Ben Morton
Reviews By Author
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Arado E-377Published:
This Mistelproject was one of the last glide bomb developments submitted to the RLM before the end of WWII. Arado, working with Rheinmetall-Borsig, designed a simple glide bomb that could be powered or unpowered, and carried beneath the Arado 234 or Heinkel 162. The purpose of this flying bomb, which could be guided by remote control or a target guidance system, was to attack targets such as ships or large fixed objectives. Construction of the E.377 was wooden throughout the entire aircraft. The fuselage was circular in cross section and was cigar-shaped. Mounted in the nose was 2000 kg (4408 lbs.) of Trialen 105, a high-explosive especially suitable for ship attacks. In addition, 500 kg (1202 lbs.) of an incendiary liquid was stored in the rear fuselage which also acted… more |
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U.S. Combat Task Force FleetPublished:
Atlantis Models has, for a while now, been re-releasing various manufacturers older kits. As the new puryeor of some of the older Aurora, Revell, Monogram and Lindberg molds these kits really are tugging at the ole nostalgia thread for many of us. One of these offerings is a collection of warships from the mid to late 1940's to the 1950's: U.S. Combat Task Force Fleet. This kit began life as a Renwall kit in the late 1950's. It has been passed around a bit (Pyro to Life Like to Lindberg) and now finds itself among the multitude of offerings from Atlantis Models. The kit consists of twelve warships. There is an aircraft carrier, a fast battleship, severalcruisers and destroyers as well as a few auxillary ships. One more modern-era ship is represented by the SSB(N) … more |
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F-16C Fighting Falcon CFTPublished:
F-Toys/Platz have been producing small-scale (1/144th) aircraft kits for a few days now and originally released their F-16 kit in 2015. This latest iteration has new parts and decals that will allow you to build an F-16C with conformal fuel tanks. The new parts, in a soft resin, are those tanks and decals for a test bed aircraft stationed at Eglin AFB circa 2001 and another assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron at Misawa AFB, Japan. The kit comes in an open-ended box with some extra bits that will allow you to build several different configurations should you so choose. At the very least you will have some excellent parts (various under-wing stores) for the spares box. There is even a pilot figure. Another nice addition is an alternative vertical stabilizer with the braking… more |
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Pin Up GirlsPublished:
I am familiar with Green Stuff World but was unaware that they branched out into water-slide decals. They have done so with a varied selection of after-market sets that will help you with your next project. (In particular are the three different sets of graffiti art!) This review concerns itself with their Pin-Up Girls decal set. There are two sheets in the package with twelve different 'girls' depicted along with roundels that could be used separately or as background for the ladies. German and Japanese 'kill markings' are included along with stars and assorted shark-faced bombs. Each decal, thoughtfully provided in left- and right-hand versions, is printed in three different scales (28mm / 1/58, 32mm/ 1/54, and 54mm/1/32). They are, however, more than adaptable to… more |
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SA-9 GaskinPublished:
Hot on the heels of Brengun's 1/144th scale BDRM-2 scout car (item # 144061 ) comes the anti-aircraft version of the base vehicle. With addition of some optional parts the vehicle is equipped with the launcher for the Strela-1 missiles and additional ready rounds that mount the outside of the vehicle. Following on the previous release (the basic BRDM-2) Brengun also includes some photoetch for rear details (propulsion cover and rear stowage lockers), rear taillights, headlamp protectors for the front and a chassis mounted rear view mirror. Putting this all together begins by removing the resin pouring stubs from the appropriate components. The tires are cast as single parts and benefit from drilling out the mounting dimples to achieve a better fit on the axle stubs integral to… more |
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APA-50M (ZiL-131)Published:
This is a great kit! If you typically model in 1/72nd scale this will make a fine addition to a diorama or vignette involving any mid 1950's to current scenes. Assembly is straight forward with minimal effort, paints up nice and more than looks the part of an airfield mobile electric truck. You may wish to buy several copies.... This release from ICM Holding of an airfield mobile electric truck, the APA-50M, is a welcome addition to their 1/72nd line of soft skinned vehicles. Detail has not been sacrificed but it has been simplified. (No complete engine, for instance.) The engine (lower portion only), air tanks, power take-off, drive shafts, suspension and axles are all individual parts. Which is where assembly begins. In addition to those aforementioned parts are some… more |
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BRDM-2 Soviet Armored CarPublished:
From Military-Today.com: The BRDM-2 scout car was developed as a replacement for the previous BRDM-1. It was officially adopted by the Soviet army in 1962 with production commencing in 1963. Production ceased in 1989. Around 10 000 units including variants were built. Currently this amphibious scout car it is in service with Russian army and over 50 countries worldwide. Armor of the BRDM-2 provides all-round protection against 7.62 mm ball rounds and small caliber artillery fragments. The BRDM-2 turret is armed with a 14.5 mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. The heavy machine gun penetrates 32 mm of steel armor at a range of 500 m. The BRDM-2 is powered by a GAZ-41 petrol engine, developing 140 horsepower. This scout car has an uncommon feature for… more |
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Terraform Thin ConcretePublished:
AMMO's Terraform Premium Textures series includes a number of different shades of texturing material for your next project. Or if you are just in the mood for a new landscaping adventure. The subject for today's missive is their Thin Concrete. This product comes in a 100ml tub and as is the case with all of AMMO's texturing products, is water soluble. A fact that came in handy as my sample was a tad dry. I added a little distilled water which returned the texturing material to a more malleable state. These products can also be mixed with any acrylic based paint or other textures. It should be noted that the dried material does make convincing street or building rubble. I applied a thin layer of Thin Concrete to a piece of cork and allowed that to dry. AMMO's website notes… more |
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Terraform Premium Textures ConcretePublished:
With a new acrylic formulation and from natural minerals, AMMO's new acrylic formulation of texturing product, Terra Form Premium Concrete, enables you to recreate 'real' concrete. The light grey tone with a variable texture also grants you the ability to create realistic groundwork for your small scenes and dioramas. The texturing product is recommended for scales 1/48th to 1/16th but don't let that be a limiting factor as you move forward with your plans. The Terra Form concrete comes in a 100ml tub and may be thinned with water and may be combined with other AMMO texture products for custom tints. Clean-up is a breeze as that can be done with the aforementioned water. This along with all of AMMO's texturing products dries completely within 24 hours and may be sanded should… more |
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Terraform Premium Textures ConcretePublished:
With a new acrylic formulation and from natural minerals, AMMO's new acrylic formulation of texturing product, Terra Form Premium Concrete, enables you to recreate 'real' concrete. The light grey tone with a variable texture also grants you the ability to create realistic groundwork for your small scenes and dioramas. The texturing product is recommended for scales 1/48th to 1/16th but don't let that be a limiting factor as you move forward with your plans. The Terra Form concrete comes in a 100ml tub and may be thinned with water and may be combined with other AMMO texture products for custom tints. Clean-up is a breeze as that can be done with the aforementioned water. This along with all of AMMO's texturing products dries completely within 24 hours and may be sanded should… more |