Most of us who have a little knowledge of US history know something about what happened on December 7, 1941. Those who know a bit more, might also know that within 24 hours of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Imperial Army simultaneously invaded the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia and attacked the British colony of Hong Kong. Hong Kong 1941–45: First Strike in the Pacific War by Benjamin Lai, book number 263 in Osprey’s Campaign series, tells the story of Japan’s action against Hong Kong, the British surrender, the years of Japanese occupation, and the eventual reestablishment of British control over the colony when the war ended in 1945. It provides a very compelling look at how the defenders—and later prisoners—faired at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.

Griffon Model from China specializes in photoetch, turned brass, and resin details for armor vehicles. This set, L35039, it is actually a combo including the L35037 and L35038 sets, one for the Sd.Kfz.10/5 and the other for the Flak 38 gun. This set is recommended for the Dragon 6677 kit.

The set includes a total of 16 (16!) photoetch fret, two brass rods, one hollow brass pipe, and some extra materials, like plastic rod and brass wire.

So, what parts do you get to upgrade with close to 300 photoetch pieces? Almost everything.

A partial list for the half-track includes:

• Lower and upper surfaces of the fenders
• Rifle racks
• Tool boxes and tool clamps
• Locking latches for the engine hood
• The driver’s compartment floor
• Gearbox and perforated heat shield
• Straps for all ammo boxes
• Latches for the folding rear platform

Included upgrades for the 2 cm Flak 38 include:

My thanks to Hauler-Brengun and the IPMS Reviewers’ Corps for allowing me to review this excellent detailing accessory set.

Valve hand wheels are everywhere, found on many different kinds of equipment. Plastic valve wheels are often mediocre, so helpfully, Hauler has produced a photo-etched brass sheet of valve hand wheels in several sizes and shapes.