Archives: Kit Reviews
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Zoukei-Mura 1/32 scale J2M3 Mitsubishi Raiden
Zoukei-Mura 1/32 scale Mitsubithi Raiden (Allied code name “Jack”) plastic model kit is beautifully molded and engineered. The kit parts are crisp and cleanly molded in a neutral gray plastic. Options include full engine and cockpit detail, drop tank, interior wing and fuselage details, and posable canopy.
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Trumpeter 1/48 scale A3D-2 Skywarrior
Trumpeter’s new 1/48 scale A3D-2 Skywarrior is a welcome addition to 1/48 scale plastic model U.S. Navy aircraft kits, and the first time this aircraft has been offered in this scale. The kit is cleanly molded in light gray plastic. Details include wing- and tail-fold options, radar equipment, an open bomb bay, vinyl tires, and…
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Dragon 1/35 scale 1/4-ton SAS 4×4 Patrol Comander’s Car
Dragon has released a “new” 1/35 scale plastic model kit it calls “SAS ¼-ton 4 x 4 patrol commander’s car” (mustn’t say jeep without licensing). It’s based on the Dragon kit released several years ago; the main updates are the wheels, which were a major disappointment in the original kit, and a new main-body shell.…
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Academy 1/350 scale USS Indianapolis
Academy’s 1/35 scale USS Indianapolis plastic model kit provides a choice of either a full hull on a stand (included) or a waterline model. Guns and turrets are movable, and the larger guns have hollow ends. The comprehensive instructions and painting guide are helpful. One set of markings is provided.
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Airfix Quick Build kits
Introducing boys and girls to the scale modeling hobby remains a constant goal of most model manufacturers, and, indeed, many hobbyists. Snap-together kits of popular subjects have been a mainstay for decades. However, these have been mainly targeted at the 8-and-older crowd. With its new Quick Build system, Airfix aims to lower the bar for…
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Xuntong 1/48 scale Tupolev Tu-2S
Newcomer Xuntong Model’s first plastic model kit is a different one: The Soviet 1/48 scale Tupolev Tu-2 medium bomber is an interesting choice for a maiden voyage, to say the least. Inside the box are nearly 400 gray styrene parts. Initially, I thought the molds looked OK. But after taking a closer look, I noticed…
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Hasegawa 1/72 scale MV-22B Osprey
The Hasegawa 1/72 scale MV-22B Osprey plastic scale model kit features fine, recessed panel lines and careful attention to detail. Issued as the Marine Corps’ MV-22B, the molding includes several subtly raised parts locators on the fuselage that indicate other versions for future release. The way the wing structure is produced suggests that a “folded”…
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Pegasus Hobbies 1/32 scale “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” aerial hunter-killer
Pegasus Hobbies’ 1/32 scale “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” Aerial Hunter-Killer (HK) is molded in heavy, medium gray plastic, and the parts have sharp engraved detail. Minor mold seams need cleanup on some of the smaller parts, like the arms.
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Revell 1/35 scale Snap-Tite M1A1 Abrams
Revell has released a cool snap-together 1/35 scale plastic kit of the M1A1 Abrams tank. It has 59 parts molded in tan, so you don’t have to paint it if you don’t want to. There is also a sheet of stickers to mark your Abrams.
