IPMS/USA Reviews

The Shiden Kai was developed, in 1944, to counter US bomber aircraft that were attacking the mainland of Japan. With the combination of a refined airframe and a 2,000-horsepower engine the Shiden Kai was a masterpiece of a fighter with balanced performance. While it might be said that it was too little too late, production of the Shiden Kai was limited due to it being introduced in late1945.

This updated boxing of Platz's 1/144^th scale airplane kit includes new decals, packaging, and illustrations, while retaining the nicely molded detail and easy-of-assembly of the original.

This updated release features:

• Two complete 1/144th scale plastic models of the late type Shiden-Kai with the smaller vertical tail
• Decals are provided for the canopy frame to reduce the difficulty of painting
• Molded with delicate, engraved panel lines
• Easy-to-understand painting description in full color

Marking options include:

Zoukei-Mura's latest release in 1/32 scale is the wonderful Ki-45 Toryu (Nick). This twin engine 2-seat, heavy fighter was used by the Japanese Army in WWII. Let's not wait another minute and jump into the box and see what's what.

The Dassault Mirage needs little introduction. It is a fighter aircraft that became iconic during the 6 Day War and other conflicts. Twelve nations flew the Mirage, including France, Israel, Australia and South Africa. Compared to other jet and propeller fighters, the Mirage is quite small and compact, but packs a mean punch!

This kit is a ProfiPACK re-release of Eduard's previous Mirage editions. After the super tight box lid was finally prized off, one finds multiple dark grey plastic sprues contained in two bags along with a separately bagged clear parts sprue. The instruction book, decal sheet and photo etch fret were located at the bottom of the box. Everything appeared in good condition, although the main canopy had separated from its sprue attachment. I found some flash on quite a few parts, and mold misalignment between each side of the one piece tail, as well as numerous other parts. I have an earlier edition, Kit number 8102, of the Mirage and most of these mold misalignment problems are evident on that one as well.

AoA (Angle of Attack) decals are in their fourth year by my records, and continue to release some of their earlier Vietnam War subjects in different scale from the earlier releases ... We sincerely appreciate AoA sending IPMS/USA their latest releases for review! (...and the usual thanks also to IPMS USA Reviewer corps leadership John and Phil for sending these my way...)

This sheet provides 11 different paint schemes, and covers the range of Vietnamese A-1 schemes from the early 1960's to the early 1970's.

Airframe stencils in included for each model, along with national insignia. This sheet focuses on the main markings for the aircraft, particularly since several of these SPADS were repainted with camo and as such did not receive replacement stencil markings.

Notable options include several early 1960's A-1's with colorful tail bands; I believe these markings would sell the sheet more than anything, as they certainly have some different markings.

Sheet decal Options included for 72-007 (from AoA's Website):

[Decals released October 2018]

History

This book is an account of the development of the American airliner powered by reciprocating engines, up to their replacement by jet powered aircraft in the 1960's. The authors are well qualified to trace the advances in both airframes and powerplants. Craig Kodera has a completely aeronautical background, having experience as both an airline and Air Force pilot, and as an excellent aviation artist. William Pearce's background is in aviation powerplants, and between them, they are able to trace the technical developments and the developmental histories of each major aircraft and powerplant.