I was delighted to see the latest edition of IPMS Canada's Random Thoughts for a couple of reasons. One is that it features one of my favorite aircraft and the other that it included a decal sheet for that favorite.

Every once in a while, IPMS Canada includes a decal sheet that corresponds with subjects in the quarterly magazine. This is just the sort of thing that gets my interest in a subject and this edition is no exception.

But I digress so let's take a peek at what is inside.

The first article is by Frank Cuden as he explains how to make better canopies and turrets. It is well written and shows a lot of helpful information. While Frank uses the sometimes difficult to find Mattel Vacuform, that is no longer the only source for a small vacuform machinge. Micromark also has one that holds a 4x4 square of plastic and retails for $190 for those who want to do this.

For the next article, Yves Fournier builds a pair of CT-133s, using the Academy/Hobbycraft kit and making the modifications required to do a proper Canadair  Silver Star. One is bare metal and the other is in camouflage. The usual mass of aftermarket is used in one while the other is more of an out of the box build.

We next get into an article that covers the three options provided on the decal sheet. Some very colorful schemes are included and the superbly printed sheet has these planes in 1/72 and 1/48, though you will have to get m the stencils from an alternate source. This is particularly welcome now that GWH's new tool 1/48 T-33 is nearing release. The 1/72 modeler will undoubtedly gravitate towards the Platz kit. I should mention that IPMS Canada no longer overstocks back issues or decals. If you want to have these items, you need to be a current subscriber as there are no spares.

The final article is a very nice one by Barry Madden. He makes a simple but very effective diorama to showcase his Bronco Models Bailey Bridge. It is quite a well done article that takes you step by step in the process and the end result is a great looking, though somewhat large project.

How do you get these great editions and the second decal sheet of the year? 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.

March 2016

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