IPMS/USA Reviews

UMM USA (Unique Master Models) produces unique, out-of-the-mainstream tools and supplies, as well as unusual and exciting kits.  Each time I go to the IPMS Nationals, the UMM booth is a must-stop venture - there is always something new and interesting, and the busy owner always takes the time to walk you through what he has for sale, and how it works. 

This time around we have a photoetch bending set that comes with a graduating roller as well as two bending trays.  If you haven't added this handy and versatile tool to your modeling bench, you might want to give it a try.  Some roller sets will have you keep track of a bunch of differently-sized wood or metal rods that you use to press and bend PE in a tray. The beauty of using a tool like this to do the same thing is the simplicity of using a single roller for all widths, all in one tool.  The hardened aluminum tool can be used for rolling and bending brass, copper and aluminum sheets.

UMM USA (Unique Master Models) produces unique, out-of-the-mainstream tools and supplies, as well as unusual and exciting kits.  Each time I go to the IPMS Nationals, the UMM booth is a must-stop venture - there is always something new and interesting, and the busy owner always takes the time to walk you through what he has for sale, and how it works. 

This time around we have a set of two silk-covered, copper-core wire that can be used for a variety of purposes.  Somewhere between solder and thin copper, the wire is covered by wound silk material that takes paint and CA or White glue, and can easily be bent and molded into form.  

During the IPMS USA Nationals this year, John Vojtech was kind enough to provide several of his tools from Unique Master Models (UMM) to the IPMS Review Corps, and this was one of the items I was fortunate enough to receive. Consisting of an ergonomic plastic handle with the chisel point inserted, there is a built-in label identifying the chisel size for quick recognition.

Measuring five inches in length, the chisel is quite comfortable to hold and the wedge-shaped tip is made of hardened tool steel. Useful for scraping, pin mark removal, trimming small parts, and gouging plastic and resin, there are many possibilities for using this chisel. The diminutive size will allow for better control on smaller items.

My hits with this release start with the fine 2.0mm size of the chisel and the price point for such a well-made tool. As other chisels are available from UMM, the nice built-in label will aid modelers in quickly grabbing the desired tool from their bench. The ergonomic handle will help to prevent fatigue during longer periods of use.

During the IPMS USA Nationals this year, John Vojtech was kind enough to provide several of his tools from Unique Master Models (UMM) to the IPMS Review Corps, and this was one of the items I was fortunate enough to receive. Technically, Kanthal wire is a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy that has high resistance and also resists oxidation. Although the resistance of a wire means little to a modeler (unless it is being used to allow electricity to flow), resistance to oxidation is a big benefit for any applications where bare wire is needed.

This new product for UMM is advertised as being ideal for making springs, shiny antenna, and various engine or wheel bay details. The spools are 3 meters long (about 10 feet) and are available in 0.2 and 0.4 mm, both of which were provided to the IPMS for this review. UMM recommends that you do not solder Kanthal wire, but attach it using glue instead.

Masterpiece Models has provided a useful tool - a 1/35 scale ruler. This is one of a series that also includes 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scale. These cover all the major model kit scales. They are made from acrylic sheet, 6 inches long, 1/16^th thick, and laser engraved.

This is a very useful tool when modelling and can be used for checking part are too scale, for scratch building kit parts, and diorama parts.

The ruler is clear which also makes it easier to use and see what your measuring.

I will now source the other rulers in the series as I can see so many uses for these.

Thanks go to Masterpiece Models for providing this tool for review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it.