 45 parts are dedicated to the five crew figures and one dog figure. There are six marking options provided in this kit spanning different regions of Ukraine and periods between summer of 2023 and winter of 2024. Ukrainian national markings in different configurations can be applied over one standard German three tone NATO camouflage.
ICM Holding has put out a new model of their Horch vehicle. This rendition is a Kfz.70 with an MG 34 machine gun and mount for the rear area of the vehicle.
The box art for the kit is first rate and lends itself well to the actual Kfz.70 in the kit. The box is compact and will fit well in any stash until you decide to build it. Although the box is small, the material within the box was not smashed together and no damage was noted when breaking out the materials from the box.
The J-20 is a fifth generation fighter aircraft that has elevated China to a world leader in combat aviation. J-20 Mighty Dragon, Asia’s First Stealth Fighter In The Era Of China’s Military Risetraces the development of the J-20 from its roots in the Korean War to the current deployment status as well as the responses other nations have taken to counterbalance this modern air superiority fighter. The text is organized into five chapters covering China’s need for an air superiority fighter, development, deployment, the aircraft’s future and assets needed for deployment, and international challenges and responses. Supporting the highly informative text are hundreds of color photos and captions that give further insight into this highly advanced fighter aircraft. In addition to the photographs, five pages of color profiles are also included, as well as a map displaying the locations of units operating the J-20.
Yahu Models has provided the IPMS reviewer corps with a 1/48th scale P-38L Lightning instrument panel. The base kit for this upgrade is designated for the Tamiya P-38J Lightning kit (61123). Referencing warbirdsresourcegroup.org, the “L” variant was an improved “J” variant with new engines and new rocket pylons. Thus, no differences in the airframe external shape. Of the P-38L-LO variant, 3,810 were built.
The instrument panel (IP) detail set is enclosed in a plastic bag with one (1) photoetched (PE) IP already assembled, one (1) clear acetate sheet with printed detail, two (2) PE etched sheets for other cockpit panels. My sample review was missing the PE sheet that would have added detail to part M24. I did note in the pictures which part was missing.
Recently released by the folks at ICM is the Focke-Wolf Fw-189C/V-6 in 1/72 scale. The kit received my attention due to the unique shape of the cockpit as well as the resemblance to the American P-38. The kit builds with relative ease, but I would recommend it to modelers with experience in dealing with smaller parts.
The real aircraft came from the experience gained by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War as a needed attack aircraft. Powered by two Argus As410A-1 engines, each providing 465 hp, the plane had a service ceiling of 6800km (4225 feet) and a maximum speed of 368 km/h (228 mph). The plane carried two 20mm cannons and up to six 7.92mm machine guns as well as up to four bombs. While the plane tested well in 1940, the Henschel Hs-129A would be selected for production.
The UK’s Fantasy Print Shop has released another set of 1/48 decals in their Euro Decals range, this one covering the Spitfire Vb.
There are a very generous 11 options available – these are as follows:
The UK’s Fantasy Print Shop has released another set of 1/48 decals in their Euro Decals range, this one covering the Mustang III (P-51B/C) in RAF service.
There are a very generous 11 options available – these are as follows:
The UK’s Fantasy Print Shop has released another set of 1/48 decals in their Euro Decals range, this one covering the F4U-1 and F4U-1A Corsair in US Navy, RNZAF and Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm service.
Seven options are offered on a single sheet. These are:
Arma Hobby has released a new 1/48th scale P-39N Airacobra. It is the new tooled 2024 version following the P-39Q, released earlier, and they share the same sprues, but the wing sink marks noted in the “Q” boxing looks to be fixed.
The kit is enclosed in a side open box with all the contents sitting in a sturdier cardboard tray. The sprues are enclosed in a single plastic bag and within are more bags that hold three (3) steel ball bearings (for nose weight), the clear sprue, and another for a small 3D printed nose air louvers.
The injected plastic hardness is on the medium side. The recessed and raised molded details are good for this scale.
