Manufactured in the Czech Republic Special Hobby produces a number of high-quality scale model kits. This one is in 1/48 scale of the Israeli SMB-2 Sa’ar (Storm in Hebrew) Super Mystere used by the IDF seeing action in the 1973 Yom Kippur conflict. Originally produced by Dussault, and upgraded to carry the Pratt and Whitney J 52 engine that also powered the A-4 Skyhawk. This extended the already worn-out airframes, increasing their performance and survivability in the process. They were retired from front line service in 1973.

First off, apologies to Fred Medel at Tamiya America for a long-delayed review. I’ve been busy building models for retired veterans and/or their family members and this one took a back seat.

That being said, wow, what a kit. Incredibly complex, but the fit is a modeler’s dream. As Dave Morrissette said when building its big brother in 1/48, many of the parts seem to “click” into place. In fact, the only serious fit problem I had probably resulted from too thick a layer of paint rather than any issues with the kit itself.

Jon Diamond, MD, is a U.S.-based kidney specialist enthusiastic about World War II history. An avid collector of historical photographs, he has authored several titles in Pen and Sword's Images of War series, including Stilwell and the Chindits, War in the South Pacific, Invasion of Sicily, Invasion of the Italian Mainland: Salerno to Gustav Line, 1943–1944,Onto Rome 1944: Anzio and Victory at Cassino, and Beyond Rome to the Alps: Across the Arno and Gothic Line, 1944–1945. His works also include Op Plunder: The Rhine River Crossing.

Book Specifics

With over 220 black-and-white images, Normandy Beyond The Beaches is the latest offering from Pen and Sword, published in December 2024. This 209-page book measures 6.75 by 9.5 inches and includes an introduction, six chapters, an epilogue, and a bibliography.