K5 (E) Railgun Detail in Action

Published: November 25, 2011
Book Author(s): David Doyle
Company: Squadron Signal Publications

After the American Civil War, the railroad gun became a common weapon system throughout Europe. They provided a rapidly deployable heavy artillery gun that could defend a coastline or bombard enemy positions and fortifications. By the end of World War I, these guns grew in caliber and popularity. In the 1930s, Hitler initiated several programs to develop and procure more of these systems.… more

U.S. Navy Wheel Chocks, early version

Published: November 25, 2011
Company: Wheeliant

A couple of new products from Wheeliant are two sets of Early Wheel Chocks for the U.S. Navy. They are cast in grey resin and come with simple details to set them apart. The instructions are adequate for assembly but give no painting directions.

Set 132-008, which is the "Blocks with Fixed Bar," comes with some small wire for the release fitting on the chocks. I had to drill and file… more

Iowa-Class Battleships on Deck

Published: August 14, 2011
Book Author(s): David Doyle
Company: Squadron Signal Publications

In the early 1980's, while on active duty in the US Navy, I was stationed at Harbor Clearance Unit One, Detachment, San Diego (or as we called it Harbor Cleaners San Diego). Our unit was tasked to handle ALL Diving, Repair and Salvage, on the West Coast of the USA from San Diego to Alaska. While assigned to this unit, we were tasked with some pretty exciting jobs. We handled everything from… more

Arado Ar-196A-3 Photo etch Sets and Decals

Published: December 19, 2020
Company: Eduard

• Ar 196A-3 Interior S.A., 32-681, $32.95
• Ar 196A-3 Exterior, 32-267, $22.95
• … more

F-4 Exhaust Nozzles USAF Early

Published: April 25, 2011
Company: Eduard

I received this conversion set with great anticipation and look forward to installing it on my latest venture.

I have built quite a few Tamiya, 1/32nd Phantom kits, since its debut. (a total of 77 to be exact.) I know this guy’s lying, but it's true. I used to build for a decal manufacturer that had over 100 decal sets for the F-4 and he wanted a model built for every one of them, all… more

USS Chevalier (DD-805)

Published: February 26, 2011
Company: Dragon Models

History: (taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The USS Chevalier was a Gearing Class Destroyer, the second ship to be named after Lcdr. Godfrey De Chevalier (1889-1922), a pioneer of Naval Aviation. She was launched 29 October 1944 at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. She was commissioned 9 January 1945 with Cdr. F. Wolsieffer in Command.

She cleared… more

Italian Regia Marina Motor Torpedo Boat M.A.S. 568 4a serie

Published: January 3, 2011
Company: Italeri

Please read the in box review (published earlier) for the history and a parts break down of this interesting kit.

The kit goes together without any problems. I followed the construction sequence as recommended with the following exceptions. I left the clear glazing (windows) off until final assembly. This made painting the bridge and deck house area a lot easier and I also left the life… more

FIRST LOOK: Italian Regia Marina Motor Torpedo Boat, M.A.S. 568 4a serie

Published: December 17, 2010
Company: Italeri

Brief History

(taken from the photographic reference manual provided in kit).

Original conceived in 1915, as a little torpedo boat early prototypes were a failure due to the heavy weight of the torpedo. Soon afterwards, Italy entered WWI and more of the boats were ordered. Development never ceased, and by the end of WWI over 244 MAS's were in service. The first true torpedo MAS… more

German Kanonen und Flakwagen, Armored Rail Car

Published: November 27, 2010
Company: Trumpeter

I don't know too much about the history of this vehicle, but being an avid model railroader, it looked like something fun and different to build. Now that the bug has bitten I want to collect the whole series of Armored Rail Cars and make a complete train. This is a typical Trumpeter kit: well packed, with each parts sprue in an individual bag. You get three sheets of photoetch and one sheet… more

The "MUNSTERS" Living Room

Published: October 28, 2010
Company: Polar Lights

In September, 1964, a strange TV show appeared on our sets, The "Munsters". Using classic horror film characters as a base, the macabre humor of these frightening creatures with wise cracking dialogue, outrageous visual gags and fast motion cinematography made this show a hit. The show lasted 2 years (70 episodes) and was cancelled in May, 1966 due to an All New Color Batman taking all the… more