Hauler-Brengun, a Czechoslovakian newcomer, provides modelers with kits, photoetch parts, and accessories. The vacuum-formed canopy that I received for this review is a nice two-piece replacement for the single-piece canopy included with the Dragon F/A-18F kits. Before diving into the review, I should state that I would recommend vacuum formed parts for experienced modelers. Removing the part from the plastic sheet is a delicate process, but the results are worth the effort.

The F/A-18F is the two-seat variant of the Super Hornet that, along with the single-seat F/A-18E, replaced the capable F-14 Tomcats aboard the US Navy’s aircraft carriers. The more petite, slower, shorter-range and smaller-payload-carrying Super Hornet is at least a less expensive aircraft for the Navy to operate. Okay, so I really am a Tomcat fan at heart.

Written by Donald Nijboer and illustrated by Jim Laurier and Gareth Hector, Spitfire V vs C.202 Folgore: Malta 1942 from Osprey Publishing covers what is generally considered to be the best fighters for their respective air forces: the Spitfire Mk. V and the C.202 Folgore. This 60^th book in the Duel series provides extensive accounts of the clash between these two classic World War II aircraft in the skies above Malta in 1942

Tracing the lineage of both aircraft back to the Schneider Trophy S 6B and MC 72, the book lays out the technical issues that went on to make the Spitfire Mk V and the C.202 such outstanding fighter aircraft. Moving forward to the war years, the author sets the stage for the massive dual that saw these two aircraft meet over Malta. To quote the author, “The history of these two fighters will forever be linked with the savage air battles that took place over the skies of Malta in 1942.”

This is another of the marvelous Eduard 1/144 kits. Previously I’ve done the Spitfire IX, both c and e wings, the MiG-21s (all three) and the Ju-52 military. All have been nicely crafted, with good fit and interesting markings. This one is no exception.

The Aircraft

By early 1943 the Luftwaffe no longer held air superiority over the Soviet Union, at least not sufficient superiority to prevent Russian fighters from interfering with dive-bomber operations. The Stuka Geschwaders lost eight of their Knight’s Cross Holders during the battles around Kursk. The Stukas were generally replaced by FW-190s and Bf-109s in the ground attack role.

The RLM (German Air Ministry) was also worried about the vast numbers of enemy tanks on the Eastern Front, and wanted an effective way to stop armored offensives. The Henschel Hs-129 was a potent anti-tank weapon, but its twin-engine design and large fuel tanks reduced its’ ability to survive ground fire.

Eduard Models continues to add these excellent masks sets that save modelers both time and grief when it comes to painting canopies. They are already shaped to the angles and curves of the canopy and are self adhesive. No more trying to shape curves on your own.

This set is designed for the Italeri F-35A. Another nice touch is that they add in masks for the wheels and the EOTS ( Electro Optical Targeting System) mod under the nose.

It doesn’t take very much time to put the masks on and once they are on they recommend using liquid masks to cover the exposed areas. I’ve never been a fan of liquid mask so I just add some Tamiya tape to those areas and the result is very nice. Which ever way you want to do it will work well.

I recommend this mask to modelers of all levels.

I would like to thank Eduard for making a very tedious task easier and IPMS USA for the chance to review this item.

The Kit

Great Wall Hobby (GWH) has released a TSR.2 in 1/144 scale. This kit is actually an exact repackaging of the Pit Road TSR.2, which is evident from the “Pit Road” name molded on the sprues. The kit itself is very nice and it features engraved panel lines, optional position canopies, options to build it in-flight or on the ground, optional position speed breaks, and a plethora of weapons. Every sprue is packaged in its own bag. Decals are included for three anti-flash white RAF TSR.2s: XR219, XR220, and XR222 (XR219 was the only TSR.2 to fly). The decals are in good register with minimal carrier film.