A new 3D printed AN/ALE-50 Towed Decoy System in 1/48th scale is provided by Fab Scale as a drop-in replacement for the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon Tamiya kit.

Note: There is no official website for Fab Scale at the time of this review, but a few foreign hobby websites are selling this product.

In The Package & Product Notes

The sample review came in a plastic bag with a cardboard topper for a pegboard display.

Two (2) AN/ALE-50 units are printed with pink salmon-colored resin. These parts replace kit parts J30, J33, and J34. The printed resolution is very fine with no visible build-up layers and the print quality is excellent.

Review Process

I started by separating the parts from their base by using side-cutting nippers. Next, wet sanding removed the remaining support nubs.

The Sd.Kfz 251D halftrack was primary vehicle in German mechanized formations in the Second World War. The vehicle was developed in 1937-38 and entered production in 1939. The variant that Trumpeter has produced is the last variant, ‘D’. The primary difference between the earlier models is that the back of the vehicle is a single sloping piece of steel. Over 15,000 were produced and continued to serve in various post-war armies.

A new 3D printed tool caddy for the model building hobbyist. It has multiple compartments to fit all types of tools and a handy yet convenient addition to any modeler’s benchtop.

In The Package & Product Notes

The tool caddy is molded in gray resin and produced by a 3D printer. The buildup layers are visible (but small), and a nice recessed printed “CPM” logo is located on the backside wall of the caddy. If one wanted to paint it a different color, it can be easily done but I would recommend a good primer coat first.

The footprint measures 7.25” long X 2.56” wide (184 X 65 mm). The back wall is 2.5” tall (63.5 mm), and the lower compartment walls are 1.5” tall (38 mm).

Introduction

This book is the second volume on the history and development of the Mitsubishi Ki-15/C5M high speed reconnaissance aircraft, which was used by the Japanese Army and Navy in numerous roles before and during the course of World War II.

Volume 1, which has already appeared in review on this site, provides an excellent account of the aircraft’s development and service during the war, and the second volume goes into incredible detail on various aspects of this aircraft’s career. The book provides information useful to the historian and modeler, and is profusely illustrated with very impressive drawings and photos of the aircraft in detail.

The Shipcraft series will be familiar to many, but for those who aren’t, the idea behind the books is to provide concise information about a specific subject, providing heavily illustrated reference material and in-depth modelling information including line drawings and color profiles. This latest 64-page paperback volume in the series features a bevvy of British aircraft carriers from the 20s through the 40s, specifically, HMS Hermes, HMS Ark Royal and the Illustrious Class. These ships were the first British carriers designed as such from the beginning, as opposed to others ships that were converted either on the stocks or post-build. Hermes, indeed, was the first in the World to be so designed, although her completion took so long that she wasn’t the first to actually enter service.

“As of October 2023, there were almost 43 thousand female servicemen in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine has one of the highest rates of women in the armed forces among the armies of the world, including NATO armies. In the past, women primarily served in auxiliary positions such as doctors, signalmen, or cooks. However, with the onset of full-scale hostilities in February 2022, more and more women have taken on combat roles such as driving combat vehicles, operating grenade launchers, machine guns, snipers, and drones. Many women also serve as commanders of combat vehicles, units, and reconnaissance groups. Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, emphasizes, “What unites them all is that they are true Ukrainian women who could not stay at home when their Motherland cried out for help to the world.

If you use the Micro Set/Sol combination for decal work like I have for years then you have (if you're honest), tipped the small round bottles they come in. While there are some other holders out there, Charles Plastic Models has given us a truly useful combination holder. Not only are there inserts for the Micro decal solutions, but this product also includes a port for the round Solvaset bottle and two bays for the square decal set bottles from Tamiya or Mr. Hobby. Several panel liner and weather solutions also come in the same size square bottles. Behind these are openings for brushes, tools, and anything else you use for decals and liners.

This is the author’s seventh book for Harpia Publications on Chinese military aviation and complements several of his earlier volumes by providing a more in-depth look at the Su-27/J-11 “Flanker” aircraft in Chinese service, including China’s acquisition, development, and operational use of the aircraft.

Since the first satellite images of the prototype Su-27 were released, the aircraft has evolved into one of the most capable and versatile fourth-generation aircraft. Over the years there have multiple variants developed by the Russians – Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, and Su-35. It is often overlooked that the Chinese aviation industry has also developed several variants of its own, some paralleling those of Russia, but others being specifically tailored to China’s needs.

Detail and Wonder is a new aftermarket company; they currently list The F-35 (Tamiya), F-4 (Meng), and recently the F-16 heavyweight (for later F-16C variants, Tamiya and by default, Kinetic) as target improvements for their products, producing landing gear with integral Wheels/tires/struts, Exhaust Nozzles, and some intake/exhaust FOD (Foreign Object Damage) prevention plugs. The subject of this review is the F-35A landing gear set; IPMS USA appreciates D&W providing us this set for review!

Hauler is well known for its detail sets to accompany new releases. The hedgerow cutter for Tamiya’s 1/48 M8 Howitzer Motor Carrier is no exception. This easy, five-piece PE set (the fret measures 1.25”x 1”) adds great detail with minimal effort (great for PE neophytes such as me). That is not to belay the extra detail that this accessory adds to your M8 to break through the Norman bocage.

The bends are easy 90o angles, one per piece. Assembly is simply cut the piece out, sand, bend, and glue (or solder), and can be complete in a few minutes. One of the best aspects of PE is that it can be “damaged” and/or have manufacturing deficiencies built into it; something that is much harder to do in other mediums.

This Hauler detail set will take the Tamiya 1/48 US Howitzer Motor Carrier (HMC) to the next level. The 3” x 5.55”x1” deep box is chock full of two PE frets (2.5”x2” with Parts Nos. 1-30, and 1.5” x 1.5” containing Parts Nos. 1-6 for grills, baskets, and tool clamps) and four resin plugs with Parts Nos. 1-25. The parts arrived safely, with the exception of the two M1 carbines (Part No. 24) that were either short shot or broken in transit.

While the base Tamiya kit is great out of the box, there is always room for more detail, and this Hauler kit does not disappoint, especially in the interior as this is an open top combat vehicle.

Hauler continues to produce high detail PE sets for mainstream models. The U.S. Howitzer Motor Carriage M8 - Grills and Basket set complements the recent Tamiya 1/48 M8 HMC.

Tamiya kits are known for their ease of building and detail. There are some tradeoffs that come with that philosophy, particularly with engine screens and lightweight metal baskets. This PE set fills that void and takes the Tamiya kit to the next level. This PE set contains four engine screens, the rear turret basket and, not mentioned in the packaging or instructions, 24 tool straps (Part Nos. 6), all in a small 1.5” x 1.5” fret.

This series has been around for many years, and they still continue to come out with new volumes, sometimes of little-covered subjects such as this one.

This is a softcover publication, with 44 pages in a nice, high-quality semi-gloss finish and a stiff outer cover. Publishing quality is first-rate, as is the content itself.

Aircraft and History

The MQ-1C, known as “Grey Eagle” is a medium-sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Based on the MQ-1 “Predator”, the Grey Eagle is a slightly larger airframe and two additional hardpoints (total of 4) for weapons. The engine was upgraded to aheavy fuel piston engine capable of running jet A compared to aviation gasoline used in the Predator. The primary user for the Grey Eagle is the US Army where the Predator was primarily flown by the USAF and now the US Border protection and CIA operate the Predator..

My love affair with the A-6 began one summer day when I was a boy. Two A-6 Intruders came screaming up the Connecticut coastline while we were at the beach. I suppose they were on a training flight out of the Grumman factory a short distance across Long Island Sound in Calverton NY. Fast forward a few years to 1973 and I had recently arrived at my new duty station of MCAS Cherry Point NC. There on the flight line were A-6’s, lots of them!! Although my squadron were flying TA-4Js Skyhawks, the Intruders next door fascinated me. The bomb loads were staggering and the all-weather capabilities unmatched. Marine A-6’s are the things of legend and to a young Marine the group I was assigned to, MAG-14 had a nice range of aircraft assigned, including the A-6.

Pig Models is a new manufacturer on the market, and I must confess that they would have done well checking international languages before settling on this label (“Have you seen their latest kit? It’s a real pig.”).

All kidding aside, they have produced an extremely intriguing model that I never thought I’d see in this lifetime – a replica of a very common World War 2 (and beyond) Naval mount for 5-inch secondary armament in my preferred modeling scale. Molded in a Navy gray and clear plastic, this is a highly detailed replica of this formidable weapons system.

Unboxing

Unfortunately I lost the picture of the unboxing, but this kit comes with 7 sprues molded in grey, 2 clear, black vinyl tires, a small photo-etch and a small decal sheet. First impressions- this kit is very detailed and clean. By clean I mean very minimal flash to remove at all. The instructions have extremely clear pictures and type.Very easy to follow and know what you are looking at.

Assembly

I am highly impressed by the detail on this! The console in the cab even has cup holders! So many pieces! I would advise you to take your time and enjoy this kit!

A new set of 3D printed F-16 Fighting Falcon landing gear in 1/48th scale is provided by Detail & Wonder Studios for the Tamiya kit. This is a drop-in replacement for the Tamiya kit.

Note: There is no official website for Detail & Wonder Studios, but a Facebook page is available.

In The Package & Product Notes

The sample review I received came in a small black box with tape stating “Test Set.” However, I did find on their Facebook page a box with the printed label.

There are four (4) 3D printed parts, three (3) resin poured wheels, and bag containing a metal rod and tube. A bonus is an attractive photo etched metal placard for your F-16 to add to its base if so desired.

Detail and Wonder (D&W) is a new aftermarket company; They currently list The F-35, F-4, and recently the F-16 as target kit improvements for their products, (Tamiya F-35A, Meng F-4E, and Tamiya F-16, which means it will work on the Kinetic copy) producing landing gear with integral Wheels/tires/struts, Exhaust Nozzles, and some intake/exhaust FOD (Foreign Object Damage) prevention plugs. The subject of this review is the F-35 Augmentor Exhaust and intake/exhaust plugs… IPMS USA is grateful to D&W for providing us this set to review!

The packaging is frugal but effective; no parts breakage noted on my set, and opening them revealed one exhaust nozzle and three separate intake/exhaust plug parts encased in protective foam inserts to prevent movement and crushing.

The printer resin is an almost-black color, and the wheels are medium gray.

3D basics: I really fell down the rabbit hole in this respect and very quickly found a whole bunch of information about the ‘art’ of 3D printing and other basics. While I can’t say I’ve mastered anything, I suggest that you consider these URLs as a jumping off point: Tom's 3D for basic information, Plugnplay3D, and 3D Printer Anatomy: 50 parts in 5 minutes (Basics).