rverissimo

hi! for me i'm a absolute fan of '46 subjects.... regards!

hi ! great job on that beast!

ICM 1:32 DH.82A Tiger Moth World Air Forces Ref.32019 Introduction The de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth was a training biplane developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1930s. It entered service with the Royal Air Force as the primary basic trainer, preparing thousands of pilots during the Second World War. Robust, simple, and reliable, it saw extensive use by air forces around the world and was produced under licence in several countries. Its balanced performance and predictable flying characteristics made it ideal for basic instruction. Even today, it remains in use, having passed into civilian hands where it continues to fly. This offering from ICM, available since 2020, has seen several iterations, with this latest version featuring eye-catching markings representing a range of international air forces. What’s in the box! Inside the sturdy cardboard box, you’ll find: 1 decal sheet 1 instruction booklet A clear bag containing 4 grey sprues A small sprue with the windscreens Altogether, there are 93 parts included. Sprues display Sprue A This sprue provides the fuselage halves and the upper halves of both wings. These components feature moulded detail representing the aircraft’s internal structure, subtly evoking the doped fabric stretched over its wooden frame — a delicate effect that’s nicely captured. The rudder and horizontal stabilisers are each supplied as single-piece mouldings. The engine comes in two halves and offers a fair level of detail, although there’s certainly room for enhancement with the addition of ignition wiring and fuel lines. The fuel tank, located atop the upper wing, is finely rendered with convincing scale detail. General layout and detail for the Sprue A Sprue B This sprue contains the upper wing. The top half is moulded as a single piece, while the lower sub-wings are supplied separately (found on Sprue A). Sprue C This sprue includes the upper half of the lower wing structure and the cockpit floor, both moulded as a single piece. The ailerons are provided as separate parts, as are the lower halves of each wing. Sprue D This sprue contains several interior components of the model: The instrument panels (front and rear) feature appropriate detailing, fitting for the simplicity of the real aircraft 😉. The propeller is moulded as a single piece, including both the blades and the hub. The upper wing struts (spars) are also supplied as individual pieces, offering solid detail and requiring minimal cleanup. The oil tank is well rendered, with nicely reproduced fastening bolt details. Additional note There’s a small part, D4, that deserves special mention for the crucial function it represents : mounted to the spar of the left wing, it’s the aircraft’s airspeed indicator. This clever mechanism uses a calibrated spring to actuate a pointer, displaying the aircraft’s speed in knots! General layout view of sprue D Sprue E This small clear sprue provides the two windscreens, each moulded as a single-piece component in transparent, distortion-free plastic. The moulded metal frame detailing is sharply defined, making the masking process for painting significantly easier. Instructions The instruction booklet is A4 in size and consists of 20 pages, The first page presents the colour guide, all fo the ICM colour range, next we have parts layout and a step-by-step assembly with clear, easy-to-follow drawings. At the end, there's a small template for masking the windscreens, along with a helpful view of the completed model with all rigging applied. A special mention must go to the detailed and clearly illustrated rigging diagram included in the build process, which also provides the exact lengths required for each line. Even for those without prior experience in the art of rigging, like myself, the guide makes it far easier to plan and approach the task 😊 Marking Options The kit includes five vibrant and distinctive colour schemes representing Tiger Moths from various international air forces: DH.82A Tiger Moth (Sk 11), Swedish Air Force, 1935 2. DH.82A Tiger Moth, Portuguese Air Force, 1939 3. DH.82A Tiger Moth, Vichy French Air Force, 1941 4. DH.82A Tiger Moth, 353rd Fighter Group, US Army Air Forces (USAAF), 1943 5. DH.82A Tiger Moth, Belgian Air Force, 1945 Decals The decal sheet provided includes markings for the five available versions as well as service stencils. The decals are well printed, with good colour definition and sharp detailing. Note: With all due respect to the various versions and their nationalities, the Portuguese Air Force scheme is, of course, the one that stands out most to me. I exchanged thoughts with a few fellow modellers, who confirmed that several historical details from the period — such as the tail markings featuring the armillary sphere — are accurately represented and rendered in the correct colours. Conclusion This is yet another reissue of a tried-and-tested kit. Despite the scale — which often implies added complexity — that’s not the case here. Much like the real aircraft, this 1:32 scale kit is characterised by its straightforward construction, making it well suited to both experienced modellers and newcomers alike. My only specific note goes to the rigging wiring: in my view, it's presented very clearly and isn’t at all intimidating, even for those with limited experience in this aspect of building. The marking options are bold, refreshing, and far from the ordinary — guaranteed to make each finished model stand out visually. All in all, it's a kit I can recommend for its simplicity, low complexity, and distinctive selection of liveries. Thanks to ICM for the model for review Ricardo Verissimo

ICM 1:35 DShKM with support / tripod Catalogue number 35747 Introduction ICM continues its dynamic approach of offering various scale kits and accessories to complement 1:35 vehicles and dioramas. The set under review features the DShKM. This heavy machine gun, a contemporary of the Western M2HB, has long been associated with the armed forces of the Eastern Bloc and with virtually every theatre where their military hardware has seen action. Whether used as a secondary weapon on the turret of an armoured vehicle, mounted on the deck of an attack boat, or more recently in improvised roles, its versatility is well documented. The kit includes two identical sprues, offering options to mount the weapon on a base typically intended for fixed positions (a rectangular platform suitable for anchoring), commonly seen in bunkers, vehicle cargo beds, or even small boats, as well as a tripod mount generally used in mobile anti-aircraft roles. With some modelling skill, this set can also be adapted to represent a secondary weapon mounted on the turret of an armoured vehicle. What’s in the box! Inside the familiar ICM cardboard box, we find a bag containing two identical sprues, an instruction leaflet, and a small colour chart featuring the ICM paint range. Sprue W1 (x2) This sprue provides all the parts needed to assemble the weapon. The gun’s body and barrel are moulded as a single piece, with an acceptable level of detail for the scale. There is a mould line (a common limitation of injection moulding), but its removal should be straightforward and not pose a risk of damaging the part. The barrel is not hollowed out. The remaining parts, molded in halves, form the mounting system for the tripod or fixed base, along with the sight and ammunition box. No parts provided for the sight usually seen on the anti-aircraft duties. Note: No 12.7mm ammunition belts are included. Instructions A small instruction leaflet is included, with a step-by-step assembly guide and reference to the available configuration options, along with colour codes for painting. On the final page, both mounting options (tripod or fixed base) are shown. Conclusion This is a very simple set depicting a relevant military subject, which can greatly enhance a small diorama or vehicle scene. The level of detail on the weapon is adequate and may well be a superior alternative to similar offerings from other brands, which may now be showing their age. As such, this is a recommended set! Many thanks to ICM for the review sample. Ricardo Veríssimo

ICM 1:48 B-26G Marauder WWII American/French bomber ICM 48323 Available here Introduction ICM presents the third iteration of this new mould of the elegant B-26 in 1:48 scale. In this case, the “G” version, featuring new parts and fuselages provided specifically for this version. The aim of my review is to focus on the necessary corrections to accurately replicate this version, rather than a detailed examination and presentation of the moulds and parts, as it shares most of the sprues with earlier versions, already presented here and here. Historical Context The early versions of this model exhibited landing and take-off characteristics that resulted in a high rate of accidents during these phases of flight. To reduce the landing and take-off speeds, the wing incidence was increased by 3.5 degrees. This modification lowered the landing and take-off speeds, but at the expense of maximum speed, which was reduced to 277 mph. Another significant change was the standardization of internal equipment, thus creating the “G” version of the B-26. The last of the 1931 B-26G units left the production line on 30 March 1944. Economic concerns and the reputation created by the early versions of the B-26 (nicknamed the “widowmaker”) led to the abandonment of this model and its replacement largely by the A-26 Invader, which had greater range and speed. Meanwhile, for example, a B-25 had 25% lower production costs. What's in the box As previously mentioned, the rigid cardboard box with a lid contains 2 transparent bags holding a total of 11 sprues, three of which are specific to this version. Sprue A1 includes the fuselage with modifications to the wing angle (which differs from earlier versions). Similarly, sprue K1 provides the specific parts for this version, featuring spars for attaching the wing root, a new instrument panel, and the wheels' rims for the landing gear. Sprue H1 supplies the specific plexiglass nose for this version. Overall, the moulds have excellent detail, though some location pins (mould marks) are present in certain areas—they are very shallow and easy to remove. The box also includes an A4 instruction booklet with 28 pages and a decal sheet offering three decoration options Decoration options Three decoration options are supplied: 1 - B-26G-5 43-34351 "Willie the Wolf", 494th Bombardment Squadron, 344th Bombardment Group, 1944 2 - B-26G-5-MA 43-34462 "Margie", "Donna Deloris", 444th Bombardment Squadron, Sardinia, Autumn 1944 Note: this airplane does not mount the lateral gunpacks 3 - B-26G-10-MA 43-34580, Bombing Group 1/32 "Burgundy" (GBM 1/32 "Bourgogne"), France, 1945 Decals sheet Forensic Analysis As previously mentioned, the most striking modification is the change to the wing angle, which is a key feature of this version. To confirm this characteristic, a dry fit is in order to verify it and carry out a comparison with the previous version. At first glance, and by comparing the fuselage of both versions, the alteration is clearly visible. I then proceeded with the dry fit of the fuselage, wings, and wing spars for testing purposes. Using the fuselage of the B-26G and its wings, the wing is mounted at a positive angle relative to the fuselage axis. Taking advantage of the dry-fit assembly, we can also observe the flawless junction of the fuselage halves/wings and the snug, flush fit of the wings to the fuselage (I must note that the parts were not fully fitted but only joined using Tamiya adhesive tape). Using the fuselage of the B version, I performed a dry fit using the spars from the B version along with the wings from the “G” version (which are identical). The B-26B Fuselage The photos are explicit and make it clear that the difference is evident for the G version. While taking advantage of the photo session—though I apologise as I may not have perfectly captured what I am describing—I present an image of the wing’s leading edge to demonstrate it. Despite the image showing a fault in the union, I can confirm that the fit and alignment are perfect, even though there are few alignment pins. Conclusion A new and updated mould of the B-26 was highly anticipated by model enthusiasts, and this series of offerings from ICM delivered on that expectation with flying colours. The modifications in this version are clear and have been well represented by ICM, showcasing the differences from earlier versions. The decoration options provide diverse and original choices. This is a model with some complexity, marked by numerous sub-assemblies and phases. It is not suitable for beginner modellers due to its complexity and the number of parts; however, modellers with intermediate and advanced skills will not struggle to manage such a significant modelling project. I would like to make one caveat regarding the antennas and pitot tubes moulded into one of the fuselage halves, and the pitot tubes moulded into the wings. Of course, we all prefer these parts to be moulded as separate pieces for protection and application at the end of assembly. Although this matter has been addressed and explained, speaking as a modeller, when these specific features are present in a model, I usually remove the piece, identify it, and set it aside to be reattached in its final destination after assembly and painting are completed. As such, this model comes highly recommended! Our thanks to ICM for the review sample and for making available a great model! This model is available here: Ricardo Veríssimo

Hi ! Thanks for you feedback !

Hi thanks for the feedback! Ricardo Veríssimo

ICM 1:35 Sd. Kfz. 251/1 Ausf. B Ref: 35106 Available here Introduction The Sd. Kfz.251 was the all-purpose tool of the German army during WWII. Its flexibility and adaptability are demonstrated by the numerous versions this model assumed. The idea behind the concept was to transport a squad (gruppe) of soldiers (10 men) along with their equipment efficiently. Early combat experience led to the Ausf. B model, which incorporated a few changes from the A version. These included the elimination of viewports in the rear body sides and the reorganization of stowage and some internal fittings. A new MG mount with an armored shield and fixed pivot improved the gunner’s protection and enhanced the gun’s accuracy. The antenna mount was relocated from the right front mudguard to the right upper side, above the radio installation. Returning to the subject at hand, ICM presents us with another version of this classic military vehicle—this time, the second variation of an early version. What’s in the box In the typical presentation, we have a box with a artbox showing a sd.kfz.251 moving in a winter scenery (steppe). A lidded corrugated and sturdy box protects the content. Inside we have 6 light grey sprues, on clear sprue and two black rubber type sprues with the tires and tracks. A small decal sheet and a A4 colour instruction book. In a typical presentation, the box features an art cover depicting a Sd. Kfz.251 moving through a winter landscape (steppe). A sturdy corrugated box with a lid ensures the contents are well-protected. Inside, there are six light grey sprues, one clear sprue, and two black rubber sprues containing the tyres and tracks ( total 291 parts). Additionally, a small decal sheet and an A4 colour instruction manual are included. Sprue A This sprue provides the parts for the bodywork and chassis. The upper section of the structure should not be considered, as it is not correct for the “B” version. Notably, the lower half of the combat and driver's compartment is moulded in a single piece, featuring appropriate detailing of the anti-slip flooring. Sprue B This sprue provides the components for the Maybach HL 42 6-cylinder petrol engine, which can be built into a more than reasonable reproduction of the real engine. It includes fan belts, an authentic crankcase and block, magnetos, and a carburettor. The lower sides of the cabin are also included, and the bolted armoured belly plate is presented as a single piece with detailed bolt work. Additionally, the leaf-spring suspension bar, axle, and drive pinions are provided. Sprue C This sprue (two are provided) includes the wheels and track rollers, which feature adequate detailing. It is worth noting the vision ports, which in the model are designated for assembly in the closed position. However, with some modification, they can be displayed in the open position. Sprue D This sprue provides the parts that replicate the vehicle's glass components. For this particular model, only the optical groups for the front headlights will be required. The remaining parts can be set aside and stored in the spares box for future use. Sprue E This sprue provides parts and accessories, including the antenna, tools, steering components, and miscellaneous pieces. A notable highlight is the detail of the radio, with its adjustment and frequency knobs moulded as a single piece. Sprue H This sprue provides the entire upper bodywork for the “B” version, with a noticeable absence of the observation windows found in the middle/late versions of the Sd. Kfz. 251. Of particular note is the mesh grille at the front of the bonnet, which showcases appropriate detailing for an injection-moulded part. Wheels and Tracks Represented in flexible black rubber, they feature adequate detailing, considering the material they are made from. For the more demanding among us, resin wheels or link-by-link tracks, either 3D-printed or in white metal, can be chosen as alternatives. Decals A small sheet containing the various license plates, national and tactical markings, and instruments for the driver’s office. They are suitable thin with minimal carrier film and perfect registration. Instructions The instruction manual follows ICM’s typical standard. It is an A4 booklet with saddle-stitch binding, where the first and last four pages are printed on glossy, coloured paper. The cover image of the model is presented on the first pages, while the last four pages showcase the decoration options in coloured profiles and include a colour reference chart corresponding to ICM’s colour range. Colour mapping to other ranges can be done using widely available equivalence tables online. The manual guides us through 103 construction steps and includes four decoration options, spanning a total of 24 pages. The instructions are clear and direct, leaving no doubt as to which piece goes were. Decoration Options Four decoration options are provided, covering theatres of operations ranging from Eastern Europe to North Africa: 1 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B - 9th Panzer Division, Balkans 1941 2 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B - 5th Panzer Division, Romania 1941 3 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B - Eastern front, late 1941 4 Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.B – North Africa 1942 Conclusion Currently, there are multiple options available for this model, ranging from classic releases to more recent moulds, benefiting from advancements in moulding and design. This is the case with ICM's offering. It allows for a smooth and relaxed build, resulting in a model with adequate detail and all the accessories that make up the vehicle. There is the possibility of showcasing the assembled and painted engine with the maintenance hatches open, enabling the model to be displayed in a diorama, telling a story. The option to assemble the interior with its details (raincoats, tools, weaponry) adds value to the final result, whether you are an experienced modeller seeking intricate detail or a beginner impressed and motivated by the number of pieces and their precision. It is a superb model and highly recommended! My sincere thanks to ICM for the review sample! This set is available here: Ricardo Verissimo

ICM 1:35 Insignia, Patches and Vehicles Camouflage of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ref: 35748 Available here ICM is a brand that offers a highly diverse and original catalogue of modelling products. An example is this set: decals for emblems of all the Ukrainian armed forces. This is a particularly unique set, as it enables figures to be decorated with the colors and identifying emblems of various military units of the Ukrainian army. What’s in the bag Inside the envelope ( as this set is supplied in a cardbox type white envelope, we'll have: 3 sheets of decals 1 sheet with a numbered and explained list containing all sleeve insignias for the Ukrainian armed forces. Additionally, decals are provided for: Shoulder boards for various ranks Patches with the Ukrainian flag (several options available) Tactical identification tapes with the Ukrainian flag and blood type. For sleeve insignias, there are: Military branches Mechanized brigades Motorized infantry brigades Mountain assault brigades Tank brigades Artillery brigades Airborne assault troops Marine corps Individual divisions The decals are organized on the sheet by these topics, with four decals for each insignia. Shoulder straps are provided in pairs. For the various options of the Ukrainian flag, there are eight of each. Other patches are available in pairs, while some are supplied as single copies. The decals are finely printed, with appropriate and clearly defined colors. Also supplied is a a4 sheet with description of what brigade / battalion belongs to. In this sheet there's a number matching the patch in the decal sheet. Vehicle Camouflage decal sheets These two sheets originate from set 35014 (review here), allowing modellers to complement the base painting of a vehicle operating in the theater of operations. Bonus item: Ukrainian armed forces patch. Conclusion As mentioned previously, this is a highly original set, focused on the current conflict in Ukraine. The offering allows for the detailing and enhancement of figure painting with real visual elements, significantly elevating the quality in a simple way. It’s worth noting that applying the decals with sleeve emblems may require adjustments and the use of specific products for this purpose (e.g., Micro Set and Micro Sol). Similarly, the digital camouflage decal sheets (featuring geometric shapes of various colours and patterns) can simplify the modelling of vehicles using this type of camouflage in their paintwork. The bonus fabric emblem patch adds a finishing touch to this offering. This set is highly recommended! My sincere thanks to ICM for the review sample! This set is available here:

Hi all! Having already reviewed some of ASK’s masks (here) and with the ICM 1:48 UH-60A available, ( review here) I decided to roll up my sleeves and apply the masks to the windscreen. The application scheme is easy to understand, as each mask is numbered. The process is quick, and the masks fit perfectly to the corresponding “glass” of the windscreen. . After 10 minutes, the exterior masks were in place The interior part took a little longer, as it does not have frames to align the masks, unlike the exterior ones. However, simply using the external masks as a guide ensures proper alignment. And there we have it—a windscreen ready for painting and fitting into place. The masks performed according to their quality. The sections that outline only the glass require occasional adjustments, but I attribute this more to the modeller’s skill than the material itself. They can be removed and re-positioned without losing adhesion. So, here is a small step-by-step guide for applying ASK’s masks. Thanks for watching ! Ricardo Veríssimo

Art at scale canopy Masks 1:48 scale several subjects Introduction Art Scale Kit (also known as ASK) is a model hobby shop and now it is known in the modelling world all around for their decals, tools and 3D productions. These are some of the new sets released on a 1:48 scale, all in their typical clear plastic bag. Each mask is numbered and identified on the colour drawn supplied on the plastic frame that carries and protects the mask sheet. The mask material is like Kabuki tape, with a similar handle, flexibility of other brands. 1:48 BF-109E-3 one-sided (Hobby Boss) Code: 200-M48288 Price Tag: 6,60€ This set provides external masks for the canopy of the Emil from Hobby Boss, as well as masks for painting the rims of the front and rear wheels. Additionally, masks are included for the late versions of the Emil's canopy (parts 20 and 21). 1:48 F-86F sabre double sided (Airfix) Code: 200-M48291 Price Tag: 7,90€ This set provides both internal and external masks for the canopy (to outline the frames and fill the centre with Maskol) and the windscreen (full masks). It also includes masks to allow painting of the rims of the front and rear landing gear wheels. Furthermore, the set provides masks for the landing lights located under the air intake, which in the model can be assembled in the retracted or extended position. 1:48 De Havilland Chipmunk T.20 one-sided (Airfix) Code: 200-M48280 Price Tag: 7,90€ This set, designed for the Airfix’s 1:48 Chipmunk, supply the external masks for the complete canopy, Wheels and clear parts like the landing lights. At the assembly draw it’s possible to identify the models part number and for each frame, the correspondent mask number. 1:48 F-84F Thunderstreak double sided (kinetic) Code: 200-M48283 Price Tag: 7,90€ This set provides exterior and interior masks for the three parts of the canopy. For the central section, the masks are partial (applied along the frames), and the interior should be filled with Maskol or suitable masking tape. A mask for the gunsight is also included. 1:48 UH-60A Black hawk double sided (ICM) Code: 200-M48297 Price tag: 11,20€ This set provides internal and external masks for all transparent parts of the ICM Black Hawk (review available here), as well as masks for the wheel rims. Conclusion Nowadays, we have a wide range of options when it comes to painting masks—this is a fact. Some are easier to apply and handle than others. Focusing my analysis on the presented sets, and having already used them, I can say that the masks are easy to use and handle. The material they are made from has elasticity, allowing for adjustments, sticking and unsticking without losing adhesion properties to plastic. The double-sided options offer greater detail, as they allow for the painting of the interior frames, thus eliminating the typical shine of this type of plastic, making the model more realistic. The inclusion of masks for the remaining transparent parts and even for painting the wheel rims facilitates and speeds up the process. I also note that double-sided masks always have a more “economical” alternative in the form of one-sided masks, available at a more competitive price. VERY Highly recommended Our thanks to ASK – Art Scale Kit for the review samples. Ricardo Veríssimo

Art at scale canopy Masks 1:24 and 1:32 scale several subjects Introduction Art Scale Kit (also known as ASK) is a model hobby shop and now it is known in the modelling world all around for their decals, tools and 3D productions. These are some of the new sets released at 1:24 and 1:32 scale, all in their typical clear plastic bag. Each mask is numbered and identified on the colour drawn supplied on the plastic frame that carries and protects the mask sheet. The mask material is like Kabuki tape, with a similar handle, flexibility of other brands. 1:24 scale 1:24 Spitfire MK. VIII double-sided (Airfix) Code: 200-M24007 Price tag: 11,80€ This set provides exterior and interior masks for the three parts of the canopy. For the central section, the masks are partial (applied along the frames), and the interior should be filled with Maskol or suitable masking tape. Additionally, masks are provided for: mirrors, navigation lights, gunsight reflector, landing lights, and the tail wheel. 1:32 scale 1:32 F-86K Sabre Dog double-sided (kitty Hawk) Code: 200-M32106 Price tag: 10,30€ This set provides internal and external masks for the windscreen and canopy of the model. Masks are also included for the wheel rims and other transparent parts of the model. 1:32 F-86D Sabre Dog double-sided (kitty Hawk) Code: 200-M32108 Price tag: 10,30€ This set provides internal and external masks for the windscreen and canopy of the model. Masks are also included for the wheel rims and other transparent parts of the model. 1:32 T-28 B/D Trojan double-sided ( Kitty Hawk) Code: 200-M32114 Price tag: 10,30€ This set provides internal and external masks for the windscreen and canopy of the model. Masks are also included for the wheel rims. 1:32 F4U-1 Corsair “Birdcage” double-sided (Tamiya) Code: 200-M32101 Price tag: 10,30€ This set provides individual masks for the interior and exterior of the windscreen and canopy, side windows, lower window, navigation lights, and gunsight for the Tamiya model. conclusion Nowadays, we have a wide range of options when it comes to painting masks—this is a fact. Some are easier to apply and handle than others. Focusing my analysis on the presented sets, and having already used them, I can say that the masks are easy to use and handle. The material they are made from has elasticity, allowing for adjustments, sticking and unsticking without losing adhesion properties to plastic. The double-sided options offer greater detail, as they allow for the painting of the interior frames, thus eliminating the typical shine of this type of plastic, making the model more realistic. The inclusion of masks for the remaining transparent parts and even for painting the wheel rims facilitates and speeds up the process. I also note that double-sided masks always have a more “economical” alternative in the form of one-sided masks, available at a more competitive price. VERY Highly recommended Our thanks to ASK – Art Scale Kit for the review samples. Ricardo Veríssimo

Hi @KevinM thanks for the feedback !

Art Scale Kit Decals Aichi D3A1 Model 11 Val Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Stencils 1:48 Decals set Introduction The Aichi D3 Val is the Japanese equivalent of the US Navy’s SBD Dauntless, in the sense that both were considered obsolete at the start of the conflict but continued to serve until the end, undergoing constant upgrades. I present five decal sheets for this iconic dive bomber, four of which feature original and colourful markings representing various moments from the Pacific theatre of operations. The fifth sheet is dedicated to stencils and operational and maintenance markings, providing a complete set for two aircraft and serving as a complement to any of the four decal sheets included. What all five decal sheets have in common is their outstanding quality. The printing is rich in colour tone, with the roundels—arguably the most striking element—displaying uniform coverage without distortion. Likewise, the white outlines found on some roundels are well-defined and opaque. All decals include a slight natural film from the printing process, and to minimise silvering, they should be trimmed before application. Currently the only offer in town for a 1:48 scale Aichi D3A1 Val is the Hasegawa offering or, the same model released from revell and dated from 2001. D48069 Aichi D3A1 Val Part 1 Imperial Japanese Navy Air Services Pearl Harbor Raid Price: 11,90€ To order, click here This set covers 3 unique and flashy decoration. All the planes participated on the Pearl harbor attack. Two of the decorations regard airplanes from the aircraft carrier Soryu and one from the carrier Shokaku. All decorations as mentioned before are very original in the patterns and colours and to be honest I’m unable to point a favourite one. All planes are painted on the standard grey green and for two of the decorations, the red orange needs to be painted. The decal sheet contains follow markings: Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Bl-231, the crew were Lt.Cmdr.Takashige Egusa and PO Tatsu Ishi. Lt.Cmdr. Takashige Egusa led the second attack wave´s D3A1, had two different D3A aircraft which were garishly painted. Both had unique schemes (Ja-Ja Uma). Pearl Harbor raid, 7. December 1941, aircraft carrier Soryu. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Bl-231, the crew were Lt.Cmdr.Takashige Egusa and PO Tatsu Ishi. Lt. Cmdr. Takashige Egusa led the second attack wave´s D3A1, had two different D3A aircraft which were garishly painted. Both had unique schemes (Ja-Ja Uma). Pearl Harbor raid, 7. December 1941, aircraft carrier Soryu. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Bl-238, the crew were Lt.Kakuishi Takahashi and PO Saizo Koizumi. Lt. Kakuishi Takahashi led first attack wave´s D3A, his plane had a special painted. Pearl Harbor 7. December 1941, aircraft carrier Shokaku. D48070 Aichi D3A1 Val Part 2 Imperial Japanese Navy Air Services Pearl Harbor Raid Price: 11,90€ To order, click here This set continues with unique decorations schemes. Two in the standard grey green all around, one with red landing gears fairings painted in red and white fuselage chevrons The second one with a red filet on the landing gear fairings and fuselage red chevrons. These planes are both from the Zuikaku aircraft carrier. The last one, for me the more flashy and certainly did not involve in the pearl harbor operation, but a production Batch test plane with black engine cowling (common to all decorations In all decal sheets) yellow fuselage / wings and rudder and horizontal stabilizers in dark red (this needs to be painted) . Rudder id number in white (decal). The decal sheet contains follow markings: . Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Ell-206, aircraft carrier Zuikaku, Pearl Harbor raid, 7. December 1941. 2 Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, All-256, crewed by F1/c Shisaku Yanakawa, aircraft carrier Zuikaku, Pearl Harbor raid, 7. December 1941. 3 Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, White 7, first production batch tests in China early 1940 D48071 Aichi D3A1 Val Part 3 Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force Battle of the Coral Sea Price: 11,90€ To order, click here This decal sheet present 3 possible decorations for planes involved in the battle of the coral sea. All planes have the standard camouflage Green / Medium Grey. The third option presents a red tail (that needs to be painted) and the Hinamaru is presented under a white rectangle, making this airplane the showiest one. he decal sheet contain follow markings: Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Bl-263, the crew were FPO2/c Takeo Yamazaki, aircraft carrier Soryu, Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, 35-201, 34th Kokutai, Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Al-208, aircraft carrier Akagi, Battle of the Midway, 4th June 1942. D48072 Aichi D3A1 Val Part 4 Japanese imperial Army Air Service over China Price: 11,90€ To order, click here This last set presents us Planes assigned to the Imperial Army air service. Again, very colourful choices, all of them with black engine cowling, rudder and horizontal stabilizers in red. Please note that the white stripes present on the upper horizontal stabilizers needed also to be painted. No decals are supplied. The fuselage is all painted in Light Grey. The decal sheet contain follow markings: Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, 9-257, 14th Kokutai, Nanning airfield, South China, March 1940. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, 3-222, 12th Kokutai, Hankow airfield, South China, June 1940. Aichi D3A1 Val, Model 11, Al-205, aircraft carrier Akagi, Japanese Islands, April 1941 Common to all decal sheets: The painting guide always mention colour references for Gunze / Mr. hobby and Tamiya acrylics. D48073 Aichi D3A1 Val stencils Price tag : 7,80€ To order, click here These offering complements any of the decals sets above, as supplies complete stencil data for two airplane. An important add on are the red or white stripes mentioned above and present in this airplanes, painted in the upper area of the horizontal stabilizers. White or red stripes are supplied and properly trimmed A four-view diagram is supplied with guide to place all decals. Conclusion All this sets are very original and derived from the classical American / German / English offerings of this era. Despite the model itself is not easily available, some are still available in the second-hand markets all around the virtual and physical modelling ecosystem. And if so, any of this decal sheets are an excellent excuse to start a new modelling project, with guarantee of a very original decorations schemes. They are recommended choices ! Thanks to Art Scale Models for the decals sheets to review! Ricardo Veríssimo

ICM 1:48 UH-60A black hawk Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Model Kit nº 48362 Introduction In this review, I present the second derivation of the UH-60 family in 1:48 scale by ICM. This is the UH-60A with special Ukrainian decoration, used operationally for information gathering missions. From my online research, there are two Blackhawks allocated to this function. Regarding 1:48 scale models of the UH-60A, the only option has been the Academy model, dating back to 1986, which has been re-released by various brands over the years. Now, ICM has launched a new, complete, and up-to-date mould of this iconic multipurpose helicopter. In direct comparison with the older Academy mould, the difference is striking, starting with the detail on the model's fuselage (with raised rivets and very smooth and discreet panels), the simple and objective detail of the cockpit, instrument panel, and central consoles, and the more striking external components, such as the main and tail rotors. When analysing the parts on the various sprues, some (unused) parts of the MH-60L version can be identified, already presented in this forum (review), the most obvious being the right half of the fuselage on sprue A, which will not be used for this version. This model is a huge leap in quality and detail compared to the only alternative in this scale. So what’s In the box? A big box is supplied. As a modeler this is a ego booster, a big colorful and sturdy box ! A big box in a big photo box Decoration options. 16 sprues are supplied and let's then check them out! Sprue A This sprue, although it has few parts, they are large and detailed. The lower part of the fuselage (without the tail) is provided. The photos do not lie. The detail is fine and detailed, with well-defined raised rivets (sprue_a_1). On this sprue, the right fuselage is not to be used (as it is the right side of the MH-60L version). Sprue B The door has internal details (simplified but present). The engine intake turbine is nicelly detailed but not much is visible on the concluded model. Note: Part 23 is not showed on this photo but it's similar to the part 24. Interior detail is very clear and well detailed. some injecton moulds are visible but easily removed. Sprue C This sprue provides various parts (some of which will not be used for the UH-60A version). Instrument panel and central console (initial version are supplied but not used). Also parts for more advanced versions of the blackhawk are supplied but not used. very nice detail on the main rotors, supplied in two halfs. It will look fantastic under a coat of metallic paint! Exausts are supplied and boost a very premium detail . this is typical of late and upgraded models of the "A" model. Sprue D (x2) This sprue presents miscellaneous parts (the backs of the seats). They have mould marks that are also easy to remove. Sprue E (2x) The windscreen wipers are provided as separate parts and not as part of the transparent windscreen mould, as in many models. Parts (not used) for the MH-60L version are also provided. Sprue F (x4) These are the main rotor blades. These parts have a very specific angle and curvature of this material when the aircraft is on the ground. A very interesting and well-executed detail (just compare with photos of the original model on the ground). Sprue H This sprue supplies the correct rear stabilzators for the "A" version . Also supplied a mid life update central console and console panel ( used for the second decoration of this set) Sprue J This sprue provides specific components for one of the available versions. In this case, the central console and the digital control panel (four multifunction screens) as well as the fuselage panels where the main landing gear fits. Sprue K This small sprue draws attention to the upper nose cover of the fuselage, with appropriate detail, namely the nose cowl fasteners and the rivets that finish the lower fuselage windows. There is also a location for the sensor arrays mounted in this area. Clear parts (Sprue G) The clear parts are totally clear and without any distortions. The frames are clear and it will make masking a simple task. Instructions The instructions are spread over 16 pages (with glossy paper for the outer pages) and matte paper for the inner pages. The construction is divided into 83 stages, with the last page serving to identify the clear parts and their respective templates provided in the instructions. I find this page particularly interesting because, with due care and time, we can obtain masks for each of the clear parts without having to use the parts as templates and risk scratching the surface. For the lazier ones, there are already offers on the market for this model 😊. Decals The decal sheet, ICM design , are quite good with very thin film and great color pigmentation. I like the instruments panels decals. The look quite good. Decoration options Two options are provided: Model with special decoration, featuring a "patriotic" paint scheme and "identification stripes" on the tail. The lines and special paint must be entirely painted, as no masks or decals are provided for them. The roundels and the flag painted on the cargo door are provided as decals. 2. Operational model – Painted in standard military green with the roundels and national flag provided as decals. The colour references used refer to the ICM colour range but can easily be mapped to other brands' references Conclusion This offering from ICM, as I mentioned earlier, is a significant improvement over the only current offering in this scale. From the arrangement of the unused parts, we can predict what is coming in the future: New UH-60 versions (perhaps a Seahawk or an early version of the UH-60A with wings and additional tanks to hang). For now, this model will undoubtedly be an easy-to-build model with acceptable detail given the current moulding technology. The only point of improvement is the lack of seat belts, but nothing that some strips of copper or tin foil can't solve, or even an upgrade set from brands dedicated to these improvements. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Thanks ICM to make this model available.