IPMS/USA Reviews

Background (Wikipedia)

The Husky VMMD (vehicle-mounted mine detection) family of vehicles are blast-survivable, mission-configurable, wheeled platforms employed by specialized route clearance teams operating in high-explosive threat areas. The Mk. III is the modern single-occupant Husky model. The platform is integrated with pulse induction metal detector panels and overpass tires that enable operators to regulate tire air pressure in order to reduce the risk of detonating. As with all Husky platforms, the Mk. III has been engineered in a unique modular, frangible configuration. In the event of a mine or improvised explosive device detonation, vehicle components break apart in a predictable fashion, reducing damage to the platform and occupants, as well as facilitating fast in-field repairs.

The Topdrawings series specializes in line-drawings of a given subject in each booklet. The 84^th installment in this series is devoted to the always popular M2/M3/M4 Armored Personnel Carrier Half-Track.

This booklet has 4-View for the M2 (early, mid, late production), M2A1 (early and late), M3 (early and late), plus color profiles of M2A1, M3, M4A1 (4-view color), and even an M9 in French Service.

The booklet also includes a brief description on the overall history of the AFV and each line drawing has an explanation as to what was modified from the previous block series.

If you are looking for detailed drawings of the M2/3/4 half-track, this book is your destination.

Highly recommended.

I would like to thank Kagero Publishers and IPMS/USA for the review sample.

The M109A7 is the latest version of the Army's long serving 155mm self-propelled howitzer. First debuted in the 1960s to replace the M44. This newest version of the M109 sets out to upgrade many of the systems that allow a faster fire rate even with the increase in armor. There are also a number of parts that this vehicle now shares with the Bradley fighting vehicle allowing for cost savings in production and supply logistics. This new kit from Panda Hobby is the first kit of the newest member of the M109 family in 1/35 scale.

Having 'gone digital' over the last several years, I have severely curtailed my physical magazine subscriptions. As a result, this title was entirely new to me and thus was very keen to review it and have a chance to read through another publication.

Despite the above commentary, Scale Military Modeller International has been around for a while. The quality of the magazine is like many others from the publisher - Nice, glossy stiff covers and equally glossy, but thinner, content pages. Excellent quality photos and detailed articles are consistent throughout this issue.

Contents of Issue #585 include at least 9 build articles (8 military vehicles ranging from WW2 to present-day, and 1 Schnellboot ). Several pages of new product descriptions (covering armor and figures) fill out more of the magazine. Two articles cover historical background of different subjects, accompanied by build articles of the same. There are also some brief pieces on new tools available.

OKB offers three very similar products, all in 35^th scale, for use on a Pz.IV . These items are "return rollers" for the Type 2 (product S35007), the Type 3 (product S35008), and the Type 4 (product S35009). This review will focus on the rollers for the Type 3 (product S35008).

The roller parts are contained in a small zip lock baggie. A paper label is stapled to the baggie which serves to identify the "Type" for which these parts are engineered, and to provide a secure closure so that none of the parts go astray.