Allan Murrell
Reviews By Author
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S-64E Skycrane with Universal PodPublished:
ICM has provided this beautiful new release form the Skycrane Range for review, in this 1/35 scale model of the Civil S-64E Skycrane and Universal Pod. This is based on the original release Military versions..
The box is very big and contains a lot of sprues and it is very daunting when you first one it up. It is only the you realize the size of this helicopter at this scale. The detail quality is excellent in every way with this kit; crisp and detailed molding has become improved with every ICM kit. The assembly is easy but as this is such a big model there are a lot of steps. The assembly starts at the Cockpit as always and this one has a lot of… more |
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Images of War : German Self-Propelled Anti-Tank & Anti-Aircraft Guns 1939-1945Published:
This volume is part of the Images of War series, which I have found to be indispensable as reference material. The book provides in-depth coverage of the numerous German military self-propelled anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns used during World War II. These weapons played a crucial role in Germany's arsenal throughout the conflict. The publication features over 200 wartime photographs, offering both modelers and historians a wealth of visually engaging material. The book traces the evolution of these weapons during World War II, including an extensive look at tank destroyers and the Marder series in the anti-tank role. For anti-aircraft operations, the book explores a variety of unique platforms and weapon systems such as the Wirbelwind. The illustrations included serve as… more |
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USS Constitution – ShipCraft No 34Published:
This is part of a series of books by ShipCraft on warships and I have a few of these and are truly indispensable when building a model of the subject matter. This book goes into great detail on the iconic USS Constitution 44-gun Frigate from 1797. It was known as Old Ironsides and become famous for its actions during the War of 1812. It is now preserved in Boston Harbor for all to see and visit. The contents of the book are as follows: Historical Background
I found the career highlights to be the most interesting section to me and learnt a lot about a ship I thought I knew well! The modeling sections were also very informative,… more |
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P-40N Warhawk - ProfiPACKPublished:
Eduard has provided this beautiful new release from their P-40 range for review, in the form of this 1/48 scale model of the P-40N Warhawk. This is based on the original release from a few months ago. The kit contains six gray sprues, one clear sprue, one Photo Etch fret, one mask set, one decal sheet, and an instruction guide. AssemblyThe quality is excellent in every way with this kit, as crisp and detailed molding has become the norm for Eduard kits. The assembly is quick and easy. You must select which version you are going to build before you start, and I chose Box Art version “A”. The assembly starts at the Cockpit as is typical with aircraft, and this one has lots of detail even before you add any photo etch parts. The only item in the cockpit assembly I… more |
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The Japanese Battleship Yamato – Super Drawings in 3DPublished:
This is part of a series of books by Kagero on warships and I have a few of these and are truly indispensable when building a model of the subject matter. I was glad I got to review this book now as I am in the middle of building the Very Fire 1/350 Deluxe Edition and it was invaluable in helping with the Photo Etch and finals details on the build. This book goings into great detail via illustrations of the Imperial Japanese Navy Battleship Yamato as it was in 1945. The book is lavishly illustrated and includes a few 3D drawings, many of which are stunning. The illustrations give so much details as one could wish for as a modeler or history buff. I cannot recommend this book enough as its gives as much details as available on Yamato. Thank you to IPMS USA and… more |
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Long-Range Narrow Body Airliner B-707-124Published:
X Scale's latest release in their Airliner range is the classic B707-124. Included in the kit:
The sprue quality is great with this kit as it’s a new tool, with crisp and detailed molding. The assembly is quick and easy. I will not write about each stage. Instead, here are just a few points and comments for when you build this great kit The cockpit is the first assembly. The only points I had here were. 1- a decal for the instrument panel would have been nice. 2. There are two holes in the cockpit floor for the control columns but done were included in the kit (I scratch built mine) You also have to add weight to the nose… more |
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Confession Before the FlightPublished:
ICM has released this kit, which uses the older release American Made truck G7117, now with the addition of the Mobile Field Chapel, figures and accessories. Such chapels were used by British Army Chaplains to perform their duties in all theaters of war. The kit contains:
The detail quality is excellent in every way with this kit -- crisp and detailed molding has become the norm for the latest ICM kits. The assembly is quick and easy as we have come to expect from these kits. It was seamless in every way, so I will not spend time writing about each stage. Instead, here are just a few points and comments. The assembly begins with the chassis and the only… more |
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F-35: In Service with Air Forces Around the WorldPublished:
This book tells the story of the development, aircraft specification and service history of the F-35 and all its variations. The book is lavishly illustrated with photographs and line drawings, many of which are stunning, and I have not seen anywhere before. The history covers all areas from concept and development to meet the needs of the modern air forces. It shows the various prototypes and programs that directly lead to the F-35. The chapters on the engines were very interesting and provided a lot of information. The various chapters on the various operators give insight into the variations for the air forces modifications for their missions. This gives great insights and how they incorporated them into their existing squadrons. I highly recommend this… more |
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Colour and Scale 06 Henschel Hs 126Published:
The book is number 6 in a series of books covering aircraft. This book covers World War II German Luftwaffe Henschel Hs 126. This was a twin-seat Parasol wing reconnaissance and observation aircraft. It saw service from 1937 through to 1944. It first saw action in the Condor squadrons in the Spanish Civil War. This book was informative and full of great profiles and 1/72 scale outline drawings. It was a little lacking at 16 pages and could have been done with a few more unusual schemes that would have been added to the book. Thanks go to MMP Publications for providing this book to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them. |
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F-4F-4 Wildcat – Operation TorchPublished:
Arma has released their F4F-4 with the addition of Operation Torch marking and two bases in this very nice offering. The F4F-4 was originally released ea few months ago and this is a great option, I personally have a connection with Operation Torch as my father was part of this.
The detail quality is excellent in every way with this kit, crisp and detailed molding has become the norm for Arma Hobby kits. The assembly… more |