Bob LaBouy
Reviews By Author
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F-104G CockpitPublished:
This KitThis is not a new kit and was previously reviewed by Mark Andrews in February 2020 and followed up with an after-market seat belt set review by Chris Smith. I strongly recommend you read both of these reviews and I hope I have avoided repeating those reviewers’ contents. After it’s initial issue by ESCI, way back in 1983, this kit is clearly showing its age especially in terms of the industry’s newer molding technology. While I rate the fit of most parts is passible and the overall accuracy of the kit as good, you should be prepared for a 1983 ESCI kit effort (reboxed in 2001 and now 2020). I also have one of the earlier kits and cannot find any differences in the 37 years between these two kits. The BuildThe kit is a reasonably easy build… more |
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M3 Lee GrantPublished:
From the publisher’s notes on this book: “This volume is the most detailed study yet presented of the M3 Lee/Grant tanks, illustrating and describing the development, production, and use of these iconic vehicles by US, Commonwealth, and Russian forces during WWII. The tanks, their power plants, and production techniques used by each manufacturer are shown from assembly line to front line through this profusely illustrated book, including numerous never before published vintage photos.” The Table of Contents provides this basic outline:
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F-100 Super Sabre In Detail & ScalePublished:
In this review, I began by comparing Bert’s initial F-100 book, published way back in 1989 which was 72 pages in length (D&S Vol.33) priced at $9.95. With the newest Detail & Scale Series Volume 11, you’ll get 104 pages (at approximately twice the price) and you will see a dramatically increased amount of color images and increased amount of details about the F-100. If this earlier print version can be located, I recommend to pick up a copy, since there are a good number of differences of the photos offered. I was especially impressed with two of the narratives provided in the book’s ‘Super Sabre Pilot’s Report’ and ‘The Super Sabre In Southeast Asia’ both of which well documented with numerous photographs. The Table of Contents provides for this basic outline… more |
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Tiger Battalion 507Published:
Tiger Battalion 507The Table of Contents provides this basic outline:
As a preface to this very interesting book, the author, Mr. Schneider provides a snapshot of himself, aged 19, Schneider volunteered for the Panzer Arm in March 1941. He was one of the… more |
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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 |