AIR Modeller Issue 70 (2017 02 03)

AIR 70 cover.qxp_Layout 1 13/01/2017 11:29 Page 1

70 FEB/MARCH 2017 • £6.50 UK $15.99

MENG AIR MODELLER

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2017

www.mengafvmodeller.com

Pony X-Press

MENG’S NEW 1:48 P-51D MUSTANG

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 11:57 Page 222

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 1

CONTENTS 2

P-51D Mustang Pony X-Press The Editor builds Meng’s brand new Mustang.

12

Short Sterling Part 7 Megas Tsonos continues to scratchbuild the heavy bomber in 1:48.

20

Mighty Mossi Franck Oudin shows us why everyone loves Tamiya’s 1:32 Mosquito.

28

Tan-tastic Aurelio Reale builds the debut Thunderflash kit from Tanmodel.

36

P-47 D-25 Thunderbolt Part 2 Andrea Vignocchi shares his painting and diorama techniques.

48

Air Borne New releases.

56

Whipping-up a Storm Olivier Soulleys’ big scale Tempest Mk.V.

Meng AIR Modeller is published Bimonthly by AFV Modeller ltd Old Stables East Moor Stannington Northumberland NE61 6ES Tel: 01670 823648 Fax: 01670 820274 email: [email protected] Editor and Designer: David Parker Deputy Editor: Mark Neville Sales Director: Keith Smith

We are now on Facebook, ‘Like’ us to follow what we are doing and follow our build projects.

Meng AIR Modeller welcomes contributions from interested parties, but cannot accept any responsibility for unsolicited material. The contents of this publication including all articles, drawings and photographs originated by AFV Modeller ltd become the publishers copyright under copyright law. Reproduction in any form requires the written consent of the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to avoid mistakes AFV

ISSN 2059-5964

Modeller ltd. cannot be liable in any way for errors or ommissions.

1

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 2

P-51D Pony X-Press

Intriguing That is probably the best word to describe the new Meng Models Mustang kit which has all the usual moulding finesse of the rest of the Meng range but this is the first kit to feature what is described as a fast cement-free assembly design. Usually this kind of press together assembly is sneered at by the serious modeller as it means simplification and an almost inevitable loss of detail. When you examine the sprues for this new Mustang there appears to be no shortage of detail in key areas like the cockpit and the exterior surface detail is excellent. By the way the kit has been designed with optional propellers, a choice of exhaust, and separate fuselage spine all point to other possible future Mustang releases? The kit offers a choice of two droptank styles or 100lb bombs for the underwing racks and a choice of open or closed main wheel doors. The tailwheel however is only in the open position so this will need to be adapted for an inflight configuration. It is a kit that promises much combining fast assembly without apparently compromising on detail but will it persuade me to put my trusty bottle of Mr Cement S aside?

2

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 3

MENG MODELS NEW 1:48 NORTH AMERICAN P-51D MUSTANG MODELLED BY DAVID PARKER

3

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 4

The kit offers a remarkably detailed cockpit

apparent and especially in the cockpit

fuselage with a refreshing certainty leaving

for the scale such that there is no need to

where the parts can easily be broken down

you in no doubt that it is correctly located

even consider looking at any aftermarket

for painting before being pushed back

and the huge pins on the fuselage sides

parts except that there are no seat belts

together! Its a system that has a lot of

promise a similar result when the fuselage

provided. The instrument panel is really

advantages but also the occasional

parts are brought together. To paint the

well moulded but I was less impressed

disadvantage. In fitting the small parts on

interior I chose to use MRP Interior Green

with the decal that is provided for the dials

the back of the seat headrest I managed

over a base of Mr Hobby black Mr Surfacer

so I substituted MDC individual instrument

the cause a split in the headrest but it was

Primer 1500. The MRP paint always sprays

dial decals. Almost immediately the

easily fixed with a touch of liquid glue. The

superbly and I will be using MRP colours

benefits of the glueless design are

whole cockpit assembly plugs into the

throughout the build.

The speed with which this kit comes together is also remarkable as it is possible to assemble the various sub assemblies quickly, the odd touch of glue is required here and there and I was still using Mr Cement S to seal any panel gaps as I would on a conventional kit. The wings feature separate control surfaces which are locked in between the wing halves and the flaps are only provided in the fully dropped position.

The radiator assembly is set up with the trailing shutter open as shown here but the optional closed version is provided which I chose to use instead.

4

Simple but well detailed, the undercarriage is designed to be built into the kit so it needs some adaptation if you prefer to add it at the end of your build.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 5

P-51D The base colours applied to the cockpit and other internal parts over a black primer.

I adapted some spare parts from an HGW seatbelt set to make belts for the P-51

Above The fuselage side walls are remarkably well detailed for this scale and simply need to be painted.

Small areas of wear on the cockpit floor and chipped paint on the Pilot’s seat all add to the used look of the cockpit although once the coving and gunsight are fitted much of this detail is in shadow.

Closing the fuselage is a real treat as the fixings are so positive and it was only reall necessary to apply a little glue to the spine of the tail fin to ensure a prefect joint.

Looking under the cockpit floor you can see the huge friction pins that secure the parts as well as the snug fit of the cockpit and the big tabs where it locates.

5

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 6

The wheel well locates perfectly onto a couple of friction pins and the flaps are seen here clipped into the wing.

Turning over the partly completed wing you can see the big pegs used to join the wing halves. In retrospect I would suggest adapting the flaps so that the can be fitted after painting because they make reaching certain areas of the fuselage more difficult in this position.

The radiator assembly then plugs into the fuselage for an impressively good fit.

Happily there were absolutely no gaps along the wing root joints as the fit is perfect.

With big sections of the kit quickly clipping together the assembly comes together very very quickly which is another advantage of this type of kit design. I chose to deviate from the kit instructions by not fitting the propeller, exhausts or undercarriage at this stage. Take care to fit the nose cowling part B31 before the longer upper cowling B30 as they will not locate if you fit B30 first as I discovered. The windscreen moulding is beautifully moulded but I found it was just fractionally too long to sit into the slots each side of the fuselage. I used a scalpel to shave a sliver of plastic from the small rearmost vertical edge of the slots, allowing the windscreen to slide into position. The sliding section of the canopy has a central mould seam which needs to be cleaned up and if opened the thickness of the plastic prevents the canopy from sitting correctly on the fuselage. I was able to improve this considerably by thinning down the inner edge of the canopy The underside of the nose is test fitted and you can see how it also provides the underside of the wing. The visible gap closes up when the parts are fully pushed together and glue is run along the seams.

frame.

Above The inner edges of the canopy frame were thinned down to allow the canopy to sit correctly.

6

There are inevitably differences in the panel lines between the moulded and separate sections so I used MRP liquid filler to unify these areas - I brushed the filler on and wiped away the excess quickly. With this done I polished up the airframe using different grades of foam sanding sticks and a soft cloth to get a polished plastic finish in preparation for the natural metal finish.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 7

All the exterior parts were sprayed using MRP White Aluminium directly onto the polished plastic. The MRP paint requires no thinning and dries extremely quickly for a very pleasing and durable finish.

To enhance the natural metal finish I worked over the White Aluminium with AK True Metal Aluminium paste. This is applied in small areas with a brush and buffed up with a finger tip or cotton bud.

I repeated the process on a section of the radiator and the cowling strip around the exhausts. I used White Spirits to carefully clean away the True metal from these sections before using AK True Metal Dark Aluminium, with masks to protect the rest of the finish.

Using MRP Olive Drab I began to apply the camouflage to the fuselage and this is where the MRP paint works so well. Sprayed through my Iwata Custom Micron it will continuously spray ultra fine lines making it ideal to add the freehand camo without the nee for masks.

Before starting on the wings I used Wilder masking fluid applied with a piece of sponge to prepare for the scuffed wing roots.

I applied a thin partial coat of the Olive Drab over the wing root area before applying another layer of masking and then the final full density of the Olive Drab.

The masking was removed and the effect was quite harsh so I lightly worked over selected areas with more Olive Drab and gently rubbed down with some Micro Mesh to create this effect.

7

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 8

8

With the camouflage complete I moved on to adding the wing stripes with MRP White and Black for the underside along with the black nose ring.

The decals were unified with the rest of the paint finish by spraying a coat of MRP Super Clear Semimatt varnish over the decaled areas.

The exhaust stubs were picked out using Mission Models Burnt Iron acrylic with two coats brush painted onto the sprayed metallic finish of the exhaust shrouds.

The completed exhausts are simply pushed into position and this is where the push fit design really pays off!

The kit offers a choice of two schemes on the decal

the nose. The decals also had a very high gloss finish

sheet but I decided to select a scheme of my own, in

so I had the problem of varnishing them without killing

this case the Kits-World decals for “Happy Jack’s Go

the natural metal finish. To do this I used the MRP

Buggy”. The decals whilst well printed appeared to

Super Clear Satin which performed brilliantly. It was

be quick thick and consequently I had problems

thin enough to spray through my Iwata Custom

getting them to conform to the model and if I had

Micron so that I could apply varnish just on the decals

more time I would have preferred to paint the bars on

without having to overspray the entire model.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:03 Page 9

You cannot weather the True Metal finish with anything solvent based so I used an acrylic alternative mixing Lifecolor paint with Lifecolor Tenscrom transparent colours to paint in panel lines and to add the dirt and oil stains.

The same technique was used on the underside too.

Exhaust stains were airbrushed on using Lifecolor Liquid Pigments Soot. This can be selectively removed using a damp brush just like the stains can be wiped off the fuselage by ground crew rubbing against them.

Final details like undercarriage, drop tanks and antenna are fitted to complete the model. The drop tanks are just plugged in place without the risk of glue marring the paint finish.

After completing the weathering of the model it only

press fit design has considerable merit and the assembly

remained to add the smaller details that had been

was remarkable fast which I liked. The slight downside is

painted and finished separately and with most of them

that separating parts should you need to make any

pushing into place it was not hard to see the attraction of

adjustments to fit is not as easy as with a conventional kit

the press fit design. Did I manage a glue free build? No I

but nor is it that difficult either. The proof of course is how

have to admit that I would apply a little glue to even the

the finished model looks and we think it looks very

most securely fitted parts on the model out of a sense of

impressive. It will be intriguing to see how Meng choose

the ingrained innate wrongness of not doing so! The

to develop this press fit design in the future.

9

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:19 Page 10

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 12:19 Page 11

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 12

SHORT STIRLING Part seven sees the completion of the complicated shapes of the nacelles and the equally complexed shapes of the flaps. With the major assemby of the bomb bay and doors complete I could then revisit some of the finer details and feel the end of this monumental project was in sight...

x

I started the inner nacelles in much the same way as the outer ones...

12

...but instead of them being left solid, they were made hollow so as to accept the interior detailing that was to follow.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 13

part seven MEGAS TSONOS SCRATCHBUILDS THE HEAVY BOMBER IN 1:48

Thin plasticard was used for the nacelles interior structure.

The interior was painted in scale black. I drybrushed white artist’s oil to bring out the details...

To get a result as close as possible to the nacelle interior, I consulted the invaluable J.H. Clark cutaway plus contemporary photos.

... and modelled the components located in the area; oil tanks, fuel filters, Graviner fire extinguishers and the hot air supply hoses to the Gallay radiators (located in the bomb cells). I glued the inner nacelles in place, and along with the outer ones I used the Archer Fine Transfers fasteners to detail the already scribed areas.

The next step was to make the rest of the inner nacelles. I modelled the two longitudinal beams on either side of the main undercarriage units (Indicated by the arrows)...

13

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 14

...and finally the tail fairing (circled) which came from the Sanger kit. I painted the tail fairing inner sides in Alclad ALC-101 Aluminum as it was not painted in the production line.

Additionally, a vertical panel was put behind the outer nacelle to act as a guide.

The model was levelled in preparation for the installation of the four complete engine assemblies. Again the work commenced with the outer engines, and finished with the inner ones.

Seen from below, the grid lines helped in obtaining the correct positioning of the model in relation to the vertical axis as well as to the horizontal (when seen from directly above).

The metallic greyish-looking exhaust ring intake lip was a glow shield which prevented the red-hot exhaust from being seen in the distance during night operations; it was bolted onto the ring itself. A feature of mostly an early Stirling, it could also be seen on only one or only two engines on a given aircraft. The exhaust ring and outlet were painted in different Alclad metallic shades such as ALC113 Jet exhaust and ALC121 Burnt iron. I proceeded with a subtle wash with black artist’s oil; then I used the Tamiya Weathering Master Set ‘D’, and applied bluish and oil stain tints. One has to patient with this as the results are not immediate. I found myself repeating the procedure as I was not getting what I had in mind or had seen in the period colour photos.

The oil cooler intakes, as well as the smaller one between them, which ducted cold air to the Gallay heaters and to the cockpit, were scooped out in the modelling board that formed the leading edges. The intake lips, which stood proud of the leading edge, were formed with Milliput over a length of thin soldering wire glued around the duct edges.

14

Pictured at a later stage in the construction, the finished starboard outer engine (minus propeller) reveals the frontal area additions in the shape of the exhausts, propeller governor and the exhaust ring support rods. The intake lip ice guards already fitted were found to be wrongly shaped and were soon replaced by the correct parallelogram ones.

Judging from the photo of N6004, I jumped to conclusion that the carburettor intake lips and their corresponding ice guards could be oval. A more focused look at the sources revealed I was wrong and that the vast majority of the items in question were parallelogram (the norm for the Stirling Mk.I). As I already had installed the oval ice guards, I replaced them with parallelogram ones. In both instances however, custom made photo-etched parts were used. Sometimes advancing backwards is inevitable...

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 15

THE FLAPS The Gouge flaps, named after their designer, Mr. A. Gouge of Short Bros., covered a good 48% of the Stirling’s wing chord length. They were electrically operated and slid outwards (when lowered) leaving a well-respected gap between them and the fuselage. As they operated on rails, their only point of contact with the wings was through five rollers and their actuating jackscrew eye-ends. Their combined span including the fuselage width was only 1’ 6’’ less than the wingspan of the Mosquito! In model terms, the intricate part following the decision to put the flaps in the lowered position was that they should be made entirely suspended under the wings WITHOUT touching the fuselage. To eliminate the possibility of a flap fracture, it became evident that the wings should be made strong enough at their most vulnerable edge, the trailing edge. Metal was the obvious solution; the brass sheet which was cut at the shape of the wings uppersurfaces, was extended rearwards to meet the flap topsides. By cementing the finished flaps directly on the brass surface, and using the flap tracks as an additional means of producing an even stronger contact, the flaps were secured against all kinds of damage.

A piece of .080” plasticard was cut at the preliminary shape of the flaps. The undersurfaces are flat as are the rest of the wing undersurfaces. I thinned down the plasticard at the leading and trailing edges, in preparation for the cementing of the upper surface plasicard. At the point where the flaps were at their maximum thickness (that is at 50% of flap chord) I cemented a ‘spar’ and I curved a piece of plasticard over, so as to make the flap uppersurfaces. I used Milliput to shape the leading and refine the trailing edges.

Using tweezers and a suitable piece of resin block I held the flaps whilst spraying them with the finishing coats of Mr. Hobby Mr. Surfacer #500, and successively #1000. The flaps are now ready for installing on the wings.

I cleaned the contact surfaces from any putty, and exposed the brass surface of the wings and the bare styrene of the flaps. I glued the flaps on the wings with 5 minute epoxy glue. I ensured there were no issues of symmetry between the two flaps by checking from the front of the model, and from directly above it; I measured the flap-to-fuselage gap to be the same. I also checked for correct extension i.e. the flap outer (aileron side) ends, to be equally extended, as well as the inner sides (fuselage side). A fellow modeller with a keen eye for accuracy has helped a lot in this as I was fine-trimming the flaps within the confines of the epoxy setting time. It needed two pairs of eyes to set the flaps correctly and the result justified the effort.

The flaps were scribed; the flap track grooves (green arrows) as well as the flap actuator grooves (red circle) were now modelled in relation to the wing surface detailing in the area. I sprayed a coat of Mr. Surfacer #1200, to give the flaps a uniform appearance with the rest of the model in preparation for painting.

I went ahead with the filling of the gaps (Milliput) between the flaps upper surface and the wing trailing edges. I left NO gap at all, as the Gouge flaps were actually sliding outwards immediately under the trailing edge. I must point out that the Gouge flaps were NOT ‘Fowler’ or ‘Fowler-type’ as is often incorrectly quoted in some sources of information. They were designed within a totally different aerodynamic principle than the Fowler flaps and this is reflected in their mode of operation.

15

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 16

The gap formed between the extended flaps and the fuselage is seen to advantage in this photo. The nacelle tailpiece (which is part of the flaps) is moved off the nacelle centre line, when the flaps are extended.

I went on with the interior detailing of the bomb bay. Remember, we left the bomb bay to get on with the principal tasks, as any possible failure to any one of them would probably halt the construction. So there was no meaning to employ such a lot of work in the bays without been absolutely sure that the Stirling model was bound for painting. In the bomb bay there were 21 bomb beams on which the bomb carriers were secured. I fixed small styrene tabs over the stringers to create a base on which these components would be glued.

I painted the interior in a black-grey colour, and did some preliminary weathering. I kept a low profile in doing so, as the overall black painting of the undersides had yet to be applied, so the balance between the black shades was pending. The linkage which operated the bomb doors was modelled at this point; .030” dia. styrene rod was used. The rather complicated mechanism is clearly described in A.P.1660 A&B, Vol. 1, Section 7, Chapter 1, Fig. 2 ‘Fuselage Bomb Cell Doors’. The finished parts were painted, weathered and then glued on their respective places in the bomb bay.

The 21 bomb beams were equipped with a set of crutches which secured the Type A 500lb. bomb carriers or other loads. Eight nickelsilver photo-etched parts were used to model each bomb beam.

16

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 17

Additionally, some more detail can be seen in the form of wiring along the longitudinal beams upper starboard side. This was made from lengths of stretched sprue twisted to look like electrical wire bundles.

The flat inner doors and 548 stiffeners (!) are included in the fret shown, ready to be used to advantage; a really tedious task as you can tell by looking at it.

The four inner (flat) doors were designed for simplicity as well as strength in such a way as to be folded in pairs and make one set of two adjacent doors under each longitudinal beam. The result is shown here, as each one assembly is actually two doors folded along their hinge lines.

The outer doors were formed around their own stiffeners as any attempt to roll brass would lead to failure. A soft metal foil was used which was first rolled around a cylindrical pencil. Then it was positioned against a heavy backing and the first stiffeners were glued in place; a brass rod inserted through their respective holes held them in a straight line.

I used the flat doors as a gauge to the spacing of the stiffeners. During the process I checked with the brass rod the alignment of the stiffeners, by ensuring it was sliding effortlessly between them.

The outer (curved) doors were reinforced with a thin styrene outer ‘skin’, glued with CA, which was sanded smooth; now all doors were given a coat of Mr. Surfacer 1000, and installed on the already painted model. Thus, I painted them without having to touch them at all.

Due to their length, careful cementing had to be performed; especially the outer doors which should be fixed at the same opening angle. Moreover they should be parallel to the inner doors and should allow for the same gap to exist between them and the extended flaps.

17

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 18

THE SMALLER DETAILS

As is the norm with large models, or models of large aeroplanes such as the four engine bombers, some small details can be easily overlooked when compiling an article. In this chapter I tried to include most of these elusive facets of the construction. Being dispersed within a large amount of photos taken, and in some instances not photographed at all, the small details are nevertheless an integral part to a complete account of any scratchbuilt subject.

The 29 fuselage windows are located immediately below the fuselage longerons. First I located the position of the longerons and then I marked the approximate position of the window openings. Next I marked the fuselage formers and opened the rows of the oval windows between them. All oval windows were equally spaced, with the sole exception of the first window in front of each row which was spaced nearer the second one.

The front windows are located like the rest, but the fuselage frames were not equally spaced and moreover they corresponded exactly to the canopy vertical frames. So the position of the frames was meticulously calculated, and then the dimensions of the windows were figured out, not only in relation to the aforementioned frames but the fuselage stringers as well.

Having identical windows at hand made things easier as the fuselage window openings could be brought to the exact window shape, instead of trying to bring the windows to match their openings. The brass jig helped, not only in the correct opening and shaping of the windows, but their symmetrical appearance on both sides of the fuselage. All windows were equipped with blackout curtains which I installed prior to the transparencies. These were made of thin lead foil, were painted in ivory and washed with artist’s oils. All windows were masked for the painting of the model with masking fluid. The masks were gently peeled off with an airbrush needle well after the weathering of the model.

18

I used a brass jig to finalize the shape of the windows. The oval shape format of the window in the jig was also used in a laser cutting/engraving machine to cut the oval windows in 1/32” sheet plexiglass, thereby ensuring that the oval windows would be identical. I did the same for the rectangular windows of the front section, which are also laser-cut.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 13:03 Page 19

I modelled the extreme tail section just ahead of the tail turret shortly before painting. The bulkhead seen here is thin styrene sheet and includes the draught door and the floor which is the passageway over the horizontal stabilizer structure.

It is ‘riveted’ with the Archer Fine Transfers rivet decals and is painted in Alclad ALC-101 Aluminium. Its outer edge was trimmed to fit the irregularities of the fibreglass interior. When installed, none of these would be visible as everything was filled with Milliput, and sanded to conform to the emergency exit hatch opening. The port sidewall which was visible was modelled next. Thin styrene here as well; the inevitable Evergreen stringers, and the rivets and ALC-101 aluminium, the well-known procedure being thankfully repeated for the last time in the Stirling model.

Several dry fits were carried out before the painting of the sidewall, which is pictured in position. Note the bulkhead which was reworked with Milliput to conform to the fuselage at the point of the hatch sill. It was locally repainted; the rivets were reapplied to meet the exterior scribing for a more authentic look.

THE PROJECT CONTINUES IN THE NEXT ISSUE

19

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 20

TA M I YA’ S B E A U T I F U L B I G S C A L E DE HAVILLAND

20

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 21

modelled and described by

FRANCK OUDIN The Mosquito was a formidable aircraft, nearly entirely made of wood it was very light and being powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines it was also consequently very fast! It was used for many roles by the RAF including Fighter-Bomber, Bomber and Night Fighter creating havoc upon it’s targets This is the latest 1:32 release from Tamiya and is really impressive, so well engineered and so well detailed for an out of the box build. The kit contains 678 parts, so be ready to spend most of your hobby time for a while savouring this kit, all the parts fit so well just follow the instructions carefully as there is a lot of small operations to do, like choosing the flaps on the up or down positions, drilling holes here and there... things can get complicated so have a close look at your building guide before gluing anything together! Let me show you how I worked through my build of this ‘Wonder-kit’.

21

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 22

TAMIYA AT THEIR BEST As with most kits we start with the interior, all the details are included in the kit, even the photoetched harness, but I decided to use the HGW set which looked better to me. The complete interior is painted Gunze H-312 which is a good match for the British interior green, the seats are painted in black-green, the battery and radio are assembled and painted black. To be honest, just follow the instructions and they will guide you through without problems. A light wash is applied ito give some depth to the finished assembly.

22

The front gun bay is next, when I told you to be careful and study the instructions this is an example; I managed to glue the guns in the wrong position and I had to remove them by drilling the underside, so again, stay alert!! The gun barrels have been replaced with brass barrels from Master of Poland, they look just superb, but as they protrude from the nose be careful when your working around the model. All the cockpit details are then brush painted with Vallejo. The rear end the bomb bay is built at this

stage, so is the tail wheel support and cockpit inserted inside the fuselage which is now ready to close-up and attach the ailerons, again you can fix them in up or downward positions… the choice is yours. The front and top cover of the gun bay is temporarily put in place and held on the model with masking tape. The tail wheel will be put in place at the final stage of the build. The rudder can be built and fixed in position at this stage also.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 23

Work now started on the main spar; the fuel bay is painted white and the engine bay in interior green, details are masked and painted in black. Both radiators are painted silver and fixed in place as are two small magnets to allow removal of the panels later. A light wash is applied again to give depth to the whole assembly. Top and bottom wings can now be glued and screwed together, screws and screwdriver are supplied in the kit. With the wing tips, I decided to put the navigation light in just before the external painting to

avoid any mishaps. The fuel tanks are installed next after being fully painted and completed with decals The wheels are just such a clever idea. Tamiya have moulded them in forteen different parts to avoid any seams. The landing gears are also very well detailed, be careful to choose the right ones for the version you are building. I added them at the final stages of assembly as most of us tend to do. Both engine nacelles are now fixed in

place, make sure they sit all the way down into the small lock in the wings, then glue them and let them set for a while. The radio components are installed and again, with a clever system, the wings are screwed to the fuselage. The fit is just perfect and with a tiny amount of liquid glue the joint can be perfect…. now you have what looks like a Mosquito on your workbench!

Both engines are include in the kit and very well reproduced, they just need to be wired and smaller details added if you wish. Knowing I’d be closing the cowlings my Merlins were built straight from the box but still painted them fully, Obviously you can leave the cowling open and show the engines off…again your choice! Both engine nacelles are painted aluminium inside, to avoid confusion Tamiya recommend to mark the right engine covers in case you mix the parts. The oil radiators are painted and weathered at this stage, once the engines are complete they are put aside until the next stage.

23

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 24

A real highlight of the kit are the 20mm cannons, ammunition boxes and guns, again be careful with all the parts, confusion can easily set in quite quickly. Tamiya do pull another trick with a very handy photoetched alighnment jig to aid the positioning of the cannons. The choice is offered in the kit to have the complete bomb bay open or semi open, if you take the time to paint the 20mm cannon set it’s worth leaving the bay open

to see all theses great details. I decided to replace the bombs of the kit with resin parts from MDC (Model Design Construction), they need a little prep-work but the result is worth the effort. If you do decide to open the bomb bay you will have to cut the door part in two, very easily achieved with a new blade and a little sanding.The bomb bay door mechanisms are complecated and the model is now tricky to handle without

For the cowlings, you can choose to leave them open or closed. I choose to close them to avoid a break of slick lines of the Mosquito, all the cowlings fit really well. You can paint them separately as there’s no need for sanding, you also have another set in transparent styrene if you want to see the engine inside the cowling and keep some of the aircraft’s shape. As there are three versions in the kit make sure to use the right cowling parts for your chosen subject. 24

damage resulting. Forget the instructions for fixing the doors at this stage, it will be done later. Now it’s time to prepare the flaps, again your choice of up or down positions I choose the down position to give a bit of life to my Mosquito.This is a straightforward operation as all the parts fit so well.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 25

Before painting anything a lot of areas have to be masked and some of these areas need special care such as the bomb and wheel bays and the canopy area. The Mosquito I’ve depicted is FBVI HR147 flown by Canadian pilot Russell Bannock from the 418Th Squadron of the RCAF 1944. Following the instructions, and using only Gunze Sanyo products, I started with the Medium sea grey H-335 all over the model in few sessions, this is a large area to paint in one visit to the bench!

H-73 is used to free-hand apply the green camo over another few sessions, and flowing the pictures of the real plane another type of grey is used to touch up on the nose and on the gun cover. Once the surfaces are fully dry they receive light polishing with a soft cloth, and Gunze H-20 Gloss varnish is applied prior to placing the decals. The decals are from Aviaeology in Canada, they are really well researched and with a lot of indications about the time-frame you want to model your Mossie, the decals are really thin so be careful to use plenty water to position them. Once in place the decals are sealed again with another layer of gloss varnish. The model is now ready for the weathering. Don’t forget the Mosquito was largely made of wood, so no metallic scratches all over! A light wash is worked around details and then matt varnish is applied. With my airbrush, I took two different tones of grey and green heavily diluted and worked some subtle tones to add shading and fading, these Mosquitos where based in the UK so not too discoloured by the sun! Some stains and marks are added around the engines, the nose, the engine nacelles and some pigment is used on the wheels to simulate mud. Oil and fuel stains are done with different washes from Gunze. Again...no real recipe it’s really up to your taste, but there is plenty room to play on these big models.

25

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 26

26

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:26 Page 27

HAPPY MODELLING Another flawless kit from Tamiya, so well thought out, detailed and engineered, the precision fit of the kit is amazing even though the main airframe is joined in sub assemblies, the complete model gives you an amazing replica of the very famous RAF fighter bomber. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on this kit as there are so many parts, but it’s worth every penny and every minute spent on it. A classic kit for sure.

Aftermarket Extras: HGW seat belts set 132568 HGW Canopy masks 132809 MDC CV32050 MC500lb Tail 28 MK2 Bombs Master AM32-083 Pitot tube and armament set Aviaeology decals AOD32005m

Gunze Colours H-312 FS34227, H-1 White, H-2 Black H-335 Medium Sea grey, H-73 Dark green H-77 Tyre black, H-53 Neutral grey

27

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 28

28

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 29

Republic RF-84F Aurelio Reale

models the high-tech kit from newcomers Tanmodel

airport of Verona. Towards the end of 1954

detail (although no seat belts are provided),

was a single-engine jet produced by

the department took on the designation of

poseable ailerons, rudders flaps and air-

the U.S. Republic Aviation

the 3rd Reconnaissance Wing.

brakes with open ducting to the turbine

Corporation in the mid-fifties. The

Until now to build a photographic

face- all very nicely done. Landing gear

Thunderflash was a development of the F-

reconnaissance version of the famous F-

and wheel-wells continue the quality with

84F Thunderstreak, designed specifically

84, it was necessary to work on the kit

the tyres unusually provided as separate

for photo-recon missions. Outwardly the

from Heller; but now, thanks to the new

parts. Being a photo-recon aircraft,

new aircraft was distinguished clearly from

Turkish company Tanmodel, you can have

underwing stores are limited to a choice of

the predecessor as the nose cone

a kit using the latest production methods,

rather large fuel tanks.

contained the photographic equipment

designed by 3D scanning the real aircraft

resulting in a re-design of the air intake at

and detailed using the latest technologies

the root of the wings leading edge. The

in the field of CAD modelling. With around

Thunderflash came to Italy to equip the

three hundred parts this kit offers lots of

units of the 3rd Wing (initially called 3rd

options for open panels revealing avionics

Fighter Wing) from March 1954 and was

and photographic equipment, a nicely

transferred from Bari to the base at the

detailed cockpit with raised instrument

T

he Republic RF-84F Thunderflash

29

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 30

Tan-tastic? As always I started the construction of the kit by running a test fitting of the main parts of the aircraft; I didn’t encounter any problems, it shows a very good job done in the design phase, especially if you are referring to the wing-fuselage match. Happy with this I started with the assembly of the cockpit. The level of detail is very high and does not require major improvement work. I focused instead on the seat. missing the belts I decided to reproduce them through adhesive aluminim foil and suitably shaped photoetched buckles.

30

With plasticard I reproduced one of the

have been retouched with black and the

two foot-rests as it appeared ‘filled’

dials enhanced with a fine brush and

instead of recessed. For oxygen tubes

white. As in my reference, the seat has

and the antigravity suit I used the two-

been painted with the same colour as

component putty "green stuff"

the cockpit, the head and armrests

appropriately modelled. With the same

picked out in red-brown. The cushion

putty I also reproduced the seat

and belts were coloured following the

cushion. The tubular reinforcements

reference pictures and a slight aging

have been redone using Albion Alloy

was done using drybrush, pigments and

tubes. Finished with the improvement

washes. Before closing the fuselage, I

work, I sprayed a black primer on

painted the exhaust and it’s duct

everything using Gunze Mr. Surfacer

starting with Yellow Zinc Chromate by

1500; this product has the advantage of

Tamiya aged with Mig’s wash "Brown

adhering to all materials, thus ensuring

Green" trying to create the patina of dirt

an excellent base for subsequent

left by the combustion of fuel.

painting work. The interior was then

Consulting the instruction sheet we can

coated with Gunze H 307, using the

see how putting all the photographic

marbling technique so as to have a non

equipment in place will prevent the need

uniform and more realistic finish,

for a weight to prevent the model sitting

excellent also for the next stage of

on it’s tail. Having decided to build the

aging. The side consoles were left black,

model without opening the photographic

detail emphasized with a drybrush in

compartments, I limited work to painting

medium grey and some controls

around the compartment in black with a

coloured with red and yellow. The same

light drybrush in grey and a light grey for

treatment was applied to the instrument

the bodies of the cameras; once closed

panel; the edges of the instruments

of course, nothing can be seen!

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 31

With the fuselage halves closed I was conscious that aircraft with a natural metal finish show every little fault. After sanding a first time to remove any excess adhesive I checked, using a marker, all the seams concerned, and where necessary, I filled using super glue in order to have less problems during the step of re-engraving any of the panel lines lost. Before proceeding with the colour, I sanded all surfaces with fine wet abrasive paper in order to have a smooth surface ready for subsequent work with the metal effect.

Test your metal On this model I wanted to try the

was applied to the whole model.

products of a brand-new paint

Thanks to the quick drying times it was

company, Kcolor. As well as having a

possible to complete painting in single

wide range of FS codes they also

airbrushing session.

produce a metallized line of tones

Having in mind the idea of creating an

which out of curiosity, I wanted to test.

‘operating’ finish to the aircraft, I did

First I sprayed a gloss black coat as a

not labour too much on the uniformity

base for the metallic colour. This paint and base coat dries very quickly and their

of the painting, leaving a few areas less covered, then tinted further with a different shade of metallic.

Chrome 15 aluminim

After spraying an coat of clear Tamiya X100, I started masking to recreate the walkways, the anti-glare panel and all other coloured parts according to the scheme chosen.

31

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 32

I used the K Color Matt Black as a basis for

was sealed with a clear gloss as a base for

print out of register, but once cropped from

both the walkways and the anti-glare

the decals.

the excess film and treated with liquid softeners, these are perfectly suited to the

panel, the latter was then painted with green FS 34079 and aged with a slightly

Before proceeding with the weathering, I

detail on the surface, leading to greater

lighter shade of colour to simulate fading.

applied the decals. As these are present

realism. All the work was sealed again with

The subsequent phases concerned the

on the actual aircraft since its first flight,

a X100 gloss coat.

painting of the red parts, the tail top, the

they receive the same aging treatment as

exhaust zone, the inner part of the

the paintwork. At first glance the decal

airbrakes and the wheels bays. All the work

sheet seems to lack in quality, with some

Oxidation observation

32

Before proceeding with weathering, I

patina effect, in my case I created three

proceed by dabbing the various surfaces,

thoroughly studied photos of this aircraft

different shades of grey. Using different

previously treated with oil colours, to obtain

and, in general, aircraft with natural metal

sponges, suitably discharged of excess

a very thin coat on the entire surface that

finish looking for a way to obtain, in a

paint on a napkin, dab the various parts of

still shows the metallic finish below giving a

realistic way, the characteristic patina of

the model, thus creating spots of different

subtle patina. Using this technique on the

oxidation that forms on all surfaces

colour. During these steps it is important to

entire model and all other parts required a

because of weathering. After many tests I

keep things random, without loading too

lot of hours of work, but the end result has

came to the conclusion that for me, the

much paint in the sponges. The final phase

repaid the effort made. Furthermore, this

best way to re-create this effect is to ‘dab’

of this technique is to blend the previous

technique is well suited to create other

the model surfaces with a sponge soaked

work by the use of a sponge soaked in

weathering effects such as accumulation of

in oil colour. The technique is simple; you

thinner. Also here it is important the thinner

dirt near the wheels or the dirt from foot

must start by creating different shades of

has been duly wiped, not completely wet,

traffic of the mechanics during

colour that will be used to re-create the

but just slightly damp. You can then

maintenance across the airframe.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 33

After sealing this all again with a clear

the wing blades. Similarly, the two auxiliary

anti-reflective panel due to the opening of

gloss coat, I used a brown and black oil

tanks were weathered with similar

the acess panels and the photo

colour as a base for the various oil and dirt

techniques working to reference photos. To

compartment. To seal all the work done so

leaks from all moving parts, and for the

conclude this stage, I run a wash to

far and to give a pleasing final surface

APU exhaust stain. With pure oil colour

highlight panels and rivets with a mix of the

finish, an overall coat of satin clear was

‘pulled’ with a soft bristle brush soaked

grey and dark grey series Panel Line Wash

airbrushed.

with thinner, I created the oil leaks on the

of the Ammo range, and recreated the

moving parts and dirt accumulations near

scratches on the walkways and on the

33

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 34

34

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 14:40 Page 35

Tanmodel became part of the modelling scene only recently, but with this RF-84F they have already made it clear they have serious intentions to stay there. This kit builds very well and has a high level of detail that modellers expect from new toolings. We can easily achieve a good reproduction of the American scout which also served under other flags around the World. Plans to re-release the kit with a new decal sheet offering more options are very welcome, an excellent debut kit from Tanmodel.

35

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 36

ANDREA VIGNOCCHI

continues the story of his super-detailed small-scale scene

part two

36

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 37

37

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 38

Even if all the reference sources state that

Zinc Chromate, Interior Green, grey etc...

intricate plumbing.

the P-47’s interior parts were painted in

With this consideration in mind, I painted

The same painting processes were used

Zinc Chromate Yellow, a close examination

the engine firewall with Tamiya TS-17, then,

for the other components, pictures of a

of original pictures led me to think that the

detailed with many Vallejo shades and an

disassembled and not yet restored P-47

bulkheads behind the engine were left in

oil paint wash, I highlighted the details

were used as excellent reference. The final

natural metal and the other parts were

further with Vallejo acrylics and then I

result is quite spectacular and I’m pleased

painted in various other colours like

added some placards and details on the

it replicates the complexity of the real Thunderbolt very well..

The complexity of the finished radial, a challenge in 1:72!

Tamiya’s XF-4 replicates the zinc primer, a sepia oil colour wash enhances the detail.

A decent face mask is essential when spraying laquers.

Decanting from the aerosol for use in an airbrush allows greater control.

38

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 39

Even if Schilling’s P-47 is a famous aircraft and one can find many pictures around, even in colour, some details remain controversial: some sources say the lower surfaces were painted Medium Sea Grey,

The Tamiya aluminium gives a tough base for weathering.

other say they were Natural Metal, while some others say the airplane had one wing painted in Natural Metal and the other painted Medium Sea Grey…a real mess!

After I’d spent many hours browsing

obtaining a fast-drying, smooth and tough

surfaces were done, I started the

through my books and on the internet, I

base. Some panels were then painted with

execution of the complex upper

decided to represent the aircraft just

Alclad in different shades to add realism.

camouflage. Since the base colour is quite dark, I airbrushed a white layer where the

before the 1944 crash that caused the replacement of the left wing.

The parts that were staying in Natural

roundels will be laid. I started with a black

Many clues led me to choose this paint

Metal were masked to paint the invasion

preshading that was followed by a light

scheme: lower surfaces in Natural Metal

stripes. After a preshading, I airbrushed the

layer of Ocean Grey, trying to let the

and upper surfaces in RAF Ocean Grey

white and the black. Since in many

preshading show through just a little. The

and Dark Green, the same scheme other

pictures the invasion stripes appear not to

colours were made with a mixture of

airplanes of the group wore. The aluminium

be perfectly parallel, I decided to

Gunze paints diluted with Tamiya Lacquer

base on the lower surfaces were painted

reproduce this feature, without

Thinner; this combination works in a

with Tamiya TS17, I sprayed the paint into

exaggerating too much. The rudder was

remarkable way I find.

a container, diluted with Tamiya Lacquer

painted yellow, the 62nd Squadron

Thinner and decanted it into my airbrush,

identification colour. After the lower

39

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 40

After hours drying time, I sprayed the

the time when I can see if the final effect

bay doors, with my airbrush loaded with

model with some Clear Gloss (Tamiya X-

is what I wanted,the detail work is

Flat Black I made the gun smoke

22), diluted with Lacquer Thinner. Decals

emphasized and at the same time it

streaks, trying to be very delicate since

were laid with the help of Microscale

blends with the camouflage, a satisfying

on the P-47 they were not very

Setting Solution and covered with

result.

pronounced.

decals looked too bright, I decided to

The model is now painted and lightly

The Thunderbolts often wore two

tone them down with a light grey oil

weathered with the oil washes that

roundels under the wings, most

wash, removed with a soft cloth after a

highlight the panel lines. In the next

probably to be easily recognizable

few minutes.

steps I wanted to achieve a look more

during low level attacks. One peculiarity

similar to an operative P-47. I started by

of Schilling’s P-47, shown in at least two

Oil washes were made with three

depositing some Cassel Earth oil colour

pictures, is the difference in diameter

different colours: dark green and dark

on the wing roots, where the continuous

between the two underwing roundels.

grey for the camouflaged surfaces and

passage of pilots and crew-chiefs

Lower surfaces received the same

sepia for the movable surfaces and

deposits a layer of mud and dirt. With a

weathering process; the engine exhaust

inspection panel contours in order to

mixture of Humbrol 127 Light Grey and

stains were made with a highly diluted

make them stand out on the

56 Aluminium I made some scratches

brown-black acrylic, with a light grey

camouflage. The model was then

on the walking areas and around

streak in the middle that simulates the

covered with a layer of Aeromaster

maintenance panels; I overlapped

trace left by the burnt oil. I made some

Clear Flat, diluted with Tamiya X20,

scratches and layers of Earth oil colour,

fume traces around spent shell ejection

since it does not mix with the Lacquer

trying to replicate the wear the fighter

ports with more staining concentrated

Thinner. Next is something I really love

went through during its operational use.

on the invasion stripes and around the

to do; take away the masks and see

With the same technique I made some

movable surface’s hinges.

how the coloured model looks. This is

oil strains and I highlighted the weapon

another layer of Tamiya X-22. Since the

40

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 41

The idea for the diorama came from

an Italeri set . The terrain and PSP were

but instead took on a grayish hue, once

some pictures that showed a few

painted XF57 Buff, while the concrete

again, the close examination of a

Thunderbolt on Boxted airfield, home-

was painted light grey, trying to

colour picture proved to be essential in

base of the legendary 56th Group. I first

enhance the joints with a darker colour,

achieving a realistic finish.

checked the position of the many items

a raw umber oil wash highlighted the

The terrain and the gravel were treated

on the base, in order to achieve a well

terrain’s texture and the holes of the

with some drybrushing made with oil

balanced diorama; the general idea

PSP. After a clear coat that sealed the

colours progressively lighter, this

was to have the P-47 parked on the

work done on the base, I drybrushed

technique allows me to blend the

field, undergoing engine maintenance.

many colours on the PSP, overlapping

colours together, without blotches even

The terrain was made with clay

the layers with the lower colours still

if I use very light tints. The grass came

sprinkled with dust and pebbles, while

wet in order to blend them together

from the Noch range, while the flocks

the concrete slabs were made with

and to achieve an irregular finish.

came from the Mininatur 1:72 range,

2mm thick plastic card, engraved with

Looking at colour WWII pictures, I

they were highlighted with a yellow

the Tamiya scriber. The PSP came from

noticed that the PSP did not look rusty,

drybrushing.

Even though the space on the base is limited, I tried to reproduce the chaos one can see on maintenance images. I used many resin crates and oil drums, while the toolbox and the tools are Extratech items. The flat underwing tank came from the Tamiya kit, while the fire extinguisher and the wooden worktop are scratchbuilt. All the items were accurately painted and the ubiquitous oil and fuel stains were made with oil colours. The Willys Jeep is an ubiquitous vehicle in the American airbases. I used the excellent Dragon kit that was improved by thinning the sidewalls and the mudguard’s internals. The front seat cushions were remade with two-part epoxy putty.

41

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 42

42

The last elements that help me obtain a

and hands were modified in order to let the

Even if the Milicast figures are 1:76 they

realistic setting are the figures, but the

figure hold the panel that shows ‘Hairless

are usually compatible with 1:72 figures

more experienced I become, the more

Joe’, a famous cartoon character of the

and their sculpting is always first class, this

difficult is to find suitable figures that will fit

period. This figure is very important

figure in particular is quite funny, with a

in the diorama I have in mind. The officer is

because it shows the nose art of the plane

chunky look that contrasts with the slender

a resin clone of an old metal figure, while

that otherwise would disappear between

officer…

the crew chief is composed by the body of

the other items laid on the ground. The last

My little slice of history was complete.

a Revell RAF specialist and a head that

figure is an American soldier and comes

comes from the Milicast range. The arms

from the Milicast range with a CMK head.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:12 Page 43

43

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:13 Page 44

new releases

Revell 1:32 Me262 B-1/U-1 Nightfighter

44

This is a brand new release of a brand new tooling from Revell and with such a popular subject it deserves to be a winner. The box is packed to the gills with no less than thirteen sprues (rating as a level 5 on Revell's 'skill counter' so I best leave this to the Editor to build!) and those all important first impressions are very good indeed. Some tiny areas of flash here and there are quickly overlooked when you see the finesse of the surface detail and some very crisp moulding; when Revell go for it they can really get it right. At the time of us going to press this kit really is just available so we've not heard any reports of how it assembles, obviously the best reflection of a kit's quality but as it's reported the highly regarded Radu Brinzan is the designer we should expect an enjoyable build. One very welcome step in the right direction from Revell are the instructions, in the past some of their more complexed kit instructions have had the effect of a boxing glove on a big spring as you open them, these are a much more relaxed affair and in full colour. The cockpit and nose cannons are

the first sub assemblies, both multi-part designs rich in detail (and thankfully no moulded-on seatbelts) only the gun bay is sandwiched between the fuselage halves, the whole cockpit 'tub' attaches from the underside which will be a great help when painting. The belly of the fuselage and wings are assembled as one with excellent wheel-well detail and separate control surfaces, we look to have some very positive joints for the larger sections to assure correct angles. The multi-part engines are nicely detailed should you wish to leave off any of the cowls and the wheels and landing gears certainly look up to scratch also. Clear mouldings are well done and Revell have even gone to great lengths to get an excellent delicate appearance to the nose antennae which may be a challenge to remove from the spues. Two markings are provided, both of 10./NJG 11 with schemes that suit the organic, flowing lines of the 262 a treat; decal quality is up to the standard of the rest of the kit. We think you'd be very hard pushed to find a better value 1:32 aircraft kit than this, pick one up while you can!

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:13 Page 45

322021

HGW Models Even the best kits out there can benefit from a little HGW magic, their products really are superb. HGW’s ‘Wet Transfer’ system basically does away with any of the dreaded ‘silvering’ associated with decal film; after allowing the waterslide image to dry the backing and carrier film are simply peeled away leaving only the printed image. 248029 is a set for 1:48 balkancruz and stencils for Bf 109s, 232016 are stencils for the Special Hobby 1:32 Tempest and 248027 is for 1:48 Sabres. Another set for the Special Hobby Mk.V Tempest is 132823 providing a set of HGW’s legendary seatbelts and canopy masks. More of those seatbelts in 1:48 with a set (148546) for Ju88s and in 1:32 132578 is for Hurricane MkIIs

and 132583 is a set of 4-point ‘Sutton’ harnesses for Jak-3 (Yak 3). The wet transfer process developed by HGW lends itself beautifully to their superb riveting sets (cast your mind back to the Editor’s Revell Fw190 and to how impressed we were with this system). Set 322021 is generic to any 1:32 subject with a set of oblong photoetched templates and coresponding multiple rivet decals. If you have the Hasegawa 1:32 A6M5c Zero this bumper set 321021 will certainly take the project to the next level with a full riveting set, stencil wet transfers, canopy masks and seatbelts. Simply some of the best aftermarket detail availablewww.hgwmodels.cz

45

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:13 Page 46

RF-4E and F-4E, Phantom under the skin Volume 2 Ioannis Lekkas & Ilias Gkonis Published by Eagle Aviation Softback format, 96 pages ISBN 978618 8137677 www.eagleaviation.gr

x

The guys from Greece, Eagle Aviation, are producing some of the best photo reference on the market and another look at the Phantom focusses on the recce versions. Although the subjects photographed are Hellenic Airforce F-4s the reference transfers to most Phantoms with superb walk-around images of all of the features you may want to detail. The high quality of the photography captures some great weathering and finishing reference close-up and a selection of large format full views of aircraft give a great overall feel of the colours and markings. The photography is certainly the main focus but the authors demonstrate their knowledge with informative captions and tables of data plus a bonus fold-out A2 poster of colour profiles is a welcome treat! Highly recommended.

Revell 1:72 Spitfire Mk.IIa

46

This is a brand new kit from Revell, whilst I'm sure many of us will have cut their modelling teeth many years ago on a small-scale Spitfire we can assure you the kit won't have been as nice as this. Presented as an 'entry level' standard of kit the assembly is very simple with less than forty parts and although we don't have the recent Airfix Mk.IIa to hand (Airfix don't supply samples to the media anymore…) the design looks pretty similar with the fuselage lower section and wings as one. Wing tips are separate and the cockpit sidewalls have good detail and separate front

and rear bulkheads.Where this kit really shines is the finesse of the surface detail, Revell have made a superb job of the ultra-fine panel lines, something that the Airfix kit has been criticised for. Moulding and detail is excellent throughout including the threepart canopy with the option of the armoured version. To keep the cost low there is only one marking option offered of an aircaft based at Duxford (code 'AFV'!) with Revell's usual high quality decal standards. Cracking little Spit'. For further information visit www.revell.de/en

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:13 Page 47

Great Wall Hobby 1:48 T-33A 'Shooting Star' Now we're not claiming this is a 'new' release but it's been a long while since we had a look at anything Great Wall Hobby have been up to. Thanks to the guys at Hobby Link Japan we're assured of the good reports we've heard about recent GWH's kits, this Lockheed Shooting Star looks beautifully done. Rather than opening a box bursting with sprues we have a sensible number of parts (less than 150) which makes for a very inviting build. Moulding is first rate with superb surface detail and delicate finesse throughout. Starting with the cockpit tub we've seven parts to each seat and a 'sandwich' style assembly to the instrument panels, all of the instruments have fine raised detail. Assembly of the airframe has a standard approach with separate

intake trunking and exhaust to avoid a hollow look to the finished model. Control surfaces can all be posed as you wish and are complete with inner detail, gear doors and air-brakes require a cut to separate the parts and again, excellent internal detail straight from the box. The canopy is superb and thoughtfully comes in it's own cling-wrap to avoid any marks. With a simple but highly detailed build this is one to flex your painting muscles on! Three great schemes are offered (USAF, Luftwaffe and Italian) with bare metal and bright colours a-plenty. Decals are nicely printed. An excellent out-of-the-box build where most modellers will be content just to add some seat belts.

K-Color A new brand of paint from Italy impressed us with a demonstation recently and we have some samples to use on future projects. Along with their range of custom airbrushing colours and effects for automotive artists there’s a new range of ‘Army Colours’ with suitable primers and varnishes, all ready to spray. Quality is excellent, particularly the metal effect tones which dry amazingly quickly (especially considering they’re water based with minimal odour). The chrome really does look like chrome. www.kcolor.com is in Italian but gives a good idea of the range available and has secure shopping.

47

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:13 Page 48

new releases

Model Design Construction The master-casters at MDC are always at work testing and trialing the latest technology and moulding methods to bring us the best quality detail upgrades. We can vouch for the suitability of flexible resin (as we produce our own 1:16 ammunition belts among our range of AFV Modeller resin upgrades) which captures the detail as resin can but with the benefit of being as flexible as rubber. All for ‘50 Cal’ Brownings are CV72001 in 1:72 providing four ammo trays with belts and CV48056 providing two in 1:48. CV48051 provides two belts in 1:48 without the feed tray. In 1:32

CV32068 provides a single ammo belt and CV32074 the belt with tray. For the Mosquito in 1:32 is a set of Rocket stubs which have lovely finesse cast in resin which will be a nice touch if you’re arming your Mossie to the teeth. MDC also include Mosquito bombs in their large range as seen on Franck Oudin’s feature in this issue. www.modeldesignconstuction is the place for more details and shopping their range of accesories and finishing materials.

DEF Model DEF. Model from the Republic of Korea are held in the highest regard by armour modellers with their upgrade and conversion sets being some of the very best on the market. Well known for their resin wheels they’ve produced a couple of sets to tempt aircraft modellers building any F-14 in 1:48. DS48009 provides early pattern versions and DS48010 the mid production. Detail is superb with a realistic weighted look to the tyre. www.defmodel.com has more details and stockists Worldwide.

Flying the Icon:Spitfire Jarrod Cotter Published by Fighting High Hardback format, 160 pages ISBN 9780993 212987 www.casematepublishers.co.uk 48

In the year of the 80th anniversary of the flight of prototype K5054 this new book takes a different approach to documenting the history of the icon with first hand accounts of flying the evolution of variants from the prototypes to post-war F.18/22/24 versions. With original wartime pilot's notes, historic and modern flight reference cards and reports we get a feeling for how the Spitfire really was (and is) for those behind the controls. In addition there's plenty of technical data and some nice images, both period black and white and modern colour all very nicely presented. A must for Spitfire fans, a great compilation of information with a different perspective from the usual historical format and with beautiful contemporary photography as a bonus.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:13 Page 49

672 132 32396

49796

648286

648280

6320898

648169

672126

648279

32395

Eduard It’s our pleasure to be back in touch with the guys at Eduard, one of the most prolific manufacturers in the market of high quality upgrades and kits. You simply can’t better Eduard’s printed photoetch and their ‘Brassin’ range of resin and photoetch is superb.We’ve a selection here of some of their recent releases and good news if you fancy the new Revell Me 262 with 32893 an interior set, 32894 is seatbelts and 33163 is cockpit facias and detail. 32395 is external detail and JX196 is a set of pre-cut paint masks. 32396 is a large fret to detail Eduard’s P-47D kit, 33162 is more pre-coloured photoetch for Special Hobby’s Yak-3, 48286 is a superb seat set for 1:48 the F-104 and 672132 a full sell of detailed 1:72 guns for Airfix’s recent B-17 (Eduard have a great selection of detail sets for this kit). 49796 is a detail set for the

lovely GWH T-33A we’ve looked at in this issue and more superb seatbelts in 1:32 with 32896 for the F-4, 32895 for MiG-21 and 32889 for WWI French aircraft. Some ultra-detailed weapons sets now with a pair of 1:48 GBU-8/Bs (648169) and 648280 AGM-114 Hellfires in 1:48 and in 1:32 some superb rocket launchers for the P-47. A couple of very impressive ‘Brassin’ sets to end on with 648279, a stunning full cockpit in 1:48 for Eduard’s own Me 109F including canopy detail and the most impressive 1:72 Spitfire Mk.IX engine set including delicate resin cowlings, 672126 is the product reference. This is just a selection of some of their latest releases, get over to www.eduard.com for more details of their massive range and keep up to date with news of what’s coming. 49

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:14 Page 50

new releases

ICM 1:72 FW 189A-1 Another manufacturer we don't often get opportunity to look at is ICM who, as with other Eastern European kit manufacturers, have really upped their game in recent years. Lifting the lid on the stout corrugated box does give that feel of no-nonsense presentation with two grey sprues, a clear sprue and decals; the only nod to luxury being a colour instruction booklet. But what really matters is the quality of the moulding, this is pretty impressive with fine and crisp detail throughout, restrained panel lines and excellent thin and fine edges. The design of the FW 189 is going to make for a

demanding build especially in 1:72 but ICM look to have made good efforts with the kit's design to ensure good, positive mating surfaces. The clear glazing makes up the majority of the fuselage and is well moulded, aftermarket masks will make things a whole lot easier here. Decals aren't the best, a little thick and crude in detail but provide three marking options including a white-washed version in Finland. A very nice kit with a lot of finesse but not one for inexperienced modellers. Our thanks again to Hobby Link Japan for the sample.

Wingspan 2 Published by Canfora Softback format, 127 pages ISBN 9789198 232547 www.canfora.se

50

Being fans of 1:32 aircraft it's good to see the trend for the large scale is alive and well, demonstrated by a second release in the 'Wingspan' series. As with Volume 1 the presentation is high quality with a definite 'gallery' format rather than step-by-step (although some progress images are included of the projects). The subjects are very varied from a Felixstowe to a Phantom and include a Zero, Stuka and Hurricane. High quality modelling and presentation, very much worth a look, and volume 3 already planned. Our thanks to Toni Canfora for the sample copy.

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:14 Page 51

Revell 1:48 Spitfire Mk.Vc No surprise to see that this new release is a re-box that has done the rounds from Classic Airframes, Special Hobby, Italeri and Eduard; not a bad thing though as this has been a very popular and accurate kit of this version of the Spitfire. Revell have boxed a budget version without any of the photoetch or resin of the previous Eduard specials but we're still treated to some beautiful surface detail, nice cockpit and wheel-wells and posable control surfaces. Moulding overall is excellent and the clear parts show no signs of the well used tooling deteriorating. Noted in the past as

being a kit for more experienced modellers with some trimming and filling required, Revell look to have made efforts in their excellent new-style instructions to highlight areas requiring attention. Two options of finish are offered on the decal sheet, 92 Squadron in Egypt and 603 in Malta; decals appear very thin with a pleasing matt finish. Still a very nice kit and fantastic value from Revell. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit www.revell.de/en

Revell 1:72 P-70 Nighthawk Revell have this re-boxed MPM kit down as a 'Lockheed' P-70, surely this should read 'Douglas'? Anyway, another re-box offered at a great price for what's regarded as a pretty decent kit with some finely moulded parts and good detail offering nice interiors and optional noses (even the glazed nose aircraft is overpainted to hide the radar equipment, great if you hate masking!) Both marking options are for overall black finished aircraft and the sprues are moulded in black, a good help at the painting stage but not great for assembly, moulding is all clean including the

clear sprue. Revell's new instructions are again a welcome improvement but a cursory glance doesn't show any mention of adding any weight which we're sure will be necessary with the tricycle landing gear to avoid a tail sitter. Decals for two schemes are very nicely done, whether the colours are dense enough to prevent any show-through of the black remains to be seen. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit www.revell.de/en

51

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:14 Page 52

Wilder A range well-known to armour modellers is Wilder (from the renowned modeller Adam Wilder, the author of our very own ‘Adam’s Armour’ modelling guides) with all manor of weathering and finishing products on offer. Some of the latest releases are four different coloured ‘liquid’ masking fluids, the idea of the bright colours being to aid in the removal. These appear to be latex based and easily applied with quick drying times. The full range is available in the UK from The Airbrush Company www.airbrushes.co.uk

Lifecolor Lifecolor acrylics have never let us down either through the airbrush or brushed the consistancy is excellent and colours accurate. A new set of six RAF Battle of Britain era colours are now available ( with the box featuring a Spitfire by some guy called David Parker...) and the finish dries with a very pleasing silk / satin sheen. Our Lifecolor samples are kindly sent by The Airbrush Company who stock a huge range of colours, thinners, cleaners and weathering products; www.airbrushes.co.uk

72132

72133

48317

48318

48319

32112

48316

Scale Aircraft Conversions SAC’s ever expanding catalogue of upgraded white metal landing gears shows no sign of slowing down, here’s another new batch starting with 1:72. 72132 is for Eduard’s Fw 190, 72133 for Trumpeter’s Su-33 Flanker D and 72134 is for Zvezda’s MiG-29. Up to 1:48 with 48316 for Bronco’s P-40C, 48317 for the Kitty Hawk F2H-2 Banshee, 48318 is bang up to date for the recent Tamiya F-14 release and 48319 for the Hobby Boss IAR-80. Finally in 1:32 for the wonderful Wingnut Wings kits are 32111 for the Sopwith Pup and 32112 for the Pfalz D.XII. Get over to www.scaleaircraftconversions.com for all the details. 52

72134

32111

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 16:14 Page 53

Baracuda More top-notch quality upgrades from the guys Stateside at Baracuda. If our Mossi article in this issue has made your mind up that you have to build one these ‘Expanded’ airframe stencils are well worth a look especially for 1:32 with highly detailed markings for all around the exterior and also instument facias. Available in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 the Cartograf printed water-slides are excellent. Some accurate Air-to-Air missiles now for your 1:72 Lightning, Sea Vixen or Javelin project beautifuly cast in resin

(even clear parts where appropriate). BR72214 is a pair of ‘H.S. Redtops’ and BR72215 a couple of ‘D.H.Firestreak’. Still with 1:72 is a superb cockpit set for the lovely Airfix Lightning F.6, with some very delicate detail this will paint a treat and comes with comprehensive instuctions and instrument decals. Baracuda’s website has their full range on show and further details, www.barracudacals.com

RB Productions We’ve already mentioned Radu Brinzan who has worked with Revell on their latest big release, the Me 262 B-1 / U-1. RB Productions is Radu’s own company who already have an excellent range of high quality upgrades and accessories and now some brand new upgrades for the new Revell kit. One of the main details which is very much in your face is the antennas, Revell have made a commendable effort in moulding these but this set of ultra-fine turned brass parts (and one in resin) is undoubtably an improvement and should look superb in place. RB-C32005 is the product number. RB-C32007 is a pair of super-detailed bomb

racks for the ‘262 finely cast in resin and an upgrade many modellers default to is the main gear wheels and tyres; RBC32006 gives you just that with highly detailed front and rear hub inserts and finely moulded resin accurate tyres with sharp tread and sidewall detail. RB-P320061 is a laser-cut and photoetched set of seatbelts which will enhance not only the ‘262 cockpit but most other Luftwaffe WWII subjects. Finally (not pictured) is RBM32007, a set of pre-cut canopy masks for the ‘262. Head on over to www.radubstore.com for more details and secure shopping.

53

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:14 Page 54

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:14 Page 55

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 56

Olivier Soulleys

W H I P S U P A S T O R M W I T H T H E L AT E S T SPECIAL HOBBY KIT

56

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 57

buckles. The final touch is a self-adhesive

Ocean Grey and Dark Green.

masking template for the canopy and

I choose to represent SN222 (not included

kit of the Tempest I saw the opportunity to

landing lights. Throughout the assembly I

in the markings I may add), the only

pay tribute to Pierre Clostermann, the

didn’t find any of the problems with the fit

aircraft Pierre Clostermann flew in the last

highly decorated French WWII ace.

of the parts as I’d read about on some of

month of WWII with a red nose and "Le

the on-line modelling forums; have I just

Grand Charles" painted in white under the

The huge box contains state of the art

been lucky? or extra careful? who knows...

right cockpit access.

plastic parts finely moulded and presented

The beautiful coloured instruction sheet

on nine sprues including transparent parts.

consists of 46 steps and is easy to read

This great kit of the Tempest is a must

There are also almost thirty resin parts

with very useful call-outs for painting.

have for any R.A.F lovers, it will have a

(different options for wheels and gun

Decals offer options for five aircraft in R.A.F

menacing look next to any aircraft in your

fairings) and an amazing harness set

service all of them wearing the typical

showcase!

produced by HGW with photoetched

three tone scheme of Medium Sea Grey,

W

hen I saw the news that Special

Hobby were to release a brand new

HAWKER

Tempest Mk.V

1:32

57

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 58

Here are the interior components included in the "Hi-Tech" box. A mix of pre painted photoectch produced by Eduard and some very fine resin parts which all go to produce a very highly detailed rendition of the interior to which I added some extra details of my own.

58

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 59

Before rubbing the cockpit details with SnJ

foot steps just front of the aluminium

connections that were ultimately mostly

aluminium powder to get the metallic

rudder pedals. I also added some small

hidden behind the instrument panel.

effect, I sprayed R.A.F. interior green and

details on control column working from my

I created a small light grey box with wiring

flat black according to my reference

reference images.

located after the pedals, just before the

material and the instruction sheet.

After a few enjoyable hours of extra

front bulkhead panel and the emergency

A complete seat harness from HGW is also

detailing, the right side looked accurate.

sanitary hose (guitar string) was located

included, the shoulder straps are not fixed

Special Hobby have been kind enough to

near the left foot pedal.

because I planed to show them hanging

offer control placards on the decal sheet

For large scale aircraft modelling, the

out of the cockpit.

which I supplemented with some from

Eduard pre-painted instrument panels are

I took care painting the seat with similar

Airscale.

really stunning, I readily admit being totally

techniques to shading a figure with acrylics

As always, I tried many dry-fits to avoid

unable to reach such results even with the

and oil paints for graduated tones,

anything hindering of the assembly of the

best paintbrush ever!

especially on the padded backrest.

fuselage halves. The left side received the

The lower parts are heavily chipped on the

same treatment with more electrical

Special Hobby supply etched parts to bend for the canopy rails but I found them too large, I favoured a "U" shape brass (1mm wide) section glued in position with cyanoacrylate.

Navigation lights on the wing tips were sanded and polished with Micro Mesh to a crystal finish.

I reduced the diameter of the aperture for the gun barrels with plastic tube and sanded the profile of the leading edge.

The kit has some very fine surface detail which comes to life at the painting stage. Unlike some reports I’ve read, I had no major fitting issues throughout my build.

The kit canopy was polished with grades of Micro Mesh until it was perfectly clear and free of distortion. The spinner was fitted with a brass tube to help with support thus avoiding a drooping nose and uneven gaps appearing.

59

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 60

I started my painting by spraying white first and then yellow on the wings leading edges, when dry the shapes were masked with Tamiya tape. A dark brown pre-shading to outline the panels was applied only on the under-sides followed by diluted coats of XF-83. Diluting the mixture more than normal allows better control in allowing the pre-shading to show. On the upper surfaces Tamiya XF-82 was applied first followed by the XF81 camo working with the airbrush tight to the surface and set at low pressure the (almost) hard

edge is achieved. To give me the best possible surface to apply a gloss coat to the surfaces were polished with Micromesh cloth. Gunze H-30 undiluted gloss is my choice for a good surface to apply decals to. Decals always appear better when applied to a gloss surface, I also trim off as much of the excess carrier film and use a setting solution. With more than 28 victories, Clostermann was the most titled French ace of WWII, each of his victories is marked with a balkencruz ‘kill’ marking.

Another reason for the gloss coat is to help the flow of a dark oil paint wash. The wash shades all of the surface details and the model really starts to come to life. Dark brown and black oil colour was used in various tones to tint the thinners and to suit the greys and green. To give the impression of the distressed skin of the airframe I also used oil colours applied as random ‘smudges’ and blended into the base colours with a clean, soft brush.

Pure black oil colour was used as a wash around the engine access panels.

60

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 61

As I was working onto the grey plastic of the kit, white was airbrushed first to allow the brightness of the yellow to show. This applied also to the spinner so a nice clean red shows.

Special Hobby have made a great job of replicating the shapes and curves of the Tempest, my only observation being the shape of the spinner looked slightly off but easily rectified with careful sanding.

I was happy to receive a sample of Special Hobby’s resin exhaust upgrades. These are a lovely touch of extra detail and were painted with the colours above working closely to reference images.

Some wiring and plumbing were simple additions to the wheel wells adding an extra level of realism. Some pigment matching the dirty tyres is another subtle touch.

The kit fuel tanks are very nice, especially with the typical transparent rack. I have many period images with tanks stored on the ground, that's why the undersides of them are weathered with pigment.

The weighted tyres on the resin main landing gear wheels are stunning! The "S" shaped brake line on landing struts is made with soft wire. The inner side of landing doors is also interior grey green and received some heavy weathering with oil colours and pigment powder. The yellow bands would show the ground crew if the tyre was slipping on the rim.

The outer Hispano 20mm gun barrel protrudes from the wing more than the internal one. I made mine with the excellent micro brass tubes from Albion Alloys.

61

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 62

Tempest

The tail wheel is oriented to the left and elevators are down. Rear navigation white lights are streamlined in the stabilizers roots. The emblem of No 3 Sqn is located on top rudder.

The harness was left hanging out of the cockpit on both sides. Serial SN222 is one of the many Tempests Clostermann flew but also the only one to have a red propeller hub. The top of the backside of the propeller blades has a polished metal effect. The ventral nose radiator is open with it’s flap down.

62

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 63

Note the worn away paint on the wing root and the weathered walkway.

In tribute to Charles De Gaulle, Pierre Clostermann painted in white letters "Le Grand Charles" just beneath the cockpit access. This inscription only appeared on SN222.

63

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:31 Page 64

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:17 Page 65

More ways to Subscribe Today also available to download to your digital device Subscribe to the digital version with the Meng AIR Modeller App In-App Purchases https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/air-modeller/id424223340?mt=8 https://play.google.com/store

back s also issue ble availa r ou from shop web-

Recieve Meng AIR Modeller direct to your doorstep SUBSCRIBE FOR ONE YEAR OR MORE AND SAVE! For subscriptions to the printed version go to www.mengafvmodeller.com then click onto shop and register/login and then go to magazine subscriptions.

Please reture to: AFV Modeller, Old Stables, East Moor, Stannington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6ES, UK

Printed Subscription to Meng AIR Modeller

Your details

UK ROW

Name................................................................................

6 Months £20.00 6 Months £26.00

1 Year £36.00 1 Year £48.30

2 Year £64.80 2 Year £91.20

3 Year £91.80 3 Year £128.70

BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE

Address ............................................................................ .......................................................................................... Cheques (UK only) send to to the address above. All cheques made payable to AFV Modeller Ltd.

Visa

Mastercard

Visa Debit

Maestro

.......................................................................................... .......................................................................................... ..........................................................................................

Cardholder’s name

Post/Zip Code...................................................................

Card No. Expiry date

Country............................................................................. Security Number

Phone ............................................................................... E-mail ...............................................................................

E-mail: [email protected]

www.mengafvmodeller.com

Tel: +44 (0)1670 823648

AIR 70 Feb-Mar 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 13/01/2017 15:17 Page 66