Finished Reviews – armour
Below are details of the Full Review Armour Articles that are currently in the Scale Modelling Now Magazine.
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“I gave the Scimitar a few thin coats of Tamiya XF-24 Dark Grey mixed with cellulose thinners, then left to dry. I use cellulose to thin down Tamiya paints, finding it is as good as their own brand of thinners and cheaper. Sometimes these may seem strange mixes and somewhat unorthodox, but this one does work, but just go easy on the cellulose.” Neil Pepper, reviewer
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“I have to say that building this kit has been a joy. From start to finish I have been impressed with the quality and detail of the AVF Club kit and this allied to no fit issues is a credit to the manufacturer. As my first 1:48th scale build I could not have had a better introduction and it has given me a great deal of satisfaction throughout the whole build and painting process. The one small issue were the decals but in fairness it looks like the sheet I had had dried out to such an extent that the film has cracked, maybe the film was to thin in the first place but in the scheme of things it was not the end of the world. If you are looking to dabble for the first time in this scale or have several builds under your belt you will not be disappointed.” Big E, reviewer
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“CMK released the model of the Skoda LT vz.35, which after the German invasion of the Czech Republic was designated the Pz.Kpfw 35(t), and is a fine model of this early war tank.” Bill Curtis
A BIG “thank you” to Bill for putting in the extraordinary effort required to produce a review like this one – thanks Bill, a stunning effort and I think the results speak for themselves. Truly stunning! Geoff
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“This is a short feature article from Chris that shows how you can apply Tamiya Color to good effect using an airbrush. There are some tips too for mud creation and application and how realistic application of scratches and scuffs can enhance the look of your completed model.”Geoff
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This vehicle was the result of the need for close support in urban warfare which would give the crew protection while operating the weapon. This was a development of using the 15cm howitzer on various chassis and the success of the Pz III variant led to the development of the Brummbar.
A total of 24 were built of which 12 were lost in the fighting at Stalingrad and the others were used on the Southern Front of the Eastern Front.
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This is the start of a small figure vignette featuring four North Vietnamese Sappers during that conflict and came about as a club build for that period. I looked around for a set of figures and liked the look of the Sappers, an order was placed with Netmerchants and next day it was with me. Service first class and a well done goes to the guys there.
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Here is a stunning build from Andy Argent – everything you could want to know about building and weathering this Dragon M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage.
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“The intention was (and is) a quick build out of the box. Apart from the tracks the build of this Stug was straightforward and it was out of the box.” Julian Seddon, reviewer
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“The Medium Tank M4 or Sherman is one of the tank classics. From late 1942 onwards it was always in the vanguard of Allied campaigning and it nearly always seemed to be there when it was wanted.
M4A3 power plant designed specifically to power tanks it was Ford V-8GAA liquid-cooled petrol engine delivering a nominal 500hp at 2,600rpm. This engine proved to be very reliable and trouble free so that the M4A3 rapidly became the preferred US Army model, none being passed to the lend-lease programme until late 1944 and only after the requirements of the US armed forces had been met.” Neil Pepper, reviewer
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“On receiving this kit, my first impressions were WOW! Along with the extra goodies, this is going to be a very well detailed model kit when built. On this build, it will include the photo-etch kit from Lion Roar, shells from Lion Roar, Gun Barrel from Lion Roar and the new kit of a German Mayback HL42 Tukrm Engine from Great Wall Hobby.
The kit is in my opinion to the standard of today’s Dragon Kits with very fine and crisp details. I think if you built this straight out of the box, it will make a super model, even without the aftermarket photo-etch sets.” Andy Argent, reviewer
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“Well it’s a lovely detailed kit, the wheels are great, if not a little fiddly at times and if you look ahead not like yours truly you should have no problems.
Would I buy the resin to go with it? No I wouldn’t, as I can’t see the need for it, other than a couple of small pieces i.e. the kick start.
What I keep asking myself is would I buy another one? Well if I am honest I don’t know, if you are looking for a combination to go in a diorama then I would go for a cheaper one. If it was going to be the main part then it would have to be one of these.” Neil Pepper, reviewer
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“Well you may have noticed I am a big fan of these kits and would highly recommend them to all. At around £12 they are great for a pocket money kit or if you just wish to have a little fun buy one and see.” Neil Pepper, reviewer
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“So would I recommend this kit errrrrr yes with a capital Y. I will be getting at least one more if not two and I can’t wait to see the Snatch Land Rover so go and treat yourself to one of the finest plastic kits on the market at the moment.” Neil Pepper, reviewer
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“This is a great model; it builds well, is nicely detailed and provides a great canvass for weathering. There is only one downside though, what was it that Henry Ford said? You can have it in any colour as long as it’s green!” Jamie Haggo, reviewer
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“This is a truly wonderful kit. It’s packed with detail, innovative features and it’s a bargain, what more could you ask for. Well, decent decals for one, the front and rear decals don’t match which is a bit of an own goal. Also, there are no blokes to go with it so after-market figures will be required. Anyway, go and get a load of AK Interactive products, a HobbyBoss Sd.Kfz 222 and have loads of fun.” Jamie Haggo, reviewer – July 2011
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“I have to start the conclusion off by remembering that this is a 1:48 scale kit with a full interior for less than £10. No matter what, that has to be a bargain.
The general fit of the kit is good, no major issues other than the tracks. I am not sure if I got something wrong but they were a nightmare to get to fit but it could have been something I missed.
My only real negative about this kit has to be the number of ejector pin marks. If you really enjoy sorting out the pin marks, you will love this kit as there are dozens of them. However, most are situated where they will not be seen so are not such a huge problem. There are a few flash issues here and there but certainly not serious. At the end of the day, the amount of detail crammed into, and inevitably hidden forever, this kit is amazing. The driver’s hatch is in seven parts so this has to be a ‘kit builders’ kit. It will not throw together but if you have the skills to super detail, you will really enjoy building this. A cutaway version would look superb if anyone fancies a challenge.
I can only say that I would recommend this kit to anyone other than a real beginner.” Graham Thompson, reviewer
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“At the time I was building a collection of Russian AFV’s covering all periods and the only decent figures available in plastic was the Tamyi set that I have used. This set represents the late war infantry and as the vehicles are also late war a diorama set in Berlin made the most sense. Setting the diorama in Berlin allowed me to do a built up area and try out techniques new to me.” Philip Ramsden, builder
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“I found this to be a fine little kit to build and maybe a bit better than its big brother in 1:35th scale. As with any kit there are things you can change to make it more detailed. In conclusion I would say this kit is good value for money.
I am looking forward to seeing what else Italeri will be releasing next” Neil Pepper, Reviewer
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“This is the old Italeri kit that I wanted to do and bring up to a standard that would be more accurate and acceptable by today’s standard of kits. I wanted to portray a late war vehicle to resemble one on a retreat back to Germany from the defeat in the Falaise gap in France and being inspired from a picture in the great book by Jean Paul Pollund called Ruckmarsch Then and Now. .” Andy Argent, Reviewer
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“A nicely detailed kit which with careful painting will produce a very acceptable model of the Chaffee. I have to say that for the price and including the hic ups I loved this kit and highly recommend it.” Bill Curtis, Reviewer
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“Why not have a go yourself at creating a realistic base onto which you can display your model – the thing is when you look at the end result it tells a story, really putting the whole project into context. Good luck!” Bill Curtis, Reviewer
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“All in all a nice kit that could be made a lot better with a little work or some E/B (etched brass) and resin.
If you’re going to build it on its own or in a scene with other vehicles it’s worth getting it to add to your stock pile.” Neil Pepper, Reviewer
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