The start of a season and the next issue of Random Thoughts arrives in the mail box. This is a nicely eclectic edition that includes something for nearly everyone.

After the usual columns from the IPMS folks we get the first of six articles. This is a very nicely documented build of a NA-44 from the Heller kit. The NA-44 was one of the most powerful T-6/Harvard variants built by North American and as such requires a new engine and cowling as well as some airframe modifications. Bernie Hengst does a great job on this build. This leads into a smaller article which are color profiles for the various schemes carried by this aircraft.

Al Magnus has the next build article and this is the Special Military 1/72 A-4/V-2 missile. This is not the same as the older Condor kit, though both are from the same parent company. It is a well done article for those with an interest in the type.

A Ferrari Dino 206 is by Ken Nesbitt. Ken used the Fujimi kit for this build and did a superb job on the car. For my tastes this is one of the least good looking cars done by Ferrari in this era, mostly due to the large wing in the front.

Next, Frank Cudden builds a pair of Crusaders. Using the Anigrand kit, he does a super job building a very ugly plane, the XF8U-3. Though it was quite capable, I'm glad the F4H-1 won that particular competition. The other is a neat conversion of the Academy F-8E to make an F-8C that was used by NASA for Fly By Wire experiments.

Finally a very unusual build by Barry Maddin as he tackles the Bronco 1/35 Bailey Bridge. As simple as it sounds, this turns into a rather complex build, but one that is very well done.

As with all RT articles, these are well written, in full color and with lots of photographs. How do you get these great editions? Simply join IPMS Canada and trade money for magazines. It is well worth it. As a bonus, you also get their e-mail editions of Beaver Tails, which is separate from the magazine.

June 2015

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