The DShK 1938 (Degtyaryova-Shpagina Krupnokaliberny, “Degtyaryov-Shpagin Large-Calibre”) became the standard Soviet heavy machine gun of WWII. It fired 12.7x108mm cartridges (the West’s M2 .50 cal fired 12.7x107mm) fed by belt or box magazine. It was frequently deployed with a two-wheeled cart and a single armor shield (similar to that used by the Maxim) as well as on a tripod for anti-aircraft. It was mounted on GAZ trucks, on late war tank cupolas (IS-2, ISU-152) in tank turrets (i.e. T-40), and other vehicles and ships.

A modernized DShK 1938/46or DShKM version appeared post war, which looked much the same. The Soviet Union , Russia, People's Republic of China, Pakistan and Romania have manufactured the DShK which has appeared throughout the world. I recall in Vietnam it was called a “.51 cal.” as it fired a slightly larger round than our M2 (the rounds were not interchangeable), and was one of the weapons our vulnerable helicopters learned to respect.

MiniArt has recently issued another link in their diorama chain of accessories. This time it’s a modular Brick Wall consisting of three main sections, two half sections (which appear to be blown out) and two corner units which can be assembled into any configuration that you wish. These “walls” are vacu-formed and needs to be cut carefully and then assembled. The length of the walls can be doubled if the backs aren’t going to be seen. The set consists of six full wall pieces and four half end pieces, and two lamp poles. The lamp poles are attached to two white sprues which also contain parts that must be in common with other kits. Some of these items can be used for whatever purposes you can think of. There are lamp hangars, which can be attached to an outside wall, which supports lamps that are also provided as extras. I have seen these on other kits while checking out their web site. Consider it a bonus, I guess.

This decal sheet is a commemorative release celebrating twenty-five years of business for Dutch Decals and as such is a “limited edition printing”. As you might expect from a manufacturer with this name, the densely packed sheet supplies decals for three historic aircraft in the KLu/RNeth AF. It has marking for twenty-three options: five Hunters, six Thunderstreaks, and twelve Starfighters. Most are basic operational schemes, but there are some with more colorful options. One is a Hunter sporting a replica of the New Guinea flag on the tail and another is a Starfighter with a shark-mouth and a red/white/blue rudder. While you have a bunch of options to choose from there are, however, roundels for only three aircraft, one of each type. You can get around this limitation if you have the Revell of GermanyHunter by using the kit supplied Dutch national insignia and then using this sheet’s insignia for another version.

This excellent set from Master Models in Poland is direct replacements for the kits parts. The larger pitot tube is aluminum and the AOA probes are brass (or at least that is the color they are!)

The pitot tube is excellent with better shape that the corresponding plastic part and no seam to clean up. It fits in the same location so it is a straight replacement. The AOA probes will need holes drilled out but it is also an easy, no brainer.

As many times in my model building life as I have had to replace or repair probes like this that snap off due to handling or moving to contests, these sets are perfect, durable and more correct than the kit parts. Highly recommended and at a very reasonable prices

My thanks to Master Models and IPMS/USA for a chance to perk up my 1/32 Tornado.