Fred Wilms
Reviews By Author
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Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12tPublished:
HistoryThe Sonderkraftfahrzeng 8 was a German half-track that saw wide spread use during World War II. Its prime purpose was to tow heavy guns. Approximately 4,000 units were built between 1938 and 1945. It fought in many campaigns, mainly Eastern Front, North Africa, Normandy, and many more. ConstructionInitially I started with the chassis buildup, assembling as well as pre-painting the side frame, bogies, and axles. Next came the assembly of the engine, transmission, and drive shaft, together with the bogie wheels and main drive wheels. At this time, I mounted these units (after pre-painting) to the chassis. The idler wheel assembly was a little tricky as the center wheels were trapped between the outer wheels, therefore, no gluing was necessary.… more |
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P-51D Mustang Tuskegee AirmenPublished:
HistoryThe design of the P-51 Mustang was led by the North American design team of Ray Rice and Edgar Schmued. The first unit was rolled out of the North American factory at Mines Field (now L.A. Airport) in just 127 days; the plane, however, had no engine. The plane was initially given the name of Mustang by the British, who had purchased it from the United States. At this time, an Allison V-1710 in-line 12-cylinder engine was installed. The first flight was in October, 1940. Many versions were made during World War II, with the D being the definitive version. It had six 50 caliber wing-mounted machine guns and a new bubble canopy. The British Rolls Royce Merlin engine had been adapted to the D version and gave the fighter its high altitude performance and long… more |
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US Workshop CranePublished:
History: The workshop crane was used in most machine shops or automotive shops, both military and commercial. It primarily was used to handle items up to 1,000 pounds in load. Items in the box: The model is made from cast resin parts – grey in color. One fold-out instruction page, well presented. A metal chain for the hook is provided, as well as a small decal sheet. Construction: Assembly started with the base, then the trunk, lifting arms, braces, and last, the lifting piston. Some small modifications were made to the crane. I substituted the pins with straight pins, cut to size. The wheels were made with thinner sheet plastic, as the original wheels were too thick for the yokes. I also used railroad bolts for the dolly… more |
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Present Day US Wheel ChocksPublished:
HistoryChocks act as a safety device when placed under the wheels of a parked aircraft. This prevents the aircraft from rolling, especially when unattended or during an engine run-up. Items in the BoxThe units were resin cast material – white in color. One-page plans, good format. ConstructionThe assembly is very basic. The cord or rope supplied looked large to me, so I used a thinner cord. (Thread: standard brown). Finish and DetailUsed Floquil reefer yellow. I used black striping on one set of chocks. On the remaining two sets of chocks, I used the decals supplied on the instruction sheet. ConclusionWith a slight modification, the units went together well. These units can be assembled by any… more |
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Ju-88A-1 BomberPublished:
HistoryThe Ju88 was the most versatile German World War II aircraft in service. Several applications were: dive and high altitude bomber, night fighter, torpedo bomber against shipping, tank buster, as well as reconnaissance. Items in the BoxThe model is made from injection molded plastic – grey in color. The plans were in book format, printed both sides. I had an issue with the landing gear assembly – the procedure could have been more definitive. Clear molded plastic windows were supplied. An extensively detailed decal sheet was also included. ConstructionInitially, I started with the cockpit buildup, pre-painting and assembling details. Next, I assembled the fuselage, tail surfaces, wings, nacelles, landing gear, and finally, the… more |
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F-86 Sabrejet Landing GearPublished:
CONSTRUCTION: The landing gear kit was used on an F86 model, 1/48 scale, manufacturer unknown. Modification was made to the landing gear by adding brass rods to the ends. This allowed me to insert the gear into a hole drilled into the fuselage and wing in the original gear location. (The gear was missing or broken from the original model). After mounting the landing gear, I painted them and the landing gear doors were added (not supplied by SAC). COMMENTS: This detail set can be assembled by any age model builder. There were no instructions supplied. Installation of the parts is very simple. CONCLUSION: I wish to thank Scale Aircraft Conversions for supplying the F-86 Landing Gear set and IPMS/USA for… more |
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Bushmaster Protected VehiclePublished:
HistoryIn the early 1990’s, Australia established Project Bush Ranger. The idea behind this project was to support an infantry group of nine (9) men for a three-day operation. Development was not without difficulties, but the Bushmaster has matured into one of the premier, light mine-protected vehicles in service world-wide. 299 vehicles have been built in 6 variances, with additional contracts pending. Vehicles have been in Afghanistan, as well as purchased by the Royal Netherlands, British, and Danish armies. Items in the BoxThe model is made from injection-molded plastic, grey in color. The plans are on a fold-out sheet, printed on both sides and well presented. Clear plastic sheets are intended for windows and lenses; also included are a photo-etched… more |
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Admiral Saloon German Staff CarPublished:
HistoryThe passenger car was built for comfort, with a powerful engine. Admiral was the top of Opel pre-war model range. Between February 1938 and October 1939, 6404 cars were produced. During World War II, most cars were requisitioned by the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe and used by their senior officers. Items in the BoxThe model is made from injection molded plastic, light brown in color. The plans are well presented in book format, printed both sides. Provided are clear molded plastic sheets for windows, both for a hard top or convertible configuration; also, parking and head light lens are supplied. A small decal sheet is also included. ConstructionInitially, I started with the chassis buildup, assembling and pre-painting the assembled frame and… more |
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Sd.Kfz.6 Mittlerer ZugkraftwagenPublished:
HistoryThe Sd.Kfz.6 Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen was designed by Bussing-Nag and Mercedes Benz as a prime mover for the German army – one of a number of half-track designs. The unit was produced during the 1930’s. The Sd.Kfz.6 had a five ton pulling force, capable of pulling off the road. It was built from 1935 to 1943 in several versions. In 1942, production ceased, and the Sd.Kfz.11 took its place, as this unit was cheaper and easier to manufacture. The pioneer version had a passenger body of up to 15 soldiers. This vehicle weighed 9 tons and was powered by a 6 cylinder 115 php Maybach NL54 engine, with a maximum speed of 50 km per hour. Items in the BoxThe model is made from injection-molded plastic, tan in color, with thirteen good presentation instructions… more |
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F-14A Exhaust Nozzle - Open PositionPublished:
IN THE BOX The kit replicates the back engine housing/afterburner assembly used on the F-14A Tomcat. Material is made from resin and is gray in color. Also included is a photo etched sheet of afterburner nozzles. All the parts were in excellent condition. CONSTRUCTION Initially, I trimmed the engine housing exhaust and afterburner housing. The end sprue material was not needed. I painted the interior prior to the assembly of the fan blades, can interior, and afterburners. Note: the F-14 kit I used did not have a “kit part” as noted in the instructions. I was able to adapt this exhaust nozzle kit to the F-14A Testor’s kit. It worked just fine – I did have to make some adjustments, however. FINISH The paint used was store-bought spray primer (gray),… more |