Eric Christianson
Reviews By Author
|
Fiat 2000 Italian Heavy TankPublished:
Vargas Models, a prolific maker of extraordinary resin, 3-D printed, limited-run armor models is back with another unusual subject; the Fiat 2000 Carro Armata or ‘heavy tank’. The Fiat 2000 was Italy’s first tank ever developed, with the first prototype displayed in mid-1917, and the final production prototype unveiled the following year. The FIAT 2000 was a substantial vehicle, of comparable dimensions to the British Mark V tanks, and weighing 40 tons as compared to the Mark V's 28 tons, making it ‘technically’ the heaviest tank of World War I, although it never saw combat. The layout of the FIAT 2000 differed to the other tanks then in use; the engine was separated from the crew - not placed behind the crew compartment as modern tanks, but below it. The mechanical… more |
|
US Marines WWII Figures Acrylic Paint SetPublished:
The AMMO range of acrylic paints for figures has recently been expanded to include another new set of paints specifically designed for the US Marines in the Pacific Theater, the subject of this review. Opening the box reveals a set of six industry-standard 17ml. ‘eyedropper’ style bottles of high-quality acrylic paint from their Ammo-Mig line, each containing a ‘stirring ball’ (a BB-sized steel ball to help mix the paint when shaking). The assumption is that the paint set would serve as a one-stop shop for producing the USMC uniform that bears its name, a favorite for military figure painters and armor modelers alike. (From the Manufacturer’s Website) (US Marines WWII Figures Set) Includes the colors used to represent the distinctive greenish tones of the jacket and… more |
|
M119/L118 105mm Light HowitzerPublished:
Up here in Seattle we have a large IPMS club. Over the past two years or so, one of our members, Rick Taylor, has been busy building a large variety of very unusual resin, 3-D printed, limited-run armor models from a small company called Vargas Models. Owner Luis Vargas specializes in 1/35th (and more recently 1/72nd) scale models that, for the most part, cannot be found elsewhere. His prolific output, along with Rick’s building expertise, has created quite a stir up here in Seattle. Rick drove most of his Vargas builds out to the recent Omaha Nationals and had them on display at the vendor booth, eventually picking up several awards in the show. I was lucky enough to be provided with one of the latest kits myself for review; the L118/M119 105mm Light Towed Howitzer. The two… more |
|
Erbsenmuster Pea Dot Camouflage PaintPublished:
The AMMO range of acrylic paints for figures has recently been expanded to include two new sets of paints specifically designed for the late war German Eichenlaubmuster (‘Maple Leaf’) and Erbsenmuster (‘Pea Dot’) camouflage schemes, the latter of which is the subject of this review. Opening the box reveals a set of six industry-standard 17ml. ‘eyedropper’ style bottles of high-quality acrylic paint from their Ammo line. The assumption is that the paint set would serve as a one-stop shop for producing the intricate uniform pattern that bears its name. These complex schemes have been a favorite for military figure painters and armor modelers alike. From the Manufacturer’s WebsiteThe M44 Dot Pattern - This set includes the colors required to paint the… more |
|
Waffen SS Autumn Camo German Eichenlaubmuster PaintsPublished:
The AMMO range of acrylic paints for figures has recently been expanded to include two new sets of paints specifically designed for the late war German Eichenlaubmuster (‘Maple Leaf’) and Erbsenmuster (‘Pea Dot’) camouflage schemes, the former of which is the subject of this review. Opening the box reveals a set of six industry-standard 17ml. ‘eyedropper’ style bottles of high-quality acrylic paint from their Ammo line. The assumption is that the paint set would serve as a one-stop shop for producing the intricate uniform pattern that bears its name. These complex schemes have been a favorite for military figure painters and armor modelers alike. From the Manufacturer’s WebsiteThe Eichenlaubmuster (‘Oak leaf’) Pattern - This set includes the colors required… more |
|
Winterizer Real Snow SetPublished:
This set contains all the products required to recreate the texture of snow on any surface including terrain, vehicles, and buildings. This product has been designed for easy use, particularly for beginners. With the products included in this set, you will be able to recreate recently fallen pure white snow to the distinctive slush and refreezing of the thaw. The unique formula ensures near identical real snow in any scale from 1/16th to 1/72nd, adding a stunning finish to your models, scenes and dioramas. These products can be diluted with water to make them more fluid. Once dry, you can apply effects with oils and enamels over the snow effect to obtain extremely realistic results. Non-toxic. Included in the box are:
|
|
German Type G4 PartisanenwagenPublished:
Ukraine-based ICM has enhanced their venerable six-wheeled G4 Staff Car with a couple of post-mounted Type 34 machine guns; a configuration that served to transport high command staff of the Wehrmacht, as well as guards and escorts. Vehicles in this variant were called Partisanenwagen. While the vehicle itself sports the older sprues from previous versions, the machine guns and mounts are new. HistoryOfficially introduced at the end of 1934, the three-axle Type G4 passenger car was designed by Daimler-Benz and produced until 1939. This heavy six-seater, off-road vehicle had an eight-cylinder engine with an output of 100 (later 110) hp and was designed for high-ranking officials of the Third Reich, as well as for the Wehrmacht where it was used as a staff car under… more |
|
Zimmerit Set for Tiger II Henschel TurretPublished:
Perusing the website of Monroe Purdue Studios (MPS), out of Simi Valley CA, will uncover a variety of unusual modeling products, including a growing set of very affordable laser-cut wood and paper Zimmerit sets, among a lot of other interesting items. Visiting their booth at the 2021 Las Vegas IPMS Nationals, I looked at a dozen or so build-ups in various stages of completion, demonstrating the uniqueness of their products. I came home with two sets; one a complete zimmerit set for the 1/35th scale HobbyBoss King Tiger II (the subject of this review), and a 1/35th scale laser-cut wood set for cases of wine (the subject of a separate IPMS review). DescriptionThe set for the King Tiger is purpose-designed for the HobbyBoss (Henschel Turret) kit, but also… more |
|
Wooden Wine CratesPublished:
Perusing the website of Monroe Purdue Studios (MPS), out of Simi Valley CA, will uncover a variety of unusual modeling products, including a growing set of very affordable laser-cut wood sets, among a lot of other interesting items. Visiting their booth at the 2021 Las Vegas IPMS Nationals, I looked at a dozen or so build-ups in various stages of completion, demonstrating the uniqueness of their products. I came home with two sets; a 1/35th scale laser-cut wood French Wine Crates set for cases of wine (the subject of this review), and a complete zimmerit set for the 1/35th scale HobbyBoss King Tiger II (the subject of a separate IPMS review). DescriptionThe French Wine Crates set comes with enough pieces to create a dozen cases of wine. The product comes on a single… more |
|
German AFV WWII Paint SetPublished:
Prolific Ukraine-based ICM has apparently set its sights on the competitive acrylic paint market. First out of the gate is nicely packaged six-bottle paint set specifically catered to their new 1/35th scale release of a German Marder I based on the French FCM 36 chassis (see separate IPMS review here). The box set comes with six bottles and a fold-out chart listing 77 colors and three varnishes, as well as a color swatch sheet. The chart compares the color range to the most popular current offerings, including AK Interactive, Tamiya, Humbrol, Vallejo, Gunze/Mr. Hobby, Testors/Model Master, RLM… more |