Showcase; Pegasus Hobbies LCVP, 1/72

What's in the box? Pegasus Hobbies LCVP, 1/72

Tonight we have come to the Pegasus LCVP in 1/72. It must be intended as an easy build for war gamers as there are not many pieces in the box. In total there are 13 pieces plus a vacu formed water base adding a sense of drama. A bonus are the 15 soldiers and three crew all cast in soft green plastic.The funny thing is if compared to the Airfix/Heller kit this one do have its good sides so one should not give up on it too fast. Although it would take any builder about less than five minutes to build it, not taking care of the finish or painting, it is actually a really nice rendering of the Higgins boat. The only real short comings are the propeller and bow ramp hinges. The cast is a bit heavy and rough on the hull sides but is easily taken care of. All in all this is a basic but quite correct kit. BUT if you want to go an extra mile for this one it would include ramp raising mechanism, new machine guns, new propeller, struts for the coaming, towing eyelets and ramp hinges. There are no decals included, nor painting instructions. I painted mine using Vallejo Intermediate Blue as a base and faded it a bit here and there. For decoration I used an extra set of Airfix decals I had in my archive.

Soooo sick...

Hi all, sorry for being away for a while. Am quite ill at the moment, just coughed my vocal cords to hell and have no strength to do any serious updates at the moment. However, I'm aiming at doing a bit airbrushing on my LCM 3 in 1/72 in a while and add a few What's in the box for you in a few days. How about some Schwimmwagen?

A film; Letters from Iwo Jima

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Letters from Iwo Jima, directed by Clint Eastwood


This is the second film from Clint Eastwood on the Iwo Jima  theme. Watch the commanding General Kuribayashi transform a volcanic island into a fortress waiting for the Americans to assault it from the sea. Many battle scenes are directly connected to the ones in Flags of our Fathers and this is a great way to understand the opposing forces and their efforts to fight and survive. The film was nominated for four Oscars.


Much recommended.

A film: Flags of our Fathers

 

Flags of our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood


The story of three young men who fought on the beaches of Iwo Jima and one day found them selves not only to be alive but to be the most famous men of United States. Follow them and the other soldiers and officers as they prepare for and fight a bitter battle to capture one of the islands on the way to the Japanese mainland. This film is paired with Letters from Iwo Jima, also by Clint Eastwood. The two films show the opposite sides of the same particular battle. 


Recommended.

A book; The D-Day Companion

The D-Day Companion, edited by Jane Penrose, Osprey Publications


For a broad understanding of one of history's most important events The D-Day Companion is possibly the best bet. In thirteen essays all facets of the planning, execution and aftermath of the biggest combined operations event of all times are probed and dissected. You will not find many individual stories here. Emphasis is on the wide perspectives although a few personal accounts show the feelings and confusion from both attacker as well as defender. It's just a three days read and thus a perfect companion for the student or war gamer wishing to get an introduction to the Normandy landings and associated actions.


Much recommended.