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Introduction: The primary organization of the IPMS/USA Review website is by IPMS/USA National Contest Class. Within each Class there are sub-menus by kits, decals, books, etc. The Miscellaneous Class is for items that are not class specific or that cross two or more classes.

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Review Author
Allan Murrell
Published on
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$29.36

The Panther is an iconic German World War II tank and this book is a very detailed manual of how to model it using the various Takom kits currently on the market.

The chapters are written by some of the best modelers in the world and they guide you through the process of building, painting and weathering the Takom kits. The book gives comprehensive cover of all the stages of construction and finishing.

The book also has a short but concise history of the Panther which includes some awesome photos, and a great chapter three which is a photo gallery of some museum Panthers.

Review Author
Eric Christianson
Published on
Company
Das Werk Scale Models
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$34.74

History

Frankfurt, Germany-based Das Werk has been busy in the ‘cool and unusual’ department as of late, providing model kits not usually covered by other manufacturers. I was initially attracted to their work by their high-quality boxing and the beautiful artwork that adorned their kits. Not satisfied with the run-of-the-mill subjects, DW continues to stick to its roots of providing interesting and imminently buildable kits for a good price. Their stunning Faun-based truck and trailer offering is the first I’ve seen in injection-molded plastic, and this review specifically covers the lowboy Sonderanhänger (‘special trailer’) 10-ton Sd.Ah.115. The Sd.Ah.115 was a light tank transporter tasked with transporting light tanks and other vehicles such as armored cars. The total weight of the trailer itself was just over 11,000lbs, and it sits about 30 feet long.

Review Author
David Horn
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$98.98

Aircraft and History

The Stearman PT-13 (Boeing model 75) “Kaydet” was a primary trainer used by the US Army Air force and the US Navy before and during WWII. The Stearman’s is a fabric covered, open cockpit biplane, powered by a radial engine and extremely rugged design which is ideal for a training aircraft. Introduced in 1934, the Stearman served as a trainer through the end of WWII. After the war, many surplus Stearman’s were sold on the civilian market and served in many roles like crop dusting and air shows. The PT-13 and PT-17 airframes are basically the same except for the engine where the PT-13 has a Lycoming R-680 radial (9 cylinder) and the PT-17 has a Continental R-670 radial (7 cylinder) engine. There are still a few Stearman aircraft flying today which you will see at local fly ins and air shows. Many of the aircraft owners will offer rides in their aircraft so if you get a chance, do not turn it down.

Book Author(s)
Mark Walker
Review Author
Ben Morton
Published on
Company
Veloce Publishing
MSRP
$41.22

Mark Walker has released a companion edition to an earlier Veloce Publication: Patina Volkswagens.

[For a through description of that publication, see Bill O'Malley's IPMS/USA review.]

Mr. Walker's latest foray into patina Volkswagens is entitled How To Build A Patina Volkswagen. This companion volume allows for a more through discussion and understanding of this trend (patina finishes) in automotive restoration circles. By exploring all the ends and outs of this trend, Mr. Walker provides the reader with a complete understanding of what is really involved with this trend in automotive restoration, particularly VW's.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
Company
Italeri
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$54.99

The Semovente

The Royal Italian Army began to deploy self-propelled artillery guns at the end of the 1930s. Their purpose was to provide support for tanks and infantry units. The “Semovente” 75 /18 was developed on the back of the “M” series medium tank hull, and it soon became the most feared Italian armored vehicle. The 75mm howitzer was a highly effective anti-tank weapon and was capable of destroying the most heavily armored British and American tanks. The “Semovente” was also valued for its low profile, which made it difficult to locate.