The Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat played an important role during WWII. Widely exported to various countries, the PBY-5 was in operation in Australia from the first day of the Pacific War until the last. The missions of the Catalina in Australian service were varied and extraordinary. This book examines all aspects of PBY-5 operations while in service with Royal Australian Air Force.
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Summary
This kit is a re-boxing of ICM’s Do 217M-1 WWII German bomber (Kit 48274), but with a new decal set of RAF markings for a captured aircraft.
As with other ICM kits, this one is overflowing with detail and precise engineering.
Background
The following is taken from the ICM instructions.
“The German Do 217M-1 bomber was a variant of the Do 217 series, equipped with DB 603A engines producing 1,750 horsepower. Combined with four-blade propellers, this significantly improved the bomber’s flight performance and increased its maximum speed to 557 km/h, though at the cost of reduced range. The Do 217M-1 served with Luftwaffe bomber and reconnaissance squadrons until the end of World War II.
The “Stuka zu Fuss” was the name given to WWII Germany's Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) that was commonly mounted on the Sd. Kfz. 251/1 Ausf B half-track. This was an effort to give German armored units some mobile artillery support, particularly in urban environments. The MLRS was employed on captured French (Renault Chenillette's) and American (M3 half-tracks) vehicles as well.
The MLRS consisted of from four to six launch crates draped over the side of the carrier vehicle. These disposable crates were also the shipping container for the projectiles. These projectiles came in three versions:
- 280 mm high-explosive (HE) rockets
- 300 mm HE rockets
- 320 mm incendiary (napalm) rockets
These rockets were spin stabilized and had a range of 2300 meters, or about 1-1/2 miles. All of that brings us to a review and assembly of ICM Holding's “Stuka zu Fub” Sd. Kfz. 251/1 ausf. B.
1930’s era Gangsters had a certain fascination to many people. I’m sure most people have seen the movie Bonny and Clyde. The figures in this set of three brings us back to that time period without having to rob banks, get into firefights with law enforcement, the risk of prison or worse!!
The Kit: 24054
The kit, provided by the manufacturer ICM, based in Ukraine contains three Gangster figure that include two male and a female, the Gun Moll!! Injected molded with crisp detail and clean parts that contain no flash. The parts for the figures are contained on a single sprue. There are two additional sprues that are identical to each other, which contain a Colt Model1911 hand gun as well as the legendary Thompson Sub Machine with your choice if a stick magazine or the drum mad and the Colt in the other. Also, a three piece valise is included on the sprues.
From DXM Hobby’s Decal Manufacturer’s Notes
These decal sheets provide some very colorful markings for four of the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Prowler squadrons. These include (a) VAQ-138 Yellowjackets CAG Bird 2024, (a) VAQ-138 Yellowjackets CAG Bird 2024, (b) VAQ-139 Cougars CAG Bird 2023, (c) VAQ-140 Patriots CAG Bird 2024, and (d) VAQ-131 Lancers CAG Bird 2024.
This 1/48th scale sheet is intended for use with either the Hasegawa, Meng, or Italeri kits.
