ICM continues its current conflict series with Drone Hunters, a part of their DS (Diorama Series) line. This kit combines the M1097A2 Heavy HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) with a Soviet DShKM machine gun and three figures (one manning the DShKM, one with binoculars and one holding the MANPADS (MAN Portable Air Defense System, in this case a FIM-91 Stinger) in firing position).

Drone Warfare

Referencing the ICM website and instruction sheet, "Drones have become a crucial element of modern warfare, fundamentally changing combat operations. Today, hundreds or even thousands of drones are deployed in a single day of fighting. Kamikaze drones—aerial strike vehicles—present a significant danger. These range from small units weighing just a few kilograms to large platforms approaching aircraft size.

One of the latest in Mushroom Model Publications’ White Series, French Bombers of WWII follows up an earlier volume on French aircraft: (2013’s French Flying Boats of WWII). MMP is calling this book part of their "Rainbow Series." I'm guessing that refers to their large format camouflage and markings set of books in their "White" series that have addressed Bulgaria, Finland, Hungarian, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, and Sweden. This series seems to share a commonality of discussing the specific topic of the evolution of a countries' evolution in markings. To that end, this book utilizes many previously un-published pictures and focuses in on individual aircraft to supplement with superb color illustrations.

Thanks to ICM Holdings for the paint set for review!

ICM has broadened its paint sets into WWII naval colors. Item 3070 is for US Navy WWII, a set of six (6) acrylic matte paints, 12 ml each. The colors are pulled from their extensive line of acrylic paints. Colors are: Black (1002), Wine Red (1048), Dark Blue (1077), Dark Sea Grey (1034), Warm Grey (1031), and Sky Grey (1033). Pricing is around $10 for the set, which is reasonable.

These paints are designed for brush application, but can be thinned 40-60% with water or thinner for airbrushing. The colors can also be mixed with each other to achieve different colors if desired.

They all are matte (flat), and brush on easily to plastic and paper, and are more opaque than other paints, meaning one coat should be sufficient for brushing (see HMS Glorious aircraft carrier photo), even without a primer coat.

Back in the late 60s through the mid 70s Monogram released a bunch of kits designed by Tom Daniels. I built a dozen of them in my youth, but lost all of them during one of our moves when the box didn’t show up at our new base housing. Since then I have managed to collect all but a couple of the ones I had and several I didn’t have but always wanted. Now, thanks to Atlantis Models, some of these kits have been re-released, and I took the opportunity to grab the Pie Wagon.

The kit comes packaged looking like the old Monogram kit, including the classic instructions. The parts are molded in red and clear plastic with chrome and brass-plated parts and rubber tires.

From the Introduction,

Infantry, and the tactics shaping their use, will play a central role in the any future conflict on the Korean Peninsula, alongside the APC’s and fire-support vehicles detailed in the previous volume. However, it is through overwhelming firepower of its armored formations and artillery, backed by engineering units and mobile air defences, that the KPA is expected to attempt a breakthrough. With most of its inventory of indigenous manufacture, the present book attempts a comprehensive study into the little-explored landscape of the Ground Forces’ armored vehicles.