Chris Martin
Reviews By Author
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Bristol Beaufort Mk.1A with RAF PilotsPublished:
ICM continues their run of “dioramas in a box,” this time by kitting their recently released Bristol Beaufort Mk1A with tropical air filters (Kit 48311) with their RAF bomber and torpedo pilots (Kit 48090). BackgroundThe Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber entered service with RAF Coastal Command in late 1939. In the spring of 1942 all of Coastal Commands Beauforts were sent to the Mediterranean for use in attacking German convoys that were resupplying the Afrika Korp in North Africa. The high temperatures encountered in this region of the world required the carburetor air intakes to be modified to allow greater air intake. The Beauforts were initially stationed in Malta, but would later be moved to Egypt and the Pacific and Far East. What’s in the Box
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G7101 in German Service with InfantryPublished:
SummaryThis is a re-boxing of the earlier G7107 1½-ton truck. That kit was reviewed in December 2021 by Mr. Phillip Cavender. I used Mr. Cavender’s review as a “heads-up” for any issues. From reading his review ICM has changed the assembly sequence with this re-boxing. Mr. Cavender noted that the engine is assembled in steps 20-28 after the axles are attached to the frame (steps 16-19). In the current instruction sheet the engine is assembled first (in steps 16-25) and the axles attached after that (steps 26-45). The only difference with this set is that a new bag with three sprues to create four infantry figures with equipment. BackgroundThe following is excerpted from the instruction sheet. What’s in the Box
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AGM-84D Harpoon, AGM-88 HARM, AIM120C AMRAAM, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder Missile SetsPublished:
SummaryThese highly detailed missiles would make a great addition to any of today’s super detailed models. The text on the labels is legible with magnification. There is minimal construction, but be prepared to spend a lot of time applying the numerous small decals. BackgroundThe following are excerpts from the website. The description for the AGM-84D is from https://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-84.html The AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) is a new generation air-to-air missile. It has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability and is scheduled to be operational beyond 2000.The AMRAAM is… more |
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Southeast Asia Intruders (2) USN A-6a, A6-B & KA-6D Intruders in the Vietnam War DecalsPublished:
SummaryThis updated 1/48 decal sheet supersedes 48-006 and now includes additional options from 32-023 (VA-65) and 32-027 (VA-75). Five Navy squadrons are covered with multiple options for each squadron. New full airframe data/stencils provided for one aircraft; however, additional data/stencil sheets are also available to purchase separately, see 48-023. Decals also included for MERs and fuel tanks. What’s in the Bag7 total double-sided 8½ x 11 glossy sheets
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G7101 in German Service with InfantryPublished:
SummaryThis is a re-boxing of the earlier G7107 1½-ton truck. That kit was reviewed in December 2021 by Mr. Phillip Cavender. I used Mr. Cavender’s review as a “heads-up” for any issues. From reading his review ICM has changed the assembly sequence with this re-boxing. Mr. Cavender noted that the engine is assembled in steps 20-28 after the axles are attached to the frame (steps 16-19). In the current instruction sheet the engine is assembled first (in steps 16-25) and the axles attached after that (steps 26-45). The only difference with this set is that a new bag with three sprues to create four infantry figures with equipment. BackgroundThe following is excerpted from the instruction sheet. What’s in the Box
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Freightliner Heavy Dump TruckPublished:
SummaryThis kit represents a vehicle from the 1970’s-1980’s era as the dump body doesn’t have a rear door and lacks a debris/dust tarp. Today vehicles like this are only seen in use in quarries and not on the road. If one were to include a rear door could easily be scratch-built from styrene sheet and strip and debris/dust tarp made from styrene rod and Kleenex for a tarp. BackgroundThe following is excerpted from the instruction sheet. The renowned US Portland-based company "Freightliner Trucks", which operates in the industrial vehicle sector and is owned by the automotive giant Daimler, is mainly known for being one of the key manufacturers of trucks used for "on road" transportation roles. However, it is also important to recognize the… more |
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Structure/Infrastructure: Brick Paint SetPublished:
About Tru-Color PaintTru-color paint was formed by Rick Galazzo and Scott Cohen in 2008 in Phoenix, AZ. Tru-color paints are a solvent based paint. For those modelers out there who are also model railroaders, Tru-color is a reformulation of the old Accupaint formulation, modified to flow better and give a more glossy appearance after drying. There is currently over 600 colors in 7 separate product lines; railroad paints, naval ships, military armor, military aircraft, automotive colors, sprayable (air-brush ready) matte-finish colors and brush able flat-finish colors. Individual colors come in 1-oz. and 2-oz plastic jars. The SetTru-color paint set “TCP-10502: Brick” contains five brick colors and a light primer in 1-oz. bottles. There is… more |
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Acrylic Paint: Fire TrucksPublished:
About ICM PaintsWater-based acrylic paints by ICM. Paints are prepared for brush, for airbrush dilute it with water or ICM Thinner. The range includes 77 base colors, but colors can be mixed with each other to easily achieve a desired shade. The paint is stable after drying. A wide assortment of paint sets are also available. The SetICM acrylic paint set “Item 3031: Fire Trucks” contains six basic colors for use on most any type of fire truck. The front of the box has artwork of the AR-2 (43105) Special Fire Hose Truck. A small square of the six colors provided in the set appears in the lower right. The top has a photo of the six bottles. The rear of the box shows color callouts for an AR-2 (43105) Special Fire Hose Truck. Instructions for use are printed… more |
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AR-2 (43105) Special Fire Hose TruckPublished:
SummaryThe kit is an extremely well detailed version of the civilian AR-2 (43105) 6x6 in service as a special fire hose truck. The model has a complete chassis with a full engine, a well detailed cab, and a fire hose box with outstanding exterior detail. The fire hose box itself is empty. So if one wanted to display the doors open an interior would need to be fabricated. BackgroundThe following is excerpted from the instruction sheet. The special fire hose truck AR-2 (43105) is designed for mechanized laying of fire hose lines from the fire site to a water source. The vehicle is based on the off-road KAMAZ-43105 6x6 chassis. A specially prepared chassis is fitted with an all-metal body with side and rear doors. Inside, the body is divided into two… more |
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German Sd.Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther Ausf. G1Published:
SummaryThe kit builds up into a nice replica of the Jagdpanther Ausf G1. And while it has some odd points the overall look is spot on. The model is well detailed, but one must watch for option call-outs for the different vehicles. The parts layout and build sequence is simple and straight forward. BackgroundThe Jagdpanther G-1 was a dedicated tank destroyer based on the chassis of the Panther Ausf A. Armed with the formidable 88mm Pak 43 anti-tank gun, it first entered service in early 1944. Serving on both the Western and Eastern fronts, the Jagdpanther was capable of disabling any tank of the period, up to and including the heavily armed and armored Soviet IS-2. However, like many German innovations, it was too little, too late. With only 415… more |