Atlantis Models has done it again bringing back the classic Pie Wagon Custom Show Rod by Tom Daniel from the crypt. It’s a skill level 2 number M6738 MADE IN THE USA kit and has around 40 pieces in 1:24 scale kit. Originally released in 1968, the kit features decals refreshed by Tom’s son, Kelly Daniel.

The model contains 70 pieces molded in the original purple, with clear, chrome and brass plated parts. It also features rubber tires, waterslide decals and the original sell sheet. The decals are great and really set off this, “One Cherry Ride” model! Speaking of decals, I also added some tire script decals from the aftermarket for emphasis. Final dimensions are L-6½”, W-3½” & H-3¾”.

I’ve always loved Tom Daniel kits, and this one hasn’t been seen since 1998. It would look great right out of the box and could be built in an evening.

This is number 39 in the Polish Wings series and it covers the French-built Caudron-Renault CR.714. The book is 104 pages and contains 118 B&W photos, nine color photos, 51 color camouflage aircraft profile illustrations(some including top and bottom views), and six marking illustrations in color totaling 195 pictures and illustrations.

The book begins with a brief overview of the aircraft in Polish service. About 36 Cr.714s were assigned to GC1/145 Polish Squadron in France. This was the only Allied squadron to use the CR.714 in combat.

The bulk of the book covers the operational history of the CR.714 by the Poles throughout the Battle of France. This section is filled with many B&W photos, many not seen before. There are also many wonderful color profiles of the various 714s in service.

Arma has released their F4F-4 with the addition of Operation Torch marking and two bases in this very nice offering. The F4F-4 was originally released ea few months ago and this is a great option, I personally have a connection with Operation Torch as my father was part of this.

• Two grey Sprues
• One Clear Sprue
• One Decal sheet
• One Mask set
• One USS escort carrier deck base
• One Airbase base
• One Instruction guide
• An Errata sheet (showing the Martlet differences for the build)
• Bar codes for downloading 3D print files for additional parts you can print yourself

The detail quality is excellent in every way with this kit, crisp and detailed molding has become the norm for Arma Hobby kits.

The assembly is quick and easy as we have come to expect from these kits.

Summary

This is a re-boxing of the earlier G7107 1½-ton truck. That kit was reviewed in December 2021 by Mr. Phillip Cavender. I used Mr. Cavender’s review as a “heads-up” for any issues. From reading his review ICM has changed the assembly sequence with this re-boxing. Mr. Cavender noted that the engine is assembled in steps 20-28 after the axles are attached to the frame (steps 16-19). In the current instruction sheet the engine is assembled first (in steps 16-25) and the axles attached after that (steps 26-45).

The only difference with this set is that a new bag with three sprues to create four infantry figures with equipment.

Background

The following is excerpted from the instruction sheet.

A collection of photographs highlighting the Mercedes models used by Germany during World War II.

In the third volume of this publication, the cars of the Mercedes motor company's major production types are covered, such as the Mercedes 170, Mercedes 230–260 series, Mercedes 320 and Mercedes 540.

In this volume the author provides a detailed impression of these vehicles through original photographs, taken both during and before the war by the normal German soldiers who both used and served with these now classic automobiles.

The book opens with a forward, then an introduction, before going into the first vehicle with in-depth photo captions comprising most of the books’ text. Interestingly, there is no table of contents. If you’re looking for a specific staff car, you’ll need to thumb through the pages to find it. This is not a major issue for me, but some may find its omission cumbersome.

The vehicles covered in this book include: