Archives: Kit Reviews
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Tamiya 1/32 scale Corsair
Having set a high standard with its 1/32 scale P-51D, Tamiya had a lot to live up to with its new F4U-1. However, if anything, the new 1/32 scale Corsair plastic model kit exceeds the Mustang in fidelity and ease of assembly.
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Revell Germany 1/144 scale Tornado ECR TigerMeet 2011
There have been plastic model kits of the Tornado in all the popular scales, including previous releases by Revell Germany in 1/144 scale. Even though this kit is not new, the decals are — all 100-plus of them. The kit’s decals are for a flamboyant Tornado ECR from TigerMeet 2011, covered in tiger stripes.
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Zvezda Disney “Planes” 1/100 scale Dusty Crophopper
There are 16 parts in Zvezda’s Disney “Planes” Dusty Crophopper snap-together plastic kit, and they are mostly detailed and nicely molded. Since the parts are pretty small, I built with only the pieces I needed for that step, rather than sanding and fitting all of the parts like I normally do. I followed the instructions,…
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HobbyBoss 1/48 scale F-80 Shooting Star
HobbyBoss’ first release of the Shooting Star as a plastic model kit is their 1/48 scale F-80A. Six sprues of gray plastic feature incredibly petite engraved panel lines for 1/48 scale. However, the plastic’s grainy texture requires extra work for a natural-metal finish.
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Airfix 1/72 scale Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8
Airfix’s all-new Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 plastic scale model kit has beautiful recessed panel lines, excellent detail, options for a posable rudder, open or closed canopy, and retracted or extended landing gear. Add-on parts indicate other variants of Germany’s frontline World War II fighter may also be forthcoming from Airfix. Two canopies are supplied, the “blown”…
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Trumpeter A-6A Intruder, Minicraft PBM-5 Mariner, Academy Panzer 35(t), Revell Original Mini Cooper, and Eduard Bf 109E-7 Trop
Five new plastic model kits reviewed
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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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AZ Model 1/72 scale Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Following its success with the P-12 army and F4B navy biplane fighters, Boeing developed the classic P-26 monoplane pursuit plane. For 1/72 scale model builders, this new kit from the Czech Republic’s AZ Model provides an alternative to the old Revell and limited-run Pavla P-26s. AZ Model’s 1/72 scale plastic kit is molded in soft,…
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Roden 1/144 scale Douglas C-47 Skytrain
Roden has made fans of 1/144 scale happy by releasing a plastic model kit of one of the classic aircraft of all time — the Douglas C-47. Markings are included for one invasion-striped, post-D-Day aircraft. While there are only 39 parts, all the necessary details are there, including competently designed engines with cylinder detail, main…