Publishers’ description: This practitioner's guide to solo wargaming offers comprehensive coverage of the subject, showing how it can be a fascinating complement to social gaming or an entire hobby in its own right. This book integrates ideas from across the hobby to discuss various aspects of gaming alone across all manner of conflicts, whether land, sea or air and in any historical period or imagined setting.

While attending the IPMS Nationals in Madison, WI, in July, I was looking for a few specific tools and came across the UMM-USA (Unique Master Models) tables. They had several tools I had been looking for. UMM-USA is an on-line Store, importing and exporting kits, specialized modeling tools and supplies and consulting services (see web site).

UMM-USA had also provided a few product samples to the IPMS Reviewer Corp for review, so I was able to pick up this small hole reamer they produce and a biplane jig/stand kit they retail for review (see the review titled: Biplane - Wooden Jig Stand & Transport)

UMM-USA has provided us with a Double Beveled 2.5 mm Gliding Scriber tool. The scriber is made from hardened steel and will be able to scribe plastic and resin. The double bevel feature will allow the modeler the ability to scribe into tight 90-degree corners that, through the molding process, may have left behind a small radius of material from styrene injection, resin molded parts, or loose printer tolerances of 3-D resin.

On sample parts from my spares box, the scriber cuts effortlessly into plastic. Using a spare wing’s interior side, I used a metal ruler as a guide to make some straight lines and freehanded some other lines.

Using a spare 1/48 scale missile and bomb with molded fins, I was able to create a nice sharp scribed edge where the fins meet the surface of the ordnance. The other fin I left as molded for a visual comparison of how a few swipes of this scriber adds great detail.

UMM-USA is dedicated to fine scale modeling, encompassing model kits, accessories, and specialized tools.Owned by John Vojtech, a fine scale modeling veteran. UMM-USA is an on-line Store, importing and exporting kits, modeling tools and supplies, and seeks and offers solutions on technical issues. In addition, his services currently include design and production of master parts, casting of original masters, photo-etched masks, decals, and building made-to-order models for customers. You can see a sampling of John Vojtech's finished projects in the Our Gallery section of the Web site.

UMM-USA has provided the reviewer corps with a side cutting Sprue/Wire “ROUND” cutter. It is labeled “Round” because the cutting jaw is circular at the tip.

The cutter is made from hardened steel and the “tweezer-like action” allows for precise cutting to remove small parts from sprues with a flush cut which will reduce sanding at the attached point. Also, it has a tapered edge and will allow access in tight places for parts removal.

Reading the description on the website (UMM-USA.com), the cutter can also be used on resin, soft wires and photo-etch.

For my sample, I cut some parts from a current project on my hobby bench. As advertised it cuts well and very close to the edge. A little soft sanding may be needed to remove the remaining sprue attach nub but overall, a close cut at the surface. Its small size makes it a very handy tool to have resting next to your tweezers or sanding sticks and will not take up too much space.