The Monogram 1/48 scale F-80 Shooting Star (kit #5311), originally issued in 1977 and re-released in 2010, is a replica of the first turbojet fighter accepted to serve in operational strength with the US Air Force. Its Allison J-33 gas turbine engine made it capable of reaching speeds in excess of 550 mph.
For the Modeler: This kit, consisting of 79 pieces molded in gray and clear plastic, seemed like a real nice kit to build. Initial impressions were good; relatively little flash on the parts, straightforward instructions, and a decal sheet that allows the modeler to build this aircraft in one of two available versions. Â Issues that remedy fit and finish issues and build sequence alterations are fully examined in the step-by-step review
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The Ferrari 458 Italia combines the power and performance of a Formula One race car with an ultra-modern design that could only come from Ferrari. The Italia can go from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 3 seconds, thanks to a 275 cu. in. (4.5L) V-8 engine that produces 560 hp at 9,000 RPM!
For the Modeler: This is a skill level 3, 1:24 scale, Revell kit that features an authentically sculptured body with a multi-piece 4.5L V-8 engine, a super-detailed interior and suspension, detailed wheel and brake assemblies, a positional front axle, soft black tires, chrome-plated parts and decals with factory markings.
With the release of the Ferrari 458, Revell continues their tradition of re-releasing Revell of Germany kits with US boxing. This has brought beautiful kits of high-end European sports cars to our shores for many years, and this 458 Italia is no exception. Inside the traditional two-piece Revell box are sprues molded in white, clear, and chrome plated, along with vinyl tires. Since this is a re-boxing of a Revell of Germany kit, some of the sprues have been bent or clipped to fit the smaller US box. Even with the tight squeeze, only one or two pieces had any warping to them.
Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; seam identification and repair; links to the Ferrari site for correct color selection; spray painting techniques; engine detailing; custom finishing the brakes; adding some scratch-built detail to the engine cover; making the suspension parts “pop†with acrylic washes; interior colors and application; using weathering powders to make realistic interiors; adhesive selection and application; are all fully examined in this 12 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.
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During the middle Ages, Nice participated in the wars and history of Italy but over time it became part of France. This kit represents the typical type of armor worn from the mid 1400’s to the early 1500’s. This type of armor was called Gothic armor and was used both for battle and jousting. Sir Galahad in his search for the Holy Grail was often pictured in armor very much like the armor represented in this kit.
For the Modeler – There is a lot of attention to addressing seams on this kit because the molds hail from the fifties, including ways to make it go more quickly. Finishing techniques to make this figure a real showpiece along with molding corrections are fully examined in the Step-by-Step review.
