December

We're baaaack. When this site's host shut down unexpectedly in September, I was distracted with some big home improvement projects. I also wanted to do some clean up on the site and learn the latest version of Dreamweaver—which has also taken longer than expected. I didn't realize how much I've forgotten since I built and launched the site five years ago! In the meantime you can catch up with the August edition if you missed it, and I hope to have some new content for you after the first of the year. Happy holidays! Pray for peace!

August

• Our focus shifts to figures this month, with first of three reviews of new sets of GIs from Master Box: U.S. Machine Gunners,
• The reviews continue with appraisals of five recent infantry figures from master sculptor John Rosengrant at S&T.
• I've added a new page of images of paratrooper re-enactors from the Minnesota Military Expo.

July

• I've written up another round of reviews of Formations products I have on hand: M4 Conversion for Dragon Sherman III, M3 Lee Style Suspension. Quick Fix Suspension Set for Academy's M3 Lee, and M4A1 Direct Vision Hull.
• And, as promised, here are photos of infantry uniforms and equipment from the Minnesota Military Expo.

June

• There was much to look at during last month's Minnesota Military Expo at Fort Snelling, including a beautifully restored M5A1 Stuart, a derelict M32 TRV, and a good assortment of weapons on hand. Next month we'll feature more uniforms and equipment used by the re-enactors of the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion and the 117th Infantry Regiment of the 30th Infantry Division.
• Check out the Formations page for new reviews of pioneer tools, air cleaners, water cans, and antenna mounts.

May

• Cookie Sewell provides a review of Dragon's new M4 81mm Mortar Carrier.
• Dan Fong joins our merry band of modeling brothers with a helpful chart he created delineating the differences among M4 Sherman turrets.
• Two more sets of 75mm pack howitzer photos go online courtesy of Kurt Laughlin.
• I review a handful of recent reference aquisitions, including two Tankograd Technical Manual Series on M4/M4A1 Shermans and M7/M7B1 Priests, Steve Zaloga's Modelling the U.S. Army M4(75mm) Sherman, and Richard Hunnicutt's Half-Track.

April

• We present the first set of photos from Kurt Laughlin of three 75mm pack howitzers, which might help builders who have picked up Resicast's new kit.
• Martin Dogger adds a cautionary review of Tamiya's old M4A3E2 "Jumbo."
• While waiting for DML's new Armored Infantry to arrive, I reach into the cupboards to review Warrior's WWII Combat Cameraman and Jaguar's Reloading M8 .50 Cal Machine Gunner.

March

• Scott Taylor provides us with some good photos of the 1/4-Ton Amphibian Truck, aka Ford GPA or "seep," which will be helpful if you have the old Tamiya kit or the new 1/72 set from Academy that includes an M3A1 halftrack and Harley Davidson WLA.
• Martin Dogger reviews Formations' M5A1 Conversion for AFV Club M3A3 Kit.
• My experience with Tank WorkShop's M36B1 conversion of AFV Club's M36 tank destroyer presents a few challenges in construction and accuracy.

February

• Cookie Sewell reviews Legend Production's new M39 Conversion Set (for AFV Club M-18).
• I follow up with some more Legend-ary accessory items: U.S. Army Vehicle's Accessory Set (WWII), Sherman M4A3 Sandbag Armor Set, Sherman Stowage Set, and M4A3 Sandbag Armor Set.

January — Happy New Year to One and All

• First, thanks to the 103,810 visitors to this site last year. And thanks again to all of you who've dropped me a note to express your appreciation of the info you find here. Glad to be of help!
• Leading off is a construction review of Hobby Fan's brand spanking new M55 Cal. 50 Machine Gun Trailer.
• Formations is a well-respected aftermarket company that we're beginning to cover with a construction article from Martin Dogger and a couple of reviews from me.
• Derek Brown shares some marvelous photos he shot of an M4A3 Sherman. Kurt Laughlin comments on some features of interest.

What's New - 2011
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What's New - 2008
What's New - 2007
What's New - 2006
What's New - 2005
What's New - 2004
What's New - 2003