The Tupolev Tu-2, along with the Petlyakov Pe-2, are arguably two of the most eye-pleasing twin-engine attack aircraft of World War II. In 1/72 scale, the Airfix Pe-2 has been available to modelers since the 60’s. An injection-molded Tu-2 kit in this scale was finally boxed by ICM in the late 90’s.

The “T” is the torpedo-toting version of the venerable attacker, and the sprues containing the torpedoes, pylons and support struts are clean and crisp – comparable I suspect to recent ICM releases. However, the remaining sprues have to be first-mold, and are heavily draped in flash. The plastic is also very soft – similar to new Airfix kits – and the sprues gates are thick and ill-placed, like a Trumpeter kit. My review deadline for this build came and went partially because I spent an inordinate amount of time carefully cleaning parts and removing sprue nibs. Builder be warned.

With a new acrylic formulation and from natural minerals, AMMO's new acrylic formulation of texturing product, Terra Form Premium Concrete, enables you to recreate 'real' concrete. The light grey tone with a variable texture also grants you the ability to create realistic groundwork for your small scenes and dioramas. The texturing product is recommended for scales 1/48th to 1/16th but don't let that be a limiting factor as you move forward with your plans.

The Terra Form concrete comes in a 100ml tub and may be thinned with water and may be combined with other AMMO texture products for custom tints. Clean-up is a breeze as that can be done with the aforementioned water. This along with all of AMMO's texturing products dries completely within 24 hours and may be sanded should you desire a more finished look.

Thanks to Casemate Publishing & IPMSUSA for the review copy!

If you are of a certain age and remember duck and cover under your school desk for nuclear attack drills, under a poster saying “one nuclear bomb can ruin your whole day,” this book will cause stress – rightly so. India is the setting of this Asia@War Series book, describing the oft-ignored entry and burgeoning status of India as a nuclear nation. It describes how India came to love The Bomb. This book is No. 25 of the Asia@War series, and details the nuclear weapons journey of a reluctant India, from 1960s to now.