US Army Field Kitchen

Published: February 16, 2025
Company: ICM

The description below is taken from ICM’s product website.

Hot, delicious food on the front line plays a far more crucial role for soldiers than civilians in peacetime. Regular meals during wartime not only maintain combat readiness but also have great moral significance. World War II's standard US field kitchen could serve 150–180 people. These kitchens were part of a company’s structure but often combined into larger battalion kitchens. They were typically located away from direct combat lines, deeper in the rear, which eased the supply of provisions. Food preparation relied on M-1937 field stoves, which ran on liquid fuel. These versatile stoves allowed for frying, baking, or stewing various dishes—even pies. Cooks strived to provide soldiers with hot meals at… more

Normandy Beyond the Beaches, Images of War

Published: December 23, 2024
Book Author(s): Jon Diamond
Company: Pen & Sword

Jon Diamond, MD, is a U.S.-based kidney specialist enthusiastic about World War II history. An avid collector of historical photographs, he has authored several titles in Pen and Sword's Images of War series, including Stilwell and the Chindits, War in the South Pacific, Invasion of Sicily, Invasion of the Italian Mainland: Salerno to Gustav Line, 1943–1944,Onto Rome 1944: Anzio and Victory at Cassino, and Beyond Rome to the Alps: Across the Arno and Gothic Line, 1944–1945. His works also include Op Plunder: The Rhine River Crossing.

Book Specifics

With over 220 black-and-white images, Normandy Beyond The Beaches is the latest offering from Pen and Sword, published in December 2024. This 209-… more

LAV300 90mm Cockerill Gun

Published: September 27, 2024
Company: Hobby Boss

The LAV-300 (Light Armored Vehicle-300) is a 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle developed in the 1970s by Cadillac Gage, an American defense contractor, as part of their V-series of vehicles. Originally known as the V-300, it was designed for reconnaissance, troop transport, and other battlefield roles. It could be equipped with various weapon systems, such as machine guns, auto-cannons, and anti-tank guided missiles, enabling it to operate effectively in various combat scenarios.

With a crew of three, commander, driver, gunner, and a troop seating capacity of ten, the LAV-300 was powered by a Cummins 6-cylinder diesel engine, enabling it to reach a top speed of 65 mph on roads and 1.9 mph in water. Water propulsion is provided by water jets mounted on either side at the rear. Armament… more

Herman Goring, The Rise and Fall, Images of War

Published: June 24, 2024
Book Author(s): : Ian Baxter
Company: Pen & Sword

Pen & Sword Books are not new to the plastic modeling industry. The UK-based publishing company has been around since 1990 while churning out titles covering subjects from the military, aviation, maritime, and other areas of history.

Author: Ian Baxter

The author, Ian Baxter, has written other books in the series including, His previous books in this Series include Hitler’s Boy Soldiers, Nazi Concentration Camp Commandants and German Army on the Eastern Front – The Advance, German Army on the Eastern Front – The Retreat and Nazi Concentration Camp Commandants, The Crushing of Army Group (North) and the SS Waffen Division series including SS Leibstandarte Division and SS Totenkopf Division At War. He lives near Chelmsford, Essex.

The Book

With over 228 “… more

Hitler’s Panzers, The Complete History 1933-1945

Published: June 6, 2024
Book Author(s): Anthony Tucker-Jones
Company: Pen & Sword

Pen & Sword Books are not new to the plastic modeling industry. The UK-based publishing company has been around since 1990 while churning out titles covering subjects from the military, aviation, maritime, and other areas of history.

The Author

The following is taken from Pen and Sword’s website.

Anthony Tucker-Jones, a former intelligence officer, is an author and commentator who specializes in military history, with more than 50 books to his name. His work has also been published in an array of magazines and online. He regularly appears on television and radio programs commenting on current and historical military matters. His books includeArmoured Warfare in the North African Campaign,The Battle for the Mediterranean,The Desert Air War,The Devil’s… more

Honda Dax 125

Published: April 19, 2024
Company: Tamiya

Background

For those unfamiliar, the Honda Dax narrative originated in 1969 with the inaugural ST50 and ST70 Dax models. The moniker is derived from the bike's slight resemblance to a Dachshund (sausage dog), with the model plate on the bike's side showcasing an image of the mentioned hound. This model kit in 2024 signifies Tamiya's debut of a new 1/12th scale tooling for the Honda Dax 125 Limited Edition.

Box

Measuring 11.5” x 7.5” x 2”, the box features a vibrant image of the Honda Dax 125, displaying its striking metallic blue, chrome, black, and metallic hues. Typical Tamiya graphics, showcasing three views of the motorcycle, adorn the sides of the box. Inside, you will find:

• Sprue A x 1 (Metallic Blue)
• Sprue B x 1 (Metallic Gray)
• … more

V3000S/SSM Maultier "Einheitsfahrerhaus"

Published: February 3, 2024
Company: ICM

ICM boasts a rich heritage within the modeling community, establishing itself as a well-established Ukrainian-based plastic modeling company. Expanding its selection of modeling kits, ICM presents its newest 2023 release, the 35410 V3000S/SSM Maultier “Einheitsfahgrerhaus’ WWII German Truck. While this kit is a reissue of the 2012 version, it includes additional new parts.

The term “Maultier” (mule) or Sd.Kfz 3, designates a series of half-track trucks utilized by Nazi Germany during WWII. The term “Einheitsfahrerhaus” translates to “standard driver’s cab.”

The following is a brief history of the kit taken directly from ICM’s website.

“The V3000S with a 95 hp V8 gasoline engine was launched at the Ford plant in Cologne in… more

Typ 320 (W142) Soft Top, WWII German Staff Car

Published: January 28, 2024
Company: ICM

ICM boasts a rich heritage within the modeling community, establishing itself as a well-established Ukrainian-based plastic modeling company. Expanding its selection of modeling kits, ICM presents its newest release, the 35542 Typ 320 (W142) Soft Top - a WWII German staff car. While this kit is a reissue of the 2016 version, it includes additional new parts.

The following is a brief history of the Typ 320 W142 taken directly from ICM’s website:

The Mercedes-Benz 320, also known as the W142, was developed at the design bureau of Daimler-Benz AG and began production in 1937. It had a six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.2 liters (3.4 liters in later versions) and 78 horsepower. The model was available with a short (2880 mm) or long (3300 mm) wheelbase and… more

M1A1 Gun "Long Tom"

Published: November 29, 2023
Company: AFV Club

Introduction

The M59 is a heavy towed howitzer from the World War II era with its origins in the United States. Initially developed after World War I as the 155mm Gun M1 due to the limited heavy gun capabilities identified in the U.S., it underwent redesignation as the M59 after World War II. However, it continues to be commonly referred to by its popular nickname, "Long Tom." Functioning as a gun, the M59 was specifically designed for a long-range and flat trajectory, distinguishing it from traditional howitzers that typically have shorter ranges and much higher trajectories.

AFV Club is a well-known plastic model company based in Taiwan that specializes in producing high-quality scale model kits, particularly focusing on armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) and military… more

Green Colors Dio Drybrush Paint

Published: November 29, 2023
Company: AMMO by Mig Jimenez

Introduction

The dry brushing technique is a popular and effective method used in scale model building to enhance surface details and bring out textures by selectively applying a small amount of paint onto the raised areas of a model. This technique is particularly useful for replicating weathering effects, highlighting edges, and adding depth to intricate details.

When given the opportunity to evaluate any Ammo by Mig products I jumped at the chance. I received Ammo by Mig’s set number A.Mig-7301 containing Dio Drybrush Medium Green (A.MIG-0606), Dio Drybrush Green (A.MIG-0607), Dio Drybrush Light Olive Green (A.MIG-0608), and Dio Drybrush Medium Olive Green (A.MIG-0609).

Dio Drybrush Paints appeared on the market in 2020 adding to Ammo by Mig's extensive… more