Mike Van Schoonhoven
Reviews By Author
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Tanks of Hitler's Eastern AlliesPublished:
Much has been written in regard to the tank battles that happened on the eastern front with heavy emphasis on either the Germans or the Russians. This book looks into the smaller countries and the vehicles that were used during this campaign. By reading the book, you find out that some of these countries were not true allies to Germany. Many were forced to side with Germany and some tried to get out of this "alliance" but were drawn back in through kidnappings of their family members and other strong-arm tactics. This book is clearly written and easy to follow. There are many black and white period photographs, color artwork, line drawings, cut-away drawings, and charts of the vehicles. As a modelling reference, this book is an armor modeler’s dream. Do you like German-,… more |
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Model Art - Air Model Special No. 1: Air War Over Vietnam, U.S. Navy Aircraft, Part 1Published:
This is one of Model Art Modeling Magazine’s special editions. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One attraction of these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used. This issue starts off with sixty nine pages of models. These pages are chock-full of color photographs, line drawings, and tips and tricks to building the models. The models used are the Academy 1/48th F-4B Phantom II, Hasegawa 1/72nd F-4J Phantom II and F-8E Crusader, Academy 1/72 F-8E Crusader, Zoukei-Mura 1/32nd A-1H Skyraider, Tamiya 1/48th A-1H Skyraider, Hasegawa 1/48th A-4E Skyhawk, and A-4F Skyhawk, Airfix 1/72 A-4B Skyhawk, Fujimi 1/72nd A-4C Skyhawk, Kinectic 1/48th A-6A Intruder, Revell 1/48th A-6E Intruder, Hasegawa 1/48th A… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #870, June 2013Published:
Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. The magazines’ striking feature is the high quality of the photographs showing the models used. This issue has two feature articles instead of just one, as normal. The first article covers the Pz.Kpfw. IV. They use models of an Ausf. D by Tamiya, Ausf. F2(G) by Dragon, Ausf. H early by Tamiya, and an Ausf. J late production. These are all 1/35th scale. Within the article, they go over how to improve these models, along with a breakdown of German gray between three different paint manufacturers (Mr. Color, Tamiya enamels, and Vallejo). The last part of the article consists of photos of a Pz. IV Ausf. J. in a museum, along… more |
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Fortress – German Armour in the Defence of SicilyPublished:
ADH Publishing is a UK-based magazine company that produces a multitude of model related magazines. Some examples are Military Illustrated Modeler, Model Military International, Tamiya Model Magazine International, and Model Airplane International, along with a host of RC magazines. This magazine covers the units of the German Army in defense of Sicily. Even though this magazine only consists of thirty-three pages, there are a lot of great references. A narrative starts off the magazine with several excellent period photographs embedded within it. The rest of the magazine is loaded with many period photographs with captions, campaign maps, loss charts of the Divisions involved, a full page of color divisional markings, and color drawings of… more |
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Spitfire Aces of Burma and the PacificPublished:
This book follows the operational use of the Spitfire starting in Australia, moving into India, then onto Rangoon, The East Indies, and then with the last mission being flown on 10 August 1945. The last mission that day was a search for a Mosquito in distress. The author takes you on a journey as the book goes along, using many first-hand accounts and after-action reports. It is interesting to read about how these pilots had thought that they had encounter one type of Japanese plane only to find out through the author’s research that it was a different type. Just goes to show how in the heat of combat everything becomes a blur and you just start relying on your training. The book is loaded with period black and white photographs showing these aircraft in action. There are… more |
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M103 Heavy Tank 1950 - 74Published:
Following the conclusion of World War II the U.S. Army and the U.S.M.C. were in dire need of a heavy tank to keep up with the Soviet armor force. After many years of development and testing the M103 was ready to go into production. Through the development of the M103 there were several variants developed. The main variant being the M51 heavy tank recovery vehicle. The M103 never served in a war zone, but was deployed in Germany and, of all places, Guantanamo, Cuba. The M103 was retired after only fourteen years of operational service. The author and Osprey publishing do a very good job of telling how the M103 came to be and then finally being put into service. The writing is very clear and they use photos and artist drawings of the M103 in combat, which it never was, just kind… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #868, May 2013Published:
Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One quality about these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used. In this months magazine the feature article on probably one of the most daunting tasks that many modelers fear. Finishing models in natural metal finishes! This tends to send fear into the hearts of many modelers, including myself. Model Art covers this subject in thirty seven pages using plastic models, actual pictures and paint examples with a mix of color and black and white photos. The models used are an F-86, T-33, C-46, H-21 and T-6. They use several different mediums to get the desired effect. The paint of choice… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #867, Special Edition “RR Mechanics – Major Robots in Golden Age"Published:
This is Model Art Magazine’s Mechanics – Major Robots in Golden Age. As with the regular Model Art Magazine this is printed in Japanese with some English subtitles. This special issue covers “Mechanic Models” with an emphasis on models from the 80’s. The subjects of this issue are covered with the use of built up models that are shown in full color photographs. So what is a Mechanic Model? From going through this issue I would describe it as your Transformer, Gundam and Mech type model. Some of the models built are a RX-78 Gundam, Aura Battler Dunbine, ATM-09-RSC Scopedog Red Shoulder Special and VF-1J Valkyrie. With each of these is a build article that gives tips and tricks to the builder. There is one model that is reviewed that almost everyone should… more |
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SH-3 Sea King Landing GearPublished:
Scale Aircraft Conversions is a maker of metal landing gear to replace kit parts. This landing gear set is for the Hasegawa 1/48th SH-3 Sea King. Included in the set you get two main landing gear struts, two retraction actuators, two torque links (scissors), and the tail wheel. After comparing the kit parts to SAC’s parts this is what I have come up with. SAC’s gear will give your model a firm base to sit on. However, there are also some shortcomings. The SAC gear appears to be a tad bit smaller (see the photos below). This may not be an issue because who can say that the kit gear is correct? One area that will be an issue is the retraction actuators. As you can see in the kit and SAC comparison photo, the SAC actuator is just short of contacting the gear strut. When I… more |
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Model Art Modeling Magazine, #47, Spring 2013 – Special Ship Model EditionPublished:
This is Model Art Magazine’s special quarterly issue that focuses on naval subjects. As with the regular Model Art Magazine, this is printed in Japanese with some English subtitles. This special ship model edition focuses on the “Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands” and the naval vessels involved from both the U.S. Navy and the IJN. The issue starts off with a two-page article about IJN anchor chain, clevises, and other fittings found on these vessels. The next eighty three pages are dedicated to the “Battle of the Vera Cruz Islands”. Within this article, they use photos of models, period photographs, line drawings, and color artwork for their illustrations. Following this is a section called “Only Ships – New Items”. They devote several pages to… more |