The feature article in October's issue covers modeling MBT's. The article starts off with the Tamiya 1/35th JGSDF Type 10. There are actually two more sections in this article that cover the Type 10. One is a build that was featured on Tamiya Live, and then a walk around. The other models used in the feature are the Xact 1/35th T-80U, Cyber-Hobby M48A3, Meng 1/35th AMX-30B, Tamiya M1A2 SEP TUSK II, Tamiya JGSDF Type 90, and Perfect Scale Modellbau 1/35th Leopard 1 Fruhe Baulose.

Following the feature are several short monthly run articles. One appears to feature a kit of 1/700th Russian Cruiser (had difficulty trying to get a translation). Next is modeling the JASDF. They finish up modeling the Hasegawa 1/72nd Mitsubishi F-1. The last of the monthly series is IJA/N Airplane Illustrated. This is an article that covers aiming devices through the use of color drawings or photographs.

Thanks to Revell for providing the kit to IPMS and continuing to build and reissue good Corvette models.

The kit is another reissue of the Revell kit that was first released in 1995 and has been reissued many times since. The plastic sprues contain parts indicating copyrights in 1995 and 4/17/13. The kit shares parts such as the chassis and interior with Coupe versions of the ’67 Corvettes. Either a stock or race version of the Corvette can be built with the kit.

The Product

Described as a highly flexible, softened, transparent gray film suitable for uneven surfaces and producing templates for applying paint by a brush or airbrush with reduced surface tack.

The Working Test

I decided that a current review project was to be the test subject, a 1/72 scale Cobra helicopter. I believe the film should be cut by scoring the film and removing it from its backing. I found cutting the film and backing material together a little fussy, even while using a new #11 X-Acto blade. The film is very pliable and stretches easily. The adhesive tack strength is a couple clicks below Tamiya tape.

Quickboost now offers a 1/48 scale early-style conversion seat to replace the two-part injection molded seat parts found in the Zvezda Bf-109F-2 kit. The seat provided on the sprues in Zvezda’s kit builds into a replica of what was fitted into the late-model Bf-109F-2 and, to add to the matter, it has a conspicuous ejection pin depression in the center of the pan that must be filled and smoothed out. The Quickboost resin seat represents the earlier style seat that includes an integrated seat back. Quickboost’s seat also offers superior detail than what’s provided in the kit, a thinner profile, a separate armor back plate...and there is no ejection pin cavity that needs filling. Note that the model builder must add seat belts to either seat.

Well-received by many a soccer mom (and dads looking for a “man van”), the Ford Expedition has also gained significant acceptance and popularity among some American law-enforcement agencies looking for a reliable and rugged vehicle with increased towing, passenger, and cargo capacity.

Revell’s Ford Expedition Police SSV (Special Service Vehicle) provides a fantastic opportunity for young modelers to build an imposing replica of this popular vehicle. Molded in black, clear, and chrome-plated plastic, accompanied by vinyl tires and steel axles, its 46 pieces are well-detailed with crisp raised and recessed features. A sheet of stickers provide marking options for 2 vehicles.