Double Xcellent Model, DXM, from Tawain has provided the IPMS/USA reviewer corps with a set of painting stencils (weathering/rusted) to give a splotchy/mottle look to your kits. These are made from a soft silicone material and can conform over complex surfaces. These should be used in conjunction with an airbrush to get the best results.

In the Package

DXM provided four different stencils each individually packaged.

• Type 1 is a random jagged edge stencil.
• Type 2 is similar to Type 1 but with smaller holes.
• Type 3 has more rounded holes of varying sizes.
• Type 4 is a smaller version of Type 1 & 3 and on one sheet.

Types 1, 2, & 3 are titled as “Dual Effects” since on side has a flush surface to allow for a more solid demarcation line when place on the surface. The other side has a space or bilevel edge to create a softer demarcation line.

Zoukei-Mura has graciously provided the IPMS Reviewer Corps with a first look at their brand new 1/32nd scale Kawasaki Ki-100-I Otsu Type 5 Fighter. Full release and distribution will be later in August 2026.

Prior to this release, the only way to get a 1/32nd scale Ki-100 was to purchase a Hasegawa Ki-61 and an Alley Cat conversion set. This new kit will fill a void for WWII Japanese fighters.

First Impression: It Looks Fabulous!

History (from Zoukei-Mura website)

The Ki‑100 Type 5 Army Fighter was a Japanese Army aircraft of World War II, developed as a derivative of the Ki‑61 Hien. By installing the Ha‑112 radial air‑cooled engine and modifying the fuselage, the Ki‑100 arose as an emergency conversion aircraft. Despite its improvised origins, it demonstrated outstanding performance, providing the Japanese Army with an unexpectedly capable fighter.

I believe the Battle of the Coral Sea is vastly underrated and overlooked in its importance, often overshadowed by the imminently more covered Battle of Midway less than a month later. The Battle of the Coral Sea could arguably be more important than Midway, and author Dr Tom Lewis does a fantastic job of not only describing the Battle of the Coral Sea very well, but he also places it where it belongs in history.

Having never read one of Dr Tom Lewis’ over two dozen books before, I wasn’t sure of his writing style. Having been familiar with the Pacific Profiles series, I am happy to report that this book fits in beautifully. Dr Tom Lewis’ background includes serving over twenty years in the Royal Australian Navy, post-graduate degrees in Cold War Politics and Strategic Studies and being awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to naval history. His research is evident, military service rings true and tells the story well.

From the book’s back cover:

The JASDF operated a special unit for Phantom testing from it’s earliest service days in 1971. The F-4EJ ADTW (Air Development and Test Wing) was the first and last operator of the F-4EJ in Japan until it's disbanding in 2021. Based at Gifu AB, the ADTW tested new technologies and weapon systems for the JASDF. Throughout the Phantom's service, the ADTW evaluated F-4EJ variants including the improved Kai version.

Taiwanese modelling company, DXM Decals, has released a set of 1/48 decals for three airframes, including two F-4Ejs and one F-4EJ Kai. The single standard-sized decal sheet is packed with images, including all the decals required for the three options that include a farewell scheme, and a full set of stencils.

A full colour instruction leaflet includes comprehensive decal placement and painting guides for top, bottom and both sides. Colour callouts are in FS standards so you can make your own choice of paint brand.

In September 2022, in a surprise move, the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) revealed a new special markings scheme for one of its aggressor F-15J Eagles of the 306 Hikotai based at Komatsu AB. In conjunction with Paramount Pictures as publicity for the then-new Top Gun: Maverick movie, the service had painted up one of their Eagles as Top Gun instructor ‘Maverick’ Mitchell’s personal F/A-18E, specially for a forthcoming Air Festival at the airbase. A bit of a non-sequitur, but it looks good!

Taiwanese modeling company, DXM Decals, has released a set of 1/48 decals for this airframe and has kindly sent IPMS/USA a sample. The single standard-sized decal sheet is packed to the gills with images, including all the decals required for the special scheme and a full set of stencils, including all the individual fuselage panel numbers that festoon the F-15’s airframe. There must be in excess of 400 decals on this sheet – many hours of modeling fun!