If you are looking for a rather unique kit to add to your late-WWII collection of 1/72 scale Axis aircraft, Brengun has come through with a trainer variant of the Ohka rocket plane. The relatively small parts count makes this a quick build, but some experience with small photoetched parts will be beneficial. Modelers with some experience with small parts and working with plastic to improve the fit of parts will enjoy this build.

Built by Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho, 45 of the K1 version of the Ohka (Cherry Blossom) were built to train the future Kamikaze pilots of the rocket-powered plane. A forward tank was loaded with water to simulate the warhead weight on the combat aircraft, which was then dumped before landing. Requiring a speed of 130 mph to land the trainer, it was a difficult plane to land for the inexperienced pilots.

Introduction

The second volume of Panther Project follows the Restoration process of the Engine and Turret process along with its connected systems, information on Zimmerit. Some very nice Hull walk around along with interior photos, there are 440 photographs that make up this book along with some nice technical drawings of components.

Contents

Before they dive in on the restoration there are several pages on the History of the Panther tank along with the usual introduction. The rest of the book is broken up by each year on restoration 2007 2009 2013 2017 and 2018 and at the back are some references and technical drawings for the restoration process. Each chapter is broken up by what job is being done and gives the page numbers for easy reference. I'll be posting a picture of the index page as there is a lot of work going into each section.

Longtime readers of IPMS/USA reviews will know that I tend to prefer the tiny stuff. So it shouldn't come as too big a surprise that when Brengun released some accessory items for those of us that build in a diminutive scale (1:144) that I put in my bid for this kit review. 'Kit Review' may be too strong a phrase as these small German Staff Cars 3D printed, in resin, and come as one piece. The only assembly of the actual car is to remove it from the casting block. It should be noted that these cars represent an Opel Admiral Cabriolet, circa 1938.

Robert Forsyth, born in Berkshire, England, has studied the history and operations of the Luftwaffe since his school days. Based in East Sussex with his wife, he runs an aviation and military publishing business full-time. He has written articles for the magazines Aeroplane , Aviation News, FlyPast, and The Aviation Historian, and is a member of the Editorial Board of the latter publication. He is the author of several hard bound books, including: JV 44 - The Galland Circus (1996), Battle over Bavaria - The B-26 versus the German Jets (Classic, 1998), Mistel - German Composite Aircraft and Operations 1942-1945 (Classic, 2001), Messerschmitt Me 264 Amerikabomber (Classic, 2006, with Eddie Creek); He 162 Volksjager (Classic, 2009, with Eddie Creek); Heinkel He 111 (Crecy, 2014); Junkers Ju 52 (Specialty Press. 2015, with Eddie Creek).

This kit represents the final Marder series of tank destroyer, the model M, that was used in Normandy during the D-Day operations. This version of the Marder was the most produced by the Germans during World War II. Tamiya has taken their kit # 35255 Marder III M from 2002 and added some new parts and figures. Gone are the one-piece rubber band style tracks being replaced with two sprues of link and length tracks. These new tracks make up two sprues that also include new drive sprockets and a dozen 7.5cm rounds to fit into the side ammo bins. A new sprue with four new figures, helmets and headsets is included. The new instruction sheet is in booklet style, not the older Tamiya trifold style. This is nice and helps in referring to different assembly steps – just flips the pages, not the whole sheet. There are 12 pages consisting of 22 steps in the instructions. Along with this is a separate color page showing one Normandy Marder on both sides.