M1078 LMTV Special Forces “War Pig” Detail Set, Part 2

Published: October 23, 2012
Company: Pro Art Models

Prior to starting this conversion, I recommend gathering as many pictures of the “Warpig” as possible, as there are subtle differences between individual vehicles based on the preferences of the crews.

Construction of the donor kit (Trumpeter’s LMTV) begins with the chassis and suspension. This portion is straightforward with only a few added detail parts from the conversion. At each… more

Rumpler C. IV Late

Published: April 24, 2012
Company: Wingnut Wings, Ltd

Having established themselves as the leading manufacturer of WWI aviation kits, Wingnut Wings continues their program of releasing quality kits of previously unavailable subjects in 1/32 scale. The Rumpler C. IV Late does not disappoint in the slightest, providing an intricate model that is a joy to build.

Boxed in their trademark sturdy box with beautiful box art by Steve Anderson,… more

M1078 LMTV Special Forces 'War Pig' Detail Set, Part 1

Published: March 12, 2012
Company: Pro Art Models

“Cry ham hock! And let slip the hogs of war!” Okay, so I misquoted Shakespeare, but the sentiment is appropriate for the latest Pro Art Models release. As used by US Special Forces, the ‘War Pig’ is a cross between Pimp My Ride; Extreme Makeovers, and the Road Warrior. The War Pig is designed as a communication and supply vehicle for various small Special Forces vehicles deployed in the field… more

Arado Ar-196 Armament Set

Published: December 5, 2011
Company: Master Model

At least to me, Master Model has been putting out some of the most affordable gun barrel upgrades in the industry without sacrificing detail. This set is no exception, providing a quick upgrade to the armaments on what is already a well detailed kit. The set includes barrels for both guns, cooling jackets, ring sights and their mounts (extras included) – don’t overlook the tiny turned bead for… more

Italian Street Scene

Published: May 15, 2011
Company: Downtown Deco

Dioramas Plus was founded in 2008 and has been producing 1/35 bases and buildings for the diorama builder. These products are plaster cast and quite robust. When the box arrived I could tell that just walking it up my driveway tired the mailman out it was so heavy (OK, so maybe I exaggerate). Upon opening the box I found the content wrapped carefully in bubble wrap and an examination of the… more

Roland D.VIa

Published: April 7, 2011
Company: Wingnut Wings, Ltd

How to write a Wingnut Wings review:

1. start with a clichéd introduction about Wingnut Wings’ meteoric rise to stardom, followed by a lengthy discussion of Peter Jackson and his interest in WWI.
2. mandatory mention that Peter Jackson is incredibly rich and that he can afford to do what all of us want to do – start our own model company or buy New Zealand. Points will be… more

M7 Priest ‘Mid-Production’ Smart Kit

Published: October 18, 2010
Company: Dragon Models

Dragon has countered Academy’s recent M7 release with their own excellent release of a mid-production Priest with a combination of the early suspension and additional armor. Coming in the usually sized Dragon box, this kit only clocks in with 260 parts as there are no individual track links or many left-over parts.

Those of you used to many of Dragon’s German subject that fatten the… more

MC.200 Saetta

Published: July 11, 2022
Company: Italeri

Italeri has been releasing more Italian WWII subjects in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales over the past several years, with mixed success. Several were excellent kits such as the CR.42 and the SM.82 while others, like the most recent Re.2002, were poorly received by some modelers. The recent release of the MC.200 has drawn some negative pre-release publicity as well as comparisons to the well done… more

Spitfire E Wing – Late Hispano 20mm Cannon and .50 Cal Fairings

Published: October 14, 2010
Company: Master Model

Master Model produces some finely turned brass barrels for aircraft and ships in a variety of scales. One of their latest offerings is a barrel set for the Spitfire ‘e’ wing. There are a total of 6 parts – 2 cannon barrels, 2 fairings and 2 .50 caliber barrels. The .50 cal barrels are designed to fit snugly in their fairings, which they do exactly.

The barrels are perfectly turned, the… more

North African House

Published: October 11, 2010
Company: MiniArt

MiniArt has continued adding to their impressive array of buildings and accessories with the diorama builder in mind. Their latest offering takes them to the North African / Mediterranean theatre with the “North African House”. At 130 parts, this kit comes in a large box with multiple sheets of vacuformed parts and 3 sprues of injection molded detail parts (most of which will end up in the… more