Phil Cavender, IPMS/USA #50085, is a retired pharmacist from the Veterans Administration, having retired in 2011. While he explored model car building as a child, it wasn’t until 2015 that he rediscovered plastic scale modeling. His renewed interest emerged while researching his father’s military history, which led him to a local hobby shop. There, he met a former UK military tanker who reignited his passion for the hobby. After relocating to Myrtle Beach, Phil teamed up with six skilled modelers to co-found the Grand Strand Scale Modelers chapter of IPMS/USA. He now focuses on building armor models in scales from 1/35th to 1/16th.
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
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
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
The kit is packaged in the standard AFV Club accessories box, which has dimensions of 10-1/4” (260mm) x 6-1/2” (165mm) x 1-1/2’ (12mm). The front of the box features a colored image, and on the back, you can find ten real photos showcasing the completed workbench and toolset. Inside the box, you will find four olive drab sprues, a small photoetch fret, one poster, and media placards, and one four-page instructional manual printed on gloss paper with the last page being the painting guide.
Sprue Breakdown
(I) x 3 sprues from AFV Club kit 35304 1/35th scale M109A3 2.5-Ton 6x6 Shop Van. These three sprues contain the parts for two workbenches, stools, basic machine tools such as drill press, vice, compressor, bench grinder, toolboxes, and hand… more
Published: Book Author(s): Przemyslaw Skulski Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
Founded in 1996, MMP Books is a UK-based publishing company with its book publishing division starting in 1999. Specializing in aviation and military history, MMP Books is known worldwide as a source for anything military.
Single Vehicle No. 02 7TP is the second book added to the “Single Vehicle” line of books MMP Books in 2021. Others include Single Vehicle No. 01 ( SU-76M) published in 2021 to their latest Single Vehicle No. 08 (Polish Armoured Draisine TK) entered the market in 2023. Eight books are available in this Single Vehicle Series.
This A4 format 8.2 x 11.8-inch 28-page book is printed on satin paper with 90 black and white images and one color profile page. The front and back covers are both printed on glossy paper. The text is in English.
Based in the Czech Republic, Hauler Brengun specializes in resin accessories and model kits in scales ranging from 1/32nd scale to 1/160th scale for armor and aircraft model builders. Additional items available include photoetch, an array of diorama objects and razor saws. For a complete listing of the products, their color catalog can be found at hauler.cz
The six resin 1/35th scale oil cans arrive in a 3-inch x 5-1/2-inch clear package attached to a casting block. Included in the package is a small sheet of decals for banding on each can. It is printed as Oel 5L (Oil 5 Litre). The detail is good given the size. All six cans are cast the same, with each having a swivel-carrying handle and spout… more
Published: Book Author(s): Przemystaw Skulski Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books
Founded in 1996, MMP Books is a UK-based publishing company with its book publishing division starting in 1999. Specializing in aviation and military history, MMP Books is known worldwide as a source for anything military.
PzKpfw. VI Ausf. E. Tiger I (late) Single Vehicle No. 06 is the sixth book added to the “Single Vehicle” line of books MMP Books in 2022. Others include Single Vehicle No. 01 ( SU-76M) published in 2021 to their latest Single Vehicle No. 08 (Polish Armoured Draisine TK) entered the market in 2023. MMP Books
This A4 format 8-3/4 x 11-3/4 inch 24-page book is printed on satin paper with color pages printed on glossy paper. The front and back covers are both printed on glossy paper. The text is in English.
Published: Book Author(s): David Doyle Company: Portrayal Press
Another publication by the prolific author is the “Chevrolet G-506” second printing in softbound printing. The first printing took seven years according to the author with help from colleagues and friends. This American author is known for his writings, especially on military armor, aircraft, hardware, and warships. Having started writing in 1999 with articles appearing in publications in the US, England, France, and Poland. According to his website, he has over 200 books to his credit published worldwide by various publishers.
The book is printed in A4 size (8.5” x 11”) with a colorful front showing the G-506 Chevrolet truck with six images of variants. This all-in-one reference to the Chevrolet G-506 contains 488 pages with over 600 high-resolution pictures many have never… more
The following statement was sent to me by Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC) upon requesting a short synopsis of who is Gallery Models. “Gallery Models is a concept developed by Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC). The first model was developed in 2009 together with prominent designers, artists, mold-makers, historians, and modelers. The central idea propelling Gallery Models is to select subjects that will challenge the hobbyist’s imagination and building skills while providing detail and enormous intrinsic kit value. Gallery’s selection includes helicopters, armor, and ships.” Debra
The Pz. Kpfw.III (Panzerkampfwagen III - Panzer) or official designation Sd.Kfz. 141 was a German medium tank developed in the mid-1930s that was armed with cannon… more
The following statement was sent to me by a Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC) representative upon requesting a short synopsis of who Gallery Models is, "Gallery Models is a concept developed by Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC). The first model was developed in 2009 together with prominent designers, artists, mold-makers, historians, and modelers. The central idea propelling Gallery Models is to select subjects that will challenge the hobbyist’s imagination and building skills while providing detail and enormous intrinsic kit value. Gallery’s selection includes helicopters, armor, and ships."
The Pz. Kpfw.III (Panzerkampfwagen III - Panzer) or official designation Sd.Kfz. 141 was a German medium tank developed in the mid-1930s that was… more