Background

Based on requirements laid down in 1934, and first seeing production in 1937, the Panzer III was fielded as the primary battle tank of the Wehrmacht at the outset of World War II. Upon engaging the Red Army’s T-34’s and KV-1’s it was evident the Panzer III was at a significant disadvantage. The E-, F-, and G- models were retrofitted with a larger 50mm main gun, which became standard on the –H model along with additional armor bolted to the rear, glacis and front superstructure of the hull. The Ausf. H also received an improved transmission and redesigned sprockets and idlers. Of an initial order of 759 Ausf.H’s, only 308 were produced until April 1941.

The Gripen entered Swedish AF service in 1997 and has since equipped the air arms of the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, and Thailand. Brazil officially ordered in Dec 2013 and Sweden is to vote on their order in 2014. Rumors are also swirling that the US could be interested in the 2-seater as a replacement for the T-38.

Kitty Hawk released this 1/48 new-tooled Gripen and upon opening the box it appears to be a reasonably nice kit. It is molded in light grey styrene and is presented on multiple parts trees. There is also a tree of clear and a small fret of PE. The kit features and options include:

Wow, how much cooler can a car model get? You take a 1932 Ford Sedan, chop the heck outta it and add a scale skeleton to boot!!! Super great idea! Man, talk about old! This kit has been around since I was born and possibly before! Having no idea about car models, I immediately hit the old internet and this baby has been around since 1964 for sure. The real car was built by Dave Stuckey of Kansas starting in 1954. A young girl from Dodge City gave the car it’s Moniker because she thought it’s interior resembled a coffin. Monogram got hooked on the car in 1962 when they saw it at the National Roadster Show in California.