IPMS/USA Reviews

Introduction

The aim of this innovative new series is to provide modelmakers and tank enthusiasts with a new standard of primarily visual reference of both full-size tanks and their scale models. Each book will contain detailed technical information imparted through drawings and photographs while the meticulously researched full-color profiles will provide a complete reference for paint schemes and markings, in addition every volume of TankCraft series will feature summaries of design histories and operational careers, and reviews of available kits. Each book is devoted to an iconic tank type - chosen for its popularity as a modelling subject - and the series will provide coverage across a range of different criteria, showcasing the best of the world's tank types and providing invaluable insight and guidance for modelmakers.

The Author

Dennis Oliver is the author of over twenty books on the Second World War armoured vehicles including Codename Swallow: British Sherman Tanks to Alamein, To the Last Bullet: Germanys War on 3 Fronts, Westwall: German Armour in the West1945, Viking Summer and A Sound Like Thunder.

Tamiya has produced a new tooled M551 Sheridan which is a welcome offering of this small but interesting US armor subject.

The kit was supplied for review with the two aftermarket items Tamiya released for detail this kit. Detail up parts series 12687 PE with metal Barrel as well as the 12685 U.S MCI Cartons (Vietnam War).

In the box is:

• 5 x light green sprues
• 1 clear sprue
• 1 small decal sheet
• 1 plastic mesh
• Several polycaps
• Metal wire
• A small length of hose
• 1 instruction booklet
• 1 color guide booklet (in color)
• 1 history booklet

Detail up parts are available separately:

• 12687 - Photoetch / Metal Barrel - $18.50 MSRP
• 12687 - MCI ration cartons - $4.40 MSRP

The kit consists of 5 main sprues, the sprues are extremely well molded with great detail; the decals allow you to finish the tank in two different versions with 2 markings to choose from.

Background

From Meng's Website - High altitude, large temperature difference, dry weather, broken stones and snow, Afghanistan has the harshest natural environment for ground weapons and soldiers. In response, the shrewd British has chosen a special light-weight vehicle for their famous and professional army. The vehicle was derived from the heavy pickup trucks of the U.S. company Navistar. It can be transported by the C-130. It has better cross-country capability than normal wheeled vehicles and can be easily modified. The British Army named this vehicle after the working dog Husky in the Polar regions.

Introduction

The Stryker has been in service with the US military nigh on fifteen years and up until now, it was at best simply able to provide defense against enemy infantry with its .50 caliber machine gun. In its newest iteration, the M1296 Stryker Dragoon IFV, it has been upgunned to a 30mm version of the 25mm Bushmaster gun used in the Bradley vehicles. While no match for heavy armor, it is capable of keeping enemy APCs occupied so the main battle tanks can duel unhindered.

Panda Hobby's recent release of this newly revised version of the Stryker proves to be a decent mix of beautiful fit with some over-engineered assemblies to make one feel challenged during the build. Match that with an occasional error in the instructions and you'll feel the need for care and patience, but you will be rewarded with a very nice build in the end with your perseverance.

The German Panzer V Panther, next to the Tiger, is probably one of the most popular and recognizable tanks of World War II. Academy has released the G version of this iconic tank in an all new tooled kit. This version is from very late in the war, about January to April 1945 timeframe. Inside the large box is five bags of sprues, two instruction sheets and a small bag of decals and photo etched sheet. The F sprue is attached to the C sprue. There are four sprues of link and length tracks and four of the D sprues which is mainly road wheels. I like that the sprue letters are molded as cut outs, not the raised letters as usually. This makes it much easier to find and read these letters. Eight clear poly caps are included, but only two used. The decals sheet is three turret number options and four German crosses. The photo etched is engine screens and bolt heads. The instruction sheets are quad folding, with 16 assembly steps and eight painting/decal options.