1. Home
  2. Author
  3. Tomasz Menert

Tomasz Menert

I grew up in Poland and immigrated to the US 35 years ago when I was in my twenties. Ironically, I majored in English here, but I have fond memories related to my interest in aviation. What spiked my interest in reviewing items were the books on some familiar subjects. For example, I received a glider pilot license in Poland and one of the books Pablo Bouleo mentioned in the 'stash' is from MMP (PZL-104 Wilga 35A, Single No. 46). In my glider training, the plane towing us was the PZL-104 Wilga! So, anything around Polish subjects like PZL Combat Fighters, etc., would land you a quick and thorough review just because I had an exposure to some of the topics. Not to mention an uncle who flew a total of over 4000 hours in Mig-21s. Therefore, I want to thank you both for giving me the opportunity to join this review. group.

IPMS Number
42561

Reviews By Author

Box Top

Leopard 2A6 with Crew - Armed Forces of Ukraine

Published:
Company: ICM

ICM’s Leopard 2A6 in 1/35 scale is a Revell-Germany re-boxing kit. However, it represents a tank used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and includes a very attractive set of 5 figures with a dog. The box cover display shows the tank crew at rest with two members occupied with the running gear. The tank assembly consists of 246 parts and 45 parts are dedicated to the five crew figures and one dog figure. There are six marking options provided in this kit spanning different regions of Ukraine and periods between summer of 2023 and winter of 2024. Ukrainian national markings in different configurations can be applied over one standard German three tone NATO camouflage.

The box cover holds a reinforced white inner box that protects the kit’s seven plastic sprues (some sprues are… more
Rare Birds PWS-10

Rare Birds PWS-10

Published:
Book Author(s): Andrzej Glass
Company: Wydawnictwo STRATUS

This book offers a detailed development history of the PWS-10 fighter designed by Polish engineers from the Podlaska Aircraft Factory in 1928. The reader will find a brief development story of the plane and details about the aircraft’s design. The first prototype of the PWS-10 was flown in 1930.

There was a competing design of the PZL P.1 aircraft (later developed into the P.7, P.11, and P.24 fighters that soldiered during the WWII) in the process of development but required additional refinement. Facing a lack of a better alternative for a fighter plane at the time, the military authorities decided to go with the PWS-10. The PWS-10 did not have a good reputation among pilots due to its flying characteristics and being prone to catching fire. Nevertheless, it briefly served the… more
Building the ZM Ta-152

Building the Zoukei-Mura Ta-152H in 1/32 Scale

Published:
Book Author(s): John Kim
Company: KLP Publishing

The ebook “Building the Zoukei-Mura Ta-152H in 1/32 Scale” is a part of the Scale Modelling Guide Books from KLP Publishing in Australia. This is an impressive publication with 167 pages full of pictures and great modeling ideas. The Ta-152H model from Zoukei-Mura in 1/32 scale is the subject of this publication and was built, painted, and finished by John Kim. He backdated the H1 (Super Wing Series No. SP2) kit to the earlier H0 version. Although Zoukei-Mura released the H0 model later, John did not have access to that model at that time.

The book consists of seven chapters:

  • About the Kit – Page 6
  • About John Kim – Page 18
  • About “White 7” – Page 19
  • Building the Model – Page 20
  • Painting and Finishing – Page 81
  • Gallery – Page 139… more
Cover

Panzer - Rgt./Abt.18 on the Battlefield

Published:
Book Author(s): Tom Cockle
Company: Peko Publishing

The book Panzer-Rgt./Abt.18 on the Battlefield - World War Two Photobook Series Vol.26 is written by Tom Cockle. There are two pages dedicated to the history and combat experience of the Panzer-Regiment 18. This regiment was created primarily as the ‘Tauch’ or ‘Unterwasser’ (Dive or Underwater) and ‘Flamme’ (Flame) unit and the photographs in the book cover the period from early 1941 to late 1942. The photographic history of the Panzer-Regiment 18 shows Panzer II, Panzer III, Panzer IV tanks and even a picture of a captured British Cruiser Mk.IV tank, as well as some soft skin vehicles. The scenery includes vehicles’ travel to/from the battlefront, repair depots, resting spots, battle damage to the vehicles, and some accidents. The pictures shine a light on the weather conditions that… more
Book Cover

PZL Combat Fighters PZL P.7, PZL P.11, PZL P.24

Published:
Book Author(s): Artur Juszczak
Company: Mushroom Model Publications - MMP Books

The PZL (Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze) State Aviation Works were established in 1928 with the main purpose of producing military aircraft of their own design and development. One of the characteristics of the PZL fighter aircraft was the gull-shaped wing which was later known as the Polish wing. The first design developed by the Works was the PZL P.1 which was also the first all-metal aircraft construction in Poland. This development was followed by the PZL P.6 and then the PZL P.7 airplanes. In 1931 the prototype of the PZL P.11 was tested and flown. Several versions of the PZL P.11 were developed: P.11a, P.11b, P.11c, and P.11f. Romania acquired the license for the P.11b but built the P.11f. The PZL P.11 and PZL P.7 were engaged in air combat against the German Luftwaffe in September… more
Cover 47

PZL-104 Wilga 35A (Single No.46) and PZL-104 Wilga 35A Military (Single No.47)

Published:
Book Author(s): Dariusz Karnas
Company: Stratus

The PZL-104 Wilga is a high-wing cantilever short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) monoplane utility aircraft that features an all-aluminum construction.The Wilga has been widely used in civil aviation. It often performed other duties, such as touring, observation, glider towing, and parachute training. In Poland, where the type was designed and produced, it was a staple airplane in the Aero Clubs tasked with flight training. The aircraft was also used by the Polish military. Over 1000 Wilgas were produced until 2006. Unfortunately, no background information or history of the PZL-104 Wilga 35A is provided in the two publications.

The Stratus Single No.46 and Single No.47 books are compilations of the 4-view color profiles, scale plans and photo details of the single variant of the PZL-… more