Review Topic: Aircraft
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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…
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Zvezda 1/48 scale Yak-3
Zvezda’a Yak-3 is the first all-new 1/48 scale plastic model kit of this aircraft in more than 15 years. The parts are cleanly molded in neutral gray plastic. The kit provides parts for the cowling to be closed or open with complete engine detail. Along with parts that the kit supplies to pose the plane…
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Trumpeter 1/48 scale MiG-21F Fishbed
To my knowledge, Trumpeter’s new MiG-21F-13 is the first up-to-date early version of this MiG in 1/48 scale. The kit parts are cleanly molded in light gray plastic. Prominent features include vinyl tires, engine details, and a satisfying selection of bombs, rocket pods, missiles, and drop tanks.
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Platz 1/144 scale C-46D Commando
One of the prime postwar users of the C-46D Commando was Japan, which explains the motivation for the newest 1/144 scale plastic model kit from Platz. The kit is broken down logically into a reasonable number of parts, and the molding is first-class. A simple cockpit is included, along with detailed landing gear and gear…
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Meng Models 1/48 scale Me 410B-2/U4
Meng Models’ first 1/48 scale aircraft kit kicks off the “Longiceps” series, the latest in a curiously dinosaur-named group of kit collections. Your hard-earned dollars will reward you with a sturdy package of crisply molded plastic, photoetched-metal pieces, a 23-page instruction book, and gorgeous decals printed by Cartograf.
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HobbyBoss 1/32 scale P-61B Black Widow
The first 1/32 scale P-61 Black Widow in injection-molded plastic comes to us from HobbyBoss — and it is a massive undertaking! Nearly 19″ long, with a wingspan of 25″, it is huge. More than 700 parts are crammed into the big box. Two frets of photoetched metal spice up the detail; a vinyl fret…
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Meng 1/72 scale Fiat G.91 light fighter-bomber
Meng’s 1/72 scale Fiat G.91R light fighter-bomber plastic model kit comes with optional parts and markings for a Luftwaffe machine, and a Frecce Tricolori aircraft as well, the most colorful versions are pretty well covered. A high-quality PVC Frecce Tricolori patch is included with the kit. The kit has beautiful surface detail, but the fit…
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GWH 1/48 scale MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum’
G.W.H. is the latest to release a 1/48 scale MiG-29 Fulcrum plastic model kit, which is also G.W.H.’s first modern-age jet. Opening the box, I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely packed everything was. All of the ordnance was wrapped individually in its own packaging. Also squeezed into the box was a print of the…
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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…
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Azur Frrom 1/72 scale Dassault Mystere IVA
Azur Frrom released three 1/72 scale plastic model kits of the Dassault Mystère IVA — the same kit in French, Indian, and Israeli markings (the latter reviewed here). The model features excellent surface detail, a photoetched-metal fret (mostly for the cockpit), resin pieces that include a nice ejection seat, an acetate instrument panel, and a…