Overview

The molds for the 1/48 scale Revellogram B-29 were born of Monogram’s loins more than 30 years ago, in 1977. Needed or not, Eduard has seen fit to bless us with a huge amount of detail for this monster of a kit. The truth is, Monogram did a pretty good job of detailing kits during this time, so Eduard may have their work cut out for them. Let’s take a look and find out.

The Envelope Please

The Eduard Big Ed set is full of goodies for the 1/48 scale Monogram/Revell B-29. It consists of 8 individual products packaged into one heavy envelope. The items are:

Model Art has long set the standard for excellence when it comes to covering modeling subjects related to Japanese military history. Model Art No. 06 is no exception, covering the Mitsubishi Zero variants, such as the A6M3, A6M5, A6M5 Night Fighter, A6M5C, A6M7, and A6M8. While coverage of the Zero variants dominates this issue, there are some other aircraft highlighted in some short “build” articles as well.

Beginning on page 96, Model Art changes the era of coverage from WWII to modern times with a great article on a 1/32 scale F-104J in JASDF markings. Eight pages filled with excellent images provide the reader with a visual “how-to” for a natural-metal paint scheme and some super detailing on the engine and in the cockpit.

The new Freedom Models 1/48 scale UCAS X-47B is featured in a four-page “how-to” article. Again, the photographs are excellent and very instructive, and they are especially helpful with the paint scheme and markings placement.

The Engine

After Robert Fulton proved the viability of using steam to power a nautical vessel with his steamboat Clermont (also known as the North River) in 1807, steam power began to sweep wind-powered vessels from the seas. Constant improvements to his engine were made and Maudslay's Paddle Engine patented in 1827 was one such improvement. It was a style of engine that used improved valve chests and gear and these so called Penn Oscillating engines were in use for many years. (I hope somebody understood all that as I didn't.) The largest such engines were fitted into the paddle wheeler Great Eastern designed by Isambard Brunel. However, the engines could not be adapted to the higher steam pressures that were being introduced and the paddle engine gave way to the inclined direct-acting engine.

The MiG-17 has two prominent pitot tubes on the wing tips. Inevitably, if you are like me, you will knock off one or both of them. Brass pitot tubes will make this harder to do. Included in this set are two pitot tubes, a two part 37mm cannon barrel, and two 23mm cannon barrels.

The pitot tubes are machined perfectly with the proper taper to the tips.

The 37mm cannon is simply gorgeous. Plastic kit makers can only hint at the cooling jacket for the cannon. Master is able to produce a precision machined cooling jacket and barrel. The barrel simply slides precisely into the jacket. Then just prime and paint. A thing of beauty.

The 23mm cannon barrels are different lengths just like the real thing.

My thanks to Scale Aircraft Conversions for offering this item for review and to IPMS/USA for allowing me to review it.

Designed by the Curtiss Aircraft Manufacturing Company, the SB2C was a huge disappointment initially and for months to follow. It was structurally weak, exhibited poor handling characteristics, and was unstable in a number of flight conditions. But, the Navy and Curtiss stayed with the aircraft and made a number of design changes. The changes added nearly 3,000 lbs. to the aircraft and resulted in one of its not so endearing names - the Big-Tailed Beast. Finally the Navy had the plane they wanted. It became the Navy’s primary attack/bombing aircraft and was responsible for more Japanese targets destroyed than any other aircraft.