I have known John Vojtech since the 1990s when he was building models with incredible detail and was starting to sell his razor saws. While I still use my original saw frequently, he has in the decades since branched out to provide a myriad of tools for the modeler as well as some model kits under the UMM-USA name (also known as Unique Master Models). One of the items he provided at the recent IPMS-USA Nationals was this stand created for 1/32 to 1/24 scale aircraft. Modelers who build on larger scales should find multiple uses for this stand.

UMM-USA is dedicated to fine-scale modeling, encompassing model kits, accessories, and specialized tools. Owned by John Vojtech, a fine-scale modeling veteran. UMM-USA is an online store, importing and exports kits, modeling tools, and supplies, and seeks and offers solutions to technical issues. In addition, his services currently include design and production of master parts, casting of original masters, photo-etched masks, decals, and building made-to-order models for customers. You can see a sampling of John Vojtech's finished projects in the Our Gallery section of his website.

From Italeri Website

The Opel Blitz medium truck formed the backbone of the logistics and transport system of the German Army during the Second World War. Produced in significant numbers, it was characterized by its flexibility and robustness in service, enhanced by the rear axle combined with twin wheels, which ensured greater payload capacity under all operating conditions. Designed to be easy to manufacture, repair, and maintain, it was effectively employed by the Wehrmacht on all major operational fronts, from North Africa to Russia, demonstrating the soundness of its design. It was produced in numerous configurations and versions, including the effective 4x4 variant capable of ensuring good performance even on difficult terrain.

Tamiya’s new 1/35th scale Fukuiraptor kit depicts a Cretaceous-era dinosaur that was found near Fukui Japan. It seems that this kit is intended to be an easy model for young or inexperienced builders. There are only a dozen parts, and at a price of $9.25 can be had for pocket money. With this kit, Tamiya introduces what they call “Clic Loc” design. The parts of this kit press-fit together so that no glue is required.

Included in the kit box are two trees of plastic parts and a small brochure. One tree of parts contains all the parts for the dinosaur. The second tree has the base and a silhouette of two people to serve as a scale reference. The brochure is printed in Japanese, English, German, and French. One side of the brochure has information about the history and ecology of Fukuiraptor, the other side has instructions for constructing the model.

In addition to producing some wonderful model kits of a plethora of subjects, ICM has also added a line of acrylic paints, some of which have been reviewed here in the past. This set contains basic colors, which are good for adding details to nearly any subject, and can be mixed as needed to create any color you can imagine. Modelers who are familiar with water-based acrylic paints will have no issues with using this set.

One of the newer suppliers for the IPMS-USA Review Corps is DXM Decals, the DXM stands for Double Excellent Models. While as the name implies, the company specializes in decals, they also produce detail parts and paint masks for airbrushing aircraft. The company produces their products for 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scale aircraft. The decals are printed by Cartograf, who is known for their quality work. Any modeler that has applied water-slide decals will have no issues with using this set.

Unique Master Models, or UMM, is well known to many modelers for the model work of the owner, and for the many unique tools offered over the years. One of the newer products is the Profiler – Scribing and Contour Guide. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, this tool is a great addition for modelers who scratch-build, as well as for those needing to scribe around curved surfaces.

Quickboost products are part of the Aires line of resin and 3D printed detail items known to many modelers over the years. One of the latest products is this set combining resin and 3D printed resin steps and ladder parts for use on the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat. Modelers with some experience with small resin parts should have no problem utilizing this set.

This set contains a total of four resin parts held on a single block as well as a single 3D printed part. The set will replace kit parts A5/6 and 24 and there is also a single-page instruction sheet included to assist the modeler in using the replacement parts. The replacement pilot and RIO steps are conveniently molded to replicate the tabs used on the kit parts, which will aid in their installation. There is an option of installing the new ladder doors with the kit extended ladder or using the replacement folded ladder.

Quickboost products are part of the Aires line of resin and 3D printed detail items known to many modelers over the years. One of the latest products is labeled as “Antennas” but consists of both antennas and sensors for use on the Tamiya F-14D Tomcat. Modelers with some experience with small resin parts should have no problem utilizing this set.

This set contains a total of ten resin parts held on a single block. The set will replace kit parts J2/3/4/5 and 6 as well as a molded in conical AOA probe that will require removal. The resin block conveniently spells out which kit part is replaced by the resin ones. There is also a single-page instruction sheet to assist the modeler in using the replacement parts.

Scale Aircraft Conversions has been around for quite some time providing excellent aftermarket options for aircraft modelers. In the case of this set released in June of this year, we have a selection of white metal parts to replace the kit landing gear strut parts from the ICM line of Hampdens. It provides a stronger, more durable alternative to the kit parts.

ICM has been absolutely nailing it with new kits and products despite operating in a war zone amidst constant violence and destruction. This latest series of Hampden aircraft models are no exception, although I fear I chose the wrong kit to pick back up aircraft modeling after years away building armor, but more on that later!

What’s Inside the Box

The kit comes in a top-opening box under the cereal-box thick cardboard cover featuring the cover art. Inside the flap are ten grey plastic sprues - with some duplicated, as well as two clear sprues, and a large decal sheet for the four schemes. Details of the parts are crisp and flash-free and the steps call out paint colors for the most part.

In The Box

The kit comes in a sturdy 12” x 8” x 5” box with an illustration of the Tsubaki figure. Images of the finished model can be found on the box sides. Like Gundam kits, it comes molded in multiple colors so that a nicely finished model can be built right out of the box with minimal work. Both painted and unpainted images of the kit are shown on the sides of the box. The kit comes with thirty nine individually bagged sprues molded in eight colors. The engineering of the parts is designed to emulate the paint breaks of the figures complex color scheme. The runners are molded in POM, PVC and ABS and all the parts are designed to be snap fit. Regular solvent based glue will not affect these types of plastic. Figure kits are meant to be posable, thus tougher plastics are necessary so that the joints will both hold a pose and be durable.

For years the only way you could get an AH/MH-6 Little Bird in 1/48th scale was to buy a Hasegawa Hughes 500 and a CMK conversion set. This was expensive and sometimes hard to find. Now, thanks to ICM, we can build both kits out of the box. This review is about the MH-6J.

When I built my Werner’s Wings MH-47E conversion from the Trumpeter CH-47D I found out something that almost made me shelf the model, the landing gear was crap. Not in that it lacked detail but in the fact that it fell apart. The metal was brittle to the point of breaking up into multiple pieces as I tried to assemble it. I tried pinning the metal, but it just shattered more. I finally won but I don’t know how. I would have killed to have this set.

First off, a note of thanks to Revell for providing this kit to IPMS/USA!

I have had the fortune to build just about every major manufacturer’s” Battle Penguin” since the mid-2015 period (excluding Tamiya’s, I am a 1/48 guy as I get older), and this new release from Revell Germany is a great example of the lower-cost, simpler variant with an excellent final result… it was a surprisingly easy build, and some features just stood out for me.

(For the uninitiated, the official name “Lightning II” in my opinion is a lazy way to come up with a title, (same for “Beast Mode”, yeah, right) and the aforementioned “Battle Penguin” is what most people I know who work on the jet call it… There is another name that is less flattering in “FA” (look it up); I personally think it looks like a horny toad sitting on the ground, but whatever). Enough…

Scale Aircraft Conversions (SAC) provides resin and white metal parts for scale model aircraft, most of which are drop-in landing gear replacements. Their standard packaging is a card-backed blister pack that should protect the parts, though one gear leg in one set was slightly bent went I opened the package.

The superb DBMK 1/32 Sea Fury kit was released earlier in 2026 and these sets from SAC are direct copies of that kit’s landing gear, including the main gear legs and various attached and associated parts. The early set, 32199, depicts the original Sea Fury landing gear that featured the Hawker standard landing gear leg, while the late leg, as depicted in set 32198, had an extra oleo section to better cope with shearing forces in cross-wind landings, and to help damp bouncing on landing.

First off, a note of thanks to Revell for providing this kit to IPMS USA!

I have had the fortune to build just about every major manufacturer’s” Battle Penguin” since the mid-2015 period (excluding Tamiya’s, I am a 1/48 guy as I get older), and this new release from Revell Germany is a great example of the lower-cost, simpler variant with an excellent final result… it was a surprisingly easy build, and some features just stood out for me.

(For the uninitiated, the official name “Lightning II” in my opinion is a lazy way to come up with a title, (same for “Beast Mode”, yeah, right) and the aforementioned “Battle Penguin” is what most people I know who work on the jet call it… There is another name that is less flattering in “FA” (look it up); I personally think it looks like a horny toad sitting on the ground, but whatever). Enough…

Originally published in 2007, the revised edition was recently issued in 2026. The book's content is well sequenced, beginning with the battlecruiser's design history, the careers of the 3 famous battlecruisers HMS Renown, HMS Repulse and HMS Hood, a comprehensive review of all the well known scale models of these famous ships produced to date, a well photographed model showcase in various scales, five WW2 camouflage schemes for the 3 ships, a summary of modifications and refits for each ship documented by photos, line drawings and a selected reference.

The non-profit UK based group known as the Great War Aviation Society publishes their journal, Cross & Cockade International, four times a year. Issues are available in English as printed [Softbound, A4 (8.27” x 11.69”), 80 pages plus centerfold] as well as digital copies (or both). A new magazine, Contact!, is now available in both print and digital download. The Society also provides 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. The Great War Aviation Society also hosts a lecture series available through Zoom. If interested, you will need to register early as the call is limited in attendance. The Great War Aviation Society also is on Facebook and on X [Twitter].

Hasegawa first released their 1/48 A-7E in 1987 with various boxing still available today. To date it is the most accurate offering in shape and features. Where it is lacking and showing its age is in the cockpit assembly. ResKit have come to the rescue with a finely detailed 3D printed cockpit assembly which is an almost drop-in fit. Refer to the pictures that accompany this review to see the amazing level of detail on the ejection seat alone.