This is a diorama set which observes the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War. The kit comes with 4 - 1/72 models; The US AH-1 Cobra, the US M-1A1 Abrams, the Iraqi Mi-25 and an Iraqi T-62.

Because there are 4 models in the set, and we have time limits, the helicopters are built by Mike Hinderliter, and the armor by Jim Pearsall. The review will appear in 4 parts, as each of the 4 kits is finished.

The Nakajima B5N2 'Kate' was the most numerous Japanese torpedo bomber of the Second World War, and while primarily operated from carriers, it also saw service as a land based bomber. A single engine monoplane, it was defended by just one rearward firing machine gun, operated by the radio operator, and its relatively low speed left it vulnerable to enemy fighters. Kates performed well at Pearl Harbor and went on to have success during the early battles of the war.

This is one of those detail sets that you don’t know you need it until you need it. It is a pre-painted fret of US straps and tie downs. Packaged in a typical Eduard re-sealable package with card stock to protect the contents. This pre-painted fret utilizes the new steel media to produce a thin and accurate strap. The straps can be manipulated fairly robustly without the paint chipping.

There are five different types of straps. The first one has a clip on the end that will have to be folded. There are three of them. The second one is a strap in tan that can be added to the first one to ‘lengthen’ it. There are two of these straps. The third strap is a ‘leather’ looking strap that can be added to one of the other straps. There are two of these straps. The fourth one is another tan/canvas style of strap, that again can be used to lengthen the others. The fifth strap is another leather style strap. There are three of them to use.

Aerobonus has been releasing new figures at a remarkable rate. They continue to offer figures to go with your aircraft model. They are now starting to offer more helicopter related figures. There latest is available in 1/48^th and 1/32^nd scale, a US Army Helicopter Pilot from the Vietnam War between 1960-1975.

The Panhard VBL is a French light armored reconnaissance vehicle developed by the Panhard company with a steel-armored body and bulletproof glass. The VBL can also run on water with a propeller which is part of the rear axle. This version of the VBL includes a roof mounted Milan Anti-Tank Missile Launcher. This kit is a reissue of Tiger Model's kit of the Panhard VBL light armored reconnaissance vehicle with 7.62 mm machine gun, #4603. Tiger has also produced a version with a 12.7 mm M2 machine gun, #4619.

All six of the kit’s vehicle hatches can be modeled open or closed. The kit includes a complete interior with weapons, gear, and communication equipment. The tires can rotate. The kit also includes a metal tow cable and missile launcher with six spare missiles. The roof mounted missile launcher can rotate. The kit does not include an engine or transmission. A roof-mounted machine gun is provided with the kit parts, but not used on this version.