Furball Aero-Design has issued a new 1/48th scale sheet specifically for all the F-14 Tomcat models currently on the market. This sheet includes all the various stenciling and data which cover the plane on top/bottom and both sides. It includes both stencils for both the Gull Gray over white scheme, as well as, the Tactical Paint scheme and there are enough stencils to do both.

Inside the package, you will find a 3 x 6-inch decal sheet printed by Microscale and double-sided color instructions. This sheet has all the needed profiles to add the decals with one side being gray/white and the other tactical. Markings also include the drop tank, ejection seat and slime light decals. The decals are thin and well printed but as they say, the proof is in the pudding so I wanted to try these on the new Tamiya kit.

Recently I was given the opportunity by IPMS USA to review Aires T-28 Trojan Propeller “A” offering for the 1/32 Kitty Hawk T-28 Trojan kit. One of the first things to notice with this product is the excellent presentation of the packaging with the sealed flap on the back of package to allow for easy access to parts.

Upon removal of the spinner assemble and the propeller blades you will notice the detail that we have come to expect from Aires QB products. The molding and detail on the propeller parts are excellent and they come off the resin block with little effort along with the help of an X-Acto blade or razor saw.

Drawing heavily upon an unpublished history of Britain’s Air Sea Rescue Service produced after WWII by the Air Ministry’s Air Historical Branch, this softback reprint was originally published in 2005 as a follow-on to a 2003 effort by Pitchfork entitled Shot Down and On the Run. That book dealt with British and Commonwealth aircrew who found themselves on the ground in enemy territory—mostly in northern Europe—but were able to successfully “escape and evade,” often with the help of brave souls who risked their lives—and the safety of their families--in so doing.

Osprey bio: “Andrew Brookes completed RAF pilot training after graduating from Leeds University. Following reconnaissance and strike tours on Victors, Canberras and Vulcans he joined the tri-service policy and plans staff of Commander British Forces, Hong Kong. He flew over 3,000 hours as an RAF reconnaissance and strike pilot. He was a UK nuclear release officer in NATO and the last operational RAF Commander at the Greenham Common cruise missile base. He was coordinator of air power studies at the RAF Advanced Staff College and he is now Chief Executive of The Air League. He broadcasts widely and this is his 18th aviation book, including four for Osprey. He received the Defense Aerospace Journalist of the Year Award in 2004 and 2006. In 2009 he was awarded the C P Robertson Memorial Trophy for the best interpretation of the Royal Air Force to the public.”

Background

The Group “C” racing class ran from 1982 until about 1993. It was an extremely exciting series that saw some of the class cars run over 250 mph on the Le Mans' Mulsanne Straight (the WM-Peugeot recorded the highest 405 km/h / 252 mph). Porsche revolutionized the race series with the 956/962 cars and the associated aerodynamics and ground effects innovations. These Porsche vehicles were dominant for many years and were campaigned by both the factory and private race teams which, for modelers, allows for a multitude of paint and color schemes.