Author: Phil Pignataro
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Academy 1/72 scale F-35A Lightning II
As the Lockheed Martin F-35A proliferates, so do the plastic models. Academy’s 1/72 scale release closely follows the Italeri kit and precedes the forthcoming Hasegawa F-35A. Like the real machine, this kit is state of the art, with crisp surface detail and finely molded detail in the cockpit, weapon bays, and wheel wells. Surprisingly, Academy’s…
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Revell Germany 1/144 scale SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo
FineScale Modeler reviews Revell Germany’s 1/144 scale SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo plastic model kit. Molded in white plastic, the model clearly depicts the composite material construction of the actual spacecraft, with recessed panel lines only for the flying surfaces, doors, and hatches.
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BPK 1/72 scale Boeing 737-200
Injection-molded models of 1/72 scale airliners are rare, so BPK’s new 737-200 releases are welcome additions indeed. BPK’s model is more accurate and better detailed than the old ’60s-era Aurora and Monogram kits.
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Airfix 1/72 scale de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth
During World War II, the ubiquitous de Havilland Tiger Moth was to Royal Air Force pilots what the Stearman PT-17 was to American airmen — almost all fledgling pilots flew it during their initial training. Airfix has released a little gem of a plastic model kit with its 1/72 scale Tiger Moth. Molded in Airfix’s…
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Airfix 1/72 scale Hawker Hurricane Mk.I
This is a review of the Airfix 1/72 scale Hawker Hurrican Mk.I plastic model kit.
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Airfix 1/72 scale Gloster J-8A/Gladiator Mk.II
Airfix’s Gloster J-8A/Gladiator Mk.II continues a line of impressive 1/72 scale plastic models from this company. The kit features finely scribed panel lines that enhance the excellent representation of the fabric areas. There are extra parts for different canopy and gear options, plus decals for two aircraft. For instance, in winter 1940, Sweden provided 12…
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Airfix 1/72 scale Avro Lancaster B.III (Special) The Dambusters
The Airfix 1/72 scale Avro Lancaster B.III (Special) The Dambusters plastic model kit is jampacked with 266 parts molded in blue-gray plastic. Seventy years ago last May, Royal Air Force Lancasters from No. 617 Squadron flew the famous raid against the hydroelectric dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley. Operation Chastise was conducted to disrupt electrical power…
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Tarangus 1/72 scale Saab J 29A/B Tunnan
The J 29 is Tarangus’ first effort plastic model kit in 1/72 scale. The Swedish company chose to offer the A/B version which lacks the “sawtooth” leading-edge wing extension found on later aircraft. Molded in soft gray plastic, the parts display fine panel lines and surface detail. Resin parts add detail to the cockpit and…
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Airfix 1/72 scale Hawker Typhoon IB
Although the Hawker Typhoon IB may never win any contests for good looks, the newly tooled Airfix 1/72 scale plastic model kit is a real beauty. Typical for Airfix these days, it’s molded in soft, blue-gray plastic with excellent detail throughout. Panel lines are recessed and a little heavy, but better than some earlier Airfix…
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GWH 1/144 scale Avro Vulcan B.2
I have been hoping for a 1/144 scale plastic model kit of the Avro Vulcan B.2 — and, now, G.W.H., formerly Great Wall Hobby, has released a great one. The kit, molded in light gray plastic, has 74 pieces, finely recessed panel lines, and two clear parts for the canopy. There are even two tiny…