Reviews of products for scale miscellaneous models.

Book Author(s)
Péter Mujzer
Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
September 9, 2022
Company
Key Publishing Ltd
MSRP
$24.95

Hungary found itself on the losing side of World War I and the Treaty of Trianon was similar to the Treaty of Versailles imposed on Germany. As a result, Hungary was partitioned (see map on page 5) and reduced from 282,000 square kilometers to 93,000 square kilometers and its population from 18 million to 9.5 million people, absorbed by foreign countries hostile to Hungary; Hungary’s industrial base was reduced by almost 80%, and its military was limited in size and scope. Hungary’s involvement in World War II was seen through the lens of regaining their lost territories from Slovakia, Romania, Austria, and Yugoslavia. When political methods didn’t work, Hungary’s limited military did what it could, but soon found itself allied with Germany to achieve its aims.

Review Author
Will Kuhrt
Published on
September 9, 2022
Company
Bases by Bill

About the Creators

Bases by Bill, LLC is one of those rare companies that began from love of the model building hobby, a good idea and true family involvement. They specialize in hand-finished hardwood display bases and cases and other presentation items for scale models.

I had the great pleasure of meeting them at the 2022 IPMS National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska. The company is operated by Bill & his son Weston and receives marketing and website support from his nephew Christian. It truly is a family company.

Book Author(s)
Jose Augusto Matos
Review Author
Luke R. Bucci, PhD
Published on
September 6, 2022
Company
Helion & Company
MSRP
$29.95

Headlines: Cold War Intrigue. Secret MilOps. Prison Camp Raid! Merry Band of Mercs & Rebels Overthrowing a Corrupt Regime. Freedom Fighters vs. Commies. Sean-Connery-James-Bond Style / Peter Graves Style Mission Impossible Skullduggery. Government Disavowal of Actions. Records Expunged. Postmortem Analysis From Forgotten Document.

Guinea is the setting of this Africa@War Series book, describing the little-known commando assault by Portuguese and Guinean ex-pats to overthrow the current government and rescue Portuguese prisoners to thwart the Guinea guerilla tactics trying to overthrow and absorb neighboring Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau).

Review Author
Rick Taylor
Published on
September 6, 2022
Company
CMK
MSRP
$20.45

The growing number of 3D printed kits is a boon to the hobby. We are now getting 3D printed kits of subjects that are not economically viable in styrene and for subjects long ignored by the big manufactures. But, new technologies bring new problems. Removing the 3D printed parts from the support structures and rafts can be a bit of work and as I have discovered the resin will quickly dull your expensive sprue cutter! CMK from the Czech Republic comes to the rescue with a new razor saw handle with a triangular blade that is perfect for dealing with these supports.

Book Author(s)
Wydanie Pierwsze
Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
September 1, 2022
Company
Kagero Publishing
MSRP
$27.95

For the visually inspired, this is the perfect format. This volume is 40 pages of color renderings of six different Mig fighter versions, 15,17,19,21,23 and 29. Each type has one four-view layout to assist with camo patterns where applicable. The renderings are very well done with a slightly worn appearance to them. As the series title indicates, a small decal sheet is included with national markings for Polish, East German or Czechoslovakian Mig 15 or 17s in 1/72 or 1/48 scales. These have a very glossy appearance I’ve encountered with decals from Eastern European manufacturers before, so I tested them on a scrap part. You'll have to be very careful where you use these. Even with aggressive decal solvents, they didn’t want to settle into panel lines. They worked on a smooth surface and the film did not silver. For the money, I would have rather a decal sheet with a couple complete aircraft insignias including bort numbers.

Review Author
Bill O'Malley
Published on
August 19, 2022
Company
Phoenix Scale Publications
MSRP
$12.99

Phoenix Scale Modelling, April 2022, is the third issue of a new modeling magazine printed in the UK. Phoenix also publishes Scale Aviation Modelling, which focuses on aircraft models, and several series of books on aircraft, including modelers guides. Scale Modeller is also available in a digital format. The magazines are currently available at 250 Barnes & Noble stores for $12.99 with Issue 1 currently on the shelf.

I would describe Scale Modelling as a general interest modeling magazine as it includes six different categories of models.

Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
July 27, 2022
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$11.25

A new, welcome release from prolific AMMO by Mig Jimenez, is this four-color acrylic paint set labelled for World War II Japanese Infantry. The paint comes in 17ml plastic bottles, complete with a stirring ball, in a clear plastic clamshell box. Also included is a color two-sided label with a very well painted World War II Japanese soldier with color callouts for the paints provided. While the paints can be procured individually, the four major colors are included (and most likely cheaper than buying them individually). The following paints are included:

Book Author(s)
Eric H. Larson
Review Author
Bob LaBouy
Published on
July 25, 2022
Company
Pen & Sword
MSRP
$75.00

Publisher’s Notes

“A comprehensive, accurate, and academically-supported reference of all of the major military and paramilitary camouflage patterns that have been in use around the world from the end of World War Two to today.

This book will be a one-stop, generalized reference illustrating as many patterns as have been researched into the present time period. It will surpass all previous efforts. In addition to color tiles illustrating camouflage patterns it will include photographs of the designs actually being worn by military and paramilitary personnel, something few other references have done in suitable combination.”

Book Author(s)
Kamen Nevenkin
Review Author
Orlando Reyes
Published on
June 26, 2022
Company
Peko Publishing
MSRP
$41.95

The book is divided into eight chapters. The pictures are located throughout the chapters with many of them pertaining to the particular battle being discussed by the author. Except for the first chapter in which his birth and early career are touched upon, the rest of the chapters are dedicated to the battles in which he took part. A good explanation of the battle discussed is given on each of the chapters dedicated to the particular battle. In addition, maps of the battle are also provided.

The first chapter is divided describing his early career, and the beginning of the war against Russia. It ends with the description of the battles of Smolensk-Moscow and Stalingrad. In the second chapter the author describes the failure of the Soviet troops to achieve their assigned task to thrust deep into the German lines and cut their retreat routes. The Germans thus counter-attacked that defeated the Russians.

Book Author(s)
Stephen Wynn
Review Author
Orlando Reyes
Published on
June 25, 2022
Company
Pen & Sword
MSRP
$29.95

The book is divided into seven chapters with an introduction. The pictures are located between chapters and they pertain to what is explained in the previous chapter. The first chapter talks about Hitler’s decision as to why he halted the German Army and the consequences of this action. The second chapter then moves to the decision of the British to save as many fighting men as they can through Operation Dynamo. The third chapter talks about the POW’S, as well as the massacres at Le Paradis and Wormhoudt. Lost equipment Is addressed in chapter four, and Chapter five deals with the debates conducted in The British Parliament. Chapter Six deals with Dunkirk and the British press. While chapter seven deals with both Operation Cycle and Operation Aerial.