Bill O'Malley
Reviews By Author
|
Jeep Willys SAS, Pack 1Published:
Agora Models is a UK company based in London, England that specializes in high-quality large scale models. Agora has administrative offices in Tokyo Japan, North Carolina, US, and in the United Kingdom. The models are shipped from five warehouses around the globe. The first IPMS review sample SAS Jeep Pack 1 was sent from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA. Agora ships its models in 12 monthly parts, called ‘Packs’, that can spread the cost and workload over a longer period. The cost of a model does not change as the Packs are delivered. Agora continues production of the kit as Packs are released and does not release the first Pack without assurances that they can produce all parts of the kit. After production is complete, all Packs of a particular kit can be purchased at one time. … more |
|
The Various 'Tin Lizzie'Published:
The Ford Model T, nicknamed the Tin Lizzie, was produced from 1908 to 1927. Over 15,000,000 vehicles were produced in many configurations, including a sedan, roadster, light delivery vehicle, pick-ups, fire trucks, etc. The Tin Lizzie's were known for their affordability, reliability, and durability. Ukrainian-based ICM has produced several variations of the model T, including a 1913 speedster, a 1913 roadster, a 1917 ambulance, a 1914 firetruck, a 1912 light delivery car, a 1911 touring car, a 1912 commercial roadster, a 1917 LCP WW1 Australian army car and a 1917 utility Australian armor army car, a 1917 model T, a 1917 LCP with Vickers MG, and a RNAS armored car. Many of these kits were subsequently issued with passengers or crew. ICM frequently, combines several kits… more |
|
2025 Catalog, Plastic Model Kits & Acrylic PaintsPublished:
My first two impressions of ICM's 2025 catalog:
The 2025 Catalog is 92 pages (51 pages PDF) of high-quality photos of ICM’s range of kits. The variety of kits produced by ICM is amazing. The photos and printing of the catalog is very high quality. The catalog cover is printed on matte paper, but the image has a gloss finish, like an applied decal. Nice! The catalog is organized in the following sections:
|
|
Grex Genesis.XSi3 ES Airbrush SetPublished:
GREX’s Genesis.XSi3 ES is a dual action gravity fed airbrush with an external cup that can be installed on either side of the brush. This set included a traditional top button trigger rather than a pistol style trigger. The Essential Set comes with a 0.3 MM nozzle and a 7 ml side cup with lid, quick-fit magnetic nozzle, and needle. A magnetic cap snaps to the front of the brush to protect the exposed needle and can be removed for cleaning. The magnetic cap can also be stored on the back of the rear handle when not in use. A small wrench is also included. The quick start guide offers tips for ways to hold the airbrush, how to install the quick fit needle caps, how to install cups and bottles, and how to seat the needle. Brush Trigger OperationThe top button… more |
|
Instant Glue and TipsPublished:
Instant Glue from Green Stuff World is a single component cyanoacrylate glue that is advertised to set in 5–10 seconds. In my use, I found the glue to set almost instantaneously. The glue is best used with dissimilar materials including plastic, photoetch, rubber, metal, wood, and ceramics. When dispensed, the adhesive quickly reacts with the moisture in the air, so drying time is affected by humidity. In drier climates, the glue will take longer to set. The glue sets so quickly that I found it best to hold the parts together in the correct position and then apply the glue. Applying glue to the parts and then placing them does not allow any time for positioning. The CA glue seems strong as I did not have any problems with photoetch parts coming loose after the glue set. The… more |
|
Fairchild A-10 A/C Thunderbolt IIPublished:
From the Back Cover
This is the 30th book in the Duke Hawkins series of aircraft Photobooks from HMH publications. The book includes very high-quality photos of almost every detail of the… more |
|
Chrome Paints SetPublished:
Green Stuff World describes these chrome metal paints as a hydroalcoholic paint that imitates the appearance of chrome plating. Done correctly, these paints are easy to use and create the best chrome finish I’ve seen from a paint. There are six bottles included in this set.
The paints come in a 17 mL .57 fluid-ounce bottle with a dripper spout. The spouts are sealed so they must be drilled open before using. GSW says to thin the paints with alcohol if required. For the paint tests, I sprayed each color over a Tamiya gloss black base. GSW does not mention a requirement for the black base, but I… more |
|
Rust Liquid PigmentsPublished:
Green Stuff World’s Liquid Pigments are described as weathering filters with a powdered finish, no fixer required. The liquid pigments come in .57 fluid ounce bottles with a dripper cap. This rust set of colors included
My usual method for working with dry pigments is to apply the pigment by dropping onto the surface or applying with a dry brush. The excess pigment is then blown off, and the remainder worked in with a dry brush. The dry pigment is then left as is, or a liquid pigment fixture is applied in more exposed areas. I will also mix dry pigments with water into a thin, certain slurry that is applied by brush. When… more |
|
Weathering SticksPublished:
Green Stuff World Weathering Sticks are disposable sponge paint brushes that can be used to create stipple effects on models, similar to using bits of a sponge dipped in paint. The weathering sticks are like a pencil and in a much easier to use form than bits of sponges. The sponge material is enclosed in a white plastic sleeve, and the sponge can be pulled out and cut off to provide a new surface. The sponge can also be cut to different shapes to create different effects. The weathering sticks come in two sizes, 8mm and 15mm. The 15mm size comes two to a package and the 8mm comes 3 to a package. I use the sponge technique a lot when weathering models and I find these sponge sticks to be very convenient. The sponge can be pulled out of the tube slightly as paint dries and… more |
|
American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, 1918Published:
This box contains a compilation of several kits ICM previously issued individually. Included are 3 World War I vehicles and 2 figure sets. Most of the kits have previously been individually reviewed by IPMS USA: |