Plastic Scale Model

Big scale ships in 1/72 from Japan modelling expo

2025-09-14T12:26:00.001+07:00

I just found this out in Youtube, can you imagine 1/72 scale aircraft carrier ? Well, they have it in Japan:

2007 Southern California Area Historical Miniatures Society California Show

2014-10-21T18:00:00.000+07:00

Excellent photo report in slideshow form from Doctor Faust's Painting Clinic YouTube Channel.

The event covered is 2007 2007 Southern California Area Historical Miniatures Society California Show.

If you enjoy his video, do consider subscribing to his YouTube Channel.

New 1/72 scale Dragon Armor series

2014-09-30T18:08:00.000+07:00

There are 4 items in the 1/72 scale Dragon armor series that will be available starting November 2014:

DRR60685	1/72 Churchill Mk.III Jonior Regiment 21st Tank Brigade 145th Royal Armoured Corps Tunis 1943 - PanorArmor Barcode: 0 89195 60685 3 Box Size: 7.2" x 3.1" x 3.7" The 1/72 scale Dragon Armor series is hugely popular, and the vast range of armored vehicles on offer is incredibly detailed. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine how Dragon could improve upon them! Well, it has…perhaps not in terms of the vehicles themselves, but in their presentation. Dragon is pleased to launch its PanorArmor series, which features colored backgrounds fitted inside the display boxes. The dioramic card background carefully matches the vehicle contained inside, whether it be a dramatic North Africa battle, the steppes in the height of summer, or a village in the eastern front. These scenic illustrations are masterfully painted and they perfectly set off Dragon’s already excellent vehicles. For collectors, the PanorArmor series is the ideal way to show off their collections and display their vehicles in authentic settings! AVAILABLE: November 2014
DRR60686	1/72 VK.45.02(P)H Eastern Front 1945 - PanorArmor Barcode: 0 89195 60686 0 Box Size: 7.2" x 3.1" x 3.7" The 1/72 scale Dragon Armor series is hugely popular, and the vast range of armored vehicles on offer is incredibly detailed. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine how Dragon could improve upon them! Well, it has…perhaps not in terms of the vehicles themselves, but in their presentation. Dragon is pleased to launch its PanorArmor series, which features colored backgrounds fitted inside the display boxes. The dioramic card background carefully matches the vehicle contained inside, whether it be a dramatic North Africa battle, the steppes in the height of summer, or a village in the eastern front. These scenic illustrations are masterfully painted and they perfectly set off Dragon’s already excellent vehicles. For collectors, the PanorArmor series is the ideal way to show off their collections and display their vehicles in authentic settings! AVAILABLE: November 2014
DRR60687	1/72 Churchill Mk.III Tunisia 1943 - PanorArmor Barcode: 0 89195 60687 7 Box Size: 7.2" x 3.1" x 3.7" The 1/72 scale Dragon Armor series is hugely popular, and the vast range of armored vehicles on offer is incredibly detailed. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine how Dragon could improve upon them! Well, it has…perhaps not in terms of the vehicles themselves, but in their presentation. Dragon is pleased to launch its PanorArmor series, which features colored backgrounds fitted inside the display boxes. The dioramic card background carefully matches the vehicle contained inside, whether it be a dramatic North Africa battle, the steppes in the height of summer, or a village in the eastern front. These scenic illustrations are masterfully painted and they perfectly set off Dragon’s already excellent vehicles. For collectors, the PanorArmor series is the ideal way to show off their collections and display their vehicles in authentic settings! AVAILABLE: November 2014
DRR60690	1/72 Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M 4./Pz.Rgt. "Totenkopf" Pz.Gren.Div. "Totenkopf" Kharkov 1943 - PanorArmor Barcode: 0 89195 60686 0 Box Size: 7.2" x 3.1" x 3.7" The 1/72 scale Dragon Armor series is hugely popular, and the vast range of armored vehicles on offer is incredibly detailed. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine how Dragon could improve upon them! Well, it has…perhaps not in terms of the vehicles themselves, but in their presentation. Dragon is pleased to launch its PanorArmor series, which features colored backgrounds fitted inside the display boxes. The dioramic card background carefully matches the vehicle contained inside, whether it be a dramatic North Africa battle, the steppes in the height of summer, or a village in the eastern front. These scenic illustrations are masterfully painted and they perfectly set off Dragon’s already excellent vehicles. For collectors, the PanorArmor series is the ideal way to show off their collections and display their vehicles in authentic settings! AVAILABLE: November 2014

Source: Dragon Model USA Newsletter.

Soldaten: The German Soldier In World War II Holland

2014-09-28T19:20:00.001+07:00

The book Soldaten: The German Soldier In World War II Holland is published by Oliver Publishing and ADH. It covers the German army in World War II around the allied invasion of Holland between September 1944 to May 1945.

There are 13 full color pages with 5 plates of uniform and insignia plus illustrations for 24 armoured vehicles. Black and white photos, maps, orders of battle and background history are also present.

It is the 8th book in the Firefly book collection.

It is available at your nearest hobby shop, you can check a comprehensive list from The Modelling News or get them from Dragon Models USA, as well as ADH Publishing in the UK.

Image Credit: ADH Publishing

Cyber Hobby Orange Box1/35 SdKfz 250/1 NEU APC Wiking Division

2014-09-26T22:00:00.000+07:00

Cyber Hobby has released an Orange Box combo in 1/35 scale. This time featuring SdKfz 250/1 APC together with 4 figures of Armored Recon soldiers from Wiking Division. Depicted in Hungary 1945.

From Dragon Model USA newsletters:

Cyber Hobby is pleased to announce another fabulous Orange Box combo in its popular 1/35 scale collection. The new set includes an Sd.Kfz.250/1 Neu light armored halftrack along with four German figures. The original Sd.Kfz.250 design had multifaceted armor panels so, to simplify construction, a modified vehicle known as the neue Art (“new version”) replaced it. This had more streamlined lines and Dragon’s plastic kit represents this particular design. Notably, the vehicle kit includes interior details. The other half of this Orange Box set is a fine line-up of German figures from the 5th SS Panzer Division “Wiking”. This was an elite panzer division that recruited its members from the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Estonia, plus the Netherlands and Belgium. The division served on the Eastern Front before surrendering to American forces in Austria in 1945. There are a handy four figures in the set, and the sharply sculpted items match perfectly with the armored halftrack. When put together, the German vehicle and soldiers create an instant diorama scene straight from the box. This set from the Orange Box collection offers unbeatable value for money.

There are no reviews of this kit yet, but there is an excellent building review of Dragon SdKfz 250/1 NEU over at scalemates.

Napolen Red Lancer in 1-32 scale

2014-09-24T18:48:00.001+07:00

The scale of 1/32 is very popular in model aircraft world, but rarely in figure world. Most figures are in 1/72 or 1/35 scale. So, it is a surprise to see MB figures releasing their first kit in 1/32. The Napoleon Red Lancer. It is the first in their "Military Historical Miniatures" series.

This is the first of a series of 1/32nd Napoleonic figures from Master Box, who has always given us unusual or creative modeling subjects. Upon opening this box, the modeler will find one sprue of gray plastic with 45 parts. Detail is good, with the kit representing a mounted French Red Lancer as he marches through Holland on his way to Russia, a local girl has provided a drink for him and his mount.

Source: IPMS USA

You want to read the full review in the IPMS USA link above, as Don Norton goes to explain the history behind the figure and the correct presentation. An excellent read.

You can get the kit over at your local hobby store. Or if you prefer to buy online, you can get it from Amazon or Dragon Model USA.

M3A3 Bradley from Orochi

2014-08-05T18:00:00.000+07:00

The M3A3 is the most up-to-date IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) in the U.S. Armed Forces arsenal.This is also the first full model kit for Orochi in its Deluxe Edition.

What do you get ?

All the wheels are movable
A 1/35 Bomb Disposal Officer Figure Included
Photo-etched parts & Clear Parts Included
Functional suspension
Fully workable “Bigfoot” tracks sharply rendered in metal with pre-cut track pins
Two-piece 25mm “Bushmaster” machine cannon rendered in metal
Resin parts for on-vehicle stowage
Self-adhesive paint masks for the wheels
Markings provided for two variations

It is listed as available in August 2014, so it should be available by now.

Check out the following websites for more info:

Image Credit: Hobby Search

Dragon 1/72 Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M "Totenkopf" Kharkov 1943

2013-11-24T18:00:00.002+07:00

Dragon 1/72 collection are already built collection of tanks. One of the tanks just released is the Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf M from the Totenkopf Panzer Grenadier Division with markings for Battle of Kharkov in 1943. A great piece that I would love to own someday.

Reference:
1. DragonModel USA Website

Marder II Reference Book From Nuts and Bolts

2013-11-17T18:00:00.000+07:00

For fans of the WW2 Marder tank, a new book is coming in December 2013 from Nuts and Bolts. Lots of photos are in the book, some 365 photos in total. It will comes in 40 pages.

You can pre-order it on DragonUSA website.

Evangelion Kawasaki Bike in 1/12

2013-11-10T18:00:00.000+07:00

Fujimi is releasing an Evangelion based Kawasaki motorcycle in 1/12. A very interesting subject. considering Evangelion is a big anime hit with followers not only in Japan, but also outside Japan.

Very lovely artwork. It is coming in December 2013.

Got this from DragonUSA Newsletter. You can preorder on their website here.

Hibernation Mode On

2013-04-15T18:00:00.000+07:00

Due to an overwhelming work, I have to put this blog, Plastic Scale Model, on hibernation mode. This means that this blog will no longer get daily updates. I will be focusing my effort on my other blog, a web development blog for web developer, www.webdevelover.com.

I will still post some interesting blog post on interesting stuff that I stumbled upon, but no promises there.

Thank you for following this blog. I will announce later on when this hibernation will end and a new era will begin.

Alpine 1/16 Waffen SS MG Ammo Carrier

2013-04-14T18:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit:
Alpine Miniatures

Alpine March 2013 releases includes a 1/16 Waffen SS MG Ammo Carrier. The figure comes with two different heads. Sculpted by John Rosengrant and boxart by Man-Jin Kim.

The figure is shown carrying two MG ammo boxes and is shown in relaxed (not in combat) position.

For more pictures, check with Alpine Minatures official webpage.

Dust Game KV47-B Natasha Mecha

2013-04-13T18:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit : Dust Game

This model comes from an alternate WW2 boardgame "Dust". The game is based on WW2, with alternate reality combining science fiction, supernatural and mecha. The model is scaled in 1/48.

The KV47 Walker is a versatile new walker for Dust Tactics! While the SSU once lagged in walker technology, they have since developed the KV47, a walker platform capable of trading blows with any opposing armor. This impressive machine can be fielded in three different variants: the Nadya, Natasha, or Natalya.

Whether you want to field the Nadya with its Sulfur Throwers, the Natasha and its 45mm Howitzers, or the Natalya featuring twin Circular Saws, there is a KV47 for any situation. Take command of this devastating SSU walker!

Source: Board Game Geek

Image Credit: Front Toward Enemy

There are a lot of mecha involved, especially as infantry units.

For those of you interested in a little more info on the good ol’ 47, check out the images below. These are pretty old and much like the Axis Luther some names have changed. (Originally the KV 47 B “Natasha” was known as a “Koshka" named for the hero Koshka.)

Source: Front Toward Enemy

The KV 47 is part of a family of six medium walkers. Note, that SSU refers to the Soviet Union / Russia.

The KV-47 variants give the SSU six medium walkers with remarkably different roles. From close-combat only to artillery, all the walkers can perform their tasks admirably with a caveat or two.

Don’t expect range from these ladies. Four of the six variants have 16″ or less range. The other two have 24″ range and artillery. I have discussed Nikita and her awesomeness before so that won’t come as a shock to anyone paying attention. Natasha brings a 24″ Howitzer on the field, but for the most part KV-47 variants get up close and personal.

Source: Dust Warfare

A very interesting take on alternate reality of WW2. Definitely good to take this up, once in a while.

Source:

AFV News

Images of War The Korean War

2013-04-12T18:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit: Pen & Sword

The Korean war is a very interesting theatre as it served as an intermediate for development of war machines between World War 2 and the modern era. It was the last conflict where US warmachines fought head to head against Russian warmachines.

Pen and Sword books has released a book, by Anthony Tucker-Jones, titled "ARMOURED WARFARE IN THE KOREAN WAR: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives". It is part of their Images of War series.

As the title implies, this is a photo reference book that is great to find ideas for dioramas or build of post WW2 era warmachines.

After the Second World War military analysts thought that the only place significant armoured forces were ever likely to confront each other again was in central Europe where the Nato alliance would fend off the Soviet Red Army. But then during the Korean War of 1950-53 large numbers of armoured fighting vehicles were deployed by both sides, and this neglected aspect of the conflict is the subject of Anthony Tucker-Jones’s photographic history.

Korea, with its rugged mountains, narrow passes, steep valleys and waterlogged fields. was not ideal tank country so the armour mainly supported the infantry and rarely engaged in battles of manoeuvre. Yet the wide variety of armour supporting UN and North Korean forces played a vital if unorthodox role in the swiftly moving campaigns.

For this fascinating book over 180 contemporary photographs have been selected to show Soviet-built T-34/85s and Su-76s, American M4 Shermans, M26 Pershings and M46 Pattons, and British Cromwells and Centurions in action in one of the defining conflicts of the Cold War.

Source: Pen and Sword

Get the book from your local book store or check Amazon for online purchase.

Source: Military Modelling

Ant Miniatures Spetnatz GRU APC Rider

2013-04-11T18:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit: Ant Miniatures

The latest in the series of 1/35 resin kit from Ant Miniatures is "The soldier of special troops GRU, Russia." In this model, the soldier is pictured riding on top of an APC. It looks like this can be depicted as a soldier in the modern era, Afghanistan or in Chechen.

The Spetsnaz GRU is the oldest of all special operations forces in Russia, is considered on of the top Special Forces in the world and is regarded as the best trained and most experienced units of the Russian Federation. Spetsnaz GRU first began operations in 1949. Their main role involves reconnaissance, direct action, assassination and sabotage. The Spetsnaz has ten different brigades, each stationed at a different location.

Source: Armed Forces Museum

The elite units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation were mostly formerly controlled by the military intelligence GRU (Spetsnaz GRU). They were heavily involved in the wars in Afghanistan in the 1980s and in Chechnya in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as in the training of pro-Soviet forces and various secret operations during the Cold War. The Russian Airborne Troops (VDV, a separate branch of the Russian Armed Forces) have the 45th Independent Guards Spetsnaz Regiment. Since 2010, as a result of the 2008 military reforms, GRU special forces come under the control of the Ground Forces.

Source: Wikipedia

For more coverage on the Checen campaign, check out Argentura "GRU Special Forces (Spetsnaz): 1998-2010".

For camo scheme, check with Kamouflage.

Source:

Osprey Tank of Hitler Eastern Allies

2013-04-10T18:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit: Osprey

The eastern front is the biggest and most demanding battlefields in WW2. Germany was not alone in the fight against Russia. It got help from its allies, the Italian, Finnish and Russian Vlasov, as well as Croatian, Bulgarian and Slovakian army. Osprey has released a book covering tanks of those allies.

Osprey Tanks of Hitler’s Eastern Allies 1941–45 is part of New Vanguard series, written by Steven J. Zaloga. I have always enjoyed books from Steven J. Zaloga, they are great for reference.

The titanic armor battles of the Russian Front are widely known, but the role of Germany’s eastern allies is not as well known. Two of these countries, Romania and Hungary, manufactured their own tanks as well as purchasing tanks from Germany. These ranged from older, obsolete types such as the PzKpfw 35(t) all the way up to the latest and best German vehicles including the Tiger I and Hetzer. These tanks played a frequent role in the battles in southern Russia and Ukraine and were especially prominent in the disaster at Stalingrad where the Red Army specifically chose the weaker Romanian and Hungarian salients for their critical envelopment operation. This New Vanguard will provide a broad survey of the various and colorful tanks used. Besides covering the largest of these Axis tank forces, this book will cover the many smaller and lesser known forces including the Italian contingent in Russia, the Finnish armored force, and the small but interesting armored forces of the Russian Vlasov (RONA), Croatian, Bulgarian and Slovakian armies. This subject is seeing increasing interest in the modeling world; for example Tamiya recently announced a PzKpfw 35 (t) (suitable for Romanian, Slovak armies) a Finnish StuG III, and a Finnish BT-42.

Source: Osprey Publishing

The book is available starting 23rd April 2013, from your local hobby shop or bookstore. You can always check Amazon for online purchase of both paperback and ebook version.

Zvezda 1/72 Panther Ausf D

2013-04-09T18:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit : Zvezda

The 1/72 scale is small yet still retain distinct silhouette and characteristics of armor models. It is quite popular and used in wargames community. Zvezda has just released a Panther Ausf D in 1/72 scale. This time it is a snap-on kit, so no glue required.

Military Modelling has a preview of the kit, there are photos of the kit box, sprue and instructions.

I am a big fan of the Panther tank, so it is definitely on my wishlist.

Huge Revell Skipjack Class Sub in 1/72

2013-04-08T20:00:00.000+07:00

Image Credit: Revell

The term "huge" does not only apply to aircraft kit in 1/32 scale, but also in submarine plastic scale model. Revell 1/72 US Navy Skipjack Class Sub is a huge kit, measuring 1 metre in length.

Some background info on the Skipjack class subs from Wikipedia:

The Skipjack class was a class of United States Navy nuclear submarines. This class was named after its lead ship, the USS Skipjack. This new class introduced the teardrop hull and the S5W reactor to U.S. nuclear submarines. The Skipjacks were the fastest U.S. nuclear submarines until the Los Angeles-class submarines.

The Modeling News has a review of the Revell kit. It has markings to make anyone of the six subs in Skipjack class. This kit is based on Moebius kit, with changes to the instructions, decals and packaging.

It is BIG - at over 1meter long I thought the 1/32 B17 was big - not anymore - Adam Norenberg

Details from Revell indicates, as also confirmed by The Modeling News, that this can be turned into an RC model. With the right RC kit, of course.

- OVER 1 METRE LONG!

- 4-part hull

- Metal seawater intake and outlet vents (photo-etched parts)

- Movable 5-blade propeller

- Antennae, periscope and snorkel can be shown raised

- Detailed fin

- Hull with recessed panel lines

- Movable diving planes

- Representation of escape hatches and mushroom anchor

- Includes transparent parts

- Display stand

- R/C compatible (R/C unit not available from Revell)

Decals for all six submarines of the Skipjack Class:

- U.S.S. Skipjack (SSN-585),US-Navy, Groton 1968

- U.S.S. Scamp (SSN-588), US-Navy, Vallejo, 1961

- U.S.S. Scamp (SSN-588), US-Navy, Vallejo, 1966

- U.S.S. Scorpion (SSN-589), US-Navy, Groton, 1960

- U.S.S. Sculpin (SSN-590), US-Navy, Pascagoula, 1961

- U.S.S. Shark (SSN-591), US-Navy, Newport News, 1961

- U.S.S. Snook (SSN-592), US-Navy, Pascagoula, 1961

Source: Revell

There is a video from emodels UK that shows just how big the subs is, embedded below:

There are not a lot submarine data and photos that can be gathered, here is one that is of interest "Skipjack (SSN-585)" from Nav Source Online Submarine Photo Archive. It is a community based photos. Not a lot, but a good start.

Aurora Model Military Sexy Girls ver 2 AM04

2013-04-07T18:00:00.001+07:00

Aurora Model has an updated model on their Military Sexy Girls with their AM04 ver 2 release. It is in 1/24 scale, roughly 76mm high, cast in metal.

Check out their full model range over at Aurora Models.

Type 95 Kurogane 4WD Japanese Military Car

2013-04-06T18:00:00.001+07:00

Kurogane, meaning "Black Metal" is Japanese Army first 4WD Military Passenger Car. It was developed by Tetsushi Makita with the Nihon Nainenki corporation. It was unique, because it was the only Japanese military passenger car ever created and used by the army. The Japanese always prefer a civilian vehicle for military passenger car.

Tetsushi Makita, who had been involved with the development of the Otomo and Ares with Junya Toyokawa in the Hakuyosha Company, moved to a new position with the Nihon Jidosha Corporation, becoming responsible for the design of the JAC motor bike, New Era three-wheeler and Kurogane. This company became Nihon Nainenki in 1932 and focused on producing a three-wheeled version of the Kurogane. However, the Japanese army instructed Nainenki to develop Japan's first 4-wheel drive vehicle, which was formally adopted and mass-produced as the Type 95. Characterized by a water-cooled engine and low weight, the Kurogane's double wishbone independent front suspension and large tires meant that it was highly suitable for traversing rough terrain. * It should be noted that the joints of the front-wheel drive axles were all cruciform joints.

Source: 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology

The Kurogane was primarily used as a scout car and served the Japanese Army as well as the Navy. 4775 units were made during WW2.

Ace Model has produced a 1/72 version of the Kurogane Type 95 Model 5. While Tamiya produced a 1 /48 version of 4x4 Type 95 Kurogane - Light Vehicle.

Image Credit : Tamiya USA and Ace Models

The Shield of Jihlava 2013 Czech Model Competition

2013-04-05T18:00:00.000+07:00

On 23rd March 2013, the Czech model builders held a competition in the city of Jihlava. Milan Mynar has covered the event and posted the photos on AFV News Forum.

Here are some great photos I personally selected from the events :

Check out the full photos and story from the event on AFV News Forum.

Tanks In Russia IV Painting Guidelines Book

2013-04-04T18:00:00.000+07:00

The book Tanks in Russia IV is a painting guide to modelling tanks that served in Russian front during WW2. In this book, it covers Germany Panther and Tiger, as well as Russia IS-1. The book covers overlapping camouflage. First in spring / summer camo, then applying winter camo on the same model. It definitely is going to be an interesting read.

A page number guide from AFV News:

Tanks In Russia IV – Euromodellismo

2. Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. A, 5.SS-Pz.Div. “Wiking”

14. Perfiles: Pz.Kpfw. V Panther Ausf. A

16. Pz.Kpfw. Vi tiger Ausf. E , 2. Pz.Rgt., SS-Pz.Gren.Div. “Das Reich”

32. Perfiles: Pz.Kpfw. Vi tiger Ausf. E

36. Pz.Kpfw. Vi tiger Ausf. E , Sch. Pz.Abt. 509

54. Pz.Kpfw. VI tiger Ausf. E , Sch. Pz.Abt. 509 versión invierno

60. IS-1 (KV-85), Unidad de entrenamiento cerca de la fábrica Kirovski

72. IS-1, 13 regimiento de choque de carros pesados de la guardia

And here is the official statement from Panzer Aces Facebook Page:

We are pleased to announce TANKS IN RUSSIA IV. This issue continues the German and Russian tanks evolution in two phases of painting. A new approach to from a new vehicle to a unit that has been a long time in active use. We also have done an axercise in style; we have painted the same vehicle in a spring-summer camouflege and then winter camouflage has been applied. In this issue, we reveal new Richly illustrated guide to camouflage and insignia of the Tanks throughout with many color plates. At last, the book includes dramatic montages infographics.Discover the very best of modeling.

A worthy addition to our painting guide reference shelf.

HK Models 1/32 B-17G Flying Fortress

2013-04-03T18:00:00.000+07:00

The B-17G Flying Fortress is a famous bomber from WW2. Primarily used in the European theatre to bomb Germany. It is also a very large aircraft. So, to make it in 1/32 scale will make it a huge model. HK Models is one of the few who manufacture the B-17G in 1/32 scale. While it is not available yet, Military Modelling has a test preview of the kit.

This is not a Tamiya quality kit – but it is more refined in detail than a Hasegawa kit – It falls I think somewhere in the middle as those two - not bad. Though so far I feel it is not as sharp as their B-25 but it is as good as if not a fair bit better than any Revell Heinkel type of kit and on a much bigger size - and hey this is still the pre-production kit so I am going to stop talking now.

Source: Military Modelling

This kit is definitely not for everyone. Do keep in mind that this is still in pre-production, so the final kit may actually differ. For updates, you can visit HK Models website.

S3A Viking Italeri 1/48 Build by Tony Dill

2013-04-02T18:00:00.000+07:00

The S3A Viking served with the US Navy in the 1970s and well into the early 2000s. It was primarily build as a submarine warfare aircraft, but later developed into a multipurpose mission aircraft. This particular build is from the Italeri kit, which is based on ESCI kit in 1/48 scale. The aircraft modeled is the CAG plane of VS-38

The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat twin-engine jet aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy to identify and track enemy submarines. In the late 1990s, the S-3B's mission focus shifted to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface surveillance capabilities to the carrier battle group. A carrier-based, subsonic, all-weather, multi-mission aircraft with long range, it carried automated weapon systems, and was capable of extended missions with in-flight refueling. Because of the engines’ low-pitched sound, it was nicknamed the "Hoover" after the vacuum cleaner brand.

Source: Wikipedia

Check out the featured photo article over at Military Modelling website and his build story on the Military Modelling Forum.

Sturmgeshutz III On the Battlefield Photobook

2013-04-01T18:00:00.000+07:00

The StuG III is a turretless tank, based on PzKpfw III tank. It was originally made as an artillery tank. However, as the war progresses, it is used as a tank replacement. The book Sturmgeshutz III On The Battlefield is a book by Peko Books of Hungary. It is in photobook format with 112 pages.

Physically this book is a large landscape style book with a lovely white hardcover which immediately separates this title from a lot of others in this genre. Coming in at 118 pages the format of this book is that of one large picture to a page and then the paragraph or so explaining not only what is going on but the history of the development of the vehicle if the photo presents it.

So instead of a dry commentary piled into a few pages and then lots of piccies in the back we have a detailed view of the gradual creeping development from the factory and ersatz additions by the soldiers in the field. We see how the feedback of the soldiers then again led back to changes in the factories again. The two factories who made the Sturmgeschütz are mentioned in every caption in brackets and this really helps you work out who made a certain series or modification. The Alklett factory making features like the 80mm cast gun turret solely and the MIAG factory’s vehicles immediately identifiable by the mesh type of Zimmerit. Little facts like these really help you understand easily the variation of the types and helps you better identify the vehicle’s origin.

Source: The Modelling News

The StuG III is a very successful tank, widely used in all fronts during WW2. It was first used in the Battle of France. Michael Wittmann, a famous German Ace, served in a StuG III early in his career.

Overall, Sturmgeschütz series assault guns proved very successful and served on all fronts as assault guns and tank destroyers. Although Tigers and Panthers have earned a greater notoriety, assault guns collectively destroyed more tanks. Because of their low silhouette, StuG IIIs were easy to camouflage and a difficult target. Sturmgeschütz crews were considered to be the elite of the artillery units. Sturmgeschütz units claimed to have knocked out 20,000 tanks by 1944. As of April 10, 1945, there were 1,053 StuG IIIs and 277 StuH 42s in service. Approximately 9,500 StuG IIIs of various types were produced until March 1945 by Alkett and a small number by MIAG.

The StuG assault guns were cost-effective compared to the heavier German tanks, though in the anti-tank role they were best used defensively, as the lack of a traversable turret was a severe disadvantage in the assault role. As the German military situation deteriorated later in the war, more StuG guns were built compared to tanks, to replace losses and bolster defences against the encroaching Allied forces.

Source: Wikipedia

There were numerous StuG tank aces during WW2. Most of them earned their kills on the Second Front in Russia.

Probably the most successful engagement involving Sturmgeschutz III Ausf F took place in Stalingrad in early September of 1942. Stug III Ausf F from Stug.Abt.244, commanded by Oberwachtmeister Kurt Pfreundtner destroyed 9 Soviet tanks in 20 minutes. On September 18th of 1942, Oberwachtmeister Kurt Pfreundtner received the Knights Cross for this achievement.

Another Sturmgeschutz ace was the Knights Cross holder Wachtmeister Kurt Kirchner from Stug.Abt.667, who destroyed 30 Soviet tanks during few days in February of 1942 during fighting in Northern Russia.

Hauptmann Peter Franz also the Knights Cross holder and the commander of Stug.Abt. "Grossdeutschland" destroyed some 43 Soviet T-34/76 tanks during the Battle for Borissovka on March 14th of 1943.

In the middle of July of 1941, Oberfeldwebel Rudolf Jaenicke (Stug number 25), commander of Stug platoon destroyed 12 Soviet BT-2 tanks along with tractors and other equipment loaded on rail platforms.

Between 1st and 4th of January of 1943, Unteroffizier Horst Naumann from Stug.Abt.184 destroyed 12 Soviet tanks during heavy fighting in the Demyansk area. On January 4th, Naumann was awarded with Knight’s Cross for destruction of total of 27 enemy tanks.

The most notable of all Stug aces were von Malachowski, Franz and especially Knight’s Cross holder Oberwachtmeister Hugo Primozic of Stug.Abt.667.

The most notable Waffen SS Stug ace was SS-Sturmbannfuehrer Walter Kniep, who commanded the 2nd Sturmgeschuetz Abteilung of 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich". From July 5th of 1943 to January 17th of 1944, his unit claimed destruction of some 129 Soviet tanks, while losing two Stugs. Kniep was then awarded the Knight’s Cross.

Source: Achtung Panzer

The book StuG III on The Battlefield is the second book from Peko Publishing. Their first book covers the Russian T-34 tank. You can find out more from Peko Publishing website.