by
Brett Green
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Final Day
- IPMS
Nationals 2002 |
The IPMS USA Nationals represents different things to different
people. To some it is the opportunity to compete at the highest
level. For others, a chance to visit the biggest hobby shop in the
world. The excellent seminar schedule is also a good reason to visit
by itself.
For me, the 2002 IPMS Nationals was mostly about the people. With so
many of HyperScale's visitors living in North America, it was a
wonderful opportunity to put faces and voices to a multitude of
names. I had the chance to catch up to old friends, and make many
new ones. I am very grateful to everyone who made this year's
Nationals such an unforgettable experience for me.
As I moved around the Vendors' Room today, I noted
more new releases. These products, and those noted over the last few
days, are by no means the only new releases at the Nationals, but
they will give a flavour for the high level of activity in the hobby
today:
Black Box
Black Box had their 1/48 scale RF-4 Phantom
conversion and cockpit sets on display. These should prove very
popular with Rhino fans.
I also picked up the recent 1/48 scale T-28 Trojan
and F-9F Panther cockpit sets, courtesy of Jet Set Models. These
will be fully reviewed on my return.
Classic Airframes
Despite unfounded rumours, Classic Airframes is
alive and well and continuing its ambitious release schedule.
Jules Bringuier from Classic Airframes was not at this year's
Nationals, but he has confirmed that the next release will be the
1/48 scale Arado Ar 68 around August; followed by Polikarpov I-152
sometime after that.
He also confirmed that there are no plans to release
any further full kits of the SM-79, but conversion sets are planned
for the future. Jules will advise more details, including
availability dates, when the time is right.
Cobra Company
Cobra Company had two brand new sets available
-
CC 44003 - 1/144 scale B-25J/H Super Detail Set
with a new nose, instrument panel, sets, correct engine nacelles,
canopy and nose glass: and
-
35006 - MH/HH-60G Update and Detail Set with a new
instrument panel, consoles, seats, control sticks, replacement
doors and other exterior details
Full reviews of both sets will follow in the coming
weeks.
Eagle Editions
Eagle Editions has released two new accessories for
the Hasegawa Bf 109G in 1/32 scale that were unveiled this week at
the Nationals. They are
The Me 262 slats set has been slightly delayed due
to casting complications, but Eagle Editions advise that it should
be available shortly.
Meteor Productions
Cutting Edge had a massive display with many
recently announced conversions, detail sets and decals available.
The most impressive and innovative item was the
replacement canopy of the A-4N Skyhawk conversion. This part was
made from clear resin, and was absolutely crystal clear. There will
be a great deal of potential for short-run clear parts if the method
can be performed cost effectively.
J. Rutman Productions
Jerry Rutman brought along his brand new resin 1/32
scale P-51B Mustang. The parts are shown in the thumbnail photos
below. Click the thumbnails to view larger pictures:
Rutman Productions' next release is likely to be a
razorback fuselage for the P-47D in 1/32 scale.
The party is over! Thanks for keeping in touch
with news at the Nationals via HyperScale.
Model,
Images and Article Copyright © 2002 by
Brett Green Page
Created 03 August 2002 Last updated
11 August 2002
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