I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the IPMS Nationals in Madison, WI, in July and was taken back by the variety of ‘specialist’ vendors providing their tools and techniques to the masses. One of the vendors that caught my eye was UMM-USA (Unique Master Models). UMM-USA is an on-line Store, importing and exporting kits, specialized modeling tools and supplies and consulting services. My main mission at the Nationals this year was to find a few tools I’ve been needing and UMM-USA had several I had been looking for.

Also at the convention, UMM-USA provided a few product review samples to the IPMS Reviewer Corp, so I was able to pick up this JHmodels Biplane-Wooden Jig Stand & Transport and a small hole reamer UMM-USA produces, for review (see the review titled: Micro Pyramid – Shanked Reamer RM (2.5mm))

UMM-USA has provided the Rollmade IV “Universal Roller” for review. This tool is use for photoetch, brass, copper, and aluminum sheets to create rolls in diameters of 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0, 14.0mm. It does NOT come with a roller pin but any wood dowl or metal rod will suffice.

It is made from a harden tempered aluminum and the overall size is: L 90mm x W 20mm x H 10mm. Very compact and easy to store.For this review, I used some leftover brass PE, Eduard metal PE, and soft copper wire along with a metal straw (as a roller) to test. Each piece of material formed with ease in the Rollmade IV. I do recommend using a larger diameter roller versus the straw I used since the “springing action” of the material will want to conform to the roller that is used.

The Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 is probably one of the best known Soviet aircraft. Operated by nations all over the world, the Mig-21 holds the distinction of being the most produced warplane since WWII. The subject of MMP’s newest monograph is the reconnaissance variant Mig-21R.

The 24-page book is composed of line drawings, photographs, captions, and a color profile of a single aircraft. All of the aircraft featured are Polish Air Force. Close in-detail photos of the fuselage, wing, tail, undercarriage, armament, cockpit and canopy are provided.

Two pages are dedicated to the interior of the vertical fin providing details of the spars, ribs, hydraulic lines, fuel lines, and components not normally seen. Other photographs are of operational Polish Air Force aircraft.

UMM-USA is dedicated to fine scale modeling, encompassing model kits, accessories, and specialized tools.Owned by John Vojtech, a fine scale modeling veteran. UMM-USA is an on-line Store, importing and exporting kits, modeling tools and supplies, and seeks and offers solutions on technical issues. In addition, his services currently include design and production of master parts, casting of original masters, photo-etched masks, decals, and building made-to-order models for customers. You can see a sampling of John Vojtech's finished projects in the Our Gallery section of the Web site.

Phoenix Scale Publications, based in Great Britain, is a partnership of four people whose combined experience equals over 100 years working in both the aviation and modelling press. After so many years working for others, they came together as equal partners in this new venture, with each partner bringing their own unique talents. On the editorial side we have Andy Evans, who, during his 40-year career has been at the helm of five aviation and modelling magazines, as well as a contributor to many more. He is also a published author with over 60 aviation and modelling books to his name. David Francis is an IPMS UK and Belgium Nationals Gold winning modeler and he has edited one of the world’s best-selling magazines for six years. His work has featured in numerous aviation and modelling books and magazines for the last 35 years.