Eric Christianson is a father to two boys (Reed and Dean), the President of the Seattle Chapter of IPMS, and a long-time Little League umpire. He is also a devoted husband and companion to a wonderful woman named Jackie who enthusiastically supports his passions. Recently retired as a programmer, his home office has been scratch-built into ‘a perfect model room’. Modeling since he was a boy, Eric mostly builds armor these days, but still dabbles in 1/32nd aircraft and other types of models from time to time. He also enjoys presenting seminars on weathering and technique at local shows. Many of Eric’s kit reviews can be found on the IPMS USA website.

IPMS Number
42218

Reviews By Author

Parts Package

Panzerfaust 60 Set

Published: April 25, 2013
Company: Plusmodel

The Panzerfaust ("armor fist" or "tank fist") was a cheap, single shot, recoilless German anti-tank weapon of World War II. It consisted of a small, disposable preloaded launch tube firing a high explosive anti-tank warhead, and was operated by a single soldier. The Panzerfaust was in service from 1942 until the end of the war.

Plus Model from Czechoslovakia… more

Box Art

Marder II Mid-Production ’39 – ’45 Series

Published: April 6, 2013
Company: Dragon Models

Dragon Models has released the Marder II in 1/35 scale, another in an impressive line of German Marder (“Martin”) Tank Destroyer kits. Based on the venerable Pz.Kpfw. II chassis, this version of the Marder was phased out in 1943 for the Wespe self-propelled gun. The Marder name lived on, however, being coupled with the excellent Czech 38t chassis in the Marder III, which came in several… more

Box Art

Sexton II 25-pdr SP Tracked

Published: February 24, 2013
Company: Dragon Models

Dragon Models has released the Sexton II Self-Propelled Gun in 1/35 scale. Out of the box, the detailing looks absolutely stunning, even for Dragon. The engineering and detail of the on-board stowage, radio equipment, driver’s compartment, and surface texture is as good or better than any release I’ve seen. Their excellent 25-pdr Mark II main weapon has been pulled from a previous release, and… more

Tool Packaging

Pro Photo-Etch Scissors

Published: January 2, 2013
Company: Xuron Corporation

Xuron has released another pair of high-quality clippers from their line of consumer products used by modelers. The extra-long, ultra-sharp tips cut through PE like butter without bending or twisting it. The ergonomically shaped handles offer superb control and stability, as well as comfort. A return spring brings the tool back to the open position after each cut.

First and foremost,… more

Box Art

Flakpanzer IV Ausf.G Wirbelwind with Zimmerit

Published: January 2, 2013
Company: Dragon Models

Dragon has released the fourth in its series of German anti-aircraft Flakpanzers, this one sporting a molded-in coat of zimmerit, an anti-magnetic layer of paste added to the glacis, hull sides, and hull front and rear plates. Based on the PzKpfw IV Ausf.G chassis, the Wirbelwind (Whirlwind) utilizes Dragon’s highly acclaimed 2cm Flakvierling 38 four-barreled main armament.

The Kit… more

Box Art

British Heavy Assault Tank A-39 Tortoise

Published: November 23, 2012
Company: Meng Model

The relatively new Chinese company, Meng, has recently released the first-ever rendition of the British A-39 Tortoise, a behemoth ostensibly created to join battle with the German super-heavy tanks being designed at the close of World War II. The mind boggles at the specter of a platoon of (Tortai?) engaging a gaggle of MAUS monsters on the plains of Europe. Of the six vehicles completed,… more

Box Art

WWII Hungarian 20L Jerry Can & 200L Fuel Drum Set

Published: October 12, 2012
Company: Bronco Models

The Kit

This slick new set of Hungarian fuel drums and Jerry cans comes in a small, side-opening box with instructions and painting suggestions on the back. Three identical sprues of soft yellow-tan plastic and three sheets of photo etch make up the content. Expecting a run-of-the-mill modeling experience, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the engineering and design of… more

Box Art

Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier Half Track

Published: October 12, 2012
Company: Dragon Models

The Kit

This new Dragon ’39 to ’45 Series Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier (“Mule”) offering is the first completely new rendition of this veritable German workhorse to come along in quite a few years. The Maultier was used in every theater the Germans fought and was extensively modified for a variety of combat and support roles. The version offered by Dragon this time around is the standard cargo… more

Detail Packaging

Ju-87 Stuka Landing Gear

Published: September 24, 2012
Company: Scale Aircraft Conversions

The Parts:

This product contains 8 white metal parts that replace kit parts L18 and L21 (tail gear components) and L9/L10 + L11/L12 + L5/L6 + L23/L24 (main gear components). All parts are used and completely replace the kit parts.

Assembly:

Assembly using the SAC white metal parts is straightforward and simpler than the parts they replace… more

Box Art

Sd.Kfz.254 Tracked Armored Scout Car

Published: September 12, 2021
Company: Hobby Boss

The Kit

This new Hobby Boss offering represents the final version of an armored observation vehicle used mainly for scouting and communications. It was designed to operate efficiently both on-road and off-road, riding on conventional tires as well as tracks. At least that was the promise. Of 140 ordered early in the war, 129 were produced and fielded, seeing service in North Africa,… more