Tim Wilding
Reviews By Author
|
Melusine Panzer Kampf Anzug Ausf.MPublished:
SF3D, now called Maschinen Krieger, was conceptualized in Japan by Kow Yokoyama in 1984. Yokoyama created a graphically realistic setting in his writing, art and the scratch-built plastic model kits he made of the aftermath of World War IV. Yokoyama drew upon his love of WWII aircraft and armor and American sci-fi to create this celebrated cult favorite. Among his most interesting designs are his Powered Armor Suits, of which this limited edition kit features the most advance suit made for the Strahl Defense Force. There are two complete Melusine figures included in this kit, each consisting of 49 parts. There is no flash to be seen and the detail is very good for such a small figure. We got a sprue from Hasegawa’s Gustav kit, which is the basic armor suit, and a smaller sprue… more |
|
M109A2 Self-Propelled HowitzerPublished:
The M109A2 is the second upgraded version of the M109 self-propelled howitzer, the most widely used and longest serving artillery in the US Army history. The M109 entered service in 1961 and was upgraded to the M109A2 in 1979 with about 4000 pieces being produced. This kit represents a vehicle the US and British Army used from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, when they were upgraded again to the M109A3/A4. I had the opportunity to serve in an Army Reserve M109 unit for 11 years, so I am very familiar with this gun. This is Kinetic’s first tracked armor kit. Their first armor was the recent M-ATV kit released about six to eight months ago. This M109A2 kit comprises 499 tan plastic parts, black plastic tracks, and a small decal sheet. There are no photo-etched or clear parts. You… more |
|
Ardelt-Rheinmetall 8.8cm Pak 43 WaffentragerPublished:
This prototype vehicle is the Ardelt-Rheinmetall 8.8cm PaK 43 Waffenträger (weapons carrier). The idea behind this weapon system was a self-propelled mount for the powerful but heavy 8.8cm (88mm) antitank gun, as towed versions of this gun were too cumbersome for crews to move readily. The idea was that the gun could be dismounted if need be. Ardelt and Rheinmetall might have combined to build the first prototype and tests were conducted on this in April, 1945. It utilized a 38(t) or a Hetzer chassis with four road wheels per side. Sources differ on if these two companies worked together and on what chassis they used. But Dragon has created a one-of-a-kind self-propelled gun of an interesting idea. This kit box is full of 14 sprues from four different kits. We get four new… more |
|
StuG.III Ausf.G, Dec 1943 ProductionPublished:
Dragon has released their 10th StuG III Ausf.G kit with a production model with the very specific timeframe for December, 1943. The kit contains 15 sprues, one brass photo-etched sheet, two nickel-etched side skirts (schurtzen), two bags of magic tracks, one sprue of clear parts, braided tow cable wire, and a small Cartograf decal sheet. This being a Smart Kit, we get these PE and nickel extras, but no turned metal gun barrel. Construction begins with the lower hull and suspension. The road wheels, sprockets, idlers, and suspension are molded with very nice weld and nut details. The full torsion bar suspension is very detailed, but unfortunately most of it will be hidden. The final drive is part R1 with two drain plugs that need to be added, but the instruction incorrectly… more |