Casemate Publishing is distributing a book from MMP Books (Poland) which includes work from Karolina Holda, Artur Juszczak, Richard Caruana, Dariusz Karnas, Slawomir Zajaczkowski and Teodor Liviu Morosanu.

The book has a brief introduction to the events of May-June of 1940 and quickly progresses towards a comprehensive selection of color profiles of the different aircraft that were utilized during the Battle of France.

Among the aircraft featured are MS.406, D.520, Curtis H-75A, CR.714, MB.152, FK.58, Potez 631, Hawker Hurricane MK. I, Gloster Gladiator, Bf 109 E (both in German and Swiss colors), Bf 110, BF 108, CR.42, and G.50.

After the color profiles there is a page that includes color chips for French, British, German and Italian air forces.

Finally, there is a section of large print of instrument panels for the Bf.109E, Renault CR.714, Hurricane Mk.I, Dewoitine D.520 and Curtiss H-75.

This is part of a series of books by ShipCraft on warships and I have a few of these and are truly indispensable when building a model of the subject matter.

This book goes into great detail on the iconic USS Constitution 44-gun Frigate from 1797. It was known as Old Ironsides and become famous for its actions during the War of 1812. It is now preserved in Boston Harbor for all to see and visit.

The contents of the book are as follows: Historical Background

• Career Highlights
• Model Products
• Modelmakers’ Showcase
• Appearance
• Selected resources

I found the career highlights to be the most interesting section to me and learnt a lot about a ship I thought I knew well!

The modeling sections were also very informative, and has now led me to look for a wooden kit of this great ship to build using the information held within this book.

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.