Author: John Plzak
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ICM 1/35 scale Soviet ZIL-131
The ZIL-131 was one of the main Soviet/Russian trucks for most of the latter part of the 20th century. Production started in 1967 at the Ural Automotive works (AMUR) and continued until 2012, when the company went bankrupt and ceased operations. Several variants were built on the same chassis, including a tractor-trailer and a civilian…
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PlusModel U.S. Motor Grader
FineScale Modeler reviews PlusModel’s 1/35 scale resin model construction vehicle kit. Models of military construction equipment have been scarce, but PlusModel has released an all-resin kit of Caterpillar’s No. 12 Motor Grader. During World War II, the U.S. military used the grader in all theaters of operation for building runways, roads, and bases of operations.
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IBG 1/72 scale Diamond T 968 cargo truck
FineScale Modeler reviews the IBG 1/72 scale Diamond T 968 cargo truck plastic scale model kit. To fulfill the U.S. Army’s need for a 4-ton cargo truck, Diamond T produced the 968. The truck’s initial steel bed was soon replaced with wood to conserve precious resources. In 1941, the dashboard was modified to military standard…
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Dragon MBT70/KPz 70
The MBT70 was a joint project between the U.S. and West Germany. Development started in the early 1960s, but, by the end of the decade, cost overruns and philosophical differences cancelled the project. Nevertheless, many of the vehicle’s features would be seen in later designs, such as the M1 Abrams and the Leopard 2. Three…
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Takom 1/35 scale Mark IV “Male” heavy battle tank
FineScale Modeler reviews the Takom 1/35 scale Mark IV “Male” World War I heavy battle tank plastic model kit. With the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I in 2014, model companies have produced several early tank models. But none has been as eagerly awaited as a new British Mark IV tank. Takom…
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Meng 1/35 scale M2A3 Bradley BUSK III
While there have been several fine Bradley kits over the years, Meng has released a superb 1/35 scale plastic model kit of the M2A3 with BUSK III armor. It features not only excellent exterior details but a complete interior, too.
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Moebius Models 1/6 scale “Lost in Space” Robot B9
Aurora issued a 1/11 scale model of B9 in the 1960s that was reissued by Polar Lights in the ’90s. Now, Moebius Models has produced a 1/6 scale plastic model kit of B9. The kit is molded in gray and clear plastic with dark gray vinyl for the arms and legs, which can be built…
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Revell Germany 1/500 scale “Star Trek Into Darkness” USS Enterprise
Revell Germany has released a 1/500 scale plastic model kit of the latest starship Enterprise, from the J.J. Abrams-directed 2013 movie “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Molded in white and clear plastic, the model features good surface detail. For those who like to light their models, Revell Germany’s design makes the job easier. All of the…
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Dragon 1/35 scale 1/4-ton SAS 4×4 Patrol Comander’s Car
Dragon has released a “new” 1/35 scale plastic model kit it calls “SAS ¼-ton 4 x 4 patrol commander’s car” (mustn’t say jeep without licensing). It’s based on the Dragon kit released several years ago; the main updates are the wheels, which were a major disappointment in the original kit, and a new main-body shell.…
