History and Performance

The Jagdpanther was based on the Panther chassis, using the engine and drive train, and mounted the 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (L/71). The end result was probably the best tank killer the Germans fielded during World War II. 392 of these vehicles were produced from January 1944 until March 1945. The Jagdpanther had a weight of 46 tons, could reach a road speed of 45 km/hr. The main armament had 57 rounds on board with 3,000 round for the bow mounted machinegun. A crew of five manned the vehicle. The majority of the Jagdpanthers served on the Eastern front, with the greatest number on the West Front serving in the Ardennes Offensive.

Based on the chassis of the ubiquitous GAZ Soviet “jeep”, the BA-64 served in various incarnations throughout most of World War II. Used primarily for scouting and liaison work, the two-man vehicle was robust and durable, if lacking somewhat in creature comforts. It soldiered on after the war, being supplied to various Warsaw Pact countries during the early stages of the Cold War.

Loon models (Roll Models brand) has added an aircraft seat to their 1/72 aircraft accessory line. This one is for the Messerschmitt Bf-109 B-E. Loon models doesn’t specify a kit for this seat, but it will have to be a kit that has a cockpit in it and it can’t be one that has a huge seat in it, like some of the older kits have. While I was looking through my stash for a kit that would be good for this review I compared the Loon seat with and an old Revell kit, an old Hasegawa kit, and an Academy kit. I picked the Academy kit of the Bf-109E because the seat was comparable to the size of the replacement. The older Hasegawa kit was out because the seat was molded to the floor, it would work but I didn’t want to cut out the seat. The older Revell kit had an extra large seat that was reminiscent of an old BarcaLounger and had a piece of the back hull molded to it

This is the first of a 2 volume set detailing the history, tactical development, and use of the various marks of the Sturmgeschutz III, commonly referred to as the StuG III. Volume 1 is predominately text, whereas Volume 2 is mostly photographic in content. This book offers a wealth of data for the modeler as well as those more interested in the technical aspects of this weapons system.

Chapters cover background, technical development, and series production, design variants A thru G, the factories involved in production, and combat records and troop reports. There is a full developmental section, where the evolution of tactics is examined. Due to the requirements of the conflict, a weapon developed to support the infantry with mobile heavy firepower, evolved into a premier tank killer and improvised tank replacement.

Every two months, Albatros Productions publishes Windsock Worldwide, a bi-monthly softcover, 8.25” x 11.75", 32 pages full-color publication that provides sustenance for the growing number of modelers interested in WW I aircraft. Each issue includes a featured subject (usually accompanied by accurate 3-view drawings), along with a variety of well-researched information on other aircraft. You'll also find news and reviews of the latest kits, aftermarket details, decals and publications. In the latest issue, Editor Ray Rimell continues to do what he has been doing for more than 26 years…provide WW I modelers with an almost endless wealth of detailed information about the flying machines of the Great War.