ICM continues to be prolific despite the ongoing Russian initiated war in Ukraine. While most subjects released by ICM are welcome, fans of modern soft skin US vehicles are having to make do with older kits. ICM recently released a 1/35 M1097A2 HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly called the Humvee in all its guises). Acrylic Paints Set for Humvee US Military Cars is the paint set specially released to accompany/compliment this excellent new kit.

Acrylic Paints Set for Humvee US Military Cars consists of five 12ml paint bottles and one 17ml bottle for the primer (the primer bottle is slightly larger), that are surprisingly not dropper top, but rather are wide-mouthed. The colors include:

• Primer Black (No. 2005)
• Light Earth (No. 1056)
• Hull Red (No. 1052)
• US Dark Green (No. 1072)
• 4BO Green (No. 1073)
• German Grey (No. 1038)

Painting instructions are on the side of the packaging, stating

While attending the IPMS Nationals in Madison, WI, in July, I was looking for a few specific tools and came across the UMM-USA (Unique Master Models) tables. They had several tools I had been looking for. UMM-USA is an on-line Store, importing and exporting kits, specialized modeling tools and supplies and consulting services (see web site).

UMM-USA had also provided a few product samples to the IPMS Reviewer Corp for review, so I was able to pick up this small hole reamer they produce and a biplane jig/stand kit they retail for review (see the review titled: Biplane - Wooden Jig Stand & Transport)

ICM has released a new 1/48^th scale Bristol Beaufort Mk. I, Bombing Raid version with decals devoted to No. 22 and No. 217 Squadron. For this boxing, there is an additional Sprue W (3X) that will turn this Mk. I into a bombing raid ordnance configuration versus the torpedo version of the previous boxings (there is no F2 or torpedo trailer sprue in this kit). This is a 2-part review and PART 1 will review the contents of this kit.

In The Box

The kit box is typical top open with a nice illustration, but it does have a heavier cardboard fully enclosed box to protect all plastic inside. The sprues are packaged in a single plastic bag and the styrene is your typical light gray and clear plastic and will bond well with your usual modeling cement.

UMM-USA has provided us with a Double Beveled 2.5 mm Gliding Scriber tool. The scriber is made from hardened steel and will be able to scribe plastic and resin. The double bevel feature will allow the modeler the ability to scribe into tight 90-degree corners that, through the molding process, may have left behind a small radius of material from styrene injection, resin molded parts, or loose printer tolerances of 3-D resin.

On sample parts from my spares box, the scriber cuts effortlessly into plastic. Using a spare wing’s interior side, I used a metal ruler as a guide to make some straight lines and freehanded some other lines.

Using a spare 1/48 scale missile and bomb with molded fins, I was able to create a nice sharp scribed edge where the fins meet the surface of the ordnance. The other fin I left as molded for a visual comparison of how a few swipes of this scriber adds great detail.

UMM-USA is dedicated to fine scale modeling, encompassing model kits, accessories, and specialized tools.Owned by John Vojtech, a fine scale modeling veteran. UMM-USA is an on-line Store, importing and exporting kits, modeling tools and supplies, and seeks and offers solutions on technical issues. In addition, his services currently include design and production of master parts, casting of original masters, photo-etched masks, decals, and building made-to-order models for customers. You can see a sampling of John Vojtech's finished projects in the Our Gallery section of the Web site.