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.

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.

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

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

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).

From the Phoenix Scale Publications website, “Phoenix Scale Publications is a partnership of four people who have worked in the modelling and aviation press for many years and have come together to produce two brand-new, high-quality modelling titles and a new book series – for modellers, by modellers – with each partner bringing their own unique talents.”

This Air Profile Book is authored by Andy Evans, who, during his 40-year career has been involved with five aviation and modelling magazines, as well as an author to more articles. His accomplishments include over 60 aviation and modelling books to his name.

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

Red Fox Studio manufactures 3D acrylic resin instrument panels and details for aircraft cockpits in several scales and are now available through the AMMO website for purchase. The parts in this scale are quite detailed for their small size and are even pre-painted! The placement of these bits is easy- one simply has to separate the part from the cardstock and glue it in place using any white glue you have on hand- including that created by AMMO. The parts can also be washed with AMMO enamel or acrylic paints, and varnished with acrylic based varnishes. In addition to adjusting each cockpit detail to the correct scale, each piece features a hyper-realistic finish on the instruments, gauges, and displays, imitating the reflection of the glass bezels.

About the Subject (from Wikipedia)

“A German World War II super-heavy tank completed in late 1944. It is the heaviest fully enclosed armored fighting vehicle ever built. Five were ordered, but only two hulls and one turret were completed, the turret being attached before the testing grounds were captured by advancing Soviet military forces.

he principal problem in the design of the Maus was developing an engine and drivetrain which was powerful enough to adequately propel the tank, yet small enough to fit inside it. The Maus was too heavy to cross bridges. As a result, an alternative system was developed, where the Maus would instead ford the rivers it needed to cross.

If you’re even just a passing fan of classic sailing ships, you should be familiar with the unforgettable H.M.S. Victory, the famous ship-of-the-line that Lord Nelson commanded at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. More readily recognizable by the novice than even the U.S.S. Constitution, this ship has been a subject for virtually every major model maker in the last century, manufactured in metal, wood or plastic.

ICM has released kit based on a character from the TV series the Squid Games – this is one of ‘Square’ guards from the show.

In the box is:

• 3 x light grey sprues
• 1 x stand base
• 1 x black sprue for stand
• 1 x small black sprue with the mask
• small decal sheet
• 1 x instruction sheets
• 1 x box art print

Construction

The construction of the figure is very easy, and they assemble very well. You do need to do a little filling here and there during the assembly.

The base is a nice touch and has optional ground finishes to choose from.

Painting was easy, although I did not use all the reference colors as shown on in the instructions. I did use all Tamiya paints on the figure. There was just one decal for the mask.

I really enjoyed building this kit and loved the TV series it is based on.

Loren Perry’s recent retirement and subsequent closing down of the Gold Medal Models photo etch line produced many long faces in the modeling world, particularly in the model shipbuilding community. For many of us, Gold Medal photo etch was, and is, the “gold standard” for ship detailing sets. When Squadron Hobbies purchased Gold Medal Models remaining stock, and announced resumed production of Gold Medal sets, there was, as they say, much rejoicing.

A Brief Introduction of this Book

This book contains 86 pages, including 130 black & white photographs, 34 color pages of colored profile drawings and eight maps. The color drawings illustrate several vehicles (primarily those of the PVAN (People’s Army of Vietnam) with a few US tanks and aircraft). Almost all of the photographs serve to illustrate the futility of the war in Southeast Asia.

Twobobs Aviation Graphics are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and keep producing outstanding decal sheets for modern military jet aircraft. A-10C Heritage Hawgs (48-275) celebrates three A-10s promoting heritage and morale. Twobobs chose A-10s from the active, reserve and National Guard squadrons:

The TER-9R is a triple ejector rack that has aerodynamic features designed for high-speed flight. This pylon is commonly carried on the F-16 however this pylon may be seen on other aircraft like the A-10.

Brengun produces a wide range of unique resin and photo-etch accessories in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 as well as 1/144. Packaged in a resealable bag, this pylon set is cast with zero flash with prominent pour block on the mating surface to the stores pylon. Hasegawa and Kinetic kits include this TER-9R however I have not seen this pylon in Tamiya boxings.

Using Hasegawa’s TER for comparison, this set has superior details than what the kit offers. The number of additional details and engraved panel lines is remarkable compared to what is offered from injection molded parts can offer.

Hauler Brengun has done great work with their aftermarket sets and kits. This latest one, the TG-16A is a cool choice. In 2011, the TG-16A was chosen by the US Air Force as the new soaring trainer for USAF Academy and also is the choice for their aerobatics team. The competition version is rated at +7/-5 G which is impressive for the thinness of the actual plane.

The kit comes with a single white sprue with all the parts (and a few extra) for the plane. There is a clear sprue for the canopy and rear tail part. The wings and horizontal stabilizer are a single piece. Instructions are a single sheet and painting instructions are on the back of the box. Four sets of markings are included on the decal sheet. All as similar since the planes themselves are similar. They are white!

Squadron is back and in a big way. In this review, we’ll cover the four new decals listed below:

The 1/32nd scale modeling world was happily surprised when Infinity Models came out with two versions of the SB2C Helldiver. It is a huge model and there are resin after market sets for the bomb bay, wing folds, weapons plus photoetch. The kit can get very heavy, very quickly. The kit landing gear are simple albeit beefy plastic parts. What to do so your Helldiver isn't sitting on the ground?

Scale Aircraft Conversions to the rescue with a full white metal landing gear set. The set is 19 metal parts and will need some cleaning but is a direct replacement for the main gear AND that fragile rear leg too. The set could also be used to rescue you from a lost or missing part but with the weight of the kit, this is really needed

Highly recommended to pretty much required. My thanks to SAC for the opportunity to review it.

For those of us aircraft builders, Two Bobs Aviation Graphics is no stranger to the decal scene. Specializing in modern era planes of all types, they have supplied great decals for a long time now. This new set, “F-15 Grim Reapers- End of an Era” continues that tradition with a set dedicated to the 493rd Fighter Squadron located at RAF Lakenheath and known as the Grim Reapers. They are converting to F-35’s and went about commemorating the retirement of the F-15C’s with a special scheme and nose art capturing their last deployment to Poland. As a bonus, there are three additional schemes from their 2019 deployment that feature nose art. Included in the set are marking for:

This is Volume 15 of the Historic Military Aircraft Series from the Publishers of FlyPast Magazine. The book is divided into 10 chapters with an introduction and glossary at the end of the book. The Introduction deals mainly with a short story of the Junkers Company. This include the pioneering work of the company into development of the all metal airplane, the inter-war success and finally how the company was seized and became completely owned by the NAZI Party. The company was fully amalgamated, finally in 1936. Chapter one touches on the development of the JU-88. The early idea was that the JU-88 would be that of an offensive aircraft, but the early vision of the designers wa changed due to an airplane crash in which the supporter of the fast offensive aircraft was killed in a plane crash. The person most influential in the many changes of the JU-88 was Ernst Udet. He was a firm believer of the tactical air force for close support.

Helion is a UK based company that produces books on many aspects of Military History from the Late Medieval period through to the present day. Helion was established in 1996, and since then they have published almost 1,200 books, with 100 or more new titles coming out every year, for readers around the world.

David Francois, from France, earned his PhD in Contemporary History at the University of Burgundy and specialized in studying militant communism, its military history and relationship between politics and violence in contemporary history. In 2009, he co-authored the Guide des archives de l’Internationale communiste published by the French National Archives and the Maison des sciences de l’Homme in Dijon. He is regularly contributing articles for various French military history magazines and regular contributor to the French history website L’autre côté de la colline.

This is volume 36 from the TankCraft series. The contents consist of an Introduction and nine sections. The introduction is a small history of the Panzer III, as well as the number shipped to North Africa and their unit numbers. The next section introduces us to the initial operations of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK). We are presented with the Order of Battle of the DAK as of March/April, 1941.The section ends with a map showing the area of operations of the DAK, as well as month by month events starting in January, 1941 and ending in November, 1942. The book follows with 20 profiles of vehicles used by the unit and their camouflage.

The book covers a detailed account of the cap badges used by the British Armed forces from their creation until the present. The book consists of a Foreword, Introduction, Order of Precedence, and A Short Story of the Badge in the British Army, How to use the Book, 31 Chapters, and where to go next. This last part is divided into Abbreviations used, 10 Appendices and the Bibliography.

Alan Ranger is a former British Royal Engineer, engineer, collector of World War II militaria and original period photographs, and prolific author. Alan started his publishing days with Model Art of Japan and has already authored 25 books in the Camera On series, typically focusing on weapon systems and vehicles.

Camera On Number 27 focuses on the World War II German heavy off-road wheeled passenger soft skinned vehicles – the title is self-explanatory - Schwerer Geländegängiger Personenkraftwagen and Successors, the Horch 108 Type 1, licensed built Ford Type EG, and light truck chassis Steyr 1500 and Mercedes Benz 1500A and S types. The beauty of this book is the photos were taken by German soldiers during their wartime service, not posed and polished propaganda shots.

David Doyle is well known to historians and modelers alike, with over 200 books to his credit. His Legends of Warfare series covers many of the important machines used in warfare. This latest volume is for the Northrup P-61 Black Widow. The P-61 was the first US purpose designed night fighter. Comparison in size to a medium bomber and with its twin-boom design the P-61 was a very distinctive design and popular with aviation enthusiasts and modelers alike. Monogram Models often said it was their very best selling 1/48 scale model. Hopefully soon the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum will have their P-61 back in the air.

The book is broken down into seven chapters. Chapter one covers the XP and YP-61, Chapter two covers the P-61A, Chapter three the “B” model. Chapter four the “C” model. Chapter five covers the XP-62D. Chapter six covers the XP-61E. The final chapter covers the F-15A Reporter.