AFV Club released this kit in the fall of last year. This is a variant of their M35x series of 2.5-ton trucks of which the M49A2c 1200 Gallon Fuel truck and the venerable M35A2/3 “Deuce and a half” truck were released.
The AN/ALQ-184 is an electronic countermeasure pod carried by a variety of military aircraft and commonly seen on the F-16 and A-10. The ECM pods function is to jam and deceive the enemy radar.
Eduard is known for a wide variety of high quality resin, photo etch and full kits. The AN/ALQ-184
Is part of their “Brassin” line which is a multi-media product that includes resin, photo etch and appropriate decals. This product is cast in gray resin and bubble free with a small pour block that you can clearly define where the part is and what resin needs to be cut away. There are two photoetch frets, however only one is needed. Detail is basic, but they do not require much detail. The decals are nice, however some of the sections are joined with lengthy clear carrier film. Most modelers will simply cut that part away so it is not an issue.
The Beechcraft Bonanza was developed and first flown in 1947 in the “V” tail configuration. In the mid 50’s the design was changed to include a conventional empennage, consisting of vertical tail and horizontal tailplane. This model was called F-33.
This 1/48 scale Bonanza has been around a long time through several different model manufactures, in the “V” tail set up. I remember building it years ago. I think I donated it to my high school that had an aeronautics program.
Sealing the paint before decals and weathering a model is an important step in preventing damage the base coat. Ammo by Mig Jimenez has released a line of acrylic varnishes (finishes) that are easy to use and are nontoxic. Here is the description from their catalog:
This latest book in the “In Action” series covers the CH-47 Chinook from prototypes to current operations.
The Chinook began as the YHC-1 prototype in 1957. Vertol, which had been Piasecki until 1956 developed the YHC-1A and the YHC-1B. The YHC-1A became the CH-46 Sea Knight, used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. The YCH-1B, which was larger became the CH-47 Chinook.
The first half of the book covers development and the various models of the Chinook.
The sections are:
The “In Service” section consists of photos with captions outlining the various areas of operation of the Chinook. The CH-47 was heavily used in Vietnam. Later it was used in Operation Deliberate Force in Bosnia, in Afghanistan, then Desert Storm in Iraq.
This is part 1 of the review of MiniArt’s T-55 Mod. 1963 Interior Kit. Part 2 will complete the assembly of the turret, tracks, fenders, and the remainder of the kit.
This kit is the first of MiniArt’s T-55 variants and follows their earlier series of T-44/54 Russian tank kits. Following their previous versions, this kit is first released with full interior detailing. MiniArt has also announced a soon to be released IDF Tiran version of the T-55, and a T-55A Late Mod. 1965.
The Skipjack was a class of United States Navy nuclear submarines. This class was named after its lead ship, the USS Skipjack. The Skipjack’s design was based on the USS Albacore design. This new design was maximized for underwater speed by shaping the hull like a blimp. The bow panes were moved to the massive sail to cut down on the flow-induced noise near the bow sonar array.
Opening the box: When I opened the box, the model was packaged with three sprues one for the hull halves, one for the parts to go on the model and a sprue containing the stand the model will be displayed on. Also included was a clear plastic envelope containing the photo etch propeller and the decal sheet.
The Eliminator was built for the rock band ZZ Top and has been featured in many of the band’s videos. It’s a sleek hot rod made from a ’33 Ford Coupe in bright red with the ZZ Top logo on the side. The Revell kit of this car is faithful to the original with decals for the side logos and logos even molded into the valve covers and air cleaner on the engine, which is nicely detailed and with the addition of an ignition system would display very well with those logos highlighted in red. The interior consists of a seat, nicely detailed dash and steering column with the floor pedals molded into the floor pan part. Details of the upholstery are given in decals, which adds a nice touch. There are 70 parts in total molded in red, clear and chromed and four nicely detailed rubber tires. A younger modeler could build this kit without paint as it is molded in the prototype’s color with the chrome accents, but the advanced modeler will want to add a higher gloss finish.
Tamiya has recently released their own boxing of the diminutive Goliath tracked mine. The kit comes complete with two mines and control boxes, tethered by steel wire to one of three highly detailed figures. Molded in crisp, yellow plastic, the contents of the box are typical of Tamiya kits, and the three figures are just about as good as it gets in terms of detail and craftsmanship.
The Goliath tracked mine – (Leichter Ladungsträger Goliath or Goliath Light Charge Carrier) was a name given to two German unmanned, disposable demolition vehicles used during World War II. These were the electrically powered Sd.Kfz. 302 and the petrol-engine powered Sd.Kfz. 303a and 303b. The -302 is the version represented in the Tamiya kit.
Ammo by Mig Jimenez is expanding their line of acrylic diorama products with these products; Dry Earth Ground #2101, Dark Mud Ground #2104 and Slow River Waters #2204. These products come in a large mouth, 250ml plastic bottle. The Dry Earth Ground is a tan, gritty paste like it has fine sand in it. The Dark Mud Ground is a dark brown, smooth paste. The Slow River Waters is a slimy green gel. The bottle says you can pour this, but it seems way too thick to do that. Here are the descriptions from Ammo’s website to explain each product better:
