This year marks the 50th anniversary of IPMS Canada and so it is understandable that the group is celebrating their long existence. Of course, R/T wasn't always part of that, for like many groups, the official publication takes a few years of increased membership to be a viable addition. It also gives us an opportunity to look back at how things have changed. As rightly pointed out, the hobby is more diverse with a lot more in the way of aftermarket bits and pieces, but one thing never changes; the ability to build using basics and a decent paint finish.

This edition has six main articles. On past the usual editorial and the standard columns from other parts of the bureaucracy that all clubs tend to have, it is on to the articles.

First up, Al Magnus builds what is a rather basic kit, but like all that is basic, it is one that needs work. In this case, it is the Zvezda 1/72 Medieval life boat. A nice choice for the nautically challenged.

Next is a Tascal 1/35 Sherman Firefly by Gary Barling. This build has the usual aftermarket and modifications that are used to denote a tank that was used in the last few months of WWII.

Terry Higgins continues his look at a specific Beaufighter, NE 355 as it continues its journeys through various units until the end of the war. This article is basically a lot of color illustrations along with some photos of the actual plane and some of its siblings.

A Special Hobby 1/72 F-86H Sabre is tricked out as a target tug by Frank Cudden. Frank had to make the tug assemblies and I notice that he didn't use any of the teeny-tiny vortex generators that were included in the kit (not that I blame him).

The fifth article is on the Airfix 1/48 Hawk 100, built up as a CT-155 and using a resin upgrade set that replaces the cockpit and the nose among other things. Wayne Beattie did a lot of work on this one and the result shows it.

Finally, Vic Scheuerman completes his Revell 1/48 Ventura series, this article concentrating on the various colors used to paint the kit. You wouldn't think it would be such a major deal, but it is and Vic includes images from relics to back his choices.

In all, a most welcome issue that is read in far too short a time, but well worth the work that has gone into it.

How do you get this great edition? Simply join IPMS Canada and trade money for magazines. It is well worth it. 

April 2014

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