Fran

Dave Thanks for the info about the book. Just love the review... But it's sold out on Kagero site... It's available anywhere else?

BRAVO!!! Fantastic work!

Jim, I just love that scheme!

Hi Guys. Now that GB Eindecker has ended and the GB WWI is at the end, It`s time to a new GB. Our plan was to go with a new GB - Fokker D.VII. You have a lot to choose and several decals sheets from WnW. The GB is not openning offically until August 15 and will have a duration of 6 months. I will allow those eager enough to make a start within the lead-up month, providing the kit is currently unstarted. Rules and awards will be announce in due time. Cheers Fran.

The winner of the Eindecker Group Build on WnW fans (on our forum) got the 1st new DFW C.V, mid Production to be release by the end of July!! A real unexpected suprise. Congratulations to the winner, Jonathan Reed!!! Cheers Fran

GERMAN TRAMCAR 641 (Straβenbahn Triebwagen 641) MiniArt Catalogue #38003 Available from any good model shop The Trams/trolleys were the primary people movers on the big European Cities until the 80s. I distinctly remember in the early '80s still there trams in the city where I live in Porto, Portugal ,and along with buses, was the best way to travel in public transport around the city. They still around for tourist tours. The one below has been restored by the Nurnberg tram museum (Triebwagen 641) and it was used since 1913, until 1966, and quite frankly looks quite like MiniArt Triebwagen 641, the n.º 18, to Stadion! J Miniart has marked its presence in the world of modeling, since their beginning, with original and daring releases, never before in model kit, and always represents an added value to the modeler through originality. After the launch of the European Tram that, for me, one of the kits of the year 2013, MiniArt surprises by launching another tram. The box art is a beauty, and I really do think that MiniArt designers are really good, because I always love their box art. And I think that the answer is on the box art. Check up both of them: The first difference is just the indication of the specific model instead of the previous release that it had no indication of which model tram as it had the essential characteristics of a MAN / SSW states themselves, but had no direct reference to a specific type of tram. I really do thing that they are because this one has two extra sprues, because we`ve got on this box 21 sprues and online reviews of the European Tram states that it have 19 sprues. The two major and significant different are the both sides commercials ads and rolling station pointer on both ends of the Tram that represents two more sprues, that are Ga. So this Tram has two more sprues. Here it is – Ga (x2) So, moving to the interior of the large box and by opening it (345x240x100 mm) you will see that all sprues are in a large plastic bag, with the five transparent plastic sprues wrapped in a small plastic bag to prevent any damaged. The kit itself contains 625 parts on 21 sprues in light gray color plastic, five sprues in transparent plastic as already, decal sheet and vacuform base. That`s a lot of plastic, tons of fun and tremendous detail. In general look of all sprues, in my sample, I really don`t see any flash. The injection pin marks will give you some work to remove. Despite not being on the inside, and this kit has many windows and full interior detail, will have to be carefully removed. The model construction was well thought by MiniArt. The model is made in mirror mode, so everything is made two times as you can easily see on the instructions. This is quite different from others AFV models because at least me, on AFV model kit you can assemble all first (or just leaving the tracks out) and then start the paint job. Clearly this one is quite different. The construction is more like an airplane one, starting with painting all the interior and weathering and then pass along to the undercarriage, and outside details and paint job. So all of plastic light grey sprue are in double. For me one of the most impressive parts of the kit is the undercarriage. It`s a kit inside a kit, with tons of crispy detail. The problem is that all the beautiful details will disappear underneath the Tram. The interior is totally and fully detail: ceiling lights, handrails and wooden benches for seating. In the driver place, on the on both sides, has instrument table with levers and buttons. The attention to detail from MiniArt is impressive and rightly so, because with so many windows, the entire interior is easily visualized. Furthermore, the doors can be fully opened, favoring even more visibility to the interior. The decal sheet gives the stations names and others details. They are with some good registration, nice color, and they are made by Begemot. But it does not stop there: Miniart gives the modeler, on glossy paper, highly quality print in full color, several advertising posters of pre-war (1937) and war time. Attention, these one are no decals, so you will have to cut then off with careful and place then in place with cyano. The clear plastic parts are bright and crispy. The vacuformed styrene display base is a cobble street with a tram line, and of course it comes with some extra details to put on like catenary poles as tram support and you can connect the tram to the electric wires that is the only thing that is not included in this awesome kit. The details on the vacuformed piece is quite good with good engravering and detail, being in the high standards that MiniArt always offer on their buildings. The only work that has to be made in quite some attention, is the removal of all little bubble that all vacuform parts has it, because they are part of the process. It`s a quite tedious job but not quite hard. Finally the instructions. It`s a small booklet (size A4), giving a full layout of parts. All the construction is given in 54 steps, with a very noticeable scheme, not stressing me so at first glance, great difficulties of interpretation of locating and mounting scheme, this course subject to careful study and dryfiting. Also you will get a colour guide is provided for Revell, Life Color, Humbrol, Gunze Sangyo, Vallejo, Testors and Tamiya. Conclusion: This is a really nice kit with good and crispy details. All the parts have no flash All the windows, very tiny parts and construction layout makes this beauty for average/advance modelers only. This kit is truly a spectacle. The amount of parts and their detail, build quality and all the detail in several aspects (interior and undercarriage) causes time modeling that will pull this kit is very rewarding. I can not recommend it for the novice modeler for the various sub-structures, the number of pieces and placement of the transparent parts are not easy steps. The possibilities that can come from this kit for a beautiful diorama are enormous. I just love this one, so it earns two thumbs up from me. Our thanks to MiniArt for the review sample. To purchase this directly, click THIS link. If you found this review helpful and decide to purchase this product, please tell them you read about it at Large Scale Modeller!

Ssasho0, please check here: http://livres.histoireetcollections.com/en/publication/3316/painting-guide-for-afv-of-ww2-and-mordern-era.html Or in amazon (but stil in pre-order): http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Guide-AFV-World-Modern/dp/2352503876 Cheers

Jonathan please check your inbox!

Yes you do Jonathan!

As you all know, WnW and The fusilier also have prizes to the winner. So with Grant agreement, I decided to award the prize to the Fusilier to Jonathan Reed and inform WnW about the winner.

PAINTING GUIDE FOR AFV OF WORLD WAR TWO AND MODERN ERA Histoire & Collections Author: JOSÉ LUIZ LÓPEZ RUIZ (HID0615) ISBN: 978-2-35250-387-3 As soon I saw this title been announce, I had to have it! I always been a fan of José Ruiz`s works and I had the pleasure to meet him personally back in 2012, in Modelscala, the large scale modelling exhibition in Portugal. See José Ruiz workshops are a real pleasure and very informative ones. He`s a great guy and a fantastic modeler, that answer all the questions and doubts. This book is a most welcome one for all AFV modeler because de Author has gain deservedly notoriety due to several publications in various magazines modeling, with an exceptional quality of work. The book is organized in several chapters and with a very quick look, this one is from novice to advanced modeler. The first chapter is a summary well done on materials used by the author, in their models, starting with the primary, what to use and how to use them Then goes for inks, paints for dividing into airbrush and brush and enamel paints and explaining their use, how to use and the purposes of each of the particular weathering and painting details. Simple and very effective suggestions, essentials for obtaining a good result. Of course and how well the author emphasizes, the brands themselves are personal preferences of the author, although they are also my favorite. Here you have a useful chart table equivalences between Gunze, Vallejo (PA) and Tamiya. The following is the sub-chapter Washes, which concisely, the application of this technique with their materials. Starting with some introductions and techniques and their applications. One that caught my attention: no acrylics washes! My kind of guy! The following sub-section is considered by the author himself as the most important chapter of the Book, he says: "(...) oils are for my way of modeling id is like breathing air (...). So, honestly, this is the most important art of this book." So this sub-sections has a really good chart table that indicates to the modeler the oil color (brand) and what effects They are for. Really nice guideline! Then get the author described the fading, directional weathering with oils and zenithal techniques. The next chapter is Varnishes. I thought that there`s was not much to say but I as really wrong. Besides the varnishes general use, the author show two techniques, quite simple, to achieve a nice weathering effects like rainmark or dirt over the glass (I really want to try this one). Next is pigments. Well here in fact, no much is said but a table chart of what for color pigments is quite welcome. Continuing the book, you will get a Special Products sub-chapter with graphite, metal Burnishing, hair spray and texture paint (this one is really new for me) that show in an easy way how to use those products, in a very brief text and a step-by-step illustration to help you out to get the same results. Old and new concepts of painting AFV`S is the next full chapter where José Ruiz do some brief considerations about the use of airbrush as an essential tool now a days and a full chart general basis what for, with all the step on AFV painting, like priming, base color, to sealing, washes filters, with the brand, what`s for and the precautions to have and another chart advance painting. Very useful on any bench. Now, and for me, the main reason I bought this book: Black and White technique. Here, everything is black and white, and the concept, all the step necessary, step by step pictures and also a very top general basic painting B&W chart table. Resuming, everything with need to know to start trying and practice the B&W technique. Next chapter is “Time to Work” where we can see step by step of several works from the José Ruiz, with all the techniques and concepts on the book. I do love José Ruiz work`s, but my full attention goes to the “White Tiger” and to the M1070 Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, my favorite on this book. In the end, a full gallery of José Ruiz`s outstanding works. CONCLUSION In sum, this book is quite outstanding. The text is quite simply, very comprehensive and gives you a real will go to the bench and try all techniques. The print quality is very good, on glossy paper. All the steps are well explained using the illuminating photos. The different tables with different functions of each material or technique are, beyond doubt, a great help and something to always have on hand in the workbench. All the modeler can and should with this book to venture into new techniques ... I know I will. The lowest point is some spelling typos easily detectable in a quick read (like sastifying or form when it should be from). In short, the book is suitable for the novice modeler to the advance modeler, and is useful in any countertop with dozens of useful tips, easy to follow and great advices and great table charts. Highly Recommend Francisco Guedes A special thanks to me and my bank account for this review sample To purchase this directly, click THIS link. If you found this review helpful and decide to purchase this product, please tell them you read about it at Large Scale Modeller! Disclaimer: all photos all in low quality to preserve and prevent all copyright.

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Love the Portuguese Scheme!!

Post all your completed build photos here for the Eindecker GB... It`s almost in the end, only a few days left... Unfortunately I could not finish my E.III within the deadline... Cheers Fran

1:35 NSU Sd.Kfz.304 "Springer" Brach Models Catalogue #BM101 Available from Brach Models for 68€ Brach Model is a resin model company that made the most outstanding resin model kits and conversion sets. The subjects are all very attractive and quite different for all ShermanTigerPanther subjects. The casting system is one of the best in modeling market, because Luciano Brach (the man behind the scenes and the master creator) achieved high level of casting, with perfect and crispy detail. You will just see what I`m talking about if you didn`t see our full review of the Brach Model Renault R40. The new resin kit release by Brach Model is the NSU Sd.Kfz.304 "Springer" The Springer (complete name: Mittlerer Ladungsträger Springer, Sd.Kfz. 304) was a demolition vehicle of the German Wehrmacht in World War II. (copyright from Acthungpanzer.com) Based on the well-known NSU Kettenkraftrad Sd.Kfz.2 (shared many components e.g. drive-train, engine, parts of the running gear), the NSU Werke AG at Neckarsm, Germany, developed and built around 50 Springer demolition vehicles in the final year of World War II. To make the vehicle capable of carrying a bigger payload without the motorcycle-style front fork, two pairs of overlapping and interleaved road wheels were added to the aft end of the running gear on each side. This resulted in the Springer having three outer and three inner running wheels. It was powered by the Opel Olympia engine, which was also used for the Kettenkrad. It`s only task was to carry a charge of 330kg high explosives under armor protection into a target and detonate it there. A driver, who could sit in the back of the Springer, drove the vehicle close to the target. The final approach and the detonation of the charge was controlled by a wired or wireless remote control device. Springer was an expendable tracked demolition charge vehicle designed as a replacement for Goliath and B IV, but it showed the exactly same problems as other remote-controlled demolition vehicles: they were expensive and they were not very reliable. As the explosive charge was an integral part of the vehicle, it could be used only once. (photo taken from internet) Specifications Weight: 2400kgs Crew: 1 man Engine: Opel Olimpia 1.5l/4-cylinder/36hp. Speed: 42km/h (road) Range: 200 km (road) Length: 3,17m Width: 1,43m Height: 1,45m Armour: 8-10mm Armament: 330kg of high explosives Now let`s cut the chat. The kit comes in a sturdy front flip cardboard box filled with foam protects the several plastic bags, and as usual in Brach Model there`s is the care in the stowage of all the parts. All done to avoid any broken parts. As I said before, Brach model is a brand made by modelers to modelers. I count 91 resin pieces, one photo-etched sheet (with only one piece), metal hire, and 110 resin individual track link. So in total you have more than 200 resin parts. The resin has very little flash to clean, easy removable resin block, with fantastic casting and surface detail. The lower hull is one single piece, which makes the modeler work quite easy. I`m just saying that because if the lower hull comes in 3 parts, theses ones most be perfect aligned, because if not, will undermine all the alignment and of course the construction. (You ca see here just a bit of bending on the hull sides. Nothing that hot water does not solve). The single piece is very well cast, with no distortion and sharp details in and outside, like weld seam or the cast suspension. The detail is very sharp and once again Brach Models, take off the back of the modeler, a bit of work here, because the suspension arms are rather small and the attachment and alignment would be a head cracker. So Brach just give the modeler this particularly annoying and dreadful job full done. When on the Brach Model website says that the little gem comes with full interior, they`re not joking, this one is really full! Concerning the interior, you got full transmission detail, a full Opel Olimpia engine with excellent casting and sharp details (the only detail not casted in the resin was the wires) and other small interior details like the handlebars! Has no steering wheel… It`s a Kettenkraftrad remember? J The entire interior is well rendered and detailed. To paint and detail a little more the interior (or simply putting the wires in the engine) some references should be used. The running gear is very well mould, good casting and great finesse. All the wheels are very well cast with no distortion. The hull fenders are beautifully designed and with excellent casting as could already be found at their Renaul R40, and the scale thickness of the pieces just to praise it is realistic and extraordinary. The tracks are in resin, link-to-link and with a snap together mechanism which is quite effective and easy to get results in a short time. The link tracks just need a little cleaning which can be a little time consuming, but nothing much. And a warning is made in the instructions about these tracks links, which is quite important because of the curve tendency. Just follow that simple step to achieve the best result. They are very well casted and with a great little details. Also several small details (handles, exhaust pipe, antenna, hatchs etc ) are made in resin which will be need from the modeler the extreme care to remove them from the resin block. The single photo-etched piece is a louver that you can leave on sight. Sorry but I do not realize yet the propose to that louver in that place, because the engine is in the middle, and exhaust pipe on the side, so i`m still looking for an answer. The instructions are sufficient for the perception of average-modeler. I already start building the Brach Model Renault R40 and I can say that the instructions are more than enough to guide you athwart until the full build. But guys this is a resin kit, so you have to study very closely the instructions and all the resin pieces, and their location. During the construction, lots of dryfitting and testing all pieces to be assure you get a good alignment. As markings you simply will get none as honestly don`t need any. Only 50 were made, and all of then in 1945, in a desperate measure to try to retain and hold the Russian advance. Adding to this, following as reference, the survivor in Tank Museum in Bovington (UK), we can conclude with great certainty what camouflage used. J (photo taken from the internet) (photo taken from the internet) And also I believe that camouflage maybe not used in all 50 of then… Perhaps you can use a red primer only (it was to be blow up…) or a disc pattern camouflage but that just me… If you want to have a real certain about the painting of your Springer, just follow the survivor. Has no decals because of the references I found did not see any marking so no decals to produce. Conclusion All of the resin is beautifully cast and has no flaw and very sharp detail. All pieces have no seam line and all the resin block are quite easy to remove. The Springer is a very welcome full kit to all AFV modeler, specially for Wehrmacht fans that offer a tons of possibility, in a diorama side up with a Tiger and just standing alone in ruins of Berlin. On thing is for sure: will stand out in your local competition. Is a unique model that will stand out in your collection, and if you are looking for a different model, just go for the little gem, because it`s worth it. Very highly recommended Francisco Guedes Our thanks to Brach Models for the review sample. To purchase this directly, click THIS link. If you found this review helpful and decide to purchase this product, please tell them you read about it at Large Scale Modeller! Full model build photos (copyright from Brach Models)

Fantastic one!! Great piece of work

Il-4!!!

Great work! An fantastic and honest review! well done!

Hi all, The latest news and very good ones, from our friends MiniArt from Ukraine. "Dear Modelers and Customers, as you may know our country have faced many problems this year. Situation in Ukraine and particularly in Crimea forced us to relocate business to the capital of our country - Kiev. All facilities was transported successfully and we were able to keep all our key personnel. Right now MiniArt is in reorganization period but it's planned to restart all activities in nearest future. We are already preparing new models for release and soon will announce what these models are. We would like to thank all of you for the concern and support in these difficult and full of changes time for our company." MiniArt team http://miniart-models.com

Jonathan share with us your finish Eindecker.

Hi folks! WnW join in juist in the end of this GB to give a prize to the winner! and what a prize: the new Albatros D.Va (OAW) So let`s finish our models!!! Cheers

“Battle of the Bulge” Ardennes 1944 (1:35 WWII Military Miniatures series) MiniArt Catalogue #35084 Available from any good model shop Before diving in on the inside box to see what inside, all WWII knows the history, even a brief one, about the Battle of the Bulge. A quick walkaround on the internet and you can find pleny of links and sites with the Battle of the Bulge. So here`s a little history of the this famous battle before diving into the box contents. In December 1944, Adolph Hitler attempted to split the Allied armies by means of a surprise blitzkrieg thrust through the Ardennes to Antwerp, marking a repeat of what the Germans had done three times previously–in September 1870, August 1914, and May 1940. Despite Germany’s historical penchant for mounting counteroffensives when things looked darkest, the Allies’ leadership miscalculated and left the Ardennes lightly defended by only two inexperienced and two battered American divisions. On December 16, three German armies (more than a quarter-million troops) launched the deadliest and most desperate battle of the war in the west in the poorly roaded, rugged, heavily forested Ardennes. The once-quiet region became bedlam as American units were caught flat-footed and fought desperate battles to stem the German advance at St.-Vith, Elsenborn Ridge, Houffalize and, later, Bastogne, which was defended by the 101st Airborne Division. The inexperienced U.S. 106th Division was nearly annihilated, but even in defeat helped buy time for Brigadier General Bruce C. Clarke’s brilliant defense of St.-Vith. As the German armies drove deeper into the Ardennes in an attempt to secure vital bridgeheads west of the River Meuse quickly, the line defining the Allied front took on the appearance of a large protrusion or bulge, the name by which the battle would forever be known. A crucial German shortage of fuel and the gallantry of American troops fighting in the frozen forests of the Ardennes proved fatal to Hitler’s ambition to snatch, if not victory, at least a draw with the Allies in the west. Lieutenant General George S. Patton’s remarkable feat of turning the Third Army ninety degrees from Lorraine to relieve the besieged town of Bastogne was the key to thwarting the German counteroffensive. The Battle of the Bulge was the costliest action ever fought by the U.S. Army, which suffered over 100,000 casualties – in The Reader’s Companion to Military History. Edited by Robert Cowley and Geoffrey Parker. Copyright © 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Before opening the slip side box, I must say I quite like the boxart. Nice artwork from a unknow artist (do not know the copyright) representing a surrender action. In the back of the box, there`s the color guidelines for all 5 figures. You will get also, on the down right side, a quite helpful color chart with full color reference. Now let`s go inside. You will get 3 Americans and 2 Germans soldiers and of course you can use all 5 of them or simply use then separately. Inside the two sprues of grey plastic are kept together in a plastic bag. Also a small paper sheet with the trees parts, and their corresponding numbers. No instructions ...but really do you need it? Absolutely not. Just be checking the sprues, a modeler can see how quite simply it would be construction of these figures. Also surface detail is the first thing that pops out on the figure set. The surface details on the clothes for an injection molded figure are quite amazing. All the figures postures are quite well achieved, very natural and realistic. As you can see on the pictures, there`s some cleaning that it`s need because of the seam mould line. If that means no problem on the clothes and weapons, you cannot say the same thing concerning to the head and facial expression. The seam line on the face or hair is particularly difficult to remove without damage any details. Notwithstanding the head are well molded, balanced in size and the faces are quite nice in expression and look… the cleaning simply can ruin it. But you`ve got a good solution: resin heads. Conclusion: The figure set is quite comprehensive giving the modelers endless possibility for use in dioramas or vignettes, is the complete set is just one of the figures and all that for the price (at least in my usual store) of a resin figure. Very well done Miniart! (copyright Miniart) Very highly recommended Francisco Guedes Our thanks to MiniArt for the review samples. Available in any good model shop.

Hi guys! Here`s the next WnW release. It will be on sale in a few days (this info is directly from WnW) . My thanks To Richard from Aviattic for the Pic. Cheers

Very nice looking model!!! Thanks for sharing!

Fantastic review!!