Russian Light AA Gun Set

Published: November 13, 2016
Company: Meng Model

Meng Models exploded on the scene several years ago and has since built a reputation for interesting subjects and well-designed kits. With the release of a Russian Light Anti-Aircraft gun set, I am sure that their star continues to rise for the scale modeling community. You get four weapons – ZPU-1, ZPU-2. ZPU-4, and ZU-23-2 as well as several of their Chinese equivalents. As part of Meng’s… more

Crusader Mk III

Published: June 9, 2016
Company: Airfix

Given the long pedigree of Airfix, it is of no surprise that from time to time, they re-release older kits such as the Crusade Mk. III. The vehicle is iconic and was the mainstay of the British armored force in their extended campaign in North Africa. The vehicle’s history is summed up in the instructions:

The Crusader Tank was one of the… more

Kayak Robot

Published: February 24, 2016
Company: Academy Models

Academy is one of the most eclectic kit manufacturers on the market. Not only do they make traditional models in a range of scales, they also make educational kits such as this one. It’s nice to see a mainstream company try a variety of strategies to entice younger modelers into the hobby.

The Kit

There are four sprues, all of translucent plastic that are of… more

Da Vinci Helicopter

Published: February 20, 2016
Company: Academy Models

For several years now, Academy Plastic Model Company has been producing a series of kid-friendly kits based on the designs of Leonardo Da Vinci. I love these little kits. I have the armored car in my office as a conversation piece. These are, perhaps, more toys than traditional model kits but are a perfect kind of kit to introduce kids to modeling. This particular kit is modeled after Leonardo… more

Magach 7C "Gimel"

Published: February 14, 2016
Company: Academy Models

Academy continues its tradition of rendering armored fighting vehicles of the Israeli Defense Force. They have kitted several variants of the Merkava and are now doing a second variant of the Magach series (The first being Magach 6B Gal Batash, kit #13281). The Israelis are well known for renovating and modernizing older vehicles, the Magach being a prime example of this tradition. Using older… more

R.M.S Titanic

Published: February 3, 2020
Company: Academy Models

Academy, the prolific Korean kit maker, continues to appeal to a broad spectrum of model makers. Kits that are easy to assemble have always been an entry point for modeling. Academy continues this trend with this very easy to assemble kit of the Titanic. There’s no need to retell that story here. The Titanic has been the subject of many kits, so here’s another one to add to your Titanic… more

Bedford MWD Light Truck

Published: December 4, 2015
Company: Airfix

Airfix continues to knock out quality 1/48th kits as they continue surging ahead making a wide variety of kits. Their newest offering is a 1/48th version of the Bedford MWD truck. A 4x2 vehicle that entered service right before the war started, the Bedford saw service in France in 1940 and would continue to service with the RAF and the British Army after they re-entered the continent in June,… more

T-64 Main Battle Tank

Published: October 3, 2015
Book Author(s): Steven J. Zaloga, illustrated by Ian Palmer
Company: Osprey Publishing

The New Vanguard series is Osprey’s long running series that looks at weapon systems through the ages. One of their most prolific authors, Steven J. Zaloga, has turned his considerable talents toward one of the most least understood Soviet Main Battle Tanks, the T-64. Unlike other Soviet tanks that were exported around the world and have seen combat, the T-64 has largely remained within the… more

US Marine vs NVA Soldier - Vietnam 1967-68

Published: September 4, 2015
Book Author(s): David R. Higgins; Illustrator: Johnny Shumate
Company: Osprey Publishing

Osprey is a publishing house in the United Kingdom that should be familiar to most modelers, historians, and military history buffs. Osprey continues to expand their product line and one of their newest series is combat. The books examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of two adversaries across the historical timeline, from ancient empires to modern conflicts. This particular volume… more

Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Guns of the Soviet Union

Published: May 14, 2015
Book Author(s): Mike Guardia
Company: Osprey Publishing

Osprey Publishing is a publishing house that has dominated the casual military history market for years, publishing dozens of military history titles every year. Their long running New Vanguard series continues with the exploration of Soviet era armor with a volume on self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. As is typical of these volumes, it is packed with color profiles, black & white… more