Thank you to the wonderful folks at Hasegawa and Hobbico for an excellent kit of one of my favorite USN jets, the A-4 Skyhawk. The kit was a joy to build. Thank you also to the IPMS Reviewer Corps staff members who do the hard work in getting us kits to review.

This re-release from Hasegawa as a “Limited Edition” provides a very nice building experience of a very unique aircraft. I remember sitting in the cockpit of the full-size version feeling like I was in a sports car, marveling at where the panel would detach my lower legs in the event of an ejection. I am very pleased with the results produced and the kit is an excellent value. There are markings options for 2 different Skyhawk aircraft assigned to VA-23 aboard the USS Midway, with options for pylons and wing tanks.

Model Art has published No.7 in the series labeled, “Air Model Special” and this issue focuses on the Ki-61 Hien.

Some 60 pages in this issue are dedicated to coverage a number of different kits of the Ki-61, by a variety of different kit manufacturers, and in multiple scales. The photography is stunning, but then that has long been a feature of Model Art publications. The workmanship displayed in the models is world class and the images provide an excellent resource for detailing, painting, and markings.

This issue, were it to offer nothing more than the excellent article on the Ki-61, would be worth the cost, but it also includes short articles on a number of other subjects.

Each issue of Scale Aircraft Modeling has the same basic design and format. That's not a bad thing as it is jam packed with superb aircraft builds and tips. There does seem to be a trend to add more feature articles and that is a very good thing as the builds are superb. In this issue, there are five feature articles, an Aviation in Profile piece, and six Compact Build Reviews.

The Feature articles for this issue start with Jay Laverty's build review of the Fisher Models 1/32nd F7U Cutlass. He details some upgrades to the wheel wells and how to handle such a large resin kit. A good description of his way to get a true white base coat sprayed is also a highlight of the article.

Next up is Mr. Laverty's continuing build of the new Airfix 1/24th Scale Typhoon. In this installment, the engine is built and wired and added to the already finished main spar/cockpit assembly. the conclusion is in Decembers issue and I can't wait to see it.

What's a decent diorama builder to do if you want to pose your plane with a boarding ladder? Plusmodel to the rescue! They have recently released a series of 1/48th scale boarding ladders for several planes. This one if for a F-105F/G (the two seat version) and could be used with either the Hobbyboss or Revell kits and it is INJECTION MOLDED!!!!!

Although most of Round 2’s kits are re-issues of older models, this “Snap It” kit is an all new issue. As per Round 2’s website, “… parts molded in orange, tan, black, along with clear and chrome plated parts, modelers of any skill level can easily assemble a great looking replica with no paint or glue required!”

This is the second review written by my 9-year old son William, an IPMS Junior member. William primarily builds aircraft like his dad, but after doing one snap together car model review, he was anxious to do a second. As this is recommended for ages 8 and up, we thought it would be good to see how this model rates with its intended audience. The rest of the review will be in his words.

“When I opened this box, the model parts looked high quality, in particular because some of the parts were chrome. Most snap kits don’t have chrome parts.