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
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Thursday, December 31, 2009
Japanese Imperial Double Edged Katana Sword
Emailed to me from Toshi
Don't forget to Follow this Blog.
I just did some Twitter Posts. Please Follow Me on Twitter.
Rate this Blog.
Today is the last day to participate in the Opinion Poll on Assault Weapons.
Join my BlogFrog Community.
Happy New Year one and all.
Lots of NEW stuff coming in 2010.
Don't forget to Follow this Blog.
I just did some Twitter Posts. Please Follow Me on Twitter.
Rate this Blog.
Today is the last day to participate in the Opinion Poll on Assault Weapons.
Join my BlogFrog Community.
Happy New Year one and all.
Lots of NEW stuff coming in 2010.
Japanese Imperial Double Edged Katana Sword
Emailed to me from Toshi
Don't forget to Follow this Blog.
I just did some Twitter Posts. Please Follow Me on Twitter.
Rate this Blog.
Today is the last day to participate in the Opinion Poll on Assault Weapons.
Join my BlogFrog Community.
Happy New Year one and all.
Lots of NEW stuff coming in 2010.
Don't forget to Follow this Blog.
I just did some Twitter Posts. Please Follow Me on Twitter.
Rate this Blog.
Today is the last day to participate in the Opinion Poll on Assault Weapons.
Join my BlogFrog Community.
Happy New Year one and all.
Lots of NEW stuff coming in 2010.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Stoner 63
About the Stoner Assault Weapon System:
The Stoner 63 is an American modular weapons system designed by Eugene Stoner in the early 1960s. It was produced by Cadillac Gage and used in very limited numbers in Vietnam by members of the United States Navy Seals and U.S. Marines.
The first working prototype was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and completed in 1962. It was designated the Stoner M69W (for no other reason than when turned upside down it reads the same, symbolizing Stoner's vision of a fully invertible receiver). A second prototype called the Stoner 62 was fabricated before the team decided to focus on the promising new 5.56x45mm small caliber high-velocity cartridge, as it appeared the new round was gaining mainstream military approval. At that time the weapon became known as the Stoner 63. No more than 200 guns were manufactured at the Costa Mesa facility before production was transferred to the Cadillac Gage plant in Warren, Michigan. The weapon is covered under U.S. Patent 3,198,076
Stoner 63A in use in Vietnam by Navy Seals
YouTube Video: Stoner 63A with 100% tracer
This wishing everyone everywhere a Happy New Year and please drive safely.
The Stoner 63 is an American modular weapons system designed by Eugene Stoner in the early 1960s. It was produced by Cadillac Gage and used in very limited numbers in Vietnam by members of the United States Navy Seals and U.S. Marines.
The first working prototype was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and completed in 1962. It was designated the Stoner M69W (for no other reason than when turned upside down it reads the same, symbolizing Stoner's vision of a fully invertible receiver). A second prototype called the Stoner 62 was fabricated before the team decided to focus on the promising new 5.56x45mm small caliber high-velocity cartridge, as it appeared the new round was gaining mainstream military approval. At that time the weapon became known as the Stoner 63. No more than 200 guns were manufactured at the Costa Mesa facility before production was transferred to the Cadillac Gage plant in Warren, Michigan. The weapon is covered under U.S. Patent 3,198,076
Stoner 63A in use in Vietnam by Navy Seals
YouTube Video: Stoner 63A with 100% tracer
This wishing everyone everywhere a Happy New Year and please drive safely.
Stoner 63
About the Stoner Assault Weapon System:
The Stoner 63 is an American modular weapons system designed by Eugene Stoner in the early 1960s. It was produced by Cadillac Gage and used in very limited numbers in Vietnam by members of the United States Navy Seals and U.S. Marines.
The first working prototype was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and completed in 1962. It was designated the Stoner M69W (for no other reason than when turned upside down it reads the same, symbolizing Stoner's vision of a fully invertible receiver). A second prototype called the Stoner 62 was fabricated before the team decided to focus on the promising new 5.56x45mm small caliber high-velocity cartridge, as it appeared the new round was gaining mainstream military approval. At that time the weapon became known as the Stoner 63. No more than 200 guns were manufactured at the Costa Mesa facility before production was transferred to the Cadillac Gage plant in Warren, Michigan. The weapon is covered under U.S. Patent 3,198,076
Stoner 63A in use in Vietnam by Navy Seals
YouTube Video: Stoner 63A with 100% tracer
This wishing everyone everywhere a Happy New Year and please drive safely.
The Stoner 63 is an American modular weapons system designed by Eugene Stoner in the early 1960s. It was produced by Cadillac Gage and used in very limited numbers in Vietnam by members of the United States Navy Seals and U.S. Marines.
The first working prototype was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and completed in 1962. It was designated the Stoner M69W (for no other reason than when turned upside down it reads the same, symbolizing Stoner's vision of a fully invertible receiver). A second prototype called the Stoner 62 was fabricated before the team decided to focus on the promising new 5.56x45mm small caliber high-velocity cartridge, as it appeared the new round was gaining mainstream military approval. At that time the weapon became known as the Stoner 63. No more than 200 guns were manufactured at the Costa Mesa facility before production was transferred to the Cadillac Gage plant in Warren, Michigan. The weapon is covered under U.S. Patent 3,198,076
Stoner 63A in use in Vietnam by Navy Seals
YouTube Video: Stoner 63A with 100% tracer
This wishing everyone everywhere a Happy New Year and please drive safely.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Colt Single Action Army .357 Magnum Revolver, Nickel Plated, 4.5 Inch Barrel, Custom Stag-horn Grips
Emailed to me last night.
Thanks for sharing....
Thanks for sharing....
Steyr M1912 Full Auto Handgun
This was used by the Hungarian Army.
Specifications:
Type: automatic pistol (recoil operated)
Maker: Osterreichische Waffenfabrik Steyr, 1912-1919, about 300,000 were manufactured. A number of parts were made and pistols assembled by Fegyver es Gepgyar Reszvenytarsasag, Budapest ('FGGY')
Chambering: 9x23mm Steyr, some in 9x19mm Parabellum
Length overall: 8.50in (216mm)
Barrel: 5.04in (128mm) rifled 4 groves, rh
Weight unloaded: 40.2oz (1020g)
Magazine: 8-round charger-loaded internal box
Muzzle velocity: 1115-1200 fps (360-385 m/s)
Background on this Weapon:
The Steyr-Hahn (hahn is German for hammer) pistol was first produced in 1911 with a fixed blade front sight, the model M11. It is an 8 shot top loader that is stripper fed, shooting the 9mm Steyr cartridge. The model M12 with dovetailed front sight was adapted by the Austrian Army in (surprise) 1912. The gun was produced until 1919 although it is believed that many were assembled from parts for several years thereafter. The Romanian police used the Steyr-Hahn and that version bears a Romanian Crest. The Chilean Army adopted the M11 and that model bears a crest also. About 300,000 were made in all. A few Steyr-Hahns Model M16 in full auto with extended magazines were used in WWI and by early Austrian Nazis. The Czechs were known to have converted some military issue Steyr-Hahns to full auto with a similar mechanism as the factory produced weapons but without the extended magazine. A wooden shoulder stock/holster with a cup that accepts an unaltered Steyr-Hahn's frame about the grip is occasionally seen.
The serial number typically appears in 3 places, the left frame above the trigger, and immediately above that on the left center slide. The serial number will also be on the barrel, sometimes without the trailing alphabetic suffix. Rarely the serial number will be on the grip's butt.
The grips are typically a brown stained wood with a raised crosshatch pattern. They are slid into cuts in the frame and secured with a single screw through the frame at the grip butt.
All parts show small proof stamps consisting of the initial of the person who proofed the weapon.
Design:
The design is believed to be by Karl Krnka based on earlier work by Georg Roth. I have seen no documentary evidence about the designer however. The Steyr-Hahn is a large frame semi-auto, single action pistol. The slide is retained on the frame by a keeper similar to that on the 1905 Colt. The action is that of a rotating barrel which is kept locked by the action of the bullet passing through the bore. When the bullet has left the bore, the barrel is free to rotate and unlock the slide, which recoils to the rear. It is otherwise similar to other semi-auto pistols with a recoil spring under the barrel which is retained by the keeper pin. It has an external hammer with a small spur. There is a safety on the frame, below the hammer, which locks into a notch in the slide. There is also a notch halfway along the slide which will hold the slide back with the safety. The slide will be held back after the last round is fired by the back of the cartridge follower from the magazine well. The trigger pull is transmitted via a transfer bar under the slide which pulls forward the sear, and releases the hammer.
To load, with the slide back, raise the safety into the notch in the slide to lock the slide back. Insert a stripper clip into the clip glide in the slides ejection port, and strip the cartridges into the magazine well. Cartridges can also be single loaded in this manner. To unload the magazine well, lock the slide to the rear with the safety; then push down on the magazine release above the left grip.
Other Usable Information:
A machine pistol is a handgun-style, magazine-fed and self-loading firearm, capable of fully automatic or burst fire, and normally chambered for pistol cartridges.
The term is a literal translation of Maschinenpistole, the German term for a hand-held automatic weapon.
While the dividing line between machine pistols and compact submachine guns is hard to draw, the term "submachine gun" usually refers to larger automatic firearms scaled down from that of a full-sized machine gun, while the term "machine pistol" usually refers to a weapon built up from a semi-automatic pistol design.
Beretta 93R Full Auto Pistol
This was emailed to me.
I have posted the video portion of this weapon before, but here are some pictures f this unique handgun.
Several people have emailed me weapons, and I am posting them all in the order received. So if you emailed me a weapon of some type, please be patient, I will post it.
Please support my efforts, follow this blog.
I have posted the video portion of this weapon before, but here are some pictures f this unique handgun.
Several people have emailed me weapons, and I am posting them all in the order received. So if you emailed me a weapon of some type, please be patient, I will post it.
Please support my efforts, follow this blog.
Mateba Auto Revolver
Yes, I am posting all the guns and weapons you have emailed to me for sharing with us all. I will get to everyone. They are being posted in the order received.
Mateba Auto Revolver, some supplemental pictures
Sorry for missing these. There were three people who emailed me picture images of the Mateba Auto Revolver.
Thanks Eric, credit is given for your great photos and appreciated...
The Mateba album can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/impulselabs/sets/72157622168481149/
Thanks Eric, credit is given for your great photos and appreciated...
The Mateba album can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/impulselabs/sets/72157622168481149/
Lone Eagle Pistol
The Magnum Research Lone Eagle was a rotary-breech single shot hunting pistol available in a wide variety of calibers from .22 Hornet to a .444 Marlin.
Pictured is the .243 Caliber Winchester.
Credit for submittal was requested by: Keith Alan, Views of Texas
Want to share a weapon with us?
Pictured is the .243 Caliber Winchester.
Credit for submittal was requested by: Keith Alan, Views of Texas
Want to share a weapon with us?
Antique Wrist Gun
A follower submitted this rare or antique wrist gun.
The trigger is activated by pulling a fine cord attached to a ring, so yo have to move your hand like when you say "hello" - ha ha!
Look for me on Twitter later today.
The trigger is activated by pulling a fine cord attached to a ring, so yo have to move your hand like when you say "hello" - ha ha!
Look for me on Twitter later today.
FITZ Special Revolver
This picture was emailed to me last night with write-up.
A modified Colt revolver called a "Fitz Special". John Henry Fitzgerald was "Mr. Colt" between the two World Wars, traveling to all the large pistol matches, shooting and fixing Colts, and being a genuinely good ambassador for Colt. Fitz was considered a firearms expert, and spent much time lecturing and instructing both target and defensive shooting. "Perhaps some would like to ask why I cut up a good revolver and here is the answer: The trigger guard is cut away to allow more finger room and for use when gloves are worn. The hammer spur is cut away to allow drawing from the pocket or from under the coat without catching or snagging in the cloth and eliminates the use of thumb over hammer when drawing. The butt is rounded to allow the revolver to easily slide into firing position in the hand. The top of the cut-away hammer may be lightly checked to assist in cocking for a long-range shot."
Do you have a Gun or any type of Weapon - antique, collectible, assault, military, hunting, target shooting, homemade, etc. you would like to share with us?
A modified Colt revolver called a "Fitz Special". John Henry Fitzgerald was "Mr. Colt" between the two World Wars, traveling to all the large pistol matches, shooting and fixing Colts, and being a genuinely good ambassador for Colt. Fitz was considered a firearms expert, and spent much time lecturing and instructing both target and defensive shooting. "Perhaps some would like to ask why I cut up a good revolver and here is the answer: The trigger guard is cut away to allow more finger room and for use when gloves are worn. The hammer spur is cut away to allow drawing from the pocket or from under the coat without catching or snagging in the cloth and eliminates the use of thumb over hammer when drawing. The butt is rounded to allow the revolver to easily slide into firing position in the hand. The top of the cut-away hammer may be lightly checked to assist in cocking for a long-range shot."
Do you have a Gun or any type of Weapon - antique, collectible, assault, military, hunting, target shooting, homemade, etc. you would like to share with us?
4-Barrel Shotgun
This was emailed to me, I added one picture and some history.
There are several stories about this unusual shotgun.
First, the popular photo of such as weapon appears on the Internet, shown below. In fact this is a homemade version of such a unique weapon.
Next I was only able to find one picture of the manufactured version, shown below. These were real, they were made by a company called FAMARS Rombo. The model was four-barreled break-action shotgun made at FAMARS factory in Italy.
The shotgun was produced in 28 gauge and .410 bore, and was primarily designed for small-game hunting. It is notable for having a complex action, which allows all four barrels to be fired consecutively and sequentially using just the one trigger.
FAMARS Rombo website does not have any pictures of this unique weapon and they have since stop manufacturing it. They are a custom maker of shotguns.
The last one of these 4-barreled shotguns sold at auction for an estimated $65,000 US Dollars.
Finally, the gun was used in a comic strip, a video game, and a movie. This led to the myth it was created by the entertainment industry. The fact is it was real, the publishers, video game makers, and movie makers used the concept.
There are several stories about this unusual shotgun.
First, the popular photo of such as weapon appears on the Internet, shown below. In fact this is a homemade version of such a unique weapon.
Next I was only able to find one picture of the manufactured version, shown below. These were real, they were made by a company called FAMARS Rombo. The model was four-barreled break-action shotgun made at FAMARS factory in Italy.
The shotgun was produced in 28 gauge and .410 bore, and was primarily designed for small-game hunting. It is notable for having a complex action, which allows all four barrels to be fired consecutively and sequentially using just the one trigger.
FAMARS Rombo website does not have any pictures of this unique weapon and they have since stop manufacturing it. They are a custom maker of shotguns.
The last one of these 4-barreled shotguns sold at auction for an estimated $65,000 US Dollars.
Finally, the gun was used in a comic strip, a video game, and a movie. This led to the myth it was created by the entertainment industry. The fact is it was real, the publishers, video game makers, and movie makers used the concept.
Chiappa Rhino Revolver (update # 2)
Originally emailed to me for posting, but someone today claimed this was his picture, so I removed the first picture in good faith, and have replaced it with two images from the Manufacturers Website: Chiappa Firearms-
http://www.chiappafirearms.com.php5-4.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/product/55 ... look it up for yourself.
Italian firearms manufacturer Armi Chiappa has developed a very cool looking snub nosed type revolver called the Chiappa Rhino Revolver.
From the Manufactuers Website Overview of the Handgun:
Rhino Revolver.....
The new Chiappa Rhino has revolutionized the revolver with a patented design that tames the prehistoric caracteristic that most revolvers possess. For starters, the appearance is like no other revolver you have ever seen. Typically a revolver fires from the top most chamber which is aligned with the barrel. The new Chiappa Rhino barrel is aligned with the bottom most chamber which is the key component to Rhino’s tame characteristics. Due to the lower position of the barrel, the Rhino’s appearance is abstract from any other revolver design.
From Patent filed for the Chiappa:
Application number: 10/962,988 - Publication number: US 2005/0126062 A1 - Filing date: Oct 8, 2004
The Rhino and Mateba were both designed by the same person, Mr Emilio Ghisoni.
I have contacted Chiappa Firearms for permission to post their unique handgun and for additional information , i.e. caliber, availability, cost, if it's to be sold in the USA, barrel length, etc. I will add an update if they respond. Please stand by.
Please submit a picture of your favorite weapon.
Don't forget to follow this blog.
Please see today's important announcement on submitting firearms and weapons to the Blog for posting.
http://www.chiappafirearms.com.php5-4.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/product/55 ... look it up for yourself.
Italian firearms manufacturer Armi Chiappa has developed a very cool looking snub nosed type revolver called the Chiappa Rhino Revolver.
From the Manufactuers Website Overview of the Handgun:
Rhino Revolver.....
The new Chiappa Rhino has revolutionized the revolver with a patented design that tames the prehistoric caracteristic that most revolvers possess. For starters, the appearance is like no other revolver you have ever seen. Typically a revolver fires from the top most chamber which is aligned with the barrel. The new Chiappa Rhino barrel is aligned with the bottom most chamber which is the key component to Rhino’s tame characteristics. Due to the lower position of the barrel, the Rhino’s appearance is abstract from any other revolver design.
From Patent filed for the Chiappa:
Application number: 10/962,988 - Publication number: US 2005/0126062 A1 - Filing date: Oct 8, 2004
The Rhino and Mateba were both designed by the same person, Mr Emilio Ghisoni.
I have contacted Chiappa Firearms for permission to post their unique handgun and for additional information , i.e. caliber, availability, cost, if it's to be sold in the USA, barrel length, etc. I will add an update if they respond. Please stand by.
Please submit a picture of your favorite weapon.
Don't forget to follow this blog.
Please see today's important announcement on submitting firearms and weapons to the Blog for posting.
Rossi 92 Large Loop Lever Action 45 Long Colt with 16-inch Barrel
Emailed to me from a collector:
Send me a picture or video of your favorite weapon.
Send me a picture or video of your favorite weapon.
Colt Trooper MK3 Nickel 357 Magnum Revolver
Another email from handgun owner...
Sorry, I haven't had time to post over to Twitter yet, but I will try hard today.
Do you have a firearm (gun) or weapon you would like to share with us?
Sorry, I haven't had time to post over to Twitter yet, but I will try hard today.
Do you have a firearm (gun) or weapon you would like to share with us?
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