1/48 Tamiya Ki-61 Hien (Tony)

Do we really need a new Tony? I always find it hilarious when I hear: “Do we really need a new kit of the [insert new kit] when the old [insert kit from ancient times] is perfectly fine?“ I have heard and read arguments in support of certain Monogram, Aurora and Revell kits from 40+ […]

1/48 Tamiya F4F-4 Wildcat

I’ve had these Tamiya Wildcat kits on the shelf for a long time. It seemed that every time I considered building one, something else bumped it down the pile. However, I read that Eduard was planning to release a series a new mold Wildcats in 48th scale sometime in near future. If the Eduard Wildcat […]

1/32 Zoukei-Mura Ki-45 Nick Build Review

Hardly the new kid on the block anymore, Zoukei-Mura (makers of the Super Wing Series) brought us the Ki-45 Nick in early 2019. This beauty follows on from their line of gorgeous 32nd scale WW2 kits. This one is the first conventional twin (the German ‘Anteater’ is technically a twin as well, but…you know what […]

Tamiya’s 1/48 J1N1 Gekko – A sleeper build

A Sleeper Build? Ever pick up a model kit on a whim? It was not on your radar and you may not have known about it. Perhaps you saw it cheap at a show, got it from a buddy or it was on heavy discount at the hobby shop or online. Not expecting much from […]

My Hasegawa Ki-45 Nick in FSM

I’ve written an “Airbrushing and Finishing” feature for Finescale Modeler magazine about my Little Nick. As I described in a previous post, I added most of a resin cockpit, scratch built the engines and gear bays and added other details. I then painted the model, including the markings, with Tamiya acrylics. You can read about the […]

1/72 Hasegawa Ki-45 Nick

When I decided to go to the 2018 Nationals, I wanted to compete and not make a fool of myself. I figured the only way I could safely bring a model with me was as a carry-on. That meant something small that could be protected in a small box; something that could easily fit into […]

Modeling Radial Engines

I believe one of the more interesting parts of World War 2 airplanes is the engine. In terms of visual impact, the kit engine is one part of a model where it is worth the time to improve – especially if it is a radial engine. It is also one of the easiest ways of “improving” model […]

1/48 Fine Molds Ki-15 Kamikaze (Babs)

I have always liked the look of golden age aircraft. The more streamlined the better. Something about polished metal, wheel pants and big engine cowlings. Aviation technology was changing so rapidly between the wars and it seemed as though every new model broke some sort of record. First flying in May of 1936, the […]

1/48 Tamiya G4M1 Betty – A Rescue Build

Ever take over a model and rescue it? I bought this one started from a friend who lost track of how he acquired it. My guess is that it was part of a collection of models he picked up as an IPMS club president. I generally shy away from these projects because there is usually […]

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Modeling the Corsair in US service

Should I begin by saying the most awesome airplane that ever was is the Corsair? Sure there are those who would quickly disagree with me and cite all sorts of hard data and common knowledge – but those people are wrong. This is a very quick and dirty guide to modeling one or more of […]