Imperial Japanese Navy Cruiser Mogami

Published: June 23, 2011
Company: Model Art

Although this large format publication on fine, heavy paper is almost entirely written in Japanese, it does feature an extensive set of line drawings detailing every bit of the surface features found on the various versions of IJN Mogami. Like 140 pages of them. Fortunately for English reading modelers, each page features explanatory text in both Japanese and English.

The IJN Mogami, originally built as a light cruiser, went through a number of yard overhauls and re-designs, emerging before WWII as a heavy cruiser and destined for fame starting with the Battle of Midway. The background for each of these versions is explained in the book, in English as well as Japanese, and sets of drawings for each version is included to aid the modeler in understanding and… more

Windsock Worldwide, Vol. 27, No. 2 - March/April 2011

Published: June 23, 2011
Company: Albatros Productions, Ltd.

This one is especially interesting to me because of the Wingnut Wings Hansa-Brandenburg W.29s on the cover and since I am in the process of finishing up one of these models. For WWI aviation enthusiasts and modelers, this publication is hard to beat.

Logbook entries review many of the latest WWI publications - magazines and books. This is followed by a big article entitled, "Builda Betta Burga!", which is dedicated to the Wingnut Wings W.29 kit. The editor builds a fine model and takes you through the build in detail, pointing out potential gotcha's and things to be aware of. There is also a page dedicated to the Benz Bz.III engine using contemporary drawings and what seem to be photographs. Nice.

This is followed by a good two-page article, "Aspects of the Hansa… more

German WW I machine gun Parabellum LMG14/17 (1pcs)

Published: February 21, 2011
Company: Master Model

Although suitable for other 1:32 scale kits, this Master barrel set is aimed at the new Wingnut Wings WWI two-seater aircraft such as the Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 or the LVG kits. Meant as a turned brass barrel replacement, along with a carry handle, side bracket and sights in PE brass, the parts are finely made and, other than the two barrel parts, very tiny.

Installation is simple. Cut off the plastic barrel assembly, drill out an appropriately sized hole, assemble the brass barrel and cooling jacket and CA them into the hole. The rest is not so simple.

Working with the tiny photoetched parts for the carry handle, sights and side bracket is frustratingly difficult. The handle has little contact area to glue to the cooling jacket, once you get it bent into proper shape.… more