Vargas Scale Models has historically occupied a niche specializing in unusual, 3-D printed, limited-run resin armor models, mostly pre- and between World Wars. So far, this has been a winning strategy for this prolific company, fleshing out all those subjects ignored by others. This offering continues in that tradition.

The M1917 was the United States' first mass-produced tank, entering production shortly before the end of World War I. It was a license-built, near-copy of the French Renault FT17, and was intended to arm the American Expeditionary Forces in France. American manufacturers, however, failed to produce any in time to take part in the War. Of the 4,440 ordered, about 950 were eventually completed. These remained in service throughout the 1920s but did not take part in any combat, and were phased out during the 1930s.

In 1934, the 20 mm anti-aircraft gun Flak 30, developed by the German company Rheinmetall, was adopted by the Luftwaffe. Based on the combat experience with the gun in Spain, Mauser upgraded it, and the new model was named the 2 cm Flak 38. The upgraded gun used the same ammunition as the Flak 30, with changes primarily aimed at increasing the rate of fire, which rose from 245 to 480 rounds per minute. The cost of one 2 cm Flak 38 anti-aircraft unit was 6,500 Reichsmarks. The new gun began entering service in the second half of 1940 and soon became a common close-range air defense tool in the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. Besides combating aircraft, the gun could also be used to engage lightly armored targets. A company equipped with twelve 2 cm Flak 38 guns was part of the anti-tank battalion of infantry divisions, and similar companies were also included in tank and motorized divisions. Production of these guns continued until the end of World War II.

The Mitsubishi Ki-21 “Sally” was designed in 1936 and first flew in 1938, it was used extensively in the war against China and was a trainer for bomber groups.

This subject has been neglected in the model world but ICM has brought out a nice representation in 1/48^th scale.

Included in the kit is:

• Six grey sprues
• One clear sprue
• One grey sprue with figures
• One set of decals
• One instruction booklet
• One instruction page for the figures

The instructions are pretty straight forward and the kit seems well detailed with fine panel lines and some rivet detail.

Section 1-7 starts with the left fuselage half with detail items and a bulkhead going in. there are also oxygen bottles and some clear parts added. The left tail section is also added in this section. I decided to glue both halves of the tail together at this point and added the tail at a later point.

The LVT-4, also known as the Landing Vehicle Tracked or “Amtrac”, was a pivotal amphibious vehicle used extensively by the United States Marine Corps and Army during World War II. Developed from earlier LVT models, the LVT-4 distinguished itself with its improved design that featured a rear ramp for faster troop and cargo deployment. This innovation was crucial during pivotal battles in the Pacific Theater, such as the invasions of Saipan, Guam, and Iwo Jima, where the LVT-4's ability to traverse both water and rugged terrain proved indispensable. Its versatility and robust performance cemented its place as an iconic vehicle of the war, playing a significant role in the success of amphibious operations.

Aires has provided the Reviewer Corps with Quickboost drop-in resin replacement exhaust tubes for Arma Hobby’s P-39Q/N Airacobra in 1/72^nd scale.

In the Package and Product Notes

The sample review came in a plastic bag with a cardboard backing. There are no instructions for this set. For the Arma Hobby kit, they are replacements for part 52, quantity 2.

There are two (2) exhaust tubes from the traditional pour moldings for these resin replacements (not 3D generated). The quality is excellent, and the tube ends have holes molded in, so no drilling is required. Also, the base identifies which tube goes on the right and left side since there is a slight angle to the mounting surface when installed.

Review Process

I started by giving the resin part a warm soapy bath to remove any release agent.