Archives: Kit Reviews
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Hasegawa 1/48 scale Voyager
Hasegawa has released a 1/48 scale plastic model of Voyager as the probes become man’s first interstellar spacecraft. The kit is well-molded in white, black, and gold-plated plastic. Novices could easily build it unpainted and still get an acceptable likeness. While it is not a snap-together model, with the parts’ large, strong locating pins, you…
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Trumpeter 1/35 scale T-64 Model 1972
The T-64 was the Formula 1 of Soviet tanks in the late 1960s. It had the largest cannon mounted in a medium tank, and it was equipped with an auto-loader. Trumpeter’s 1/35 scale plastic model kit features a detailed hull and turret with posable hatches, and soft, gluable plastic to replicate canvas coverings for the…
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HobbyBoss 1/48 scale An-2 Colt
It seems as if the modeling world is starting to produce as many An-2 Colt kits as the Soviets did in real life. (Well, OK, maybe not more than 18,000.) HobbyBoss now enters the fray with its 1/48 scale plastic model kit, which offers some options not yet seen. Included are skis and a cropdusting…
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Zvezda 1/144 scale Tu-134
Being a big fan of Russian airliners, I was really excited to hear Zvezda was releasing a newly tooled 1/144 scale Tu 134 plastic model kit. The gray styrene molding includes a sturdy display stand. Surface detail is outstanding, with finely engraved panel lines that are among the best I have ever seen. Unlike some…
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FSM Workshop Insights, featuring Kyle Nelson
Modeler Kyle Nelson talks to FSM about his 2012 AMPS entry
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Tamiya 1/35 scale Elefant
Tamiya has released a brand-new 1/35 scale plastic model kit of the Elefant. Typical of Tamiya’s kits, it features excellent detail molded in tan plastic. The upper fighting compartment is a single, beautifully formed piece, and the styrene link-and-length tracks definitely live up to Tamiya’s standards. In addition to the instruction booklet, Tamiya includes a…
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Sword 1/72 scale Harrier Mk.2/2A-TAV-8A
Sword’s new 1/72 scale Harrier I Mk.2/2A-TAV-8A plastic model kit is a welcome addition to fill a weak spot in the hobby market. The fuselage (except for alternate two-piece nose cones) is molded in halves. Optional short and tall vertical fins are also provided, as are a pair of Aden gun pods for the aircraft’s…
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Airfix 1/72 scale P-51D
Airfix’s all-new P-51D Mustang plastic-model kit includes optional parts for raised or lowered flaps and extended or retracted gear. Posable items include the rudder, canopy, and radiator belly-scoop-outlet door. Airfix omitted a few details in the kit’s beautiful scribing — the elevator mass balances and the dzus fasteners along the length of the upper cowling…
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Hasegawa 1/200 scale Boeing 787-8
Hasegawa has released a newly tooled 787-8 Dreamliner plastic model kit in its infrequent 1/200 scale series of airliners. Hasegawa’s Dreamliner may not have many parts (67), but it doesn’t lack detail where it counts. There are no cabin or cockpit windows included, but these are ably covered on the decal sheet. Only one scheme…
