I have been using UMM scribers for quite a while now. I use it for scraping seams and engraving panels lines eradicated by sanding and filling. Its design is multipurpose, and I love it. That was the SCR-01 original scriber. Since that came out, Jon has come out with an SCR-02 and now, an SCR-03 version. The newest version is longer and thinner than the originals providing even better access to tight corners.

The part itself is manufactured from hardened tool steel and has a matte finish. One end is a sharpened hook for scribing panel lines and the other end is a flat blade which also has an edge to it. Overall length is 5.5 inches which is comfortable to hold in your hands and makes it very maneuverable even with my small hands.

The UMM web site listed above lists its possible uses as scribing panel lines with push and pull techniques, removing pin marks, trimming flash, trimming stretched sprue, deburring, piercing, scrapping, carving etc.

UMM USA (Unique Master Models) produces unique, out-of-the-mainstream tools and supplies, as well as unusual and exciting kits. Each time I go to the IPMS Nationals, the UMM booth is a must-stop venture – there is always something new and interesting, and the busy owner always takes the time to walk you through what he has for sale, and how it works.

This time around we have a photoetch bending set that comes with a graduating roller as well as two bending trays. If you haven’t added this handy and versatile tool to your modeling bench, you might want to give it a try. Some roller sets will have you keep track of a bunch of differently-sized wood or metal rods that you use to press and bend PE in a tray. The beauty of using a tool like this to do the same thing is the simplicity of using a single roller for all widths, all in one tool. The hardened aluminum tool can be used for rolling and bending brass, copper and aluminum sheets.

Allosaurus is a genus of carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived 155 to 145 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. The name "Allosaurus" means "different lizard" alluding to its unique concave vertebrae (at the time of its discovery). It is derived from the Greek allos ("different, other") and sauros ("lizard / generic reptile"). The first fossil remains that could definitively be ascribed to this genus were described in 1877 by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh. As one of the first well-known theropod dinosaurs, it has long attracted attention outside of paleontological circles. Indeed, it has been a top feature in several films and documentaries about prehistoric life.

During the IPMS USA Nationals this year, John Vojtech was kind enough to provide several of his tools from Unique Master Models (UMM) to the IPMS Review Corps, and this was one of the items I was fortunate enough to receive. Technically, Kanthal wire is a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy that has high resistance and also resists oxidation. Although the resistance of a wire means little to a modeler (unless it is being used to allow electricity to flow), resistance to oxidation is a big benefit for any applications where bare wire is needed.

This new product for UMM is advertised as being ideal for making springs, shiny antenna, and various engine or wheel bay details. The spools are 3 meters long (about 10 feet) and are available in 0.2 and 0.4 mm, both of which were provided to the IPMS for this review. UMM recommends that you do not solder Kanthal wire, but attach it using glue instead.

IPMS/USA thanks Masterpiece models for supporting the IPMS USA reviewer corps with one of their unique (and very useful) tools. I understand this was one of the items debuting at the Nooga Nats… Lucky you guys! And thanks to IPMS leadership for sending it to me for a review opportunity.

This is a clear ruler, approximately, well, ok, it’s actually exactly six inches long end to end. It is, however, a simple concept. Making accurate measurements for larger kits on a clear (Styrene or Lexan, I can’t tell) ruler. VERY nice.

A very convenient and accurate tool, this ruler does what it says; measures in 1/32 scale feet and meters, one on each side of the face. No turning over to read calculations, no math. Just hold it up to the part to ensure it is correctly scaled out. Can’t be more basic than that, and I have already put it to use several times.