Well, even if it's not direct reference per sec, old war time movies usually have plenty of images of various military vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Sometimes they are models, but many times real hardware is used.

For instance, if you like the old movies, some can be viewed online for free on YouTube, such as John Wayne's Sands of Iwo Jima. Or if you like aircraft, how about Baa Baa Blacksheep, the Flying Misfits pilot movie? Though most of the Corsairs were restored aircraft, and the Zeros were sometimes doctored up planes made to look like Zeros, you can still view the entire film, with no commercials, for free.

So if you are in the mood, try it out, and enjoy some old war flicks (oh, excuse me, model reference) for free.

• Sands of Iwo Jima
• Hell in the Pacific
• To Hell and Back
• Torpedo Run
• Cross of Iron

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M1A1 Abrams Tank Model Kits | Books on Military Models

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I have always wanted to build an Abrams M1-A1 tank kit. Most of the kits I have seen seemed kind of basic, and I just never got around to getting one.

I really wanted a kit with an engine, since I like the mechanical / powerplant aspects of a machine. I found out later that there are a few resin engine conversions available. Most were from small companies, online, who didnt take credit cards. Or I just didn't get around to ordering them seperate, or ordering them from overseas.

Then one day I was in my local hobby shop, and there it was (cue the sounds of Angels singing. LOL ) Bang! There was the kit I always wanted! Granted, the engine parts and interior were resin, but I could deal with that. Without hesitation, I shoved it under my arm, and when I checked out, that baby was on it's way home. The years of waiting were over !

Now, I don't build armor kits all the time, so I am taking it slow, and we will see what will come of it. But it has been fun so far. I look forward to working on it each time I sit down on the bench. (Though I do work on several projects all at one time). I am posting an image now, but I will continue to post them as it goes along. :-)

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M1A1 Abrams Tank Model Kits | Books on Military Models

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Revell Models has released their 1/32 scale U.S. Army Atomic Cannon Renwal Blueprint model, under the SSP (Selective Subjects Program).

The M65 Atomic Cannon was developed in response to a request for an artillery piece that could fire off nuclear shells. Measuring 84 feet (25.6 m) in length and weighing just over 83 tons, the M65 required the use of two specially designed transporters (made by Kenworth). The weapon was tested at the Nevada Test Site on May 25, 1953 - the first and only time a nuclear shell was ever fired from a cannon. This exciting kit reissue, which is scaled from U.S. Army Ordnance blueprints, features movable parts, seven crewmen figures and U.S. Army decals.

This Revell kit is an SSP - Selected Subjects Program - Limited Production - One-time offering for 2011. Once assembled, the model is 33.5 inches long.

For more about the real Atomic Cannon, check out this great site, www.theatomiccannon.com .

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Allied Military Jeeps and Vehicle Models | Military and Armor Model Books and Publications.

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Italeri has reissued it's 1/24 Land Rover LWB 109" FFR kit.

This looks to be a great model kit, the Land Rovers have been used for many years, all over the world. This would also complement your Italeri Jeep, or any other 1/24 scale military project you have in mind. The kit is a curbside, but still lends itself to a lot of outside detail and accessories.

The "Land Rover" was certainly one of the most famous symbols of "Made in England" on four wheels and is a real milestone in the history of the off road vehicles. Born after the war, with the first prototypes done in 1947, to meet both civilian and military tasks. Inspired, though not directly, to the American Jeep, was characterized by a 4x4-wheel drive and a strong and reliable frame to tackle, with success, the most difficult and demanding trails. The aluminum body made it lighter, but at the same time, more resistant to corrosion and long lasting. In 1971, when the Series III was introduced, it had already been produced and made more than a million units for both civilian and military uses. Also available in 88 inches "standard wheel base", or in 109 inches "long wheel base".

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Military Model Kits | Military Model Books and Publications

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Italeri has reissued it's great 1/24 scale military Jeep kit.

I've built on of these kits before, and it is very well done. This new version includes an M2 machine gun. You could easily make this a civilian Jeep, since many of these were sold after the war, and used on everything from farms to field equipment.

In 1940, after World War II had broken out, the US general staff ordered various factories to design a light multi-purpose vehicle with all-wheel drive. The American Bantam Company, Willys Overland, and Ford Motor Co. competed with each other.Willys prototype was chosen, which, after an initial run of 1500 vehicles, went into mass production at the beginning of 1941 and reached a total output of 640.000 units out of which 277.000 pieces were produced by Ford under a licensing agreement. This shows that the Jeep was the most widely produced light vehicle of the war industry during World War II.

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Jeep Model Kits | Military Model Books and Publications

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Academy models has now released it's all 100% newly tooled M1151 Expanded Capacity carrier 1/35 kit..

The kit includes 2 crew figures and a photoetch fret to add detailing. The cab meticulously includes all audio and "glass"comm equipment. Accessories such as tools, "jerry cans" and fire extinguisher are included. Detailed engine and intricate suspension and a very accurate .50 Cal machine and antenna system are included. The vehicle rides on new style, amazingly detailed (and easy to paint) wheels and tires. All doors and accessories are positionable.

The U.S. Military M1151 is an improved version of the standard High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). It has a heavier chassis and improved engine over the M1025A2, as well as allowing for the addition and removal of Frag armor protection specifically designed to protect the crew from the IED threats regularly faced in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The M1151 is built on an Expanded Capacity Vehicle (ECP) chassis that allows for more passengers or for carrying additional supplies. Armament can include mounting and firing of the Mk 19 Mod 3 automatic grenade launcher, M2, caliber, .50 machine gun, M60 and M240 7.62mm machine guns, and M249 5.56mm Squad Assault Weapon (SAW).

There is a lot of model detail packed into this one kit!

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HMMWV Humvee 1980-2005: US Army Tactical Vehicle

Academy M1151 Military Carrier | Military Model Books and Publications

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