Pig Models is a model company based in Taiwan. It was established in 2016 with a commitment to providing interesting model kits. I first became aware of the company with their release of their 1/1 scale German Tiger II 8.8cm Pzgr.39/43 (APCBC-HE) L71 Shell Replica [Kit # 1-002]. They have also released 1/1 scale variants, 8.8cm Pzgr.39 (APCBC) L/56 Shell Replica [Kit # 1-001] and 8.8cm Sprgr. 43 (HE) kwk43 L71 Shell Replica [Kit# 1-004]. Since then, Pig Models has released over a dozen unique and interesting kits.

Arma Hobby has released a new 1/72^nd scale diorama base representing a WWII US Navy or Royal Navy escort carrier deck. The molded plastic has great recessed detail; all you need to do is apply the paint.

In the Box

The base is made from injected light gray styrene and the molded detail quality is very fine for 1/72^nd scale. The size is 6 X 6 inches (152 X 152 cm). It is encased in a one-piece fold-out cardboard envelope-style packaging.

The front side of the box has some color photos of what a finished carrier deck might look like. The back and side of the box have a QR code and website that will take you to Arma Hobby’s webpage for free 3D files for wheel chocks, bomb carts, and arrestor cable mounts. This is a nice benefit for those who have access to 3D printers.

Charlie’s Plastic Models has produced four 3D printed caddies for modelers, each with different holes, receptacles, and spaces to accommodate various modeling supplies we use in our hobby.

My review sample was billed as the “Finishing Caddy” without Micro Set/Sol holes (for those bottles). The photo of this item from his website (www.charliesplasticmodels.com) shows it containing appropriate items like panel washes, Solvaset, cotton swabs and brushes [Photo 1]. I saw another great possibility for my sample and turned it into “Gluey Louie” by loading it with more basic tools to stick one bit of plastic to another: two kinds of liquid cement, CA, and applicators from The Glue Looper. [Photo 2] tweezers and small clamps. This may not be exactly what it was intended for in the first place but boy, it works for me.

ICM is a hobby company based out of Ukraine. They have provided IPMS/USA a six (6) bottle acrylic paint set for review.

In the Box

The paint set contains six (6) 12ml bottles with nontoxic water based acrylic paints. Inside each bottle is an agitator ball to help mix when shaking. The following colors are provided:

• Grey Blue (1075)
• Deep Sky Blue (1076)
• Blood Red (1046)
• Deck Tan (1055)
• Deep Brown (1008)
• Black (1002)

Straight out of the bottle, the paint’s viscosity is thick and purposely prepared for brush painting. The instructions do recommend thinning 40-60% with water or thinner for airbrushing. All surfaces are recommended to have primer applied prior to painting. Volume wise, the paint takes up about 70% of the bottle and has “room” to add thinner if so desired.

If you have won an award at an IPMS contest and it was an engraved wooden plaque, chances are it was made by Bases by Bill. Bill and Wes Wedeward have been supplying custom awards to shows for several years including the 2018 and 2019 IPMS National Conventions.

The awards are available in several sizes with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and special award options available. The bases are made out of the finest hardwoods and use laser engraving and can have hand painted color accents.

Bill supplied us with 2 examples. The first is a 4” x 3” rectangular award and the other one is 8.5” at the base and 6.25” tall with a rounded top. The engraving is perfect with all words easily readable.

He also sent me pictures of several other options they have done in the past.

Pricing varies by the size of award, details, type of wood, etc. and from what I can see on their site their prices are very competitive especially for the quality of their products.