What's New

Review Author
Pablo Bauleo
Published on
Company
Eduard
MSRP
$9.95

Eduard Models is releasing some very useful tools for the modelers, like this series of templates.

The first set is “Circle and Oval”, SKU: 00027 with a total of 38 circular templates ranging from 0.8 to 6.2 mm. This set also has a fret with 34 oval templates, with sizes ranging from 1.8x1mm to 5.8x10.2 mm.

The next set is “Oblongs and Squares”, SKU: 00028 with 14 templates for each geometry. Their dimension ranges from 3.5 to 5 mm. The Oblongs are ‘rectangles’ with rounded corners.

Finally the last set is “Oblongs”, SKU: 00029 with an amazing total of 52 templates ranging from 0.6 mm to 4 mm.

Not only these templates are useful for scribing panel lines, but also can be used to draw - with a pen - panel lines or to be used to guide a blade when creating masks for windows, mirrors, etc.

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Quickboost
MSRP
$6.50

THANK YOU to our friends and suppliers at Quickboost for these excellent antenna and air scoop details, which are for use on the Kinetic and Wingman KFIR C2/C7 kits.

The link to the scoops is http://www.quickboost.net/Obrazky/48578.jpg

Not much to say here; no seam on the air scoops, delicate details, and antennas that look better than the kit items… and no filling of the air scoop seams

Highly recommended for improved detail on either kit version,Thanks again to Quickboost and IPMS USA for providing these items…

Review Author
Rod Lees
Published on
Company
Quickboost
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$6.50

THANK YOU to our friends and suppliers at Quickboost for these excellent antenna details, which are for use on the Hobbyboss F-105G kits.

Not much to say here; other than these are far better than the kit items…buy them!

Usually the last thing "stuck on", antennas are the delicate exterior details of our aircraft, and add immeasurably to the kit. Highly recommended for improved detail!

Thanks again to Quickboost and IPMS USA for providing these items…

Review Author
Brian R. Baker
Published on
Company
Modelshack
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$5.00

History

The Wright R-3350 twin row radial engine started its development cycle in 1937, and the engine first flew on an airplane in 1941. It was an eighteen cylinder radial engine originally rated at 2200 hp, but later models with fuel injection produced over 3600 hp. Used in the Boeing B-29 during the war, the turbo-compound version developed after the war was used in various types of airliners, including the Lockheed Constellation and the Douglas DC-7. More recently, these engines have powered Reno-type air racers, notably Hawker Sea Furys and Grumman F8F Bearcats.

Google lists many types of aircraft that used these engines, including many prototypes

Review Author
Jim Stepanek
Published on
Company
AMT
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$23.99

Round 2 Models, under the AMT brand, has re-released this 1/25 scale 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. The kit features 1970’s Street Rod Series box art. The Retro Deluxe reissue contains a vintage 3-in-1 kit with a new, full-color decal sheet and pre-lettered drag slicks. Although the kit shows its age in the form of some excess flash, the parts do fit together pretty well.

Engine

The stock 327 engine has several options to choose from: a 4-barrel, fuel injection, three deuces, four Webers or a blown intake setup. You can also select from stock exhaust manifolds or two different sets of headers. These accessories are some really nice parts. I chose the Webers, but used the carbs from a Falcon kit and resin air filters.

Chassis

There’s nothing to the chassis other than gluing a couple of axle blocks into place.

Interior

The interior is just a tub with poor engraving. Though the dashboard is fairly crisp.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Eduard
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.95

One of the things that I find challenging about photo-etch seatbelts is that they are difficult to drape properly, especially the pre-painted type. It can be done, but inevitably some paint will chip or the metal just won’t bend properly to simulate the look of real fabric. Well, Eduard has a new twist on belts; actual fabric seatbelts that are pre-painted.

This set comes packaged in Eduard’s standard bottom-opening package. Inside you’ll find a nickel-plated photo-etch fret and a fabric “fret.” The nickel-plated PE features the shiny buckles and bits. There are no extras, so don’t lose them to the carpet monster! Some extra pieces would have been a nice addition. The fabric “fret” is a flexible material mounted onto a fabric backing. With the backing peeled off, you are left with a really thin fabric seatbelt. Another advantage of the fabric is that the belt is the proper color on both sides and it won’t chip.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Aerobonus
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$10.00

With the release of newer modern-era Soviet aircraft, such as the MiG-21, MiG-29, Su-27, Su-25 and others, there is a market demand for a figure to stand beside the aircraft for scale appearance. Until now there has been a very limited selection. Aerobonus answers this call with their simple, but effective, figures.

The latest release is a winter-dressed pilot. He has his helmet on and his hands in his pockets. The figure’s head is tilted up slightly, as if looking at the cockpit or an overflying aircraft. The pilot figure comes as a one-piece molding that is flawless. I don’t see any mold lines that need to be cleaned up. Just a simple cut at the feet and this figure is ready for paint. The painting instructions are printed on the back of the packaging insert. The painting instructions are very basic, with a simple drawing calling out generic colors like white, black, and gray-blue. That said, the callouts are adequate for the figure.

Review Author
Floyd S. Werner Jr.
Published on
Company
Ultracast
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$12.25

Ultracast has cut out a niche market for itself with propellers. Their latest releases are designed for the Hasegawa Focke Wulf 190A/F.

Late-war Focke Wulfs were often fitted with wider-blade wooden props. This particular model of prop blade has a pointed tip, which is hard to replicate. Until now they have been difficult to find and their shape has not been quite correct. Ultracast has captured the shape perfectly for the first time.

This set is packaged in a small plastic bag secured onto a cardboard backing. The resin is typical Ultracast, molded in a light caramel color and free of blemishes. There are minimal pour blocks, which can be cleaned quickly and easily. Minimal flash is present on the spinner and cooling fans. Clean up of these castings will be easy with a new hobby blade.

Review Author
Phil Peterson
Published on
Company
Hasegawa
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$54.99

I like sci-fi and weird designs, so this Hasegawa Vanship, from their Creator Works series, was right up my alley. I had never heard of this model, however after a quick Google search, I found out that it’s the “fighter” ship for a hotshot pilot from the 2011 anime series Last Exile: Fam, The Silver Wing, a follow up to the 2003 anime series, Last Exile. I did find the series on Comcast’s Infinity and watched a couple episodes to try and get some context. Obviously, I need to see the rest of the series but the first few shows were good, so when I get time I’ll finish the rest.

Review Author
Jim Stepanek
Published on
Company
AMT
Scale
1/25
MSRP
$23.99

Round 2 Models, under the AMT banner, has released a Jack Reacher 1970 Chevelle SS as part of their Silver Screen Machines series of kits. The ’70 Chevelle SS was “borrowed” by the title character, played by Tom Cruise, in the 2012 movie Jack Reacher, and had a blaze of glory during an exciting chase scene. This kit will allow you to build your own 1/25 scale copy of Jack Reacher’s Chevelle.

Engine

You get a 454ci engine that can be built with a single 4-barrel carburetor (LS6) or with a fuel-injected unit. I chose the fuelie option because I liked the way it looked.

Chassis

The chassis features nice detail and crisp engraving. The exhaust pipes and front suspension are molded onto the frame. The differential is separate, along with the shock absorbers. Some careful painting can bring out the exhaust pipe detail quite a bit.

Interior

The interior is just a tub with poor engraving. The dashboard is a fairly crisp though.