Eduard continues its F-104 accessories with this set which is a set of early wheels. The set consists of five parts, two main wheels with separate hubs for one side. There is also one front wheel. A masking set is also included. All the parts are perfectly cast and bubble free. Preparation involves removing the pour stubs and a light sanding. The separate hub makes painting easier.

The detail on the wheels is head and shoulders above the kit parts. There are no ejection marks to deal with and the hub detail is greatly improved. The wheels have the needed writing on them versus the smooth surface on the kit parts.

These are definite upgrades to the kit parts. Well made and more detailed. Recommended. My thanks to Eduard and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.

The KV-85 was an interim tank solution to field a heavier gun than the 76mm mounted on the existing KV-1 series. By 1943 the 76mm gun was no longer effective at long range against Germany’s newest tanks like the Tiger 1 and Panther. The solution was to mount the 85mm D-5T in a new larger cast turret. Only 148 were made until production of the new IS series was brought up to capacity.

Bronco’s kit comes in a larger-than-normal sturdy cardboard box packed with sprues, an eighteen page instruction booklet, a small sheet of brass PE, braided copper wire, and a generous decal sheet. The instructions are well laid out line drawings which are not too cluttered given how many small parts there are in the kit. The PE mostly covers the air intakes and exhaust screens. There is an option for solid plastic intake screens but the exhaust screen is only offered as brass.

Saab has been a Swedish company for a very long time. The Lansen was one of their earlier developments in the jet age, its first test flight occurring in 1952. The A32A version was specifically designed for ground-attack and maritime-strikes. 287 aircraft were built between 1955 and 1957, and the airframe was not retired until 1978.

Tarangus is a Swedish company specializing in Swedish aviation. Founded in 2009, they have already started a tradition of excellent kits and attractive subjects. The kits are limited run injection molding and are flash-free with excellent engraved panel lines. There are two versions of the Lansen kit available. This review is for the A32A version. The kit comes with 3 gray sprue, a clear sprue, and two resin seats. The panel lines are very well done. Be aware that this is limited run, so there are no connecting pegs or the like. It is a great limited run kit to start on if you have never built one before, as the fit is quite good.

Eduard continues its release of improved resin wheels with a set designed for the Hobby Boss A-6 Intruder. The set consists of eight beautifully case resin pieces, a wheel mask set and a set of great instructions. The wheel hubs are cast separately for the main gear with the front wheels being cast as one piece each. The masks included are normal kabuki tape masks and will help the front wheels.

The Subject

The Fokker D.VII is one of the most recognized fighters of the Great War and has been chronicled so many times that it is unnecessary to spend a great deal of time describing it to this audience. Suffice it to say the legendary fighter was (and still is) widely considered to be the best German fighter aircraft of WWI. Almost 3,300 Fokker D.VIIs were built by three manufacturers (Fokker, Albatros & OAW) in the last year of the conflict and they were often the reason a number of German pilots achieved ‘Ace’ status. Before building any model of this iconic aircraft, I would encourage modelers to seek out and read some of the history of the Fokker D.VII to more fully appreciate the experience.