HAD Models has introduced a 1/35 scale Radio which represents the kind found in Russian tanks from 1900 to 1980 but also could be applicable to present times also. The set consists of two cast resin part and three pieces of photoetch. The resin and photoetch are very well done and initial building is simple.
My sample arrived in the standard Brassin blister package, a folded paper information/assembly guild doubles as the cover art. Also included are fourteen pieces of resin in varying shades of grey and a small photo-etch fret. The parts clean up easily and are very highly detailed. The photo-etch parts are extremely small and delicate. The instructions are easy to understand and covers the build in four steps. However, the Bren gun can be configured in several options (see Eduard’s photo attachments). The most distinct option is the drum or clip types of magazines. The set also contains a bag for empty shells and support legs.
The build was completed in a couple of hours and proved almost non eventful. All the pieces fit very nicely and build an impressive 1/35th gun. The photo-etch parts were the hardest thing involved, simply because of their size.
This is the second half of the review of the Big Ed set for the Meng Models D9R Dozer.
This portion will focus on the exterior detail set (36265) which happens to be one of the most extensive sets as well as parts for every side of the vehicle are covered.
I started by assembling all the ammo racks for both sides and rear of the vehicle. They are made up of several different pieces, but the assembly went off without too much trouble. I used a piece of styrene rod for the securing bar on the bottom of the first rack I built, but later decided to use some brass rod instead as I could solder that in place for a more secure bond overall. The instructions say to use 1mm plastic rod…brass looks better.
First off, the MENG D9R kit is a beast, but it’s a beautiful piece of modeling goodness once you get going. The Big Ed photoetch (PE) set that Eduard has designed for this kit is an exceptional addition. There are some rather tedious steps involved if you plan to use the entire set of PE, but it isn’t out of reach if you’re patient and pay attention to what you’re doing. The set consists of three separate smaller sets: 36265 Exterior, 36268 Interior (color), and 36270 Cooling Slats. In part one of this review, I will focus on the cooling slats and interior. I’ll follow this up with the exterior set in part two.
This is a first look ‘In the Box’ review of PlusModel’s new U.S. Grader resin kit. A subsequent review will review the detailed assembly of the kit. The kit appears to be a very complete, nicely detailed, high quality kit of a unique vehicle from WWII. The U.S. Grader follows PlusModel’s excellent dozer models.
The kit comes in a sturdy 10.5 x 7.5 x 2.5" deep corrugated cardboard box. First out of the box are a photo CD, 6” x 8.25" stapled instruction booklet with 28 pages, a small bag with decals, photoetch fret, and a length of copper wire.
Next are six sealed bags of 231 gray resin parts. The parts have crisp detail and no air bubbles are apparent. The large grader blade appears straight with no visible defects. The radiator is nicely detailed with raised letters for the words Caterpillar along the sides and top front of the radiator. One of the bags his two clear parts for the headlamps.
I began building Dragon Model kits when they first became available back in the 1970’s. Even back then they were a breath of fresh air on the modeling scene. They offered fascinating subjects never seen before and although sometimes a bit simplified, I liked them a great and built numerous models from their catalog, enjoying them all. My, how they have evolved over time.
Thanks first to Tamiya USA for the review sample and to IPMS/USA for the chance to review this kit.
I want to start by saying I don’t model much armor, this is only my third armor model completed, but I definitely will be building more.
Eduard has come up with a great kit which uses the Tasca molds for the Sherman tank and made it better with its Profi-pack. The basic kit is molded in olive drab green and comes on 14 parts trees plus a small clear parts tree and four sections of rubber tracks. It also has a nice set of photo etch parts and decals for four different subjects. The instruction booklet is pretty clear and concise and the illustrations are sharp.
Tamiya has recently released a great kit of the Jagdpanzer IV/70(V) (Stock 35340). This detail set is designed to enhance an excellent kit.
This whole detail set is meant to improve the gun, and only the gun. It provides an extra sprue to build the gun breech –in plastic, and provides an aluminum turned replacement gun.
The breech/loading mechanism builds together beautifully and without any fuss, as can be seen in the pictures. The metal barrel is flawless and incredibly smooth. So smooth that actually the paint peeled off the first time I painted it. Make sure to use a primer.
If you add this detail set, you are instructed to not install the torsos of the crew or they will interfere with the gun. The kit itself is designed in such a way that you can remove the upper hull after the kit is finished, I guess to be able to see the cannon detail. Or you can keep the hatches open and admire the detail if you have a flashlight.
Later in World War 2, the Germans made an effort to upgrade older guns by mounting them on newer, lighter carriages. Sometimes this was successful, sometimes not. The old 10.5 cm leFH 18/40 light field howitzer was just such a conversion. It was updated by mounting it on the tried and true carriage used for the 75 mm Pak 40. The carriage proved to be too light to support the gun well, and there were constant problems with the combination. Nonetheless, it was used from about 1943 until the end of the war.
