Fran

1:35 Art Scale Kit Velorex And Trailer PAv 40 Velorex – catalogue n.º 200-K35001 Available here – 24,50€ PAv40 – catalogue n.º 200-K35003 Available here – 3,30€ And Velorex 3D Print Wheels – available here - €5,30 Art Scale Kit (also known as ASK) is a model hobby shop and has growing in the modelling world with their decals, 3D Productions and tools. They have release their first injection mold 1:35 model. The Velorex and its little Pav40 trailer. The Art Scale Kit (ASK) 1:35 Velorex (kit number K35001). The first time I saw it, I thought: what? Velorex? I confess I never heard about it. “Based in Parnik, Czechoslovakia, the Stransky brothers (Frantisek and Mojmir) opened a bicycle repair shop in 1936. Inspired by the simplicity of Morgan's three-wheelers, the brothers decided in 1943 to build their own three-wheeled economy car, aimed at disabled veterans. That year their first prototype was constructed, using a tubular steel chassis and sheet metal for the bodywork. By the time the first batch of a dozen production cars was made in 1945, the duralumin bodywork had been swapped for a leathercloth-type material called Igelit, but the original tubular chassis was retained. Those Igelit panels were held on by press studs which made them easy to replace if they got damaged. The two brothers experimented with engines, with those first Oskars (as the car was now called) receiving a mix of 150cc, 250cc and 300cc two-stroke air-cooled engines. As an exercise in cheap motoring the Oskar was a triumph, as it cost about a quarter of the cost of a more typical car. The vehicle was about as faithful as one could get to the true spirit of the classic cyclecar. Components such as the engine, wheels, wings, and even the teardrop-shaped fuel tank were pure motorcycle. In 1950 the Stranskys' design was taken over by a government co-operative called Velo, and their workshop was transferred to Hradec-Kralove, later renamed Velorex. A year later half a dozen workers and the machinery to build the Oskar 54 (as it was now called) were once again relocated, this time to Solnice, for production to be ramped up. While just 120 Oskars were built in the whole of 1951, and 180 the following year, by 1954 production was running at the rate of 40 cars each month. This wasn't a good year for the Stransky brothers though, because in January Frantisek was killed while testing an Oskar prototype, then later that year Mojmir was sacked from the company for refusing to join the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. In 1956 the company that made the Oskar was renamed the Velorex Oskar before later reverting to simply 'Velorex', and despite the car's advancing years it was in demand more than ever. Half of the cars made were going to disabled Czechs while the rest were being distributed throughout other Eastern Bloc countries such as Hungary, Poland, East Germany and Bulgaria. By 1959 120 Oskars were leaving the factory each month and in 1961 the investment continued with a new factory opening up to share the workload. Until 1963 the Oskar had been fitted with a choice of 172cc or 249cc single-cylinder engines, but from this point on the bigger engine was swapped for a 350cc Jawa unit, while the interior was also spruced up a little – not that the Oskar was ever what you would call luxurious. Oskar production continued right up to 1971 when an all-new four-wheel model took over, with the very catchy name of 453. But it was a disaster and production stopped after just two years, as the 453 couldn't compete with the Trabant which was much more usable and just as affordable – even if the waiting list to get one ran into several years. The joys of living in a communist regim” https://www.below-the-radar.com/velorex-oskar/ Also check the link for some great picture for color indication. This injection-molded plastic kit, developed with input from Velorex club ACR as it results on the back of box with the Velorex club bagde and a note of thanks. The box art is a profile drawing of the Velorex. This injection mold kit is the first offer in any scale, I think, of the Velorex and Pav40 trailer. This quirky vehicle model kit is quite appealing to auto modelers, diorama builders, or simply to the modeler that wants something quite different. The completed model measures approximately 80mm in length, making it compact yet detailed for 1:35 displays. So, inside the box, you got three plastic sprues, two plastic gray and one clear plastic, separately bagged for protection. You also get a set of 3D Resin printed wheels and a small decal sheet. I was quite surprised with the amount of detail of this little model kit, despite it`s 1:35 scale. The grey plastic is very well molded with some quite good details, with a little flash, easy to deal with. The clear parts are quite clear and perfect visible. The 3D wheels are very good as all 3D Printed parts from Art Scale. In grey plastic you get the engine (Jawa engine - no idea if is the 175cc or the 350cc) with two cylinder, exhaust, the tubular frame, canvas body, two roof options, separate doors, fenders and for the inside detail, seats, wheels, pedals and of course, the steering. The small decals sheets give the modeler the Velorex logo in black and in white and plates. The instructions are quite good with a small Velorex History. It has no color indication for the interior or other parts. However, gives you four profiles and the color used giving Mr Color indication color (a bit odd choice, at least for me). Complementing it is the separate 1:35 Návěsný Vozík PAv 40 trailer (kit number K35003). It’s a complete separate kit so you can buy the Velorex or the Pav 40. The trailer is a simple add-on designed specifically for the Velorex, replicating the real-world single-axle trailer used for extra cargo. Its comes in a very small sturdy box and inside a single grey plastic sprue with 8 parts with fine surface details, basically the same quality as the Velorex. The two parts of the “bag”, the only wheels, the tubular support and 3 small details. The instructions are in a single sheet with no decals. *** Conclusion: Wow!! I really liked this little gem that it will stand out as a single piece or in a diorama! And with the trailer Pav40even more, so indulge yourself and get one of each. If you want detail even further this little gem, so go ahead and get the Eduard details set for it as it looks like worth it. My thanks to Art Scale for making this model possible and it is on the model buils for 2026. Francisco Guedes .

Thanks Chris. I bet betwween shipping and customs, I would pay around 100$ (around 80€ probably) on top of that.

great deal... Only if I was on that side of the pond!

1:35 “Miracle on the Marne” ICM Catalogue number DS3520 Price: around 45€ “The ICM "Miracle on the Marne" is a 1:35 scale diorama set released in 2025 (kit reference DS3530), focusing on the iconic events of the First Battle of the Marne. And what was the Miracle all about? The miracle of Paris not falling to German hands in WWI “Of the continental European powers who went to war in 1914, France probably carried the smallest share of the blame for its outbreak. In the rapidly escalating crisis of that summer, the republic played a largely defensive role. Yet its stake in the ensuing conflict was at least as great as that of any other participant. For France, this was a struggle to liberate its own territory and to recover Alsace-Lorraine, the provinces lost to the hated German occupiers a generation before in the Franco-Prussian War. With approximately 2 million men, the French army dwarfed the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) that was rapidly dispatched to offer support. The British troops were well-trained and equipped – their Lee-Enfield rifles were superior to the standard French issue 1886 Lebel model. British khaki uniforms were also better adapted to modern warfare than the bright blue and red outfits that made the French so conspicuous in battle. But the BEF fielded barely 100,000 men in August 1914. Against the Franco-British coalition were pitched some 1.7 millionGerman troops. The invaders possessed advantages in terms of equipment. German units were issued with effective Mauser Gewehr 98 rifles and had the edge over their opponents when it came to machine-guns, light mortars, and field artillery. Their 105mm and 150mm howitzers would prove deadly killing machines. The decisive encounter – remembered in France as the ‘miracle on the Marne’ – took place along an extended front running eastward from Paris along the River Marne. Here the German war plan stalled, ending its commanders’ hopes of a swift resolution to the war. Yet it also fell short of a conclusive allied victory, and led to the prolonged blood-letting that scarred the Western Front over the next four years. How are we to explain what happened on the Marne? Contrasting commanders The opposing sides’ commanders could scarcely have been less alike. Joseph Joffre, chief of the French general staff since 1911, cut an avuncular figure with his stout physique, white hair, and moustache. Known as ‘Papa Joffre’, the 62-year-old exuded stolidity and reassurance rather than dash and dynamism. His insistence on a regular routine of eating and sleeping reinforced his imperturbable image. Yet appearances were deceptive. Joffre was a master of detail, who always weighed alternatives up carefully, but who knew his own mind. During the war, he monitored his subordinates closely, bombarding them with missives and driving great distances, often at considerable personal risk, to visit them at the front. Here was a key difference with his principal antagonist, Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, chief of the German general staff since 1906. As the invasion got under way, Moltke based himself in Koblenz and then in Luxembourg, 150 miles away from the action in France, and allowed his junior commanders too much latitude. Joffre was capable of great ruthlessness too, sacking commanders whom he judged to be lacking in loyalty or competence, or both, in the wake of the German invasion. As he stated in his memoirs, ‘you can wage war only with men who have faith in their success, who by their mastery of themselves know how to impose their will on their subordinates and dominate events’. Joseph Joffre, chief of the French general staff (above), and Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, chief of the German general staff (below). The two commanders could scarcely have been less alike. By contrast, Moltke exhibited a fatal lack of self-confidence. He owed his promotion to a personal connection with Kaiser Wilhelm II and was unable to live up to the legend of his famous uncle and namesake, the Elder Moltke, victor of the German wars of unification in 1864-1871. Under pressure, he would soon suffer a career-ending nervous breakdown. Sir John French, commander of the BEF, divided professional opinion both in his lifetime and after. Undoubtedly brave and popular with his men, he was also emotional, inattentive to detail, and without clear and consistent strategic vision. A cavalry commander of genius, he lacked many of the key qualities required of a senior leader at a time of grave crisis. His touchiness, combined with perhaps excessive caution, made him a difficult partner for Joffre. In addition, the BEF remained organisationally independent, with instructions to cooperate with the French but to consult London before embarking on offensive action. Reality bites How did the belligerent parties converge on the Marne? Germany followed the broad outlines of the Schlieffen Plan as soon as war broke out, but with critical modifications. Schlieffen’s blueprint may well have been incapable of delivering victory right from its conception, as it expected German forces to maintain momentum on dangerously extended supply lines. Late changes made failure a near-certainty. The advance through France was weakened by the transfer of some troops eastwards to meet the Russians, who were mobilising more rapidly than anticipated. The German right wing, which was meant to sweep along the Channel coast to encircle Paris, was also denuded of troops to deal with unexpectedly strong Belgian resistance. In the first month of the war, the German army lost 265,000 men killed, wounded, and missing. The survivors were approaching exhaustion after their rapid advance through the summer heat. These setbacks gave time for the BEF to deploy. If German plans did not work out as anticipated, neither did the preparations of the Entente. French military thinking was based on Plan XVII, devised by Joffre. It embodied the concept of the offensive, to which most French generals subscribed in 1914. They were convinced that, notwithstanding improvements in artillery and other weapons of defence, the key to victory was the bravery, commitment, and élan of troops in a frontal assault. By taking the initiative in the west, the French hoped as well to aid their Russian allies, whose superior numbers were expected to prove decisive once brought to bear on eastern Prussia. Plan XVII anticipated a German attack through both Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine, but assumed that the invaders could not succeed in both theatres. A determined French counter-attack into Lorraine would cause the Germans to take troops from their forces further north, critically weakening their offensive. There followed a series of French assaults along the country’s eastern border, known as the ‘Battle of the Frontiers’. The French government refused to allow a pre-emptive movement into Belgium, probably because it would antagonise Britain. It also mistakenly believed that the great Belgian fortresses of Liège and Namur would be proof against a German advance west of the Meuse. In the battles of August 1914, first against well-prepared German positions in Lorraine and then in the wooded, hilly terrain of the Ardennes, French forces were exposed to devastating German fire, taking some 260,000 casualties. Retrieving the situation Meanwhile, the BEF was retreating from the Belgian frontier after a clash with General von Kluck’s First Army at Mons. En route, at great cost, British forces conducted a holding action at Le Cateau in late August. Shortly afterwards, the French Fifth Army, also heading southwards, checked the onward march of General von Bülow’s Second Army at Guise. Responding to changing events, Joffre abandoned the failed Plan XVII, and from 24 August moved troops westwards from Lorraine. A well-developed rail network enabled the French to make the most of their numerical advantage. Joffre formed a new army, the Sixth, under General Michel-Joseph Maunoury, whose task was to cover the capital city and outflank the German right wing. Older accounts suggested that the initiative came from the military governor of Paris, General Joseph Simon Gallieni, but it seems that he and Joffre reached the same conclusion independently of each other. The invaders now made a fatal miscalculation. On 30 August, Kluck decided not to move west of Paris, but to cut eastwards to support Bülow and cut off the main body of the French armies from the capital. But as they wheeled east of Paris, the Germans exposed their right flank to attack. Sir John French had decided to rest his troops, but Joffre – backed up by the findings of aerial reconnaissance – realised that this was the moment for the counter-stroke. The BEF commander found himself overruled on 1 September, following a direct appeal from the French leadership to Britain’s War Secretary, the legendary Lord Kitchener. To his chagrin, French was obliged to cooperate with Joffre’s new strategy. It was no doubt through gritted teeth that Joffre cabled Kitchener to offer thanks for Sir John’s ‘constant’, ‘precious’, and ‘energetic’ support of the allied effort. As a precaution, the French commander recommended that the government leave Paris for Bordeaux, as its embattled predecessor had done in the Franco-Prussian War. Rendezvous on the Marne When battle was joined on 6 September, 56 allied infantry divisions and nine-and-a-half cavalry divisions confronted 44 German infantry and seven cavalry divisions. What followed was a series of engagements along a front 100 miles long, with both sides taking the offensive at different times. Initially, the battle went largely in the Germans’ favour. In the centre, in the St Gond marshes, the German Second Army pushed back France’s Ninth Army, led by Ferdinand Foch, towards the Seine. In the west, too, the Germans repelled French assaults. The sheer determination of the French infantry, however, proved critical. They were supported by the withering fire of their 75mm guns – known by the Germans as ‘black butchers’ – whose flat trajectory made them ideal for the task. In the process, they expended most of their ammunition, but the Germans also struggled to supply their field artillery. One of the best-known stories of the battle is that of the Paris taxicabs, commandeered by the Paris police on General Gallieni’s instructions, to ferry reinforcements to the front. In fact, many of the French infantry travelled by lorry during the night of 7-8 September, rather than by taxi. Lots of the vehicles missed their way in the dark and suffered from accidents and flat tyres. Returning for a second load of passengers, the first wave often encountered slower oncoming taxis, which were still making their first journey and now clogged the roads. The turning point came on 9 September, when the allied leadership saw a chance to exploit a 30-mile gap that had opened up between Germany’s First and Second Armies as the former moved eastwards. Into this opening the BEF and the French Fifth Army, headed by a dynamic new commander, General Louis Franchet d’Espèrey, now moved, with decisive results. Shortly afterwards, the Germans withdrew rather than risk the encirclement and destruction of their forces. Could the Germans have won? Some historians have criticised them for prematurely breaking off the action. Communication between the First and Second Armies was poor and the mood at Moltke’s distant headquarters was pessimistic. He dispatched an emissary, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hentsch, with discretionary powers to order a retreat if the situation on the ground required it. By the time Hentsch arrived, aerial reconnaissance reports of the BEF crossing the Marne had made Bülow’s mind up for him. He and Hentsch had a similarly negative temperament. With Second Army starting to retreat, Kluck was obliged to follow suit. The Battle of the Marne was over, leaving the French and Germans with roughly a quarter of a million casualties each, and the British with losses of approximately 12,700. Missed opportunity? It is far from certain whether the Germans could have precipitated a French collapse if they had stood firm. The most likely outcome would have been a stalemate, closer to Paris and thus more dangerous for the French. It seems clear that a failure of nerve was the main reason for the German withdrawal. The First World War veteran and military historian Basil Liddell Hart described the Marne as a ‘psychological rather than a physical victory… the issue of battles is usually decided in the minds of the opposing commanders, not in the bodies of their men.’ The war of movement would almost certainly have ended at some point, even without the Marne. Trenches had started to appear in the eastern sector by the beginning of September. But the outcome of the battle determined the timing and nature of the ensuing stalemate. The Germans withdrew to the north bank of the River Aisne, where on steeply rising ground they entrenched – a form of warfare for which they were more prepared than their opponents. Although apparently at breaking point just a few days before, they now rallied to take up an advantageous position. Critics of the allied performance on the Marne have argued that they should have pushed forward more decisively through the gap between the German armies. But the French and British soldiers, no less than their opponents, were exhausted. This is not surprising. On the 13 days of the retreat from Mons, the BEF’s infantry had snatched an average of four hours’ rest in every 24 hours. Nonetheless the Marne was a strategically decisive battle. Germany’s failure to win a quick victory meant that it was now committed to a protracted war. In the long run, the imbalance of resources between Germany and its opponents would doom it to defeat. More than any other individual, Joffre deserves credit for the outcome. He had found himself in a position of supreme responsibility in his country’s greatest crisis since 1870. Public opinion was febrile, and another reverse could easily have caused a collapse of morale akin to that of June 1940. For all the heroism and skill displayed in the BEF’s retreat, it was numerically small and no one could tell, at the start of the battle, what contribution it would make. It was Joffre who took the key decisions on which the fate of Paris, and of France itself – and thus of the allied cause in the west – depended. As he put it, with his characteristic grim humour, ‘I don’t know who won the Battle of the Marne, but if it had been lost, I know who would have lost it.’ History on - https://the-past.com/feature/miracle-on-the-marne/ This kit is a multi-subject diorama package with several older releases from ICM that combines World War I figure ranges from ICM catalogue. Opening the box, you get a set of German infantry figures, a German machine gun 08 team of figures operating the machine gun, French infantry and British Infantry and a Vickers machine gun crew figures also operating the machine gun. It’s a lot of figures and accessories, all from 1914-era range, so all are early-war uniforms. Besides the figures sets, there`s also WWI British infantry weapon and equipament set with a lot of equipament like Byonet, grenade , shovel, lewis machine gun, rattle etc. Also, there is another set of WWI German Infantry Weapon and Equipament full with with German equipment, like MG08, Mauser carb, kugelhandgranate grenade, Luger pistol, etc And if that was enough, also a full set of WWI French Infantry weapons and equipment, with Hotchkiss Ml1 1909 machine gun, Lebel Berhier, OF-15 grenade, chauchat magazine etc. If thus figures weren’t enough there also these 3 sets that will make you have a lots of equipment for this diorama and probably for a few others that you may want to use these. Finally, an extra set of the Bristish Vicekrs Machine gun , with a full and single sprue for it. All figures set have instructions with the parts and colors. As for the equipment a single sheet with small instructions and the label nam,e of all the equipment available on the sets. As for the figures, as I once said, thes ICMfiguress are one of the in injection plastic. So besides the very good and sharp detail (as the molding is very good with minimal flash), they have excellent anatomy, natural poses, fine uniform details (buttons, straps, kepis), and very good facial expressions (AS the faces are quite good, you can have some other expressions and higher face quality with some aftermarket face like Hornet heads). Infortunaly, and I`m sorry but my pictures don’t make these figures the justice they deserved. All the sets can be combined between so you can make or replicate some part of the battle, but the ground and scenario is all up to you. This set only gives the modeler the figures and equipment. Conclusion This is a fantastis set with tons of figures and equipment that allows you to replicate the Miracle of Marne or a single part of it and having leftover for a lot of others WWI project that you might have. It’s a set very useful and much cheaper then buying every single set separately and essential for anyone interested in World War I modeling. And you can also use this set with the ICM's Renault Taxi de la Marne (kit 35660), as it is a perfect match to a fantastic history of an historical battle. VERY Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler My thanks to ICM for making this fantastic set.

Love it!!! Great work and thanks for sharing all this WIP.

Now that`s all in for that B-17!! All AM looks to be there!! Go for it!

ART SCALE KIT 1:48 B-29 Engines Set Cataloque number 200-A48070 Available at ASK store, here Price tag: 61€ ASK is already a a strong name in the modelling world and their resin 3D are very very good. But now they release a big detail set. And it’s a very welcome one. A full set (four open engines) for the B-29. All are 3D resin Print, very well printed with no printing lines at all, resulting in beautiful surface detail and intricate details. You get the engine itself and the back part so it’s a to notch for the Monogram/Revell offer as you can see both side by side. The only difficult thing that is the paint job of the engine… will not be easy but for sure you will get a much better result than the Revell/Monogram one. CONCLUSION: What a set!! It’s a must have to all modeller that want to tackle the 1:48 B-29. ArtScale also have the one set with one engine if you don’t want all four of them. This set brings you’re the B-29 to an all-new level. Very VERY Highly recommended Fran Our thanks to ASK – Art Scale Kit for the review samples. You can get this set and all mask set at Art Scale Kit webshop

1:35 GARDEN WALL PlusModel Price tag: 24,6€ - click here to order Plusmodel are one of most prolific manufacture for dioramas stuff in 1:35 and of course one of the best! Today we are opening a new little set that is suitable of any diorama and small base, the Garden Wall (catalog number 626). As usual, a a sturdy cardboard box with the actual model made as the box art. Carcking the box, inside you'll find a mix of materials: plaster casts for the main wall sections, resin parts for finer details like pillars or caps, and 3D-printed for the gates. The plaster for the wall sections provides a realistic stone or brick texture. The resin in pale beige color is for the upper stones and the top edge of the wall. The 3D parts are very very delicate but very well printed. You need tobe extra carefull in removing form the tree not to damage the gates. The total wall shoulb be around a length of 25 cm when assembled end-to-end. No instructions are given and basically you don’t need one. Also no decals. Conclusion Another fantastic release from Plusmodel and it`s really perfect for a upcoming project that I have. It’s a great addition for their diorama catalogue and its perfect for almost every scenery evolving rural or village scenes. Love it Plusmodel! As usual, Highly recommend My thanks to Plusmodel for making the fantastic set.

Happy New Year to all LSM members!!!

1:48 Marauder Mk. III ICM Catalogue number 48326 Price: around 71€ “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. The RAF used the Marauder primarily in the Mediterranean Theater, with limited squadrons due to the type's focus on tactical operations in North Africa, Italy, and the Balkans. Earlier marks (Mk.I/IA) equipped No. 14 Squadron starting in 1942 for anti-shipping, torpedo attacks, reconnaissance, and bombing in Egypt and North Africa. The Mk.III arrived in 1944 and mainly equipped: No. 14 Squadron: Continued operations into anti-submarine patrols from Algeria and Sardinia until September 1944. No. 39 Squadron: Re-equipped in 1944 as part of the Balkan Air Force, conducting shipping strikes, night intruders, and support missions over Italy, the Balkans, and Adriatic coasts until late 1945. The South African Air Force (SAAF) made more extensive use of the Marauder, receiving both Mk.II (B-26C/F) and Mk.III variants. By 1944-1945, five SAAF squadrons formed a significant part of the Desert Air Force (later in Italy) and Balkan Air Force: No. 12 Squadron No. 21 Squadron No. 24 Squadron (first to convert in late 1943, initially on Mk.II) No. 25 Squadron (converted in 1944, focused on Balkan support for Yugoslav partisans) No. 30 Squadron These formed an all-Marauder wing in Italy (based around Foggia and Pescara), targeting road/rail infrastructure, bridges, marshalling yards, and supply lines during the Italian Campaign. The ICM 1:48 scale Marauder Mk.III (kit number 48326) is a recent addition, unexpected, to the ICM catalogue, specifically representing the RAF-operated variant of the Martin B-26 Marauder. Historically, the Marauder Mk.III was the British designation for the B-26F and B-26G models supplied under Lend-Lease, featuring modifications like an increased wing incidence angle for better takeoff performance, a taller vertical stabilizer, and British-specific equipment such as bomb fusing and radio gear. We already review the B-26F version here. This release is just a rebox of the B-26F with new decals versions and new steps of the instructions (with some parts used on this version and not on the F version). The decal sheet has a very good color registration and supply 3 finishing options, all wearing British RAF roundels. 1 - HD545, Martin Field, Baltimore, Spring 1944 2 - HD561.B ‘Bilksem’, 21 Sqn. (SAAF), Italy, 1944-45 3 - HD505/V ‘Vindictive Viking’, 12 Sqn. (SAAF), Italy, Winter 1945 The decals are design by ICM and made for the third party but I have no idea who. Conclusion Well, a Marauder Mk. III is a very welcome addiction to the ICM B-26 Family. The B-26 is a very iconic model and well worth all this new molds from ICM and all the variants shows. The next will be the B-26C in its own box. 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 (now Essential Models have some looking fabulous detail on their website, just need to see it in real “flesh”) will make some extra detail to make this beauty into a total masterpiece. VERY Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler My thanks to ICM for making this fantastic model.

For those who want to add a lot more details, Essentail Details came to the rescue... https://essential-details.com/

Im`trully sorry for your loss... I simply can`t imagine your pain. My condolences to you and your family.

Thank you for the great review of a very interesting set!

1:35 U.S. Ammunition Trailer M10 PlusModel Price tag: 31,5€ - click here to order Cat. n. 492 It`s is a pleasure to have some new stuff from Plusmodel for review. Plusmodel is a well-knowed modelling brand with everything in 1:35 for your AF or dioramas. Lately they have adventure themselves into the aircraft world. Today we are opening the box of the U.S. Ammunition Trailer M10 (catalog number 492). This U.S. military trailer (World War II-era) was designed for transporting artillery ammunition. Specifically, it was used to haul 75mm, 105mm, and 155mm rounds, making it a common sight towed behind vehicles like the M4 Sherman tank, half-tracks, or trucks in various theaters of operation. The M10 trailer was introduced in the early 1940s as part of the U.S. Army's logistics train, evolving from earlier cargo trailers. It was armored to protect against shrapnel and small-arms fire, with a capacity for dozens of ammunition crates. This trailer, known historically as the M10 Ammunition Trailer, was a sturdy, two-wheeled design built to withstand rough terrain while carrying heavy loads of ordnance. It featured armored sides for protection and was essential for artillery units, such as those supporting the 105mm howitzers or 155mm guns. This is a mixed-media kit, blending traditional resin casting with modern 3D-printed elements and photo-etch for fine details. No ammunition or figures are provided. The resin parts are in beige color and very well cast, as usual from Plusmodel. There is 5 resin parts forming the core structure (chassis, sides, and ends). Resin quality from PlusModel is typically excellent—crisp, bubble-free, and with minimal flash. These parts capture subtle details like rivets, welds, and armor plating. A new thing from Plusmodel, or recently new, are the 3D Prints parts. In this model kit you get 20 parts with the wheels rims, metal structure, and small details. To use these rims you will need to do some "surgery" in the resin wheels but i think it will be worth it. Be very gentle to remove the hand rail from the tree (very delicate) Also in the box, is a photo-etched brass sheet with several detail live brackets, chains, and under shield plate. As for the instruction they got a very good upgrade from the last time I saw a Plusmodel kit. Detailed assembly guide included, with step-by-step diagrams with good parts indication and location. No painting guide is mentioned. Ther`s no decals on this model kit,. Conclusion Another fantastic release from Plusmodel with very good quality contents that will make you quite happy with your little trailer, a perfect addon to a Sherman in a simple base or a nice touch to highlight your diorama. As usual, Highly recommend My thanks to Plusmodel fro making the fantastic little kit.

Hubert my dear friend, I `m so sorry to hear this... Our prayers and our thoughts are with you. Wishing you all the strengh to bear through this terrible time.

Merry Christmas to all LSM members! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas with your family and lots of health!! Cheers Fran

Like already said, 1ManArmy are fantastic mask! If you use carefull in the remove, you can re-use them. As for the HGW seatbelts, for me, despite the hard work they represent, they are the best in town!

great work!! thanks so much for sharing!

1:32 Henschel Hs 123 A-1 ICM Catalogue number 32016 Price: around 50,80€ When I saw that ICM was preparing the 1:32 Henschel Hs 123 I sent ICM an email asking with they could do or if they were thinking of doing a determined scheme… They thanked the suggestion and the information I gave them about it and then radio silence… After on the ICM catalogue for 2025, I did saw the Hs 123 and hoping to have the scheme I wanted… They release then, and nothing… So I thought to myself, well maybe one day, I will getsome after markets decals for it… Until, one day, ICM just release with a “fantasbulastic” box art! I first saw this scheme in Luftwaffe im Focus n.º 14 ( (publisher LuftFahrtverlag Start). It has some great pictures of the real aircraft and a profile made by Ronnie Bar. This “wild” camouflaged Hs 123 were taken in the summer of 1938, being an aircraft of 3./Fliegergruppe 50 (renamed in 1st November of 1938 as III./St.G. 163. In 1939, 1st May, was renamed again as III.Gruppe Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 “Immelmann” This aircraft is the one of Lt. Siefried Hamann. In the summer of 1938, he was Adjutant to the Staffel commander of 3./Fliegergruppe 50. Hamann, at that time, was not a yet pilot but he learned to fly, secretly, in his spare times. At that summer, he informed his Staffel commander Oblt. Heinrich Brüker that he has learned to fly. Later that summer, he got permission to show what he could do. So, a Hs123 was selected and the ground personnel overpainted the Hs. 123 markings and prepared it for the occasion. The aircraft is cover with sayings According: The right side of the tail – “God save our Adjutant” On the right fuselage: “The Last close-support flyer?” Left side sufelage: “All beginnings are difficult, Lt Hamann BE CAREFUL” Left side of the tail: “Little Fish, Kurt” Hamann in 1939 was a pilot in III./St.G2 and took part in the attack on Poland. He was still in the Gruppe in that attack in the west. In May 1940, when he was KIA when his Stuka got a direct flak hit. This set is a the early verson that we already reviewd and you can see here. So this version is quite special for me, and I was wondering how mask do I would have to use to make this one? And I was quite surprised when I saw the two large decals sheets. The decals, as usual are very good in color saturation, solid color, quite thin and perfect registration. But the have all the “markings” to make this plane on the box art plus two more schemes. The only “masking” or more complicated zone would be the “drop white” on the engine cowling that the center is painted in white and the decals will surround it. All the rest of the decals should quite straightforward but be careful in all the process. There`s still two schemes extra from the decal sheet. Hs 123A , pre-production aircraft, 1936; Hs 123 A-1 3./St.G 165 “Immelmann”, 1937 A masking template of the windshield is given. In this model, is a minor job and not hard to do. 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. Anyway, the instruction manual is detailed and easy to follow. It includes step-by-step assembly diagrams, color callouts, and decal placement guides. Conclusion This is on my bench, cutting already the parts already. This particularly scheme Hs 123 in 1:32 I was one of the most wanted ones from me so I`m very pleased that ICM have release it, but on top of all, ICM releases it with a fantastic detail and a full decal sheet with all the markings and strips!! Molding quality is top-tier: No flash, sink marks, or ejector pin scars in visible areas. Panel lines are fine and recessed, with subtle fabric tape effects on control surfaces. Just perfect! VERY Highly recommend this to intermediate/expert modeler My thanks to ICM for making this fantastic model.

Just saw this on facebbok (LSP) "Hi, HpH Models is still alive. We’ve only changed our approach to production and distribution. The model market has seen a significant decline; we are mainly model builders ourselves, and we do everything out of enthusiasm and love for our hobby. But the hobby must not become too expensive. In other words, production has to at least pay for itself. No one is going to subsidize a company long-term. Some models are available through: https://www.mn-modelar.cz/plastic-models?creator[]=911&=1,1&pg=1. Models that have the main parts such as fuselage, wings, etc. made from fiberglass (B-52, BV, Concorde, etc.) can be ordered directly from me. However, there is a waiting list and a longer delivery time. My email is mirek@eebc.art or mirek@namitech.com. Hopefully this will make someone happy. Regards Mirek" So happy orders everyone! Fran

1:32 Battle of Malta ICM Catalogue n.º DS3201 € 68,95– in ModelBau The Siege of Malta The siege of Malta (or battle of Malta)[10] in World War II was a military campaign in the Mediterranean theatre. From June 1940 to November 1942, the fight for the control of the strategically important island of the British Crown Colony of Malta pitted the air and naval forces of the Kingdom of Italy and Nazi Germany against the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy. The opening of a new front in North Africa in June 1940 increased Malta's already considerable value. British air and sea forces based on the island could attack Axis ships transporting supplies and reinforcements from Europe. General Erwin Rommel, de facto field commander of Panzerarmee Afrika in North Africa, recognised its importance quickly. In May 1941, he warned that "Without Malta the Axis will end by losing control of North Africa".[1] The Axis resolved to bomb or starve Malta into submission, to soften it up for invasion, by attacking its ports, towns, cities, and Allied shipping supplying the island. Malta was one of the most intensively bombed areas during the war. The German Luftwaffe and Italian Regia Aeronautica flew a total of 3,000 bombing raids over two years, dropping 6,700 tons of bombs on the Grand Harbour area alone.[11] Their success would have allowed a combined German–Italian amphibious landing (Operation Herkules) supported by German airborne forces (Fallschirmjäger) but this did not happen. Allied convoys were able to supply and reinforce Malta, while the RAF defended its airspace, though at great cost in materiel and lives. In turn, aircraft and submarines based in Malta were able to successfully interdict convoys bound for North Africa, depriving Axis troops of supplies. In November 1942 the Axis lost the Second Battle of El Alamein and the Allies landed forces in Morocco and Algeria in Operation Torch. The Axis diverted forces to the Tunisia campaign and reduced attacks on Malta, ending the siege.[1] In December 1942, air and sea forces operating from Malta went over to the offensive. By May 1943, they had sunk 230 Axis ships in 164 days, the highest Allied sinking rate of the war.[12] The Allied victory in Malta played a major role in the eventual Allied success in North Africa. History from Wikipedia. For more information, see – https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/timeline/factfiles/nonflash/a1144946.shtml https://www.rafbf.org/malta/about-siege https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/the-siege-of-malta-holding-on-to-the-island-fortress/ ICM in the past release two brand new mold Gladiator and Falco and this time, just putting them together and give the name of “Battle of Malta” to this box! The box art is vibrant and evocative, depicting a dogfight over the Mediterranean with the Gladiator diving on the Fiat. As for the packing is the traditional one from ICM with a sturdy flip-top box to protect all the parts. Always a great option from ICM The sprues for each model are packaged in their own re-sealable plastic bags, which also contains a clear sprue inside its own plastic bag. So both models are perfectly separated. The molding is ICM current standards, very good one with crispy surface details and no flash whatsoever on the gray plastic. The surface detail and panels lines are very very good indeed. Starting of the cockpit of both aircrafts, they are both quite good straight from the box… but there`s a lot of room for AM or scrathbuilding. Another thing is the lack of seatbelts… specially in 1:32 and open cockpit like the CR.42, that miss is quite notice and it`s a shame not having it on the box. As I said before, is the biggest default I point to the ICM model kis. Both aircraft have the tail structures both horizontal and vertical with separate flight control surfaces, and so can be set as the modeler desires. Also both wings have very good surface detail, with the ribbed detail being visible but only enough. Being both biplanes, one thins that is quite important to help out the modeler is the locations for the wing support struts and on both aircraft they are quite well made. As for the CR 42 Falco engine, ICM gives two assembly options, but I don’t really understand why and their non explanation on the instructions of it but I presume that is for the exhaust options. As for the Sea Gladiator, the variation is also with the intake filter, with two options given. Please check your references. Anyway, the detail is quite good on both engines, but their room for extra detail for the scratchbuilder/AM folks or simply to add some wires. The main undercarriage legs of the Falco are provided in two versions, with and without flared cowlings around the wheels and have no brake lines present. This set gives the original release with the option given back them with the correspondent decal sheet: - CR. 42 Falco, 83rd Squadron, 18 Gruppo, 56th Stormo CT, Ursel, Belgium, November 1942 - CR. 42 Falco,75th Squadron, 23 Gruppo Autonomo CT, Sicily, June 1941 The Sea Gladiator was a new sprue as it is the Mk.II. So the new sprue is the sprue F that provides mainly the three-bladed prop, instrument panels and a wing strut. But the different do not end here. There’s also the sprue G with parts for the hook, underfuselage hook recess and the belly fairing for the dinghy. As for the clear parts, the spure E gives alternative windshields, separate sliding portion, rear section and various lights. The decal sheet is the one of the original release, with good coloration. This release have the same scheme options as the original one (32042) Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk. II 804 Sqn., RNAS Hatston, Orkney Island, October 1940 Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk.II , 804 Sqn., HMS Furious, May 1940 Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk.II, 813 Sqn., HMS Eagle, Summer 1940 Gloster Sea Gladiator Mk. II, Hal Far, Malta 1940 And there`s a lot of aftermarkets decals for this model kit so you got a lot of choice if you want. Anyways ICM gives a single decal sheet indicator of the two Battle of Malta options. As for the instructions you get both booklet for both original kits with 20 pages each. I do like the touch of glossy paper but for workbench (to take notes, to risk parts) I prefer the normal mate paper. The drawings are quite easy to understand and very comprehensive, so it will be easy to follow even to the novice modeler. Being biplanes, and to have a biplane with “soul” (in my opinion at least) you have to have the rigging. And ICM provides several drawings diagrams in the instruction sheet as a guide. But also the rigging is given in two variations, with no explanation to wish one is wish. Once again you have to check your references. At last, as usual and a very good bonus, is the template guide for making a set of canopy masks. Conclusion: What a combo! You get two full original release from the Gloster Sea Gladiator and the CR. 42 Falco in a single box and cheaper that buying separately. Theses two model are great addition to any collection and you can get a really nice model straight from the box with the well-known high current ICM quality, even without any extra parts (resin or PE) So, just go and get one and built it! You will enjoy. My sincere thanks to ICM.

1:48 Boston Mk. III ASK Keep the week with Art Sclae. Today we are going to check the new 1:48 Boston Mk. III decals for the Hong Kong Model Boston. The HK Model gives two options schemes, so these sheets are most welcome to make a different Boston. They release two decals sheets with several options each one and we have both of them. All sets came in a ziplog bag, small A5 size sheet with profiles colors instructions steps how to apply ASK decals. So let’s looks to the option schemes that all decal sheets offer. These sheets have a detail that I loved about. In the applying instructions, in all sheets, there`s a real photo of one of the airplanes that are represented on the decal sheets. I really love that "bonus". So let’s start. Boston Mk. III Workhorses in the sky Part I Catalogue number 200-D48079 Price: €12,29 To order, click here. -Boston Mk.III, flown by Squadron Leader Charles Learmonth. -Boston Mk.III, 24th Squadron, SAAF, April 1943. -Boston Mk.III, 418th Squadron, winter 1942/43. -Boston Mk.III, Tunisia 1943. The bonus picture with the Boston Mk.III (scheme n.º 2) The decals itself: Now the part II. Boston Mk. III Workhorses in the sky Part II Catalogue number200-D48080 Price: 12,29€ To order, click here. On this set, also 4 schemes options are present. - Boston Mk.IIIA, 88th Squadron, Hartford Bridge, Operation Starkey, August/September 1943. - Boston Mk.III, 418th Squadron, Summer 1942. - Boston Mk.III, 88th Squadron, Sqn ldr G.R. Pushman, July 1944. - Boston Mk.III, 88th Squadron, Operation Oyster, December 1942. The bonus picture on this set is from the Boston Mk. III from Operation Oyster, December 1942. These sheets only have decals for the markings, as no stencils is given. ** Analyzing the decal sheets, the color registration is great and a very good definition of the details. The decals have a thin film, in fact looking very thin and delicate. I already tried them and it work great, with good adhesion to the plane surface without wrinkling or bubbling. No adverse reaction to Micro set or Micro Sol. You do have to work then with care and patience as they are very delicate and therefore, fragile. The printing quality is quite good, as they are sharp, with outline very well defined. The color look quite good and spot on. The instructions are the general ones that are applicable to all decals, it is always important to remember the general principles of decal application. In this case, there is no specific rule for applying these decals. The profiles draws contains lots of information, with side view (both side) and top view with precise decal indication. Conclusion: ASK is continuous to give us a lot of schemes options that are more than welcome! The location indication of the decals is quite good and very perceptible. The decals as already said, have a very good colour registration, very thin, with minimum decal film, and they work quite nice! My thanks to Art Scale Decals for producing these fantastic decals and the possibility of reviewed them. Francisco Guedes .

1:32 Me-109 K-4 ASK Back to the Art Scale decals! Today we are going to check the new 1:32 Me-109 K-4 decals for the Kotare Me-109 K-4. The kotare model gives three options schemes, but if want something different ASK is the place to look! They release four decals sheets with several options each one. And we are going here to review the Me-109 K-4 Part 1 and the Me-109 Part II. All sets came in a ziplog bag, small A5 size sheet with profiles colors instructions steps how to apply ASK decals. So let’s looks to the option schemes that all decal sheets offer. These sheets have a detail that I loved about. In the applying instructions, in all sheets, there`s a real photo of one of the airplanes that are represented on the decal sheets. I really love that "bonus". This time the photo bonus is for the Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4/R3, W.Nr. 332884, "White 8 - Gabi" 9./JG 3, Pasewalk-Franzfelde, April 1945 Messerschmitt Bf- 109 K-4 - part 1 – Swan Song of the Messerchmitts Catalogue number 200-D32094 Price: €12,29 To order, click here. - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, 3./JG52, Salzburg-Maxglan, Austria spring/summer 1945. As you can see, you are given the option of making with the american start of the original luftwaffe marking. - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4/R3, W.Nr. 332884, "White 8 - Gabi" 9./JG 3, Pasewalk-Franzfelde, April 1945. - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4/R3, W.Nr.333878, ANR, Lt. Gallori, 3a Sqd., 1° Gruppo Caccia, Lonate Pozzolo, March 1945.. The bonus picture: The decal sheet: Very nice coloration. Now the part II. Messerschmitt Bf- 109 K-4 - part 2 – Swan Song of the Messerchmitts Catalogue number200-D32095 Price: 12,29€ To order, click here. On this set, also three schemes options are present. - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, 9th/JG3, Pasewalk, March 1945. - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, 9th/JG 53, Lechfeld, May 1945. - Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, I./NJG 11, Leck, May 1945 The bonus picture on this set is from the Messerschmitt Bf 109K-4, 9th/JG 53, Lechfeld, May 1945. These sheets only have decals for the markings, as no stencils is given. ** Analyzing the decal sheets, the color registration is great and a very good definition of the details. The decals have a thin film, in fact looking very thin and delicate. I already tried them and it work great, with good adhesion to the plane surface without wrinkling or bubbling. No adverse reaction to Micro set or Micro Sol. You do have to work then with care and patience as they are very delicate and therefore, fragile. The printing quality is quite good, as they are sharp, with outline very well defined. The color look quite good and spot on. The instructions are the general ones that are applicable to all decals, it is always important to remember the general principles of decal application. In this case, there is no specific rule for applying these decals. The profiles draws contains lots of information, with side view (both side) and top view with precise decal indication. Conclusion: ASK is continuous to give us a lot of schemes options that are more than welcome! The location indication of the decals is quite good and very perceptible. The decals as already said, have a very good colour registration, very thin, with minimum decal film, and they work quite nice! My thanks to Art Scale Decals for producing these fantastic decals and the possibility of reviewed them. Francisco Guedes

Well, I know that we are still in 2025... but there`s already some news for 2026... The first one is GWH F6F-3 Hellcat!

And Kotare Hurricane is now in pre-order directly from Kotare!