Don Norton
Reviews By Author
M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer Walk AroundPublished: November 11, 2012 The Tank Destroyers were a short-lived branch of the U.S. Army in World War II, based around a theory that tank destroyers would be dedicated to fighting enemy tanks, freeing our tanks for infantry support. Furthermore, half the Tank Destroyer force would consist of towed anti tank guns. Gradually, the towed guns were replaced by self propelled vehicles, such as the M10, M36, and finally, the… more |
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U.S. Marines, Peleliu, 1944Published: November 5, 2012 On September 15, 1944, the U.S. 1st Marine Division began the assault on the island of Peleliu in the Palau Islands. What was expected to be a four-day battle turned into a two-month slug-fest as marines tried to root out the dug-in Japanese troops. This battle would prove to be, proportionally, the bloodiest battle the Marines would fight in WW II, made even worse by the fact the island had… more |
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German Rucksacks, WW IIPublished: November 5, 2012 Modelers of German WW II vehicles and figures will find this latest effort from Plus Model of interest. Packed nicely in the new, sturdy plastic packaging are nine resin pieces of German rucksacks, packs, and field gear. German troops were originally issued a back pack (Tornister) with a flap made of unshaven calf-skin. There were loops on the sides and top for straps to attach… more |
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Dog HousePublished: November 5, 2012 We never know what surprises Plus Model will spring on us. This little gem is one of those fun details that modelers will want to work into a diorama somehow. Plus Model has introduced a sturdier packaging system, and all the pieces are well protected by a hard plastic shell. The kit contains 3 parts in gray resin, and 14 laser cut pieces on two sheets of thin hardwood, and it builds up into a… more |
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Aeroscouts in VietnamPublished: September 12, 2012 When I heard Squadron was releasing this book, I just had to get my hands on a copy. During my time serving Uncle Sam, I was in an Air Cavalry unit in Vietnam, the 7/17th Air Cavalry, to be exact. The Aeroscouts were the bravest, toughest, scariest, craziest bad-asses in the unit, going out and picking fights with the North Vietnamese Army on a day-to-day basis. Getting shot out of the sky,… more |
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Soviet Military ServicewomenPublished: September 8, 2012 The Soviet Army of World War II included over 800,000 women. Initially, they were used in administrative and support roles, but by mid-war they had assumed roles as snipers, combat pilots, and tankers. 89 of them would receive the highest military honor, the Hero of the Soviet Union. This kit depicts women during the early stage of the war and provides all the fixings for a mini-diorama.… more |
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U.S. Tent StovePublished: August 28, 2012 Here’s another unusual subject from our friends at Plus Model. This kit features an M1941 U.S. tent stove and various accessories. The box contains 11 grey resin parts, a small length of fine wire, and a fret of photo etched brass with 3 parts. There is also a simple instruction sheet. I found no pinholes or imperfections on any of the parts. The M1941 Tent Stove was a light, portable… more |
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Table and SeatPublished: August 28, 2012 Plus Model has made a living providing us with little odds and ends of resin to liven up our modeling projects, and this is just such an item. From their Easy Line, the six pieces in the poly bag require minimum work. Molded in gray resin are a table top, 4 legs, and a 3-legged stool. The table is like a kitchen table, with drawers for utensils. It would seem a better choice for a seat would… more |
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WW II German Staff PersonnelPublished: August 17, 2012 Upon opening the box, you are greeted by the sight of one tan plastic sprue with 29 flash free parts. Past experience with ICM kits has shown them to be rather basic, compared to, say, Dragon figures, but that is not the case here. There is excellent facial and hand detail, and very fine seam details on the uniforms. These are nice figures, representing a German General, his aide, a female… more |
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The BazookaPublished: August 17, 2012 The bazooka was a weapon born of dire need. When World War II began, the U.S. Infantry had nothing to fight armor except the anemic 37mm anti-tank gun. Two U.S. Army officers, thinking outside the box, developed a rocket-powered weapon that was portable and able to defeat most armor of the time. Officially called a rocket launcher, it became known by the men who would use it as a stovepipe, or… more |