In the Box and Molding Quality

Atlantis Models has re-released the classic Aurora 1:8 scale Blue Knight of Milan figure kit, which originally appeared in 1958. As the current owner of the Aurora trademark, Atlantis included the original box art and period instructions. The kit comprises approximately 35 parts molded in a metallic blue styrene, spread across several sprues, along with the traditional small red feather plume. The molding quality is generally good. Minor flash was present, primarily along the parting lines, but was easily removed during part preparation. Ejector pin marks were either absent or located in areas that would be hidden after assembly.

Fit and Finish

This kit’s fit overall kit is very good to excellent. The surface details are outstanding and compare favorably with what photographs and line drawings show. This model, like so many of the new releases from MiniArt, just look like the real vehicles themselves.

Construction Notes

The kit is moulded in light grey plastic with only two large plastic sprue trees. There are few if any aspects of this build which posed any problems—it goes together in a basic pattern, beginning with the engine, suspension and drive assemblies. Believe me, the 26 pages of kit instructions provide you with a deal of in depth instructions broken down in multiple steps and 71 assembly panels.

ICM has been releasing quality kits, figure sets, and recently paints to support their vast library of releases. This one is a mouthful - the G917T Truppenluftschutzwagen, a 3-ton truck with a 2cm Flak 38 in the bed. This was an effective weapon for closeup air defense but could also target lightly armored ground threats as well.

What’s Inside the Box

You get essentially two kits in one with six light gray and one clear sprue for the truck and 5 light gray sprues for the flak 38. The truck sprues should look familiar as they share a lineage with kit # 35413 from 2013. Details are pretty crisp, although there are ejector sink marks on the bottom surface of the truck bed and inside some of the cab details. There are two decal sheets - one for the flak 38 and one for the two schemes for the truck.

The following excerpt is taken from ICM’s product website.

The unregulated growth and oversaturation of the United States [stock] market led to the Great Depression, beginning with the October 1929 stock market crash. This economic crisis fueled a rise in banditry, with bank robberies becoming particularly notorious. These crimes were made more effective by gangsters’ use of automobiles. As one analyst observed in the 1920s: “Cars and good roads have dramatically increased certain types of crime. We now see a new kind of automobile bandit who relies entirely on a car—whether robbing banks, breaking into homes, or mugging pedestrians.” The criminals’ success was further enhanced by Thompson submachine guns, which boasted rapid-fire capability, and earned the nickname “Tommy gun.” Notably, these weapons cost around 200 dollars – “about half the price of a Ford Model A automobile.”

StirlingKit is a manufacturer/supplier of high-quality scale model kits, ranging from propellor, jet and automotive engine types. They cater to modelers ranging from beginners and kids, to advanced builders.This model was based off the Rolls-Royce Trent-900, high bypass turbofan engine currently used on the Airbus A380 and A350. The model was primarily designed for kids (under supervision) with an interest in jet engines and aviation. It was motorized and contained a rechargeable battery embedded within the stand. A USB cord was included to charge the battery.

This is the first IPMS/USA review of a StirlingKit model. Included below are links to the product, Turbofan engine kits, the official website and a 12% discount code for all of their products:

Product link: https://bit.ly/47Cmb94