Adam Jońca is an illustrator and author. He has contributed to several Stratus / MMP series, including Polish Tracks & Wheels [3 Volumes]; Polish Armoured Trains [3 Volumes; and Single Vehicle [4 Volumes].
From ICM’s website,
Since the summer of 2023, Leopard 2A6 tanks have been in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They actively participate in battles in the east and northeast of Ukraine. Some of them undergo specific modifications due to the nature of modern combat. Recent combat engagements have imposed new requirements, particularly improving protection against shaped charge munitions and attack drones. To address this, additional protective elements in the form of grids are added to the combat vehicles. Solid screens of various types are also used to protect the running gear. The Leopard 2A6 tanks of the Ukrainian army undergo such modifications, and several of these combat vehicles were seen in action in the fall of 2023.
I like the P-39 series aircraft as they are unique and not flown in combat as they were designed. Like a lot of early war aircraft, they were used because newer models weren’t available. As such, the P-39s flew in combat in the Pacific, and the Russians particularly liked them for ground attack. Like the aircraft, my experience with this model looks good from afar, but far from good.
Reference the Arma Hobby website for this P-39Q.
New Arma Hobby 2024 molds
The model includes a code to download a 3D printer file with detailed cockpit accessories:
This English language book, Messerschmitt Me 309 Development & Politics, is authored by Dan Sharp and Calum E. Douglas and was published on July 3, 2024.
This is a reissue of the Monogram original from the 1980s. Done in an odd 1/32 scale, this kit is a trip back in time for me because I didn’t build car models back then. The kit is very basic by today’s standards but there are a few areas where the detail is quite good. I found the interior had very good texture on the seats and especially the dash. Trans Ams had a brush rotary finish in metal and the texture molded on the kit part looks convincing once painted.
I did use some plastic card stock to fill the front seat backs since they come hollowed out. Chassis detail is acceptable for the scale, but the engine is too small for the engine bay. The “Shaker Hood” sits too low if installed per the directions, so I glued it to the bottom of the hood. The only other part I wrestled with was the glass.
I often enjoy providing several references to supplement my review notes. I initially pull out one of favorites: from the series of hard bound books, their Focke-Wulf Fw 190 by Robert Grinsell and illustrations by Rikyu Watanabe. This book among its other 1990 illustrations is a great series of cutaway drawings and a three-page drawing of Wurmheller’s Fw 190 with the color scheme and markings very close to the model and markings. I am unsure about the availability of these fine 48-page books, though I highly recommend them.
Additionally, there are many internet sources of background information about the Würger, including:
Valiant Wings has just released the 24th volume in it’s Airframe and Miniature series, dedicated to the Junkers Ju88C through T models. This follows on the heels of volume 23 which covered the Ju88A through B series.
The book consists of 256 pages, including over 200 photos (of operational as well as museum aircraft), scale line drawings, color profiles, several model builds, a set of 1/48 plans and more. The contents are printed on high-quality, semi-gloss pages, with heavier stock covers. This book follows a similar format to others in the series.
The first 25 or so pages, titled “preface” (one of the more in-depth prefaces I have seen!) pick up where the previous volume ended, and dive into an historical overview starting with the Ju88C. This overview continues through later models and into post-war usage as well as captured airframes.
(From the ArmaHobby web site) The P-51B/C was armed with four 12,7 mm wing-mounted machine guns, while under-wing pylons allowed it carry 250- and 500-pound bombs, as well as aluminum or paper fuel tanks with a capacity of 75 and 108 gallons, respectively.
The P-51B/C versions of the Mustang entered service in the European Theatre of Operations towards the end of 1943, and went on to play a key role in breaking down the resistance of the Luftwaffe’s fighter arm – the Jagdverbände – throughout 1944. They were also used in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations and in the Burma and China campaigns. Apart from providing escort cover, Mustangs flew ground support missions and were actively involved in combating the V-1 rockets. From mid-1944, they were gradually replaced with a still newer version, the P-51D/K.
When I saw this kit on the review list, I decided to build it as a preview of the “Dual Combo” of single seat MiGs by Eduard I have in my stash. All I can say is I can’t wait to start them now! This issue from Platz provides parts for one two-seat MiG 15 UTI version of this famous little fighter. Included are markings for the Finnish AF as advertised on the box but also two Polish AF examples. The parts are typical Eduard with excellent surface detail perfectly delicate for this scale. Colors are given for Mr. Color, Aqueous and Tamiya paint lines. A masking set is also included for canopies, back seat blast shield and windows under the fuselage. The decals are printed by Rocketeer Decal and are up to the standard of the rest of the kit.
The author, Peter Samsonov, is a Russian-Canadian military historian who has received praise from notable historians for his research on Second World War armored vehicles using English, Russian and German primary documents. He has several books under his name, and this is the first of his that I have read. It will not be my last as his attention to detail, facts and engaging writing style are fantastic.
From the Casemate's website description of this book,
