Wheelliant has several offerings of wheel chocks in 32nd scale. Set # 132-013 is for use with land-based USAF and US Marine aircraft. The castings are exceptionally clean and crisp with no sink marks or imperfections. This set of chocks provides four larger chocks and a pair of smaller ones. A short length of “rope” is included, and has a texture and appearance that is very much appropriate for 32nd scale. These chocks are ready to go directly from the package and will add a touch of realism to the appearance of the subject being modeled.

This product is highly recommended. Thanks to Aires for the review sample and IPMS for the opportunity to review it.

Griffon Model has released another universal product for modelers of armor. This time they have come out with a round-cornered 3.7cm ammo storage bin for German 3.7cm Flak. Two types of bins can be made. One has holes for the shell to fit thru on top and with half moon cutouts at the other end so that the bottom of the shell can rest on it and keep it from moving. The other type has bars which fit across to hold the shells in place.

Included in this “Universal” kit are one large photo etched fret, decals, and a small length of brass wire with four ABS rods. These cases can also be built with working hinges if you choose.

The H.IIB Launch Vehicle by Aoshima is a great little kit. When mounted on the display base provided in the kit, the model measures just shy of 6 inches in height. The display base has a small footprint, measuring about 2 inches by 4 inches. The completed project will not consume much volume in your model display case.

While the space required for display of the H-II is very small, the eye appeal of the finished model is quite large. The color scheme is dramatic, as is the shape of the vehicle and payload shroud.

The H-II features four SRBs attached to the main rocket body, with a payload shroud topping off the full stack. The rocket nozzles are molded as single pieces while the SRBs, payload shroud, and main rocket body are molded in “right/left” halves.

History and Performance

The Grizzly armored personnel carrier is part of the Canadian Armored Vehicle General Purpose (AVGP) family. Also included in this family are the Coyote and the Cougar. Originally purchased by the Canadian military in the 1970s, the Grizzly is no longer in front line service. The surviving vehicles have been converted to support vehicles and some were sold to other countries.

Instructions

The instructions are in a twelve-page book form that include 15 construction steps. Each step involves exploded views with parts numbers for placement. The plans are supplemented by a two-sided painting and markings guide. The first is an IFOR vehicle marked in green and black, while the second is an all-white UN vehicle. Paint reference colors are shown for Mr. Hobby, Vallejo, Model Master, Tamiya and Humbrol. The Tamiya colors are noted incorrectly for the IFOR vehicle: each should be moved up one cell on the paint chart.

At least to me, Master Model has been putting out some of the most affordable gun barrel upgrades in the industry without sacrificing detail. This set is no exception, providing a quick upgrade to the armaments on what is already a well detailed kit. The set includes barrels for both guns, cooling jackets, ring sights and their mounts (extras included) – don’t overlook the tiny turned bead for the handheld MG either (mine almost was eaten by the carpet monster).

When compared to the kit parts, you can see the difference in refined detail and size. Both of the kit-supplied barrels look clunky in comparison. No other modifications are really required aside from replacing the barrels on the kit parts, so it couldn’t be any easier.

Recommended without reservation.

Thank you to Master Model for the review sample (I just won an AR 196 in our club raffle – so the timing was excellent!) and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this upgrade.