Perth Military Modelling Site Blog

M-ATV MRAP

2012-01-23T16:22:00.000+08:00

The Kinetic M-ATV kit has just arrived.

I'll post a preview of the kit contents followed by a brief comparison with the Panda M-ATV kit.

The reason this will be brief is I have very little if any reference on the M-ATV apart from images lifted off the Web. So if anyone has more detailed data it would be appreciated. Also the many detail changes that happen with a currently serving vehicle also poses other problems nailing down the detail.

Stay tuned in any case and hopfully we can come up with something?

Cheers

Review or not a review

2012-01-21T04:18:00.003+08:00

Hi Guys.

As you know I have been off air for a while and during that time I’ve contemplated “what is a review” as we see all sorts of things posted claiming to be reviews when in fact some are little more than product adverts disguised as reviews.

So I’ve decided to change the definition (title) of reviews posted on PMMS to hopefully let people know what to expect from the link text on the What’s New page. One of the reasons for this is there are just so many new kits coming out it is really impossible to do a build review for each one, much as I’d like too.

So from now on there will basically be four types of “review” posted on PMMS:

1. Kit Preview: These will be basically what is commonly referred to about the place as an “in box review” where the kit contents is shown in sprues and close-up details shots with a brief rundown of the kit and the main points, this will mention anything that jumps out during the brief analysis phase but won’t include any kit assembly other than the odd minor bit now and again.

Also please note the Previews from now will not be rated, this is because you really need to assembly at least some major sub-assemblies to truly determine the status of the kit. For example if a preview was rated 9/10 because the parts were well moulded and looked "good" in the box but had some serious assembly problems that would make the rating totally misleading.

2. Kit Build Review: These will be a full in-depth review including build shots up to the full kit or just major sub-assemblies with an in-depth analysis of the kit accuracy, dimensions, details and any fit issues. Note these will not include the painting process as it’s a review of the kit not of painting techniques, these can be found elsewhere on numerous sites. These reviews will be rated e.g. 8/10 to give an indication of the overall quality.

3. Comparison Review: These as before will be ultra-in-depth reviews of two or more kits/update sets where the emphasis is on accuracy, dimensions and the comparative kit details and merits more than a build type review.

4. Accessory/Update Set/Book Review: This could include assembly or just the set parts depending on set being reviewed.

Well I hope that clarifies things a bit so people know what to expect in the review from the What’s New listings.

And I would also like to thank all those who have kindly made donations towards the site upkeep over the last few weeks, this is very much appreciated and I’ll get to replying to each in time, it’s just time is a little short as I’ve mentioned on quite a few occasions.

Cheers
Terry A

Neubaufahrzeug update 2

2012-01-09T19:18:00.001+08:00

Having received a number of requests I am working to finish the Neubaufahrzeug comparison review with heaps of photos to illustrate the detail differences between the kits. Hopefully this will be done by the end of the week, all going to plan.

Cheers

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T08:19:00.000+08:00

I hope everyone had a good New Year and also for the forthcoming Chinese New Year of the Dragon on January 23.

Sorry for the lack of site updates recently but I have had to deal with a rather debilitating illness, still not 100% but one must move on. Thanks to those who sent personal messages and sorry I haven’t been able to reply to each but they were appreciated as were the public comments which were a little embarrassing at times as I am just one person and there are other modelling sites about.

But being indisposed does give one time to ponder on the overall scheme of things and I must confess there are times when I wonder if it’s worth all the effort? I spend large amounts of time and more importantly substantial sums of money buying stuff for the site content, the site sponsors help with this but apart from a few private donations for which I am most grateful the majority of site visitors contribute nothing and seem to just expect it to be there with the resulting comments at times when updates are interrupted due to life getting in the way.

A lot of people visit PMMS each month and if just half those visitor were to make a small contribution towards the site costs it would go a long way to easing the burden on my pocket as well as showing they value the resource. But maybe they don’t that much and I may be being a little presumptuous there? If interested you don’t actually need a Paypal account as CC donations can be done via the Paypal site to my account: pmms@westnet.com.au. I’m not taking large donations, even a few $ a couple of times a year (the cost of tin/bottle of paint for example) all adds up but I’ll leave that out there for people to ponder.

Just to explain the $ outlay a bit more, when doing a full build and even more so with a comparison review is will buy 2 or 3 kits of each subject, this is so I can build one and have another “virgin” kit should I need to take further photos or make comparisons of parts after the bits have been assembled. If doing a build review of an aftermarket detail sets this often involves buying another kit to use with the review. Even if a company supplies a sample kit I will inevitably buy additional kits for the above reasons, the same goes for aftermarket update sets and the big hidden cost of reference books.

Every time a new kit subject is announced I will buy additional reference material which is not cheap so I can hopefully provide a review with sound facts both in relation to the kit parts but also in identifying variants and the subtle detail differences. The cost of the reference material is often twice; three times as much as the kit and all of this come out of my pocket. BTW bandwidth and hosting costs are lot less these days compared to the past with the majority of costs being the kits/reference as mentioned.

Moving on:
Over the year we have seen a steady stream of excellent quality kits from the likes of AFV Club, Bronco, DML, Miniart and Tasca and some where the quality definitely varies between releases such as with Trumpeter/HobbyBoss as well as those with slightly lesser quality but still interesting subjects such as IBG, ICM, Masterbox and Zvezda and the emergence of some promising new players such as Vision Model, Vulcan Model and Meng Model who’s latest Minenräumer kit all bodes well for the future.

While off line there were dozens of new kits released and I had partly done some reviews but these are now quite old in terms of “hot of the press” kit and I was wondering I you guys would want me to try and catch up with some of these kits or just start afresh with the latest releases, please let me know your thoughts.

One of those said reviews was to be the NeubauFahrzeug Comparison and I’ve done all the images but still need to finish the text, I might just post it with only brief comments for the images and not the full blown review. I can tell you my conclusions anyway, that is the Amusing Hobby kit is by far and away the more accurate and better detailed of the three kits by a long way actually. The only concerns with the kit is the softer grey plastic used that needs some care when cleaning up the sprue attachment burs and the turret cupola appears a little too small in diameter, other than that the level of detail is streets ahead not only in there being more detail included but it correctly depicts detail that is just wrong or missing in the other two kits.

Of the other two, the DML has some nice surface detail on the main hull but is over simplified in some areas and the level of detail is not there, it is though the quickest and easiest build of the three kits if that is your main criteria? With the Trumpeter kit it’s just not in the ball park with the overall level of detail rather poor in comparison with many errors and omissions, for example the suspension bogie spring units are fixed at an angle and should be vertical like in the other two kits. Assembly is fairly straightforward but it’s the lack of detail on the parts and detail errors that leaves it at the bottom of the pile.

Others built but the review text still to be done from before are the Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12t, the Tasca 1:24 Zündapp KS750 with Sidecar and a few update and resin sets.
Anyway let me know if you want these finished and posted abate with briefer text than would normally be the case.

And so on with the New Year, oh and the award for the first kit to arrive on the doorstep for 2012 goes to the Pit Road IJA Type98 4t Prime Mover "Shi-Ke". Nice clean mouldings, quite well detailed overall, the front radiator louvers are moulded open and it's just a smidgin bigger than a Jeep.

Cheers.

Site problems

2011-10-29T06:09:00.002+08:00

I apologise for the problems with the news page over the past few hours. My service provider moved the site to new hardware without telling me and then had FTP problems so I have been unable to make any updates. When I tried to update the news page some hours ago it resulted in a blank page which I was unable to fix till now.

Hopefully things are back to normal but if anyone is having problems accessing the site I would appreciate a heads up, thank you.

LVT Tracks

2011-10-24T20:44:00.000+08:00

Just recieved the new Voyager Models set PEA266 LVT Track Links.
To say these are complicated is one understatement. Each group of two links, that's the big one with the wavy tread cleat and the smaller joining link are made up of 24 small brass parts and you need to find the link pins yourself from plastic rod or wire.

The set has 20 etched frets with parts for 8 large and 8 smaller links on each fret, thats a total of 320 links.
The AFV Club kit has 146 links per track run on the vinyl track but the Voyager instructions don't indicate the number of links required?

To say this set is for the experienced modeller is another understatement and you may also need to be slightly masochistic to tackle the set. Click images for large view.

Neubaufahrzeug update

2011-10-17T18:45:00.000+08:00

Apologies for the delay with the comparison, there has been a lot to get through but it's almost done.
Hopefully will be posted by the end of the week, it will also include a review of the new Friulmodel Neubaufahrzeug tracks to see how they fit and compare with the kit tracks.

Thanks for you patience.

Terry A

copyright frustrations

2011-09-09T12:47:00.000+08:00

It seems in this day and age people think its open slather for anything on the net.
If guys ever wondered why I plaster large PMMS logos over the images on site you only have to look here;
http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=tech61&logNo=90122746704

Posting images of news items is one thing but images straight from reviews is quite another, I own the copyright for those images and no had the common courtesy to ask permission to re-post.

If anyone knows who runs this blog I appreciate a contact to "ask" them "respectfully" to remove my copyright review images from that blog.

This just gets so frustrating at times the amount of stuff lifted from my pages to be used elsewhere.

Any assistance would be appreciated, I've tried to find a link on the blog but the only contact link I could find isn't working.

Thanks guys

sorting the wheat from the chaff or something like that.

2011-09-09T10:30:00.001+08:00

First we had two then three, so the best thing to do is a full three way comparison of the Neubaufahrzeug (No.3-5) kits from Amusing Hobby, DML and Trumpeter to see just how they stack up and sort out some of the speculation that has been running rife about the kits.

As you would appreciate this will take a bit of time and I'll work on these progressively over the coming days-weeks. Stay tuned for updates.

Cheers
Terry A

Troubled times

2011-09-03T12:09:00.000+08:00

When I started this site over 13 years ago the main emphasis has been on providing modellers with news and in depth reviews so people would know what they are buying, this process has evolved over the years to try and incorporate as much information as possible so modellers are well informed.

So to the point of this ramble, I have recently had communications from a major manufacturer trying to manipulate and entice me to make editorial comment and change (read censor) the product announcements of a competitor (as have others). My reply was simple and to the point, i.e. I am simply the messenger and it’s up to the individual to read into release info what they will and I'm not going to be involved in any little intrigues or be manipulated for the benefit of one particular manufacturer over another.

Unfortunately this company has continued to try and manipulate me and other actions have made it clear they no longer wish their product news on PMMS and I have therefore regrettably removed the news information for this company due to this unacceptable behaviour.

I realise this is in conflict with the stated aims of providing up to date info for modellers but the bottom line is I will not be treated in such a disrespectful and manipulative manner by any company. I hope people understand this is to ensure the total independence of PMMS free from any manipulation pressure that would compromise the integrity of the information on site. Sorry if that sounds a bit "up myself" but one has to have some standards in this day and age.

The fact is I provide these companies with FREE publicity for their products in the news section and am under no obligation to do so whatever, I do so for the benefit of modellers and as a service to companies, not for the sole benefit of the companies, something that some don’t quite seem to understand at times.

I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause in the interim but as mentioned I simply will not be party to this overt manipulation where one company has a problem with another and tries to involve me, this is between them and nothing to do with me, the messenger.

At least it will provide a little more time to try and catch up with other reviews and if things change I will let everyone know but that isn’t up to me at this point.

Terry A

It figures

2011-09-01T14:05:00.000+08:00

For those statistically minded, these are the basic PMMS site stats for the last few Months.

July 2011
Unique visitors: 118,483
Number of visits: 322,334
Total Hits: 34,108,934
Pages hits: 1,850,913
Bandwidth: 605.31 GB

August 2011
Unique visitors: 123,215
Number of visits: 331,525
Total Hits: 35,620,297
Pages hits: 1,963,688
Bandwidth: 651.38 GB

Top 10 visitor countries for August (in order of visits):
United States
Great Britain
Germany
Japan
Russian Federation
Canada
France
Spain
Poland
Australia

Top 5 browsers used to visit PMMS for August:
MS Internet Explorer 60.2 %
Firefox 21.5 %
Safari 6.7 %
Google Chrome 5.3 %
Opera 3.9 %

Thanks to everyone for their support, makes it all worthwhile.
Cheers
terry A

AFV Club LVT-4

2011-08-22T17:40:00.001+08:00

Just received the new LVT-4 from AFV Club. A close-up preview will be posted directyl followed by a full build review as soon as time permits.

Update:
Full build review now online

Hosting maintenance

2011-08-06T08:32:00.000+08:00

I have been advised by my site hosting service that they will be conducting scheduled server maintenance beginning on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at 1:00am USET. The maintenance should last approximately one hour sometime during the day and PMMS will not be accessable. Things will be back to normal after the maintenance outage, sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tamiya 1:35 M1 Sherman

2011-07-22T22:38:00.003+08:00

Just received this much talked about new Tamiya 1:35 scale kit labelled M1 Super Sherman and a full review will be posted in a day or two. The kit while marketed as the Israeli M1 version what you get in the box is stock standard WWII mid production big hatch M4A1 76(W) which should appeal to a wider audience.

Initial impressions are mixed as from the waist up it's new but from the waist down it's the old lower hull tub and suspension dating back to 1981. Also all images of IDF M1 Shermans I've seen show they have the dust cover fitted to the mantlet which isn't in the kit, but more to follow.

Sd.Kfz.6/2 progress

2011-06-20T06:05:00.000+08:00

the assembly is done, I just need to finish scribbling a few words on what are two very different kits considering they are the same subject.

2011-06-12T09:01:00.000+08:00

You may have noticed I haven't updated the Blog for some time (well maybe not?) as I've been trying to keep up as usual with the flood of new kits and accessories that show no signs of slowing down.

In the meantime a quick update on the progress on the full comparison of the Bronco Models and Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.6/2 3.7cm FlaK 36 kits. A lot more information has become available since I posted the first review of the Bronco “Diana” kit and this has identified both kits as having quite substantial dimensional and detail issues which is taking a little longer than I would have liked to work through as it’s quite heavy going. We are probably looking at another week, maybe two for the completion of the review which hopefully will shed light on the issues for those interested.

Without wanting to pre-empt the final conclusions one thing that is most noticeable about the Trumpeter kit is the lack of research where some details have simply been “borrowed” from their own Sd.Kfz.7 8ton half track kits such as the engine/gearbox, the rear bed layout and side frames which are not correct for the Sd.Kfz.6 plus that horrendously undersized drive sprocket as mentioned in the kit preview.Oh and then there's the bit about the 3.7cm FlaK 37 not FlaK 36 but I should get back to the kits.

In the meantime both companies have announced follow up kits of the Sd.Kfz.6 Pioneer Version which I am sorry to say will probably inherit many of these issues, but I guess this will provide a fertile feeding ground for aftermarket companies with correct sets if they see fit.

Stay tuned.

2cm Flakvierling 38 continued

2011-04-06T13:34:00.000+08:00

News just posted of the forthcoming Nuts & Bolts Vol.27 2cm Flakvierling 38 is just what modellers have been waiting for with just sparing mentions in previous reference books. There has been some excellent photo coverage of the 2cm Flakvierling 38 in publications such as the Wings & Wheels Publications Sd.Kfz.7 in detail Special Museum Line No.36 and AFV Super Detail Photo Vol.9, both on the Sd.Kfz.7/1 but till now no in depth technical or production information. This new book should hopefully answer many unanswered questions which leads me to the next bit.

Back last year I posted individual reviews of the 2cm Flakvierling 38 kits from AFV Club, Bronco Models, DML and Trumpeter but didn’t follow through with the promised full comparison review. This was partly due to time but mostly I just didn’t have enough detailed information to do this justice given that three of the kits are of a high standard to start with.

With the new information certain to be in the Nuts & Bolts book I will hopefully have enough info to go back and complete that comparison to allow modelling to know exactly what each kit does and doesn’t have detail wise so stay tuned for the final instalment of the 2cm Flakvierling 38 kit saga when the Nuts & Bolts book is available in mid May.

Email spam

2011-01-19T10:29:00.001+08:00

Spam is a generic term used to describe electronic 'junk mail' – unwanted messages sent to a person's email account or mobile phone.
E-mail spam involves nearly identical messages sent to numerous recipients by e-mail. Definitions of spam usually include the aspects that e-mail is unsolicited and sent in bulk.

The latest spammer to hit the modelling community appears to have harvested e-mail accounts from one or more modelling forums and has been actively spamming theses addresses over the last few weeks.

The individual responsible for this latest spam is Werner Killersreiter who calls himself the chiefeditor of euromodelnews. The claims about subscribers and other details in these spam e-mails can be taken with a pinch of salt given the fact this individual has a very thin grasp on reality, honesty or integrity given his spamming activities.

The multiple spam e-mails I have received do not have any "unsubscribe" facility which is either deliberate or the spammer Werner Killersreiter is so stupid he thinks if people will have to go to the trouble of contacting him to have his spam stopped and won't bother, wrong Mr. Killersreiter.

It’s not a matter of just blocking the e-mails; this is easy but does nothing to stop the spamming at its source to help out other modellers who may not be that computer savvy, people like Mr. Killersreiter should be made aware this behaviour is unacceptable and will result in consequences.

In Australia under the Spam Act 2003 it is illegal to send, or cause to be sent, unsolicited commercial electronic messages. Rest assured Mr. Killersreiter full details of your activities have been sent to the appropriate authorities for the appropriate actions.

One surprising aspect is the advertisers on the euromodelnews.net website, one would have though associating yourself with a spammer is not the best career move and a definite error of judgment. Giving the benefit of the doubt these businesses may not be aware of the sites chiefeditor's activities and if bought to their attention may reconsider their support?

Stop email/internet Spam.

UPDATE:
I would like to clarify that the spammer Werner Killersreiter , chiefeditor of euromodelnews. has no connection whatever with the online shop “EuroModel” or “EuroModel Productions” who are based in Switzerland. The choice of the name 'euromodelnews' by Mr. Killersreiter is either an unfortunate coincidence or designed to cause confusion over his identity.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:38:00.006+08:00

With the new year dawning it's probably time to look back over 2010 with its seemingly endless array of new kit releases and come up with what might be considered the Military vehicle kit of the year, but before that a few other musings.

The plastic kit manufacturing landscape has changed rapidly over the last few years with the once top dog in the pound, Tamiya looking decidedly shabby these days and being replaced at the head of the pack by the prolific DML for a couple of years. But IMHO 2010 saw a young pup mature to take the title of top dog, that being Bronco Models with some superb high quality, diverse and imaginative releases.

We also saw other younger players refining their art such as Great Wall Hobbies, Vision and Vulcan Models that promises much for the future. The "established" players all gave us something new this with the most notable being AFV Club finally releasing arguably the most sort after Churchill variant, the Mk.IV and Tasca with the iconic Sherman M4A3E2 "Jumbo". DML released only two really new kits for the year with the 7.5cm PaK RSO (although the 7.5cm PaK wasn't entirely new) and the Opel Blitz, opps sorry German 3t 4x2 Truck.

Others to give us new kits this year were Academy, Finemolds, ICM, Italeri, Masterbox, Miniart, SKP, and Tristar. I'll mention Trumpeter/Hobby Boss separately for while they have continued to release a steady stream of new kits they really do need to understand that just ripping off other people's hard work is not the way to win friends and influence people.

I have only mentioned plastic kit manufacturers and not full resin kit or aftermarket companies as that would take a full year to cover on its own but they do play an important part in our hobby as do reference book publishers, yes even in this digital age.

And so to that title of "Kit of the Year", something that is not an easy task given the superb and diverse list of releases this year, not to mention individual modeller's preferences which helps to keep the modelling world going round. "Kit of the Year" refers to kits released during 2010 only, it may be that due to distribution delays some modellers do not get a particular kit until the following year, examples this year being the Bronco "Archer" and Tasca "Jumbo. But if the kit is available anywhere in the World through retail Hobby Shops that quailfies for inclusion in that years releases.

My shortlist (well not that short really) goes something like this and the fact there are so many worth considering goes to show the relative healthy state of our hobby on 2010. Note: these are only kits I have actually seen and touched the plastic and there may well be others worth considering that I have not. I have tried to limit these to actual new kits, not rehashes unless it's a significant variation from previous releases. Listed in company alphabetical order:

AFV Club: 2cm Flakvierling 38, Churchill Mk.IV, Nashorn, s.IG 33 15cm Heavy Infantry Gun.
Bronco: Sd.Kfz.6 5t 'Diana', 17pdr Anti-tank Gun, M1114 HUMVEE (opps again "Up armoured tactical vehicle"), 17pdr Self Propelled Gun "Archer".
DML: German 3t 4x2 Truck.
Great Wall Hobbies: Rheinmetall 12.8cm K44 L155 High Velocity Anti-Tank Gun, Krupp 12.8cm PaK44 High Velocity Anti-Tank Gun.
Miniart: Valentine Mk.III/IV
Tamiya: Austin "Tilly" (another opps British Light Utility Car 10hp), BT7 Model 1935.
Tasca: M4A3E8 Sherman "East Eight", M4A3E2 "Jumbo".
Trumpeter: 8.8cm PaK 43, Russian Voroshilovets Tractor.
Vision Models: BA-64B Armoured Car.
Vulcan Models: Zündapp K800 Motorcycle with STEIB Side Car Nr28.

I had initially selected the AFV Club s.IG 33 15cm Heavy Infantry Gun as my pick but a late entry pipped this at the post. So after careful consideration etc. etc. my vote for 2010 Kit of the Year goes to the Bronco Models 17pdr Self Propelled Gun "Archer".

The full build review will be posted shortly and I realise that this kit has only just been released and a lot of modellers are yet to get their hands on it. But the quality of mouldings, level of detail and relative ease of assembly given the kit has 607 plastic parts plus a further 432 individual track links, 208 etched brass parts and notwithstanding the annoying wheel size issue this really is a standout release.

We can only wonder what the short list will be at the end of 2011?

Cheers
Terry A

scratching ones head

2010-12-22T12:06:00.005+08:00

Being a sucker for anything with a 2cm flak/flakvierling on it I bought the new Trumpeter German Kanonen und Flakwagen (kit #01511)

One of the problems with the original 2cm Flakvierling in the Trumpeter kit of the German 2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Selbstfahrlafette (Sd.Kfz.7/1 early version) with Sd.Anhanger 51 (kit #01523) was the platform ammo racks only had 7 bays and not the correct 8.

Trumpeter corrected this in the individual 2cm Flakvierling 38 kit #02309 but this Flakwagon kit includes the original incorrect parts WTF.

You really do have to scratch your head at times as to the thinking that goes into some kits.
But not to worry really as I'll be replacing the kit Flakvierling mount with AFV Clubs 2cm Flakvierling 38 (kit# AF35S61) as its far superior to the one in this kit.

Cheers

Statistics and more statistics

2010-12-02T11:22:00.000+08:00

For those statistically minded, these are the basic PMMS site stats for the month of November 2010.

Unique visitors: 111,487
Number of visits: 297,140
Total Hits: 31,161,063
Pages hits: 2,016,616
Bandwidth: 475.94 GB

Top 10 visitor countries (in order of visits) with a total of 74 visitor countries. It really is a universal hobby.

Great Britain
United States
Russian Federation
Germany
Italy
Australia
Japan
Poland
Spain
France

Cheers
Terry A

Back further in time

2010-11-24T07:47:00.002+08:00

Further to my massage below, I now have no internet connection at home and have been told Friday at the earliest. My apologies for this but it's out of my control and yes I have conveyed my thoughts to my ISP.

So it's back to carrier pigeons it seems.......................

update 27 Nov.

and the good news is my connection has been restored so we are back at full speed and can hopefully catch up with a few reviews.

Back in time

2010-11-20T12:19:00.000+08:00

Isn't dial up wondeful? Switching to a new broadband plan and the local telco needs a week to work out how to do it. Just call me Capt. Slow (sorry James).

I only have dial up available till the switchover is done, almost forgot how to setup the account :-)

Like a step back in time and I forgot just how sloooooooooooooow dial up is.

Cyber bullying

2010-11-10T09:59:00.000+08:00

Bullying of any kind is quite cowardly and destructive but Cyber bullying is even more so as the victim is basically helpless to do anything about it. The perpetrators can anonymously (or not) hide behind their computer screens and say things they wouldn’t dare say in a face to face situation.

In some respects the effects of cyber bullying go unnoticed to the larger population just like car accident and cancer victims until it hits someone you know, then it all seems far more “real”.

The effects can be different, the helplessness can build up over time if the bullying is ongoing or it can be so devastating the effects can be immediate and can and has resulted in victims harming themselves sometimes fatally.

The perpetrators sometimes have no idea of the destructive nature of their actions and may not even think of it as bullying while others do it quite deliberately and maliciously with the motive of causing harm to the victim.

Both forms are just as bad and should be stamped out but humans being humans I fear that is impossible as it is rife throughout online communities in different forms.

It can be from outright abuse to more subtle examples where people are lambasted on a forum for asking a question that’s been asked before or where perfectly civil postings questioning something are removed under the guise of “keeping it friendly” because it’s contrary to the forum administrator’s opinions or affiliations.

Often where the bullying is public you find that trying to respond or defend yourself you just end up looking as bad as the bully in the eyes of some, which just adds more to the frustrations and feelings of helplessness.

It is up to all of use to be more aware and mindful of our actions and that comments made in web pages, forums or e-mails especially if defamitory or untrue can have quite devastating consequences.

Web Forums

2010-11-02T10:56:00.002+08:00

We all have our favourite forums we frequent often but there is many more lurking about the web.

If you know of a good web forum on Vehicles/Tanks etc. that's not already on the PMMS Webzine links drop me a mail on the link below and I'll add them to the list.

Good web forums

Cheers

Server space

2010-11-02T09:35:00.000+08:00

It seems I have used all my disc space allocation with my hosting company which was the reason for some images in the news pages not displaying yersterday. This may delay any updates for a day or so while I arrange to buy more space. Thankfully disc space is not that expensive unlike bandwidth.

I have made temporary arrangments to fix the image issue and apart from that there shouldn't be any other problems other than with my bank account :-)

Cheers

They just keep coming

2010-10-15T11:36:00.001+08:00

The new kits just keep coming and choice of subject getting more diverse. I have basically given up trying to keep up with all the new releases in terms of full reviews as it’s just too much a one person. That can only be good for the hobby, if not for me.

And one must give credit where credit is due. Breaking the trend of releasing new versions of previous versions of previous versions DML have in the form of the forthcoming Sd.kfz.10/5 broken new ground with a completely new vehicle, well almost as it has their previous 2cm FlaK but the vehicle itself is new and that can only be good. Ok they have announced the RSO but it has yet to appear.

And speaking of new I have just received the new SKP Model Cromwell Mk.VI CS with F type hull and on first inspection I can say this kit bears little resemblance to previous SKP plastic kits and is a marked step up in terms of quality both in moulding and detail.

It includes plastic for the main parts plus resin, etched and clear 'MV' style parts for the lights as well as twisted brass wire for the tow cables for a true multi-media kit and looks quite impressive in the box. I will post review images and first impressions later today to be followed by a full review down the track which will tell the full story.

Cheers

Where's ya bin?

2010-10-01T11:16:00.000+08:00

Sorry guys, had a short holiday hence no updates for a few days.

Even a one man band needs a holiday every now and then, sure you'll agree?

But it's snout back in the feedbag, so on we go.

Cheers

What day is it?

2010-09-19T02:26:00.000+08:00

Just noticed there hasn’t been a site review update for six weeks, apologies for that. I guess I just didn’t notice the days pass while buried in parts from five Flakvierling kits. But that will change in the next few days, yes I know I’ve said that before and I also said in the last blog update that I would post the comparison review in segments.

Well as things progressed and the anatomy of each kit became clearer I also changed how things will be revealed. I will now initially post full individual reviews of the three most recently released kits from AFV Club, Bronco and DML so people can get a better understanding of what you get in each.

This will be followed by the 5 way kit comparison including the older kits from Tamiya and Trumpeter. Not wanting to spoil the party though, I can say this is really a race in three as the Tamiya and Trumpeter kits are just not up to scratch if kit quality and accuracy are in you criteria when buying kits.

Sort of like being eliminated in the round of 16 at the World Cup, this is basically because the Tamiya kit has some serious dimensional issues as well as quite basic levels of detail and the Trumpeter kit is based on the Tamiya kit (say what?). As a consequence the Trumpeter kit inherits the same dimensional issues as well as adding more of its own in the parts added by Trumpeter, but more on all that will be revealed in detail with the review.

The three remaining kits are a different story altogether having the overall dimensions correct and some excellent detail included as well as each having some issues which is basically why it’s taken longer than I would have liked to sort things out.

But at least I know I’ll be able to repel any air raids on the house as I think I over ordered a bit with 5 x AFV, 4 x Bronco and 4 x DML Flakvierling kits laying about plus a couple of the Tamiya and Trumpeter kits.

And no I haven’t forgotten the Nashorn or Stryker comparisons, those kits are piled on the bench waiting their turn as is the new M4A3E8 from Tasca and the 17pdr A/T Gun from Bronco.

More soon.

Cheers.
Terry A

Review update

2010-08-16T12:56:00.000+08:00

Hi all

It’s been a while since my last posting as time just seems to get away (think I’ve said that before?).

I have started the 5 way Flakvierling kit comparison as all 5 kits are now available (some not worldwide as yet). One thing is clear from the start is this will take quite some time not only because it’s 5 kits but due to the complexity/number of parts in the kits with all but the elderly Tamiya kit having etched/metal parts included.

As both DML and Trumpeter have updated some the parts in their stand alone Flakvierling kits from the previous Sd.Kfz.7/2 kits I can’t ‘cheat’ by using some of the images from that comparison to extend the time needed.

Due to this I plan to post the review as instalments dealing with a sub-section of the kits such as the Trailers, Gun platform/Pedestal mounting, 2cm guns/mountings/sights. This will be a bit like periods of a football match with the final result not known till the end whistle, well maybe.

The first instalment on the Gun platform/Pedestal mounting should be posted soon and as this is the probably the largest of the sub-sections within the kits the remaining sections should follow shortly after.

As a consequence of this and the Nashorn comparison to follow I will probably have to forgo the part 2 of the “Diana” review with the gun, but hopefully the vehicle itself covered in part 1 is of main interest anyway? Apologies for that if waiting on the gun part.

Cheers
Terry A

Mice and Men

2010-07-25T15:50:00.001+08:00

Yes, the plan was to do the 'Diana' review first but the Trumpeter Voroshilovets Tractor was such a relatively simple yet very nicely done kit the review did not take long at all, so with that posted it’s on to the ‘Diana’ and then the Nashorn Comparison.

Well that’s the plan at this stage but the Allies are mounting a counter attack with a Priest, Valentine and 17pdr inbound, so who knows.

Coming reviews update

2010-07-21T23:10:00.001+08:00

Hi Guys,

Thanks to those who have voted in the review poll. The result emerging is fairly clear and after posting the GWH 12.8cm K44 review hopefully tomorrow or Friday. I will then start work on the full build review of the new Bronco 'Diana' kit, which looks to be quite oustanding from first impressions of the parts in the box.

One obvious consequence of producing the in-depth build review as opposed to the simpler 'in-box' type review is the extra time this takes meaning larger gaps between site updates. I am hoping people appreciate this and get benefit from the more detailed review even with the time gaps.

But if not I guess there are other sites that post 'reviews' more regular that should satisfy the need to read.

As well as the new kits already mentioned, others that are keeping the mailman busy are the Bronco 2cm Flakfielring 38, DML M7 Priest, Miniart Valentine and Tristar Brummbar Mid w/interior all of which are already on my pile or will be over the next few days. Not to mention the regular stream of update and details sets it seems there will be not much sleep for the next few weeks, but as 86 said "and loving it".

Cheers
Terry A

Christmas in July

2010-07-16T20:52:00.006+08:00

Seems to be the month to be merry.

Choices, choices and more choices, so which one to review first, see the poll at right.

I also have a few comparison reviews planned when all kits are available;
AFV Club/DML Nashorn
AFV Club/Bronco/DML/Trumpeter 2cm Flakvierling 38
AFV Club/Trumpeter M1132 Stryker ESV

Of course there is the saying about 'plans of mice and men' and the time factor or lack thereof will play a big part into what comes and when.

But I am hopeing to get as many as possible done, but then I almost forgot the DML M7 Priest due in a week or so.

Who said this isn't a great time for modelling.

Oh well back to the GWH 12.8cm K44 before anything else.

Cheers
Terry A

New kit flood

2010-07-01T22:28:00.003+08:00

Having just posted a preview of the third new kit release to arrive this week it highlights my comments below about the number of new releases we see.

I'm still doing the s.IG33 comparison and on top of that arrive these kits making it impossible to review the lot at once, hence the upgraded Preview page.

So check out the new arrivals and with time permitting the full reviews shouldn't be far away.

New Preview Page

2010-06-28T06:18:00.003+08:00

As mentioned below the permanent Kit Preview page has been updated and will have previews of new kits posted as they arrive with full reviews to follow time permitting.

This in no way is meant to replace the full warts and all reviews, it is just that the full review does take longer to prepare and with the rate of new releases some kits get overtaken in the process.

The main focus will still remain the full review with the Preview section just being a service in the meantime. It also helps when getting to the full review as all the parts have already been scanned and images coded, so there is method in the madness.

Kit Preview Page

Cheers
Terry A

Site update

2010-06-24T21:12:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys,

Given the number of new kit and AM sets being released it is impossible to keep up due to the time required to produce the style of in-depth detailed reviews I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) you guys prefer to see here.

With that in mind I will be upgrading the Kit Preview page to a more permanent status to include previews of new kits as released that will include images of the kit contents, some detailed images of the standout features and a brief synopsis of the kit.

This will hopefully allow you to get an idea of the kits if I'm unable to get the full review done before being overtaken by newer releases, something that has unfortunately occurred on a number of occasions in the past.

Full reviews will be done as time permits as well as further comparison reviews which by their nature take even more time again being even more detailed than 'normal' type reviews.

I'll be posting the upgraded Preview section in a day or so with some of the more recent kits to hit the shelves.

And yes the s.IG33 comparison is still coming, it's just taking longer than I'd like. The kits might be small in size but quite complex when analysing almost every nook and cranny.

Any comments welcome.

Cheers
Terry A.

s.IG33 update

2010-06-16T05:44:00.001+08:00

Apologies for the time taken with the review but neither kit was an overnight build.

I've basically done with the building and now just have the words to put together, so with luck the full review should be up in a few days.

Cheers
Terry A

Forum and other things

2010-06-06T17:14:00.002+08:00

Hi guys.

Just an update on the Forum suggestion of a whgile back. It's been decided to put this on hold for the present due to the time or lack thereofrequired to implement and maintain, even with the help of friends. This time is better used in posting news and preparing reviews as most would hopefully agree.

There are also plenty of current modelling forums to cater for most and as said adding another here would just take up valuable time.

And speaking of reviews, I currently up to me ears in s.IG33 parts with the full comparison on the new AFV Club (kit# AF 35148) and the DML (kit# 6261) which has been out a while now. I was going to include the older ALAN kit of the s.IG 33 (kit# 041) but looking at the sprues compared to the two current generation kits just made my head hurt, so I'll save the pain and just include the two newer kits.

Stay tuned, more to come.

I also posted some images of the soon to be released Bronco Sd.Kfz.6 'Diana', this is certainly going to be the Kit of Year as far as German Modellers are concerned. Yes, a full review will be posted when the kit is in my sweaty hands.

Cheers
Terry A

Back on deck, almost

2010-05-27T19:55:00.001+08:00

Hi Guys,

It’s been a while since my last posting; the time just seems to get away from you these days.

As you may have noticed I’ve posted some new reviews recently, a few from book reviews from Peter Brown (thanks Peter) and the new 2cm Flak 38 barrels from Voyager. I also have another new 2cm Flak 38 barrel from US Company Alliance Model Works which I’ll post shortly as well as updating the 2cm Flak 38 barrel comparison with the new barrel sets.

I have a few reviews which were almost done before the down time and so long as people don’t mind reviews of kits that have been around for a while, as well as some books I’ll try and get those posted also.

The torrent of new releases just doesn’t slow down and while loath to predict exactly what will be reviewed I am hoping to do full comparison reviews of the AFV Club and DML 15cm s.IG.33 Infantry Gun, the 2cm Flakvierling 38 kits from AFV Club, Bronco, DML and Trumpeter as well as the M1132 Stryker ESV from AFV Club and Trumpeter when they are all available.

As I said things may change depending on what new kits are announced like the two Valentines on the horizon, not to mention the Zundapp K500 from Vulcan Models and the endless stream of aftermarket detail and update sets.

We are in good times and hopefully I can continue to contribute my bit to help separate the Gold from the Pyrite (FeS2 for the scientific minded).

Cheers
Terry A

New Kit News

2010-05-02T18:43:00.000+08:00

Hi All,

I have resumed updates in the New Kit News section today, some items may already be familiar to you as we catch up with things been happening.

Further news updates will continue as before and hopefully it may be possible to resume reviews soon as things are progressing on that front. As well the proposed Forum is still under consideration.

There have also been a few updates to hopefully make it easier to get around as well as minor cosmetic updates for a fresh look.

Thanks again for the support during this time, stay tuned.

Cheers
Terry A

Rumour control

2010-04-24T08:30:00.000+08:00

I have received more than a few e-mails expressing concern over the activities of certain individuals and the break from site updates so I thought it best to set things straight on that subject.

As I said in my post below I have dismissed everything to do with these sad individuals who have nothing to offer the hobby other than to tear things down.

And no I haven’t heard from anyone, nor will I over information that is freely available elsewhere on the net.

So please don’t worry on that score, I just have some unrelated issues being worked though and hopefully will be able to resume site updates shortly.

The hobby is in good shape so enjoy the seemingly endless stream of great new releases.

To quote Winston Churchill; "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."

New Flakpanzer IV books

2010-04-21T06:19:00.000+08:00

I must confess a special interest in AA vehicles and in particular the many and varied German Flak vehicles from truck mounted to the special built Flakpanzers. Two new books on the Panzer IV based Flakpanzers due for release shortly should shed more light on the subject especially the elusive "Ostwind"

Due for release on April 30 is the Panzer Tracts No. 12-1 - Flakpanzerkampfwagen IV and other Flakpanzer projects development and production from 1942 to 1945

Thanks to surviving Krupp records, for the first time the design evolution, production changes, and history of the “Moebelwagen” and other Flakpanzer projects have been correctly sorted out. Hundreds of hours were spent precisely measuring surviving Pz.38 f. 2 cm Flak, “Moebelwagen”, “Wirbelwind”, a “Kugelblitz” turret and superstructure and associated Pz.Kpfw.IV components. These exacting measurements plus original drawings of the “Ostwind” and “Wirbelwind’ turret bodies were used in creating new detailed as-built drawings. This book is also loaded with new information on the history, production, unit organization, and wartime reports of the Flakpanzer. In accordance with our high standards, the text and data are based solely on primary sources. 35 scale drawings and 81 photos illustrate this 68 page book.

The second is a revised edition from Nut & Bolts due for publication on May 15:
Nuts & Bolts Vol.25: Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind (Sd.Kdz. 161/4), Ostwind & Kugelblitz
Author Detlev Terlisten & Heiner F. Duske
168 pages A4, glue-bound, approx. 284 photos, of these 66 historical shots of the three types of Flakpanzer IV with all known variants in b/w, a number of them previously unpublished;
191 colour photos of surviving Wirbelwind vehicles, 27 colour photos of all three models from Tony Greenland, English / German captions,
34 pages English / German text, 20 pages of scale drawings of all versions in 1:35 scale from John Rue, 11 pages of camouflage schemes and ammunition from Laurent Lecocq, and a table of organization of units using the Flakpanzer IV (Kriegstärke-Nachweisungen KStN),
revised and enlarged (almost double size) edition of Vol.13, available in military book- and modelshops or in case you cannot find a supplier order direct at hfd.duske@t-online.de

Both books should be must have for fans of the Flakpanzer IV.

Forum Poll closed

2010-04-21T00:04:00.000+08:00

Thanks to all those who voted on the proposed PMMS Forum, your input is much appreciated.

Interestingly the percentages were constant throughout the voting period only varying by a point or two either way.

The final numbers were;
Yes: 644 (64%)
No: 358 (35%)
Total: 1002

This gives a good indication of things to consider as well as other issues and there will be further updates on this shortly. I will hopefully be able to update the situation regarding the site shortly as well, thanks for your patience and understanding.

There has certainly been no letup in the new releases to keep everyone poor with more interesting stuff to come during the year.

Cheers
Terry A

PMMS Discussion Forum

2010-04-02T16:58:00.001+08:00

Hi Guys.

I've added a small poll on the question of PMMS having its own Modeller's forum.

One thing to consider; is there enough forums about already and would another just make things more confusing?
Or would having one on site allow discussion on new kits and reviews in the one place.

I've noticed that many PMMS visitors already frequent the established forums, hence the question?

The proposed forum would only having about 6 categories to keep things simple and people would have to register to make postings.

Let me know what you think by casting a vote.

Cheers

Apology

2010-03-25T06:13:00.002+08:00

Just want to apologize for the on again off again recently. Unfortunately this is the nature of personal issues currently being worked through.

This has been aggravated by the continual actions of some bitter and twisted individuals that I would normally have just ignored if not for the other issues and now will be.

That is a criticism I will wear, but I intend to leave the past in the past and with my trusty stick draw the proverbial line in the sand and move on. If others wish to perpetuate things, well good luck to you.

Thanks again for the support shown. As mentioned there won’t be new updates just now but hopefully not too long.

Cheers
Terry A

Posting Rules

2010-03-24T17:00:00.000+08:00

Guys,
Please note the 2 posting rules at right. I am unable to add any comments if your full name is not included as a signature if your don't have a Google account, thanks.

Rule 2. Trolls will not get past Go. A Troll is anyone who just want's to come on here making further accusations regarding the posting below even if you include your full name, got it.

That subject is closed, and I will not be goaded into re-opening it.

I trust that makes rule 2 clear enough!

Terry A

Site future

2010-03-24T11:03:00.001+08:00

As stated below I will not allow irrelevant factors to intrude on what I do. To make one thing clear, the decision to take down the site was influenced by certain individuals that congregate on the Flame blog site but didn’t prevent them from uploading a ripped copy of the site to the Rapidshare file sharing network. (I use the term “individuals” and “them” because most hide behind anonymity so we don’t know their identities, very courageous)

If not for other factors I would not have reacted in the same manner and I apologize for what would seem to be rather rash actions. As a result I will be putting the site back on line as it was a couple of weeks ago, it will be a day or so before all content in back on-line.

Please note there will be no updates at this stage as I still have remaining personal issues to be fully resolved, but removing other distractions from the equation will assist in that end. I also plan to redesign the site structure as well to hopefully make things easier to navigate.

I want to thank again everyone for their support which has helped in removing irrelevant distractions so I can concentrate on the important things in life.

I’ll keep this blog updated with further site developments.

Cheers
Terry A

Enough is Enough

2010-03-24T10:10:00.013+08:00

Apologies for this, if you don't know what this is about, probably better to keep it that way as it's not a nice tale. I also apologize for posting about this subject again but I am at a complete loss of how to deal with the unending and savage accusations still be railed against me over the last two and a half years.

We have seen a lot of stuff posted by various individuals on the subject of the Panther DVD review posted some two and half years ago now.

An interesting point is back “when” things used to be about substance, the news and reviews etc.

But with the advent of this blogging phenomenon we see the emphasis change to that of the individual where it seems "who" is more important that "what?"

Why is this? Well basically it’s because those without any valid argument or facts to offer resort to character assassination, name calling and outright abuse, just the thing we have seen in abundance on the Panther Project and The Flame blog sites.

I have sort advice from numerous people on what best to do in a situation where no matter what I say it is twisted around to suit the agenda of others. These people have made up their minds on false premises and predigest, and are ready to put their connotation on anything said to fit in with their agenda; so why bother?

I have decided to simply ignore these people and urge people NOT to feed them, simply ignore them and let them wallow in their own mess.

Brian lives at Derby, Derbyshire, UK, I am in Perth, Western Australia the other side of the planet, yet he claims to know exactly where the DVD was and what Jon and I were doing at any given time, even what review I was working on at a given time. Give me a break, he must be the World's best clairvoyant as well? (Sorry to be flippant)

One could also ask why Brian re-posted the whole saga on his blog on March 9 even though he states he only makes postings in response to things I say. I hadn’t made any comment on this subject for months, so why did he make this posting if not to re-ignite the issue for his own motives?

The simple fact is you can't have proof of something that didn't happen; if anyone reads my e-mails without the suggestive prompting you will see this! For the umpteenth time; I, Terry Ashley wrote the Panther DVD review, why Brian can't understand this is beyond me other than he doesn't want too because it makes an even bigger mockery of his vindictive ravings.

I have no intention of admitting to something I didn't do just to appease some nasty foul mouthed bully.

Brian has again posted one of my private e-mails from 16 June 2007. I am actually glad he did because it shows I'm telling the truth in regards this Private forum if you ignore the usual leading by Brian, as well as tipping a bucket on his mate Vinnie Brannigan, way to go Brian.

I will put my hand up for one thing, saying in some e-mails that I was working on the review, which was simply to get this wining individual to go way. Something I bet nearly everyone including Brian has done at some time when asked if you're doing something, especially at work. You say "yes working on it" so you don't have to elaborate further, that's all. Yet he takes this literally because it suits his agenda, and should be seen as such.

And let’s not forget this is not just an attack on me and Jon Bailey it is an attack on free speech where someone who can’t challenge the review on factual issues resorts to the worst kind of personal abuse. Can you image the situation where everyone is just so scared to tell the truth for fear of being attacked in this manner for years after the event; reviews would be worth didley squat and would be nothing more than product adverts.

So Brian, I REJECT YOU and your vindictive foul mouthed hate campaign as a total disgrace and irrelevance.
I REJECT your trumped up allegations, arrived at by putting your twist on anything to suit your own agenda.

You can continue to post your vindictive tripe and fairy stories until you are a bitter and twisted old man (if not already) as far as I'm concerned along with the anonymous mates that have gathered around you like flies on a steaming cow pat.

My conscience is clear on all of this, I know what I did and didn’t do and that’s all that matters to me. The erroneous conclusions of others with predetermined agendas are a total irrelevance as are they.

Just to summarise, as my e-mail of 16 June 2007 proves I had no knowledge of or participated in any alleged conspiracy by some private forum group, I wrote the review and explained the so called "lying in e-mails" above. The rest is just hot air from a bunch of the most nasty, vindictive, foul mouthed individuals you would have the misfortune to run across in a dark alley and as said, I reject the lot.

I have far more important things in life to get on with. Again, I wrote the DVD review, which is the only story you are ever going to get from me because it's THE TRUTH, so deal with it! THE END.

I apologise if that sounds a little arrogant but this has gone on for two and a half years now and enough is enough.

Footnote:
With the review off line we have seen the emotive term “assassinations piece” emerge and without the review people have been unable to see for themselves. Therefore I will re-post the Panther DVD review and my Addendum so people can actually read these and decide for themselves without being led to a conclusion by Mr.Balkwill.

The review in fact is factual and technically accurate something no one to this day has been able to dispute, hence the nasty hate campaign and character assassination we have seen from Mr.Balkwill and his mates.

Let’s also not forget Brian said he would remove his postings from the Panther Project and Flame blog pages if the PMMS review was taken down, well that didn’t happen did it, the situation just escalated into a feeding frenzy by him and his anonymous mates.

Footnote 2 on Jon Bailey's involvement?
Yes Jon is my mate, not my wife meaning he doesn't tell me every little thing he does.
There has been a lot of talk about what did or didn’t take place on a private forum, the key word being PRIVATE. When people are at the pub or having coffee with friends they will say stuff they wouldn't think of saying in public, that's what private means.

In the end this would have remained on the "private" forum was it not for Brian betraying that privacy, not for the first time either. Whatever occurred on this private forum had no bearing on the review I WROTE as I’ve already stated I didn’t even know of the existence of this group until all this blew up. So what’s the relevance of continually talking about this group when they had nothing to do with the final review, just another giant smoke screen to try and make out there was some conspiracy, which there wasn’t other than in Brian’s mind?

It is claimed Jon has a hatred for Alasdair Johnston yet there is no proof of this anywhere other than what Brian and his mates say. The supposed ML posting on this is here, make up your own mind?

Thanks to all

2010-03-20T16:13:00.000+08:00

I have bought back this blog so I can keep people informed about events now and in the future, if you wish to add a comment please read the posting rules. There are only two so it should be clear to everyone, if you want to post an anonymous comment or use an alias and then whine it didn’t make it, that’s your problem. Hope that’s clear enough?

Thanks for all the support shown during this unfortunate time. I’m sorry things have ended this way and apologise for the sudden downing of the site but unfortunately due to the savagery and persistence of the attacks on me I had little choice if I was to make any headway as far my personal situation is concerned.

Yes, I will agree I have made some stupid statements along the way and some out of sheer frustration which were not thought through due to other personal issues at the time which probably made the postings look quite unsettled.

It is not easy to know how to respond to fabricated “evidence” cobbled together from various sources to suit one’s own agenda, in some ways it’s impossible without looking as stupid as those making the accusations.

The site closing saga last November being the best/worst example of that and was mainly a result of unfortunate timing which I regretted making. Yes it did make me look rather stupid but was certainly not planned.

I may be in a position shortly to make a full statement on events leading up to the site closure and what the future holds, but at present I am simply stepping back to deal with the personal issues without these distractions.

I will say this though to those who wish to make comment, I give no credence to anything said on forums, blogs or anywhere by cowards who hide behind the anonymity of the internet. If you don’t have the courage to identify yourself with your REAL name then you are of no consequence and your opinions are worthless.

Thanks again for the support shown
Terry A

The first boat

2010-03-12T09:34:00.002+08:00

Didn't take long for the first boat to float by.

Below is a press release from AirConnection on the new KV book by Neil Stokes

KV – Technical History and Variants
by Neil Stokes
Published by AirConnection, Canada
ISBN 978–0–9781091–2–7

AirConnection is proud to announce the publishing of the long-awaited book KV – Technical History and Variants by Neil Stokes. More than four years in the making, the book is in hardcover format with 560 A4-sized pages. The book includes 350 black-and-white photographs and over 300 drawings including 50 pages of 1:35 scale drawings and 12 pages of color profiles.

The book covers all major variants and sub-variants including the KV-1, KV-1S, KV-85, KV-2, KV-8 and SU-152. It draws upon wartime Soviet documents and technical manuals, factory archive material and other primary source references to provide the most in-depth treatment of the KV series ever published.

The majority of the photographs come from private sources and less than 10% have been previously published. They include rarely seen top views, interior photographs of the KV-1 and SU-152, along with previously unpublished photographs providing glimpses of the turret interior on the KV-2.

We expect that the book will available at the end of April, 2010.

The recommended retail price is $129.99 Canadian dollars.

The book is accompanied by a web site http://www.4bogreen.com containing modeling-related information including kit reviews, lists of available after-market products and tweaks lists. By utilizing the web site to complement the book, the author and publisher can more easily include information about new kits and after-market products as they become available.

Trade and personal inquiries for the Americas and Asia/Pacific should be directed to AirConnection and those for Europe should be directed to AJ-Press.

Thanks to all

2010-03-11T20:27:00.003+08:00

A big thank you for all the kind comments, again it's all a bit overwhelming.

After all I only set out to try and provide the type of review I felt was missing at the time and unfortunately is still the case today in some magazines an online sites.

I never wanted any sort of notoriety or claimed to be any sort of expert but left the talking to the reviews, all this adoration type talk makes me a little uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed as I was just a modeller trying to help out other modellers.

Until recently this was an enjoyable pastime but just got more and more difficult as the enjoyment waned. There are a few factors that led to this so it’s hard to pin down just one cause, but it’s really academic now anyway.

I’ll also be keeping this blog going and may include the odd kit announcement of things that really float my boat as well as the odd build image.

Thanks again for the kind words; it’s nice to know all the long hours were appreciated by the vast majority of modellers who visited the site. And to the handful of sad little individuals who simply couldn’t handle the plain facts I leave you with the quant Australian saying “go stick your head up a dead dingos bum”

Ahh, that feels better, now let’s see what kit will it be?

Cheers

“The time has come” the Walrus said......

2010-03-09T21:56:00.004+08:00

It is with some regret I have to announce that due to personal issues there will be no further updates to this site.

I won’t go into the details other than to say that for various reasons I don’t have the same enjoyment or desire in doing what I do as before and after 13 years I’m just so tied and it’s time for a rest.

I want to again thank people for the support shown over the years and particularly during some unfortunate recent events, and especially to the site sponsors for their ongoing support and would ask modellers to support those vendors when possible.

The hobby has never been in better shape with an unprecedented number of innovative new releases announced for the future from an ever growing number of companies both big and small.

I won’t be leaving the hobby and one doesn’t know what the future holds, but please don’t read anything into that as far the PMMS site goes. I’ll simply slip back into the faceless throng of modeller’s that make up the majority of the modelling communities around the World.

All the best.

Terry A

The world we live in

2010-03-07T13:49:00.000+08:00

It has come to my attention that there are some who are approaching manufacturers or vendors using my name as an “in”, either by saying they are a friend or implying I have approved of my name being used.

I’d like to state I have never given approval for my name to be used by anyone as some form of introduction. Nor do I endorse any such approaches; name dropping to feather one’s own nest is definitely something I don’t endorse.

If anyone is contacted by individuals claiming they have me blessing I would appreciate you check with me before granting any favours, thank you.

Terry A

site update

2010-02-17T20:40:00.002+08:00

Hi Guys.
I have to apologise again for my absence recently due to the ongoing issues I have mentioned before so won’t bore you all again repeating them.

I can say with tongue stuck firmly in cheek that I haven’t been singed by any large mythical flying creature or nipped by slippery roaches as I have been able to balk well enough to avoid the immature barbs of these sad little nobodies.

While there haven’t been a lot of updates recently I’ve not been entirely idle as I’ve built a number of recent kits ready for the writing part. Just building the kits alone has been some good therapy and I should have a number of reviews ready soon, all going well.

The full review of the Vision Models BA-64B Armoured Car is all but done and should be posted in a day or so followed by the others as above.

Thanks again for your patience and understanding and I know I’ve said this before but hopefully things will back to normal soon. I’d also like to apologise for not replying too many e-mails recently, not due to any disrespect but again due to circumstances I didn’t have a lot of control over.

I have a large pile of catalogues from Nuremberg here and will be making an update in a few days listing the coming releases from most of the large and small companies, with a notable exception but they had nothing really new to show anyway so who cares.

Cheers
Terry A

Australia Day

2010-01-26T05:56:00.003+08:00

January 26 is Australia Day, the official National day of Australia that commemorates the Flag Raising at Sydney Cove on 26 Jan 1788 by members of the First Fleet.

Happy Australia Day.

New Year off to good start

2010-01-06T22:54:00.004+08:00

Hi All

Apologies for my absence over the last couple of weeks, it’s that time of year and I’ve also had some personal stuff to sort out, won’t bore you with details but updates should recommence shortly hopefully.

Thanks for your patience and understanding and also to those who have made donations over the last few weeks. I can assure you your generosity won’t be in vain and I appreciate the support.

In the meantime here is something to wet the appetite of every Allied modeller with a full build review to kick things off again.

The year is off to a very good start.

Cheers
Terry A

Happy New Year to one and all

2010-01-01T12:17:00.004+08:00

2009 was a very good year for modellers with the quality and number of new releases making for some interesting choices.

On the kit side we saw some innovative subject releases from companies such as AFV Club (Churchills), Bronco (A13s, Bofors, Sd.Kfz.221 and Kfz.13), Miniart (Bantam, Dingo ACs), Zvezda (Mercedes L4500) and Hobby Boss with their V100 and LVTP-7/AAVP-7A1 series to name just a few.

There were new companies dipping their toes in the water such as Vision Models (M1A1 Pack Howitzer), Vulcan Models (2pdr AT Gun) while others starting life as aftermarket producers expanded into full kit production such as Lion Roar/Great Wall Hobbies with the start of their sWS halftrack series.

The list of aftermarket etched and resin conversion and update sets is just too great to list but the quality of these continue to rise in the main with again new companies emerging such as ET Model and Orange Hobby to join the list of established companies.

To pick just one kit out the many excellent releases this year would be a difficult task given the different period and subject preferences of modellers. But taking into account the many kits I have reviewed and seen this year my nomination would go to Bronco Models excellent kit of the 40mm Bofors AA Gun. While not for the inexperienced modeller this is a superbly engineered and produced kit.

2009 also saw the internet modelling continue to expand with the existing “mainstream” sites being joined by new arrivals to offer further choice for modellers, these are too numerous to list so check the links page for the newer sites.

One phenomenon emerging this year was the rise of corporate involvement (ownership) in modelling sites offering the full range of features such as forums, model galleries and news items previously catered for by purely “amateur” sites.

While this could be seen as good for modellers (and the companies) it also sees some content being more “controlled” with an emphasis on promoting the company product and forum minders to ensure things don’t get too critical of those paying the bills.

This has also found its way into product reviews with some “in box” reviews just listing the kit contents with maybe a brief word on quality while using company supplied images, these are little more than product adverts masquerading as reviews.

Comprehensive unbiased reviews still seem to remain the lot of the “amateur” sites free of this type of corporate involvement other than some sponsor banner placement.

Let’s hope 2010 continues the trend on innovative and quality releases both as full kits and aftermarket accessories with initial indications seem to indicate it will, much to the benefit of the hobby and modellers.

Thanks again for the support shown during a difficult year personally but hopefully things will improve over 2010 and get back to “normal”, whatever that is?

Happy New Year.

And let’s not forget those countries that observe the Julian calendar New Year on January 14 and the Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger) which falls on February 14 this year.

Cheers
Terry A

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T22:21:00.000+08:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

I have been a little indisposed for a week or so but should be making site updates again shortly.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their support over the year and hopefully you all got the kit you wished for at Christmas.

Cheers
Terry A

quick update

2009-11-29T14:12:00.005+08:00

Seems forwever since the last blog update, but I've been beavering away on the new Tasca 1:24 Panzer II Ausf.F and here a few progress shots of the suspension and front lights.

The full review shouldn't be too far away, hopefully.

Click for full view

Click for full view

I also have the new paper grills from Kamizukuri of Japan which I will have a close look at shortly after.

Cheers
Terry A

New model site

2009-11-17T07:55:00.002+08:00

Hi All.

Tanks n Things started life as just a forum 1 year ago but today they launch their full website; Tanks & Things with sections for news, reviews, group builds, model galleries as well as the forum.

Check it out as their is always room on the web for friendly model sites.

Cheers
Terry A

Quick Site Update

2009-11-06T22:48:00.003+08:00

Hi All,

I have been able to sort the site hosting sooner than expected and there shouldn't be any downtime hopefully.

I'll also resume normal updates soon as basically that's what I enjoy doing, most of the time.

Cheers

Thank you all

2009-11-05T06:23:00.001+08:00

Thanks again for all the support shown, as mentioned I’m a little overwhelmed by it all.

I am one who feels people should take responsibility for their own actions and really shouldn’t have mentioned the health issues as some sort of excuse.

Unfortunately there are some sad of soul who think this was just a publicity stunt to gain attention, I really feel for you but in reality it’s to be expected in this day and age.

Had things been “normal” I probably would not have reacted in the way I did and I just want to say publicly I don’t blame FSM for anything and hold no ill feeling towards them.

I’d also mention that when posting blog comments to include your name as there have been some anonymous comments I have had to reject, sorry to those people.

So let’s put this behind us and move on to better things, leaving those who can’t or won’t accept plain facts to wallow in whatever they prefer to wallow in.

Cheers

Site update

2009-11-04T15:14:00.009+08:00

I have to say I’m a little overwhelmed by the responses posted here, as well as feeling a little guilty. Maybe I have over-reacted a little due to my present health situation, but more on this shortly.

First off let me explain how the Google Blog software works as this is different from a normal forum type situation.

Any comments added to a blog entry are not made public immediately like on a forum. When a comment is posted the blog administrator receives an e-mail with the comment details (who from, text of comment etc.) and then he/she has the ability to “Publish” or “Reject” the comment.

This is why some people may not see their comment for quite some hours after posting it. If for example someone in the UK posts a comment when it’s the middle of the night here I won’t get to see the e-mail till next day, this can be up to 8 hours or more given the time zones.

I agree with the majority view that I should just ignore all this as I have done in the past with such individuals.

Maybe I’m a bit naïve but I’ve not encountered such a level of nastiness directed at such a personally level before.

As a bit of therapy I have written a review (yes me) of the panther projects latest media event, the YouTube “Terry’s downfall” video, enjoy.

My comments in the DVD review addendum say all the rest, so let’s leave it at that.

And to the sites future?
Unfortunately the present hosting arrangement has been terminated and the site will be offline either tomorrow or the next day depending where you are in the World, sorry.

The bottom line is I need a break having been doing this single handed for 13 years as well as the current health issues which have not helped dealing with all this other rubbish.

But I will find it a new home and it will hopefully be back on line as a reference site within a week.

There won’t be any real updates for a few weeks as I take time out hopefully giving me time to recharge and might actually build a model just for the hell of it.

When the updates resume it will like a new beginning and as such I will again post news of DML kits along with every one else. As they say the ball will be in their court to see if that continues.

Thanks again for all you messages of support, really has been gratifying as well as humbling but does help put things in perspective. I have never made myself out to be any sort of expert on anything other than a simple modeller trying to make honest assessments of kits available to those who want them.

If others want to put labels on me that’s up to them but I have no illusions at all and know full well if I did go away in a few months people would be saying Terry who?

The hobby is far bigger than one person or a few cockroaches.

Cheers

Site closing

2009-11-03T09:38:00.005+08:00

Edited 6 November;

My apologies for the previous posting.

Due to other events and circumstances I over reacted and said things in haste.

Due to those circumstances it has been difficult to deal with the personal nature of recent events, but I don’t intend to dwell on that as my conscience is clear in my actions.

But, it has been overwhelming the amount of support shown and especially the postings from modellers in many countries; it really is a global hobby.

I can assure everyone the previous statements were not calculated or intended to draw such comments.

Thanks again and lets all move on.

Cheers

Just keeps getting better

2009-11-01T01:29:00.004+08:00

We hear often that competition is good for the hobby, providing it's done in a constructive manner.

Well in the world of 2cm Flak38/KwK38 metal barrels it is certainly the case. We have recently seen the superb barrels from Adlers Nest and LionMarc/Passion Models that included for the first time the textured barrel changing handgrips on the barrel tube.

Griffon Models already have 2cm Flak38 barrels in their inventory but have gone back to the drawing board and completely redesigned their 2cm Flak38 as well as the 2cm KwK38 barrels with refined details for the flash supressor as well as also including the textured barrel changing handgrips.

Voyager Models have joined the fray by releasing three different 2cm barrels, the L/60 Flak38, the L/55 KwK38 and the shorter L/50 KwK38 all with the textured barrel changing handgrips and other refinements for the flash supressors.

Added to this both Griffon and Voyager have redesigned their 20 round magazines for the Flak38 and the 10 round magazines for the KwK38 as well as the larger 4 magazine ammo boxes with enhanced details over the previous releases.

This latest generation of 2cm metal barrels from these four companies basically makes all other 2cm barrels obsolete in terms of accuracy and details included and also means I will have to go back to the drawing board with the 2cm barrel comparison review page.

I will be posting individual reviews of the new barrel sets shortly which include sets for the Flak38 and the Flakvieling 38 with four barrels in the one set followed by an update of the comparison review to take into account this latest generation of barrels now available.

Stay tuned.

Cheers

Review update

2009-10-24T19:01:00.002+08:00

Due to the health issues which I’ve mentioned previously I have unfortunately missed doing some recent new kit releases such as the Tamiya Matilda, AFV Club T-34-76, Trumpeter T-62 and others listed on the kit preview page as well an almost endless list of update sets and books.

Having built the old Tamiya T-62 some years ago, I like many others was looking forward to the new Trumpeter kit.

With the rate of new releases I’m not sure if I will be able to catch up with these and apologise for that but I will endeavour to get to these as time permits. They may not be the latest at the time but may still be useful for those not building the kit at time of release.

I will also trial mixing an aftermarket update/detail set review with comments on the donor kit in the one review (thanks for the suggestion Theo). This may help give catch up on things a little.

Speaking of new kits, I have just received the AFV Club M5A1 Stuart (Late) and T-34-85 as well as the IBG BMW R12 Civilian version and I hope to post the reviews of these and others shortly.

Thanks again for all the support during this trying period, much appreciated.

Cheers

Sponsor name change

2009-10-22T10:36:00.002+08:00

Please note a name change Historica Books.

This is a press release from Andrew from Historica hobbies.

"Hi Everyone,
I wanted to let you know about some exciting news at Historica Books.
We are now HISTORICA HOBBIES.
Please update your bookmarks to www.historicahobbies.com
Our existing www.historicabooks.com will stay active for a while until we all get accustomed to the new address.
This store has always been geared to supporting the scale modeling community whether through books or kits. The fact is that most of our business is selling kits, figures and accessories and I wanted the name of the store to reflect this. I will continue to offer great books for scale modelers.
Our main focus going forward will be offering high quality / difficult to find model kits: MasterClub tracks & figures, Miniarm, Pit-Road, Maschinen Krieger, SP Designs, Fine Molds, Evolution figures etc.
We will continue to offer books from publishers such as Tankograd, AJ Press, Ground Power, Auriga, Leaping Horseman, Model Graphix, Panzer Tracts and many more.

I hope this change will not cause too much confusion. I am working hard to deal with any "bugs".
I really appreciate all your support and I hope you will continue to find good stuff at our store.

Thanks again,
Andrew
Owner, Historica Hobbies
www.historicahobbies.com"

Please support them and all PMMS sponsors as they help keep the site inline.

Thanks

BTW, Kenny my name is Terry Ashley

Duck shooting

2009-10-17T22:50:00.007+08:00

I feel a bit like a duck in a very small pond on the opening day of the shooting season recently, which unfortunately has been somewhat of a distraction from what should be an enjoyable hobby.

I have added an Addendum to the Panther Project DVD review of two years ago to address the issues that unfortunately the producers of this product can’t or won’t grasp.

Let me make this perfectly clear, I have no intension of debating this further as anything I say will continue to be twisted to suit their demonstrated preconceived prejudices while adding the most nasty and childish comment, so why bother?

I have stated the facts and if people can’t accept the truth well that’s just too bad quite frankly. I’m sorry if that sounds a little blunt but it is apparent from the latest from the people at the Panther Project that they are so convinced of their version of events due to their preconceived prejudices that nothing I say or do will change this, so there is no point wasting any more time on this.

They just keep going on and on with this massive smoke screen while ignoring the elephant in the room, that is the facts as written in my review which they steadfastly refuse to address, why is that?

Those that want to believe that stuff will do so but I would suggest if anyone has a psychologist friend to get them to read the postings in “The Flame” and give their opinion.

So this is an end to this sad episode as far as I’m concerned and as they say “no correspondence will be entered into”.

Now back to more important things in life.

Thanks

Feedback

2009-10-14T15:07:00.004+08:00

Thanks to everyone for the positive and supportive comments on the various forums and in e-mails, all quite overwhelming really.

I have had some negative feedback which is to be expected in this day and age, just a pity some have to resort to abuse. But I covered this in my recent blog entry (Aug, 28) where people with nothing worthwhile to say have to resort to this type of comment.

But it doesn’t worry me as it would be naive to think there aren’t those who don’t like what I do, as we have seen from recent events.

Anyway, thanks again the support as you sometimes think you are just plugging away for nothing and it’s nice to know the time spent is appreciated by you guys.

Regarding the image test from Sept 29, I have decided that due to the additional time this format takes to set up I will stick with the current format but with larger images. Thanks to all those who provided comments on the test, it was most helpful with the decision.

Well, back to the bench as the pile isn’t getting any smaller and judging from the number of new releases it won’t be any time soon.

Cheers

Review and Sponsor Update

2009-10-09T23:42:00.006+08:00

Hi guys,

Just about finished putting together the new Bronco Models 40mm Bofors with a full build review to be posted very shortly.

In the meantime, a quick update on new PMMS Sponsors and supporters.

Griffon Models:
Producers of high quality update and accessory sets.
Perfect Scale Modellbau:
Producers of quality resin kits and update sets.
VajraMiniature:
Producers of quality resin kits
Voyager Models:
Producers of high quality update and accessory sets.
Wanamaker Guns and Hobbies:
Carry a wide range of hard to find kit brands.

Please support these and all other PMMS sponsors and also please mention PMMS when contacting the sponsors. Thanks all.

Cheers
Terry A

Guess what?

2009-10-03T07:14:00.004+08:00

Hi Guys,

This kit arrived yesterday and was a "drop everything else"
Here's a sneak preview of the progress, hope to have the full build review up later today. BTW, those wheels are just 9mm in diameter.

Cheers
Terry A

Testing times

2009-09-29T17:51:00.003+08:00

Hi Guys.
Just playing with ways to better show the kit sprues so you can see the details better.

I have modified the sprue images in the preview of the Bronco Models 40mm Bofors (Kit #CB-35028) and would ask you to have a play and give any feedback (good or bad) as comments below.

Thanks for that, cheers

Click on box art image to go to the preview

Where does it go?

2009-09-23T22:17:00.001+08:00

Hi Guys,

Can't believe it's nine days since the last review posting, apologies for that but unfortunately some of it was out of my direct control.

To add to things my main computer has decided its not going to play any more, well the graphics card anyway.

So I've added the latest updates from a backup notebook setup just for that eventuality and its off to the computer shop tomorrow to lighten the pocket a bit more.

I was also going to post a preview of the new Italeri Carro Armato P40 but unfortunately I don't have a scanner attached to the notebook so that will have to be tomorrow either after a new graphics card or a scanner for the notebook.

Anyway I hope to catch up on the reviews as the pile isn't getting any smaller.

Thanks again for the support.

Cheers

Great Models - updated

2009-09-13T09:57:00.013+08:00

I have woken up this morning to find myself embroiled in a situation I know nothing about other than forum postings just read and e-mails received.

I have not seen the “offending” advert, the banner on PMMS is (was) direct linked to the Great Models server due to the frequent changes made, a situation that clearly has to change and will.

I have suspended the Great Models banner until I find out what is going on here, something I can well do without given other things happening. This has now been replaced with a generic banner until the situation can be resolved, I can't simply remove the banner as GMW have paid for this space and to remove would cost me more. But this will be reviewed when the advertising comes up for renewal.

Thanks

The last word

2009-08-28T04:06:00.002+08:00

From the rather awkward first steps of PMMS back in 1997 my primary aim have been to provide up to date reliable release info, not rumour or speculation and to provide unbiased product reviews to the best of my ability.

This was mostly because I was very frustrated at the lack of such reviews in the prevailing magazines where most “reviews” were little more than glorified product adverts because after all the magazines had to pay the bills somehow.

I have always tried to stick to my initial aims of providing warts and all reviews and the basic theme is to stick to the facts, no personal agendas or speculation, and god forbid ridicule of anyone who doesn’t agree with my views. It’s up to the individual to take or leave what is written as not everyone has the same views or needs from what we get in the kit box but having the facts will hopefully allow people to make an informed decision.

I have never claimed to be an expert on anything and as a result at times I have got the facts wrong. When these errors have been pointed out I have no issue with amended the review accordingly and apologising to those effected if necessary, no one is perfect.

When you stick to the facts alone you can’t really be challenged and as a consequence we have seen the rise of the personal vilification by some who simply can’t handle the facts.

In any debate or endeavour we find when one has no valid argument to put forward they resort to name calling and personal vilification, mixed in with distorted “facts” to mislead the unwary.

Added to this there are some who think the only way to make them look better is to put someone else down or in some cases a combination of both.

All this does is show the World they are devoid of any personal integrity, basic respect for others and ultimately morally bankrupt and when you see this behaviour from a company entity you also have to question the integrity of all those involved with that company that allow these actions to continue.

There is a saying “evil flourishes when good men do nothing”! Those involved with any company can not simply look the other way and say “it’s nothing to do with me” as this simply paints them with the same brush and brings their integrity into question for allowing these actions to continue, it’s ultimately a reflection on the company and individuals involved as a whole.

We can expect the same gutter response from the usual suspects to this posting which will basically prove my point beyond doubt so there is really nothing more to say.

But rest assured I will never be responding to any cowardly anonymous utterances from any individual or company mouthpiece that indulges in the above activities and doesn’t have the courage to identify themselves because anything said in such a circumstance doesn’t warrant the time of day.

Nor will I ever be deterred from posting honest and factual reviews of products just because it upsets someone without the moral fibre to accept the plain truth or sadly wants to threaten some form of retribution because in the end the truth always prevails.

Thanks to all those who support PMMS, it is encouraging to know there are those who prefer the truth and can see the type of behaviour described above for what it is.

Cheers
Terry A

Server Maintenance

2009-08-21T06:22:00.005+08:00

Hi Guys.

My Hosting provider is upgrading servers and performing general server maintenance on 22 Aug (US EST) and there may be some site downtime during the maintenance.

This is the advice from my provider, times are US (EST).
DATE: August 22nd, 2009 @ 1:00am (EST)
MAINTENANCE WINDOW: 08/22/2009 @ 1:00am (EST) - 08/22/2009 @ 7:00am (EST) EXPECTED DURATION: 4 - 6 hours

Apologies for any access problems during these times but things should be back to normal after this window, well better than normal according to the advice which can only be good news.

Thanks for your patience.

Regards
Terry A

E-mail replies

2009-08-20T21:33:00.003+08:00

I have mentioned this before but thought I'd re-post here in the blog.

I get a lot of e-mails on different subjects and unfortunately I simply don't have the time to answer all of these.

This is not meant as any disrespect or "snub" but simply there is not enough hours in the day. Preparing reviews and keeping up with the latest releases takes most of my waking time other than the day job and I unfortunately don't have the time to research questions or the like.

Posting these on public model forums would most likely get a more comprehensive reply than I could provide in any case.

So I'm sorry if I've not replied to your e-mail, nothing personal I can assure you.
Thanks for your understanding.

Cheers
Terry A

Your arse is banned

2009-08-20T21:28:00.004+08:00

We probably all know someone on the long and distinguished list of modellers banned from registering with the Dragon MDFC forum for not getting with the program, upsetting the management, some even for simply posting on the “wrong” forum.

But it seems the idea has caught for reasons best left to others to fathom?

Anyway this is what I get when I try and access the forums on ModelArmour.com, and I haven't posted there in ages, go figure.

sWS review update

2009-08-04T07:06:00.004+08:00

been an interesting build and the full review is almost done.
a couple of sneak preview images showing some of the detail in the kit.
stay tuned for more

More sleepless nights

2009-07-27T17:39:00.003+08:00

Stay tuned

Modellers reference photos

2009-07-15T13:06:00.001+08:00

Modellers are always after good reference material when building and while there are heaps of excellent books available on different subjects some just don’t have the budget for these as well as buying kits and essentials. There are a lot of websites with good selections of reference photos covering just about every subject imaginable with many listed in my links page.

I’d just like the acknowledge the efforts of three guys in particular who have put a lot of time and effort into providing excellent reference photos for modellers. This in no way meant to belittle the efforts of the dozens of other sites that provide very good resources, just three that standout for me anyway.

These are:
Don Busack of Prime Portal: simply a massive achieve of top notch reference photos covering all aspects of military modelling and a good place to start for any reference search.

Chris "toadman" Hughes of Toadmans Tank Pictures: Not only a good collection of both modern and WWII vehicle photos but there is also available picture CDs on various subjects which have additional photos to those shown on the website.

Dennis Trowbridge Picture Galleries: Dennis has built up a large collection of both wartime and museum walk around photos very useful for modellers.

Enjoy

Reviews Update

2009-07-15T09:23:00.005+08:00

Hi guys,
Still beavering away on these reviews, being quite detailed and partial build reviews they do take a little longer than the straight advert come in-box review. I hope you will bear with me as those with interiors (AFV Club T-34 and Trumpeter BergIV/Ostwind) have over 600 parts each. I actually finish the assembly part and take the photos before any writing to gather as much info on fit/detail etc. as possible as well as trying to keep up with new releases which all takes time.

Speaking of which, there has been some comment and I have received a few e-mails regarding the non appearance of one major company in the news section. I can assure you this has nothing at all to do with their kits per say, nor am I “punishing” anyone.

I’m sorry for any inconvenience but there is more involved than just what’s in the box, not that straightforward unfortunately. Hopefully I will be able to explain more in the future but can’t at this time, sorry.

Anyway back to the bench.

Aussie modellers, don’t forget the partition below, very important.

Cheers

Important message for Australian web users

2009-07-10T21:42:00.003+08:00

The Federal Government is planning to force all Australian servers to filter internet traffic and block any material the Government deems ‘inappropriate’. Under the plan, the Government can add any ‘unwanted’ site to a secret blacklist.

Testing has already begun on systems that will slow our internet by up to 87%, make it more expensive, miss the vast majority of inappropriate content and accidentally block up to 1 in 12 legitimate sites. Our children deserve better protection - and that won't be achieved by wasting millions on this deeply flawed system.

Sign the petition below;

Site updates

2009-06-26T11:19:00.005+08:00

As you may have noticed the site updates have been a little slow of late.

Unfortunately some personal health related issues are persisting and being a one man band (and an old fart) makes things a little difficult at times.

If you have e-mailed me recently and not received a reply there is no disrespect intended and I’ll hopefully be ably to get to these shortly.

As I have mentioned previously I am unable to answer individual requests for reference or information for the above reasons and lack of time, posting the question on any of the armour forums will probably get more information in any case, again no disrespect intended, thanks.

I am endeavouring to maintain the review standard even though this again is taking longer than normal and what I would like and apologise to those waiting on reviews but I think modellers deserve thorough reviews to know exactly what you get.

That being the main reason I started the site in the first place.

Thanks again for your understanding and hopefully I will be able to pick up the pace again soon.

Cheers
TerryA

Kit contents preview

2009-06-18T20:38:00.005+08:00

I have added previews of the kit parts for these new kits with full reviews to follow shortly.
Enjoy (click on images for preview)
Cheers

No rest for the ...................

2009-06-16T22:29:00.002+08:00

or something like that

and today

2009-06-11T20:46:00.001+08:00

The mail man has been busy, seems I will be too. But who needs sleep?

Where have I been?

2009-06-10T20:34:00.016+08:00

It may seem I've been AWOL with the lack of reviews in the past week, but things are about to change.

Almost finished a detailed review of the Bronco A13 Cruiser Tank Mk.IV and a couple of Miniart Dingos

and what should arrive on the doorstep?

Plus assorted AM sets etc. Things are getting busy, stay tuned.

Cheers
Terry A

After a bargain?

2009-06-03T21:51:00.000+08:00

If you are after a good bargain on either side of the pond, Lucky Model in HK are holding their 6th Anniversary Sale, see full details at the Lucky Model site.

Also, Sprue Brothers in the US are marking their 5th Anniversary with some special deals, check them out here.

Blog Comments

2009-05-17T20:32:00.001+08:00

Hi All,

Comments added to the blog entires is very welcome but unfortunately anonymous comments will not be accepted.

This is for obvious reasons so please ensure you enter your full name if leaving a comment to allow this to be added, thanks for that.

Cheers

B4 203mm Howitzer Review Update

2009-05-17T19:50:00.000+08:00

This review has taken some time as you may have noticed but the full review should be posted tomorrow. In the meantime I have posted here a few sample shots of the almost fully assembled kit which is 31cm ( 1ft 3/16inch) long in the travel mode and is very impressive indeed.

enjoy.

Click thumbnail to view, Click Browser Back button to return to the blog

It never rains.........

2009-05-10T14:34:00.000+08:00

Hot on the heals of the Vision Models 75mm Pack Howitzer comes a kit at the other end of the size spectrum in the Pit Road/Trumpeter Soviet B4 Model 1931 203mm Howitzer.

Just to clear up any confusion, the Pit Road (kit #G11) and the Trumpeter (kit #02307) are one in the same, the kit is sold under the Pit Road label in Japan and as the Trumpeter kit in the rest of the World.

The only differences being the Pit Road kit includes the figures that will be included in the separate Trumpeter kit #00427 Soviet B-4 Artillery Crew (5 figures) to be released in conjunction with kit #02307.

A full review of the kit will follow shortly.

Cheers

Review update

2009-05-04T21:08:00.000+08:00

Apologies for the lack of updates over the last few days, a few personal issue to take care of.

But the review of the Vision Models 75mm Pack Howitzer posted today will be followed shortly by the Miniart Dingo Ib as well as updating the new release pages with the latest info.

Cheers

Thought it was safe?

2009-04-29T11:35:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys,

After the Sd.Kfz.7/1 Comparison I thought it was safe to tackle some of the backlog of review items only for the MiniArt Dingo Mk.1B and Vision Models M1A1 Pack Howitzer to roll in the door.

Stay tuned.

Cheers

Lest We Forget

2009-04-25T07:33:00.000+08:00

Today is the 94th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings,
birthplace of the ANZAC tradition 25th April 1915-2009

ANZAC is the acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The first operational debut of the Corps was at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
In both Australia and New Zealand Anzac Day,
25 April, is the main day of remembrance for the fallen in all wars.

Lone Pine Memorial

Poll closed

2009-04-23T22:01:00.000+08:00

Thanks to the 227 who voted, the final results were:

1. Simple, just listing content to allow more reviews posted: 4 (1%)
2. Full build-requires a lot more time for each review: 20 (8%)
3. As they are now: 203 (89%)

I appreciate the input but it is very clear most (89%) prefer the current review format which I'm happy to continue with.

Cheers

Cyberhobby/Dragon update

2009-04-22T09:30:00.000+08:00

It seems my comment about the new sprue added to the Cyberhobby Sd.Kfz.7/1 2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Selbstfahrlafette kit was not quite correct and the additional sprue is only available as a limited edition for kits bought in Japan.

I'll leave this to others to work out why this is not available to modellers in other parts of the World, but if your kit is not from Japan don't expect to find any ammo boxes in it.

But there are plenty of aftermarket etched and resin 40 round ammo boxes available to load up your kit for a diorama setting, see here for those available.

Cheers

Comparison review update

2009-04-20T20:30:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys

Apologies for the time this comparison review is taking, rather a bit more than I had hoped but it's almost done. It's basically been putting together two complex kits in a week, fun at any time.

I'll also update the individual Dragon kit review shortly as Cyberhobby/Dragon has added a new sprue to the kit. The Sd.Ah.51 trailer sprue for their 2cm Flak38 kits just to get two 40 round ammo boxes and a single spare barrel case, the rest of the trailer is sent to the spares box.

Unfortunately no additional Kar98 rifles to fill the racks - yet.

But back to the review, stay tuned nearly there.

Cheers

Comparison review progress

2009-04-18T09:25:00.000+08:00

Work continues on the comparison review, this will have many photos of the kit parts along with reference images to illustrate the many issues.

Hopefully this will clear some of the fog of what is actually in the respective kits so you know exactly what you get for your hard earned.

Cheers

Pole voting

2009-04-17T01:44:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the voting on the review type poll.

The results so far are pretty clear cut, nice to know I might be doing something right?
I'll leave the poll up for a couple more days for anyone who wants to vote to do so.

Cheers