Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 1, 2023
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/32
MSRP
$16.95

This white metal SAC landing gear set is designed for the Wingnut Wings RAF RE.8 (Royal Aircraft Factory Reconnaissance Experimental 8) Model Kit #32012.

The British RE.8 replaced the BE series of two seaters using many of the BE’s components with the main difference being a forward firing machine gun for the pilot and relocating the observer/gunner to the rear. Poorly regarded because of its looks, and the “Harry Tate’s” poor aerobatic characteristics the RE.8 dependably performed its intended tasks as a bomber, reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft from 1916 to the end of WWI.

These are nice pieces that will add highly detailed realism to the Wingnut wings kit while providing additional strength and needed support to a large-scale model. This will reduce the concern about the landing gear buckling under the weight of the model and preventing the resulting damage.

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 3, 2023
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$12.95

This white metal SAC landing gear/strut set is designed for the Eduard 1/72 Fokker Dr.I series model kits.

Known widely as the Fokker Triplane, the fighter entered service in 1917 and was widely used by spring in 1918. The Triplane gained notoriety due to the last spate of the Baron Manfred von Richthofen’s aerial victories. It featured twin 7.92 mm Spandau machines guns as armament.

Compared to the Pfalz and Albatross fighters it was significantly more maneuverable in dive and role situations, but suffered from structural and engine failures. It was eventually abandoned due to faster versions of enemy aircraft.

These are nice replacement parts that will add highly detailed realism to the Eduard kit while providing additional strength and needed support for the model. This will reduce the concerns about the fragile landing gear breaking and preventing the resulting damage.

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 3, 2023
Company
Hauler
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$10.20

The Subject

The M8 light armored car was a 6×6 armored car that saw service from 1943 by US and British forces until the end of World War II.

Designed and built by Ford Motor Company it was intended as a replacement for the M6. Because it had tires instead of treads, it had great speed at 55 mph on open roads and was very good in support roles as a recon vehicle. It wasn’t without its drawbacks however. Crews put sandbags on the ¼” thick floor to protect them from mines. It was also awkward in wooded areas and rough terrain.

Exported widely, it was still in service with some countries in 2006.

The Item

If you want to bring your M8 model kit to the next level, this excellent photoetch/detail set is just the thing for you. This extensive PE sheet has most of the appliqués that can be added to the kit to provide a fully detailed rendering of the M8.

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 6, 2023
Company
Hauler
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$10.24

The Subject (Source - Wikipedia)

The heavy Panzerspähwagen was a large but very fast and highly versatile addition to the German Army. The original 6-Rad (six wheel) versions were based on a 6x4 truck with an armoured body, but by 1937 they were being replaced by 8-Rad versions. During the replacement phase, the Sd.Kfz. (Sonderkraftfahrzeug, 'special vehicle') numbers were carried directly over; differentiation was made by the inclusion of 6-Rad or 8-Rad in the vehicle's name.

The Sd.Kfz. 232 was armed with a 20 mm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon. This cannon was based on the 20 mm FlaK 30 anti-aircraft gun, and was capable of firing at a cyclic rate of 280 rounds per minute.

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 6, 2023
Company
Hauler
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$12.09

The Subject (Source - Wikipedia)

"The Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle (MCV) equips designated combat units. Due to its light weight and small size, it is designed for easy deployment (by aircraft if needed) allowing rapid movement on narrow roads and in built-up areas in response to various contingencies. Despite its small size and light armor, it can successfully attack much larger armored fighting vehicles as well as personnel, using its large caliber gun.

Main armament: 105 mm L/52 gun (developed by Japan Steel Works)

Secondary armament: 12.7 mm (0.5 in) M2 Browning machine gun, 7.62 mm NATO coaxial Sumitomo Type 74 machine gun (replacing M2 Browning) Type 96 40 mm Automatic grenade launcher or FN Minimi 5.56 mm NATO light machine gun".

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_16_maneuver_combat_vehicle

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 8, 2023
Company
OKB Grigorov
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$12.74

About the Subject (from Wikipedia)

“The M26 Pershing was a heavy tank/medium tank of the United States Army. It was used in the last months of World War II during the Invasion of Germany and extensively during the Korean War.

The M26 was intended as a replacement of the M4 Sherman but a prolonged development period meant that only a small number saw combat in Europe.

The M26 was the culmination of a series of medium tank prototypes that began with the T20 in 1942, and it was a significant design departure from the previous line of U.S. Army tanks that had ended with the M4 Sherman. Several design features were tested in the prototypes. Some of these were experimental dead-ends, but many become permanent characteristics of subsequent U.S. Army tanks”.

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M26_Pershing

Review Author
Doug Cole
Published on
January 8, 2023
Company
OKB Grigorov
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$13.59

About the Subject (from Wikipedia)

“The M3 Stuart/Light Tank M3, was an American light tank of World War II. An improved version of the tank entered service as the M5 in 1942 to be supplied to British and other Commonwealth forces under lend-lease prior to the entry of the U.S. into the war. Afterwards, it was used by U.S. and Allied forces until the end of the war.

Although the main criticism from units using the Stuarts was that it lacked firepower, the improved M5 series kept the same 37 mm gun. The M5 gradually replaced the M3 in production in 1942. Total M5 and M5A1 tank production was 8,884; an additional 1,778 M8 75 mm howitzer motor carriages based on the M5 chassis with an open-top turret were produced”.

URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M3_Stuart

Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
January 9, 2023
Company
Aires Hobby Models
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$8.00

For some reason, model manufacturers have been omitting pilot figures from their kits. Many after market producers have stepped in to fill the pilot seat void. Czech model manufacturer Aerobonus has a new release in its 1/72 Modern German Luftwaffe/ Marine Fighter Pilot. Like most pilot figures being released recently, this figure is standing, but can easily be made to sit with some razor saw surgery.

Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
January 9, 2023
Company
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Scale
1/48
MSRP
$16.95

Model aircraft displayed wheels down are susceptible to damage from the weight of the model on the plastic landing gear. There have been many after market solutions and among the leaders is Scale Aircraft Conversions from Royse City, Texas, who have been answering modelers’ prayers since 1990. Their white metal landing gear is designed to bear the weight of the model and complement the detailed non-load bearing plastic parts. Their extensive range covers white metal landing gear from 1/144 to 1/18 scale aircraft.

The V-22 Osprey first took flight in 1999 and there are currently 400 Osprey aircraft in service. Models of the V-22 Osprey are represented in various scales, with this white metal landing gear set in 1/48 scale. This set is manufactured for the Hobby Boss kit (No. 81769). As a ground pounder, I have a deep affinity for aircraft that support ground combat operations. And while I don’t have the Hobby Boss kit in my stash, there is the Italeri kit (No. 2622).

Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
January 9, 2023
Company
AMMO by Mig Jimenez
MSRP
$12.40

A new release from prolific AMMO by Mig Jimenez, is this three-color acrylic paint set labeled for the three tone NATO camouflage. The paint comes in 17ml plastic bottles, complete with a stirring ball, in a clear plastic clamshell box. While the paints can be procured individually, the three major colors are included (and most likely cheaper than buying them individually). The following paints are included:

  • AMMO 0046 Matt Black
  • AMMO 0084 NATO Green
  • AMMO 0085 NATO Brown

I am a fan of AMMO acrylic paints and am very impressed with this paint set. While advanced modelers and painters can mix their own colors, basic modelers like myself prefer the easy off-the-shelf solution provided in this set. With the plethora of NATO vehicles wearing the NATO three tone camouflage since the 1980s, there are numerous vehicles waiting to be painted with this easy-to-use solution. The paints are also odorless and non-toxic.