Packaging and Contents

The ICM WWI German Infantry paint set comes in a small cardboard box (Image #1). The back features (Image #2) graphics showing some common uses for the included colors. The set of six paints includes: 1008 Deep Brown, 1072 US Dark Green, 1038 German Grey, 1037 Dark Grey, 1070 German Field Grey, and 1034 Dark Sea Grey (Image #3).

The paints come in 12ml plastic bottles with twist-off type caps. I believe ICM has included ball bearings in the bottles to aid in shaking/mixing, which is nice. Like many, I add a small 6mm ball bearing to all of my paints, and anyone who does this knows that it can be messy, so having these in already in place is both a time and mess saver. (Image #4). [Caption: Colors, from L to R: 1070 German Field Grey, 1037 Dark Grey, 1038 German Grey, 1034 Dark Sea Gray, 1072 US Dark Green, 1008 Deep Brown]

The Testing

I am a figure painter, so understand that this review is written from that perspective.

I am familiar with Green Stuff World but was unaware that they branched out into water-slide decals. They have done so with a varied selection of after-market sets that will help you with your next project. (In particular are the three different sets of graffiti art!)

This review concerns itself with their Pin-Up Girls decal set. There are two sheets in the package with twelve different 'girls' depicted along with roundels that could be used separately or as background for the ladies. German and Japanese 'kill markings' are included along with stars and assorted shark-faced bombs.

Each decal, thoughtfully provided in left- and right-hand versions, is printed in three different scales (28mm / 1/58, 32mm/ 1/54, and 54mm/1/32). They are, however, more than adaptable to just about any scale. Color definition and detail is excellent with minimal carrier film.

From the ICM website -

The modern Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were created in 2016 on the basis of existing units and subunits, most of which already had some combat experience. As of the summer of 2023, the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces are based on two special purpose regiments – a special purpose maritime center, a special operations center and several other units. Their main tasks include in-depth reconnaissance, combat raids behind enemy lines, search and evacuation of captives or hostages, and anti-terrorist activities.

The book covers the history of the SS Panzer Battalion 501 in the Battle of The Bulge (Ardennes for the Germans). The book is divided into 5 chapters with an Introduction, Conclusion, Notes and Bibliography at the end of the book. Each chapter in turn is divided into individual sections dealing with specific points. The book contains a total of 169 pages, 191 black and white photos, 7 maps and 1 order of battle table. The unit was attached to the 1st. SS Panzer Division Liebstandart Adolph Hitler (LSSAH) another unit of was the 12th. Panzer Division. The goal of the unit was to reach the port of Antwerp and thus divide the Allied units in two. The unit personnel were very experienced. One of the biggest problems the unit had was the great deal of maintenance and mechanical problems that plagued the unit.

The Great War Aviation Historical Society is a non-profit UK-based group that publishes the Cross & Cockade International journal four times a year. Issues are available in printed or digital formats. They also provide a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the “Sopwith Dolphin” monograph, which I reviewed earlier for IPMS/USA. Cross & Cockade International is the sister of the US journal Over the Front.