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Here is my latest diorama, showing a JU-87B at Caen in France during August 1940. The aircraft is from Italeri, Kubelwagen and 2 figures from Tamiya and the rest of the figures are from ICM. Hope you like it, and all comments welcome

J-8 Gladiator WWII Swedish Fighter (32044) 1:32 ICM The Gladiator was the last biplane fighter used by the RAF due to the introduction of more modern monoplanes. The Gladiator was designed in response to an Air Ministry requirements for an aircraft capable of 250mph armed with at least four machines guns. Gloster decided that rather than developing a brand new fighter they could capitalise on their Gauntlet design. This modified design would dispense with a pair of interplane struts to reduce drag and follow a wing design developed by Hawkers. The "new" aircraft would use the 700 hp Bristol Mercury engine. The prototype flew in 1934, with the first production aircraft being delivered in 1937. The Gladiator was probably the pinnacle of biplane design with its streamlining, closed cockpit and heavier armament, While the RAF ordered 180 aircraft the biplane design was really at the end of its life with more modern types being introduced. The type saw service in France in 1940, and on the home front in the Orkneys. Overseas they were used in Norway and most famously in the defence of Malta. Here these aircraft managed to defend the Island against superior Italian forces. Gladiators also saw service in North and East Africa as well as in Greece and the Middle East. Gladiators would also see combat service in Belgium, China and lastly Finland. Sweden received 37 Mk I which they designated (Jaktplan 8) J-8, and 18 Mk IIs designated J-8A.The 37 J-8s were built new from 1927-1938 and were fitted with NOHAB built Bristol Mercury VIS2 engines. The 12 J-8As were built new in 1938 and were fitted with NOHAB built Bristol Mercury VIIIS.3 engines. The Gladiators were in action from January 1940 against Russian attacks on Finland and some were like other Swedish Aircraft fitted with skis for landing on snow. The Kit This is a new tool from ICM who really do seem to be giving us kits we want at the moment. On initial inspection the kit looks very good, this is the original Mk.I kits with an additional sprure for the Ski landing gear and different guns. There is plenty of detail and the moulding is first class. The fabric effects are not over done and the sprue gates are quite fine. This is the Mark I aircraft however be assured a Mark II and Sea Gladiator are scheduled by ICM. Construction starts with the cockpit and interior. Framework sides are added into each fuselage half with appropriate control systems and additional parts being added. Into the each side the fuselage mounted guns are also added at this stage. The cockpit itself with the seat, rudder controls, and the pilots compass is constructed and added into the left fuselage, The coaming around the cockpit is then added along with the main instrument panel and its coaming. Behind the cockpit the rear decking and bulkhead are added in. After the addition of the tail wheel to the rear of the fuselage, the two halves are then ready to go together. Once this is done the gun sight can be put in place. We now move toe the rear tail surfaces with the rudder and tail planes being constructed and added on. All of the moveable surfaces are separate parts. Back onto the front of the fuselage the pilots entry doors at each side are added along with the prominent side mounted oil cooler. Its worth noting here that the surface moulding of this part seems to accurately match the real thing. The canopies can now be added. The instructions show the front and rear being added first with the main canopy going over these. Next the lower main wing is assembled and added. There is a one part lower section to this with left and right uppers. The lower main wing part form the bottom of the fuselage in that area. Separate ailerons are then added. To the aft lower fuselage a plug section is added, this would appear to be in the area the arrestor hook will be on the Sea Gladiator version. Next up the top wing is assembled. This is in upper and lower parts with the ailerons as separate parts. Once together this can be joined to the lower wing with the outer struts and the inner ones attaching to the fuselage. There are positive locating points for all the struts. Next up the main gear is added. These seem quite strong with an inner part for the axle being sandwiched between the parts for the gear legs. The gun pods also need to go under the wings at this point. We now move to the front of the aircraft and the engine. Given the scale the engine is as detailed as the plastic parts can make it and it looks to be a good representation of the real thing. To the front is added the exhausts and collector ring. A three part cowling then goes over the engine. The engine details and exhausts here vary depending on the variant being built (though ICM really dont offer any expiation of this in the instructions). The front machine guns are then added along with the lower exhaust parts. The prop can then be added to the engine and the whole assembly mounted to the front of the fuselage. To finish up rigging diagrams are provided for the modeller to correctly rig the aircraft. Markings There are markings for three aircraft in this boxing J-8A, No.284 Yellow F, Swedish Voluntary Wing F19, Finland 1940 J-8A, No.278 Yellow H, Swedish Voluntary Wing F19, Finland 1940 J-8A, No.278/48, Fighter Wing F8, Barkarby 1939. Decals are printed by ICM, with good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. Conclusion It is good to see a new kit of this important RAF type being released. Even in 1/32 this is not overly large. ICM have done a great job with this kit. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of

Hi everyone, just finished my ICM Gloster Gladiator / AIMS J8 conversion, hope you like it. I am obviously not a bi-plane modeler as I went for the option of directly placing on top of the main wires a length of 0.5 rod, believing life was too short to try and drill into it 0.15 by 0.3mm back to back slots and then again in the middle and at the end - twice over - shoot me! Kit was built using the following.... AIMS Mk 1 engine set, upper ailerons, decals, Cockpit PE, bracing wires and external details PE, landing flaps PE, J8 conversion set, Gas Patch RAF turnbuckles x4 and a lot of scratch building. Model was finished using Xtracolour WWII Olive Drab and RAF Barley Grey and as indicated my AIMS decals. I will take some nicer photos once I have it on base, Thanks for looking -John

KDA-1 (Q-2A) Firebee with trailer (48400) 1:48 ICM People think drones are a new thing for the military but in reality they are not. The Firebee was developed by Ryan for the new USAF in 1948 as a jet powered gunnery target with the first flight being in 1951. The USAF Designation was Q-2A, and when the US Navy bought them they designated them KDA-1. The original Firebees were air launched from a modified A-26, or ground launched using a RATO system. The system was later used by the US Army as well. Q-2Bs were fitted with a modified engine for higher altitudes. They were developed over time with the KDA-4 being the main USN version, however differences were mainly internal. The Royal Canadian Air Force purchased 30 KDA-4s which were launched from an Avro Lancaster Mk.10DC. The Kit This kit is a brand new tool from ICM, no doubt as a tie in for their new tool 1/48 Invaders as a Drone controller is due out. They will make interesting models though in their own right, or can be added to other models. The kit arrives on one sprue for the Drone, and a second for the stand. The model will be just over 100mm long when built. Construction is fairly basic and starts with the full length intake/exhaust for the engine. The rear engine part is installed inside the tube and it can then go together. At the front a forward baffle/bulkhead goes in and then the nose bullet goes in front of that. This can then be installed in the main body and it can be closed up. The left and right main wings are two parts upper & lower, these have a V tab on them for where they join inside the main body. The tail planes are single piece. Tip tanks go on the end of each main wing, with arrow shaped end caps on the tail planes. A faring goes on the top of the drone. The ground handling trolley is one main base part to which the 3 wheels are added. On top there is a rear A frame support and a front inverted U. The drone hangs from the front support and sits on the rear one. A pylon Decals Three options are provided for on the decal sheet: US Navy XQ-2 Prototype Red/White as seen on the box art. USAF Q-2A Firebee 1951 - Overall Red. USN KDA-1 Firebee 1960 China Lake - Yellow/Red The decals look nicely printed. Conclusion This is a good looking kit which will look good hanging under a model, or built as a standalone model. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Aircraft Models Stands (Black Edition) ICM (A002) There is a section of the modeling community that like to build aircraft in flight and suitable stands are always sort for these. This set contains 3 smaller stands the largest of which would be at best for a 1/48 single engined WWII fighter. The stand is a fairly simple base and an angled upright. The sizes are 50mm long for the small stand, 70mm for the middle stand, and 100mms for the larger one. Conclusion Stands are always in need by modellers and these are good for smaller models. Recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

WWII RAF Cadets ICM 1:32 (32113) Figures This new set from ICMs is no doubt designed for their new 1/32 scale kits, but can be used elsewhere. There is one pilot getting ready for flying, two other cadets and a senior officer with a pipe. In general the moulding is crisp and clean with plenty of detail. Like all of ICM's recent figures these are well sculpted and should build up well. Conclusion This is another great set from ICM and looks like a direct add on for their new kits (though they can be used elsewhere) Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Leyland Retriever General Service – Early (35602) 1:35 ICM via Hannants The British Army remembered the usefulness of mechanising transport that it learned from WWI, so when war became likely British companies such as Leyland were tasked with creating a modern truck chassis to be used in the forthcoming conflict. The Retriever was a six-wheeler chassis that could be outfitted with truck bodies, cranes, or even command wagon bodies such as that used by Monty during his campaigns in Europe and the Middle East, which now resides in the Imperial War Museum. It was a flexible type, and thanks to its 6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine outputting over 70hp, it could carry a healthy 3 tonne load almost 200 miles before refuelling. Around 6,500 were made in total before the end of WWII, and many were put to good use after their military service in civilian use. The Kit This is a brand-new tooling from ICM, and the first of a series of kits using the same chassis, which already includes the later General Service (GS) cargo body that will be with us soon. This is the Early type GS Cargo, and arrives in ICM’s usual top opening box with captive inner lid. Inside are seven sprues in grey styrene, a small clear sprue, seven flexible plastic tyres, a postage-sized fret of Photo-Etch (PE) and a similarly small decal sheet that is found within the glossy instruction booklet with colour painting guide on the rear pages. Detail is crisp, and slide-moulds have been used to add detail to the chassis rails, with the steering wheel having a delightfully crisp set of finger grips on the inside of its circumference. Construction begins with the ladder chassis, adding cross-rails, front suspension and the mounting point for the powered double rear axle, after which the Leyland engine is made up from a substantial number of parts along with the four-speed (and reverse) transmission and ancillaries. With the block mounted between the chassis rails at the front, the exhaust downpipe and muffler are installed from below, with a scrap diagram showing the location of the downpipe once in place. The rear axles are mounted either end of a pair of large leaf-springs that pivot around the centre, and these are joined to the motor with drive-shafts as they are slotted into the springs from above, then a number of linkages are inserted in two stages to complete the bogie. The front wheels are free-wheeling, and have brake drums at either end of the steering rack, which is then joined to the underside of the front springs and again linked to the chassis and steering wheel by rods. The rear hubs have their brake drums added to the backs of them before they have their well-moulded tyres slipped over the rim, while the front wheels have a flat back that joins to the drums already on the axle. Finally, the spare is fitted onto a two-part hub and fixed to a bracket with a turnbuckle holding it in place, then it is further attached to a larger set of bracketry for stowing between the cab and load bed. The cab starts with the firewall to which the instrument binnacle is added on the right (correct) side, then the floor halves are installed, with the driver’s controls attached to the right hand footwell. The delicately moulded steering wheel and column with brace are slid in through the small hole in the footwell, and the engine cover is constructed from a fixed central section and two L-shaped inspection panels that allow maintenance without removing the whole cab. What initially looks like a pair of stowage boxes at the rear of the cab are in fact the crew seats, which have short back “rests” on the rear bulkhead that is joined by a pair of short sidewalls. A pair of mudguards are attached underneath the floor, then the lower cab is glued to the chassis over the engine compartment, with the radiator assembled from styrene with a PE grille and a pair of PE name badges top and bottom. With the chassis flipped over, the outlet for the exhaust is slipped through a bracket and joined to the back of the muffler, then it’s time to make up the fuel tank, which has separate end caps, and twin mounting brackets that allow it to fit onto the space between the cab and load area alongside the spare wheel. This kit is the cargo version and has a flatbed built up with low sides, bench seats and loading gate at the rear. Underneath the bed are two longitudinal beams with cross-braces slotting into the engraved grooves along its length. To each outer side of the beams are stowage boxes and diagonal mudguards, after which the sub-assembly can be mated with the chassis, then a pair of running boards are attached on brackets between the wheels. The crew are protected by a canvas roof that has sides and back fitted before it is joined to the cab, leaving the front and sides open to the atmosphere – lucky drivers! The front is fitted out with two headlamps with clear lenses, and an odd “shelf” on the left side of the radiator, then side-lights are installed outboard and a hand-crank is slotted into the front of the radiator at the bottom. The wagon has a canvas cover in real life, but in the model you get the frame, which consists of four lateral inverted U-shaped supports and seven longitudinal ribs that slot into the grooves moulded into the hoops. That’s the model finished, unless you want to add two small supports to the front of the roof, which are shown in a drawing at the end of the instructions. These aren’t supplied, but can be made from styrene rod or wire quite easily if your references show they were fitted to your example. Markings It’s a truck in the British Army, so it’s going to be green. They also didn’t wear much in the way of decoration other than number plates and the occasional unit markings. From the box you can build one of the following: Europe 1945 Europe 1944 Decals are by ICM’s usual printers, which is a guarantee of good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. Conclusion ICM have been filling a lot of gaps in the British WWII softskin range, and this will likely be very welcome, finding a place in a lot of stashes. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

WWII Luftwaffe Airfield Set (DS4801) 1:48 ICM via Hannants During WWII the Luftwaffe operated from all manner of airfields, from rough temporary strips to fully furnished airfields with all mod cons of the time, including brick-built barracks and even a specially oversized bath for a visiting Hermann Göring. They often hosted numerous aircraft types at once, plus all of the attendant crew, in groundcrew and aircrew flavours. The Kit This is a boxed set of three kits that have been brought together to fit the theme, and includes a Messerschmitt Bf.109F-4 fighter (48103), a Henschel Hs.126B-1 Reconnaissance aircraft (48212), and a set of Pilots & Ground Crew (48082) to finish off the set. All of these kits have been released previously under their own individual codes, but in this compact box they represent excellent value and an exercise in convenience too. The kit(s) arrive in a small top opening box with ICM’s usual captive inner lid, and inside are three bags of sprues for the three kits. The Henschel has three sprues and two wing halves in grey styrene, a small clear sprue and decal sheet, the 109 has three in grey, one clear and a decal sheet, while the figure set is on a single sprue, each one also having their own instruction booklet and painting guide. They are all relatively modern toolings with good detail, engraved panel lines, and in the case of the figures, realistic sculpting and fabric drape. We’ve not reviewed any of these kits previously, so let’s get on with it. Henschel Hs.126B-1 This kit originated in 2010, so is of recent vintage and has plenty of detail included. Construction begins with the cockpit, which has plenty of parts, including a clear two-part instrument panel that is augmented with styrene details and is arranged around the floor panel with a rear bulkhead, rudder pedals and other controls, then the cockpit sidewalls are decked out with a substantial number of boxes, instruments, ammo cans and other parts that liven-up the interior. The gunner’s section of the cockpit is a more spartan affair with a rear bulkhead, simple seat and machine gun with concertina dump bag hanging from the breech. The fuselage can be closed up around the sub-assemblies once the engine mount is attached to the bulkhead behind, and a donut (not a real one) is inserted into the front ready to accept the engine later. A group of inserts are fitted around the front of the fuselage, and the top deck closes over the forward portion, then main wheels are made up either with or without spats and two-part wheels that are surrounded by a teardrop-shaped fairing for the spatted version. At the rear a single-part wheel, yoke and mudguard are inserted into the space under the tail, permitting the aircraft to stand on its own three wheels for the first time. The 126 has a large greenhouse canopy that affords the crew a good view of their surroundings, which is key to any recon bird. The gunner however isn’t given a canopy, so he’d better dress warmly! The pilot’s windscreen and canopy are separate parts, and are accompanied by a pair of handrails, one down each side. The engine is next, and a full rendering of the Bramo 9-cylinder radial engine is provided, from the bell-housing at the front, through the piston banks and out the back with the ancillaries. It is fitted to the donut at the front of the fuselage, then the cowling is assembled round it, after which the three-blade prop is built on the boss and secured in place with a ring that is covered over by a spinner. The wings are of the parasol variety to improve situational awareness of the crew further, totally supported by two large v-shaped struts and a set of cabane struts in front of the windscreen. All the flying surfaces are separate and have separate hinges, so can be fitted deflected, as can the rear feathers, which are supported by two struts each, almost parallel to each other. Markings You get a generous and disparate three markings options from the decal sheet, one more traditional with splinter uppers, one in a winter distemper, and the other in a North African sand camouflage. From the box you can build one of the following: 1.(H)/32, Finland, December 1941 4.(H)/23, Russia, Winter 1942 2.(H)/14, North Africa, 1941/1942 Decals are printed by ICM’s usual provider, which is a guarantee of good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. Messerschmitt Bf.109F-4 This kit harks from 2006, and while it isn’t the newest 109 in the world has all the parts you’d expect, although time has introduced a little flash here and there, but it’s always preferable to short-shot parts any day of the week. For a change construction begins with the DB601E engine, which is quite well-detailed and includes exhaust stubs and flame-guards over the top. The cockpit is straight-forward, based upon an L-shaped floor with the cannon breech between the pilot’s knees, the instrument panel supported on a panel projecting from the forward bulkhead. The clear gunsight, rudder pedals, control column and seat pan finish that off, then the engine is attached to the front by joining the bearers between the two sub-assemblies, with machine guns and ammo cans between them. With the addition of a trim wheel on the sidewall and some paint, the fuselage can be closed up around the completed interior. The elevators are each single parts, and are installed in their slots, then joined by a separate rudder that can be posed deflected. The fuselage is completed by fitting the four-part cowling around the engine, adding the windscreen with bullet-proof insert, fixed rear canopy and the opener, which has a set of head-armour installed inside. The lower wing is full width and the upper halves are glued to the top, then the wingtips are inserted into the newly formed slots. The wings are brought together with the fuselage, and underneath the nose the chin intake for the oil cooler goes in, and the two radiator baths are inserted into their underwing positions then the flaps are put into their tracks in the trailing edge. The narrow track main gear legs are each made up from strut, captive bay door and wheel, which are narrow enough to be moulded from a single part each. The tail wheel is a single part and slots into the rear under the tail, then it’s back to the front for the supercharger intake on the port side, and the prop with spinner and retaining ring. Markings Four markings options are supplied for the 109, again all pretty varied and colourful. From the box you can build one of the following: Ofw. Eberhard von Boremski, 9./JG3, Ukraine, May 1942 Hpt. Hans Philipp, Gruppenkommandeur of I.JG54, Siwerskaya (Leningrad area), March 1942 Lt. Hermann Graf, Staffelkapitan of 9./JG52, Rogan (Ukraine), May 1942 Lt. Heinrich Ehrler, Staffelkapitan of 6./JG5, Petsamo (Finland), July 1942 German Luftwaffe Pilots & Ground Personnel (1939-45) This set includes a combination of three pilots and four ground crew on one sprue, one of the former bearing more than a passing resemblance to Adolf Galland, complete with his customary moustache. The other officer is wearing riding trousers and boots, with his hands folded behind his back, while the third pilot is being helped into his parachute harness by one of the groundcrew. The other three figures are groundcrew in overalls, one standing with a toolbox, another with his hands out in front of him, while the final figure is on his knees working on something, screwdriver in hand. The instructions show the figures complete, and points out parts and painting suggestions for each one. The paint codes are referenced in a table overleaf using Master Model colour codes and colour names in English and Ukrainian. Conclusion A compact and bijou boxing that is full of modelling fun. The Henschel is the better of the two kits, and the inclusion of the figures is a bonus. Make sure you have enough gloss black in stock for Mr Galland’s perennially slicked back hair. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

P 204 (f) AKA a captured French Panhard AMD-35. Over 200 Panhard’s were captured by the Germans in 1940 and used by the Wehrmacht and the Waffen SS. I didn’t realise until I built this that the vehicle had dedicated front and rear driving positions. The Kit. I quite like ICM models. They build and fit well, are well priced, are not over engineered and when they come with figures you have great potential for a diorama out of the box. One thing I don’t like is the rubber wheels. Very hard to clean up and nothing seems to stick them. I have tried to depict the vehicle as having recently had a rushed spray job, hence the wheel arches, hatch surrounds, etc are still in French green (doesn’t really show on the photos unfortunately). After much deliberation, I decided to paint the cat in a “Calico” camouflage scheme. Still not happy with my figures, but I do feel I am making progress, all be it slowly. As for painting cats……………. The base is made from a piece of laminate flooring. It was under the sofa, so the Mrs will never notice! Always open to hints and tips that can help me improve, so fire away. George

le.gl.Einheitz-Pkw.Kfz.4 (35584) 1:35 ICM via Hannants Made mostly by three German companies, this all-wheel drive staff car designed by Stoewer was produced with different bodies during the early war, the most prevalent being the four-seat staff car, although it was used in other roles, notably the mobile light anti-aircraft units that were fitted with a twin MG34 mount for deployment, as depicted here. It was however complicated and unreliable, so was eventually replaced by the ubiquitous Kubelwagen. The Kit The box contains seven sprues in grey styrene plus a single clear sprue and decal sheet, with two sets of instructions with integral painting guide at the rear of the larger one. This is a re-box and amalgamation of the staff car with their recent Zwillingssockel 36, plus a few extra parts on new sprues that helps merge the two together into the completed vehicle. New Sprues Gun Sprue The chassis is first to be built up with dual springs supporting independent suspension and a driveshaft linking the two transfer boxes, plus the steering linkage front and rear. Fuel tank and stowage are placed to either side of the chassis rails and an exhaust pipe is threaded through to the engine compartment, which is filled with a full rendering of its 4-cylinder 2 litre Stoewer power plant over the front axle. The floor of the cab is built up and added to the chassis, then the three-part styrene wheels with moulded-in tread are fitted to each corner along with the radiator at the front. The firewall and a new rear passenger bulkhead are installed next with the former having instruments and transmission tunnel moulded in and pedals attached to the floor. The cab sides, boot/trunk cover, engine cowling and gear shifter are all put in place before the seats are built up from base, cushion and curved back in the front, with a large tread-plated area for the gunners that has just enough room down the sides for spare ammo cans in racks lining the lip. Two rifle points are attached to the front bulkhead, bumpers/fenders and doors are all added with steering wheel, and windscreen also made up between the front and rear compartments with tripods racked on the rear deck of the vehicle. The rear light cluster is fitted to the rear quarters with a spare wheel in between them, and the folded canvas roof above the divide between compartments. Front lights and pioneer tools are attached to the fenders, and windscreen wipers are fitted into the depressions on the frame, with wiper-motor boxes moulded into the frame for completeness. The lights and windscreen all have clear parts so the passengers don't get bugs in their teeth. The guns are built on a separate instruction sheet, and the completed assembly is shown in the main instructions being dropped into place in the rear fighting compartment. The Gun The ammo cans are made up first, joined to the twin frame, which then has the gun mounts fitted on top. The guns are still fitted with their bipods, which along with the breech cover are moulded separately to the rest of the guns. If you’re a detailer, you may want to drill out the muzzles very carefully with a tiny bit in a pin vice. With the guns on their frame, the outer frame is fitted around it in two halves, slotting into the pivot points moulded into the frame, and supported by a cross-brace lower in the frame. Another bracing strut fits across the front and has a canvas brass catcher curtain suspended beneath it that is attached to the tube by a series of rings moulded into the part. The conical base is built from two parts and inserts into a socket in the underside of the outer frame, then it’s a case of making up the seat that fits at the very rear of the outer frame, and choosing the correct sighting part for your chosen pose, pivoting the guns to an appropriate elevation during the process. A pair of scrap diagrams shows the two finished poses, and overleaf is a painting guide in greyscale that could be a tad confusing as it has no paint call-outs on the two greyscale profiles. Markings There are three theatre specific options included in the box with early war Panzer Grey the colour of choice. For whatever reason, my scanner had trouble with the grey, so please accept my apologies for the lower than usual standard of the profiles. From the box you can build one of the following: Luftwaffe Ground Units, Greece, 1940 1st Panzer Division, Greece, 1941 11th Panzer Division, Eastern Front The decal sheet is small and printed on a bright blue paper, with good register, sharpness and colour density. Conclusion It’s nice to see these more unusual kits being made from adding existing kits together with a few additional parts to create something new. Detail is excellent, and it’s a cool little early WWII vehicle. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

MiG-25PU Soviet Training Aircraft (72178) 1:72 ICM In the early part of the Cold War, the strategic bomber was seen as the obvious means by which to deliver a nuclear payload. The interceptor - large, heavy and fast - was seen as the equally obvious countermeasure. The MiG-25 Foxbat was, in many ways, the ultimate embodiment of this technology. It wasn't particularly groundbreaking and nor was it particularly sophisticated, but it was capable of incredible speed and could carry four large missiles to high altitudes very quickly indeed. The MiG-25's shortcomings as a combat aircraft were largely addressed through the MiG-31 Foxhound, but the type continued as an effective mission platform in a variety of guises. The PU version being the twin seat trainer for the interceptor version of the Foxbat, though with no radar or armament it was purely a flight trainer. The Kit This kit is now the sixth iteration of ICM's new 1/72 MiG-25 family, following on from the other variants. Inside the robust top-opening box are eight frames of light grey plastic and two of clear plastic. The kit is almost identical to the previous iterations, but includes revised parts for the nose (The interceptor nose is also included but only for the pylons which are also on the sprue). The airframe is covered in crisp, recessed panel lines which look very good indeed, and the mouldings are crisp and clean. The instructions are an A4 stapled booklet which has been printed in colour and the decal sheet is clear and well printed. The overall impression is of a well-executed, modern kit which looks like it should be thoroughly enjoyable to build. Construction begins with the rear cockpit and nose gear bay. Some detail is moulded in place on the sidewalls of the cockpit, with extra parts provided to represent additional details. Before the main structure of the cockpit can be completed, however, you have to add the bulkhead that forms the front wall of the cockpit and the rear wall of the nose gear bay. The instructions have you installing the nose gear leg at this stage, but I can't see any logical reason as to why this can't be done at the end. This would, of course, save you from breaking the leg part way through the build. The cockpit itself is nicely detailed, with the ejector seat alone made up of no fewer than five parts. An instrument panel and control column completes this section. Once the forward fuselage halves have been joined together, the whole sub-assembly fits onto a spar that also holds the huge engine air intakes. I've noticed that kit manufacturers are moving increasingly toward this style of construction, where certain parts are provided for purely structural purposes instead of the older slot and tab style of construction. I guess the main advantage, other than strength, is that everything can be positioned at exactly the right angle - a helpful feature for kits that feature quit a complex breakdown of parts such as this one. Each engine intake is full-length, with engine compressor faces provided. What results is a complete forward section of the aircraft up to the wing roots, with the internal structure of the air intakes protruding from the rear. The lower face of the main fuselage can be joined to this structure once the main landing gear bays have been added. ICM suggest that you add the main landing gear legs at this stage. Again, I can't see any reason why they couldn't be fettled into place after the main construction has been completed. Once the lower face of the main fuselage is in place, another structural bulkhead can be added, after which the slab-sides of the fuselage, including the outer faces of the air intakes, can be added. The dustbin-like jet exhausts are added at this stage, and very nicely detailed they are too. Once in place, the upper face of the fuselage can be added. Some modellers have noticed that the central spine has a flattened profile instead of a rounded shape. This is true, but I imagine most modellers will choose to live with this flaw. All that remains now is to add the nosecone, flying surfaces and finishing details. Each vertical tail is split vertically, with a seperate rudder. The outer face is moulded with part of the rear fuselage in place, so presumably it will be impossible to fit these parts at the wrong angle. Somewhat surprisingly, the upper wings are not moulded in one part with the upper fuselage. Instead, they are split into separate port and starboard halves, with two separate flaperons and upper wing fences and fittings. The nosecone is simply split vertically and houses the front cockpit. This is made up and added in along with its rear bulkhead, Once closed up the completed nose section can be joined with the rest of the fuselage. The canopies are nice and clear and can be finished in either open or closed position. Even though the wing tip missile rails are present no armament was used, and plugs are provided for the underwing pylon spaces as well. Other than that, and a few aerials, lumps and bumps, the huge aircraft is now finished. Decals Four options are provided for on the decal sheet: MiG-25PU Russian Air Force, Ramenskovsky (Zhukovsky) (UUBW) Russia August 2005 MiG-25PU Russian Air Force, MSN N22036241 Russia August 2012 MiG-25PU Belarus Air Force, MSN 22037313 1983 MIG-25PU Libyan Air Force, Mitiga, Libya Dec 2006 The decals look nicely printed and a full set of stencils is included. Conclusion We've waited a while for a new, more more modern kit of the Foxbat in this scale, but the wait has been worth it. ICM's effort is excellent, with high quality mouldings and plenty of detail. Overall this is a well executed and carefully designed kit, while the trainer configuration is very appealing indeed. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Field Toilet ICM 1:35 (35800) Its an inevitable fact that military installations will need latrines in one sort or another. From the simple Shovel recce to an established toilet block. This new highly anticipated kit from ICM features more of an out house you might see a civilian setting as much as a military one. The kit on one sprue features 3 walls, a roof and the main door. Inside is the main raison d'etre the thunderbox is provided. The diorama ideals are endless from any time period. (picture from the net) Thanks Jon Kelly. Conclusion This is another great set from ICM, the moulding quality is on a par with all of their kits, and while no doubt done in jest it will add a little something to a 1/35 diorama if used correctly. Recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Zwillingssockel 36 Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Mount (35714) 1:35 ICM via Hannants Zwillings is German for twin, and according to Google, sockel translates as “socket” or “base”, the former sounding vaguely suggestive. In WWII Germany, it was a twin MG34 mounted on a frame and attached to the ground/deck via a conical base with a seat for the gunner on a cantilever frame. It was often used to provide anti-aircraft cover on an S-38 S-boot in the midships position, and was also used as mobile anti-air cover in the flatbed of a vehicle. The guns could also be used to strafe targets on the ground, as the mount was capable of a substantial range of elevations, and the sights would adjust position on their supports to remain useful to the gunner at all inclinations. The Kit This is a new tool from ICM that you can just bet is also going to be seen again mounted to other kits. Truthishly, I have one such example in the review queue already. It arrives in a small top-opening box with the usual ICM captive inner flap, and within is a small sprue in grey styrene, accompanied by a sheet of A4 instructions with spot colour. The mount can be built in either horizontal or anti-air positions by swapping out the sighting frame at the very end of the build. The ammo cans are made up first, joined to the twin frame, which then has the gun mounts fitted on top. The guns are still fitted with their bipods, which along with the breech cover are moulded separately to the rest of the guns. If you’re a detailer, you may want to drill out the muzzles very carefully with a tiny bit in a pin vice. With the guns on their frame, the outer frame is fitted around it in two halves, slotting into the pivot points moulded into the frame, and supported by a cross-brace lower in the frame. Another bracing strut fits across the front and has a canvas brass catcher curtain suspended beneath it that is attached to the tube by a series of rings moulded into the part. The conical base is built from two parts and inserts into a socket in the underside of the outer frame, then it’s a case of making up the seat that fits at the very rear of the outer frame, and choosing the correct sighting part for your chosen pose, pivoting the guns to an appropriate elevation during the process. A pair of scrap diagrams shows the two finished poses, and overleaf is a painting guide in greyscale that would be a tad confusing if it weren't for the box art, as it has no paint call-outs on the two profiles. Oops! Conclusion It’s a well-detailed kit of this unusual piece of equipment, and could be used in a diorama, or to replace a mount if you have an S-38 from Italeri, or put in the back of a wagon of your choice to add some interest. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

RS-132 Ammunition Boxes (35795) 1:35 ICM via Hannants The Katyusha rocket launcher was loaded with a load of RS-132 rockets, which had their origins in the early 30s from a project to create a type of smokeless rocket of a standard type and diameter. The 132 was approximately 85cm long with a diameter of just over 13cm, and fins that projected 30cm from the body. It could carry just under a kilo of explosive of one of two types. The RS was high explosive fragmentation with a destructive range of 10m, while the RBS was armour piercing, although with minimal accuracy when aimed at specific targets, the latter wouldn’t have been much use unless unleashed en masse. They accelerated up to almost 800mph and had a launch radius of under 5 miles with the lack of precision that ensured that although you knew something was going to be blown up in a given area, it was anyone’s guess who or what would fall victim to its detonation. The Kit This set from ICM is a new tool that is made to supplement and resupply a Katyusha wagon like the one we reviewed here. It arrives in one of ICM’s small top-opening boxes with a captive inner lid, and inside are four sprues of grey styrene in a resealable clear foil bag. All four sprues are identical, and from the box you can build four ammo crates, each holding four rockets apiece. Construction begins with the base and lid, each of which has two strengthening planks fixed to the outside, with a planked texture engraved in the surface. The sides of the box have the same planked surface with corner protectors, and each end has a cross-brace for lugging them around. The rockets are in two parts, and slot into three supports with semi-circular cut-outs to cradle the body. Another set close over them to hold things in place, and the lid finishes off the assembly, which is where I began scratching my head. The instructions show the lid having two hinges on the back that lock into grooves in the corresponding side. Those hinges aren’t present on the parts, but you can fix that easily enough with some 1mm rod cut to length. How do I know? I possess eyes and couldn’t resist building one up for funsies. I’ve not glued the rockets in yet as they need painting, but you can see them in their slots in the picture below. Conclusion There’s plenty of scope for weathering in this set, and with four boxes you can either put them in the back of a truck for carriage, stacked ready for use, or open on the ground. The perfect complement to a Katyusha wagon. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

WWII Axis Pilots in the Cockpit (German, Italian, Japanese) ICM 1:32 (32111) Figures This new set from ICMs is no doubt designed for their new 1/32 scale kits, but can be used elsewhere. There is one pilot for each nationality with the appropriate clothing and parachute. In general the moulding is crisp and clean with plenty of detail. Like all of ICM's recent figures these are well sculpted and should build up well. Conclusion This is another great set from ICM and looks like a direct add on for their new kits (though they can be used elsewhere) Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Every now and again, I like to paint a figure as a break from aircraft modelling. ICM's recent release of a Roman Centurion caught my eye. There is something about the combination of colours that is very appealing. It is a very nice kit to work on - sharply moulded with crisp detailing. I used Alclad for the metalwork, Mr.Color C18 for the basic flesh tone and Games Workshop acrylics for the rest including the gold tassles. The one thing missing from the kit is a decal for the decoration on the shield. I wanted to say a big thank you to @cmatthewbacon for sending me the artwork which I printed out on white decal paper. That worked a treat. The base is MDF that I coloured with teak effect woodstain to make it look like a more expensive piece of real wood. I very much enjoyed working on this figure and will definitely look to do another one at some point this year. Cheers Richard C

Fiat CR.42AS Falco WWII Italian Fighter Bomber (32023) 1:32 ICM The Fiat CR.42 Falco (Falcon) was developed in the late 1930s at a time when the more modern monoplane fighters were starting to outstrip bi-planes in performance but it was felt they still had a place. The CR.42 was a development of the CR.32 which were used with success in the Spanish Civil War. The new aircraft would feature a supercharged radial engine and be of simple clean strong construction offering good manoeuvrability. The CR.42 was considered to be the best bi-plane available at the start of WWII although that in itself might be faint praise. Despite its apparent obsolescence the CR.42 would fight in every campaign with the Italian Forces and be exported to Belgium, Sweden, and Hungary. The AS version was developed as a Fighter Bomber with the provision for 2 more guns and bomb racks. The as stood for "Africa Settentrionale". As well as the armament differences they were also fitted with sand filters for the engine. The Luftwaffe would use the aircraft after taking over Italian examples following the 1943 armistice. Following this the Luftwaffe placed and order for 200 CR.42 LW, these were optimised for night harassment and operations against partisan forces mainly in the Balkans. The Kit This is a welcome new tool kit from ICM. The parts are crisp and well moulded consistent with ICMs modern tooling. Construction starts with the cockpit, as with most fighters of the this era this is a tubular affair which sits into the fuselage. The base of the seat fits to the floor with the flight controls going in. The front bulkhead fits to this with the rudder controls attached to it. The rest of the frames then builds up around this with the back of the seat going in. Into the main fuselage the pilots headrest is fitted along with the instrument panel (instruments are provided as decals). Once these two parts are in the cockpit can be fitted in and the fuselage closed up. The decking in front of the cockpit can then be added. At the rear of the aircraft the rudder and tailplanes can then be constructed and added., with the tail wheel assembly going on under the tail. Moving to the front of the aircraft the detailed engine is built up. There are two banks of cylinders for the radial engine with an exhaust manifold and ignition harness. The propeller hub attaches to the front and a full set of cowl flaps to the rear. There are sets for open and closed flaps. The cowl and covers can then be attached, though the covers can be left off to show the engine, The completed unit then attached to the front of the aircraft and the air filter then goes on. We now move onto the wing. The lower wings are two part left and right, with a single upper wing split top/bottom. There is one set of struts from each side of the fuselage, then two sets per wing. All fit into positive locating points. The top side ailerons are separate parts with their control horns being added. Once the wings are on its time to fit the propeller and fixed under carriage. If the bomb racks are to be used hopefully you opened up the holes in the main lower wing! The racks and their four bombs can now be fitted. Decals Two options are provided for on the decal sheet: CR. 42AS Falco, 20 Sq., 46 Gruppo, 15 Stormo C.T., Libya 1942 (Green/Sand camo over grey) CR.42AS Falco, 45 Gruppo Ravenna, Italy 1942 (Smoke ring camo over grey) The decals look nicely printed with no issues. Conclusion It is great to see ICM releasing new tools of aircraft like this in 1/32. Highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Cessna O-2A Skymaster (Late Production) (48292) 1:48 ICM via Hannants Ltd. The O-2A Skymaster replaced the equally well-loved O-1 Bird-dog in the Observation role, adding Psy-Ops and light attack by the fitting additional equipment. It was developed from Cessna’s Type 337 Super Skymaster, and had additional windows in the pilot's side added to improve vision, the superfluous rear seats were replaced with racks of equipment including military radio gear, and hard-points were added under the wings. The twin props at either end of the stubby airframe gave it an element of redundancy in case of enemy fire, which also necessitated the installation of foam into the fuel tanks to help reduce the likelihood of leaks and subsequent fires bringing down the aircraft. With all the extra weight it was slower than the civilian version, but that was considered acceptable due to the crew and airframe protections it afforded. Like the Bird-dog it replaced, it spent a lot of time in Vietnam where it was used extensively in the role of Forward Air Control (FAC) and designated O-2B (31 converted Type 337 airframes) with the installation of loudspeakers to attempt to psychologically batter the enemy with recorded messages and leaflet drops that clearly didn’t have much effect other than supplying them with toilet paper in hindsight. Less than 200 were made in military form straight from the production line, and they continued service after Vietnam until the 80s, when some were sold on and others used in firefighting duties in the US, while others were flown in the war against drugs in central America. The Kit This is a new boxing following the original new tool with extra parts for the later production aircraft with the main feature the pilots window being unbroken on the left hand side, for this a new sprue gives us the left side of the fuselage and a new top wing; also included is a new clear part for this window. It arrives in a modest-sized top-opening box with ICM’s usual captive inner flap, with two large sprues that fit snugly within the tray in their foil bag. Within that bag is a set of clear parts, and hidden inside the instruction booklet (which has a new more modern design) is the smallish decal sheet for the four decal options. Construction begins with the equipment racks in the aft fuselage, which are built up onto the bulkhead, then the fuselage halves are prepped with clear windows from the inside, plus an insert at the rear. The top surface of the engine is made up with exhausts and the front fairing that supports the prop axle, which is inserted but not glued. Under this the nose landing-gear bay is fitted with a firewall bulkhead that has the twin rudder pedals inserted before it is mounted into the starboard fuselage half. With those assemblies out of the way, the cockpit fittings are begun. The seats for the pilots have two U-shaped supports and a single piece back each, then the seats and instrument panel (with decals for instruments) with moulded-in centre console and control yokes added are offered up to the spartan cockpit floor, which slides under the already inserted electronics rack. The port fuselage half is decorated with a couple of M16 rifles and an arm-rest, then is joined with the other half taking care to insert at least 10 grams of nose-weight before you do. The aft fuselage has a complex shape that is moulded as a separate insert and is ready for a two-blade prop thanks to its axle and backstop part, and has two moulded-in exhausts under it. The nose gear leg was trapped in the wheel bay during assembly, and the two out-rigger main legs are a single C-shaped part that is trapped in a groove in the fuselage with a set of additional panels over it, making for a strong join, although some enterprising soul will probably make a metal one. Up front the big curved windscreen has a small instrument fitted into a hole in the middle, then is glued in place and the front prop is glued carefully to the axle if you want to leave it spinning. The wings are a single-span part on the top, and has the majority of the roof of the fuselage moulded-in, plus two top windows inserted from inside before fitting. The engine intake is made up from three parts including a separate lip, and fits to the aft of the roof, butting up against the rest of the fairing moulded into the fuselage, with a towel-rail and a small forest of blade antennae attached to the various depressions left for them. The wing undersides are attached after the booms are made up, and you should drill out the flashed-over holes for the pylons if you plan on fitting them. The booms are joined by the wide elevator that is made up of three parts including a poseable flying surface. The two booms are also two parts, and also have separate rudders, which are each single mouldings and can be posed as you see fit. The instructions show the elevator glued to the booms before they are attached to the wings, but this is probably best done at the same time to ensure a good fit and correct alignment, then the lower wing panels mentioned earlier are glued in, trapping the sponson ends between the surfaces. Front gear door, ailerons and wing bracing struts with their fairings are next, then the main wheels, more antennae, and two raised trunks that run along the main fuselage underside are all fitted in place, plus the four identical pylons if you wish, along with their anti-sway braces. You have a choice of using four rocket pods on all pylons, or rocket pods on the outer stations and SUU-11/A Minigun Pods on the inner pylons. The last page of the instructions show the placement of the masks that you are given a printed template for on the page, so you can make masks by placing the tape over the relevant template and either marking the tape and cut it later, or cut it in situ. It’s up to you whether you use the templates, but they’re there if you do. Markings There are three decal options from the box, all the usual white/grey scheme that most people know. From the box you can build one of the following: 68-11067 - FAC, Laos 1970 68-10999 Flown by Flt Lt David Robson RAAF, 19th TAAS USAF, Vung Tau, Vietnam 1969 68-11013 USAF - No details given The upper wing is shown as Grey on this aircraft not white. The decal printers are anonymous, but they are in good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. The instrument panel decals are also very crisp and clear. Conclusion Finally a modern tooling of this important little aircraft with crisp detail, restrained panel lines, some good decal options and quality clear parts. It should prompt a number of decal options from the aftermarket arena very soon, and I wouldn’t doubt that they’ve started working on that already. Very highly recommended. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Model T 1917 LCP with Vickers MG (35607) 1:35 ICM via Hannants Formed in 1914, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) played a substantial part in WWI often in areas that are seldom given the prominence of the Western Front. They were a major player in Gallipoli where they were heavily mauled due to the Lions led by Donkeys approach that pervaded at the time. They also served in Palestine and Egypt, and it was the former where they used the then new Ford Model T to replace the previous vehicles that were suffering due to the poor availability of spares, They used six of them as Light Armoured Cars, often mounting weapons in a manner that became more familiar in WWII in the shape of the LRDG. The Kit The kit arrive in the usual ICM top-opening box with the captive flap on the lower tray and artwork depicting the contents on the lid. Whoever puts those lids together certainly makes them tight and difficult to get off even after cutting the tape between the two parts. This is the LCP Kit number 35663 with an added Vickers Machine Gun kit to mount in the back. Despite being small, this is a full-detail kit and includes a nicely detailed representation of the engine using 11 parts, a two-part radiator that is moulded into the front axle and attaches to the front of the body shell along with four lifting eyes inside the engine compartment. The completed engine is dropped in behind the rad and with the chassis upended the exhaust is put in place linked to the exhaust manifold on the side of the block. The rear axle of the Model T was suspended on a single lateral leaf-spring, and this is next to be constructed along with the differential and drive shaft assembly. This is also fitted to the underside with various swing-arms and the steering mechanism, then the four single-part wheels are installed and the model is righted once you've had a few moments to appreciate the detail of the wheels, which even have the valves moulded-in. The vehicle looks a bit odd with no upper body, so with the steering column fitted the crew compartment is made up from front, sides and back which have the doors moulded in and the base of the windscreen mount added as a separate part, a two part fuel tank is added behind the cab. The truck bed is made up of the bed, sides, front and rear sections in addition to the outer curved panels, bench seat and optional rolled up canvas cover attached to the right bed side. The two-part battery is fitted to the driving compartment bulkhead, along with the scuttle, doors and foot pedals. The gear stick and steering column are then fitted to the chassis as is the truck bed assembly. This assembly is then glued into position between the truck bed and engine compartment. Each of the two-part bonnet sections are fitted with grab handles, then fixed together, before being fitted to the engine bay. If you’re very careful, the modeller could cut the lower section of one side of the bonnet and fold it up along the hinge line to show off the engine. The semi open cab consists of the rear three-piece bulkhead, roof and two side sections, which leaves the upper door areas exposed. The windscreen is made up from upper and lower sections that can be folded or extended. The two headlights and single tail light are assembled and fitted, along with the spare tyre, a storage box and water container rack. The windscreen can be found on the clear sprue as you'd expect as can the rear light, the front ancillary light and both of the wing-mounted headlights. The screen is in two parts with a C-shaped frame attached to the two halves and a pivot to allow them to be folded or opened. Another pair of fuel cans are attached to the left running board and a spare tyre (no hub) is found on the right. Vickers MG At 1:35 it’s a small model in itself. You can build one complete assembly from the box, but there are two guns and two tripods, the former having options for the fluted and straight cooling jackets, while the latter are set up for seated or prone operation. Construction is simple, with the breech details and firing handle attached to your jacketed barrel of choice, followed by the two arms that hold the gun in place and their central arm with adjustment wheel at the bottom. A length of finely moulded ammunition slides through the breech, and the unused end is fixed to the ammo can with more moulded rounds in an insert that sits on top of the box. The weapon is inserted into the hole at the top of your choice of tripods, then the aforementioned ammo can and the water reservoir for the cooling jacket, which is linked by a hose to the underside of the muzzle, but isn’t mentioned at all in the instructions. Depending on how you will deploy your gun, you could use a length of lead wire or similar to portray this, gluing it to the can. If you’re unsure of the correct locations, there are a number of good resources online. Markings A very small decal sheet (not shown) contains only the vehicle numbers LC 913. Conclusion ICM have given us another version of their good looking WWI Model T car. Available in the UK from importers H G Hannants Ltd. Review sample courtesy of

Hello gents, I've long had an interest in the activities of the Corpo Aereo Italiano during the Battle of Britain, so I was very pleased when I heard that ICM were adding to their range of 1/32 scale kits with a Fiat CR.42 Falco and doubly pleased when I got one and found that one of the markings options is for 83-1 of the 83a Squadriglia, 18o Gruppo of 56o Stormo CT based at Ursel in Belgium in autumn 1940. Although it is not noted in the instructions, 83-1 was the aircraft flown by the CO of 83a Squadriglia, Capitano Edoardo Molinari. Molinari was already an experienced pilot at this point, having served in the Spanish Civil War and the Regia Aeronautica's campaign against France. He had been commander of the 83a Squadriglia for over a year when they transferred to Belgium as part of the Corpo Aereo Italiano and would survive the war as a Maggiore in the Regia Aeronautica. Here's the kit: ... and here's what you get: The little decal sheet is a correction for the serial number of Molinari's CR.42, as only one was provided on the main decal sheet and three of the other option, instead of two of each. I got this to go with the kit: A masking set from HGW for both the inside and outside of the windscreen. It's lovely, and a little cheaper than the Eduard set (which does not include masks for the inside of the windscreen) but I have to say that the amount of packaging used for a piece of tape a couple of inches square is just wasteful. I also got these: ... with the intention of populating the cockpit with the Italian pilot, in the middle here: Finally, I got my paints sorted, of course: Giallo Mimetico 3, Verde Mimetico 3, Marron Mimetico 2 and Grigio Mimetico for the underside, though I may go with Aluminium if the mood takes me or I get some positive evidence that all of the CAI CR.42's had Aluminium undersides. For the interior, judging from the photo's of preserved Falco's (and there aren't many) it was grey primer inside but it does appear to have been a different type for the wood/fabric areas and the metal parts. I'll be using these: Right I think that's enough to be going on with... Cheers, Stew

It’s been a little while since I posted a build. It’s very easy to get distracted by life in general, but always nice to open a box & start a new build. I quite fancied building a very early car & this fits the bill: lots of parts. Nothing in the way of a main body shell and white rubber tires. I think it will be hard to stay away from painting it all black

Model represent the Po-2 used as coherent aircraft, belonged to the 1-st "Normandia" Fighter Regiment (from November8, 1944 regiment named "Normandia-Nieman") from 303-th Fighter Avision Division, 1-st Aerial Army ofthe VVS RKKA, Monastyrshina airfiled, september 1944. Plastic from ICM with no fit issues, with Eduard PE set for interior and exterior as additional. It's my first biplan in 1/48 scale and i'm thinking photoetched turnbuckles is a quite usefull additions at least in this scale IMHO. Engine from North Star Models, it's another story. Realy it's a model inside the model. M-11 in 1/48 scale have a fine quality and despite the amount of a small parts (48 parts to be exact) i had not any troubles during the build. It's the best M-11 engine in 1/48 scale to my mind. Decals from Begemot. On the final photo, the original spark plug from M-11 engine near the model. Thanks for looking.

Model represent the Po-2 used as coherent aircraft, belonged to the 1-st "Normandia" Fighter Regiment (from November8, 1944 regiment named "Normandia-Nieman") from 303-th Fighter Avision Division, 1-st Aerial Army ofthe VVS RKKA, Monastyrshina airfiled, september 1944. Plastic from ICM with no fit issues, with Eduard PE set for interior and exterior as additional. It's my first biplan in 1/48 scale and i'm thinking photoetched turnbuckles is a quite usefull additions at least in this scale IMHO. Engine from North Star Models, it's another story. Realy it's a model inside the model. M-11 in 1/48 scale have a fine quality and despite the amount of a small parts (48 parts to be exact) i had not any troubles during the build. It's the best M-11 engine in 1/48 scale to my mind. Decals from Begemot. On the final photo, the original spark plug from M-11 engine near the model. Thanks for looking.

Hello there.I hope you are all doing well during this pandemic.I present you my MiG-25RBT of the Iraqi Air Force.The kit has been built mostly oob.The only addition are the seatbelts and the pittotube.If you want to know more about the build you can watch my video on youtube where I build the model from start to finish and all in around 15 minutes. https://youtu.be/9e-v6xLSfFs

Hi, It’s been a while since I last posted so I’d like share with you some photos of my recently completed Ju88 A-5. It’s built from the ICM 1:48 kit. This is the first of their range of Luftwaffe bombers I have built and I am very impressed. Excellent detail, great fit and all at a bargain price. I wanted to finish this model a little differently and chose a winter camo scheme – something like this aircraft would have seen in service on the Eastern Front. The pattern is based on giraffe skin (!) and was masked (slowly) using the blu-tak sausage method. Although probably not historically accurate I’m pleased with the way it came out and I feel it looks the part. The kit also comes with a pair of well detailed Jumo engines which I thought would be wasted under the cowlings so I opened the engine covers on one and completely removed the cowling panels on the other (a little surgery required here) to show them off. A bit of dry brushing and added plumbing and there we have it. Construction was without any major problems. Well detailed cockpit, detailed and sturdy landing gear, some nice engineering on the lower wing hides any joins under the engine nacelles. And the decals are OK too. ( I recently built an ICM Spitfire MkXVI whose decals were useless) For the glazing I used liquid mask, as some of the very small panes in the nose would be impossible to mask otherwise. All painting done with Gunze Acrylics and finished with a Flory Models wash. So, all in all, a very enjoyable build and I would thoroughly recommend this ICM kit. ( I also have their Do 215 – hope it’s as good.) Thanks for looking, Bob