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.