Bob LaBouy
Reviews By Author
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Alpha Graphics Professional Sanding FilmPublished:
SummaryThis is a review of one of the many Alpha products designed specifically for scale modelers. I have long been a fan of Alpha products in many of their forms. Especially their micro sanding pads which allow me to perform very finely detailed sanding and polishing. With this 5 pack I can use the entire sheet of sanding film or by combining the sheet (or smaller cut pieces) use them in model sanding. I also use smaller pieces cut into strips and held in place with double sided tape and mounted on small popsicle sticks. Alpha Graphics has produced their products for over 75 years and long established their reputation for high quality, long lasting sanding products. From the manufacturer’s statements: “These abrasive sheets have razor sharp grit embedded in… more |
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Cobblestone StreetPublished:
SummaryThis is a review of a base which is made of finely molded piece of medium grey resin base. I thoroughly enjoyed working with this diorama base. Unlike many of the bases I have previously worked with, the Tiger Werke base is (a) reasonably priced, (b) lays flat on the table without having to be sanded or otherwise manipulated, (c) takes a variety of paints and or primers (I used an acrylic by Mission Models, though I also tested a small patch with both Alclad’s Lacquer and their Aqua Clear Gloss—both of which worked very well), (d) finished up with a patch work mosaic pattern of what to my mind resembles a cobblestone pattern and (e) used a number of Vallejo Model colors to paint the individual tile pieces. I suspect there is a multitude of cobblestone designs or… more |
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Earth Red Brown PaintPublished:
IntroductionThere is a wealth of information on the web regarding the various colors commonly used by the US Army (and Marine Corps) in the US Mobility Equipment Research & Design Command, commonly known as MERDEC camouflage patterns. I recommend these basic URL’s for your research. I have also attached two images of vehicles painted in MERDEC schemes to better illustrate these camouflage patterns. |
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M4A3E2 'Jumbo'Published:
Background‘The new German tanks were the headache of ordinary Sherman tanks. The mass production of the M26 Pershing was still some time away. The M4A3E2, a special Sherman variant nicknamed “Jumbo” was thus born. It received much thicker chassis and turret armor on the basis of M4A3. It could withstand the shot of large caliber German tank guns and anti-tank guns. Later, it was refitted the 76mm main gun and had better anti-armor capability. In the end of December 1944, a “Jumbo” tank of the 4th Armored Division under the command of Patton led a unit of U.S. soldiers to break the German Siege of Bastogne and joined forces with the 101st Airborne Division. This operation reversed the situation of the Battle of the Bulge. The latest MENG Sherman series… more |
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French Soldier vs German Soldier - Verdun 1916Published:
In his organization of this book, Mr. Campbell provides a logical approach to this ground combat at Verdun. The Table of Contents provides for the basic outline:
The publishers’ notes include this summary of Campbell’s book: “On 21 February 1916, the German Army launched a major attack on the French fortress of Verdun. The Germans were confident that the ensuing battle would compel France to expend its strategic reserves in a savage attritional battle, thereby wearing down Allied fighting power on the Western Front. However, initial… more |
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M1 Abrams: The US’s Main Battle Tank in American and Foreign Service, 1981 - 2019Published:
In this book, Number 17 in the TankCraft series, author David Grummitt, has provided many tools for the modeler and historian alike. The Table of Contents provides for the basic outline:
Richly illustrated with black and white and color photographs, color and black & white line drawings. The color side views provide a great visual guide for the modeler. The early… more |
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Tank Wrecks of the Western Front 1940-1945Published:
Table of Contents
Other related titles in the Images of War series by Anthon Tucker-Jones This fine book is yet another in Pen and Sword Military Images of War series of publications. In this book, Mr. Tucker-Jones traces the use and deployment of both Allied and Axis armor through the wrecks left on the… more |
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Tempest Mk. V Landing GearPublished:
This white metal landing gear set was specifically designed as the replacement for the latest 2019 Eduard model of the Tempest Mk.V. There are now two such kits as single kits and dual kit ‘Royal Class’ boxing affording the modeler to build several of the Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC). The SAC gear provides the modeler with a replacement while metal landing gear set, including the main gear and the rear tail strut. One great advantage of the SAC metal gear is their ability to be bent where necessary to more accurately sit on the gear. My first task was to remove the visible seam lines, using small sanding sticks and no. 11 blade scalpel. I then primed each piece, using my standby Mission Model black primer, which allows me to easily see where I might have missed when… more |
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Battle of Berlin 1943-1944Published:
This fine book is yet another in Osprey’s Air Campaign series. It concerns itself with the massive bombing efforts over Germany in late 1943 through 1944. The author provides an excellent overview it’s chronology, including the daylight bombing raids over Berlin, Hanover, Peenemünde, Hamburg, Magdeburg, Stettin, Leipzig, Augsburg and numerous other targets. Of particular interest is the outline the leadership and organization of both allied offensive and the German defensive forces—both in terms of the array of aircraft, bases and the defensive guns and equipment utilized by both axis and allies. In the author’s campaign, there are clearly defined outlines dealing with many of the main air battles, including two of primary interest: The Berlin raids over the 22nd… more |
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Meng Leopard 2 A7+Published:
A Very Brief History of the LeopardDuring the late 60’s Germany began to plan for new primary main battle tank which would replace the M48 Patton tanks purchased from the US (in service through 1993). Early designs were grouped around the initial concept called the MBT-70, though it never got past the initial design with only a wooden hull constructed. For several years numerous prototypes were designed leading to the Leopard I design in 1965, which used a German built 105mm Royal Ordnance gun. These tanks continued in use through 2003 and included 4744 main battle tanks. In the early 1970’s additional development work began with the German Defense Ministry and the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH (known as KMW) leading to the development of the second series of the… more |