Allan Murrell
Reviews By Author
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Tank Craft – Panther German Army Medium Tank Italian Front 1944-1945Published:
This is no 38 in the Tank Craft series which details tanks and also covers model kits and accessories to build the tanks covered in the book. This book covers the Panther German Army Tank on the Italian Front 1944 to 1945. The Panzerkampfwagen V Panther was a great tank and was better that most allied. It was very successful on most fronts except Italy where the terrain was a hindrance to the performance of this tank. I found this book contains so much detailed information and pictures of the Panther and its variants. The Profile pictures are a particular favorite and has given me a few great ideas of the color schemes for when I build my many Kits. The chapter on the different model builds and kits are of great interest and will provide a good resource when modeling… more |
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Soviet-Era AirlinersPublished:
This is the 1st volume of a new Key Book Historic Commercial Aircraft Series – Soviet-Era Airliners, The Final Three Decades. This book covers the history of the demise of the great soviet airliner fleet from 1991 to today. The Soviet designed and manufactured Airlines have always been fascinating with me as I watch the changes and downfall happen during this period while working in the airline industry. The chapters are fascination and give way more details that I expected in such an apparently small book. The chapters most aspects of the decline and changes in the Soviet Airlines and its way through the historic changes happening in the Soviet world. This book does excellent work showing the main airlines world-wide using these aircraft. It goes on to explain the aircraft… more |
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U-Boat Type 'Molch' – WWII German Midget SubmarinePublished:
ICM has provided this very midget Submarine for review, in 1/72 scale of the U-boat Type ‘Molch’. The Molch was a single seat ultra small submarine developed for costal operations. With serial production starting in July 1944 with around 393 were produced in the Bremen. They operated mainly in the Mediterranean and North Sea completing round 140 missions.
The detail quality is excellent. The Assembly is quick and easy. The assembly starts with the main hull adding the viewing ports and the sailor compartment which is very minimal as you would expect with a midget submarine. Remember to paint the interior of the hull with the color “G” from the… more |
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IDF ¼ Ton 4x4 SIYUR reconnaissance and TOLAR Recoilless Rifle VehiclePublished:
AFV Club has put two kits in one packaging for the IDF Jeep Siyur (Reconnaissance) and Tolar (Fire Support) versions that were in service with the IDF from around early 1965 to the end of the Yom Kippur war in 1973. They were used in large numbers and for many functions during this period.
The detail quality is excellent with only a few pin marks to remove. Siyur and Tolar ConstructionAssembly stages 1 to 3 are identical for both versions, so I built both in parallel. The only issues are that the color call outs have several mistakes in both instructions in various stages so beware. The engine… more |
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V3000S "Einheitsfahrerhaus" and Acrylic Paint Set - Wehrmacht TrucksPublished:
ICM has provided this V3000S German Truck from World War Two. It had a payload of 3t tons and was assembled in the Ford Plant in Cologne from 1941 to 1945. This version “Einheitsfahrerhaus” was produced from 1943 with a cab made from Pressed wood to simplify production and reduce cost due to material shortages. It was used in every German WWII theater of war.
The detail quality is excellent, although there is a lot of flash, seam lines and pin marks to remove and improve. I decided to paint the assemblies as I was building the kit, the paints are good, but you do need to experiment with the thinning mix and thinner you use. I would recommend Water… more |
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Images of War – German Self-Propelled Artillery at war 1940 to 1945Published:
The book is another in the great Images of War series. This book covers the history and actions of the German Self-Propelled Artillery at war 1940-1945 in rare photographs. The book covers all the major battles as shown in the Chapter titles.
The images in the book are excellent and cover all the various Self-Propelled Artillery Vehicles used by the German Army in WWII. The book is full of amazing photos, many gave me an insight into the conditions I have not considered before. There is a lot of Diorama inspiration in this book. Thanks go to Pen and Sword / Casemate… more |
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WWII German 5 Litre Oil CansPublished:
Hauler has provided another addition to the great Accessories releases with this WWII German 5 5-litre oil can set. The set includes a 6 oil can. The detail quality is great. The parts only need to be removed from the mold base, cleaned up are ready to paint. The only assembly after painting them green is to add the single decal. Thanks go to Hauler for providing this kit to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them. |
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Dio Drybrush Paint Set - Sand ColorsPublished:
I must admit that when I first saw these paints, I did think that they were not really needed in this hobby as we have been dry brushing using normal paint for many years. But I have been using them now for some time and I confirm they are in fact another useful product. This set is very good, and I used them on a German North Africa Stug. and with great results. I have also used this in an airbrush for shading and as a paint on other materials so they can be used in other ways very successfully. SummaryThese are very useful, and I have found it a great addition to my toolbox! Thanks go to Ammo by Mig Jimenez for providing this set to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them. |
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Images of War – The Italian Campaign 1941 to 1945Published:
The book is another in the great Images of War series. This book covers the history and actions of the Allies during the Italian Campaign from the invasion if Sicily in 1943 to the end of the war in June 1945. The books front cover I think may be incorrect at it states 1941 not 1943. This is the forgotten campaign as it was later overshadowed by D-Day. In Italy there were over 600,000 Casualties and well over 100,000 dead. Soldiers of many nationals took part in this campaign. The fighting at time was some of the most grueling and hardest fought campaigns of the war. The book covers all the major battles as shown in the Chapter titles.
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The Avro Lancaster (including the Manchester), Part One – Wartime ServicePublished:
This is the 20th book in the Airframe and Miniature Series. This book covers the Lancaster and its predecessor the Manchester. This is part one of a series on the Lancaster and covers the Wartime Service. These books cover the development of the Aircraft, detailed walk around pictures, profiles and covers model kits and accessories to build them. I found this book a fountain of information and rare pictures of the development of the Lancaster and the Manchester. The Profile pictures are a particular favorite and awesome source for modelling. Also, the in-detail section covering the interior etc. is perfect for the Border Models 1/32 scale kit. The chapter on the different model builds and kits are of great interest and will provide a good resource when modelling these… more |