Fran

Paolo RIP! A major lost to all his family and friends and to the modelling community. You will be missed.

1:35 M3 Stuart Initial Production Interior Kit MiniArt Catalogue number n.º 35401 Price tag: 54€ To buy one click here. In fact, the M3 Stuart is a very well know light tank for all modeler, but still a brief resume from wikipédia. “The M3 Stuart/light tank M3, was an American light tank of World War II. An improved version of the tank entered service as the M5 in 1942 to be supplied to British and other Commonwealth forces under lend-lease prior to the entry of the U.S. into the war. Afterwards, it was used by U.S. and Allied forces until the end of the war. The British service name "Stuart" came from the American Civil War Confederate general J. E. B. Stuart and was used for both the M3 and the derivative M5 light tank. Unofficially, they were also often called "Honeys" by the British, because of their smooth ride. In U.S. use, the tanks were officially known as "light tank M3" and "light tank M5". Stuarts were first used in combat in the North African campaign; about 170 were used by the British forces in Operation Crusader (18 November – 30 December 1941). Stuarts were the first American-crewed tanks in World War II to engage the enemy in tank versus tank combat when used in the Philippines in December 1941 against the Japanese. Outside of the Pacific War, in later years of WWII the M3 was used for reconnaissance and screening. Observing events in Europe and Asia during World War II, American tank designers realized that the light tank M2 was becoming obsolete and set about improving it. The upgraded design, with thicker armor, modified suspension and new gun recoil system was called "light tank M3". Production of the vehicle started in March 1941 and continued until October 1943. By the standards of the era for light tanks, the Stuart was fairly heavily armored. It had 38 mm of armor on the upper front hull, 44 mm on the lower front hull, 51 mm on the gun mantlet, 38 mm on the turret sides, 25 mm on the hull sides, and 25 mm on the hull rear. Like its direct predecessor, the M2A4, the M3 was initially armed with a 37 mm M5 gun and five .30-06 Browning M1919A4 machine guns: one coaxial with the main gun, one on top of the turret in an M20 anti-aircraft mount, another in a ball mount in right bow, and two more in the right and left hull sponsons. Later, the main gun was replaced with the slightly longer M6, and the sponson machine guns were removed. The M3 and M3A1 variants were powered by an air-cooled radial engine, either a gasoline-fueled 7-cylinder Continental W-670 (8,936 built) or a 9-cylinder Guiberson T-1020 diesel (1,496 built). Both of these powerplants were originally developed as aircraft engines. Internally, the radial engine was at the rear and the transmission at the front of the tank's hull. The driveshaft connecting the engine and transmission ran through the middle of the fighting compartment. The radial engine's crankshaft was positioned high off the hull bottom and contributed to the tank's relatively tall profile. When a revolving turret floor was introduced in the M3 hybrid and M3A1, the crew had less room. A further 3,427 M3A3 variants were built with modified hull (similar to the M5), new turret and the Continental W-670 gasoline engine. In contrast to the M2A4, all M3/M5 series tanks had a trailing rear idler wheel for increased ground contact, whereas on the M2 the idler wheel was off the ground and did not aid in suspension. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M3_Stuart Probably as most of modellers, I do have a little soft spot for the Stuart. Its probably because of his “fragile appearance” comparing with other WWII tanks specially, the big ones for the Wehrmacht. To get this even better, this version as a full interior. Being MiniArt, you know that the parts and sub-assemblies will be in high number, but the detail in all will be exquisite. Let’s check if this release stand for those standards. Firstly, the plastic sprues come in gray plastic, very good to handle and work as all previous recent releases. And there is a lot of sprues, 21 in total (in these, one clear sprue – yes, in a 1:35 AFV model kit) Checking the sprue A, you “only” have the main body structures all there. So, a lot of carefully alignment and care must be taken even with the location points for all inside parts. That is a “minus” of having a full interior kit… I `m not complaining as I love these full interiors but is a thing that you should be careful with. The first major small details for the interior are in sprue D, Da and K. Despite the small parts (and there is a lot of them), the details are right there, with no flash and quite sharp, as you would expect form MiniArt. The engine (powered by an air-cooled radial engine, a gasoline-fueled 7-cylinder Continental W-670 (8,936 built) is amazing!! I`m not an engineer so I confess that when I saw the sprue C (and Ca) I thought for one second: “hum… an aircraft engine sprue here? It´s probably a mistake by MiniArt…” But no… So, the engine Continental W-670 engine sits between the two fuels tanks, making the engine deck quite busy. All the interior is very busy as it should be inside any tank so MiniArt achived the goal (as expect) of having an interior quite busy and with tons of details and you can just leave all hatches open… full beautiful interior to appreciate. Do AM have some space? I believe so, as always, but not much indeed. Now, Wheels and tracks… Well, no vinyl!! But it`s link-and-length. Personally, I like individuals links all the way but I prefer link and length than vinyl, so I can`t complain. Probably for me, here is one spot where AM guys will enter. As for the wheels, undercarriage and suspension system... now that`s a lots of parts and subassemblies.... and the clear parts... Yes, we do have clear parts on this beauty and even windshields whipers in PE As for the PE, comes, as usual, in a card envelope with MiniArt logo. The PE has several details, as PE clapping plate in the rear hatch, mesh, seatbelts (yes, for the driver), handles, clamps, idler wheels rims etc. The decal sheet is a rather small sheet but quite a colorful one, giving all the three markings and some stencils and instruments gauges. The color density and the thin paper are spot on so all good here also. As for the markings, you got straight from the box, four markings: - Royal Tank Corps, British Army, Tactical Training School, Egypt, Summer 1941; - 2nd Armored Division, Louisiana, USA, Autumn 1941; - 1st Armored Division, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA, Autumn, 1941; - Unindenfined Cavalry Regiment, camp Funston, USA, Spring 1942; For the tow cable you only have the hollow end so you needc to get some thread to make the towing cables. The instructions booklet has 22 pages of full constructions with very good color indication all the way. Speaking of color indication, MiniArt gives the modeler a color chart with not one or two brands but 6 (six): - Vallejo - Mr. Color - AK RC - Mission Models - AMMO MIG - Tamiya THANK YOU MiniArt for such a comprehensive color charter and very good indication color along the instructions. Conclusion This M3 Stuart is a fantastic little kit with TONS of details. You can make a little very detail gem directly from this box! It’s an all in package and Kudos for Miniart for doing it. The recessed and raised detail, the detail on the engine all the compartments in a single box, directly with no extra whatsoever is fantastic! Of Course this in NOT a Weekend project! Not even a month project for me! 10/10 MiniArt!! Again! Thanks to MiniArt for producing the beautiful model kit.

wow!!! I just saw this post Ernie!! Glad that you and family are all ok!!

wow!!! That`s is great!! Congrats Jeff and to her!

1:48 P-47 D-30 RA Thunderbolt Advanced Kit MiniArt Catalogue number n.º 48029 Price tag: €48,40 To buy get it here. And we are back with MiniArt here on Large Scale Modeller. And to start this restart, nothing better that an 1:48 aircraft… Yes, MiniArt is not known for 1:48 Aircraft… (some what-if in 1:35, some little helis) but nothing with wings. But since last year, MiniArt is releasing a series of P-47 in 1:48, and with two lines: basic kit and advance kit. And today we are going to look to the brand-new P-47D-30RA Thunderbolt, advance kit. The advance kit is a bit more expensive that the basic kit but gives the modeler a lot of other options for detail like engine open (and more detail engine with new several plastic parts) wing gun bay open with some really nice PE, a seat without seatbelts to use the PE ones. Also give you 3 decals options and the basic kit line only brings two. This advance version gives the modeler the possibility to choose in making a basic line or advance line. Both choices are very good ones and invites modeler to get one of each at least. One advance to make it with all in and several basic line to make all those beautiful markings that you ever dream. Knowing MiniArt work in 1:35 AFV, anyone expect nothing but quality by MiniArt and lots of parts also. I always liked MiniArt gray plastic and this is no exception. It`s a good plastic to work with, very helpful with extrathin Tamiya cement glue and does not brittle easily. So, there is a quite lot of plastics parts with a lots of sub-assemblies. First that we can notice is the surface details of the fuselage and the wings…. Gorgeous.! All the rivets are present and fantastic raised and recessed detail. Having P-47 from other brands (Hasegawa, Academy and Tamiya) this one is the one who has the better, by far, surface detail of all. Kudos MiniArt. But this exquisite detail is present in all the model, cockpit parts, wheels bay and engine (the engine is fabulous even the basic version) are great pieces of fine and impeccable detail. Checking all sprue and starting with the sprue E. This sprue is for sure different from the basic version as the top panels are removable so you can show the wing gun bay in all beauty. It`s a crime not to do it! The sprue Gc has the main parts for the engine. There’s a lot of sub-assemblies to make this fantastic engine that you must leave it open… MiniArt even gives you separate cowling sections that will be handy to expose the engine. Well you have the option in closing the engine but…. For that go for the basic kit option. I know I will in some marking I want to do that the nose art is a center piece! The engine has fantastic detail straight from the box with the PE adds up given by MiniArt. Yes, you can detail even more, specially with some wires and some connectors that you now can get in 3D printing but that is for the ultra detailers. The cockpit (sprues B, Db and E). It’s another piece of detail art! The side panels and console are very good molded with superb surface detail. You can choose the seat with the seatbelts on or the seat and use the PE seatbelts that come in the advanced version. One quite fantastic extra detail: the landing gear with two position, chassis normal or chassis under load, as included all possible external equipment for this aircraft. A wonderful detail, quite realistic, to have a P-47 with different heights. and weight as you get a full load to put on the P-47 The Tail wheels come with two options. The PE sheets in full brass looks a bit more stick that the usual PE I see from Eduard for example. However, the detail on the PE looks good (seatbelts) the other pieces area complementary detail on the engine, wing gun bay and cockpit. I would probably would go to an AM seatbelts like ASK seatbelts but that is me. You can get a good replica straight from box. The clear parts are present in a separate bag to not have any danger of risking it. The parts are in fact quite clear with no distortion and makes the possibility to left the canopy open which is great specialty with all the cockpit detail. The Advance kit version doesn’t have any templates to mask the clear parts but the P-47 canopy is quite easy to mask even without masks. The decals. First are printed by Cartograph so the quality on application and color registration are granted. Second, these are beautiful draw by MiniArt. They look spot on. And the schemes are perfect. Speaking of schemes, this model box gives you 3 options that are: · 366th Fighter squadron 358th Fighter Group “Orange Tails”, 9th Air Force, Spring 1945 Pilot: Lt. Ike Davis. · 509th Fighter Squadron 405th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force, Germany, May 1945, Pilot Capt Milton William Thompson; · 379t Fighter Squadron, 362nd Fighter Group 9th Air Force, Germany Spring 1945. Pilot Col. Josesph L. Laughlin You got two sheets so if one is with markings and nose art, the other is full of stencils. As usual from Cartograph, the printing is very good with the letter being quite perceptible even in 1:48. Well now passing for the instructions. I do have a lot of Miniart kits and already made several reviews and this manual is a typical MiniArt manual which means that is a quite good instructions manual with good color indications and a good parts indications and constructions indication of parts gluing connections. This one has 21 pages and kind of 44 steps (with a lot of sub-assemblies steps) and the profiles in full colors and in all sides which is great to help put place the decals (a lot of them specially the stencils). I leave here a few more pictures of the remain plastic... It`s pure modelling parts. CONCLUSION Well, this advance kit MiniArt P-47 D is in fact, the best P-47 in any scale, straight from the box. And now that is not an easy thing or an achievement easy to get as the rivals are Tamiya, Hasegawa, Trumpeter… and more recently Dora Wings (also a great kit). All of thn make very good P-47, but none will give all the detail you can get diretlly from the box that MiniArt P-47 gives you. The recessed and raised detail, the detail on the landing gear and the option of airborne/no airborne landing gear, the engine, the movable surfaces and all that in a single box, directly with no extra whatsoever, is the receipt for the best P-47 model available. 10/10 MiniArt!! Perfect box!! Thanks to MiniArt for producing the beautiful model kit.

And... here it is: 1:32 HpH Models BV 138 Price tag: 675€ http://shop.hphmodels.cz/en/model-kits-in-scale-132/226-blohm-voss-bv-138.html

I haven´t saw this! Totally new to me! @Clunkmeister

ICM 1:48 WWII German Aircraft Armament (Catalogue number: 48408) Price Tag: 15,80€ ICM is a quite prolific model manufacture, releasing AFV, Airplane and figures. And now also accessories in 1:48 and a very important one: ordnance. The name “armament” is not truly the best one to get a set of bombs… Armament is more direct to defensive guns or cannons (as attacking guns). These are bombs so I think the more accurate term would be: WWII German Aircraft ordnance. Ordnance is the term often used when describing the payload of air-to-ground In this set, you get 6 types of bombs (range of bombs from 50 to 2500 kg) and two torpedos with a trailer each.. All parts have no flash at all, and the surface detail is quite good so you get several options to use in more than one or two dioramas or vignette alongside your airplane. A quite large decals sheet is given with bomb markings! The instructions are very clear and easy to folow. The cloor indication is good with only ICM range color given. Conclusion So, everything you need to get some really looking WWII German bombs is here. Either to put directly on an aircraft or side by side to an aircraft, it´s always a a bonus to your model as these have crispy surface detail and several range of bombs. Very usefull set to all aircraft modeller. Great Work ICM! Keep Then coming! HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Our sincere thanks to ICM for making this fantastic figure set. Francisco Guedes www.largescalemodeller.com

ICM 1:48 WWII Japanese Pilots and Ground Personnel (Catalogue number: 48053) Price Tag: 11€ ICM is a quite prolific model manufacture, releasing AFV, Airplane and figures and now in 1:48. This set is n 1:48, perfect to be aside their Ki-21 that appear on the box art of this set. This set gives you five figures, in the poses that you can see in the box, and a small ladder. All parts have no flash at all, and the surface detail is the best I ever seen from ICM This set is brand new and you can tell te improment of the mold work with very sutble details on the cloths and on the faces with less seam line from the mold. It´s quite notice the improvement work made form ICM! The figures have the torso in one piece without arms or legs as they are separated Well done ICM! No assembly instructions are given… but if you look carefully we see the parts numbers on the figures. So there´s is assembly instructions. Conclusion You can really get a very good figure from this set, using all together or just one as the posture could be used in several other scenario with their Ki-21 Sally or any other 1:48 Japanese aircraft. There a lot of possibilities with this set to make your 1:48 Japanese aircraft stand on the next model show or week meeting club. Great Work ICM! Keep Then coming! HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Our sincere thanks to ICM for making this fantastic figure set. Francisco Guedes www.largescalemodeller.com

ICM 1:35 Prayer before Battle “You are important to God” (Catalogue number: 35616) Price Tag: 17€ ICM is a quite prolific model manufacture, releasing AFV, Airplane and figures. For me is the first figure set I review (not counting the combo ones) from ICM but Its not the first time I see an ICM figure. This set gives you five figures, in the poses that you can see in the box art, a piano, the bench and some religious artifacts. All parts have no flash at all, and the surface detail is quite good so you can really get a very good figure from this set, using all together or just one as the posture could be used in several other scenario. The figures have the torso in one piece without arms or legs as they are separated with the exception of the Priest. This one only has the feet separated as the priest cassock is in one piece and very well molded. The facial expression is appropriate for the prayer moment. The overall detail of all figures is very good but I will have to stand out the priest. The general approach is very interesting and well done. The clothing detail with ecclesiastical coat of arms on lapels in a surface detail and the Bible in the other hands are fantastic details. But to complete these details a gorgeous decal sheet with very good coloration with religious symbols is just the top notch for detail. Wel done ICM! The piano looks great (I´m not a piano expert at all) and if you don’t to paint the 1:35 piano keys, a perfect decal is given for that dauting task. 😊 The instructions is one sheet A3 size with color indication for the figures with a complete figure with the parts indicated. Not my favourite option of instruction but it will do for the intermediate modeller. Conclusion It´s a great five figure set that it would be perfect with the 1:35 ICM WW2 British Army Mobile Chapel (35586) (that we reviewed here) or with other 1:35 vehicle or even an 1:35 airplane. Or simply make a vignette with it! There`s tons of possibilities with this set and none of those possibilities are common scene in the modelling world until now! Great Work ICM! Keep Then coming! HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Our sincere thanks to ICM for making this fantastic figure set. Fran www.largescalemodeller.com

1:35 Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A ICM Catalogue number 35105 Price: around 41,50€ ICM keeps launching new kits every month, or new variants of their pre-existing kits. If we just review a brand new 1:48 B-26, now a new variante a Sd.Kfz 251/18, the Beobachtungspanzerwagen, which means “Observation armored car” And that is explicit by the boxart. So another model kit that is original and kudos to ICM to not be afraid of releasing these more unusual model kit. As I said, this is base on the ICM released in 2018 and was review back then by our Jim Hatch, here. So I don’t have much to say beside that but here it goes. But, as usual, let`s crack the box. The package is the usual from ICM, with flip top cardboard with a separate card lid showing the artwork, a lovely artworks as usual. I don’t know who makes the ICM box arts but I do like them. Not my favourites but I do like them. First of all, this model kit is in fact, a sort of combo kit as you have the Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A and a set of figures, more specific, the German Command Vehicle Crew (1939 to 1942) - set n.º 35644 and WWII German observer officer. So you got 5 figures inside this combo. The sprues come as usual in resealable plastic bag and they are seven ones. The original release seen on Jim`s review had only 5. So the extra two new sprue for the Sd.Kfz 251/18, are the J and H. Checking the plastic, which is quite good to work with, as is consistent and not brittle at all. The total parts are 315 but not all will be used I reckon. Before I check the new sprues, let me waddle around the sprues. As usual, the surface detail on ICM is quite good, and this model as a full interior… Also as usual, you can make a very nice replica straight from the box. The ones who would like some extra detail can get PE and resin but straight from the box you already get a very nice detailed replica. And this is the ICM is looking forward and they are consistent making it. Kudos to them. I really the Maybach HL 42 6-cylinder petrol engine. This is an AFV model kit but it does have quite a few clear parts. ICM clear parts are one of the best in the modelling world (just check the clear parts on the He-111 or on the Ki-21 Sally), so these one are no exception. The tracks and wheels. The front drive wheels and the tracks are in black vinyl. It`s not the first I said this, but I don’t like vinyl track and wheels only because of painting and weathering but it`s me. Although these ones have good detail and the tracks are not link by link. However, for me, it`s not a break deal, but I would try to get some new metal/resin tracks and new wheels. The construction is quite straightforward and I like how the lower section is made, giving much less room to mistake in the alignment. In fact, the same thing can be said about the upper section! There’s not much to say as Jim`s hasn`t said… Now checking the new kit parts to make the observation version. The J sprue is the observation deck on the top of the vehicle. It´s in fact what same the vehicle profile. So you get some “deck” steel platform, some binoculars (those fix on the vehicle) and a large antenna. Now you are thinking…and the H sprue is for what? Radio station! A radio console to be in back on the vehicle. The detail on the dials and buttons and for the isntruments ICM give some white decals to put. Here I think the detail on the decals could be a little better with some detail on the dials (sort of number, indicator) than just plain white. But this is a very minor detail and you, as I already said a very good replica form the box. The decal sheet is design by ICM, produce outsourcing. but has a good colour registration and all the plates and symbols to make the three version of the box which are: - Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A, 1st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.) France, 1940; - Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A, 1st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.), unknow subdivision, Belarus, 1941 - Beobachtungspanzerwagen Sd.Kfz 251/18 Ausf.A, 1st Panzer Division (1.Pz.D.) Eastern Front, 1942; The instructions booklet with 32 pages, is typical ICM instructions, very clear. Only ICM colour chart, but these paitns are coming more available and I already try with a brush and I was surprised with the pigmentation. I will make more tests and with airbrush. Next, the figures. There`s no box whatsoever as this is a combo. You got five figures and there`s sprues diagram and painting instructions. Not assembly instructions are given… but if you look carefully we see the parts numbers on the figures. So there´s is assembly instructions and it shouldn’t be hard to do… The figures in plastic from ICM are very good. ICM plastic is very good Even the faces are very detail, which is quite difficult in injection plastic. There`s the seam line mould that is need to be removed but with care and patience you get a good result. That seams line is from the moulding so is inevitable. But if it easy to be remove on legs, arms, is not that easy on the face and specially on hands. So take your time… or if you want to get the best of the best of these figures, just get hands and faces in resin (Hornet are the best ones for me). As for the detail, and starting with the clothes I think that are quite well reproduced, but not being a Vietnam clothes specialist, I `m quite happy with the detail. Not as sharp and clear detail as resin but still, very good for plastic. The posture and body positions are quite convincing and very well reproduce making all the figures in a natural pose which is a quite hard task to do. The hands of all figures are very well made for injection and as I already said, with care and patience to remove the seam line you will get a good result Also, these figures are independent of each other, so you can chose to use all or only one or two. Conclusion Well, another great model kit from ICM!! It’s a super AFV model, superblydetail with full interior with trew option to the modeler. The construction is well thought to help the modeler with the alignment. This combo is begging to be put in a little diorama. You just need to make a base! It`s a superb kit! Highly recommend It`s 9,8 out of 10. My sincere thanks to ICM for making this fantastic model kit.

I have this one on my stash so i will be watching closely.

ICM read, as usual, this review. And Alina (from ICM) send me an email regarding the pitot option, and allow me to share their reply. Its fantastic to have an ICM official reply: "Regarding the pitot option, there are two possible design options - either mold the part together with the fuselage (cutting it off if necessary) or make the part separately (by adding a seat under it). Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. We decided to go with the first option, as we believe that it simplifies the assembly. Moreover, the Pitot tube under the fuselage is difficult to align correctly after the model is assembled. If the modeler is afraid of damage to these parts, they can be cut off during fuselage assembly and glued to the final stage." Absolutely, you are welcome to share our explanation as an official option from ICM. It's always great to contribute to the community's understanding. Regarding the second pito of the wing - maybe it will be used in the next modefications."

Good question... I never tried then and I`m quite curious about then as they have several great schemes sheets.

So sorry to hear this Peter. Best wishes to Diane for a speedy recovery!

Chris, check here:

1:48 B-26B Marauder ICM Catalogue number 48320 Price: around 75€ “The Glenn L. Martin Company's Model 179 answered a January 1939 Army Air Corps specification for a high-speed bomber. The Army ordered the streamline twin-engine, all-metal monoplane, designated the B-26 Marauder, in September and the first production example flew in November 1940. The design incorporated several new innovations. The high wing loading of the design and the resultant increased landing and take-off speeds caused many accidents in training. Intimidating epithets such as the "Widow Maker" and "One-a-Day-in-Tampa-Bay" added to the B-26's initial reputation as it underwent Congressional scrutiny. As those problems were being resolved, Marauders immediately went into combat after American entry into World War II. On June 4, 1942, Army Air Forces (AAF) Marauders defending Midway Island attacked Japanese aircraft carriers with torpedoes, but failed to score hits. The AAF sent Marauders to North Africa after the Allied invasion in November 1942 for service with the Twelfth Air Force. Eighth Air Force B-26s flew the first bombing mission against German forces in Europe on May 14, 1943. In preparation for the invasion of France, the Eighth's Marauders were transferred to the Ninth Air Force, the primary American tactical air force in Europe, in October 1943. Like the M1 Garand combat rifle, the Sherman tank, and the LST, the Marauder was an important weapon in the war against the Axis powers. B-26 crews flew over 100,000 sorties and dropped approximately 150,000 tons of bombs, primarily against Nazi Germany. The AAF lost fewer Marauders than any Allied bomber it flew—less than one-half of one percent. Besides the United States, the air forces of Great Britain and France operated Marauders in combat. Few Marauders survive today out of the 5,266 produced by Martin. *History from National Air and Space Museum. Just a brief history for a very well know aircraft. So, let`s crack the box to check one of the most wanted and eagerly waited model of the year. The usual ICM flip top cardboard with a separate card lid showing the artwork. Inside you have sprues separated in two plastic bags and the clear parts in another bag and full protected. Speaking of artwork, I really love these ICM artworks. No idea who is the author but kudos to his work. Inside you will also find a calendar. Passing on, a fist general view, is a typical ICM quality plastic, with no distortion, no flash, with very good surface detail. On sprue A, the fuselage halves. In the external view, the surface detail is there but you don’t see most of the rivets made. An intermediate modeler will do that with no problem. The fuselage has a fantastic fit as usual in the ICM models in a few years now. Checking the interior, there is the internal frame in the visible parts and location pins to put the fuselage together and to put the other internal details into the place. Injection marks… a few and one of them, just near a window will give a few extra work to remove it… Checking the construction evolution this location pin probably will not be total expose but I don’t think that you can pass not delete it. Sprue B On this sprue, one wing, engine gondola with the undercarriage. The inside detail on the undercarriage is good. There´s some improvements that can be made for the AM companies. The wings also have a very good and sharp surface detail. Sprue C Here the other wing, tailwings, cockpit floor and front floor. Also intermediate “walls” with some very engrave detail (those doors are asking to be open….) Sprue D Two sprues in fact, with all the parts for the engine, propellers and engine nacelles. The engines detail looks quite good. No doubts a very good effort have being made in giving a nice looking detail engines on this one. Kudos engine. To make it almost perfect in this scale you just need to add some wires. A few small details are given in this sprue and all the ordinance for the bomb bay. Also the wheels, in two halves, but with quite good detail on the hub and also the tire. I’m quite happy with detail on the wheels. Sprue E Besides the rest of the tail wings, several detail for the wing jig attach to the inside walls. These walls have quite sharp and good detail waiting for a good paintjob to bring up all the detail. The final result could be quite good directly from box. Sprue F This sprue brings us the flaps, upper turret (and all its details) instrument panels, side cockpit consoles and undercarriage bay. The instrument panels is quite good in raised detail and you have a decal set for the instruments bazels. The undercarriage bay could have been a little more detail but for me, is good as it is. Personally I don’t used to give much attention to undercarriage detail as is a quite hidden detail. Sprue G Almost all the small detail are in this sprue. Machines guns, bomb details, cockpit consoles, bars and ladder. All with good detail and no flash!!! Here the location points have some relevance because some part are quite small and it could be not so easy to remove then form the sprue But the location points are well thought in places that are easy to remove, without damaging any details and easy to remove with a small sanding stick or another sanding tool. The Clear parts As usual are pristine and very clear with no distortion at all. The instructions. The usual standard from ICM with a booklet with the first and last page in satin paper and the rest in normal paper. The color table chart only have ICM paint range and it start to make some sense (at least in Europe) as you start to have some online store that sell them as Art Scale Kit. I already try ICM in brush application only (Airbrush will follow) and I must say: I has impressed with the brush paint flow and the cover pigmentation. I will make a proper review on those paints. Anyway, the instruction manual is detailed and easy to follow. It includes step-by-step assembly diagrams, color callouts, and decal placement guides. And this one has masking templates. The decal sheet has a good color registration and supply 3 finishing options: B-26B-55MA 42-96077 “Ladies Delight”, 584th Bomber Squadron, 394th Bomb Group, probably in Boreham, England, Summer 1944, B-26B.55MA42-96214 “Coral Princess III”, 494th Bom Squadron, 344th Bomb Group, Pontoise France, Autumn of 1944; B-26B-55MA 42-96165 “The Big Hairy Bird”, 599th Bomb Squadron, 397th Bomb Group, Peronne, France, December 1944. The decals are design by ICM and made for the third party but I have no idea who. As for “The Big Hairy Bird” the yellow nose must be painted… so some extra masking work will be needed to get this scheme in to good term. A negative aspect… So if you watch carefully the sprues, you have notice something that is not the best solution (at all) from ICM… ICM decided to mould in the pitot probes in the fuselage and in the wings…. Why??? This is the best way to break during construction. I bet that at least 98% of those will be broken in the construction…. So the best way will be remove both, make the respective hole and store it an put it in only in the final steps of construction. It`s a negative aspect on this beautiful kit. Conclusion A must eager (probably one of the most ones) model that we have been waiting as a 2023 release but only saw the daylight in March of 2024. The wait as worth it, no doubt about it!! The detail out of the box is very good and it will make a very good replica. For the expert and keen modeler some AM will make some extra detail to make this beauty into a total masterpiece. The pitot decision moulded in the fuselage is a wrong decision (that I hope that ICM will not do it again) but will not remove the higly recommendion on the best B-26 in 1:48 scale!. The construction is not totally straightforward as there are several sub-assembly that you need to take care and time (as undercarriage is a complex sub-assembly steps) to get it right on spot., so the novice could have some trouble in build this one. But all other modelers can make from this a truly fantastic model of the B-26 Marauder. VERY Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler My thanks to ICM for making this fantastic model.

What a beauty my friend!!! Great work!!!

1:35 PHU BAI COMBAT BASE 1968 ICM Catalogue number 53056 Price: around 145,89€ ICM is a proud Ukrainian Company and they proudly announce themselves as such on the box top of all releases since the war as began. And proud they should as they are making an extraordinary work in the modelling world. Phu Bai Combat Bae was a former U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps base south of Hue, in Central Vietnam. On 30/31 January 1968, the base was hit by Vietcong mortar and rocket fire as part of the TET Offensive. The base was used to support U.S. and ARVN forces fighting in the Battle of Hue. The first relief force was dispatched from Phu Bai to the MACV Compound in Hue City. On 15 February 1968, General Creighton Abrams established MACV forward at Phu Bai to assume direct control of US forces in northern I Corps, which were then engaged in the Battle of Hue, the Battle of Khe Sanh and the TET Counteroffensive. MACV Forward ceased operation on 10 March 1968. IN 1969, the 85th Evacuation Hospital moved from Qui Nhon and was established at the Norwest end of the airfield, adjacent to Highway 1. The Headquarters of the 101st was moved to Phu Bai. For a little more detail history about this military base, check here: https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Phu_Bai_Combat_Base There`s a lot of pictures online of actual real pictures of the CH-54 in Phu Bai: https://www.flickr.com/photos/13476480@N07/21018823201/in/photostream/ Checking the pictures is easy to see where ICM seeks inspirations. Before cracking the box, I leave you the review made by our Ernie Ling of the 1:35 ICM CH-54A: https://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/19184-135-scale-ch-54-tarhe-by-icm/#comment-224683 This model kit that we are reviewing today is a multiple model kit, the CH-54A with the M-121 bomb (model kit 53055), helicopters ground personnel (53102), US Helicopter Pilots (1960s-1970s) and M801 US Landing mat (53200). So ICM just bring parts of each one to a single box, and add a new box art (a really good model box art, I must say, as usual on the ICM model boxes) and we have Phu Bai Combat Base 1968!! So, inside, beside de parts of each model kit mention, you get also the instructions of each one. The instructions of the CH-54 is the one for the 53055 - Sikorsky CH-54 with M-121 bomb. For me it`s the first time I see in flesh, the 1:35 ICM CH-54. I must say: I am really impressed with all the work and research on this one and size!! As Ernie says, military helicopter fans, several of whom call LSM home, cheered loudly at the announcement. It’s a very big box, and lifting the color lip top off, you get two sturdy big cardboard box, both full of plastic. Let`s see the plastic. The plastic is typical from ICM, in gray color, with very good surface details. In my model I have some moulding lines that are easy removed and perfectly normal in a standard model kit. I don't have any flash. The moulding quality is quite good in all dimensions, large parts and very small parts. The surface detail is quite good, actually, is best one I have ever seen in a ICM model kit. There`s some really good nice details and of course, positive rivets as it should have, being an helicopter. The surface is loaded with thousands of beautiful, tiny positive rivet heads so you don’t need any help from aftermarket goodies. The wheels. I like to have good wheels and in this particularly heli, with wheels that are quite visible even more. The wheels are moulded in two halves, with good detail on the hubs. In final, a good result can be achieved by using the wheels straight from the box. Me, Myself and I will probably for a resin aftermarket wheels set. About the interior of the cockpit/cabin, it`s quite detail straight from the Box. The moulding in the instruments and switch panels is good and the detail is there. Just need to be painted. The result will depend on the modeller. As for seatbelts, ICM don’t give them moulded on the seat (thanks!!!) but also don’t give any PE (as they don’t have outsourcing – it`s a all in product) so you will have to source out somewhere, either aftermarket either scratchbuild. Again, ICM clearly wants to give to all modellers, a quite good direct products straight from the box, and they actually did it very well and leaving room for the aftermarket players and to modellers that want a little more detail. Surface panels line detail is very pleasing and the intakes, engines and transmission provide a lot of detail straight from the box. The engine is not a full engine but only the part that you will be able to see. However, the rotor-blade is in full great detail. In both areas, aftermarket guys have a word in this, and seeing the Res-kit detail sets, they elevate the bar and you will get ultra-detail if use those sets. Now, the “new” thing: The M-121 bomb. In December 1967, the U.S. Air Force began a testing program to use large bombs for explosively clearing jungle areas for landing of helicopters. After tests in the United States, the U.S. Army began dropping the bombs using CH-54 helicopters. Use of the helicopters was expensive, time consuming and inefficient due to the CH-54's limited range. In October 1968, a C-130 crew from the 29th Tactical Airlift Squadron of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing flew a series of test drops while under the guidance of MSQ-77 radar controllers; additional test drops were made in December. In March 1969, the 463rd commenced Project Commando Vault, and bomb drops became a regular occurrence. Besides clearing the jungle and preventing the ambush of helicopters that were approaching the landing zone (the M121's blast diameter was 60 meters), the explosion also stunned the NVA or Viet Cong personnel within 500 meters and revealed or destroyed booby traps in the landing area. Due to the bomb's weight and powerful effects, ordnance handlers would chalk mark the bombs as "Excedrin Headache #10,00x" where x was the sequence number of the bomb; a reference to the well known (at the time) advertising campaign promoting the efficacy of the Excedrin brand of extra strength pain relievers. Use of the M121 to clear a jungle zone was a technical success, but the weapon did not satisfy MACV's command requirement to clear a jungle area for five helicopters at the same time.[3] Despite this, the United States continued to use the M121 to clear helicopter landing zones in the jungle until stockpiles were depleted while a more powerful bomb was developed for jungle-clearing purposes. The new BLU-82, developed in 1969, entered service later in the Commando Vault program. Unlike the M121, which used TNT, the BLU-82 used a slurry mixture of ammonium nitrate and powdered aluminum. It had a slightly bigger blast diameter (80 meters). (history from Wikipédia) The M-121 has a small sprue with all the parts for it. A nice detail is the “tail” parachute. The detal are there waiting for a nice paintjob. The details, checking pictures of the real thing is quite nice. However, I have read something about the inaccuracies about the nose. I just dryfit the bomb to chek it: Comparing with some online pictures, it looks like that the bomb shape of the nose, of the bomb pictures that I saw, is bit off, in fact. Anyway, it`s nothing that take my sleep. Moving to Clear Parts These are big, very well mould and really clear with no distortion at all. The decal sheet has a very good color pigmentation and is “home-made” by ICM showing the gigantic effort of ICM to have an all-in house made product. Just love the bomb inscription. The scheme is Sikorsky CH-54A Tarhe 67-18416 with M-121 bomb, 478th HHC (1st Cavalry Division), Phu Bai Airbase, Autumn 1968. The instructions booklet The instruction book is a A4 size with 36 pages with the first and last page in glossy paper. The instructions are easy to follow, with very good drawings with good parts identification and indication where to fit. The colour indication. Not my first time telling this but one of ICM CEO said, in one podcast (Models from Ukraine) that ICM wants to be an “all in company” so all the ICM production is a vertical one, they made the CAD, the steel molds, the decals and now they are making also paints. It`s, in fact an all new approach in the modelling world but ICM is getting there because I already saw, finally, in one of my usual model shop (Art Scale Kits) ICM paints on sale. So the colour being only ICM references starts to be a non-issue to the novice modeler (attention, this particular modeler is not for the novice one) that simply can get some ICM paints quite easily in a foreseeing future. On this model, there`s no masking tape template. Let`s move to the figures. The figures… This is a combo kit with the CH-54 and two sets of figures: Helicopters Ground Personel (Vietnam war) (catalogue n.º 53102) and US Helicopter Pilots (1960s-1970s) (catalogue n.º 53101) There`s no box whatsoever so you just get the sprues diagram and painting instructions. Not assembly instructions are given… but if you look carefully we see the parts numbers on the figures. So there´s is assembly instructions. but it shouldn’t be hard to do… Both sets have 4 figures in different postures. The figures in plastic from ICM are very good. There`s the seam line mould that is need to be removed but with care and patience you get a good result. That seams line is from the moulding so is inevitable. But if it easy to be remove on legs, arms, is not that easy on the face and specially on hands. So take your time… or if you want to get the best of the best of these figures, just get hands and faces in resin (Hornet are the best ones for me). As for the detail, and starting with the clothes I think that are quite well reproduced, but not being a Vietnam clothes specialist, I `m quite happy with the detail. Not as sharp and clear detail as resin but still, very good for plastic. The posture and body positions are quite convincing and very well reproduce making all the figures in a natural pose which is a quite hard task to do. The hands of all figures are very well made for injection and as I already said, with care and patience to remove the seam line you will get a good result Also, these figures are independent of each other, so you can chose to use all or only one or two, of both sets. To finalize the combo, you get a M8A1 US Landing Mat. Here also with no box, just the sprue and the instructions. But for this, I leave you my review on it, here. Conclusion: Wow!! What a BIG combo kit of very large and big KIT!! Hats off ICM for making this beauty and get all these together. You can see all the hard and long work made to make this one possible! It`s the BEST model kit I EVER seen from ICM. You can make a impressive and quite detail replica straight from the box and that`s something and I totally understand that ICM wanted to get there, as after all it`s not a cheap kit and it could be cheap! Is enormous and FANTASTIC. But at the same it has plenty of room to get aftermarket guys in and the superdetailers. It’s a FABULOUS Model kit combo Just get one!!!! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND My thanks to ICM for making this fantastic kit.

Hi Chris. I`m making the platinum onbe... the interior is all made... Then I made one big mistake... engrave the panel lines... Almost all done. I also start to detial the exterior with the Eduard PE set for the exterior. Still have the problem for the engines and nacelles (and propeller)... I saw the https://www.flightlineengineering.com/item_48_b29.html detail set for the engine... But the shipping and customs put me off.... So I`m seeing the Metallic detail sets but are more expensive than Flight Line.... As for the decals, using Kits World (wish me luck) "Top of the Mark" scheme Fran

M8A1 US Landing Mat ICM 1:35 Catalogue n.º 53200 Price tag: 13,10€ This set is a quite useful one in several sceneries of Vietnam and of course ICM thought about their own models, the CH-54 and the AH-1G Cobra. This set comes in a sturdy box with a lip top boxart. Inside you get 4 identical sprues containing The injection mold is very well done with very fine details. Its modular set that you can make all or just some and you even can build it in two different version as you can see on the instructions. We build it in a few minutes part of the assembly variant mat 1… Quite easy and sweet!! Great surface detail and it could be a simple base for your heli and to be on little base with some scenario or even to be on a Vietnam diorama. There`s is enought pieces to make at least two variant mat 2. The instructions are very simple and easy to follow and the construction is quite straightforward and easy. Conclusion Great little set from ICM A perfect add on to their 1:35 Heli, or any others that you have in your stash, at a very affordable price tag and in top of that, with extreme good quality. Thanks ICM!! Very Highly Recommend Our thanks to ICM to make this set!

I will build it, this Mk XII and both Mk XIV.... but probably next year... this year build log is full

1:32 Laminar Flow Design Spitfire Mk XII Conversion for Tamiya's Spitfire Mk.VIII and IX kit Laminar Flow Design, 1/32 scale Catalogue n.º 32-003 Price Tag - €59,20 Purchase directly at Laminar Flow Design website – here Laminar Flow Design new release!! If you don’t know this company from Belgium with a one man work behind, and you`re an aviation modeller, you have been living out of the modelling world. Laminar Flow, are, hands down, the best modelling company in aviation modelling in 3d printing. The printing is flawless, with no printing line whatsoever and top quality on the surface detail. You can see our full review of both Spitfire XIVe conversion for the Tamiya Spitfire XVI, here and here. Today we are checking their latest conversion in their catalogue. The Spitfire Mk. XII conversion for the Tamiya Spitfire Mk. VIII and IX. “The Supermarine Spitfire Mk XII was the first Griffin powered Spitfire to enter service, doing so in October 1942. All production XIIs had clipped wings to optimise low level performance. A total of 100 Mk XIIs were built, the type being retired from front line service in September 1944.” Several fantastic pictures can be seen here: https://www.destinationsjourney.com/historical-military-photographs/supermarine-spitfire-mk-xii/ This set comes in a strudy little box with all the 3d parts inside two printing cages to protect them. This set comes with four resin printing cages and inside of those cage, all the parts. The best way to remove the cage is cutting the main 4 pilars at their base. It all in the instructions. As result, the contents arrived perfectly safe and intact. Inside, just 32 3D printed resin parts, and six die-cut masking sheets for two markings and instructions. If you don’t know Laminar Flow you would think how those 32 3D resin parts and mask sheets fits in just a small box. Laminar Flow is quite methodic, so everything is planned, And the answer is simply: a fantastic planning 3D print, to reduce space and to protect all the fragile parts. To take a good look to the parts, we need to start cutting… Some parts are not easy to free, so you a new scalpel, a very good cutter and patience and time. Once the parts have been free, you can appreciate the quality of this conversion, at its all splendour. The printing quality is top noch. The surface is very smoth with no printing line visible whatsoever. It’s at equal stage as the Tamiya surface detail of the donor kit with all the panel line, rivets, rib tape, fasteners, you name it! Brilliant work and printed in high resolution. Hands down! I have seen quite a few models and detail set in 3D printing that are not very good as then have very prenonce printing line. Here, with Laminar Flow the quality is guarantee! No printing line whatsoever!!! Starting with the most impressive part! The beautiful griffon nose. A single printing piece, as it’s a gorgeous piece of 3D resin!! Simply fabulous! Bye bye seam line in the upper nose!! I will have a smooth nose with no effort and this is even better that previous release. To put the nose you don’t need any surgery on the donor kit. And the fit is simply perfect!! I have seen plastic model kits fitting much worse than this!! The carburate intake grill. Yes, a grill in very delicated 3d printing with no distroction or line printing. Perfect! Another big different is the underwing panel. Laminar always find the best solution (mean the fastest and easy way for the modeller to get a Spit Mk XII) so to install the underwing panel you only need to cut a chunck of the underwing along one panel line and that`s it. Then you just need to add the oil coller. Amazing planning! For the Mk XII we need a new spinner, propellers and exhaust. The spinner and propeller are quite easy to make as all the blades have connections/intakes points, so there`s no room to error! Nice touch! A full exhaust set all hollow, and all individual… Could be a bit boring to make but the final result should be fantastic! Next, the vinyl masks. So you got 6 vinyl adhesives die-cut masks with insignia letters and patchs for two schemes: 1. Spitifre Mk. XII MB840 “EB-J” 41 Squadron Royal Air Force, April 1944. 2. Spitifre Mk. XII EN625 “DL-K” 91 Squadron Royal Air Force, May 1943; The instructions are in A5 format with 8 pages. They are clearly laid out and include text and photographic assembly steps. The instructions are very well need as it has lots of tips and serious warnings and steps that you should consider to get it done. One piece of advise: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! All you need to know to free the 3D parts from the cage, and to make this conversion is there! Conclusion: Laminar Flow Design did it again!!! Another fantastic conversion. The quality of the 3D parts is astonishing with the surface detail matching the high quality of the donor kit, the Tamiya 1:32 Spitfire. The bar has quite high and these 3D parts don’t disappoint. This conversion is the easiest conversion on Laminar Flow Design catalogue, and probably on of the easiest conversion in 1:32, specially do to the work of Mathieu, the owner and designer behind Laminar Flow. I do love Laminar Flow Design work! It’s the best model conversion that money can buy! So do yourself a favour and get one!! Very Very Highly recommend My trully Thanks to Laminar Flow Design for making this conversion!

My prayers to him and his family!

1:35 WW2 British Army Mobile Chapel (35586) ICM Catalogue number 35586 Price: around 45,50€ ICM has distinguished itself in the world of modeling for several reasons, including the quality and originality of its themes. Today we have precisely one of the new very original kitsA British Army Mobile Chapel. The model is a modified version of the G7107 WWII Army Truck that was release in 2021 but it´s the first time for us at Large Scale Model. The Chevrolet G 7100 Truck, 1 1/2-Tons, 4×4 was a short truck, just 4,38 m long from bumper to bumper, for 1,99 m in width and 1,93 m in hight, as much as a standing tall GI. It weighted just 2,100 kg, its nomenclature weight corresponding to its empty, body-less chassis jauge. Its useful Payload took place on its rear flatbed, of 800 kg (Ibs). The latter was enclosed in a classic folding panels, hinged below, and secured by simple revolving pins and chains, to avoid accidental release after vibrations on a bumpy roads. The 7100 was powered at the front by a Chevrolet BV1001, 6-cylinder in-line with overhead valves, gasoline-fed for a total capacity of 3,858 cc, or 72 horsepower. It was capable to giving the truck unladen a top speed, of a flat road of 80 km/h, for an operational range of 430 km. These figures varied with some specialized models. History : https://truck-encyclopedia.com/ww2/us/Chevrolet-G506-7101-1.5-ton-4x4-truck.php The package is the usual from ICM, with flip top cardboard with a separate card lid showing the artwork, a lovely artworks as usual. All the plastic sprue are in two plastic bags with the clear parts in other plastic bag inside, in a total of 286 parts. Checking the plastic parts, the injection markings are very subtle and mainly in places that will be hard to see when build. It’s evident that ICM made the home work to make modeler live easier. The construction looks quite straightforward starting with the main chassis in several parts. Here the alignment must be crucial so that all the construction could be done in the correct stand. The detail on the chassis is quite complete with leaf-springs fore and aft, cross-braces and rear towing eye the rear bumper irons, fuel tank, transfer casing and front axle. To add up even more detail, a very good OOB engine is given. Only wires are missing. You can make a hood open with all of the detail showing OOB and it will be outstanding. THAT is to show how good the detail is directly from the box. The cabin interior is quite complete with a nice dashboard, pair of levers, gear stick and hand-brake on the floor, three foot pedals and the steering wheel. Now, the new part: The chapel. It is made in modular parts with separate panels, with great fitting, knowing ICM latest releases. All doors are molded separately, giving the option to the modeller to leave them open, that might be useful for some diorama ideas. The level of detail into the interior of the chapel is quite good with religious artefacts a pulpit and piano. The modular design facilitates customization, enabling modelers to depict the chapel in various configurations, not only the one that is proposal by ICM… A first for me in ICM kits: The wheels are not vinyl!!! Perfect!! Now that’s the way! I still prefer in resin but if you don’t want to spend some extra money, you can use these one with great detail and with easy painting and weathering. The decal sheet gives only marking option. Is a very small one with some markings, religious phrases, piano keyboard and a part of the bible. The clear parts are exquisite and no distortions and perfectly clear. The instructions booklet with 28 pages, is typical ICM instructions, very clear. The only thing negative, for me, is the colour chart with ICM colour only. Conclusion Well, another great mode kit from ICM!! This 1:35 WW2 British Army Mobile Chapel stands as a testament to the company's commitment to excellence in scale modeling. The lowdown, at least until a massification sales worldwide, is the colour indication, with only ICM colour, each are new and, for example, I never see how they work and how easy its to work with them. Whether displayed as a standalone piece or integrated into larger dioramas, the mobile chapel serves as a poignant reminder of the human dimension of conflict and the importance of faith in times of adversity. Highly recommend It`s 9,8 out of 10. A great kit with very good detail even has plastic wheels; Downside: the colors indication. My sincere thanks to ICM for making this fantastic model kit.