Review Topic: Aircraft
-
Minicraft 1/72 scale PBM-5A
Minicraft has released its long-awaited 1/72 scale Mariner PBM-5A plastic scale model. In this review, Paul Boyer explains the kit’s successes and shortcomings.
-
Trumpeter 1/48 scale HU-16A Albatross
The release of Trumpeter’s 1/48 scale HU-16A plastic model kit comes as a pleasant surprise. Previously, the only ones available were Monogram’s 1/72 scale “toy” from 60 years ago and a couple of 1/144 scale kits from Amodel. In addition to being a modern release in a larger scale, this one depicts the early A…
-
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…
-
Eduard 1/48 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc late version
Eduard produces one of the most accurate 1/48 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc late version plastic model kits ever.
-
Trumpeter 1/32 scale A-1D (AD-4) Skyraider
In a large box full of plastic, Trumpeter’s Skyraider is packed with loads of detail. The engine alone has more parts than many 1/72 kits. The landing gear and cockpit also feature prominently on the list of detailed subassemblies. While detail color callouts are sparse, ample online references will help with painting.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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,…
-
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.
