Hot on the heels of their 1/48 scale release, Master Models has released a 1/32 scale version of the GAU-8 Avenger gun tip for the Trumpeter A-10. Also included is a corrected pitot tube.

The set is straightforward with a sheet of photoetch for the front and back of the gun barrel, a turned brass center post, seven turned gun barrels, a brass main gun housing and a turned pitot tube. I included several shots of the main gun housing with its holes as it is a work of art. Finely made and with the holes made perfectly.

Assembly is done by adding the back plate and gluing the brass center post into its hole. The only tricky part is next when the front cap is added- you must make sure the holes align for the barrels. I did this by adding the end cover and holding it up to light and making sure things were straight. Let that dry and then slide the barrels through and secure them. The pitot tube is a direct replacement.

Master Model has produced a nice ammunition set to go along with their beautiful ZU-23-2 barrels. This set consists of 20 empty casings, 10 OFZ (HEI) rounds and 10 BZT (API-T) rounds. The items are made from turned brass and ultra-tiny. The only issue I have with these great items is that they can only be used as a diorama accessory. Without the disintegrating links that hold the rounds together, they can only be used as individual pieces unless the builder is a REALLY good scratch builder.

This book just changed my “image” of the Apaches as an undisciplined and unsophisticated group of fighters. The Apaches begin training new warriors at an early age and in addition to the obvious physical toughness there is considerable effort to develop mental toughness, obedience and agility. Of particular interest is the Apache concept of risk versus reward. Raids and wars are very carefully planned to consider all tactical and strategic options as well as contingencies and exit routes in case of problems. For a raid or war to be successful the primary goal is to greatly reduce the chance that a warrior to be killed since that reflects badly on the leader and places a burden on the tribe to care for the lost warrior’s family.