The Subject

The M8 light armored car was a 6×6 armored car that saw service from 1943 by US and British forces until the end of World War II.

Designed and built by Ford Motor Company it was intended as a replacement for the M6. Because it had tires instead of treads, it had great speed at 55 mph on open roads and was very good in support roles as a recon vehicle. It wasn’t without its drawbacks however. Crews put sandbags on the ¼” thick floor to protect them from mines. It was also awkward in wooded areas and rough terrain.

Exported widely, it was still in service with some countries in 2006.

The Item

If you want to bring your M8 model kit to the next level, this excellent photoetch/detail set is just the thing for you. This extensive PE sheet has most of the appliqués that can be added to the kit to provide a fully detailed rendering of the M8.

This white metal SAC landing gear set is designed for the Wingnut Wings RAF RE.8 (Royal Aircraft Factory Reconnaissance Experimental 8) Model Kit #32012.

The British RE.8 replaced the BE series of two seaters using many of the BE’s components with the main difference being a forward firing machine gun for the pilot and relocating the observer/gunner to the rear. Poorly regarded because of its looks, and the “Harry Tate’s” poor aerobatic characteristics the RE.8 dependably performed its intended tasks as a bomber, reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft from 1916 to the end of WWI.

These are nice pieces that will add highly detailed realism to the Wingnut wings kit while providing additional strength and needed support to a large-scale model. This will reduce the concern about the landing gear buckling under the weight of the model and preventing the resulting damage.

MMP was founded in 1996 by Roger Wallsgrove, to publish "Mushroom Model Magazine". This quarterly modelling magazine was developed from "Mushroom Monthly”, a club newsletter which ran from 1985 to 1995, achieving a world-wide reputation for quality articles, fearless and honest reviews, and a great sense of humor. From 1997 the magazine was produced in collaboration with Robert Peczkowski and Artur Juszczak (Stratus), which meant a big leap in print quality and design. MMP expanded into book publication in 1999, and since then we have built up a list of books on aircraft and aviation, naval, military vehicles, and military history.