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Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$32.95

This is a photoetch undercarriage upgrade set to for the Revell Ventura Mk II. The set adds a great deal of detail to the kit.

In the packet is:

  • 2 x large photoetch steel sheet
  • 1 instruction sheet

Summary

This is a fantastic set and the kit really needs this as it’s a major improvement to the land gear and the landing gear bays. The set does require some work removing the simple molded details on the kit parts. The set was simple and easy to install, the only issue I had was one part had some damage due to the photo etch process but this is the first time I have ever seen this. If you have the Revell kit you have to get this set!

Review Author
Mike Hinderliter
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$41.95

Italeri has put together a set of models to commemorate the anniversary of the Gulf War. The set includes tanks and helicopters from the United States and Iraq. Iraq is represented by the T-62 main battle tank and the Hind-D MI-25 helicopter, while the U.S. is represented by the M-1A1 main battle tank and the Cobra AH-1W helicopter.

Since this is a large box of models, Jim Pearsall asked me if I would like to build the Helos from the set. I was glad to accept because both of these models are on my “Models I want to build list”.

Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
MiniArt
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$14.99

MiniArt has released a nice set that would look great in your WWII dioramas in their Buildings and Accessories Series. MiniArt provides twelve trees representing the crates composed of eleven parts per tree. The crates appear to be molded in light brown soft styrene as the parts are somewhat flexible and are easily cut. The twelve trees for the two different styles of wine bottles contain sixteen wine bottles out of a transparent green and transparent brown styrene. The transparent plastic seems to be a bit harder than the styrene for the crates. The waterslide decals provided offer markings for French and German wine companies for both the crates and the bottles. Packaging is quite nice with the finished product depicted on the top of the box and the contents / instructions / paint guide on the back of the box. The total parts count is 324 parts. I would recommend that you wash all the parts while they are still on the sprues to remove any remaining mold release.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$47.99

This kit has been long in coming; a 1/48 scale H-21 appears to be a popular seller; first in the 1950’s with “Helicopters for Industry” corporation having tooled a rudimentary but well-done for the time model of the H-21A; released approximately in 1956, the molds of this kit (along with that company’s Hiller “ramjet” powered flying jeep helicopter with it’s rotor tip ramjet engines, and the H-19A), were then sold and marketed to Aurora around 1958.

Review Author
Jim Pearsall
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$41.99

This is a diorama set which observes the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War. The kit comes with 4 - 1/72 models; The US AH-1 Cobra, the US M-1A1 Abrams, the Iraqi Mi-25 and an Iraqi T-62.

Because there are 4 models in the set, and we have time limits, the helicopters are built by Mike Hinderliter, and the armor by Jim Pearsall. The review will appear in 4 parts, as each of the 4 kits is finished.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$14.95

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) continues their replacement metal great releases with a set of metal gear for the Kitty Hawk F-2H Banshee. This white metal set is comprised of eight pieces and replaces both the nose gear as well as both main gear legs. Molding is excellent with only a hint of a seam which is easily sanded out.

Review Author
Jim Coatney
Published on
Company
Airfix
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$23.99

The Nakajima B5N2 'Kate' was the most numerous Japanese torpedo bomber of the Second World War, and while primarily operated from carriers, it also saw service as a land based bomber. A single engine monoplane, it was defended by just one rearward firing machine gun, operated by the radio operator, and its relatively low speed left it vulnerable to enemy fighters. Kates performed well at Pearl Harbor and went on to have success during the early battles of the war.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Hasegawa
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$52.99

I have a confession to make. I love the B-26…no idea why, I just like the way it looks and the markings and so this review is a little bit of a love affair with a specific plane. So, when Hasegawa’s B-26 F/G came up for review, I jumped at the chance.

Reviewing the kit in the box shows 12 sprues with two of those being clear. The clear parts not only include the canopies and windows but also the horizontal tails which is due to the small windows for the rear gunner which are next to the tail and small. In this way, the tiny windows are easier to mask and fit better. Also included is a set of poly caps for the props and a large set of decals covering three markings:

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$14.95

This is one of those detail sets that you don’t know you need it until you need it. It is a pre-painted fret of US straps and tie downs. Packaged in a typical Eduard re-sealable package with card stock to protect the contents. This pre-painted fret utilizes the new steel media to produce a thin and accurate strap. The straps can be manipulated fairly robustly without the paint chipping.

There are five different types of straps. The first one has a clip on the end that will have to be folded. There are three of them. The second one is a strap in tan that can be added to the first one to ‘lengthen’ it. There are two of these straps. The third strap is a ‘leather’ looking strap that can be added to one of the other straps. There are two of these straps. The fourth one is another tan/canvas style of strap, that again can be used to lengthen the others. The fifth strap is another leather style strap. There are three of them to use.

Review Author
Bill O'Malley
Published on
Company
MCW Finishes
MSRP
$7.95

Model Car World is a model company that specializes in resin car bodies and paint finishes matched to automotive colors. MCW was purchased by Wings Wheels and Waves in 2015 and they have expanded their paint line to include military colors.

The primer comes in 1oz. bottles that have a bb inside to facilitate mixing. The primer is pre-thinned for airbrush and is recommended by MCW for their finish paints

The primer is very thin and should be thoroughly shaken before spraying. MCW provides a thinner to be used with their paints, but the primer was pre-thinned and did not require additional thinning. The paint should be applied in thin wet coats, and the lacquer dries very fast. The airbrush should be 2 – 3 in. from the surface to obtain a wet coat.