This kit represents the famous Sherman tank. I am not a Sherman tank expert but the title of the kit says it is an M4A3 version. I don't know if that's accurate, but who am I to argue.

The model comes in A4 book size and is hand drawn with some computer drawn revised parts. Instructions are provided in English, German and Polish with 4.5 pages of construction illustrations. The model was printed in olive green but not all parts are the same shade. Different pages were printed with different shades of green which results in the fenders, mantlet and appliqué armor being slightly darker. Even though there are some color issues, the built tank looks good and the printed texture (faded paint and shading) add immensely to the end result.

I really am an airplane modeler normally but I have not been able to resist these F-1 race car models. This time around IPMS was kind enough to allow me to build the 1976 Ferrari 312T2 of Niki Lauda. After a steady decline, Ferrari built the 312B3 in 1974 and had some success but was hampered by reliability issues. The 312T and T2 were built to address the B3s problems. Based on a flat 12 engine producing 485 HP coupled with a transverse mounted (hence T in name,) transmission the 312T was driven by Lauda to four first place finishes and the overall championship in 1975. For the 1976 season the 312T2 was introduced with Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni driving. The major design change for the 1976 season was the relocation of the engine air intakes to the area in front of the cockpit to comply with F-1 racing rule changes. The 1976 season was marred by a terrible crash that almost claimed Lauda's life.