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News
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Updated 5 April 2008 This page is to put some flags out for items which I consider worth noting and which you might be interested in even before you see more about them within Small Scale Scene in Military Modelling Magazine itself. As a modeller for many years now, I often make "something else for a change". I am sure I am not the only hobbyist like this, so for interests sake there may be things in here that are not just AFV related, but could cover aircraft, figures and even on occasion ships. I hope you will have a scan through, you never know what might attract your interest, and I make changes, add new bits anywhere down the list, they are not in any particular order. For details of the manufacturers and where you can order the products, check the "Manufacturers" page where they are listed, along with any links to their sites, where I know they have them. |
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AFVs |
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What's New: |
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Revell Hummer Ambulance in 1/72 (New 5/04/08) |
New Hummer Release from Revell Great to hear
from Revell recently with their most recent release, a kit containing 2
Hummers. This time we see not
only the standard TOW armed version, but also one with the Maxi Ambulance
body. This was one I especially
was keen to see in kit form, and they have done it well. The same body is an ambulance, but also
used for some command variants as well.
It has taken a few years for them to follow on from their first Hummer
release, and during that time Dragon have done a number of twin Hummer kits
so there is a natural thought to compare them. Well, I reallt
like the detail and presentation of the Revell kits, and they go together
beautifully. There are two major
differences, and I am a little disappointed that Revell didn’t take the
opportunity to make a couple of improvements in this new releases. The first is that while some clear
plastic is provided for you to cut out and use to glaze the windscreens (more
than most kits over the years), but why not add moulded
parts? Secondly the tyres. The
tread pattern is not the characteristic chunky tyres
seen on Hummers, and is best replaced by the aftermarket resin accessories by
MIG productions. Mind you, I am
not over fond of the Dragon tyres either, so both
have room for improvement. However,
great value and the 2 kits in the box is very
useful. |
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Resicast (New 5/04/08) |
New 1/35 Conversions and Accessory
sets It is a few
years since I built a couple of conversions on the 1/35 Bren Carrier from
Tamiya, using update sets from Resicast. Well, they have returned to the subject
and revised those earlier sets. The
wading carrier is one in particular.
It includes some new track, which replaces those in the basic Tamiya
kit, which when you compare them with what they should be like, only then do
you discover how poor they are. In
addition, we see new stowage sets, one of which has parts for 2 carriers, and
also has replacement parts fr the rear suspension,
so the model sits right down at the back, due to the additional weight being
carried. Add some |
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Trident (New 5/04/08) |
New 1/87 kits It has been
some time since we saw anything from Trident, the 1/87 model manufacturer
from |
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…and more Dragon Announcements (New 4/04/08) |
Sdkfz 251 Stuka
zu fuss, with 28cm rockets and metal launch crates. Yet another variant
on the Sdkfz 251 Ausf D chassis, this time with metal launch crates for the
side mounted 28cm Nebelwerfer rockets. The crates are all in fine etched
brass. Inner rails need to be
fitted, as these were the adapters for the smaller rockets (larger ones were
32cm). These are delicate and
this will be fine work. There is
little to add about the excellent 251 itself, as
this is a very fine kit, with excellent interior detailing as well. These crates however are especially
fine, and unless you are used to working with etched brass, this is not one I’d
recommend for beginners. However,
it is the sort of thing that demonstrates how Dragon are targeting their kits
towards experienced modelers in this case, which is recognition of what the
market place is after I think. |
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More Dragon Announcements (New 4/04/08) |
Wading Not seen it
in the flesh yet, but a recent announcement is for another LCM3, but this
time with a |
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Forces of Valor, the Wittman Tiger 1 (New 16/03/08) |
Wittman’s
Tiger What has to
be my prize winner for 2008 comes a ready made and painted collectors item
from the Forces of Valor range by Unimax Toys in |
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More Dragon Announcements (New 17/01/08) |
First Figure set in Small Scale Dragon have
announced their first small scale figure set, with German Falschirmjager
to sit on the back of a King Tiger.
Based on some photos in the Other kits
recently announced are: - the Stug III appears again, but this time as the
105mm armed Sturmhaubitze, and the Sdkfz 251/7 Ausf
C with the little 2.8 cm pak. Done in kit form this adds another 251
variant to their growng list of the variants on
this chassis. As for Dragon
Armor, their ready made and painted series, there are the SuH
10.5, another Panther, the Sdkfz 251/7 Ausf 7 with 2.8cm Pak and the newest,
the Russian marked Sherman M4A2976).
These are usually made to a high standard of finish so these will be
neat when they appear in the shops.
I haven’t seen any of these yet, but hopefully will do, and then
they’ll be featured within the magazine column. |
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Dragon Announce Bradley M6 Linebacker (New 22/12/07) |
Latest Bradley Variant I know little
about this one yet, other than it has been announced. Uparmoured
Bradley of course, but with a 4-missile Stinger launcher on the side of the
turret. Due out in early 2008. |
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“ on the way from Milicast (New 22/12/07) |
This large
new resin cast diorama centerpiece should be ready for Trucks and Tracks
2008. Mastered by Danny Taylor,
and being produced with Milicast, this is based on the original bridge, which
though now removed from the canal, is still there to see in the Pegasus
Bridge Memorial (museum). One of
the most amazing stories of those opening moves of the D-Day landings, |
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Sgts Mess (New 22/12/07) |
New Manufacturer Sgts
Mess is a new venture, started by Gary and Ellen who used to work for
SHQ. When SHQ made the move to
the West Country, it meant an opportunity for Gary and Ellen to start their
own wargames figure and vehicle business, Sgts
Mess. Still a young range though
the product range is expanding steadily.
All metal cast, look out for a series of Refugee (civilian) figures,
along with M3 half-track variants, Dodge Weapons carriers and assorted Jeeps There is a link to their website from
their listing in the ‘Manufacturers’ page. |
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SHQ Move (New 22/12/07) |
New Address This is just
to draw attention to a move of premises.
You will find the new address, along with any website link,
incorporated in the ‘Manufacturers’ listing. |
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Sad News for 2007 (New 22/12/07) |
Deaths this year Really sad
news this year that the death of John Baumann of MAFVA, a great Spanish Civil
War enthusiast was followed by that of Mick Bell (whose scale drawing many
will be familiar with) and then suddenly we lost Jim Marshall as well. Jim had been behind BK Modelcraft and before that Convoy Models when it started,
and made master models for a number of other manufacturers. These are all great losses in such a
short space of time. |
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AB Figures Move (New 22/12/07) |
New Address This is just
to draw attention to a move of premises.
You will find the new address, along with any website link,
incorporated in the ‘Manufacturers’ listing. |
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Cromwell Models Move (New 22/12/07) |
New Address This is just to
draw attention to a move of premises.
You will find the new address, along with any website link,
incorporated in the ‘Manufacturers’ listing. |
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Centurion Models28mm (New 22/12/07) |
WW2 and Modern Two periods,
but a new series of 28mm wargames vehicles and figures, in what is actually
1/56 scale. Just a few modern
subjects, but plenty of WW2, and some especially interesting looking
models. These include the little
French half tracks and the large Lancia 3RO Italian
trucks, with plenty for the Desert War subjects. Contact details and web link you can
find in the ‘Manufacturers’ page entry. |
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Bolt Action Miniatures (New 22/12/07) |
WW2 An extensive
range of really very neat 28mm wargames vehicles and figures. Most vehicle body parts are in resin,
with smaller details cast in resin.
Vehicles usually include a base, though armoured
cars such as the |
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Dragon Stug III (New 22/12/07) |
Going the extra mile … Well, Dragon
have turned their hand to the Stug III, and we have the Ausf G as first release,
which will be followed by the Sturnhaubitze armed
105mm. There is backs of detail
here, and includes the first time I can recall any detailing being affed to the underside of the mudguards in this way.
Excellent stuff. |
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Dragon (New 22/12/07) |
More and more and more …. Dragon have
really been going to town with the |
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PDI Models is Shutting
Shop…almost (New 27/5/07) |
PDI Models Calls it a Day, except
for CMSC Products PDI will
remain the only online source for the CMSC (Continental Model Supplies) range
of resin/metal models. Though still
a relatively young internet based model supplies business, Phil Smith at PDI
Model Supplies has decided to call it a day with all the rest of the products
he has dealt with. I have to
class this as a sad day, but understandable all the same.. I was one to receive this following
e-mail today, 27 May 2007– Dear
Customer, I am just
writing to inform you that we have taken the decision to close down PDI Model
Supplies. This decision was taken
after much soul searching, but it was decided that my home/full time work was
beginning to suffer and therefore one part of my life had to be let go. I would
like to thank you for your past custom and let you know that with the
exception of the CMSC range which I intend to keep selling all my remaining
stock is being sold off with a 25% discount. I am sure
you will find something of interest on our web site, which I will try to keep
up to date. We will
still accept the usual payment methods. Thank you
again and happy modelling in the future. Phillip Smith Best of luck
to Phil for the future, and thanks for the prompt and polite service he has
always provided.. |
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SMA Ceases Production (New 27/5/07) |
Scale Model Accessories Calls it a Day Sadly another
of our long term resin model production companies has decided to call it a
day. SMA (Scale Model
Accessories), who did 1/35 scale vehicles and figures as well as the SSP
(Small Scale Productions) series of 1/72 scale models, has decided to give
up. The good news for modelers is
that the two ranges have been sold on, so are still available. The 1/35 series has gone to Scale
link, while the Small Scale Productions range is another one that has been
added to the huge range now under the Matador Models label. Thanks to
Gordon Tweddle at SMA who has put so much into it,
and the hobby, for some years now, and to wish him all the best for the
future. |
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Blitzkrieg Models Belgian Vickers
Utility Tractor (New 25/4/07) |
Vickers Utility Tractor In 1/72
scale, and an all resin kit, this one is an excellent start to a new range of
models. There are two A4 sheets
of instructions. One has a number
of assembly sketches, including templates so you can build the seat and ammo
bin framework, as well as for the tiny instrument panel. The second sheet of paper has some
history and background information to the model, plus notes on the colours and markings, a full parts list as well as hints
on resin kit construction. Even
more unusually, is an “errata” note, which highlights 2 minor
errors in the kit, and how to correct them. I have to say these are minor, and
relate to the version it is intended to be. I can’t remember many models
which own up to an error, as well as tell you how to make the
correction. Well done to Ivan
(the owner of Blitzkrieg Models) on this one. The resin castings are cleanly cast,
just some fine flash on some parts that needs to be removed. Nothing you can’t do with a
craft knife. All the armour panels are separate parts, so there is lots of
choice for how you want the finished model to look – opened up, closed
up or whatever. The end result is
only a small model, but very useful for anyone who has an interest in the
early war period. Blitzkrieg
Models, |
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Academy 1/72 US M3 Half Track set (New 25/4/07) |
Half Track, Amphibious Jeep and Harley
Davidson motor cycle Well, it is
fair to say that Academy are not turning out new small scale armour kits at the rates of Dragon or even Trumpeter, but
wow they do still do a good job.
Their release schedule only adds one or two kits each year, but all so
far have been very welcome indeed.
The latest to come from the Academy stable is a set containing a US M3
half-track, plus the smaller amphibious Jeep and lastly the Harley Davidson
motorcycle. More to the point,
you get all three items in the same box, and all for just £7.99 here in
the |
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AFV Club 1/48 (New 15/12/06) |
New 1/48 kit … New from AFV
Club is the late model Tiger 1, complete with moulded
zimmerit finish. Someone other
than Dragon has managed the zimmerit finish at last, and done it very well. Even etched brass engine deck screens
are included as standard.
Beautiful model, well priced, and in the shops now. I found mine at LSA Models here in the
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MMS 1/76 (New 15/12/06) |
Latest With so many
modelers bemoaning the lack of |
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Art-Toys 1/72 Mack NO (New 15/12/06) |
Another fine US Truck … I love |
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Dragon 1/35 M2 US half-track (New 15/12/06) |
At last … I have yet to
see it properly, but the sprues were all on display at Euro Militaire last
September. Dragon have finally
turned to the |
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Dragon 1/72 Sdkfz 251’s (New 15/12/06) |
Hanomags
galore …. I have been
one of those longtime fans of the Sdkfz 251 series. It was produced in some 24 major
different versions, and Dragon seem to be well on their way to covering
these. The basic SPW troop
carrier version is done in both Ausf C and later Ausf D types. Then there are the Nebelwerfer
launcher, the engineers, the mortar carrier and no doubt other to come. The detail, especially within the
fighting compartment, is about the best I have ever seen in this scale. I for one can’t wait for them to
bring out each variant. Well done
Dragon, I like these a lot! |
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Milicast 1/72 LCI(L) (New 15/12/06) |
Landing Craft …. The LCI(L) is
the Landing Craft Infantry (Large), which has now been released by
Milicast. I am building this up
for a feature in Military Modelling Magazine
itself. Suffice to say a resin
cast hull and fittings, which can be built into either the |
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CMSC 1/72 Starstreak (New 15/12/06) |
New Multi-media model of the Air Defence Variant on the CVR(T) chassis The Starstreak uses the newer Stormer
chassis, which has the extra road wheel compared with the earlier CVR(T)
variants. The bulk of the model
is made from neat polyurethane resin castings, while the wheels, lengths of
track and detail fittings are metal.
Comprehensive assembly instructions are provided and it goes together
well. The basic Stormer is available in the range as well. A reminder that for those interested
in ordering via the web, the CMSC range can only be obtained via PDI Model
Supplies. |
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Trumpeter 1/72 (New 15/12/06) |
More I don’t
think I’m being unkind if I say these are “a mixed
bag’. The plus point is the
inclusion of two types of suspension within the kit, either to be built in
the ‘normal’ way, or simplified single piece mouldings
of each set of bogies. If it
makes it easier and encourages youngsters or those who are otherwise unable
to assembly the more complex alternatives, then this is to be applauded. The detail on the cast hull M4 is
somewhat soft, and the angle of the front plate just doesn’t look right
on the basic M4. On the other
hand, the detail on the later M4A3E8, with the HVSS suspension is neatly
done. |
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Dragon 1/72 (New 15/12/06) |
3
New Through out the year we have seen a regular stream of new
releases from Dragon and they have finally turned their hands to the |
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BK Modelcraft
cease Production (New 15/12/06) |
Model
production ends Another producer who has stopped production during 2006 has been Jim Marshall BK Modelcraft. The good new however, is that the range of models has been added to that of Matador Models. Check out their list as the models are gradually added. |
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Trux Models are ceasing production (New 18/01/06) |
Trux is
shutting down model production For the beginning of 2006 comes the sad news that Mike is shutting down the model production side of Trux Models. The range is being sold on and you will be able to get a number of their range will become available within the ranges of Bull Models, BW Models and I believe, Matador Models. There have been some very interesting models in the range over the years, not all still available anyway, but sad to see them go. Thankfully the main range is being passed to other manufacturers so it isn’t really the end. Watch out for news from the new producers. |
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MMS Models have moved (New 18/01/06) |
New Contact
Address and location Some modelers may have seen the notice on the MMS website that the MMS
business is for sale. So far this
has not resulted in a deal being done, so the owner, Barry Walby has now
moved production from the workshop in Cambridgeshire
where he was so it is now closer to his own new home in |
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AB Figures “must have” BMWs
(New 18/01/06) |
Latest BMW m/c
combinations and crews Among recent releases from AB Figures are some BMW combinations and crews which I put in the category of “must get”, along with some new half figures of US tank crew. I’ve seen 3 different combinations with the BMW and crew, and all are really delightful for the characterization o the crews. One has a basic two man rider and passenger in the sidecar, both in the rubberized motorcycle coats. A second has a 3 man crew of Fallschirmjager, with the third figure being the pillion rider on the rear seat of the bike, clutching the hand hold. Uniform and detail is just so neatly done. Favourite is number three however (save the best for last!) and here a 3 man crew are relaxing. The bike rider is off the bike and standing and stretching after what must have been a tiring trip. Again, the characterization of the three makes for a scene all by themselves. Finally a set of half figures for US tank crew. This follows an earlier set of German ones, and are designed for crewing resin or metal tank models with open hatches. Ten US tankers in the set, each one different, so you could fit out up to 10 tanks, or combine 1, 2, 3 or 4 in just just one AFV. The results once again are delightful and work every bit as well for 1/72 scale models as they do for 1/76. |
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New 1/72 bases (New 18/01/06) |
Astra Models New to me, a Canadian producer with a new series of resin cast diorama bases. Three sizes available, small medium and large. All are beautifully cast to a high standard. The smallest ones are OK for smaller vehicles like Jeeps, Carriers, m/cycles etc, while the medium size is good for the likes of the early Panzers I and II or a German or Allied half-track. You’ll want the large size if you want to put out a Tiger, gun and towing combination or the likes of modern Challenger and Abrams. The large base comes with an optional part for a wall or Church wall, or you can buy separately a building section as an alternative. Quality of casting is excellent, and these roads and roadsides are just a very neat and simple base for displaying your models, and with the cobbled roads check out the detail of the roadsides. |
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Cromwell Models move into 1/72 (New 23/10/05) |
Marder 3 and Merkava Seen first at Euro Militaire, Cromwell
are moving some models into 1/72 scale, in their Combat ready series. The Merkava was first to be completed,
and the Marder III was well under way, and the hull
was on display at their stand, showing the size differential with the 1/76
equivalent. |
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Chieftain Conversion for Matador Models
in 1/76 (New 23/10/05) |
What Mark did
you want? The Chieftain went through 12 different marks, as it went through various stages of upgrade. A new resin cast conversion kit from Matador Models allows you to make about any variant you choose, using the Aiurfix kit of the early Mark2 as the starting point. It includes a new section of rear engine deck, which was a noticeable difference. For the later marks, like the 11 and 12, with their Stillbrew armour, two panels of Stillbrew need to be added. I fabricated mine from two pieces of moulding sprue within the set, using phots to guide me for shape and position. All in all though, a very welcome conversion, that gives a useful upgrade to the old Airfix kit. |
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New from Ace Models in 1/72 (New 31/8/05) |
RSO Tractors Recent releases from the Russian based manufacturer Ace have turned to WW2 subjects as well as their modern Russian equipment. The German RSO tractor has been released in 2 versions. One, with the rounded cab, is the basic load carrier which assembles pretty well. The fit if the cab roof needed some filler for me, so as ever with these limited run injection moulded kits, take your time with the preparation of the parts during assembly. Most notable however has been the move to provide some really delightful etched brass track. This has a much better, and I think easier, construction than their plastic link and length examples in the early kits, some of which let down otherwise fine models (the T55 comes to mind) The second kit is of the flatter Einheits cab Ambulance version. Again it has the etched track. Worth looking out for these. |
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Dragon 1/35 Sdkfz 251s (New 31/8/05) |
Very complete kits! As promised, Dragon have delivered with their growing range of 1/35 models of the Sdkfz 251 series. I’ve seen a couple, but still have to get assembly underway, but wow am I impressed! I can’t comment on the fit of parts yet as I haven’t got far enough with the assembly. But just opning the box shows the full nature of it, particularly with their 3-in-1 versions. The one kit allows you to make one of thre quite defferent types. Added in are a new style individual link track, which saves you the laborious task of having to remove and clean up each piece from the sprue. This is a definite plus. Then there is the inclusion of one of their figure sets (differs between the different kits) and additional accessories likes a whole series of mines and explosives in the 251/7 engineer. Add turned brass shells and width indicators plus etched brass parts and more besides. These really are very ‘complete’ in the box, and easily give you the complete heart of a diorama. Do check these out. |
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Recent 1/72 kit releases from Dragon (New 31/8/05) |
Ready Made or Kits? What seems to be a regular stream of new releases in small scale, including both the kits and the ready made and painted examples. The ready made models really are excellent, and I think offer super value for money. I can think of many modelers who would like to be able to get this good a finish on their models. Especially so with the German 3-colour camo schemes. The kits are also neat, and have pioneered the inclusion of zimeritt finishes on the hull parts in some kits. Look out for the Tiger 1’s, Elephant and Jagdpanther. The likes of the E100 and Jagdpanther even include etched brass engine deck screen. |
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1/48 Citroen from Tamiya (New 31/8/05) |
Interesting Subject choice from Tamiya … The little Citroen car came as a surprise release to me in
their new 1/48 range. It is quick
and simple to make up, but somehow this has always had an instant visual
impression on me. Maybe from films, then they were used as the black saloons
of the Gestapo or in the roughly painted Free French symbols that these are
seen covered with in photos of captured vehicles during the liberation of |
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New Figure sets from AB Figures (New 31/8/05) |
New ones out and
more new ones due … Due for the near future are German Falschirmjager, including some motor-cyle combination crews that look just magic. In the meantime, there are other new releases already on sale. These include some new British 25lber gun crews, Italian AFV crew figures, German Casualty set (to go with British and US ones already done) plus some British paratroops. The animation and detail on all these will really repay a good paint job. |
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Matador (New 31/8/05) |
Resin Conversion Set for the Airfix Bedford QL A resin 1/76 conversion set from matador is I think one of their best yet. It uses the cab and chassis from the Bedford QL in the Airfix Refueller set, and gives you the replacement body for a Radio (or QLR) variant. It also includes all the radios, seats etc of the interior detail. It cries out to have figures put in and around it in a diorama. Do check this oneout. |
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Forces of Valor (New 31/8/05) |
Ready Made and Painted in small scale I have recently seen a couple of early releases in the new small scale range of ready made and painted models from Forces of Valor. Clearly there is no construction involved, as these come made and painted straight out of the box, in 1/72 scale. If I am honest, then the purist modeller can find faults. However, I suspect those of us will want to make our own anyway. For me these have a number of attractions, Latest ones are the Challenger II, King Tiger, Tiger I and Bradley. These represent really good value for money I believe. Once again the purist modeler can find fault, more with the Tigers thanks to the black tyre, incorrectly painted around the resilient steel roadwheels. However, that isn’t too difficult to remedy. All in all tese are finished to a very good standard, and if it encourages youngsters to buy these and play with them, then all well and good. In time they may still get interested and choose that they would like to make their own. Wargamers can get them straight onto the table, and those who don’t have the time and patience to finish their own kits, then these are well worth checking out. |
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Note Change of address for BW Models (New 8/4/05) |
As from 29/04/05, new contact details will be:- |
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Starmers Armour do new Sherman Transfer Sets (New 8/4/05) |
2 New NW European sets of markings for A slight change with the two latest sets of transfers from Starmers Armour. Instead of
what are best described as 'generic' sets of markings, these two contain
markings for complete, documented vehicles. The first has US and Allied
Shermans (12 of them), and the second has British and Canadian Shermans (14
of them). Very good quality transfer sheets, with loads of colourful markings on. Instructions sheets are provided
that have colour profiles, along with a sheet of
historical notes. Reasonably priced, these represent first class value for
money. A slight change in style to do complete vehicles in this way for them,
but one which I am confident will prov popular with
most modellers. Presentation is a fine example for hoiw it can be done, and they certainly provide some colour to what are otherwise plain drab |
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New range from Milicast (New 20/2/05) |
"Battlefield" series This is a new addition to the Milicast product line, as they have started a series of 1/76 resin models, but with fewer parts. It is simplest to liken them to the Combat Ready range by Cromwell, as the running gear and such like are all moulded integrally with the hull, and the number of smaller parts remaining for the modeller to fit is reduced considerably. All of the ones listed so far are available individually, or in packs of three, aimed clearly at the wargamers market. It will be operated alongside their original "Premier" range and all the subjects are from models already in that original series. More news to come, but so far the line includes a number of Russian tanks and German half-tracks (250 and 251 series). |
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Goffy Models 1/35 and 1/72 (New 20/2/05) |
Resin Models and Accessories from Moredun Models A range of resin accessories and conversions new to me, but from the |
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New 1/35 Centurian by Legend Models (New 20/2/05) |
Centurian Mk 5 Legend is a range of resin kits and conversions from |
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Colourcoats new British Colours (New 23/1/05) |
New Enamel paints for British Colours Coulorcoats is a growing range of enalmel paints from White Ensign Models. An extensive series of colours for ships but more recently they did the first series of armour colours (see lower down this page) but now 17 new colours are avaialbe. Best of all these are all British colours, both modern and WW2. I understand they have been developed with the help of Mike Starmer of MAVFA, who has made a point of researching British armour colours. Here we have colours such as British Gulf Sand, with that characteristic yellow shade to it. Also the modern British Army green, which gets the colour just right to my eye. Other colours include the older Bronze Green, a WW2 Light Stone and Blue Black disruptive. Do stir them well and you need to apply a couple of coats, but the colours are great. And good quality paint. Available direct from WEM (see details and link on 'Manufacturers' page). |
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Roden 1/72 Puma (New 23/1/05) |
New cat on the prowl Roden are making their way through the series of German 8-wheel armoured cars, and now we have the first of the later ones, which feature the raised engine deck, the later single piece mudguards, and of course the bigger 50mm turret mounted gun. Very nicely done injection mouldings, with additional detail in terms of steering arms on the suspension units over the earlier kits, and more unusually that the stowage bins in the mudguards are open, with separate parts for the bin doors. This offers great potential for dioramas and is a neat touch I think. |
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Cromwell, new 1/76 Combat Ready (New 6/1/05) |
New Releases Three new release to mention. First place must go to the Panzer III Ausf A. This is the early variant with the 5 larger road wheels and is the first model I can recall of this early version. Another WW2 subject is the Marder III, a Pz 38t chassis with the Russian 76.2mm gun mounted centrally on the chassis with an armoured shield. The two characteristic crew sets and the rear basket are done very neatly indeed. An excellent end result. At the same time, a modern Israeli variant of the M113, but almost unrecognisable thanks to the huge "tobelerone" style side armour panels, and protective screens for the top hatches as well. |
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Revell, new 1/72 Famo (New 6/1/05) |
Sdkfz 9 Famo Coming out just at the end of December is the third new release inside a month, as Revell do their 1/72 version of the Famo half-track. One of the larger kits in the Revell small scale range, and the last of their planned releases for 2004. It makes up very well indeed, with link and length track, and good level of detail. Even the tread pattern of the front tyres is good, in contrast to the poor result in their Hummer. With lots of detail in the cab area, with tools and even the rifle racks, it goes together without any problems. You will need to assemble the three main subassemblies and paint these before doing the final assemble of the 3 main sections. Only odd bit is actually a bonus, as despite not being featured on the instructions, and even with a note from Revell acknowledging this, they include all the parts for the rear earth anchor spade as well. I suspect we will soon see both the tilt covers and a crew for it being released by one or more of the after-market manufacturers. It also has a tow bar so you can fit it up to a Panzer III or suchlike. |
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Revell new 1/35 Leopard 2 A6 (New 3/12/04) |
Latest Leopard Revell also do some fine 1/35 kits, even to touches like including a couple of rounds of main gun ammunition (2 each of two types) and a couple of wooden ammo boxes. These are the sort of touches we expect to get from the aftermarket resin companies, but here we see Revell picking up on it and including them in the base kit. I've not had a chance to make this one yet, but it certainly looks good, with crisp detail and I expect it to assemble pretty well. With the highly angled plates on the turret, it gives this previously very 'slab sided' AFV a very different look. Equally, the German army 3 colour scheme does make for an interesting paint finish. |
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Panzer Shop, 1/35 'IDF' VT-55KS (New 3/12/04) |
VT-55KS Recovery Vehicle for the IDF This is the first model I have seen from this Czech based model producer.
A full kit, in resin, but with etched brass parts and the metal cast Fruil tracks for the T-55. Based on a T-55 hull, these
were captured by the IDF and put into service. The model has all the
additional IDF fittings for this recovery variant. Even a CD is included with
loads of photos and disc copies of the instructions, which are comprehensive.
Thanks go to Lou Stener, the |
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Masters Productions, 1/35 Chevrolet 1½ ton truck (New 3/12/04) |
Chevrolet 1½ ton Cargo Truck Earlier releases in the range of resin models were conversions, particularly for the Tamiya GMC. This time however, a complete kit. All cast in a cream polyurethene resin this one is really delightful. I'm in the middle of building it up at the moment , and it goes together just as well as any plastic kit. It's that much smaller than the GMC, though similar in it's overall 'look', though with just the single rear axle. A hard top cab and a full tilt are all supplied in this kit. |
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Bull Models release 2nd 1/76 vehicle model (New 15/08/04) |
YMCA Mobile Canteen A small Ford mobile canteen, a resin model complete with appropriate transfers and a couple of ladies to provide the 'crew', I think we often forget how important things like hot drink and something to eat can be so important. This is their second release and follows on from their Beaverette MkI and figures, all from the early war period. |
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New from Legend, 1/72 conversion for M48 (New 15/08/04) |
This is the second accessory set I am aware of from Legend Models, which
are imported to the |
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Trumpeter 1/72 Ferdinand (New 15/08/04) |
First 1/72 releases from Trumpeter My thanks go to Pocketbond, who are the |
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New 1/144 models from Dragon (New 15/08/04) |
Now in Kit Form Dragon started releasing some boxed, ready made and painted AFVs a little time ago now. The latest development is that you can now buy these in kit form, and usually in pairs. A couple I have include a Tiger 1 Along with a Maus, and perhaps (or maybe not) unexpectedly, a couple of versions of the Karl mortar, one with a Panther and another with some crew figures. Not complex by any means, but actually quite fun to put together. Etched parts are included for engine deck screens, though I found these would be very difficult to fit owing to the moulded on detail, or at least this was true of the Tiger. Nevertheless, something a bit different, and worth keeping an eye open for. |
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New 1/144 models from Trumpeter (New 15/08/04) |
New Ready Made and Painted range Ready made and painted AFV models in this smaller scale seems to be
catching on. Now Trumpeter have got in on the act, and we see some very well
priced little models that come packed in their own tiny display case. A
variety of modern AFVs, including M1 Abrams (gun tanks, with mine plough and
mine rollers), both T55 and T72 (again some with mine clearing gear), and in
the case of the T55, with a dozer blade as well. For WW2 fans, so far a few
variants of the Sdkfz 251 Ausf D. They come in a mixture of colours and markings and look really very neat, and very
reasonably priced here in the |
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New Warrior ARRV conversions from CMSC (New 15/08/04) |
Resin and Metal Conversion set for the Revell Warrior Latest resin and metal conversion from CMSC has the Warrior Armoured Repair and Recovery variant. A new upper hull plus all the new turret and crane parts give you the fourth variant for the Revell kit of the basic Warrior. This one adds to the Command, AOP and uparmoured Infantry vehicles. Both the resin and metal parts are cleanly cast to a high standard. Thanks to CMSC for my example. You can buy them on the web via PDI Model Supplies. |
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