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.
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Overview
Following their release of the F-35A in 2022 and the F-35B in 2023, Tamiya has completed the trident of 1/48 scale Lightning II model kits with their release of the F-35C late last year. I found the engineering of this kit to be phenomenal with all parts fitting just as one would want. The 78 steps for the construction are spread across the 34-page instruction manual, and steps typically contain no more than six individual parts, which keep the building process simplified. While the number of parts and number of decals required more time than some builds, the joy of the construction always made the time pass quickly. I would highly recommend this kit to any modeler with some experience looking to add the US Navy variant of the Lightning II to their collection.
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 1/48th 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 non-profit UK based group known as the Great War Aviation Society publishes their journal, Cross & Cockade International, four times a year. Issues are available in English as printed [Softbound, A4 (8.27” x 11.69), 80 pages plus centerfold] as well as digital copies (or both). A new magazine, Contact!, is now available in both print and digital download. The Society also provides a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier for IPMS USA. This Journal is the sister of the US Journal, Over The Front. The Great War Aviation Society also hosts a lecture series available through Zoom. If interested, you will need to register early as the call is limited in attendance.
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.