Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
UMM-USA
Scale
1/72
MSRP
$27.95

UMM-USA has provided the reviewer core with a riveting tool for 1/144th and 1/72nd scale models.

This is a single row rivet pounce wheel with a rivet pitch (distance between rivets) of 0.40 mm. Its main target use is for smaller scale models. The handle is made from a 3-D print and the filament is colored white and black. A yellow dot is colored into the handle and correlates to the size on the sheet packaging for 0.40 mm rivet pitch.

I used this tool on a 1/144th scale spare F/A-18 Hornet kit and quickly riveted on only the RHS. The look is to scale and adds more detail and interest versus the LHS that is not riveted.

Conclusions

This is a neat tool to have which will add more detail to your builds by adding fastener/rivet detail to the surface of your smaller scaled kit(s).

I want to thankUMM-USA for providing The Riveter Single Rivet Wheel and IPMS/USA for allowing me the opportunity to review.

Book Author(s)
Managing Editor: Mick Davis
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Cross & Cockade International
MSRP
$50.00

Cross & Cockade International is a non-profit UK based group known as the First World War Aviation Historical Society that publishes their journal four times a year. Issues are available as printed as well as digital copies (or both). They also provide a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier for IPMS USA. This Journal is the sister of the US Journal, Over The Front.

Review Author
Chris Smith
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1:24
MSRP
$74.00

ICM continues to bring us modern tooled kits of subject’s modelers really want. Produced from 1927 to 1932, the Ford Model A followed up on the success of the model T. Several body styles were mounted on a chassis powered by a four-cylinder 201 cubic inch engine making 40hp. Coupled with a three-speed manual transmission, the Model A was capable of speeds up to 65mph. Almost five million Models were sold in the US when production ended in 1932.

Review Author
Pat Villarreal
Published on
Company
UMM-USA
Scale
NA
MSRP
$12.99

UMM-USA has provided the reviewer corps with a side cutting Sprue/Wire “ROUND” cutter. It is labeled “Round” because the cutting jaw is circular at the tip.

The cutter is made from hardened steel and the “tweezer-like action” allows for precise cutting to remove small parts from sprues with a flush cut which will reduce sanding at the attached point. Also, it has a tapered edge and will allow access in tight places for parts removal.

Reading the description on the website (UMM-USA.com), the cutter can also be used on resin, soft wires and photo-etch.

For my sample, I cut some parts from a current project on my hobby bench. As advertised it cuts well and very close to the edge. A little soft sanding may be needed to remove the remaining sprue attach nub but overall, a close cut at the surface. Its small size makes it a very handy tool to have resting next to your tweezers or sanding sticks and will not take up too much space.

Review Author
Eric Christianson
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$57.66

Ever productive Kiev-based ICM is back again with a new offering in its Sd.Kfz. 251 halftrack line; this time with the /18 WWII German Observation Vehicle, with crew. This highly detailed, ubiquitous subject offers two build options; one sporting an MG-34 up-front, and the other a straight reconnaissance vehicle. Included are a highly detailed radio set, a full engine and transmission, and dual, posable doors in the back reflecting the early ‘A’ model design. ICM has gone all out on this gem of a kit, even adding five, fully detailed figures to the mix.

Review Author
Jason Boggans
Published on
Company
ICM
Scale
1/35
MSRP
$137.00

Box Art / Packaging

The ICM Maultiers kits are presented in a rigid and glossy box with limited details of the contents offered on the side. The artwork is pleasant and depicts the three vehicles in muddy/snowy terrain. The kit indicates that the contents are half-track cars, Wehrmacht KHD S3000/SSM and Ford V3000S/SSM in cargo and sanitary versions.

Book Author(s)
Dan Sharp
Review Author
Frank Landrus
Published on
Company
Mortons Books
MSRP
$60.00

Mortons Media Group was established in the 19th century and has been producing book-length publications since the early 2000s. The company established a dedicated books division in 2019 and Mortons Books has already earned a reputation for publishing high-quality titles by authors who are true experts in their field. For the best reads on rail, aviation, nostalgia and history, look no further. This book is part of their imprint: Tempest Books addresses all aspects of aviation history are covered in authoritative detail. The aviators and aircraft of the Second World War are profiled by our titles alongside more modern fighters, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and transports. 'Secret projects' and experimental designs are also an important part of the Tempest Books portfolio.

Book Author(s)
Les Brown
Review Author
Paul Bradley
Published on
Company
Seaforth Publishing
MSRP
$28.95

This latest title in the excellent ShipCraft series of ship modelling books focuses on the British WWII Town, and Colony Classes and post-War Tiger-class cruisers. Authored by well-respected British naval historian and modeler, Les Brown, this 64-page monograph features 60 b&w period photos, many color photos mainly of model, some very nice color profiles illustrating WWII camouflage schemes, and some plans.

The book follows on from Brown’s earlier volume on British 6-in cruisers from the 1930s onwards and concentrates on the later wartime classes with triple-gun turrets of the Town-, Colony-. and Tiger-class, the latter of which were laid down in wartime but not completed until well afterwards and which take the story of British big-gun cruisers to it’s end in the 1970’s. One of the ships, the famous HMS Belfast, still survives as a museum ship.

Book Author(s)
David Francis, Andy Evans, Andy Folds, Jon Philipps, The Senior Partners, Phoenix Scale Publications, LLP
Review Author
Andy Taylor
Published on
Company
Phoenix Scale Publications
MSRP
$9.99

Aviation Modelling International is an aircraft modeling magazine produced by Phoenix Scale Publications, hailing from Great Britain. According to the Phoenix Scale Publications website,

Phoenix Scale Publications is a partnership of four people who have worked in the modelling and aviation press for many years and have come together to produce two brand-new, high-quality modelling titles and a new book series – for modellers, by modellers - with each partner bringing their own unique talents.

The reader gets a lot of information and inspiration within its 68 pages for the cover price £5.99 ($9.99 from Sprue Brothers Models), postage will almost double that price. There is a digital version available which drops the price down to £4.99 for a single issue, or £23.99 for an annual subscription.

The July 2024 issue of Aviation Modelling International contains the following Regulars articles:

Book Author(s)
Andy Evans
Review Author
Dave Morrissette
Published on
Company
Phoenix Scale Publications
MSRP
$21.99

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom is probably one of the most iconic aircraft of all time. Originally developed for the U.S. Navy, the F-4 found it’s way to the Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. This highly capable aircraft went on to become the most produced American supersonic aircraft in history. Due to its capabilities, the F-4 also served with the air forces in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.