NASAMS – either defined as Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, is a short-to-medium range ground based air defense system originally brought into service in 1997 as a point defense system.It employs the AMRAAM Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air missile in a six-silo set mounted on a fully pivoting ground launcher. Designed in collaboration with both Norwegian and U.S. arms manufacturers as part of an integrated air defense system for sensitive ground targets. It has been used here in the States to protect targets in Washington D.C. and is currently in active service in the Ukraine opposing Russian missiles as well as other aerial targets. Reportedly, so far the system has destroyed over 100 Russian missiles and drones. At least two have been destroyed in combat – the main flaw in the system being its stationary nature – a real handicap in a highly mobile war.

Kotare are a new New Zealand-based modelling company, born from the ashes of the Wingnut Wings concern. Like their ancestor, Kotare are determined to offer high-quality 1/32 aircraft kits, but instead of concentrating solely on WWI subjects, Kotare are focusing on the more popular WWII, starting with a range of early mark Spitfires.

The book is a series of books covering all of the Pacific in World War Two used aircraft. It goes into great detail of the types squadrons, service & variants,

I found this book very informative and was full of facts and details of very little-known aircraft.

The articles on the variants that were explored during the development, were especially interesting.

The book is full of extremely interesting photos of the aircraft and markings. The many profile pictures are great when deciding on decals for model builds.

The inclusion of the chapter on Greater Japan Airways is something I did not expect and is great addition.

I was amazed at the amount of information and history found in the pages of this extremely enjoyable book. The profiles alone are worth the cost of the book.

I recommend this book to everyone with an interest in IJN aircraft from WWII.

Right on the heels of their lovely Mobile Chapel kit, ICM has released a set of figures that can either be used to create a stand-alone vignette or be used together with the aforementioned vehicle.

This set includes five well-sculpted figures, along with a separate sprue containing a portable organ, folding chair and numerous small bits that would be appropriate on an altar or other religious table. As I mentioned in my previous review of the mobile chapel itself, I stated that such a vehicle would rarely (I assume) have seen front-line service, and this set of figures supports that theory, as they appear very much to be rear-echelon types in suitably casual garb.

The set includes a preacher in appropriate ecclesiastic garb, an organ player, two supplicants and an assistant holding out a collection plate. Detail is crisp and the facial features distinctive and well done.

This review covers Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen’s Rear Engine Dragster kit. It’s a 1:24 Scale kit from Atlantis Models #M7529. Rescued from the scrap heap by Atlantis and re-released in 2024 it hasn’t been seen in decades. It’s not for the average builder, but with some forehand knowledge, it’s not that hard to get this nostalgic model on your shelf.

Tom “The Mongoose” McEwan was half of a tag team with partner Don "the Snake" Prudhomme that’s been called The Greatest Rivalry in Drag Racing. Known for his endless promotion, Tom ushered in a new era for motor sports when he got a sponsorship deal with Mattel’s “Hot Wheels” franchise. Aside from being NHRA winners this put the team in the hands, and minds, of nearly every boy in America. It was a stroke of marketing genius - bringing non-automotive sponsors into the sport.