ICM keeps adding more kits than most manufacturers and extending their line.

ICM has produced a kit of the GAZ-A which was produced from 1932 to 1936 in a joint agreement between Ford and the Soviet Union. It is a replica of the Ford Model A. The representation in this kit is one commandeered used by the Germans. The kit is made from 201 parts on nine gray sprues, one clear sprue and 5 rubber tires. The instructions have great sprue maps and show the unused parts. There is a small sheet of decals and two markings available both with German crosses.

Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights.

6 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was formed in 1917 in England as training unit during World War I. In 2017, 6 Squadron was converted to an Electronic Attack unit equipped with the EA-18G Growler. The squadron achieved Initial Operating Capability with Growler on 2019.

For the Centenary of 6 Squadron in 2017, one of these brand-new Growlers, A46-306, received a special scheme with night blue spine and fins, and with a large yellow boomerang, the insignia of the squadron for 100 years.

Yahu Models is a Polish producer making 3D photoetch replacement panels and parts for all sizes and types of models. In this instance, this is a instrument panel parts for the HK Model 1/32 A-20G Late configuration. The contents include a small card with a pictorial representation of the instructions and how to place and bend the parts. Also included are three colored, three dimensional photoetch frets and one clear set of dials for the instruments. The photoetch frets are amazing. If you scan them and zoom in, you can read the writing perfectly which in 1/32nd scale is awesome. I have included some scans from the kit showing location of the majority of the parts.

Taking my models to a show or competition is always a little nerve-wracking for me. Transporting the model so it does not break or lose pieces is a challenge. I tried many methods; shredded paper, bubble wrap, soft foam, hard foam with sections cut out; all with various degrees of success (and failure).

That is why I jumped at the chance to review Vertigo Miniatures Transport Jig.

Opening the box, I was surprised to find clear acrylic pieces. Another surprise is the jig only has three legs, where all my other jigs have four legs.

Assembly was easy. The “legs” on the stand needed to be glued together. I used CA glue to do this. There are lines engraved in the leg base that allow easy alignment and gluing. I had one leg fail, and believe I did not put enough CA glue on the parts. I reapplied the glue and have had no issues since then.

From the Manufacturer’s Website:

Our 1/48 scale F-14D Tomcat model kit is one of the most detailed modern plane kits we’ve produced. We’ve now taken what has been learned from its development and production to bring model builders the same level of detail to our popular 1/72 scale lineup while also providing a streamlined building experience!

The Henschel Hs123 was developed from a 1933 requirement for a dive bomber by the then-emerging Luftwaffe. This aircraft was fairly advanced for its day, featuring an all-metal construction powered by a 725 horsepower BMW 132A radial engine. This gave the Hs 123 a 200 mph top speed. Its sesquiplane design made it extremely maneuverable and its twin 7.92 mm machine guns gave it some teeth as well. Although many regard this as one of the best biplane fighters of World War 2, the Luftwaffe considered it mostly as a stop-gap measure until the Ju 87 Stuka could be put into full production.

With 64 books to his credit, Dilip Sarkar is probably the most qualified individual in the world to write a book about the Battle of Britain as well as England’s premier fighter plane, the Supermarine Spitfire. He was honored in 2003 with England’s MBE (Member British Empire) for his “service to aviation history.” He has done extensive work researching and recording the history of the Battle of Britain. In 2006, he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS), and in 2024 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS).

This was a kit I had been looking forward to and even had it in my shopping cart of one of the online retailers. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see this kit in the list of available review items. In my opinion, this is a really cool-looking aircraft. Unfortunately, according to the history on the first page of the instructions, it was a disappointment. It was originally designed as an interceptor, but was later modified for the fighter-bomber role. Only 60 were actually produced.

The 85 plastic parts come on three sprues. There are also 60 resin parts and 18 photo-etch parts. There is also a piece of film for the instrument panel. The parts were nicely molded with good panel lines and detail. Unfortunately, many of the smaller parts required extra cleanup because the sprue attachment points were heavy and ran into the part.

From the seventh chapter subchapter, “The VRS and Terms of the Peace Treaty”,

“On 14 December 1995, a peace agreement was signed in Paris. After three and a half years of war, peace came to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This former Yugoslav state was divided into two entities: the Muslim-Croat Federation and Republika Srpska, on a scale of 51:49 in division of BiH territory.

Kagero has started a new series known as “References for Modelers”. This issue is devoted to the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien

The references include several period pictures (black and white), some of which show the aircraft in the assembly line or during trials. Some pictures show details of the engine, air scoop, tail, etc., so you can treat them as a “walk-around”.

The line drawings in 1/48 and 1/72 scale show side views (port and starboard) and top and bottom views. The drawings specify if it corresponds to either Ki-60, Ki-61 first prototype, Ki-61-I Ko, Ki-61-I-Otsu, Ki-61-I Hien (early), Ki-61-I Tei, and Ki-61-II Kai. Some of the pictures, and drawings, include details on the Ki-60, the prototype for the Ki-61.

Kagero has started a new series known as “References for Modelers”. This issue is devoted to the Nakajima Ki-43 I/II.

The booklet discloses that a lot of the material published in it, has already been published before in other publications of the same editorial. In my humble opinion, that is not an issue, as sometimes the modeler only needs a few references, and this book provides them all.

The references include several period pictures (black and white), some of which are of captured aircraft. Some of the pictures are similar to a “walk-around” type of image, as they show details of the engine, landing gear, air scoops, etc.

There is a handful of color profiles (and 4-view in some cases) for aircraft in Japanese Army service.

Shyhart Decals has released a decal sheet for a commemorative scheme flown by an F-4F and a Tornado in 2007, celebrating the 50 years of the aeronautical research institute of the German Air Force.

The aircraft were repainted in International Orange and had the German Flag in the nose, rudder and wing tips. The decal sheet provides decals for the German Flag around the nose of both aircraft, but you are directed to mask and paint the rudder and wing tips with the German national colors. There are instructions as to the size of each band and with straight lines, it should be easy to mask using tape.

These two aircraft also wore lots of physics equations in the fuselage and wings, representing all the fluid and aerodynamics research that goes into modern aviation.

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.

Go to any model show and you are likely to see numerous models of aircraft that took part in the Battle of Britain, from both sides. This new book from Pen and Sword offers step-by-step instructions for creating models of Battle of Britain fighters, complete with photos, historical notes and construction and painting tips and tricks for the beginner or intermediate modeller.

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!

This handheld tool is designed to get into tight spaces like wing roots, intakes, or other tight or hard-to-reach spaces. It has four resin-like tips which are to be superglued to the tip of the tool, and sandpaper is to be attached to the tip with double-sided tape, or by using a self-adhesive sandpaper. I must admit that at first this seemed like a pain to set up, but it is very quick and easy. I tested the tip change out by removing the attached tip and prying it off with a hobby knife, and it came off cleanly and in one piece. I then glued on another tip, the one with the triangular point. I attached a small piece of sandpaper with double-sided tape and then trimmed the sandpaper to match the tip with my hobby knife, and the sander was ready to use.

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.

Super Model International, published by Kagero, is a series of modeling magazines that focus on three to five build articles per issue. The magazines feature large high-quality photos, limited advertising and focus on the building, painting and or weathering process.

Issue number three has three build articles:

• 1/48 Tamiya D.520
• 1/32 Pacific Coast Models Hurricane Mk.1
• 1/32 Hobby Boss Spitfire Mk.Vb

There are three authors in this issue and a brief bio of each is presented on the back cover of the magazine.

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.

Casemate Publishers presents Stratus MMP Books Austro-Italian Naval War 1866 by Piotr Olender. Part of the Maritime Series of books, this large, heavy softbound book is really about the Battle of Lissa in 1866 between the newly formed Italian and nearby Austrian fleets, and the sweeping geopolitical fallout. The unification and formation of present Italy, the fractionation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the rise of Prussia/Germany, and French meddling set up future wars, including World Wars I and II.