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Book Author(s)
Robert Doepp
Review Author
Phillip Cavender
Published on
Company
AFV Modeller
MSRP
$35.00

The Book

Robert Doepp and AFV Modeller Publications capture for its readers a comprehensive detailed construction of a BMW R75 in 1:9th scale. Inspiration for this 112-page softbound book, “BMW R75 Escaping from the Falaise Pocket” comes from a rare black and white WWII image found in, Pallud, Jean-Paul. Ruckmarsch! The German Retreat from Normandy: Then and Now. Battle of Britain Internat., 2007. The German wartime image depicts a crew of 4 German paratroopers retreating on a BMW R75 with a sidecar attached.

Before this undertaking, several model magazines have showcased Robert Doepp’s work including Tamiya Model Magazine, Model Time, Dioramag and Steel Art. As well as being a contributor to several magazines, he has won numerous awards.

Review Author
Ron Bell
Published on
Company
Atlantis Model Company
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$19.99

The Kit

Remember these? This kit is from the dawn of armor modeling in the 50's. Aurora had a series

of 1/48 tank kits that included the Stalin III, Chi Ha, M-109, Swedish “S” tank, Centurion, M-70, and Churchill, none of which would be modeled in any scale for literally decades. This is the Atlantis re-release of the M-46 Patton.

There are 127 parts, including four crewmen. The tracks are of the rubber band type, but have decent detail, especially given the age of the kit, join together and fit well. The overall kit detail is on the sparse/simplified side and the turret MG is cartoonish, but over all it does look like a Patton. The lifting eyes are given as rings that you fit into slots in the turret and hull whereas in real life they are more inverted “U” shaped, but this is easily fixed by just nipping off one end. The main gun muzzle brake is decently done, but the barrel end needs to be drilled out. There are no brush guards for the lights.

Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Kitty Hawk
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$79.99

Kitty Hawk continues their release of the MiG-25 line with the MiG-25 PU Foxbat-C version. This version was a 2 seat conversion trainer for the MiG-25 P interceptors. It has a new nose section with 2 separate cockpits and has no combat capability.

Looking in the box, you get lots of sprues. There are sixteen gray sprues with well done parts with nice engraved panel lines. There is also two decals sheets representing the four markings included. There are resin parts supplied for the landing gear, cockpits and two superb pilot figures. Lastly, there is one sheet of photoetch. The markings allow the building of:

  • Ukraine Air Force 001
  • Russian Air Force Red “32”
  • Russian Air Force Red “34”
  • Indian Air Force

IPMS/USA did a great review of the Kitty Hawk MiG-25RB/RBT so I will concentrate this review on the differences.

Book Author(s)
Waldemar Goralski
Review Author
Marc K. Blackburn
Published on
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$24.95

Kagero, the prolific Polish publishing company, has released the newest addition to their series, Top Drawings. This is number 86, the German heavy cruiser, Prinz Eugen. Distributed by Casemate Publications, this 28 page paper book provides drawings and a color profile of the famous German cruiser. I imagine most of you know the ship’s history. It accompanied the Bismarck on its first and only voyage, accompanied the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in their famous channel dash, and ended her career in the Baltic.

Review Author
Ben Morton
Published on
Company
Hauler Brengun
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$19.95

Hauler is introducing a new 1/72nd scale diorama accessory that should find its way into a myriad of scenarios. Their Castle Fence set consists of both resin and photo-etched bits. On the resin front, there are five fence posts (36mm tall), one section of stuccoed wall (69mm x 21mm) and three sections of short, brick wall (69mm x 9mm).

Photo-etched parts are included for wrought-iron fencing along two sections of wall and a complete gate for another section. The photo-etched gate bits include both sides of the gate as well as latches and a gate support should you wish to pose it open. All of which is nicely illustrated in the assembly instructions.