Author: Aaron Skinner
Editor
Aaron has been making models of one kind or another since he was six and built his first model — a race car of some sort put together with help from his grandfather. He grew up in Australia and graduated from the University of Queensland in Brisbane with a degree in journalism and history. After moving back to the United States in 1994, Aaron worked as a reporter and photographer for newspapers in Texas and Arkansas, before joining the FSM staff in August 2006. He will build anything that grabs his fancy, particularly commercial airliners, Russian armor, and anything science fiction.
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NPRD One Shot: ICM Gloster Gladiator MK.I
Review of this biplane fighter which served all of the way into WWII
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Italeri 1/48 scale Westland Wessex HU.5
The Italeri 1/48 scale Westland Wessex HU.5 plastic model kit is molded in light gray plastic. Construction starts with a decent cockpit featuring three-part plastic seats embellished with photoetched-metal harnesses and frames, the option of a decal or photoetched-metal instrument panel, joysticks and collectives, and rudder pedals.
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HobbyBoss 1/35 scale T-26
HobbyBoss kicks off its 1/35 scale T-26 plastic model kit releases with the initial version, the so-called Model 1931, armed with two machine guns in matching turrets. The parts feature sharp, recessed panel lines and crisply molded rivet and bolt heads. The edges of parts like the turret platform are extremely thin.
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Tamiya 1/35 scale M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II
Two versions of TUSK exist for the Abrams, and Tamiya’s new 1/35 scale plastic model kit contains both. TUSK I includes Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles along the skirts, enhanced belly armor, an M2 machine gun mounted on the main gun barrel, new thermal sights, loader’s machine gun shield, and infantry phone. TUSK II adds the…
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Zvezda 1/144 scale Boeing 747-8
The Zvezda 1/144 scale Boeing 747-8 plastic model kit is features beautifully fine panel lines that look good under paint. The control surfaces are just as fine. The cabin windows can be filled with clear plastic parts, are the correct shape, as are the door windows.
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Meng Models Merkava Mk.IIID
FSM reviews the 1/35 scale plastic armor kit Meng Model’s 1/35 scale Merkava Mk.IIID plastic model kit is molded in gray-green plastic. The parts show good detail, with crisp recessed lines, sharp bolts (especially around the add-on armor), and well-textured mold seams. The stowage rack rails and grab handles are scale thin.
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2012 AMPS International Convention editor’s picks
Scale modelers exhibit their skills and builds in Auburn, Ind.
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ICM 1/144 scale Tupolev Tu-144
ICM’s 1/144 scale Tu-144 plastic model kit represents the first six production aircraft. Molded in slightly soft, medium-gray plastic, the parts show fine, recessed panel lines. The fuselage is molded in halves. The upper wings include the full leading and trailing edges, so they are scale thin. Two clear parts of the cockpit window incorporate…