Dead camera

Well, today I was hoping to be able to post some pictures of the newest kit from Tasca, the M4A3E2 Jumbo.  Instead, I get to tell you that my 6 1/2 year old Nikon D70 has gone to electronic heaven.  Yep, the camera that I've used since mid-2004 has finally died.  Last night, I powered it up to shoot pics of the Jumbo sprues but instead of taking pictures, I heard a "whirring" noise and had a green screen instead of an image display.  This morning, it wouldn't even power up.

Upon visiting the camera store today, I was told that it really wasn't worth fixing.  It'll probably be in the $350-$400 range to repair.  Not really worth it considering a some of the newest ones that shoot at a much higher resolution are $650 or so.  Of course, this couldn't come at a worse time as my car needs a bunch of work as well. 

Oh well, what can you do?  Things are tough all over and it could always be worse, much worse.  Later tonight, I'll post pics of the Jumbo sprues, just much lower quality pics as I'll be using my daughter's old Samsung digi-cam.  Oh and BTW, I have 3 Tasca Jumbos for sale, $50.00 each plus shipping.  C-ya!!

Local PBS affiliate video of the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation

Back in October of this year, the local PBS affiliate, KTEH, was at the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation filming a segment for a Veteran's Day special.  Below is the video used in the show that was televised on 10NOV10:

Israeli Half-Tracks Vol. I is now available!

Dr. Robert Manasherob of SabIngaMartin Publications has just informed me that his latest book, Israeli Half-Track Vol. I is now available.

This book and others can be purchased directly from Dr. Manasherob via the above website.



Sherman Jumbo being released by the lizard??

A reliable source told me today that the lizard will be releasing their 1/35 Sherman Jumbo real soon.  Basically, they're timing it to counter the release of the Tasca Jumbo.  So, it looks like modellers will have an additional Jumbo to choose from later this month or early January. 

Don't expect any comparative Sherman Jumbo reviews from me as I provided Tasca with Sherman Jumbo photos and will be receiving my kit directly from them.  Plus, I do not plan on buying the lizard's Jumbo since I can't really justify purchasing anymore kits.  As it is, SWMBO gives me enough grief about the stack of unfinished kits in the den and I don't need anymore of that!

Until next time....

Lion & Lioness of the Line Vol. 6: Early IDF Sherman Tanks

Last Saturday, I received my copy of the latest in the line of IDF Sherman books from Dr. Robert Manasherob.  Lion & Lioness of the Line Volume 6:  Early IDF Sherman Tanks covers the first Shermans that were acquired by the Israelis during and after the War of Independance in the late 1940's.  As Dr. Manasherob and I are friends, I won't review the book but I can tell you what's in it.

The book is 80 pages in length with the first 43 pages featuring numerous period photos and some line drawings of the earliest Israeli Shermans.  The balance of the book contains colors photos of a M4(105)VVSS on display at Latrun and color plates.  The early Israeli Shermans were 47 degree hull M4(105)'s that were acquired from Italy.  With the announcement of the new M4(105)VVSS from Dragon, modellers will now have a good base kit to model most if not all of the Shermans in this book.

Dr. Manasherob also let me know that he should have another book ready to go sometime this month.  As soon as it's official, I'll post it here.

This book and all others from Dr. Manasherob can be purchased directly from him through the Sabingamartin Publications website.