Kit:  This 1/72th scale model comes on one sheet of card stock and one sheet of diagrams. The model I received was sent to me over the Internet in PDF format. The kit contains no cockpits or wheel wheels. The canopy that is provided is on colored card stock. If you decide to detail the cockpit then you will have to scratch build the cockpit and a transparent canopy. Aircraft is done in two tone grey. Coloring and markings on the model are excellent. There are no wheel wells, landing gear and doors are glued directly to the bottom of the wings and fuselage.

Construction:  Start by constructing the center section which contains internal formers in each end. Then build the forward and rear sections with formers as indicated in the diagrams. I recommend that you cut connecting strips to glue each section together and to glue section to section. Once you have each section glued together than use the connecting strips to glue sections together. Cut the tail section out and shape it, I recommend that you insert a piece of dowel or a toothpick inside to give them the proper shape. Cut and roll the wing sections then glue the rear of the wing together. Again I recommend a dowel or round piece of plastic into the wing to help shape it and give it some strength. Cut, shape and glue the canopy to the top of the fuselage. Cut and build the landing gear using a toothpick internally to give them the strength to hold the aircraft up. Cut the wheels out and glue to heavy card, cut them out and continue to glue to the heavy card until you have the wheels to the correct width.

First Impressions:  A nice looking little model that should be buildable by most card modelers.

Kit:  This 1/33 scale model has been released by a new company entering the card modeling world. The model I received from came on a CD so you will need an inkjet printer and card stock to print it out. The printouts are in A4 format so you will need card stock that is at least 12 inches in height. The model prints out on three sheets of card stock, two sheets of diagrams and two sheets of instructions. You have the option of building a detailed cockpit and engine. If you do not want to detail the model a colored card stock canopy and engine are provided.

Construction:  The fuselage is built using the "butt" and glue method. Each fuselage section is built with a former in each end and then the sections are butt glued together. Before building the cowling decide if you want to detail the engine or not. If you want to detail the engine, build it and attach it to the fuselage before starting on the cowl. If not build the cowling using the connecting strips provided, glue the simplified engine to part seven and then glue the cowling to the rest of the fuselage. Cut the wing formers out and glue then to the fuselage. Then cut and fold the wing skin and glue to the formers and fuselage. Cut and glue the formers for the tail and glue to the fuselage. Cut and roll the tail pieces and glue them over the formers. Now build the propeller and landing gear and glue to the appropriate positions on the model.

First Impressions:  The two levels of the model makes it ideal for both the beginner and for those that want a little more detail.

Kit This is 1:25 scale kit printed in A4 format on eight sheets of card and three paper. The quality is a major improvement compared to Modelik's earlier releases, and the kit appears to be computer designed. Coloring is also improved, with nice authentic German darkyellow for the majority of the parts, though this is flat color, with no shading or weathering present. Afrika Corps makings are shown on the cover, but are not included on the actual parts.

Construction: Construction starts with a full length floor pan to which the frame is attached, followed by a very complete suspension. The detail level is very high, but no engine is supplied. Doors can be assembled open or closed, and you'll need a bit of acetate for the windscreen (windshield, for you American types..) The instructions are, as usual, in polish, but the line drawings are more than adequate

First Impression:Unlike many of Modeliks previous and older releases, it does not appear there should be any serious problems with construction and as such can be recommended to builders with moderate experience.

Kit:  I received a CD from Delta Seven Studios that contained all 16 of the Gemini series. You can also order each of the models already printed from Paper Models International. If you do get the CD you will of course need a color printer and proper card stock to print the models out on. There is too much to cover in one review so I will do the first model in this issue and next month will do more.

The first model is these series that I am going to review is the Gemini three. The model is in 1/24 scale and prints out on five sheets of 8.5 X 11 inch card stock. On the CD I received there was a PDF file with five sheets of instructions with pictures showing each step. The capsule is in black and the service model is in white. The thermal blanket is done in a copper color. This model does not have an interior but one of the others does.

Construction:  Start by cutting out the main body, then cut, shape and glue the windows and indentation pieces to the main body. Roll and glue the main body together and then do the same to the RCS. Glue the the tooth adapter together and slide it into the main body. Now glue the nose adapter into the RCS and the recovery nose to the RCS. Glue the nose cap over the top of the recovery nose. Cut the two sides of the service module out, roll and glue them together then glue the service module bands all the way around the module. Glue the service module to the main body. Build the thrusters and sensors and glue into the proper position. Cut and shape the thermal blanket and glue to the rear of the service module when finished.

First Impressions:  Very impressive looking model. Should be buildable by a beginner, in fact I would recommend it for children. A great educational project that helps build motor skills.

Kit:  This 1/50th kit comes on a CD that includes a model of the Ki 61 and other models to be determined at a later date. This is a very important model as all previous card models that I know of are of the earlier model of the Corsair. This is the later model with the four bladed prop that flew well past the Korean war. The models are in PDF format on the CD and you will need a color ink jet printer along with suitable card stock to print the model on. This model prints out on four sheets of card stock, the first contains the description and diagrams. Two sheets contain all parts and formers to build the aircraft and one sheet of history and description of the aircraft. No instructions are provided but the diagrams are very self explanatory and will be all you need to build this model. Parts are not provided to build the cockpit or wheel wells and the canopy is in colored card stock.

Construction:  Before starting construction reinforce all parts marked in red with .5 to .8 mm cardboard. The fuselage is built using the "butt" method, each fuselage section is built with a former in each end and when all sections are finished they are "butt" glued together. Building the wing of any Corsair model and getting the correct shape is always the most difficult of building the model Each wing is built with four parts to give it the correct inverted gull shape. First cut the wing formers and the skin out, them form the skin and glue it around the formers starting from the inside piece working to the outer tip. When complete glue the wings to each side of the fuselage. Build the air scoop and flue it the bottom of the fuselage under the cowling. Build and glue the tail section to the rear of the fuselage and them the landing gear to the bottom on the fuselage. You may want to use wire or a toothpick in the landing gear struts to give them strength also.

First Impressions:   A great model and since it is the only late model Corsair well worth the build. Not recomended for the beginner due to the shaping of the wing.

Kit:  It; would seem GPM are having a bit of a love affair with big things, and in a bit of a departure from 1:25 scale, this model is in the popular military figure scale of 1:16.Printed to GPMs usual very high standard on approximately 18 good quality A3 card sheets. Coloring is a battle worn German grey.

Construction:  The kit features a fairly complete interior, with some odd omissions. there is space for a drive train and turret power take off, but neither are provided. No English instructions this time, which is awkward because the pictorial diagrams leave a bit to desired, and the parts themselves bear no indication as to wether they should be laminated to thicker card , or what thickness that should be. There are virtually no connecting strips or tabs to be found anywhere. This kit could, I'm sure, be built into a show stopper, but not by this little black duck. The tracks are not individual links, which surprised me for a kit this large, but should look good if made up carefully.

First Impressions:  If you can interpret Polish, and/or are prepared to wrestle a bit, this model will provide many hours of interesting building with an awesome finished result.

Kit:  This 1/200 model comes in booklet format. The booklet contains four sheets of card stock and a page of diagrams. Instructions are in Polish but the model I received came from H&B; Precision Models and contains a page of instructions in English. There are two models in the booklet, the Windmill and the Arcade which I assume is a type of farm house. On the back cover is horse drawn wagon with a team of horses. Four cows, two pigs, six chickens, a cat and dog are included to finish off this little diorama. Coloring for the models is different shades of browns and reds.

Construction:  Start the Windmill by cutting forming and gluing the four wall together. Glue the roof onto the walls and then the platform to the walls. Cut and glue the parts for the Windmill out, start with the tower than the Windmill cap. Cut and form and glue the wings together and then glue to the tower. Next start on the Arcade house by cutting forming and gluing the walls together. Glue the roof to the walls and then glue the porch to the walls. Cut and form the arcades and chimnies and glue to the building. Finish up your diorama up by cutting the wagon and animals out and placing them around the buildings.

First Impressions:  Very beautiful and rustic little model. Should be buildable with no card modeling experience and would be a great gift for children.

Kit:  (In Thomas Pleiners words.) This ship in 1/250 scale is intended to be for beginners or modelers with less experience in card modeling. Many details are pre-printed on the decks but may also be assembled optionally in a detailed version. The assembly follows the Wilhelmshaven style, so there is no illustrated assembly instruction. Due to the lack of space there is presently no english instructions, sorry. The basic design was by Walter Otten but I had to re-design the whole model digitally to make it ready for printing proper. (My comments) The model comes on five sheets of A4 card stock. Printing and colors are very good on this model.

Construction:  As Thomas says above the construction of this model is in the standard egg crate style used by Wilhelmshaven for many years. Start by cutting out the vertical and horizontal formers, base unit and deck. Reinforce all of these with a thick piece of card stock. Glue the formers to the base unit and then the deck to the top of the formers. I recommend that you either pin or glue the base plate to a piece of wood while doing this to prevent the hull from warping. After you insure that your hull is nice a straight and there are no waves in the deck, cut out the hull sides and glue them to the frame. Build the super structure to the deck and decide if you want to detail the deck or leave it with just the printed detail on the deck. Finish the model up by building the funnels and stack.

First Impressions:  A nice ship to start with. Even though the construction is fairly simple you are given the parts to detail the ship up very nicely.

Kit:  A 1/33rd scale model that comes in booklet form 210 by 287 mm. The booklet contains eight sheets of card stock, four sheets of formers on regular paper and a little over two sheets of diagrams. Instructions are in Polish but the diagrams are clear enough that you should be able to build the model even if you do not speak Polish. Model is green on top and gray on the bottom. Markings are are for one of the aircraft that was aboard the Akagi during the Pearl Harbor Attack Printing on this model is very sharp and all markings can be easily seen. Parts are provided to build a detailed cockpit and wheel wells. A template for the canopy is provided with colored parts so you have a choice of whether or not you want to detail the cockpit.

Construction:  Construction of the fuselage is of the "butt" type, build the fuselage in sections with a former in each end. A detailed engine with cylinders is provided or you can just use the printed engine but the decision must be made before you glue the fuselage sections together. When finished you butt glue the sections together to make the complete fuselage. Make sure that you build and insert the cockpit and wheel wells into the proper positions inside the correct section before assembling. Trying to insert the completed cockpit and wheel well into the completed fuselage could cause damage to both the cockpit, wheel well and fuselage. Build the framework for the wings, when you have completed the formers and attached them to the fuselage, cut, form and glue the wing skin over the formers. Cut and glue the frames for the tail to the rear of the fuselage and then glue the tail section skins over the frames. You can construct your own canopy using the template provided or you can purchase a pre-made canopy that Gomix has released. Now construct the landing gear and wheels and glue them into the wheel wells. Parts are provided to build either a bomb or torpedo if you desire.

First Impressions:  A very nice looking model which gives you the choice of making an easier model or more detailed dependent on your skill level.

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Mi 24D Hind	Published by Halinski
Designer:	Grzegorz Swierczewski
Description:	Russian Attack Helocopter

Kit:  A recently released model from Halinski that was originally released in 1996. The model comes in a booklet 240 by 340 mm. The booklet contains four pages of colored card stock, two pages of formers and colored parts on regular paper. There are two pages of detailed diagrams, half a page of history and specifications in English and about a quarter page of instructions again in English. The card stock is a glossy type paper that often is difficult to glue. Color is two tone brown on top and a gray bottom with a gray and blue interior. A very detailed interior is given and there is no card stock canopy which indicates that they assume you are going to make you own transparent canopy to show the interior off.

Construction:  Construction of this model is much the same as most Halinski models I have built. An internal frame is constructed and then the skin of the fuselage is glued over the frame. Build the internal parts of the fuselage and glue them into the frame before gluing the skin over the frame. Once the basic fuselage is finished, build the engines and glue them to the top of the fuselage. Build and glue the landing gear into the wheel wells on the bottom of the fuselage. Build the main and rear rotors and glue them to the top of the model. You are provided with the parts to build the forward multi barrel gun, rocket pods and additional rockets. The gun should be built and attached as all aircraft had them, rocket pods and rockets are optional.

First Impressions:  A beautifully done model as all Halinksi models are. But these are not the easiest to build. Helocopters are especialy difficult so I would recommend that you have card modeling experience before attempting this model.

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F4U-1A Corsair	Published by DeWayne Barnett
Designer:	Marek Pacynski
Description:	U.S. Navy WWII Fighter

Kit:  The first of the 1/33 scale models from Marek. Marek Pacynski is one of the best designers of 1/50 card model kits in the world. He is now entering the 1/33 scale market with four new models. The Corsair is the first of these with the other three to follow very soon. This model is available only in PDF format on CD. You will need Adobe reader and a color printer to print the model out on. There are 13 pages on the CD, a cover sheet, eight sheets to be printed on card stock, a history page and three pages of diagrams. The aircraft can be built with wings extended or folded and with landing gear extended or retracted. A detailed cockpit is provided but if you do not want to go into that much detail, a colored card stock canopy is provided. Color scheme is very accurate, the aircraft being dark blue on top, medium blue on the sides and white on the bottom.

Construction:  Start construction with the Fuselage. This model differs from Mareks 1/50 scale in using the connecting strip method rather than the butt glue method he used in the smaller models. A detailed engine is provided with all 28 cylinders, this must be built first. As you build each fuselage section you must glue the internal part into the section as this is where you will glue section to section together. Internal section are zinc chromate, there is one for the cowling, cockpit and tail wheel well. Install the cockpit in the correct section if you are going to make a transparent canopy, if not then just use the colored canopy provided. No pattern is provided for the canopy but you can easily make the canopy by tapping the colored canopy provided to a piece of transparency and cut to fit. Then glue the transparent material to the fuselage. cut the blue out of the colored canopy and glue the frame over the transparent material. Before building the wings decide if you want to have wings open or closed as well as if you want the wheel extended. Cut and glue the wing frames together and then cut and glue the wings over the frame. The wings are in four pieces in order to make the inverted gull wing. Start from the section closest to the fuselage and work out. Cut the parts out for the main wheel wells and the landing gear, build and glue to the inside of the wing. Build the tail section and propeller and you are finished.

First Impressions:  There are four other Corsair card models out there but in my opinion this is the best. It is not the easiest to build though and I would recommend that you have card modeling experience before attempting to build this model.

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This column does not cover all the new card model aircraft and ships that have been released this month. It contains only those models that have been sent to me by dealers and designers for review or that I have been purchased for review. Due to space restrictions, some models sent in for review may be held over until next month.

Thanks to the following for providing kits for inspection and review:

• Models by Marek (DeWayne Barnett) at http://www.teuton.org/~dbarnett (USA)
• Digital Card Models (Steve Bucher) at http://www.ww1cardmodels.bizland.com (USA)
• H&B Precision Card Models (Peter Heesch)H&B; Precision Card Models(USA)
• CFM Verlag (Thomas Pleiner) at http://www.cfm-verlag.com/ (Germany)
• ModelArt of Russia (Dimitry Makeev) at ModelArt of Russia(Russia)
• Red Star Models (Horacio Tisera) at Red Star Models(USA)
• Delta Seven Studios (Dan Shippey) at Delta Seven Studios (USA)
• Maly Modelarz B5N2 Kate donated by Richard Borg from his personal collection
• Paper Models International (Lou Dausse) at http://www.papermodels.net (USA)

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