AK Interactive has a selected set of pigments (sold individually) known as the “AK Pigment Colors. There are 9 colors and they are the most used pigment shades for weathering models.

You still can get some other specific shade for that special project you have in your workbench, but most of the time, those 9 colors would suffice. (You can see the full list at https://ak-interactive.com/product-category/paints/ak-weathering-paints/).

This series of colors are bottled in larger (35 ml) flip-top bottles with the expectation of being used as “regular” weathering supplies.

One of them is the “dark steel” pigment, which will find its way into many vehicles, armor, ships and aircraft workbench. It is very finely grinded and it can be applied with an old paintbrush.

The U.S.Moon Ship is Round 2 Models first release, after having been originally released by Lindberg Models in 1958. It was subsequently re-released a couple more times in the decades that followed and was based on space flight concepts of the era.

The kit is pretty simple and straight forward consisting of only 41 pieces, including 1 transparent red sprue and 2 sprues molded in white in addition to the main components of the space craft. There is an easy to follow instruction sheet, and 1 sheet of decals.

The build was simple and quick, and other than some minor issues with getting the large star decals to conform to the shape of the hull, it was an enjoyable endeavor having been completed in two evenings at the "bench".

I would most certainly recommend this kit to a novice builder or anyone wanting a quik build that produces satisfying results. The kit would make a great parent/child project or "group build" project.

The Nov/Dec 2013 issue of Windsock Worldwide (now branded ‘WINDSOCK World War Centenary’) is the last issue of Volume 29 and it’s pages continue the publication’s tradition of delivering some of the most interesting, accurate and unique information about WWI aviation to be found anywhere.

As an example, this issue initiates a new mini-series titled 100 Great Warplanes, that promises to profile some of the lesser known and/or poorly chronicled WWI types. The first to be featured in an eleven-page article in this issue is the 1916 German two-seat Rumpler C.III. Eleven pages are devoted to this reconnaissance aircraft with a historical description, 27 period photographs (many previously unpublished), full 1/48 scale plans of all versions and an exclusive color profile of the prototype C.III by Ronny Bar.

WWI aircraft model builders will be interested to know that GasPatch’s line of aftermarket detail parts also now includes cast metal turnbuckles for rigging late war and between-the-war RAF aircraft. As previously noted in IPMS/USA product reviews, the Gas Patch aftermarket details represent “…a significant and notable advance in the quality of aftermarket parts for WWI aircraft”. These turnbuckles certainly are further proof of that statement.

Again, thanks very much to Ross at SAC for doing the hard work for us on this gear. We at IPMS USA sincerely appreciate your contributions for review!

This is a simple drop fit for the Heller 707 or E-3 models. If you want to build the AMT/Heller/Italeri KC-135A/R with SAC gear, they provide that as item 72001. The packaging says 72072 can be used on a KC 135 as well. I did not hold them up to each other, but I’m certain they could be used for either kit. You’ll have to modify the nose gear for the KC-135, as that gear is different than the E-3 or 707; and the actuator arm for the KC-135 is longer on those kits.

Historical note once again: The KC-135 came first, not the 707. The KC is based on the “Dash 80” airframe, and is different than on the 707 or E-3, which is a larger, more robust airframe with a totally different wing and fuselage. An error made by many, including famous authors. Those of us who have worked on both know the difference.