ISSUE 34
PACIFIC WAR SPECIAL FROM MIDWAY TO PELELIU
G N I S RA I ! L L E H
SEP 2013 £4.10
AN G N I C N A H EN C I S S A L C X I AIRF
HORNET'S LOST SQUADRON TBD-1 Devastator Airfix SEP UK 9.indd 1
NIPPONESE LIGHTWEIGHT ‘Ha-Go’ Early Production
RALLY ROCKET Mini Countryman WRC 16/07/2013 12:33
EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME
ver get bogged down in choosing your next modelling project? Let’s face it, as the stash grows it can become bewildering in terms of what to start next…but for some the decision must be tricky indeed. I recently heard a highly amusing story, about a club modeller who already had so many kits that he then built a false wall in his shed, to hide new purchases from his wife. But the game was up when the family cat disappeared, only to be heard meowing invisibly from within said garden structure. The modeller’s missus was vexed as to where the trapped moggie actually was, but then all became clear...oh to have been a fly on the wall on that day! While this is rather drastic, it does highlight the situation in which many of us find ourselves. Even my supportive wife raises her eyebrows when she occasionally dares to peep into our creaking loft, and I do find it challenging in selecting that next build. While editing this issue’s Duxford-based MAFVA Nationals report, and covering Newark’s fun Cockpitfest event, it struck me that there’s no better source of inspiration than to visit a museum. Many of us in the UK don’t live too far from some kind of military vehicle
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Editorial
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Glenn Sands Chris Clifford Paul Hamblin Julie Lawson
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David D'Arcy, Steve Abbey, Jennifer Wright, Malcolm V. Lowe, Ian Hartup, Toni Canfora, Johan Augustsson and Ian Grainger
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or aircraft collection, and I always come away from such a visit fired up to emulate in plastic what I’ve seen for real on the day. Witnessing Cosford’s barnacle-encrusted remnants of the recentlysalvaged Dornier from the seabed got me thinking about Luftwaffe subjects, and it hit me that I’d built very few larger German aircraft; my emphasis had always been on fighters and well-known aces, although I do have several unbuilt bombers in my collection. And who couldn’t be impressed by the view on entering Duxford’s AirSpace hangar, with classic types hanging from the ceiling in an apparent bid to re-claim their glory in the skies? So, if you’re struggling to choose your next kit project get along to a museum, as I’m sure it’ll do the trick. I gladly got re-acquainted with the oh-so-elegant TSR.2. There…that's me sorted. Chris Clifford Assistant Editor
Subscriptions Please refer to main advertisement within the magazine. All applications stating name, address, date to commence and remittance to: Subscriptions Department, Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK. Telephone/24-hour answer machine: +44 (0) 1780 480404 Fax: +44 (0) 1780 757812 E-Mail:
[email protected] Airfix Model World (ISSN: 1471-0587) is published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK and distributed in the USA by Mail Right Int., 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Periodicals Postage Paid at Piscataway, NJ and additional mailing offices.
All items submitted for publication are subject to our terms and conditions. These are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely available from Key Publishing Ltd or downloadable from www. keypublishing.com The entire contents of Airfix Model World is ©copyright, and no part of it may be reproduced in any form or stored on any form of retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher. We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value, including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisements within this publication.
Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling toll free 800-676-4049 or fax 757-428-6253 or by writing to Airfix Model World, 3330 Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA23451-9828. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, c/o Mail Right International Inc.,1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway NJ 08854.
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CONTENTS REGULARS 06 News The latest happenings in the world of modelling and exclusive updates direct from Airfix.
10 Show Scene A comprehensive up-to-date calendar of related events.
32 Subscribe and Save! Subscribe to Airfix Model World and make great savings!
80 On the shelf Twelve pages of reviews bring
52
ADVANCED BUILD SB2C HELLDIVER
you the latest kits, books and modelling products.
98 Cutting Mat Chat A final word from the ‘movers and shakers’ within the modelling industry.
34
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
14
FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk.VII
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FEATURES
62
DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944
12 Out and About – Military Vehicle Rally, Duxford Alan Firbank headed to the IWM Duxford for the MAFVA Nationals and Military vehicle rally.
14 Figure Build – Iron Man Mk.VII Ian Grainger produces Tony Stark’s alter ego, with Dragon’s Iron Man Combat Version.
20 Out and About – Waddington Airshow 2013 AMW Editor Glenn Sands reports from the RAF’s premier airshow in Lincolnshire.
24 Exclusive Build – Mini Countryman WRC Airfix’s all new Mini Countryman WRC car is apprasied by Ian Hartup.
34 Advanced Build – P-51D Mustang Jan Maes marries after-market parts and decals with Tamiya’s P-51, to produce a Pacific ace’s mount.
42 Military Build – ‘Ha-Go’ Garry Tobiss assesses Dragon’s diminutive new 1/35 'Ha-Go' light tank.
12
OUT AND ABOUT MAFVA NATIONALS
52 Advanced Build – Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Airfix’s long-in-the-tooth Helldiver kit gets extensive rejuvenation from Mike Grant.
62 Diorama Build – US Marines Peleliu 1944 John Augustsson portrays the US Marines at Peleliu and incorporates a 1/35 Sherman ‘wedgie’.
68 Advanced Build – TBD-1 Devastator Toni Canfora employs interesting weathering techniques to enliven Great Wall Hobby’s beautiful Devastator.
42
MILITARY BUILD 'HA-GO' EARLY PRODUCTION
78 Out and About – Cockpitfest 2013 Assistant Editor Chris Clifford made the short trip to Newark Air Museum for this year's Cockpitfest in order to get some outstanding reference. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
{BREAKING
NEWS!}
LANCASTER WITH A DIFFERENCE
CONTINUING THE success of the Dambuster Lancaster, Airfix is now releasing the long awaited radial-engined Hercules powered B.II. The first time ever an injectionmoulded kit has been released of this example. On par with the earlier B.III,
the RCAF squadrons within Bomber Command used the B.II extensively and this is reflected in the two decal options: • ‘Zombie’, EQ-Z/LL725, 408 Sqn, RCAF • ‘Fanny Ferkin II’, JI-F/ DS842, 514 Sqn, RCAF
BACKING UP DUSTY BRASS THE BOMBERS THE ARRIVAL of the World War Two Bomber Re-Supply Set A05330 has long been anticipated and it looks to be a cracking kit. It comprises Bedford MWC, Bedford MWD, Standard Tilly Light Utility Truck, Oil Bowser, David Brown tractor and a selection of 500lb, 1,000lb, 4,000lb and 8,000lb bombs...all with extensive decals. This will certainly enhance the Lancaster kits but It is worth remembering that much of this equipment remained in service with the RAF until the early years of the Cold War.
AIRFIX HAS released two dedicated photo-etched metal sets with which to embellish its 1/48 Afghanistan vehicles. Produced by Eduard, A65001 (£14.99) is designed for the British Forces Patrol Land Rover (all three boxings) and offers two PE frames; there are details for storage racks, ammunition boxes, .50 Cal gun, floor plates, grilles, rear step and much more. Set A6500 (£9.99) for the Coyote and Jackal has a single fret with a wealth of structural components, seatbelts and the like. www.airfix.com
BIRDCAGE GOES LARGE!
MODELLERS WHO have already built examples of Tamiya’s 1/32 Spitfire and P-51 kits will testify to their splendid quality (see the P-51 build in this issue). But it
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looks as though the company’s forthcoming F4U-1 ‘Birdcage’ Corsair (60324) may arguably be an even better product. AMW has received a pre-release partkit package via UK importer The Hobby Company, and much of the detail is simply superb. In terms of styrene components, treats include an excellent onepiece wing spar, highly-detailed engine (which can be viewed due to separate panels), sublime cockpit, wing-fold options and the opportunity to drop the flaps. Two photo-etched metal frets provide cockpit and exterior detail, seated and standing pilot
figures feature and three colour schemes are included: • 17-F-13, VF-17, US Navy • 15 ‘Daphne’ C, VMF-213, US Marine Corps • ‘Spirit of ‘76’, VMF-215, US Marine Corps Tamiya’s 1/48 kit of the same type has always been highly respected, but now fans of the larger scale will have a seriously good project on their hands. And for those who like this sort of thing, the export kit will appear in a limited-edition guise with clear engine cowlings. For further details visit: www.hobbyco.net and www.tamiya.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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15/07/2013 16:54
OWL REFINEMENTS
JAPANESE KIT maker Zoukei-Mura has now released its amazing 1/32 Heinkel He 219 nightfighter…but also available soon will be a wealth of after-market goodies for the type. Some of the products announced include: four
different maintenance/ pilot figure sets, metal undercarriage units by US firm G-Factor, weighted tyres with and without tread, turned brass MG 151 cannon barrels and radar antennae, three photoetched metal detail sets by Eduard, resin and metal
Mk.103 and Mk.108 cannons and alternative decals. Also due is a dedicated Vallejo Model Air acrylic paint set and Z-M’s new Concept Note SWS book, which features modelling help and reference on the real aircraft. For further details, visit: www.zoukeimura.co.jp
VINTAGE BRAND RETURNS MUCH-LOVED 1950s-60s US kit brand Renwal is enjoying a return to the marketplace courtesy of Revell in the USA. Classics in 1/32 scale such as the M-41 Walker Bulldog (85-7814), Military Wrecker Truck (85-7186) and the awesome Atomic Cannon (85-7818) from 1958, have all been re-released in their original packaging. Renwal was a major brand in the US, along with Lindberg and the move should delight nostalgic modellers. While the detail may not be up today’s standards, the subjects can be updated with spares box items or
scratch-building. The decal sheets are much better in quality and benefit from modern printing methods. Further releases in the range expected later this
year include the 1/500 USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier and 1/200 USS George Washington nuclear submarine. For further details visit: www.revell.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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25/07/2013 15:49
NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
ARACHNID BATTLE
FAMOUS AMPHIBIAN REFERENCE Squadron Signal has gone above and beyond with its new book… The Complete DUKW Historical Reference. This heavyweight 304-page hardback is absolutely crammed with photographs of the famous land-and-water vehicle, without which the Allies certainly would have struggled during World War Two. In the same style of the publisher’s standard In Action volumes and across 27 chapters, Squadron’s title explores the DUKW in entirety - from its design and conception, through combat theatre use to civilian ownership. A seemingly endless array of period images (with captions) show and describe much structural detail and sub-type equipment. Diorama fans have a wealth of inspiration here, with regard to combat and support context. One glance at this splendid work and you’ll want to build ‘Ducks’ until the cows come home! A super-detailer’s dream, this must-have work is available from: www.squadron.com
GET INVOLVED! Are you a passionate aircraft, armour, space, car or ship modeller who's keen to see their work in print? If you can follow certain criteria, your article could soon grace the pages of Airfix Model World. Email either Glenn or Chris: glenn.sands@ keypublishing.com or
[email protected]
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NIGHTFIGHTER ENTHUSIASTS now have double the reason to celebrate. Not only has Great Wall Hobby released an improved version of its existing P-61B, but Hobbyboss has entered the fray with a 1/32 example. As one would expect, the latter is rather large! Great Wall’s kit, branded ‘Last Shoot Down 1945’ (4810), is most welcome because not only does it give us another P-61 sub-type, it also includes corrections made to GWH’s second A-model mould for greater accuracy. The ‘fixes’ comprise refined engine cowlings and propellers - but the elongated 'B' nose is also present.
GWH’s moulds offer exquisite panel line and rivet rendering, detailed engines, splendid guns and cockpit…and photo-etched brass parts and masks for the glazing.
SPECIAL OPS RUNABOUT A CROSS-HOBBY move by Dragon has ensured a stunning new 1/6 scale Special Air Service Jeep from the European theatre. The company’s 1/6 military products are designed to equip its existing collectors’ figures in the same scale…but anyone expecting this 4x4 Truck (75042) to be toylike will be sorely mistaken. There are more than 20 styrene runners, clear parts, one-piece chassis and floor-pan units and rubber tyres. A wealth of detail goes into the suspension, exhaust and radiator and most impressive is the look and moulded texture of the seats; Dragon has obviously taken full advantage of this large scale to offer heightened realism. A rack for
four jerry cans fits on the rear of the vehicle, as does a spare wheel and tyre. Real material is provided for the tool straps. But, the crowning glory is the provision of two twin-Vickers K gun mounts with armoured screens. The colour scheme is of the ‘Mickey Mouse’ variety, as seen in North-West Europe during 1944. For further details, visit: www.hobbyco.net
There are ejector pin marks in the cockpit and wheel wells, which will be challenging to remove but otherwise, it’s an impressive release with Pacific theatre schemes. For those who favour 1/32 scale, Hobbyboss’ huge P-61B (83209) is worth investigating. It does repeat one of the schemes from GWH’s kit (Lady in the Dark), but also has another with cool nose art (Sleepy Time Gal II). There’s a feast of detail, including metal undercarriage legs, rubber tyres and photo-etched brass…but there are faults. Hobbyboss forgot to provide exhaust pipes and added P-61A main leg doors and radome detail. Both kits are available from Creative Models: www.creativemodels.co.uk
ARMEE DE L’AIR STORES
FANS OF modern French Air Force fighters will welcome these resin items from L’Arsenal. For use on the Mirage F.1CR and Mirage 2000, the products include the Corail chaff/flare dispenser (AC 48 40), Raphael TH SLAR pod (AC 48 43), AUF2 Twin-Store Carriers (AC 48 41) and a Damocles designator with pylon (AC 48 44). All are superbly sculpted and cast in cream resin. To order, or for other products in the range, visit: www.larsenal.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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10/07/2013 10:04
SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES
Worldwide model and airshow calendar for 2013
11-12
Blackpool Airshow, Blackpool Seafront, Lancashire. Tel: 01253 478222. Visit: www.visitblackpool.com/events
15-18
Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow, Eastbourne Seafront East Sussex. Tel: 0871 6630031. Visit: www.eastbourneairshow.com
17-18
27th Plastic Model Show and Contest, Centro Vasco, Moreno 3440, Ciudad de Mar del Plate, Argentina. Visit: www.ipms-mardelplata.com.ar
AUGUST 3
East of Scotland Model Show, presented by IPMS Dundee, Marryat Hall, Caird Hall Complex, Dundee, DD1 3BY.
17
3
RAF Benevolent Fund Airshow, East Kirby, Lincolnshire. Tel: 01790 763207. Visit: www.lincsaviation.co.uk
Shuttleworth Flying Proms Concert, Old Warden. Bedfordshire. Tel: 01767 627927. Visit: www.shuttleworth.org
17-18
3
Claymore 2013, Granton Campus of Edinburgh College, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE. Scotland premier wargames show. Open 10:00am to 16:30pm. Up to 14 demonstrations and 12 participation games and up to 33 traders. Participation games include Navakl, Sci Fi and World War Two aerial combat. Bring-and- Buy stand. Free parking and food stall. Admission prices: Adults £2.50, Childen £1.50, Family (Two adults/Two children) £5.00. Visit: http://seswc.co.uk
Combined Ops, Headcorn, Kent. Military vehicles and demonstrations. Tel: 01883 740276. Visit: www.combinedops.co.uk
24-26
Military Odyssey, Kent Showground, Delting, Kent. Tel: 01268 772448. Trade stands, military vehicle displays and demonstrations.
24-25
Dunsfold Wings and Wheels, Dunsfold Park, Surrey. Tel: 01483 542226. Visit: www.wingsandwheels.net
25
Cold War Jets Open Day, Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire. Tel: 0116 279 9300. Visit: www.bruntingthorpeaviation.com
25
Little Gransden Air and Car Show, Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire. Tel: 07730 091132
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Military & Flying Machines, Damyns Hall, Upminster, Essex. Tel: 01245 476249. Visit: www.militaryandflyingmachines.org.uk
11
Shuttleworth Collection Flying Day, Old Warden. Bedfordshire. Tel: 01767 627927. Visit: www.shuttleworth.org
11
Avon IPMS Model and Wargaming Show, Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Hill, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 3JB. Club displays, trade stands, Special Interest Groups, open competition and tombola. Bring-and-Buy stand for Wargamers. Open 09:30 to 16:30. Entry: Adults £4.50, Children under 16; £2.00. Free parking. Visit: wwwipmsavon.org.uk
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IMPORTANT: It is worth noting that ALL events are subject to change or cancellation. This information has been collated from a variety of sources and was believed to be correct at the time of going to press. To advertise your event here, email:
[email protected] Airfix Roadshow attending
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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10/07/2013 12:23
OUT AND ABOUT MAFVA NATIONALS AND MILITARY VEHICLE RALLY
E
An example of superb weathering defined this award-winning model of a World War One Mk.IV Male tank, by Daniel Brooker. It was awarded first place in Class 11.
The Type 94 TK was a small tank used by Japanese infantry divisions in China, in the late 1930s. This Best in Show miniature was largely scratch-built by Andy Lang.
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asily one of the year’s most enjoyable model shows is the MAFVA Nationals at Duxford. The event, organised by the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association, is held on Father’s Day, usually the third Sunday in June. Imperial War Museum Duxford is arguably the best military museum in the UK; it is a ‘living’ museum based at what was an important RAF Station during World War Two. Today, Duxford is home to a large collection of preserved aircraft and several companies that restore and operate vintage flying machines. As well as the aircraft, Duxford offers a large collection of land warfare vehicles and memorabilia. Again, some of the collection’s exhibits are ‘runners’, which give demonstrations at events during the summer, supported by dedicated volunteers who restore and operate the armoured vehicles. There are three main events held on this day; MAFVA’s model show
and annual competition, a military vehicle rally and a military book fair. Visitors to the museum on Father’s Day will see all of the above in addition to the superb collection of resident aircraft and AFVs…and a good selection of modelling traders. An important part of the day is the MAFVA members’ annual model contest. As ever, the standard of entries is high, with superb work on show. A handful of classes are poorly supported but the majority are hotly contested and present judges with some tough decision-making. While the competition tables are covered in marvellous work, some of the best models were to be seen on club tables. But it is not all about AFVs, as there was a wide selection of genres on display. This show has something for everyone interested in military topics and modelling. It is a great event and well worth a visit if one hasn’t done so already. ❚ Alan Firbank
Visitors to the MAFVA competition tables seen judging and photographing the many models entered for the show.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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10/07/2013 10:08
FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk. VII – COMBAT VERSION
avenger assembled
Ian Grainger produces Tony Stark’s alter ego, with Dragon’s Iron Man Mk.VII
arvel Comics’ writereditor Stan Lee created The Invincible Iron Man, in the 1960s, with his look designed by artists Jack Kirby and Don Heck and scripts by Larry Lieber. In the stories, Iron Man was the creation of Anthony Edward ‘Tony’ Stark; an American billionaire, playboy, genius engineer and defence manufacturer as head of Stark Industries. Originally, less well-known than other Marvel creations, the Iron Man story came to prominence since 2008, with the live action film and its two sequels where actor Robert Downey Jr portrays Stark in bravura fashion. In 2012, the film Avengers Assemble pitted the Iron Man character alongside others from the Marvel ‘stable’, such as Captain America, The Hulk and Thor. Dragon has released several kits of nearly every character from Avengers Assemble, including two different versions of Iron Man, the most recent release of the Mark VII armour from this film (and also seen in Iron Man 3) is covered in this feature.
M
designed to ‘snap-fit’ together. The majority of the styrene parts were moulded in burgundy red, with a single runner in clear, a 6in (152mm) diameter display base in black styrene and a metal ‘peg’ to display the completed figure jumping/flying in a battle pose. A degree of forward planning of the painting process and pre-building of parts was required to achieve an acceptable result, so from the start it became evident when compared to its contemporaries; this kit was definitely not for the beginner.
“…begin the render Process” Following a close inspection of the parts, planning of the building and painting began. The main components had been designed well, to avoid obvious seams after construction; however, the halves of the forearms and the upper and lower portions of the
Suit of Armour
This 1/9 kit of Iron Man was a more ‘standard’ injectionmoulded affair across eight separate runners. With a total parts count of more than 100, this package was also more complex than other samescale releases from Dragon, some of which offer just a handful of pre-moulded vinyl/resin items
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk. VII – COMBAT VERSION 1
2
6
5 S The join lines of the forearms needed to be sanded smooth. Gaps are even more undesirable on large-scale figures.
S Sanding was also necessary on the lower legs to remove blemishes, which resulted from part removal from the runners.
3
4
S One of the shoulder parts of the armour seen fixed to a wooden coffee stirrer, to ease the painting process.
S Alclad II Gloss Black Base ALC-305 was applied by airbrush to every part of the model.
WW The helmet came in upper and lower portions, just as it does in the three Iron Man movies. W Seen here is the helmet face mask, gently sanded and supported separately for painting. X Pale Gold ALC-108, also from Alclad, was chosen for the face mask. This proved a good choice and was a splendid match.
7
8 S The bicep guards were similarly covered in Pale Gold lacquer.
9
XT The gold panels on the torso and head were duly masked with Kamoi tape.
11
12
10
13 WS All masked components received several coats of Alclad Polished Aluminium.
T Polished Aluminium was used for the leg and arm ‘interior’ sections.
15
14
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk. VII – COMBAT VERSION 16
The skeleton framework of the figure shown coated with White Aluminium, in contrast to the highly-polished armour.
17
18
Yellow Kamoi tape was employed for masking the majority of areas that were to remain in Polished Aluminium finish…
…whereas tricky-to-mask areas demanded Gunze Mr. Hobby Mr. Mask Neo to protect the underlying finish.
19 A combination of masking tape and fluid was required on some parts to preserve the Polished Aluminium coat.
22
20 The first coat of Alclad Hotmetal Red ALC-411 lacquer appeared very pink and translucent.
21 The contrast of a single coat of Hotmetal Red vs. several applied to the forearms.
23
24
Shoulder-mounted weapons bays had their masking removed to show off the ‘silver’ contrast with the red.
The shoulder-mounted weaponry was detailed by using suitable metallic shades and washes.
25
At least two whole 30ml bottles of Hotmetal Red ALC-411 were required to complete the finish of the armour plates. Costly, but effective. The soles of the feet had their flight rockets detailed with Humbrol 11 Silver.
26
Once the masking was removed the Pale Gold shone against the red lacquer finish.
28
The torso components had their previously-masked detail uncovered.
The forearm parts appeared suitably lustrous on completion. The rear portion of the helmet without the face mask looked stunning following a coat of modelling wax.
30
Lower leg portions were ready for assembly to their uppers.
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29 Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk. VII – COMBAT VERSION helmet had to be cemented, then sanded smooth for an acceptable look. Other parts that required removal from the runners were the shoulder guards and shin/ calf portions of the legs, to eliminate the tag scars evident upon removal. Several temporary supports for the parts removed from the runners, such as wooden coffee stirrers, were employed to support the parts throughout the remainder of painting. After studying reference material of the Iron Man Mark VII armour and wondering how to create a convincing replica, shades from the excellent range of Alclad II lacquers were chosen for the primary paint covering. An initial layer of Gloss Black Base ALC-305, airbrushed in several thin layers (on all but the clear parts), created a beautiful silky finish on which the top coats could be applied.
Heavy metal
MODEL SPEC
For the helmet’s face mask portion, bicep and thigh armour, plus other smaller details, the instructions called for a pale gold 50:50 mix of Gunze Mr. Hobby Gold H9 and Silver H8. After another reference check the author believed this would be too much like pale titanium, so Alclad II Pale Gold ALC-108 was chosen. As previously mentioned, the key to this build was planning and, as such, some components required masking of their relevant panels before painting could proceed. When masking was completed, every black-based component, save for the internal ‘skeleton’ parts of runner M, were airbrushed with Polished Aluminium ALC-105. This looked superb thanks to the use of the Alclad Gloss Black base. Parts for the internal skeleton were finished with White Aluminium ALC-106, which provided contrast to the Polished Aluminium armourplated areas. As with the Pale Gold beforehand, several ‘silver’ areas of the body required masking with
tape and Mr. Hobby, Mr. Mask Neo fluid for problematic areas such as the arm joints, while other areas remained in Polished Aluminium.
“…a little hot-rod red” The main colour of the Iron Man armour is quoted as being a hotrod red; so what could be chosen other than Hotmetal Red ALC-411. This clear red was very thin and required painstaking layering
over several sessions, with the airbrush set at very low pressure (approximately 10psi (0.68 bar) to avoid simply blowing the paint around over the relevant surfaces. Do be warned…this stage of painting consumed just over two 30ml bottles of ALC-411 to achieve a deep enough lustre suitable for replicating the prototype, so it proved slightly expensive too! But the finished result was a rich red-burgundy. All masking was then removed and a coat of wax polish was applied with a soft cloth. It was suggested in the instructions that each limb and the torso were constructed as separate sub-assemblies, to be interlocked for the final build. When tackling the torso the builder had a choice of two different chest pieces, the wheel of dharma-like Palladium core and the triangular Vibranium version. The latter style was selected for accuracy, as in the film Iron Man 2, Tony Stark rediscovered this fictional element to power his Mark VI armour (complete with triangular chest
IRON MAN Mk.VII – COMBAT VERSION By:
Dragon
Stock Code: 38321 Scale:
1/9
Price:
£29.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk. VII – COMBAT VERSION piece) and logic dictated that each subsequent battle suit would have a Vibranium power source. The circumference of the clear parts for the chest piece, and the viewing ports for the helmet ‘eyes’, were carefully hand-brushed with Tamiya Clear Blue X-23, avoiding the faces of the parts. The eyes were also backed with Bare-
Metal Chrome foil, prior to their installation behind the face mask.
Avenger progresses In order to preserve the paint finish, each part was carefully removed from its runner with Xuron shears and a sharp scalpel. The design of each moulded attachment point proved to be well-executed to cause few, if any problems. Dragon obviously thought of this potential pitfall, and is to be commended. Each subassembly was constructed in line with the instructions. Most parts required cementing, but some did actually snap-fit as designed. The option for either arm to have its concealed anti-armour missile protruding, ready to fire, was given. With all six sub-assemblies ready, the builder decided that as this was the combat version kit, a little battle scarring would not go amiss. A multitude of abrasions and damage was applied to sensible ‘guesstimated’ areas and those made obvious in film references… all the time being careful not to spoil the overall polished finish. Wear was achieve in several ways,
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which included physical scratching of the top coats with a scalpel to reveal the metallic base, scuffing with a coarse sanding stick and chipping effects drawn on with a silver pencil. Following all this abuse, it was time to add the sub-assemblies to the completed figure; the parts were glued to ensure a strong join. To help avoid damage due to a very snug fit, a smear of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) was wiped onto the ball joint of the neck, so the head could be attached. The final item that required attention was the rather Spartan black base, which first had its metal support peg for the right leg glued in place with cyanoacrylate for strength. Decoration came from a square of car-body repair mesh (to simulate a collapsed fence), with a layer of Citadel gravel sprinkled over PVA to hold it in place. MiG Pigments’ Brick Dust was subtly employed and the whole base was then airbrushed with Vallejo Acrylic Matt Varnish.
A real marvel Although this excellent 1/9 scale offering from Dragon is not really for beginners, any builder with a few kits ‘under their belt’ should be able to turn this model into a fantastic representation of the original. The use of injectionmoulded plastic allows the builder to use standard cements and paints, rather than venturing into specialist adhesives. If one seeks instant gratification, a beautiful pre-painted version is available (for more than double the price of the kit), but this would lack any individual touches from the builder. Stating the above, however, the painting costs due to the amount of Alclad employed were high. When finished with care, this model looks stunning on the shelf and is a guaranteed conversation piece at model show. Following the release of this year’s Iron Man 3 film, Dragon is offering several new 1/9 kits which include the Mk. XLII ‘Prehensile Armour’, Mk. XVII ‘Heartbreaker’ Mk. XXXIX ‘Gemini’, and Iron Patriot. Marvel modellers will soon be able to amass an impressive collection of hardware to rival Stark ] Industries’ own arsenal!
FIGURE BUILD IRON MAN Mk. VII – COMBAT VERSION 31
33
32 Initial assembly of the figure’s ‘skeleton’ was simple, but Dragon certainly didn't hold back in terms of detail here.
The clear parts and the Vibranium chest piece were embellished with careful use of Tamiya Clear Blue X-23.
34 The left leg sub-assembly had a right- angle, bent pose to it, to enable the dynamic pose provided.
The left and right pelvic guards could only be fitted to the model after the legs were secured.
35
37
Another signature feature. Iron Man’s chest power source, looked excellent once installed. The completed arm sub-assemblies sported convincing deployed armament.
36
As one of Iron Man’s signature features, the completed helmet was a make-or-break item for the figure.
39
38
Arms received chipping and scoring to the edges of the armour plates.
The completed torso was the core support structure for the whole assembly and, as such, has to be constructed with care.
Iron Man’s right leg suffered greatly in battle…
42 41
40 Battle damage was sparingly applied to the lower portion of the torso.
This was followed by full battle scars on the remainder of the core.
The left and right pelvic guards with subtle battle damage.
Even the helmet did not escape some punishment from the sanding stick, etc.
43
The base of the model could not be left to suffer in plain black plastic. Metal car-body repair mesh simulated chain fencing, while weathering gravels and powders decorated a more suitable platform on which Iron Man could do battle.
45
44 Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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OUT AND ABOUT WADDINGTON AIRSHOW 2013 \ The Czech Air Force was at the show in force and, brought this stunning L-159 ALCA from 212 Tactical Squadron.
WHAT A SCORCHER!!
T
he prospect of watching a Saab Viggen flying in UK skies again brought aviation enthusiasts out in the thousands to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, over the first
weekend in July. On top of this there was the Avro Vulcan; displaying at what used to be a premier Cold War V-Bomber base and a smattering of overseas aircraft from the recent Tiger
S Celebrating 100 years of service in style, V(AC) Squadron flew a specially-marked Sentinel R1 in formation with the Red Arrows during the airshow.
S Winner of the best flying display at the show was the Chinnok HC2 from RAF Odiham. All the crew members have recently returned from Afghanistan.
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Meet. It was the making of a great weekend. Although the static was somewhat ‘light’ with respect to modern military types, what the organisers of the show had actually arranged was exceptional. Who’d have thought that QinetiQ’s Empire Test Pilots’ School BAe 146 would have been present in its new livery! The Royal Navy sent along a Beech Super King Air 350ER (known as the Avenger in the Fleet Air Arm) to the static park, along with the familiar Sea King and Lynx. The Czech Air Force was well represented with Gripens, L-159 ALCAs and a selection of transport types in the static, the former in the flying display. Set against glorious blue skies the flying display was as varied as one could get and highlights were numerous. Although on the Saturday it did look, for a short time at least, that the Saab JAS-37 Viggen and J29F Tunnan would be unserviceable, both got
into the air later on and it was well worth the wait. If that wasn’t enough, making its debut at the show was Solo Turk, an F-16C Fighting Falcon of the Turkish Air Force flown by Captain S Yalin Ahbab. His routine was simply stunning and left many left mesmerised by the twisting smoke trails adorning the Lincolnshire sky and the roar of afterburner in their ears. But apart from all the displays, trade stands and static display of aircraft, it’s the RAF personnel at Waddington that make the show. In the years that I have been attending they are always the polite professionals; if they can offer any help they will, to the best of their ability. Always happy to chat to an aviation enthusiast and explain what their ‘daytime job’ is and where they may have deployed. That’s what makes the Waddington Airshow one of the best in town – the planes are great but the RAF staff is the best! ] Glenn Sands
S The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight's Saab JAS-37 Viggen was the highlight for many enthusiasts. (All Key - Glenn Sands)
EXCLUSIVE BUILD MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
Airfix’s all-new Mini Countryman WRC car is apprasied by Ian Hartup
RALLY
T
he Mini Countryman WRC was a product of the Prodrive motorsport development company in partnership with BMW’s motorsport division. Entered first in the 2011 WRC championship, it proved a rugged and dependable competitor in this highly-charged competition. The body shape, while entirely
redolent of the road-going car, was wrapped around a highlydeveloped 300bhp 1,600cc turbocharged powerplant, capable of propelling the car to a 0-60mph time of under four seconds.
Shared heritage Airfix’s new kit arrived hot on the heels of its Ford Fiesta WRC cars reviewed earlier this year (Issue
The body shell was base-coated with light layers of Alclad White Primer, sanded between coats.
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
29). Once again the kit shared a common core with the Scalextric car of the same subject. However, unlike Airfix’s earlier efforts in this genre, this kit reflected significant changes in the manufacturer’s thinking. The components were spread across a handful of grey plastic runners, with the clear frame packaged separately as we have come to expect from major
manufacturers. Construction began with the chassis and interior; the instructions did provide colour call-outs for the majority of smaller components, but strangely not all of the parts were thus treated. For instance, there was no painting information for the chassis floor (part A2). In the absence of specific instructions it was painted matt black. The
Once the Zero Paints Brilliant White base coat had dried, the roof was masked with tape.
EXCLUSIVE BUILD MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
After light coats of Zero Paints' Bright Red, the roof masking was removed and the body sidelined to dry fully.
MODEL SPEC
front bulkhead received a coat of white to match the instructions and was glued firmly in place (Gunze Mr. Cement S was used throughout this build). Exhaust tips were finished with Alclad Chrome MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC By:
Airfix
Stock Code: A03414 Scale:
1/32
Price:
£14.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
over an undercoat of that firm’s Gloss Black Base, before they were carefully cemented to the chassis plate. The real vehicle features allround independent suspension and the kit made a reasonable pass at representing this. Separate shock absorbers were painted yellow and then attached into the shocker towers moulded into the floor, then the pre-painted black horizontal suspension elements were added. Trial and error suggested that the slots in the suspension components displayed a particularly tight fit to the shockers so these were opened. Once the slots were made a little larger, the shocker tabs located neatly into place and the suspension sets proved to be strong and resilient assemblies. Once the suspension sets had
The chassis was base-coated in matt black before the white-painted bulkhead was fixed in place. Representation of the independent all-around suspension proved to be a reasonable pass at the prototype and strong, too. Once the pre-painted floor was positioned, the various smaller detail parts could then be added.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
The dashboard and steering assembly, while not highly detailed, was arguably sufficient. Perhaps a few decals would have completed it properly though.
dried the floor and suspension bay covers were added. The floor had first been painted white with a suitable satin colour from the Mr. Hobby range and the fuel tank top was picked out in gloss/matt black from the same range. While the chassis assembly dried, the various small interior parts were pre-painted with the appropriate colours. The interior was well appointed with enough detail to make it look busy; once the seats were in place the slightly cramped effect of the real car came immediately to the fore. Seatbelts were painted satin red to reflect the effect seen in photographs of
the actual vehicle. One noticeable omission from the interior was any decals to represent the selection of LCD displays and dials. Basic shapes of all of these parts were there, just not the tools to make them come to life. Strangely the instructions showed the wheels in place on the chassis from Stage 8 onwards, but only suggested that one should build and paint them in Stage 13…a slight proof-reading issue perhaps.
Crash protection The roll cage was a delightfully effective sub-assembly, but to align it accurately it was best to build it
The painted and assembled roll cage located positively into the floor once the seats had been fitted to the floor.
With all of the seat belts added the interior was complete...wheels and brake discs would be added later.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
S The now fully-dry bodywork was given two 'wet' coats of Zero Paints' Clear before it was once again set aside to dry properly.
S Masking the shell for all of the black trim proved time consuming. An inexperienced modeller may find this harder than most but with patience a good result should be possible.
in situ on the chassis floor before the seats were added. Once it had dried, it could be removed before being neatened and painted white. With the seats and belts firmly fixed into place, the roll cage was added to the floor and the wheels and brake discs, all prepainted appropriately, were also attached. The wheels had been painted with Mr. Hobby Tyre Black (H77) before they were masked and their centres painted with Mr. Hobby Gloss White. Attention then turned to the body shell. This was rendered in one piece with very little evidence of the moulding process to deal with. In fact, after an initial rub with a Scotchbrite pad and a little Zero Key and Clean, it was found that only one or two minor mould lines remained. A few strokes with a sanding pad dealt with these and it was then on to the primer stage. As the roof of the car was white the whole of the
satin and gloss black shades. Masking for these areas proved time consuming and tricky, but once completed the various black portions were sprayed with either Zero’s Gloss Black or Tamiya X-18 Satin Black as appropriate. There is a slim silver trim line around the base of the windows on the real car and an attempt was made to
body received sanded coats of Alclad White Microfiller primer. Once that had dried the whole thing was sprayed with light coats of Zero Paints’ Pure Brilliant White base coat. The roof was then masked roughly before the rest of the bodywork was sprayed with Zero’s Bright Red and set aside to dry for 24 hours. While the body dried the various detail parts were neatened and sprayed to match the instructions. Wing mirrors had been painted white at the same time as the bodywork. After the body shell had dried the roof masking was removed and the whole thing, along with the wing mirrors, was sprayed with two ‘wet’ coats of Zero’s premixed Clearcoat, then placed in a clean and dry Tupperware box of a suitable size and set aside in a warm environment to cure. The body of the real car has a variety of black trims in both
mask this and spray it with Gunze Mr. Hobby Aluminium. This wasn’t entirely successful and as a result the silver had to be reinstated by hand at a later stage.
Great glazing The biggest step forward in this kit over the Fiesta was the fit of the glazed parts; front and
S The trim was painted with a combination of Zero Gloss black and Tamiya X-18 satin black.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
With the masking removed and a few minor touch-ups dealt with, the body was ready for its glazing.
The glazing proved to be, in the main, pain free; moulded trim around the top of the side glazing was picked out later in matt black.
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rear screens clipped into place most satisfactorily (the side windows did not fit quite as well but with a little jiggling proved good in the end). The edges of these parts were very visible so it is recommended that they be edged with a suitable black paint or a permanent marker pen. Interior details slotted into place easily and in most cases, on this sample at least, required no adhesive. Decals were printed by Cartograf and the quality shone through…of note were the window surrounds missing from the earlier kits but they were present in this case – a great example of the manufacturer listening to modellers’ pleas. The decals performed flawlessly with only a hairdryer required to coax them into the surface detail, and no solvents were used at all. All markings were sealed under a hand-brushed coat of Johnson’s Klear to blend them into the background. With decaling finished and the chassis fitted to the bodywork, just the small detail parts had to be attached. Once again, the fit of items such as roof vents was exemplary and only a little PVA was used.
Real progress The Mini WRC kit is arguably as good as Airfix could have made it. True, it would have been pleasing to have seen it in 1/24 scale, but we can’t have everything. The steps forward represented by the fit of the glass and the decal sheet make this a welcome release from Airfix. Some of the paint work was a little fiddly and the masking time consuming, but the end results can be superb. There is another kit already destined for this reviewer’s desk with a different scheme in mind, with a few minor tweaks to the detail…hopefully another winner! ❚
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MATERIALS AT A GLANCE Alclad Black and White Primers Various metallic shades
The decals were superb, in perfect register and clearly designed from the off with the actual dimensions of the model in mind.
Gunze Sangyo (www.modeldesignconstruction. co.uk) Mr. Hobby various colours Mr. Cement S Fine Compound F Tamiya X-18 Satin Black Masking tape (various widths) Zero Paints (www.hiroboy.com) Brilliant White and Bright Red base coat colours Pre-Mixed Clearcoat The rear spoiler was a neatly moulded two-part assembly which fitted perfectly to the apertures in the rear window. Note the window decals that accurately depict the window seals.
The decals were sealed in place with a coat of Johnson's Klear, before roof vents and detail parts were added.
Wheel centres were masked and then sprayed with gloss white to match the real vehicle.
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REFERENCE ROUND-UP MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
A large number of items on the exterior are fashioned from carbon fibre, including the wheel arches, rear aero-spoiler and mirror supports. The driver’s office is devoid of creature comforts and designed only to function as a competition machine.
Full size Mini Counrtyman WRC walk-round by Ian Grainger
MINI FULL SIZE The steering wheel mounted on a touring car-style racing frame, so the driver sits more closely to the centre of the car (for weight distribution).
Seat harness shoulder straps attach to mounting points on the roll cage, very close to the seat backs, with a staggered design in terms of height.
The crew seats complete with racing harnesses. Note how much lower the co-driver sits in the cabin.
Body fasteners for the front and rear are standard spring link and pin affairs. (All Ian Grainger)
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
r e t s a m Bush
OVER TOKYO M ustangs of the 78th Fighter Squadron were the first landbased American fighters to fly over Japan during World War Two. Major James B. Tapp was the commanding officer of the 78th FS ‘Bushmasters’ (a component of the 7th Air Force’s 15th FG), from
April 1945 onwards and he scored all of his eight victories during Very Long Range missions over Japan in April and May 1945…including the first four in one day on April 7 while over Tokyo. His last kill of the war came on the May 29, 1945 over Atsugi air base in the Tokyo Bay area. Tapp’s machine, a P-51D-20-NA (s/n 44-63984)
1
Tamiya’s kit provided ample detail, but the Eduard sets just went that bit further with the level of embellishment. The seat belts were the only parts in the kit which really warranted replacement, as they were produced as single parts and from very stiff alloy.
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coded ‘101’ and named MargaretIV, was the subject of this build which employed Tamiya’s P-51 as a starting point. The kit simply oozed quality and impressed this modeller from the outset. It was packed with separately-bagged runners, a 36-page instruction booklet, a colour print for decal placement and a separate box to
Jan Maes marries aftermarket parts and decals with Tamiya’s P-51, to produce a Pacific ace’s mount hold metal hardware, photo-etched (PE) metal, clear parts and a set of scale-thickness engine panels… packaged in such a way that transport damage was virtually impossible. Out of the box, two colour schemes were offered but only the main markings and stencils were used here – the markings of Maj. Tapp’s machine
2
The Merlin engine was a kit in its own right and it comprised several sub-assemblies. Realistic thickness on the engine panels allowed the powerplant to be built true to scale – unlike with most other kits.
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
3
7
4 Seatbelts as supplied were the weakest part of Tamiya’s kit. They were replaced by Eduard items which provided far superior detail and realism. The seat was painted Interior Green over a base coat of Tamiya XF-16 Flat Aluminium, suitably chipped to portray wear.
The engine received a coat of Vallejo Acrylic primer and was then painted Tamiya X-18 Semi-Gloss Black. Graphite powder was rubbed into the surface of the various parts to accentuate the metallic effect, followed by an oil wash of Winsor & Newton Paynes Grey.
5
Staining around the exhausts came next, and then the engine was fixed to the firewall with a nut and bolt for rocksolid assembly.
MODEL SPEC
were sourced from a superb Kagero book, Fighters over Japan Part 1, which came with markings in the three main scales. Finally, though not really necessary, Eduard’s interior sets and seat belts were used to improve the already impressive level of detail. P-51D MUSTANG By:
Tamiya
Much of the instrument panel was built from the kit parts, but Eduard’s superb interior set provided additional detail for switches and controls, which couldn’t be achieved by painting. Instrument faces were created by a decal being attached to the back of the transparent part.
The instrument panel was attached to the rudder panels and this sub-assembly was, in turn, fixed to the back of the firewall. A positive fit was required to avoid assembly problems later.
6
8
Stock Code: 60322 Scale:
1/32
Price:
£108.00
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Cockpit floor and main components are shown assembled. The floor was first basecoated with XF-57 Buff, followed by a top coat of XF-1 Black, which was partly rubbed away to simulate wear on the wooden cockpit floor.
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
9
10
Cockpit, firewall and engine sub-assemblies were eventually brought together. If it would be anything other than Tamiya, this would be the time to start worrying about how the fuselage would close around all this.
11
Here’s another view of the cockpit assembly. Note that the radio has been replaced by a photo-etched item which provided better detail. Cabling made from coloured wire (available from www.little-cars.com) was attached to the radio and battery box.
12 Final weathering of the engine and cockpit assemblies was completed with Tensocrom weathering agents, as well as subtle dry-brushing with Winsor & Newton Soft Mixing White oil paint.
13
The cockpit sidewalls were painted Interior Green and were then enhanced with the remaining Eduard photo-etched metal. Then, all components were dry-brushed with Winsor & Newton Naples Yellow Hue and the parts were finished off with a Sepia oil wash to create shadows. After painting of the fuselage sidewalls and engine bearers, the cockpit sidewalls were attached to the fuselage halves. Positive locating points made this critical operation entirely trouble-free.
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
Tabs around the edge of the engine compartment aligned the engine panels with the rest of the fuselage skin, while they were held in place by tiny magnets installed invisibly behind the engine bearers.
The big moment had arrived. There really was absolutely no reason for concern as the fuselage halves closed around the engine and cockpit without a hitch. Taping of the parts was almost a formality.
14
15 16 Most of this lovely cockpit detail would remain in full view as the transparencies were extremely clear. However, the instructions stated that the front armoured glass should be installed at this point. To avoid potential damage it was left off until later. The engine compartment was completed with the nstallation of the panel framing. Exhaust stubs were painted Gunze Mr. Metal Colour Dark Iron and given a rusty appearance with MIG Dark Rust pigment. Remaining piping was painted matt aluminium and matt black and installed underneath the engine. The air inlet ducting was also painted and added for a perfect fit. Thin oil wash created depth to the parts’ appearance.
17
18 Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
The undercarriage bay was a 20-part affair which, out of the box, built into a highly convincing replica of the real thing. Conversely, it could be the perfect canvas for serious super-detailing.
19
After an Interior Green base coat, the pipework and connectors were picked out with matt aluminium and matt black and, after dry-brushing, the whole assembly received a Sepia oil wash.
20
Painting the ammunition belts required patience but the result was well worth it. The rounds received a basecoat of Vallejo Old Gold and were highlighted with brass, and then the tip of every fifth round was painted red to indicate that it was a tracer.
The guns were installed in the wing and fitted perfectly. Bay covers displayed an excellent marriage with the wing surface; they were not glued at this stage, so that the guns remained visible on the finished model.
21
22
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
24 If ever there was a perfect wing-to-fuselage join, this was it. The two assemblies clicked together without any trouble at all…no filler required!
23 The undercarriage assembly was installed in the wing, but the leading edge would be installed later. For this build the gear was going to be installed in the downward position.
Tamiya’s glazing was excellent – very clear and thin. The only slight problem was a mould line on the top of the sliding hood. This was polished away and disappeared completely once the parts were dipped in Johnson’s Klear. Kit-provided masks needed to be cut before use.
25
ADDITIONAL ms Ite
Carburettor intake covers needed their holes to be drilled out for a more realistic look. Nothing difficult surrounded this task but patience was required, with 64 holes in close proximity!
26
Fighters over Japan Part I, by T. Szlagor, J. Światloń and L. Wieliczko (Kagero), ISBN: 978-83-60445-78-5
27
Eduard P-51 interior set (32715 parts 1 and 2) Eduard P-51 seat belts (32731)
28 The propeller was well engineered and it fitted like a glove. Prop’ tips were painted matt yellow first and, after masking, the blades were painted satin black.
Tamiya’s fine engineering showed again in the undercarriage struts. While of scale thickness, they had a metal rod inside them for added strength. The tyres had the correct tread pattern but were moulded in vinyl; this modeller never had a real problem with the material, but others may wish to employ after-market replacements.
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ADVANCED BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
30
Once the entire surface of the model was polished to a mirror-like sheen, it received a coat of Alclad Polished Aluminium 105. As always with Alclad, 95 per cent of the effort went into preparing the surface.
29 Before decals were applied the wing, elevator and fin tips were painted to match Margaret-IV’s scheme. The dark yellow was a mix of Tamiya XF-3 Yellow and XF-57 Buff. Once this had dried, masking was added and matt black followed.
31
32
The result of a few hours’ decaling…Tamiya’s decals have previously earned a poor reputation but not on this kit, as the markings were thin, with good colour density and they settled down beautifully with just a small application of Micro Set and Sol.
Magnificent Mustang One can only talk about this kit in superlatives. It is beautifully engineered, goes together without any trouble, has excellent instructions and the end result is a seriously good model. The kit is
Undercarriage legs and doors were installed and the sliding hood was glued in position. The aerial was a piece of EZLine stretched between the back of the seat and the tip of the fin. Propeller and engine panels were not glued in place.
not cheap but then what is these days? One certainly doesn’t need to spend money on a mass of after-market parts to correct any kit faults – there aren’t any. All in all, it’s a wonderful kit and ❚ warmly recommended.
33 The model in all its glory: Its engine panels fitted beautifully over the bay framing, held in place by small magnets on the side and the big propeller hub at the front…lovely!
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
Garry Tobiss assesses Dragon’s diminutive new 1/35 Ha-Go light tank
JUNGLE
WARRIOR
J
apan is not usually the first nation that springs to mind when considering tank development…but there were
various types manufactured there before and during World War Two. Ship and aircraft production took priority, though, so resources
dedicated to tanks were restricted. Most Japanese designs were lightly armoured, intended for infantry support and considered
obsolete by 1941. The few heavy tanks produced were reserved for homeland defence so consequently did not see action. Even so, the
The lower hull ‘tub’ was typical of the attention to detail shown throughout the kit. There was a mass of rivets here and this was only on the underside of the vehicle!
Dragon’s provided PE fret; the round parts added extra detail to the wheels and the large grille at bottom right was the mesh-type cover for the exhaust.
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Each wheel was very detailed with weld seams in the centre, excellent definition for the nuts and rims and even Japanese characters moulded onto the rubber rims – just visible at eleven o’clock on the lefthand part and two o’clock on the right.
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
MODEL SPEC
infantry tanks were used in often challenging terrain and performed reasonably well. The Type 95 Ha-Go light tank was originally designed in 1935 and entered production in 1936. It was used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) to support the infantry rather than as a tank destroyer. This meant that the armour thickness was restricted to 12mm to reduce weight. At just over seven tonnes the Ha-Go had a maximum speed of approximately 18mph (29km/h). Armament comprised a 37mm main gun and two 7.7mm machine guns, one in the hull facing forward and another offset on the side of the turret. This vehicle was relatively small and very cramped JAPANESE TYPE 95 LIGHT TANK ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION By:
Dragon
Stock Code: 6767 Scale:
1/35
Price:
£47.50
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
inside. The commander was the turret’s sole occupant; he had to command the vehicle, observe and also load, aim and fire the main armament. A hull machine gunner and driver made up the rest of the crew. With production in excess of 2,000 units, the Type 95 was the most numerous of all Japanese tanks. Although effective against infantry, the Type was vulnerable to other tanks and anti-tank weapons. It continued in service until the end of the World War Two and some examples were used in the Chinese Civil War.
There were four wheels per side and these were enhanced with the same number of PE pieces per wheel (two front, two back) around the centres.
Speedy assembly The kit gave an immediate impression of fine engineering, with very good surface detail on all parts. There were nine runners plus a two-piece hull and turret moulded in grey styrene, together with one frame of clear parts and a photo-etched (PE) fret of metal pieces. The two tracks were supplied in a protective plastic box of their own. Although the dimensions of the model were small, there were many pieces to cram into the build. Each component exuded quality and there was an almost total absence of seams and ejector pin marks. There were just a few examples of the latter but these were always in areas that would not be seen on the finished model, so there was no need for any remedial work
Most of the detail on the rods that connected the two bogies would be covered but each piece was still highly detailed. Apparently the suspension made for a very uncomfortable ride over rough terrain.
Completed running gear; the Ha-Go was a small combat vehicle with just four main wheels per side.
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
Painting & Markings
Components for the glacis plate and fenders are shown here. The brass star that apparently adorned all IJA tanks has been reproduced. Once again there were hatch options – either separate pieces (above) or moulded on detail (below).
There were four different colour scheme options and each used the same four-tone camouflage pattern. • 1st Tank Regiment, Malaya 1941 • Kwantung Army, Manchuria 1944 • Co.2, 7th Tank Regiment, Philippines 1942 • 13th Tank Regiment China The schemes differed in which numbers and characters were applied. Curiously, the small Japanese flag shown on the box art was not supplied as a decal.
Two 7.7mm machine guns were provided and the moulding was of top quality. Dragon had even managed to get detail around the muzzles of the gun barrels.
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Two almost identical optional pieces featured for the rear plate on the engine deck. The only difference is the one on the left had moulded detail, while the other had an extra two parts to complete it. There was also the chance to use PE in place of the small oval part.
to correct them. The quality of the kit meant that it could be built without the distraction of filling and sanding to correct flaws. Construction began with the wheels and bogies. Tolerances in the kit were very fine, so there was an initial concern that there would be no space for the PE parts at the centre of each main wheel…but this fear proved to be unfounded. Minimal clean-up was required on all parts, a theme that continued throughout the build. There were only four bogies on the Ha-Go, which allowed running gear and suspension to be completed quite quickly so that attention could turn to the hull. Some of the PE parts were intended to replace styrene items already moulded on the model. The idea was that the integral detail should be scraped off and replaced with the PE. In almost all cases the plastic detail was so good that the PE was not used. The fact that some of the PE parts needed to have miniscule pieces, such as individual nuts, added played a part in this decision. Two options for the machine gun ball mounts were provided but
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
Frontal armour and fenders were joined to the main hull. Note the PE parts at the edges of the driver’s hatch opening.
Almost every hatch on the model had an open or closed option; but with no internal detail around the engine, the closed hatch approach was selected. PE grilles on the bottom of the two hatches with vents were not very visible as a result.
apart from the sight holes being on different sides, there was little to choose between them. Those with the sight holes to match scopes on the machine guns were chosen for both hull and turret. A small amount of grease was put into the locating points for the ball pivots, to ensure that the glue did not get into the joins and prevent the machine guns from being mobile. The remainder of the superstructure came together very quickly; all hatches and fenders fitted extremely well. The turret mainly comprised one large piece, with a separate cupola and base, but once again the fit was perfect. There were two options for the front plate of the turret, and that which allowed
greater barrel movement for the main gun was chosen. Care was required to make sure that the parts were assembled exactly as depicted, because otherwise the barrel would have been upside down. There was little to choose between the two options for barrel cradles since the assemblies were almost identical. The addition of the second machine gun mount completed the turret and the build was then largely completed.
The driver’s hatch could be modelled open or closed. There were two further options with the part on the left, to allow a vision port to be positioned shut or ajar.
More options for the 37mm gun. Each cradle came with a specific piece to represent the bag used to catch the main gun shell casings.
Jungle colours Painting started with the application of white acrylic primer through an airbrush. Japanese tank interiors were apparently either light grey or sometimes silver. Lifecolor Light Grey UA021 The main superstructure was eventually completed with the addition of the two rear fender components.
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
The turret ring shows its manual handle, used by the commander to rotate the unit. The turret largely comprised a single part. There were guide marks to apply a piece that represented an optional smoke discharger, but these were removed.
Acrylic primer harmonised the PE with the plastic and also provided a key for the camouflage paint.
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was chosen, so the inside of the turret plus the driver’s and turret hatch inner faces were painted accordingly. Details on the gun breach were highlighted with a dark brown oil wash, followed by chipping with a small sponge to apply black acrylic; the breech block was picked out with brass. Reference material described the standard colours used for Japanese tanks, however, sourcing the exact paint colours proved difficult. A decision was therefore taken to try and match the various
photographs and drawings with paints readily available in this modeller’s tool supplies. Camouflage options given in the Ha-Go kit were all of the hardedged demarcation variety. There were several ways of achieving this, such as with masking fluid or thinned, hand-painted coats of each colour. The latter seemed rather a chore (with no guarantee of a decent finish) and experiments with masking fluid did not produce good results. So, the method chosen here was to use masking
The base colour was applied to the superstructure, after the initial light grey primer coat.
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION tape with the paints applied via airbrush. Note that a primer coat is essential if masking tape is used, otherwise there is a real risk that the tape will lift the paint. The base colour was Tamiya Flat Earth XF-52. Lifecolor Rotbraun Schokoladen Braun UA 206 was used for the dark brown shade, followed by Lifecolor Olivgrun UA 206. Different patterns were cut from strips of low-tack masking tape. Each patch of colour was then applied separately to build up the scheme. This had the potential to take considerable time, but the whole scheme was applied in a few evenings. The last of the four colours was Vallejo Deep Yellow 014. Japanese tanks were unusual in using such a bright colour; it was often applied so that a cross was visible when viewed from above. This was replicated by cutting a random wavy line down the length of a piece of masking tape and then placing the two halves at a relatively equal spacing onto the hull and turret, making sure that the tape was burnished well to avoid bleeding of paint. Each line on the hull (and turret and hatches) was rendered separately to limit the scope for error. There was only one slight mishap when some thinned paint came through the airbrush unexpectedly, which led to one of the yellow lines bleeding under the tape. A small amount of re-spraying soon remedied this. The model was checked for any imperfections and then given a coat of Johnson’s Klear (Future in the US) floor varnish, applied
Weathering the Exhaust There are several ways to replicate rusty exhausts. This method was based on that shown in the DVD Authentic Metal by Adam Wilder.
The first step was to create a small amount of texture by dabbing on Gunze Mr. Hobby Mr. Surfacer 500.
A base coat of Lifecolor Rust Dark Shadow UA 701 was then applied, to provide an under colour shade.
Various shades of MIG pigments were mixed with pigment fixer and then ‘speckled’ onto the parts by flicking the mix with a brush. Paint could have been used in place of the pigments.
A mix of blue and hull red acrylic was then applied to selected areas of the parts with an airbrush. The unit really started to look realistic by this stage, thankfully.
Chips of the Tamiya Flat Earth XF-52 base colour were then applied with a brush to suggest remnants of the original paint. Chips of the hull red/blue mix were then added with a sponge.
Burnt Umber oil wash was then applied, followed by MIG Pigments’ Standard Rust dabbed on random areas while the wash was still wet and worked into the piece. A small amount of black pigment was then dusted on the end of the exhaust to complete the finish.
The completed exhaust shown installed on the hull; most of the structure was eventually covered by the photo-etched metal grille.
A very cramped turret interior; there was no detail but the real vehicle would have had 37mm rounds stored in this area.
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
with the airbrush both to seal and provide a smooth surface for the decals. Gloss varnish could have been used to the same effect.
Decaling doddle The Malaya 1941 colour scheme option was chosen, which meant the application of just six decals. They were produced by Cartograf and were of top quality, with no need to trim any carrier film – even in the middle of the numerals. The decals were allowed to dry
Reference Authentic Metal DVD by Adam Wilder, MX-DVD-03, MXpression, http://www.mxpression.com Japanese Tanks 1939-1945, by Steven J. Zagola (Osprey Publishing), August 2007 ISBN: 9781846030918 www.ospreypublishing.com
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overnight and then all parts received matt varnish to remove the gloss finish provided by the Klear. A minor disaster occurred while trying to touch up a tiny area on the turret; a piece of masking tape was inadvertently pressed down onto one of the decals, a Japanese character. The result was that the decal peeled off and could not be recovered. Rapid practice in Japanese and Mandarin painting skills followed, with the character being hand-painted onto the turret in white acrylic. Never risk putting masking tape anywhere near decals! Everything was then ready for weathering to begin. The Malayan campaign started in December 1941, in an area that has high temperatures and rainfall, so the weathering on the vehicle even over the short history of the campaign would probably have been pronounced. Weathering started with the addition of scratches and the edges of panels were accentuated with black acrylic on a small piece of sponge. This was followed with an oil wash of raw umber to highlight the rivets, panel lines and other surface detail. Small blobs of Raw Umber and Indian Red oil paint were dotted over the structure and then drawn down with a flat, wide brush to simulate rust stains. Malaysian jungle soil appears to have a slight red tinge so MIG Pigments’ African Earth pigment was selected for the muddy areas
Options for the turret hatches, with the piece on the top left being made with PE, while the part below had moulded detail.
The types of home-made tape masks made specifically for the camouflage on this model.
Dark brown was applied; each mask was burnished onto the model to make sure that there were no gaps under any of the rivets or other surface detail. Any patch of green which touched the dark brown was overlapped very slightly to avoid slivers of base colour being left visible.
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MILITARY BUILD ‘HA-GO’ EARLY PRODUCTION
Materials at a glance Humbrol Liquid Poly cement Lifecolor Black FS 37038 Extra Dark Brown UA 412 Olivgrun UA 206 Rotbraun Schokoladen Braun UA 206 Rust Dark Shadow UA 701
MIG Productions Pigments Pigment Fixer African Earth Black Smoke Dark Rust Light Rust Standard Rust MIG Productions Oil and Grease Stain Gunze Mr. Hobby Mr. Surfacer 500 Mr. Metal Color Brass 219 Mr. Metal Color Chrome Silver 211 Mr. Metal Color Iron 212 Tamiya Flat Earth XF-52
around the tracks, as well as the dust on the hull and turret. The tracks were painted with Lifecolor Extra Dark Brown UA 412 and then treated with a mix of African Earth and pigment fixer. The final stage was to pick out the detail on the tracks with graphite.
Yellow stripes added over the other colours completed this interesting Japanese camouflage scheme.
Worth the ride? Dragon’s Ha-Go is a superb kit and an absolute pleasure to build. The engineering is top class with fine details in all areas and clever moulding to minimise any seams or ejector pin marks. The build was quick but the hard-edged camouflage finish took a long time due to the masking required. Japanese schemes employed later on in World War Two had colours that were sprayed, so if such a technique was used, then the model could have been completed very quickly. The options to have the access hatches open means that there is plenty of opportunity to add additional interior detail; either via scratch-building, or potentially, (if aftermarket suppliers oblige) with updates such as an engine, transmission and turret details. It was also interesting to try something a little more unusual than the more prolific Allied and ❚ German subjects.
Detail on the machine guns was enhanced by a light application of graphite. Scratches were simulated with black acrylic, followed by a Burnt Umber oil wash to highlight detail. The Japanese (and Mandarin) character has been painted on. It can mean ‘intention’, ‘ambition’ or ‘desire’ but in this context probably represented sentiment such as ‘selfless noble devotion’.
Vallejo Vallejo Deep Yellow 014 Matte Varnish Red 70947 White Surface Primer 74600 Winsor and Newton Artists Oil Colour 076 Burnt Umber 317 Indian Red
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Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldivers of Bombing Squadron 83 (VB-83) flying off USS Essex (CV-9) in 1944 discover a Japanese convoy and dive bomb the enemy 'flattop'. The Helldiver was often known as 'The Beast' by its aicrew due to the aircraft's size, weight and poor performance of the early variants. However, later model SB2Cs served as the sole shipborne dive-bomber of the US Navy from late 1944 until the end of the war.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER
G N I M TA
! T S A E B THE Airfix’s long-in-the-tooth Helldiver kit gets extensive rejuvenation from Mike Grant
ecent releases from Airfix have delighted many modellers…especially those who grew up with the brand and are now seeing such gems as the P-51D, Swordfish and Vampire. However, those of us who’ve been building for many years also recognise older Airfix subjects on the model shop shelves, albeit now in shiny red boxes with stunning new artwork. Some of these subjects remain unique to Airfix and have aged respectably, while others haven’t stood the test of time quite so well. Let’s be up-front about this: for anyone wanting an accurate, beautifully detailed 1/72 SB2C Helldiver, with fine surface detail straight out of the box, the Academy kit delivers on all
R Airfix’s kit was released just 21 years after the Helldiver was retired from US Navy service!
The White Ensign Models photo-etched brass set carried several parts for the Helldiver’s interior. Thick runners required a razor saw to remove them from the fuselage halves. Wrapping styrene strip around a pen lid, and then plunging it into boiling water, formed the gun mounting ring.
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CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER
US NAVY TRI-COLOUR PACIFIC CAM OUFLAGE (US Navy)
Heat-stretched sprue section, styrene strip and plastic card were used to enhance the kit’s interior. The triangular devices on the rear decking represented hinges used to collapse the ‘turtleback’ cover when the gun was deployed.
MODEL SPEC
!
ADVANCED BUILD
CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER By:
Airfix
Stock Code:
A02031
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£7.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
fronts. By comparison, Airfix’s kit has several outline inaccuracies, is covered in heavy rivets and raised panel lines and has only rudimentary interior detail. In fairness, the kit was probably state-of-the-art when first released in 1968, but times have changed and so have modellers’ expectations. So, why build the Airfix kit at all? The main reason from this writer’s perspective is the huge sense of satisfaction that can be derived from taking an old kit such as this and upgrading it with simple techniques such as re-scribing and basic detailing.
‘The Beast’ was just one of the more repeatable nicknames given to the big, ungainly Curtiss Helldiver, which was dogged with problems throughout its service life. The US Navy wouldn’t accept the aircraft until more than 800 modifications had been made to the initial design, and even then the aircraft was under-powered and had a shorter range than the Dauntless it was designed to replace. During the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 1944, 45 aircraft ran out of fuel and were lost while returning to the carriers. Much smaller aircraft such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair could carry an equivalent bomb-load to the much larger SB2C, but the Helldiver could deliver with more accuracy through its dive-bombing ability…and it was in this role that the aircraft excelled and earned its combat reputation.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER
Being cheap and readily available, the Helldiver is the ideal kit for experimentation and honing new skills.
Inner improvement
Some of the cockpit parts are seen after painting. Decals were used for the instrument panel gauges. All interior parts were painted and ready to install. The paint was sanded off the fuselage mating surfaces to ensure a strong glue bond.
With such a large canopy the cockpit needed quite a bit more than the throne-like seat and control column provided. White Ensign Models (WEM) produces a photo-etched (PE) metal detail set intended for the Matchbox SB2C, some parts of which were incorporated into this build, although most of the embellishment was generated from styrene sheet and heatstretched sprue. A floor was installed and stringers added to the fuselage sides, followed by various switch boxes and
side consoles. The aim wasn’t to replicate every detail, but rather to suggest the complexity of the real aircraft. Primary reference was the Detail and Scale Helldiver book which clearly described the variant differences and was crammed with detail photos, as well as 1/72 drawings. In the observer’s position the seat pan was crash-moulded over a master formed from hardened FIMO modelling clay, while the gun ring mount was created by wrapping a strip of styrene sheet around a pen lid, then immersing it in boiling water. WEM provided a perfectly adequate seat assembly on its PE fret, but styrene rod and strip was preferred for strength and three-dimensional realism. Forward of the observer was an
MOULDING CRASH COURSE
Armour plating was added to the kit guns and the barrels were replaced with hypodermic tubing.
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A pair of wheels (in white plastic) were sourced from the spares box as the grey kit items were marred by ejection-pin marks.
Sometimes referred to as plunge-moulding, crash-moulding involves heating a piece of styrene sheet until it’s soft enough to pull down over a male mould, to create a thin plastic form. For the Helldiver seat a small square of 20-thou styrene was gripped between two bulldog clips and held over a candle until the plastic began to buckle. Once floppy, the malleable plastic was forced down over the male mould (in this case made from hardened FIMO modelling clay), until the seat pan’s shape was fully formed. Pulling the plastic straight down, then pinching inwards slightly below the mould, ensured a closer replication of the original. The result was similar to a vac-formed part, which was then separated from the excess plastic by careful trimming with a knife.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER array of radio equipment which was fabricated from chunks of thick styrene, dials and switches being added from scrap decals and hand painting. A large tube contained the life raft, reproduced with a section cut from a paintbrush protective sleeve. According to the IPMS Stockholm website, Curtiss reportedly used its own cockpit colour which may have been lighter and browner than the standard US Interior Green. After some experimentation Xtracrylix XA1113 Faded Olive Drab was chosen, and the out-of-the-bottle mix made later touch-ups and repairs straightforward. A pinwash of dark brown was applied to accentuate the raised detail, followed by a misted coat of matt varnish to dull the shine of the Xtracrylix green.
Main airframe The fuselage halves were glued together (ignoring the kit instructions to add the fragile arrestor hook at this stage). Fit wasn’t great; there was quite a step on the rear underside, although no attempt was made to correct it until the central lower wing section had been
added. This was also problematic, as the top of the bomb bay interfered with the underside of the new cockpit floor. A section of the bomb bay was sawn off to compensate, which meant the bomb bay doors could not be displayed open – not really troublesome, since there was no detail at all inside and the doors were the wrong shape anyway. They were glued closed, then filled, sanded and new outlines were scribed. Airfix engineered the kit so that the wings could be modelled folded or open, but the mechanism was chunky and toy-like. Having decided to glue the wings in the extended position and, anticipating extensive filling and sanding to attain a smooth wing surface, strengthening plates of styrene were glued inside the wings along the hinge lines. One of the deficiencies of Airfix’s Helldiver was that no provision was made for extending the wing slats, something which occurred automatically when the undercarriage was lowered. Before the outer wing halves were joined, the slats were cut out of the wing leading
The diameter of the wheel hubs matched that of a hole-punch, which enabled correctly-sized wheel masks to be made.
Here is one of the thick, single-piece kit undercarriage doors and the thinner styrene, two-part door which replaced it.
A comparison shot that shows the cowling (right) after its trailing edge was thinned with a motor tool and grinding bit.
Airfix supplied a simplified but effective two-part engine, which received careful painting and weathering.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER Sanding of the propeller blades was necessary to match more closely the shape shown in the ‘Detail and Scale’ drawings. Yellow tips were airbrushed. An attempt to drill out the dive-brake perforations was unsuccessful, as even the slightest misalignment of the drill bit was immediately noticeable. The slats were cut from the wing by repeated application of a scribing tool. Incorrectly-positioned and spaced location holes for the under-wing rockets were filled with lengths of plastic rod.
edges, the upper surfaces of the slats being wider in chord than the lower. Replacement slats were crash-moulded from thinner styrene for a more scale appearance. Holes on the wing underside for the rocket pylons were in the wrong position and were filled with sections of styrene rod, then sanded smooth. The rockets themselves were inaccurate, not only in shape but also in their mounting position,
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with the fins being moulded in a ‘+’ configuration rather than the ‘x’ that would be necessary for the fins to clear the pylons. Consequently the rockets
For additional strength at the wing join, small fins of styrene sheet were attached.
themselves were discarded but replacement mounts were made from small sections of aerofoilshaped plastic strut material. These were attached in their correct locations at the end of the build. It was now time to assemble the wings and care was taken to achieve the correct dihedral… and to ensure there was no kink in the leading or trailing edges where the outer and inner wing sections met. As suspected there
were serious fit issues, which required large quantities of Superglue and repeated sanding sessions before a seamless surface was achieved. Much of the raised rivet detail was lost in the process, but this was no great loss since it was too heavy and the kit was to be re-scribed. Trailing edges were grossly overscale and required thinning and this also applied to the rudder. The horizontal stabilisers were attached easily and required just
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER
a dash of filler at the roots. At the opposite end of the aircraft the cowling needed improvement. The gills were defined better by re-scribing their outlines, and although barely appreciable once installed, the trailing edge of the cowl
was thinned considerably with a grinding bit in a motor tool. As supplied the engine was fairly basic and could be improved with ignition wires and extra detail, but here it was simply painted and installed. A sewing needle chucked in a
pin-vice was used for re-scribing the model, with Dymo Tape and 3M plastic tape to serve as guides. Comparison with the plans in the Detail and Scale book showed a myriad of panels and hatches all over the aircraft, but only a few key lines
were replicated on the model, including the wing-folds.
At least it was easy to see!… Tamiya bright yellow Polyester Putty was used on the upper surfaces, and dried to a styrenelike texture.
One of the slats, which were crashmoulded from ten-thou styrene sheet. Holes were drilled into the leading edge to accept hypodermic tubing actuating struts.
A clearer view Considering the age of the Airfix Helldiver, the fit of the various canopy sections came as a pleasant surprise.
The unrealistic supports that enabled the undercarriage doors to be closed were sliced off. Anticipating some vigorous sanding at the wing/fuselage join, the display stand slot was reinforced with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue from the inside. Note the section removed from the bomb bay to allow for the new cockpit floor. CA glue and plastic card shims were used to fill the prominent gaps at the wing folds and wing-to-fuselage joins.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER
UPGRADING OLDER KITS There are three key areas that tend to identify a kit as an older release, none of which are particularly difficult to correct but they would make a huge difference to the model’s appearance.
The large tube forward of the gunner’s position contained a life-raft in the real aircraft. On the model it was replicated with a section cut from a paintbrush guard. ‘The Chopper’ is a combined mitreblock/cutting tool for making exact samesize/angle duplicate parts. It was used to create the rocket mounting stubs.
Trailing edges Out of the box, the blunt trailing edges of the Airfix Helldiver’s wings would have scaled up to six inches – clearly unrealistic. Most modern kits have much sharper and thinner edges, but fortunately it’s a straightforward task with sanding sticks to bring those older kits up to date. Rudders, elevators, even cowling edges can be similarly treated for a more scale appearance.
After cutting the mounts from styrene aerofoil strut stock they were attached to masking tape for airbrushing. Several spares were cut and painted for the inevitable mishaps while handling the model. New under wing pylons for the bombs were scratch-built from styrene and sprue.
Unfortunately the thickness of the plastic and the heavy raised frame lines compromised their clarity, even after a dip in Pledge floor polish. It also proved difficult to pose the clear parts in an open position; again the thick styrene prevented a flush fit of one part over another. Fortunately a vacformed replacement designed
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Surface detail Nothing says ‘old kit’ more stridently than raised panel lines and rivets. There are plenty of modellers who are completely ambivalent about whether surface detail is raised or recessed and of course that viewpoint is entirely valid, but there’s no denying that the vast majority of contemporary kits are released with engraved panel lines and/or rivets. They’re easier to reinstate over seam lines and many modellers like to enhance their panel lines with a wash. Sanding off raised detail and re-scribing is one of those techniques that isn’t particularly difficult (although it requires care), but has probably the single biggest impact on modernising an old kit. But it can be tedious and on a complex build is best split over several sessions. Once mastered, though, the potential for upgrading old kits is virtually unlimited.
specifically for the Airfix kit was available in the Falcon Clear-Vax Set No. 7 (WWII US Navy). The vac-formed Helldiver canopy was supplied in several parts, which required cutting from the frame with nail scissors before being carefully trimmed with a fresh scalpel blade. These new parts were then dipped in Pledge, not just to improve their already impressive clarity, but
Transparencies The canopy is usually the focal point of any model, and unfortunately it’s also one of the most obvious indicators of a kit’s age. The Helldiver was a case in point, with heavy framing and thick plastic, whereas most current releases have thin parts with lightly engraved frames. A surprising amount can be done to address heavy framework, with progressively finer grades of Wet and Dry, followed by polishing with Micro-Mesh cloths, then a final dip in Klear/Pledge to restore clarity. Vac-formed replacements are also available for many older kits from manufacturers such as Pavla and Falcon, and their thin edges and glasslike clarity significantly improve a model’s scale appearance.
also because they would be masked with Parafilm which adheres particularly well to a high-gloss surface. Frame lines were lightly but clearly defined on the Falcon parts, so cutting the Parafilm freehand with a brand new scalpel blade was straightforward, although it did require a steady hand and prolonged periods of breath-holding.
Bunker Hill bird Because Xtracrylix would be used for the main colour it was felt necessary to add a primer coat first, in this case Tamiya White Surface Primer. (Although Xtracrylix sprays beautifully it isn’t the most robust paint when masked – primer helps alleviate this). The prominent arrow ID markings on the fin and upper wing were cut from
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER
masking tape and pressed in position over the white base coat, and then the deep blue was misted on with slow build-up of the colour density. Airbrushing isn’t a science and usually reliable air pressure/paint mix formulas can fail, and they did in this case; while the paint went on smoothly over most of the model it dried to a rough and grainy finish on the upper starboard wing. Initial panic was followed by a more analytical approach – the paint was allowed to fully cure, then Micro-Mesh
sanding cloths were pressed into action with great success. Not only did they eliminate the graininess entirely, a fortuitous side-effect was a random fading of the colours which produced a fairly convincing weathered appearance. Inevitably the sanding cloths had removed the paint entirely on some raised edges so the blue acrylic was wafted back on in places. This produced even more variance in tone and added to the organic weathered appearance. The markings chosen for the
model were for an aircraft aboard USS Bunker Hill during the Tokyo raids of February 1945. This scheme was not included on the Airfix decal sheet, but having painted the tail/wing markings all that remained to source were the large white fuselage number and a couple of smaller versions for the fin and undercarriage doors. Nothing suitable was found in the spares box, so they were printed on to clear decal sheet with an ALPS printer, although these markings were featured on an aftermarket sheet by Eduard (ED
AV72012). The national insignia and stenciling came from the Airfix sheet, and most impressive they were too. Not only did they settle beautifully into the surface detail but even the tiniest text on the stencils was legible. Decals were also used to represent the holes in the dive brakes after an earlier attempt to drill these out had failed. Using the Detail and Scale drawings for reference, the complex pattern of holes on the upper and lower dive-brakes (they were different) were drawn on a computer
The sliding section of the pilot’s canopy was supplied without framing so it could also be used for an SB2C-5 model.
Masking tape was applied to the inside of the clear parts to protect them from overspray.
Looking very much like old-style TV aerials, the Yagi antennae were made from wire and stretched sprue.
Airfix incorrectly engraved two trim tabs into the rudder, whereas the SB2C-4 had only one. The trailing edge was thinned and a sprue actuator strut added.
After a primer coat the arrow markings were masked, not forgetting to mask the tip of the arrow on the starboard slat.
The sharp tail marking seen after the mask was removed.
The completed painted sliding sections. Markings for the Escape placard came from the Airfix decal sheet.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER then laser-printed onto decal paper in black.
Final details Much could be done to detail the undercarriage bays, but by this stage interest was lagging and they were left as was. The undercarriage doors, however, did demand modification. They were moulded as single-piece items, whereas in fact they should be composed of two overlapping doors and these were fabricated from thin styrene. The wheels were also very basic and replaced with spares box items with better hub detail, although in retrospect, time would have been well-spent to detail the inner hub faces as these proved to be more visible on the
Wheel wells were masked off and painted interior green.
Perforations on the dive brakes were printed onto decal paper using a laser-printer.
Faded paint was a result of sanding with MicroMesh polishing cloths.
National insignia and stencilling came from the kit’s decal sheet, and went on beautifully.
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ADVANCED BUILD CURTISS SB2C HELLDIVER finished model. Two 500lb bombs were supplied but they too were usurped by better alternatives from the spares box. The Yagi aerials below the wing were poorly represented and replaced by new items made from wire and stretched styrene. Final additions included the prominent bent pitot tube on the port wing, navigation lights, wing guns from hypodermic tubing and the aerial wire from stretched vinyl runner.
Almost there. The kit transparencies were temporarily attached to mask the interior while painting.
Exhausts were made from sections of plastic tube, and oil staining was applied with water colour.
Just rewards The Airfix Helldiver was by no means an easy, out-of-the-box build, and if placed alongside Academy’s more up-to-date model the kit’s shortcomings would be even more obvious, yet it was an enjoyable and ultimately rewarding project. It wouldn’t win any competitions but the result would be instantly recognizable as a Helldiver to anyone with a modicum of aviation knowledge. While it may be too much to hope for a re-tooled SB2C from Airfix, in the meantime the original kit soldiers on as the basis for a decent build and hours of value-for-money enjoyment...and what more could ❚ a modeller ask?
The beast has legs… Undercarriage struts were glued in place, paying particular attention to alignment. A piece of Parafilm was wrapped around the tail fin with which to handle the model.
Watercolour was also used to add some streaking to the bombs.
Rather than risk getting glue on the model or clear parts, the sliding canopy components were attached with double-sided tape.
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DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944 he Battle of Peleliu was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theatre of World War Two, from September to November 1944. This incredibly bitter onslaught on the tiny coral island of Peleliu was part of a larger offensive campaign, known as Operation Forager. The First Marine Division and later soldiers of the US Army’s 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture an airstrip which was deemed strategically important at the time. USMC commanders predicted the island would be secured within four days; however, due to
T
the Japanese’ well-crafted fortifications and stiff resistance, the battle lasted for more than two months. In the United States, it was a controversial action because of the island’s questionable strategic value and the mind-boggling casualty rate, which was the highest for US military personnel of any battle in the Pacific War. The National Museum of the Marine Corps called it “the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines”, and the fighting was ably portrayed in Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks-produced 2010 mini-series, The Pacific. A fascinating aspect, which pays testimony to the tenacity
Johan Augustsson portrays the US Marines at Peleliu and incorporates a 1/35 Sherman ‘wedgie’
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(some would argue fanaticism) of the Nipponese military is that a Japanese lieutenant with his 34 infantry soldiers and Guard Force sailors held out in the caves in Peleliu until April 22, 1947, and surrendered only after a Japanese admiral convinced them that the war had actually ended.
Dragon’s ‘Leathernecks’ The box contained parts to complete two action-posed figures, and a medic tending to a wounded comrade. While Dragon’s ‘Gen2Gear’ status was afforded to this set, it didn’t contain what one usually expects from such a package; no photo-
This image shows the BAR gunner under construction, with the enhanced backpack strap in white styrene.
A spare after-market head from Nemrod was attached to the wounded subject. Note the perhaps too cleanly cut trouser leg; this was not too obvious on the finished figure.
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DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944
TOP TIP
The inside of the backpacks were cut out to so they fitted the figures in a better way.
MODEL SPEC
etched metal weapon slings nor the separate pieces of uniform parts to produce pleasing undercuts. Still, all four figures were beautifully moulded and the fit of parts was generally excellent. The only problematic area during construction was the wounded guy’s arm, designed to rest on the medic’s shoulder. The selection of weapons included a M1 Carbine, M1 Thomson sub-machine gun, two M1 Garand rifles and a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) on a bipod. The latter was missing its carrying handle in both the box art and instructions on the box’s rear, but it was provided in the kit. Full webbing equipment for all four was also supplied, with special medical bags and US MARINES PELELIU 1944 By:
The medic and his patient were glued to a piece of styrene to support the couple. To attach the wounded man’s arm in the correct way, Blu-Tack was used to stabilize construction until the glue had dried…
…and then Magic Sculp was used to re-shape the shoulder area. The four figures seen after construction, with gun slings made from styrene strip and ready for painting.
The medic figure under assembly, with gaps filled by Magic Sculp. The detailing was visibly very good. Backpack straps were enhanced with styrene strips, for improved detail.
Dragon
Stock Code: 6554 Scale:
1/35
Price:
£13.50
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
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DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944
PACIFIC GEAR The clothing used by the US Marines during the early battles of World War Two comprised the summer service uniform with World War One-style M1917A1 steel helmet. 1941 Pattern Utility Uniform was standardised for wear on November 7, 1941. It was originally intended to be a generalpurpose work garb to be worn over the service uniform for working parties and other fatigue duties, but it quickly supplanted the service uniform for field wear. The 1941 Pattern Utility Uniform was a two-piece suit made of heavy sage green cotton herringbone twill. It had superior wearing and camouflage
characteristics and was well-suited to conditions in the Pacific campaigns. The environment in which the Marines lived was harsh on uniforms and equipment. Utilities quickly faded to an aged appearance and, on occasion, Marines expedited this process by washing their clothes in sea water to give them a ‘salty’ look. In combat, they dispensed with everything that was not absolutely necessary; gaiters for example were often discarded. With all this in mind (and to depict the harsh conditions and sunny weather on Peleliu) the figures were treated in the following way:
The subjects were primed with white over a black coat to make the shading a little easier.
The base comprised Vallejo 893 US Dark Green mixed with 886 Green Grey and, for the shadow painting, a speck of 966 Turquoise was added to the base. Over this, a layer of Green Grey and a hint of US Dark Green were painted on areas facing perceived sunlight.
SKIN DEEP
To accentuate the shaded areas, a thin coat of Sepia ink mixed with US Dark Green was added to crevices, folds, seams and around belts and straps. Highlights were added with pure Green Grey, followed by Green Grey mixed with 837 Pale Sand.
All webbing and the leggings were painted with mixes of 847 Dark Sand, US Dark Green, 988 Khaki, Pale Sand, shaded with Sepia ink. These colours were mixed slightly differently on all four figures and individual pieces of webbing, to make them less uniform in appearance.
The Styrolite was cut to resemble the coral ground of Peleliu, while siding was cut from styrene sheet and glued before it was trimmed. The gorge in which the tank would be sunk was also cut out at this stage.
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Helmet camouflage covers and rolls were painted with a base made from 845 Sunny Skintone, 821 German Camouflage Beige and 981 Intermediate Green. The four tones for the camouflage spots were created from different greens and browns while studying reference photos.
two versions of water canteens. Curiously there were no hand grenades included, and it would have been useful if a shotgun was provided, too, as these were quite popular close-combat weapons in Pacific battles. The figures were constructed as per the instructions, except for the aforementioned left arm on the wounded subject, which was tilted slightly differently and the gap treated with Magic Sculp putty. To enhance the drama, the same wounded man received a resin head from Nemrod, which faced the medic with a manner of urgency on its face. This figure, together with the medic, was also put on a piece of plastic card for ease of handling, as they were to be mated with just a small
Bare skin was base-painted with 876 Brown Sand over a mix of 814 Burnt Cadmium Red and 950 Black. Highlighting with Brown Sand and 955 Flat Flesh was rather moderate, as the soldiers should have been sun-tanned. The contrast between shaded areas and bright sunlight called for a deep shaded colour, in this case 822 German Camouflage Black Brown. As all four figures were in some state of crouching and, because American helmets tended to overshadow the face, eye detailing was also kept to a minimum.
piece of bandage and that hand on the shoulder. Straps for the backpacks didn’t mate too well with the packs themselves, but this was corrected with strips of styrene glued in place and filed flush. After construction, all figures were coated with white primer over a black coat to ease the painting.
The base How could four figures be incorporated in a balanced way, with a tank or other big vehicle on a small base without the tank dominating the scene? One could use a small tank such as the Japanese Type 95 on the figure box art. The alternative was to use just a section of a tank; for instance
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DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944
The siding was trimmed to follow the base and household filler plugged the gaps around the sides…but also around the rocks and cliff section side.
only the turret, or cut it apart to create a so-called ‘wedgie’. Peleliu is a coral island and to create this the base was first cut from Styrofoam and the large rock was made from the same material. To represent the pitted appearance of eroded coral, the rock piece was worked with a carpet knife, pliers and files, and then glued to the base. To enhance the drama, the tank was to be tilted slightly, so a gorge was cut out to accommodate it later. When the basic shape was achieved, siding was cut from styrene sheet and glued to the base and, when the glue had cured, the gaps were plugged with household filler. The next step was to add grass tufts, followed by a layer of wood glue over the ground areas and fine sand and static grass
Grass tufts from Frederikus Rex and Mininatur were attached, while sand and static grass were strewn over a coat of diluted PVA.
were then sprinkled over it. This was followed by a coat of black primer over everything. A second layer of sand was then glued with the same technique, to form a more uneven layer. Depending on how easy it is to reach with paint, the wedgie can be added either before priming the whole base and then painted in situ, or as in this case, painted separately and then added at a later stage. The Sherman was secured to the base with a liberal amount of household filler, and then the groundwork was painted with the vehicle Over black acrylic primer, Lifecolor 44 Terracotta was applied as the first shade, before the tank was actually added.
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DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944
CHUNK OF ARMOUR Readers of a certain age will know a wedgie as the excruciating schoolboy act involving someone’s underwear. To the modelling fraternity it refers to a figure or vignette base which uses just a small portion or ‘wedge’ of a vehicle, boat or aircraft. There are ready-made items to purchase, but if one feels adventurous (or simply wants to limit costs) just take the favoured model and cut it with a fine saw, blank the open end with styrene sheet or isolation foam and sand it flush. Remember to leave off any small parts until all cutting is done, to ensure no pieces fall into the carpet.
The tank was secured to the base with household filler. With the tank then masked, the base was painted with Lifecolor Portland Stone, Desert Pink and Light Stone. Grass tufts were dry-brushed with different greens from Vallejo, and real moss and sea grass roots were used to portray small bushes.
The tank in this case was an old Tamiya M4 Sherman built many years ago. It was cut where it seemed easiest – between bogies and not through any hatches. Here, the back was sealed with styrene sheet and the tracks were later glued in place and cut with a pair of scissors.
It was then base-painted with Tamiya XF-26 Deep Green, XF-62 Olive Drab and XF-21 Sky in successively lighter mixes.
The Sherman tank wedgie was testfitted to the base and coated with black acrylic primer.
After basic painting, decals from an Academy M3 Stuart kit were attached, chipping was added and details rendered. Basic washes were also applied, before the tracks were fitted and the vehicle was secured to the base. Loose equipment was selected from the scrap box and attached in a way suitable for a knocked-out tank.
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The wounded soldier and medic pairing was incorporated in the same way as the tank and the gaps were filled with sand and painted. Later a rag on the tank front was added from torn tissue paper drenched in diluted PVA and Vallejo German Camouflage Beige paint.
masked. The tank was then weathered together with its surroundings. Paints used for the groundwork were Lifecolor 44 Terracotta; 64 Portland Stone, (no number) Desert Pink and 61 Light Stone, applied with the same zenithal lighting as portrayed on the figures. The Desert Pink and Portland Stone were sprayed directly from above, to create shadows under the tank and to keep shadows under the figures, pieces of paper were attached with BluTack before the last coats. When this had dried, leaves and other natural scatter were added over a layer of diluted wood glue.
Securing the troops After the base and figures were painted, the latter were attached with PVA wood glue and, when this had dried, any mismatched colours were corrected. The paired soldiers’ plastic base was hidden with filler and sand, secured with diluted PVA and the area was re-painted. The tank received washes with MIG Light Dust pigment, diluted with white spirit, while vegetal debris and palm leaves from J’s Work where attached as a final touch. After all components had been inspected to ensure nothing had been missed, the base was glued to a wooden picture frame. ❚
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DIORAMA BUILD US MARINES PELELIU 1944
COMBAT KIT...
Assualt waves huddle down for what little protection they can find on the beaches. Several DUKWs and AMTRACs can be seen burning in the lagoon in the background. Note the patterned helmet covers.
A PFC Marine of the 1st MarDiv, Peleliu, wears the standard issue personal equipment worn during the battle. A modified haversack, with an M1943 folding entrenching tool and camouflage poncho is depicted. The Marine is equipped with a M1918A2 BAR automatic rifle. (Illustration courtesy of Osprey Publishing)
On the beaches no one was safe. Here, African-American Marines from depot and ammunition companies take advantage of sparse cover. These troops later volunteered for infantry duties in the battle.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
TORPEDOES AWAY! S
Toni Canfora employs interesting weathering techniques to enliven Great Wall Hobby’s beautiful TBD-1 Devastator
ome aircraft earn their place in the history books for outstanding performance, for the great number in which they were produced or perhaps for their decisive role in a battle. Sadly, none of this can be said about the Douglas TBD-1 Devastator. On the contrary, it earned its notorious reputation on one single mission, the battle for Midway in 1942. Despite the tragic fate of the Devastators at Midway, the aircraft was actually considered quite innovative when first introduced in 1937, with its all-metal mono
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wing construction. The top speed of 206mph (331kp/h) was considered adequate at the time. The Devastator achieved initial success in the early Pacific battles and at Midway in June 1942; but in the latter action 41 TBDs were launched from the US carriers Hornet, Enterprise and Yorktown. Sadly, they proved to be an easy target for anti-aircraft gunners and enemy aircraft, and just six of the total amount returned… but none at all of the VT-8 aircraft from USS Hornet. The only good thing that came out of the mission was that the Devastator
Here is the upper decking of the crew section, with the gunner’s seat in its gimballed frame.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
The main section of the cockpit with the seat belts glued in place; note the detailed side consoles.
A small dot of clear gloss varnish was painted onto the instruments, to portray glazing over the top. Seat belts for all three seats came as photo-etched metal parts, which were of good quality.
attack drew away Japanese aircraft, which made their fleet more vulnerable to US attacks. After Midway, the Devastator was withdrawn from frontline service and remaining aircraft served as trainers until 1944.
Devastating detail
MODEL SPEC
Great Wall Hobby appeared on the market some years ago, and immediately showed that it would be a brand to savour in terms of quality. The Devastator kit came as something of a surprise for many, TBD-1 DEVASTATOR By:
Great Wall Hobby
Stock Code: GWH4807 Scale:
1/48
Price:
£43.99
Available from: Creative Models, www.creativemodels.co.uk
but it was nonetheless welcome because Monogram’s existing offering was very long in the tooth. The kit comprised four runners in medium grey plastic and one for clear parts, two photo-etched (PE) brass frets and two white metal hinges for the folded wing option. Decals and spray masks were also included. Surface detail was very good, with extremely fine recessed panel lines and delicate rows of rivets…very accurate with regard to scale. Some areas were slightly simplified construction-wise though; for instance, all tail rudder surfaces were moulded in a fixed position so elevating these would mean surgery. But they were all beautifully rendered and looked realistic. The prominent ribbed pattern on the main wings was well executed and the kit also offered the opportunity to position the wings folded. It was impressive to see that the cockpit was anything but simplified. Being a threeseated machine, this signalled rather complicated construction, in three layers from bottom to the top ‘lid’…and all were packed with detail. Some parts were
Base coat green and black coloured the cockpit assemblies. The seat belts were eventually painted once in place, rather than beforehand.
Silver chipping and dark brown wash made the cockpit look worn and used.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
A minimum of putty was needed to conceal the seam between the fuselage halves.
When all painted and assembled the cockpit was an impressive sub-unit, full of realism.
very tiny and special care was needed to avoid breakage. PE parts were also included for the seat harnesses and other details, while the engine was also well appointed and included PE renditions of the ignitions cables.
Inside intel’ One of the high points of the kit was the beautifully-detailed landing gear, which also came with weighted tyres. The torpedo was well moulded but even further enhanced by a photoetched brass propeller and fins.
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Exhaust pipes were drilled out for a proper scale-like appearance and to add proper depth.
Great Wall did not save any gunpowder here. The cockpit tub was well detailed and side panels featured many switches and levers. Separately cast seats, rudder pedals, control column, fire extinguisher and bulkheads were all represented. Furthermore, the PE seat belts breathed remarkable life into the interior. The rear gunner’s trolley was also well replicated, with PE details for the guns. Other interior refinements included beautifullyexecuted fuselage ribs, a convincing instrument panel with separate decals for each dial, as well as PE parts for the torpedo aiming device.
According to references the interior on some Devastators was left in natural metal, but seemingly this was mainly on early machines; interpretation of the photos prompted the use of US Interior Zinc Chromate Green. Interestingly, the kit instructions did not mention this at all and were incorrect in their quotation of the colour reference number; ‘351’ did not exist in its colour chart but by interpreting 351 as green the painting instructions could be followed anyway. Great Wall quoted Gunze Sangyo, Vallejo and Tamiya paint references. With the green paint applied, details were picked out with a fine brush and Vallejo acrylic paints. This was followed by a dark brown wash of diluted oil paint to create depth and variety to the surface. Metal chipping was then created with Printer’s Ink applied with a very fine brush to simulate wear and tear. Instrument panels were painted black and dry-brushed lightly with grey to
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR accentuate the mouldings. Decals were then cut out individually and applied to their corresponding locations with the help of setting solution. The fit between the cockpit and fuselage halves was very good and just minor tweaking was needed to squeeze it all in place. Supplied in the kit were very good PE parts for the interior of the torpedo doors, as well as the bay above them, so if the doors were to be posed open the interior detail had to be fitted before fuselage assembly. Very little putty was needed to fix the seam between the fuselage halves, so construction quickly moved to the wings, with the engine left for later. The crucial step was to align the ribbed pattern on the upper and lower halves of the wings and, fortunately, this was straightforward with an almost perfect fit. A very thin mix of glue and putty was brushed on in the areas between the ribs to make sure no seams were visible. The wings could be positioned folded and at this stage a decision was necessary; whether to do so, or to glue the outer halves onto the inners. Should the first option be chosen, there were small PE parts and white metal hinges to glue onto the clipped outer edge, to create a convincing mechanism. On this build, though, the wings were mounted in flying position, mainly so the beautifully-detailed cockpit wouldn’t be obscured. Smaller details such as the landing light, rudders, torpedo bay and belly doors were attached and the airframe was ready for painting.
Pre-shading was an effective first step to create depth and variety to the surface. Black was the obvious choice so it would show through the camouflage.
Dolphin-like colours VT-8’s Devastators sported Federal Standard Medium Blue 35177 and Light Gray 36495 camouflage. Interestingly there is a colour film taken aboard the USS Hornet, which clearly shows the shades and markings of the aircraft, as well as interesting weathering effects. It was also apparent that the red and white striped tail fin was over-painted before Midway, as it displayed a slightly darker
nuance in the film sequence. A coat of light grey Gunze Mr. Surfacer primer was applied, which revealed any surface flaws but also provided a ‘key’ for the camouflage colour. Touch-ups were required at the wing root and a few other places, and another quick spray with primer followed in those areas. The blue colour was mixed from a number of Tamiya acrylic shades. XF-18 Medium Blue, XF-50 Field Blue and XF-8
Flat Blue, as well as XF-2 White, were tested on a scrap model until the suitable result was found. A significant amount of Tamiya X-22 clear was also added to the mix to give a smooth, glossy surface. Gunze’s Levelling Thinner was used to dilute the mix and as always it helped the paint perform perfectly, because it retarded the drying process and helped to avoid a grainy finish. After pre-shading with black, a first thin layer of
The first layer of blue was applied in a thin layer to let the pre-shading effect bleed through.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
Decal solution was applied with a wide, flat brush pressed onto the decal itself. The model had already received an extra coat of clear varnish at this stage.
Patches of lighter blue helped to make the camouflage more visually interesting, and to appear worn.
To simulate the over-painted striped tail rudder of the aircraft in question, a darker mix of Vallejo blues were applied with a wide brush.
the blue mix was applied, then, white was subsequently added to the blue and carefully airbrushed onto selected areas such as panels…but also randomly over the large flat surfaces to create a patchy, sun-bleached effect. This looked stark at the beginning but the end result would be less prominent after being weathered with oil paints. For the grey underside, Tamiya’s XF-83 Medium Sea Gray was selected and this was also applied in several coats, with white added to the mix for surface variation. To simulate the darker colour on the tail fin, several Vallejo paints were mixed and applied with a flat brush in thin layers. In hindsight, the contrast between the fuselage and tail fin could have
Moist Q-tips were perfect for helping the decals conform to the irregular surface.
been slightly stronger. The paint was then sealed and protected with acrylic clear.
Split identity In time for the battle of Midway, the new blue and white star emblem had already been introduced to replace the earlier marking which included a red spot in the centre of the white star. On aircraft T-3 (the subject of this build) however, the older insignia was left on the underside of the wings, which is clearly visible in the film from USS Hornet. To source the correct markings, Starfighter Decals’ set 4801 ‘Devastators in War Paint’ was
Most of the markings were sourced from a Starfighter Decals sheet, but kit items were used too.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
sought and some of the kit decals were employed. None of the sets had ‘T-3’ on them to replicate the cinematic aircraft, so the digits for T-8 were suitably modified. Usefully, Starfighter’s set also included stencils missing from the kit sheet. All decals were applied with setting solution…an absolute must when working with such an irregular surface as the ribbed wings of the Devastator. Luckily the decals performed well although
several applications of fluid were need on more challenging areas.
Weathering It was decided early on that the weathering should be pushed further than normal. Devastators were exposed to strong sunlight and salt water, as well as the usual wear and tear from crews climbing on the airframe, and from maintenance. The blue colour already looked
BATTLE GRIME – OIL PAINTS
Artist’s oil colours were prepared by placing them on a piece of cardboard, which absorbed much of the oil suspension to prevent a gloss finish.
Small patches of oil colour were then randomly applied to the surface.
The oils were then rubbed into the surface with a stiff, flat brush.
Subtle but effective, this resulted in a varied and discoloured surface.
To create aircraft number T-3, the decals for T-8 supplied on the decal sheet were trimmed appropriately with a sharp knife.
A protective layer of clear gloss was airbrushed over the entire model to seal the surface for the weathering.
The operation was repeated on selected panels around the aircraft. Note how a darker and more concentrated effect was used on the inner wings.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
The first stage of weathering was to load the panel lines and surface details with a wash of thinned dark brown oil paint. Note the difference between the left and right side, were the latter has received the wash.
The wash helped accentuate the detail on the landing gear. Shiny oleo sections were painted with Silver Printer’s Ink.
The wing walkways were ‘chipped’ with Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush. The chips had to be applied as randomly as possible.
faded but more depth and variety was needed. Firstly, a dark brown wash was used to accentuate all panel lines and surface detail. This process is certainly governed by personal taste; washes can be adjusted to be darker in some areas and in relation to the prominence of surface detail. For instance, all-black panel lines on a light surface can look too stark. The most challenging part of the weathering then commenced. In order to create a patchy and varied surface, small dots of oil paint were placed randomly on a few panels at a time (see panel for full method). If the result is too strong, the brush can be moistened with a small amount of thinner and the oils gently dissolved and removed…so it’s a ‘safe’ technique. The effect of the oils can also be used to create shadows in a corner of a panel, by adding dark colours to it and
rubbing them in. The next task was to create scratches on the surface. Crews always climbed only on certain areas of an aircraft, as did the maintenance crew (it’s much the same today). This will inevitably create colour variations and cause paint to wear off. These effects, however, must be carried out with patience and care as they are easily over done - it’s worth pointing out that they are not to everybody’s taste. Various blue Vallejo colours were used to create a mix that matched the base colour, and this was used for the scratches on the black wing walkways. Lighter blue hues simulated scratches on the ribbed pattern and on panel edges. The final touch was to add a chipped paint effect. Printer’s Silver Ink was ideal for this as it has a very fine pigment and flows
Matt varnish was then applied to seal the surface and mute any apparent sheen.
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
TOP TIP
Subtle scratches and chips were painted with Vallejo acrylics and Silver Printer’s Ink.
very easily. Do consider carefully were to put the chips, as they will look out of place otherwise. Again, it’s vital to work in small areas at a time, and to constantly step back from the model to view it from a distance.
Sorting sub-assemblies With the painting and weathering done, it was time to tackle all loose items such as the engine, torpedo, landing gear and propeller. The torpedo was well moulded in two halves and PE parts were supplied for the propeller and fin which turned it into a beautiful little unit. It was painted Alclad II Aluminium and masked for the grey front half. Oil washes brought out the surface detail. GWH’s engine was simple but effective, although not much of it would be visible after final assembly. The only improvement made was to the exhaust pipes, which were
drilled out for depth. PE parts for the engine were tricky to position as the instructions were unclear in this respect, but fortunately reference photos provided guidance. The engine was painted overall black initially, and then Alclad Aluminium was airbrushed on top of it to create the illusion of depth. Light grey was added to the reduction gear housing in accordance with reference images, while the propeller was painted satin black. For the three coloured tips the kit decals were used. The fit of these was not perfect, simply because it turned out that the propeller blades were actually too wide/thick. This was left unadjusted and silver chipping concealed most of the gaps. Resin main wheels are now available but the kit’s wheels and struts, in this modeller’s opinion, were one of the high points. The weight of the aircraft was simulated with a subtle flatness on the tyres and the hydraulic lines
Eduard masks were used to cover all the glazed areas prior to airbrushing. Masks supplied in the kit were more difficult to use due to their stiff nature.
The masking result is apparent here, with sharp, distinctive borders between glass and metal sections of the layered canopies. The lower front half of one of the sections was sanded to enable its integration with the section on top of it. This little adjustment was barely visible on the finished model. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD TBD-1 DEVASTATOR
REFERENCE
You Tube film: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=sPbYilMzWpw Squadron TBD-1 Devastator in Action (Squadron Signal), ISBN: 0-89747-231-4
Eduard tape masks were also used on the wheels at airbrushing time, for a really neat result.
The machine guns seen ready for installation. The protective armour plate had to be removed to make the unit fit.
The kit decals for the propeller tips did fit perfectly, a result of the blades’ chord being a little too broad.
Douglas TBD-1 Devastator by Steve Ginter (Naval Fighters series). ISBN: 0-942612-71-X
The engine looked superb and was finally ready to be installed. It’s a shame much of it wouldn’t ultimately be seen.
A splendidly-detailed torpedo made the model look more interesting. It was painted with Alclad II Dark Aluminium and Tamiya XF-83 Medium Sea Gray.
were moulded deftly on the legs. They were first painted grey then the hydraulic piping was painted silver; a dark brown wash helped to accentuate the details.
‘Greenhouse’ grouse The final stages of construction would prove to be the most challenging, because the canopy, as with the real thing, comprised seven sections. Great Wall did provide a single-piece closed option, though, as a separate part. The quality of the clear plastic was amazing, crisp and shiny. Now for the bad news… the open option was more or less impossible to use unless serious modification was carried out on the parts. On the original Devastator four sections were
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slid underneath each other, but this was simply not possible with the thickness of the kit plastic. This was sad as the model would have looked stunning with a fully opened canopy. In this case a compromise was achieved, by using the parts that actually did fit in an open position, and then by modifying one section to make it slide underneath another. It was clear from the start that the painting of the ‘greenhouse’ would require much patience. There were masks supplied in the kit but they were discarded in favour of masks from Eduard (EX354), as these were much thinner and easier to work with. One by one the masks were applied and the fit was generally good, although not perfect in
places. After two long sessions the canopies were ready for the paint. To avoid having to paint the inside of the frame, Interior Green was applied first, followed by the airframe blue. The canopies were then left to dry overnight before the masks were carefully peeled off with fine tweezers. The moment of truth came when the canopies were glued into position, and thankfully this process went better than anticipated. All that was left was to attach the last fragile details such as the antenna mast, propeller and antenna wire. For the latter, the excellent EZ-line was used; this is a rubber-like thread used in the clothing industry. As it is flexible it can be easily suspended between two points and glued in
place with minimal cyanoacrylate, and no paint was needed since it came in black.
Just rewards This was a time-consuming project for several reasons. Firstly, the cockpit was a complex threeseated unit, which required extra work. Secondly, the canopies demanded much time and patience. The build was extended further by the decision to employ armour painting techniques to ensure a more realistic appearance, working with many layers and effects on top of each other. But the extra effort was worth it the end and the model has lit the spark for this author to tackle more Pacific theatre ❚ subjects in the near future.
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OUT AND ABOUT COCKPITFEST 2013
FRONT END FEST By a nose!...this year’s Cockpitfest attracted old favourites and newcomers alike.
B
esides offering the draw of Newark’s resident museum exhibits, Cockpitfest weekend allows modellers views they ordinarily wouldn’t be able to enjoy. Peering into the ‘offices’ of
classic jets such as the Lightning, Canberra and Hunter enables kit builders to photograph instrument panels, side consoles and ejection seats; these items are almost always off-limits in terms of traditional museum-based aircraft.
Bird strike victim: The Air Pulford organisation owns this wrecked cockpit section of Tornado GR.1 ZD710, which crashed in 1989. Both crew members ejected safely.
In terms of reference material for modelling, this Lightning ‘office’ typifies the excellent exhibits at any Cockpitfest.
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The event is amazing in that it provides the opportunity to see just how much tender loving care can go into the restoration of an aircraft cockpit. What’s even more impressive are the lengths some will go in the search for that particular instrument, switch, stick-top or gun sight to complete their ‘full-size build’. Most owners allow photography and in some cases, visitors can actually sit in the cockpits. It’s highly amusing to see the large grin of someone given the chance to play ‘hangar pilot’ for a few minutes! As with any Cockpitfest, visitors vote for what they think is the best exhibit. Out of the 26 entrants that showed up this year, the Grand Champion award was secured by the stunning Scimitar cockpit section owned by Tony Collins. His exhibit is from
the F.1 XD325. Other attractions included the very smart Hunter FGA.9 front section, and that of a Gannet T.2 which was a new entrant for 2013. But the event isn’t just about cockpits, as there are more general displays of flying helmets, clothing and the like, along with the usual Aeroboot where seasoned collectors and newcomers alike can buy interesting parts from any number of aircraft, from World War One machines to Cold War jets. Plastic kits and books could be found, and even the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight put on a flypast both days. This year’s show drew a record number of visitors and was a highly enjoyable event all round. Any year is not to be missed, though, particularly if one is a stickler for ❚ cockpit detail! Chris Clifford
This now beautiful front end of Hunter FGA.9 XE597 was rescued from the Fire Service College at Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire.
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT BOOKS
ON THE FRONTLINE WITH THE RAF It’s clear from the outset that the author is not simply rehashing past information; while the development and testing of these aircraft has been covered many a time, Tim has gone beyond the traditional treatment and interviewed the engineers and designers in order to gain their unique perspective on these aircraft – a refreshing change from simply re-writing official history reports. Personally, as a fan of the Victor and Buccaneer, I was very keen to see if the author had taken the time to source new information on these aircraft, and I am pleased to say he has. My only disappointment was that there was not a little
more on the operational side of things, such as aircrew accounts of operating the Buccaneer as part of RAF Germany or the Victor in the reconnaissance role. But it’s only a minor gripe, about what is a thoroughly researched book on how Britain’s fighter jets of today got to be the most formidable war machines in the world. GS
BOOK SPEC
Author Tim McLelland explores the creation and development of the jet bomber, tracing the emergence of the first jet
designs to the first-generation jets that entered service with the RAF and Fleet Air Arm, through to the latest generation of Typhoon aircraft. From Valiant, to Vulcan, Canberra, Sperrin, Victor, Scimitar, Buccaneer, Nimrod, Phantom, Sea Harrier, Jaguar, Tornado GR1/4 and Typhoon, a thorough examination of each aircraft from initial design to operational status reveals a linear progression in appearance and technology. Illustrated with 250 images, of which 66 are in colour (many published for the first time), this has to be the definitive guide to the bombers that have shaped British air power through the years.
BRITAIN’S COLD WAR BOMBERS By:
Tim McLelland
ISBN:
978-1-78155-052-6
Price:
£25.00
Format:
A5
From:
Fonthill Media
MIXING IT UP IN MiG ALLEY
BOOK SPEC
Osprey’s Duel series turns its focus to the air battles between the USAF F-86 Sabres and North Korean MiG-15s, in this wellestablished format that serves both the aviation historian and the modeller alike. When the North Korean People’s Air Force F-86 SABRE VS MIG-15 KOREA 105-53 By:
Douglas C. Dildy & Warren E.Thompson
ISBN:
978-1-78096-319-8
Price:
£12.99
Format:
A5
From:
Osprey Publishing
was virtually wiped out in the opening weeks of the Korean War, and with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force not yet ready for combat operations, the Soviets reluctantly allowed their swept-wing MiG-15s to support the communist logistics channels from China into North Korea. The devastating effect of these advanced jet interceptors on American fighter and bomber operations motivated the USAF to counter with its own most cutting-edge jet fighter, the North American Aviation F-86 Sabre. Thus the stage was set, not only for the air battles that made ‘MiG Alley famous, but also for the next
four decades of confrontation between the world’s two superpowers in the unrelenting competition between each side’s most advanced air superiority fighters of the day. It's packed with handy colour illustrations and technical specifications, which are ideal for the modeller; these Duel series books do have it all. Along with the development of each fighter, there are the subtle changes that the Sabre and MiG-15 went through, all thoroughly explained along with combat reports from the pilots themselves. But, the book goes beyond just the dogfights in MiG Alley and
explains the strategic implications of the air war with maps that explain the pros and cons of each fighter in terms of range. A great overall view of the very first all-jet dogfights of the Cold War. GS
THE UNTOUCHABLE SPY
At the height of the Cold War in 1964, United States President
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Works, the SR-71 was an awesome aircraft in every respect, and changed the landscape of military aviation and modern warfare. Author Colonel Richard H. Graham was a long-time SR-71 pilot, who served as an instructor and Wing Commander for the Blackbird, and he imparts his personal knowledge of the type. With more than 200 images – many never before published, including previously classified documents – SR-71 immerses the reader in the design, development, testing and active service of the aircraft throughout its lifetime from 1964 to 1999. The inside stories, first-hand
accounts and behind-the-scenes photographs, make this book an exciting and extensive guide to this most spectacular machine, and the people who made it what it was. GS
BOOK SPEC
Lyndon B. Johnson announced a new aircraft dedicated to strategic reconnaissance. The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane flew more than three-and-a-half times the speed of sound, so fast that no other aircraft could catch it. Flying above 80,000ft – around three times the height of Mount Everest – its pilots wore full-pressure suits similar to those used aboard the space shuttle. Throughout its operational service the SR-71 was the world’s fastest and highest flying manned aircraft, setting a number of world records for altitude and speed. Developed by the renowned Lockheed Skunk
SR-71 THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE BLACKBIRD By:
Col Richard H. Graham
ISBN:
9780760343272
Price:
£25.00
Format:
A4
From:
Zenith Press
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT BOOKS
FASCINATING FLOATPLANE early efforts and types before its proper coverage of the E14Y. For what is an arguably niche subject, a wealth of information is imparted via interesting text, black and white photos of varying quality, excellent colour profiles and plan views, and black and white line drawings. The artwork is inspiring in that it offers not just the standard Imperial Japanese Navy Green, but also light grey and red, a yellow project example and an aircraft flown by the Indonesian Air Force. Such details as markings for submarine-based floatplanes in general (and the Glen itself) are explained, and there are underwater colour photos of the
only extant Glens, which sit with the wreck of the Akibasan Maru cargo ship, just off Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands. There have been 1/72 kits of the Glen by Fujimi and A & V Models, and a 1/48 vac-form version by Wings 48. If anyone has these to build, MMP’s book is a highly recommended work. CC
BOOK SPEC
Not an obvious candidate for extensive reference coverage, the Glen is nonetheless interesting… even if it’s purely for the fact
that it was the only Japanese aircraft to drop bombs on the US mainland. Nicknamed ‘Goldfish’ by its crews, the E14Y Glen attacked the Oregon coastline near Brookings, on September 9 and 29, in retaliation for the Doolittle Raids against Tokyo and other Japanese cities, from USS Hornet. What is fascinating about the Oregon bombing is that from the outset the Glen was designed to be launched from submarines and did so in order to attack the US West Coast. This impressive volume from Mushroom Model Publishing delves into the theory and testing work involved in Nipponese submarine floatplanes and, details
KUGISHO E14Y GLEN By:
R. Ishiguro & T Januszewski
ISBN:
978-83-89450-61-6
Price:
£17.99
Format:
A4
From:
MMP Books
LUFTWAFFE IN PICTURES
BOOK SPEC
Along with the established Luftwaffe im Focus series, Wings of the Black Cross does a fine job of providing new images of Luftwaffe aircraft. The latter though, takes a simpler approach by shunning extensive historical text, to provide just photographs with extended captions. Thankfully, WINGS OF THE BLACK CROSS #10 By:
Mark Proulx
ISBN:
978-09794035-9-0
Price:
US $19.95
Format:
A4
From:
Eagle Editions
most of the imagery is of good quality (although all in black and white save for those on cover pages) and here several rarities come to the fore. The first is a Ju 52 in RAF ‘war prize’ markings, which alone isn’t staggering… but its centre engine has been replaced with an in-line unit from a fighter and is possibly of Daimler-Benz manufacture. It’s certainly something to think about in terms of a model conversion. Another captured aircraft shown is the famous Ju 88 R-1 W.Nr. 360043, which now resides at the RAF Museum Hendon. A most fascinating
quartet of photos depicts the Ju 288V-2, which wears the codes BG+GS (but formerly wore the civilian identity of D-ABWP). The prototype is fitted with some kind of device on the nose but sadly, none of the shots show this piece of equipment in its entirety. The final aircraft of intrigue is the Arado Ar 234B, the decidedly portly, multi-wheeled transport. This particular example is also in captured colours and sports ‘Air Min 17’ on its rear fuselage. More standard types fill the remaining images; the Fw 200 Condor, He 111, Me 262, Fw 190 and Bf 109 all feature but some sit forlornly in scrapyards. The
colour photo on the rear cover, of Me 262 fuselages on trollies, gives a tantalising glimpse of RLM colours and camouflage patterns. Eight superb colour profiles complete this 36-page softback package. CC
SCRATCHING THE SURFACE
Anyone trying to summarise the F-4 Phantom in 62 pages
workmanlike fashion. The latter subject wis arguably the most interesting because the Phantom excelled in so many roles. Digital artwork provides illustrations of stores such as the SUU-16/A cannon pod, GBU-8/B HOBOS and AIM-4D Falcon and each are afforded brief descriptions. The Bombs section is necessarily longer due to the vast array that could be carried. Individual F-4 variants are described, along with user air arms such as the US Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, followed by foreign F-4 exponents including Australia, Iran, and Greece. Seasoned
‘Phantom Phollowers’ will already know everything in this title, but for those new to the type, Osprey’s truncated affair will be useful as an introduction; the photographs, nine colour profiles and dynamic Adam Tooby artwork are certainly pleasing. CC
BOOK SPEC
has a task on their hands…even when it’s purely to focus on examples operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) as this book purports to do. The title is confusing though, because while USAF machines feature, much text is devoted to ‘air force’ Phantoms operated by foreign users. There’s an introductory examination of how the US Navy’s Phantom ‘morphed’ into the F-110, F-4C/D/E and RF-4C, then the type’s features are sectionalised as part of a technical specifications chapter; airframe, flight controls, engines, fuel system and armament are all tackled in
USAF MCDONNELL DOUGLAS F-4 PHANTOM II By:
Peter Davies
ISBN:
978-1-78096-608-3
Price:
£11.99
Format:
248mm x 185mm
From:
Osprey Publishing
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS & DVDS
RADIOACTIVE DEMISE
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BOOK SPEC
NAVAL MONOGRAPHIES #2 PRINZ EUGEN By:
Various
ISBN:
N/A
Price:
€9.50
Format:
A4
From:
LELA Presse
LELA garnered much praise for its first 3D effort, which dealt with the French battleship Richelieu. Here, the stakes have been raised in that the CAD artwork is better. The same format and style is employed to provide excellent drawings of individual equipment, such as main and anti-aircraft guns, torpedo tubes and ships boats, along with views of the vessel’s superstructure. Plenty of black and white imagery is supplied, while a centre-spread has 1/600 scale black and white line drawings. Echoing the first issue, this instalment offers much on the vessel’s aviation asset, in the shape of the Arado Ar 196 flotplane; history
text, nine colour profiles, 3D digital artwork and decent photos all shed valuable light on this interesting aircraft. A good series so far. CC
COLOURS OF A GERMAN LEGEND
This 288-page softback is the combination of two previouslyreleased works. For those who missed out originally, this revised and updated version provides a serious amount of information on Tiger units and individual colour schemes. The only extended
text is that of the introductory passages for each unit; the remaining content comprises almost 1,000 black and white Tiger images, colour profile/rear view illustrations and captions. Those looking for in-depth data on subtypes must look elsewhere…that’s not what this book is about. The main focus is on user units and camouflage. Artworks depicting unit/divisional markings are useful, while occasional diagrams such as those showing road wheel layout offer variety. Much detail sits in the colour profiles themselves, though, and they serve to portray the many camouflage schemes known to have decorated this famous beast, from the Eastern Front through to North Africa.
Smaller 'boutique’ units such as Kompanie Fehrmann are addressed, but all of the content is useful in its own right (the photos show a wealth of structural nuances). When artwork and images are combined, the reader is given ample inspiration for diorama set-ups as well as scheme detail on the Tigers themselves; a splendid reference tool. CC
BOOK SPEC
SABENA 737300, 737-500, 737-300 The DVD is recorded from the flight deck of scheduled Sabena flights, which include a long-haul trip on board a Boeing 747-300 from Brussels to Chicago O’Hare. On the second instalment one joins the crew of a Boeing 737-300 from Brussels to Moscow with the return flight and the final sector is on a Boeing 737-500 on a short hop from Brussels to Warsaw. There’s the opportunity to monitor the procedures on the flight deck on six separate sectors, from take-off to landing, including the pre-flight planning phase as well as listening to radio traffic in the busy ATC environment. The Captain gives the viewer a guided tour of the flight deck of an 747-300. For details visit www.keypublishing. com/shop RB
Prinz Eugen helped Bismarck sink HMS Hood, before using its guns in the Baltic later in the war to slow the advance of the Soviets. In the end it survived World War Two, only to become part of US nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands…a well-known maritime graveyard.
TIGER I IN ACTION 1942-1945 By:
Jean Restayn
ISBN:
9 782352 502944
Price:
€39.95
Format: 310mm x 240mm From:
Histoire & Collections
KRIEGSMARINE ‘MILK COWS’ While there have been many books on U-Boats, just one has tackled the story of the ‘Milk Cows’... Type XIV submarines dedicated to delivering fuel, food and other provisions to the U-Boat fleet. These specialist vessels executed their vital duties undetected until the Allies began to intercept German
BOOK SPEC
FLYING Anyone who has visited the Mach Loop in North Wales can testify to the intense thrill of looking down on a jet fighter as it screams past. The same kind of rush opens Lionel Charlet’s new DVD, in that he films a French Air Force Rafale from high on a mountainside, while the jet performs its gut-wrenching aerobatic display below. A combination of five Charlet films, this 1hr 55min collection offers beautifully-captured European airshow flying, classy filming and snappy editing, as well as bespoke missions with the Swiss Air Force.Types include the Eurofighter, Patrouille Suisse F-5s, France’s nuclear ‘big stick’, the Mirage 2000N and rotary assets such as the Gazelle, Eurocopter Tiger and Cougar.There’s even a very arty black and white airto-air examination of the Rafale. Thankfully, Charlet shuns the traditional pounding rock guitar heard on other aviation films, in favour of sporadic chill-out strains…but mostly it’s just the aircraft noise alone one can enjoy. A splendid DVD, also available on Blu-ray. For details visit: www.keypublishing.com/shop CC
SUPPLIERS OF THE GREY WOLVES By:
Axel Urbanke
ISBN:
978-3-941437-14-2
Price:
€59.00
Format: 235mm x 280mm From:
Luftfahrtvelag-Start
radio transmissions. It was then a very different world for the tankers, who ran the gauntlet of sub-hunting aircraft and ships. The previouslypublished book on the subject has had its accuracy called into question, but it’s doubtful the same could be said for Axel Urbanke’s examination. Already renowned for the Luftwaffe/ U-Boot im Focus periodicals and other high-quality books, the author has undertaken exhaustive research to offer a scholarly 336 pages. Every tanker’s history is explained in duel English-German text, and 305 photographs, all in black and white save for five colour shots, are
of high quality and reveal the dayto-day operations of this specialist arm…which ultimately had all its boats sunk by 1944. Maps that show U-Boat routes are included, as are nine colour conning tower profiles. The imagery alone ably tells the story of these hard-worked crews. This is a book no serious student of U-Boats should be without. CC
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
PRODUCT SPEC
Utilising the Hasegawa moulds, Academy’s boxing of the SR-71 comprises just 33 parts but it’s the decal sheet that makes this kit rather special. The markings, printed by Cartograf and with options for 12 schemes, include a wealth of interesting ail art; the kit is worth the price of the decal SR-71A HISTORY – SPECIAL sheet alone! From the SR-71's first EDITION deployment to Kadena AB in 1968 By: Academy through to the aircraft’s retirement, Item no: 12509 they are all here. A great kit at a very reasonable price, the best decal Scale: 1/72 options being: Price: £18.99 • 61-7978, ‘Rapid Rabbit’, 9th SRW, Available from: 1972 Pocketbond, • 61-7976, Detachment Four, 9th SRW, www.pocketbond.co.uk RAF Mildenhall, 1977
JAPANESE EGG
One of three releases from AZ Model of its re-issued OH-6 kit, but this time the firm has gone with the licence-built Kawasaki Japanese option for the decals. Kit parts are identical to the other OH-6 variant described on this page. High and low skids are included so check your KAWASAKI OH-6J CAYUSE references. Four colourful options By: AZ Model are included. Item no: AZ7428 • 211-8763, 211 Air Training Command, JMSDF, Kanoya Scale: 1/72 • S31075/JG-1075, Japan Ground Price: £11.40 Self-Defence Force, Akeno Available from: • E31107/JG-1107, Japan Ground SelfHannants, Defence Force, Gifu www.hannants.co.uk • JG-1065, Japanese Coast Guard
PRODUCT SPEC
BLACKBIRD’S HIGHLIGHTS
CHARLIE CHASER ‘ONE-O-WONDER’
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
At last this beautifully-moulded kit is back, now in grey plastic as opposed to silver. This F-101B has always been one of Revell’s best kits; and now re-released with a new decal sheet. From the outset its clear that no after-market bits will be needed; the cockpit is superbly rendered with the seats being perfect little replicas. Armament consists of two semirecessed Genie or Flacon missiles or belly-mounted drop tanks. This is F-101B VOODOO Revell at its finest. Two decal options By: Revell are included: Item no: 04854 • 80281, 123rd FIS, 142nd FIG, Oregon Scale: 1/72 ANG, Portland Municipal Airport Summer, 1978 Price: £12.99 • 70308, 111th FIS, 147th FIG, Texas Available from: ANG, ‘William Tell Champions’, Revell, www.revell.eu Houston Municipal Airport, 1978
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Three years ago AZ Model first issued a series of Cayuse helicopter kits; at the time it was two kits in one box. For these latest re-issues there’s only one model per box and this is the classic Vietnam-era HUGHES OH-6A CAYUSE product. Detail is crisp and clear ‘OVER VIETNAM’ and the four decals options are: By: AZ Model • 16340, Miss Clawd IV, Capt. Hugh Item no: AZ7426 Mills, ‘The Outcasts’, 16th Cavalry Regiment, Vietnam Scale: 1/72 • 16419, ‘The Blackhorse’, 11th Price: £11.40 Cavalry Regiment, Vietnam Available from: • 67935, 1st Air Cavalry Unit, Hannants, Vietnam www.hannants.co.uk • 24244, School of Aviation, 1967
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
PRODUCT SPEC
If one favours bombers but fancies something different, look no further than this limited-run Bolo. Special Hobby’s kit is a decent attempt, but the fuselage and wings will need treatment to improve the rough surface. Detail-wise it’s a fair package, with reasonable panel lines, fine rivets and worthy engine faces. Resin parts include machine guns, air inlets, B-18 BOLO ‘PRE-WAR SERVICE’ exhausts and other items, while By: Special Hobby photo-etched metal provides cockpit Item no: 72095 detail. The split engine cowlings could be tricky though. Four bare metal Scale: 1/72 schemes feaure, two of which are: Price: €35.30 • R16, 21st Recon Sqn, Langley Field, Available from: Virginia, 1938 Special Hobby, • R34, 38th Recon Sqn, Hamilton www.cmkkits.com Field, California, 1938
SOVIET SWING-WING
Trumpeter pleased many when it released its mouth-watering rendition of this Cold War fighter. The moulding is wonderful; superfine panel lines and rivets, a wing sweep mechanism, well-appointed cockpit and a huge armoury all combine to make this a sublime package. There are plenty of missiles and extra detail comes MIG-23MF FLOGGER B via photo-etched brass. The colour By: Trumpeter schemes are superb: Item no: 02854 • Red 139, 28th PLM, Polish AF, Slupsk, 1999, • Red 050, 28th PLM, Polish AF, Slupsk, 2002 • White 3646 ‘Hell Fighter, Czech AF, 1st Fighter Air Regt commemorative scheme, 1994
PRODUCT SPEC
DOUGLAS’ EARLY BOMBER
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£28.99
Available from: Pocketbond, www.pocketbond.co.uk
POWERFUL BIRD OF PREY UP-GUNNED BUTCHER BIRD
Eduard offers Academy’s worthy F-15C but with a feast of extra parts and new decals. ‘Goodies’ include a sizeable etched brass fret and a pre-coloured example, resin wheels/tyres, afterburners, an ejection seat and tape masks. The added bonus is that one still receives the copious weaponry for Academy’s other F-15 boxings, which can be used elsewhere. The four schemes are: • F-15C, 78-0547, Col. Jeff Silver, 137th FIGHTING EAGLE FW, Oregon ANG, 2012 By: Eduard • F-15C-25-MC, 76-0053, Lt. Col. Jack Item no: 1176 Fry, 53rd TFS, Bitburg AFB, 1980s Scale: 1/48 • F-15A, 76-0111, Lt. Col. John Kugler, 318th FIS, Castle AFB, 1988 Price: €73.99 • F-15C-24-MC, 79-0032/CR, Col. Lee Available from: Alton, 32nd TFS, Soesterberg AB, Eduard, www.eduard.com Netherlands, 1980s
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Hasegawa’s generally easy to build Fw 190 mould gets another release, this time with extras to provide an interesting piece of Luftwaffe history. The new parts comprise resin gun packs with turned brass barrels, to represent the trial fit of twin MG 151 cannons in under wing gondolas. Aside from the additions the kit itself is very good, with fine moulding and decent fit in all but one or two areas, and impressive FOCKE-WULF FW 190Acockpit detail. The two colour 5/U-12 W/GUN PACK schemes comprise a prototype By: Hasegawa machine for the gun pack Item no: 07320 ‘Umrustbausatz’ field kit trial, along with an operational aircraft Scale: 1/48 flown by a well-known ace: Price: £41.99 • Black 13, Wk.Nr. 410266, 2./JG 11, Available from: Lt. Erich Hondt, October 1943 Amerang, • Prototype, Wk. Nr. 150813, www.amerang.co.uk factory codes BH+CC
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
SAFE PASSAGE
NEUTRAL BRUISER
HELP FOR THE WOUNDED
PRODUCT SPEC
This is a relatively new brand which offers fascinating multi-media subjects. Mirror’s ambulance has well-moulded styrene parts on seven grey runners, beautifully-cast resin tyres and other components…and four photo-etched brass frets. The quality of moulding extends to a good CMP C15TA ARMORED rendition of the tied canvas roof, AMBULANCE the ties themselves being moulded integrally on the bodywork By: Mirror Models sides. One will have to pay close Item no: 35106 attention to the instructions, Scale: 1/35 which comprise actual build photos, drawings and photos of the Price: €40.00 real vehicle. Just a single colour Available from: scheme is offered: Mirror Models, • Z5822762, Royal Army Medical www.mirror-models.com Corps, France, 1944
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and eight colour schemes feature. Options include: • Strv 122A, Skaraborgs Reg’t P4, Combined Challenge 2006 • Strv 122A, Norrbotten Reg’t I19, Cold Response 2006 • Strv 122B, Skaraborg Reg’t P4, Skovde, 2011
PRODUCT SPEC
Five runners of stunning parts make up this fine rendition of Sweden’s Leopard 2. The large turret is excellent, with fine detail and crisp edges; upper hull embellishment comprises anti-slip texture, integrally-moulded tools and deft circular engine screens. Revell employs styrene one-piece tracks, which must be heated in hot water and bent to shape. This STRV 122A / 122B aside, the running gear is good By:
Revell
Item no:
03199
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£10.00
Available from: Revell, www.revell.eu
SMALL-SCALE ARMOUR
Wargamers and traditional static modellers can benefit from Zvezda’s Panther, which is surprisingly well-detailed for the scale. Snap-together assembly makes life easy but for the best results, glue should be used. Enviable detail can be found on the spare styrene track links (the main tracks are of the ‘rubber’ band’ variety, but much stiffer than those we’ve come to expect). Fine towing cables, tools and a gun PZ.KPFW.V PANTHER AUSF.D travel lock are other highlights… By: Zvezda as is the respectable upper hull. Item no: 5010 One does need to drill out the Scale: 1/72 solid muzzle brake end, though. The two colour schemes allow Price: £9.50 representation of German Available from: Pz.Abt.51 Operation Citadel The Hobby Company, (Kursk) machines, with the turret www.hobbyco.net numbers Black 434 and 445.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Modellers who favour modern armour but need to watch the pennies have a decent option here. From Cyber-hobby’s Orange Box range, one is treated to the basic kit parts with a mine plough, but also a set of four Dragon figures which depicts the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division. The tank’s upper decking and turret top feature integrally-moulded non-slip M1A1 WITH MINE PLOUGH coating, while flash is non-existent ‘DESERT STORM’ on most components. Individual By: Cyber-hobby track links do have hefty ejector pin Item no: 9141 marks. A length of real metal chain Scale: 1/35 adds detail to the plough, and there is some interior detail in the turret. Two Price: £35.99 US Army decal options are provided: Available from: • Black 3, 2nd Cavalry Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk • Black 4, 1st Cavalry
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF DECALS
DE HAVILLAND VAMPIRE T.11 IN RAF AND ROYAL NAVY SERVICE By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X72172
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£8.50
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
mention but the best are: • WZ589, 56 Squadron, RAF Waterbeach, 1955-8. • WZ584/K, Central Air Traffic Control School, RAF Shawbury, 1970 • XA160, Flag Officer Flying Training, FAA, RNAS Yeovilton, 1962 • XH359/X, 45 Squadron, RAF Butterworth, Malaya, 1956
ITALY’S FAST JET BACKBONE
PRODUCT SPEC
To coincide with the release of Meng's Fiat G.91 kit, Xtradecal has now given modellers additional colour options for NATO operators that flew the type. The 13 options cover Italy, Portugal, Greece and West Germany. Most wear the Grey/Green camouflage with either silver or blue undersides, but there are some specials on the sheet including the Portuguese 75,000 hours scheme from RIAT in 1993, and a grey example that flew in Mozambique in 1970. A great sheet the highlights being:
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FIAT G.91R/3 By:
Xtradecal
Item no: X72175 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£7.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
TILTING THE BALANCE
With the prospect of a new 1/72 Hasegawa Osprey due shortly, it’s no surprise that aftr-market decals have appeared. Xtradecal sheets just get better and better with the level of information that they now feature on their instruction sheets; this is certainly one of the most comprehensive to date. Seven options are included, all of which wear the overall twotone grey scheme, but it’s the BELL/BOEING V-22 OSPREY By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X72170
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£10.00
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
tail art that sets many apart. Do note that careful research will be needed to extensively update Italeri’s kit to the latest configuration. Standout options are: • 168011/YP/00, VMM-163, ‘Ridge Runners’, MAG 16/3rd Marine Air Wing, USMC, Miramar, California, 2012 • 168025/YW/00, VMM-165, ‘White Knights’, MAG 16/3rd Marine Air Wing, USMC, Miramar, California, 2012
OLD YELLA’ For those who seek an alternative P-51 Mustang scheme then this sheet may well be it! During the late 1970s through to the early 1980s, World War Two fighter ace Bob Hoover appeared at airshows throughout Canada and the United States in a Mustang owned by Rockwell International, in a hardto-miss overall bright yellow colour scheme. This beautifully printed sheet is in perfect register with great colour density. Two options for ‘Old Yella’ are included with
• 31+97, Waffenschule der Luftwaffe 50, Fürstenfeldbruck, West Germany, 1962 • 5415, Esquadra 303, ‘Tigres’ Forçe Aérea Portuguesa, BA4, Lajes, Azores, 1989-90 • 10109/109, Royal Hellenic Air Force, Greece, September, 1961
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Xtradecal has certainly taken the lead in supplying alternative markings for the Airfix Vampire T.11 and here is the first in a series to come; this focuses on the RAF and RN’s use of the type. It's beautifully printed with Dayglo stripes included, along with all the necessary serials for 14 options. Some careful masking will be necessary in order to nail the RAF Training Command’s scheme from the 1950s, but it will certainly be worth the effort. Included among the familiar silver and yellow striping are a Fleet Air Arm ‘Admirals Barge’ and a rather attractive Station Flight jet from RNAS Brawdy. There are too many highlights to
PRODUCT SPEC
BOOMING FANTASTIC
MUSTANGS IN LEGEND SPEEDSTER SERIES-1 By:
Rocketeer Decals
Item no:
RD72015
Scale:
1/72
Price:
1,000 Yen
Available from: Hobbylink Japan, www.hlj.com
minor changes to the Rockwell International titling on the fuselage. As a bonus there are also two Reno racing options; Miss Santa Barbara, later changed to Miss Van Nuys, but retaining its overall purple Reno racer. There are two Mustangs with four options during their ‘show’ career. The choices are: • N51RH, Yellow Mustang, 1978 • N51RH, Yellow Mustang, 1984 • 44-74423, N182X, No.64, Miss Santa Barbara, 1964 • 44-74423, N64CL, No.64, Miss Van Nuys, 1971
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF DECALS
LOW-VIS COMMEMORATION
With the myriad decal selection in 1/48 scale for the Bf 109, it’s pleasing to see quality 1/72 options such as these. Beautifully printed, this selection is comprehensive with 16 schemes and copious unit heraldry. While no pilot information is given, some of these aircraft are the mounts of notable aces; there’s extra variety due to the inclusion of a Romanian example and a Luftwaffe aircraft from the Spanish Civil War. Schlachtflieger ground attack birds also feature among the ‘Emil’ sub-types, which hail
HEROES OF KOSCIUSZKO – POLISH AF MIG-29 PART 1 By:
Caracal Decals
Item no:
CD48029
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $14.99
Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com
MESSERSCHMITT MENAGERIE
visibility insignia is included for this jet, coded ‘111’, which hails from 1 ELT at Minsk Mazowiecki. The instructions offer colour profiles and a plan view, Federal Standard paint references and advice on Polish Fulcrum antennae fits.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
In 2009 the Polish Air Force decorated a MiG-29UB with commemorative artwork, to honour the original ‘Kosciuszko’ unit and 303 Squadron’s entry into the Battle of Britain. Since then, two single-seat Fulcrums have also received this type of spine and tail art, and here is one of those. It carries a different rendition of BoB ace Flying Officer Miroslaw Feric on each inner vertical fin, and the American-designed crossed scythe Kosciuszko badge on the upper fuselage. Full stencilling and high-
BF-109E By:
Print Scale
Item no:
72-021
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£6.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
from 1939-41. Some options include: • E-1, Red 10, 2./Jgr 101, 1939 • E-1, Yellow 3, 6./JG 52, 1940 • E-3, 6+123, 3/J 88, 1939 • E-4/B, S9+CD, ZG 1, 1941 • E-7/B, White 8, 7./JG 26, 1941 • E-4, Black 13, 2./JG 77, 1940
B-25H By:
EagleCals
Item no: EC32-146 Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $18.50
Available from: EagleCals, www.eagle-editions.com
offered for one of the options. The three aircraft are: • B-25H-10, 43-4909 ‘Eatin’ Kitty’, 12th BG, October 1943 • B-25H-1, 43-4345, 345th BG, May 1944 • B-25H-5, 43-4498, 42nd BG, mid-1944
PRODUCT SPEC
OUTSIDER SWINGERS Anyone with Trumpeter’s impressive short-tailed MiG-23 should take note of these stunning and interesting markings. For African and Middle Eastern Floggers, they represent jets from Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Free Libya and Syria…but the latter can also depict a captured machine which also sports Israeli insignia, as well as a standard Syrian aircraft ‘at home’. In this large scale especially, some of the national markings are vivid indeed. All options wear variations of the
PRODUCT SPEC
HEAVY-HITTING MITCHELL This sheet has been printed with the expected HK Models 1/32 B-25H in mind, although there is no sign of the kit yet. It never hurts to buy ahead though and this set of three schemes provides nose art with the wow factor and, a mix of Olive Drab over Neutral Gray and bare metal. The colours are richly printed, there are decals for the scabbed gun fairing outlines, a second sheet for insignia and prop badges…and thoughtfully, paper masking templates are
NON-ALIGNED FLOGGERS PART 2 By:
Linden Hill Imports
Item no:
LHD32017
Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $21.99
Available from: Linden Hill, www.lindenhillimports.com
three-tone camouflage over pale blue. Akan and FS paint references are supplied, along with historical notes on certain aircraft. Of the seven individual subjects, examples include: • MLDE, 6130, Benghazi, Libya, 2011 • ML, C454, FAPA, Angola, 1987-88 • ML, 3409/FP-85, 29th ADS, Algeria, 1993-97 • ML, 1809, 10 Sqn, Ethiopia, late 1980s
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS FIGURES
SNIPERS BEWARE
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UK PILOT WWII By:
Brengun
Item no:
BRL144072
Scale:
1/144
Price:
€5.55
Available from: Brengun, www.brengun.cz
By:
Tommy’s War
Item no:
TW54013
Scale:
54mm
Price:
£14.00
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
CAPTAIN, 2ND BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS
Available from: Tommy’s War, www.tommyswar.com
GALLIC JET JOCKEY For any modeller with a Revell or Hobbyboss Rafale project looming, PJ’s seated resin pilot offers the chance to depict the aircraft in flight or in a pre- or post-mission state. Arguably the best feature is the well-rendered Gallet helmet used by those flying the Rafale, Mirage 2000 and Mirage F.1…so the figure offers real versatility. The oxygen hose is good and there’s convincing strapping and G-suit detailing, while the body is split into torso and one-piece leg components, with separate arms. RAFALE PILOT By:
PJ Production
Item no:
481124
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€5.20
Available from: PJ Production, www.pjproduction.net
MEAN MACHINE By:
Dark World Creations
Item no: DWC2AD003 Scale:
70mm
Price:
£34.80
Available from: Dark World Creations, www.darkworldcreations.com
SOLID THREESTRIPER Just a glance at this resin NCO and one can hear the words “You ‘orrible li’ul man!” In a pleasant change from the norm this sergeant (who like the other TW figure on this page is from Ploegsteert Wood) sports a ‘Stinker’ sheepskin jerkin and ‘Gor Blimey’ Winter Forage Cap, with functional neck strap tied up. The skeepskin is superb and reflects the casual nature of service dress during 1915’s winter. Puttees are also well cast and the personal equipment is excellent. SERGEANT, 2ND BN ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS By:
Tommy’s War
Item no:
TW54014
Scale:
54mm
Price:
£14.00
Available from: Tommy’s War, www.tommyswar.com
very fine detail, the trademark clock device is present on the forehead and the chunky boots are miniature works of art. Most pleasing is the surly demeanour, while the segmented claws of the prosthesis are finely reproduced.
ROYAL LOOKOUT Delightful results can be gained from large-scale figures, but they do need care in terms of realism. More experienced modellers will relish this resin Guards officer, with his dashing red tunic, sword and cane; the two latter items are cast in white metal. The bearskin is especially good here, with its decorative braid, front badge and side plume. Tunic and sash are well rendered, while the high shirt collars, necktie and epaulette trim all combine to produce an interesting Napoleonic-era piece. The knee boots are worthy of mention but the figure will need careful filling and file work.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
It’s mind-boggling to think that someone has skilfully sculpted subjects so small, but which benefit from surprising detail. Brengun’s two RAF pilots measure approximately 12mm and feature Mae Wests, impressive facial detail and a hands-in-pockets pose. There are even realistic creases in the uniform. In this scale, one should expect just an impression of what a pilot looks like, but these examples offer more and will look great with Eduard’s 1/144 Spitfire, or other appropriate models.
Comic fans devoted to the 2000AD franchise now have this excellent rendition of Mean Machine…brutal member of the Angel Gang and son of Pa Angel. The resin figure benefits from the characteristic muscular torso which fits perfectly to the legs; no filler will be needed. Splendid original sculpting of the prosthetic arm ensures
PRODUCT SPEC
TINY FIGHTER MEN
CRAZED CYBORG
PRODUCT SPEC
This exciting range of World War One figures continues to get better and more varied. TW’s latest release explores the officer class, with a smart Royal Welsh Fusiliers captain as seen at Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium, in 1915. Standard uniform is enlivened by the addition of private-purchase rubber boots and a Jefferey Farquharson sporting rifle, which was capable of firing .600 nitro shot…a lethal anti-sniper weapon. Some of TW’s figures are cast slightly tall; this example measures approximately 59mm if envisioning the subject without a cap. All the usual stunning uniform detail is present, as is a fine moustache on the strong face. Photo-etched brass parts also feature.
OFFICER FIRST FOOT GUARDS, ST JAMES’ PALACE, 1805 By:
Victory Miniatures
Item no:
8006
Scale:
150mm
Price:
£45.00
Available from: Victory Miniatures, www.victoryminiatures.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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HORNBY magazine
12th & 13th October 2013 A superb new model railway event at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire Adjacent to junction 12 off the M40 between Warwick and Banbury
SAT NAV: CV35 0BJ
Over 25 tOp quality layOuts acrOss all Of the scales, including Bath a ath green par p K - the Taunton Model Railway Group’s award winning recreation of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway’s northern terminus in 4mm scale. 82g - atmospheric ‘O’ gauge model of a joint Western and Southern Region shed in the 1950s. great tunsley dale - an epic, 28ft long model of a Peak District quarry in the 1950/60s in ‘OO’ gauge. KirKBy stephen West - the halcyon days of the Settle & Carlisle when steam reigned supreme and diesels were in their infancy. 4mm scale. eMpinghaM - a might have been Northamptonshire branch line with ironstone workings. Extensive Trade Support including Hornby, Bachmann, Dapol, DC Video & Kits, Grimy Times, Skytrex, Mercian Models and many more... plus plenty of modelling demonstrations, full catering and lots of free parking. adMissiOn includes l Freedom of the Heritage Motor Centre l Free courtesy buses from Leamington Spa railway station *
* runs Sat only, see web site for details prices on the day: Adults/OAPs £10, Child £8 Family (2+3) £30 advanced admission prices: Adults/OAPs £9, Child £7 Opening tiMes sat 10:00am - 5:00pm sun 10:00am - 4:00pm Advance tickets available from Mon 13th May Order Online at www.hornbymagazine.com
or simply call
✆
01780 480404 9.00am to 5.30pm
Image © National Railway Museum / SSPL
All other enquiries Tel: 01780 755131
Hornby
For regular updates go to www.hornbymagazine.com
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
36245
Scale:
1/35
Price:
€16.25
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
IMPALA UPGRADE
PRODUCT SPEC
Neomega is renowned for ease of fit; this new cockpit for the singleseat Macchi should uphold the tradition and will provide matchless detail. The seat in particular is superb, with finely-rendered straps and excellent frame. The main tub is very good, with throttle cast integrally, while the other components comprise the instrument panel, side walls, control column and rear bulkhead. The old Esci mould will really benefit here.
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MACCHI 326K By:
Neomega
Item no:
C95
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£17.50
Available from: http://www.neomega-resin. com/vector/home.htm
Eduard
Item no:
49628
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€11.05
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
LATE SERVICE DELTA Designed to be used with the company’s existing styrene Mirage VBA/BR kit, PJ’s resin and metal package allows the depiction of the Belgian and Chilean Mirage V after the airframes went through the Mirage System Improvement Program…Elkan being the name for the latter air arm’s aircraft. This set offers all the associated parts such as partial ‘glass’ cockpit instrument panels, laser designator/FLIR, canards and various antennae in photo-etched brass...great value. MIRSIP/ELKAN CONVERSION SET By:
PJ Production
Item no:
721211
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€5.95
Available from: PJ Production, www.pjproduction.net
By:
Plus Model
Item no:
AL4020
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€10.90
Available from: Plus Model, www.plusmodel.cz
Fans of modern US carrier aviation will benefit from this handy collection of missile movement and storage equipment. The basic handmanoeuvred trolleys come with various attachments suitable for the carriage of different missiles and bombs (and their wings and fins). Possibly the most interesting piece of kit is the hand-held, petrol-driven weapons hoist.
PRODUCT SPEC
Item no:
By:
RUSSIAN MISSILE R-23 AA-7B APEX
MOVING WEAPONS
JUNKERS RESIN
US NAVY MISSILE CARTS By:
Skunkmodels Workshop
Item no:
48023
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $13.99
Available from: Lucky Model, www.luckymodel.com
LIFE-SAVING SILK
Eduard’s resin replacement wheels offer the last word in detail for anyone with the Revell 1/72 Ju-88. The moulding seams seen on the real items are present, there’s a mudguard for the tail wheel and etched metal mounting piece, while the included tape masks offer neatness come airbrushing time. It’s a simple set but very useful and will bring much to the base kit. JU 88 WHEELS LATE By:
Eduard
Item no: 672014 Scale:
1/72
Price:
€5.62
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
If one is building a 1930s era US fighter then these beautifullyrendered AN-6510 parachutes will add splendid accent to a large-scale vignette. Available separately, two poses are on offer but either would suffice for pre- or post-mission, lying next to the aircraft. Seriously good sculpting ensures realism and fine detail, right down to the very dainty belt buckles and fasteners.
PRODUCT SPEC
Eduard
With the advent of Trumpeter’s MiG-23 kits especially, these highlydetailed resin Apex missiles will bring extra realism to any build due to their quality. Two units are cast in grey resin with separate main fins, clear seeker heads and protective covers for the latter. While the missiles in Trumpeter’s kits are fair, these are much better.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
LYNX AH.7 INTERIOR
SOVIET AIR-TO-AIR
PRODUCT SPEC
PZ.IV AUSF.H
Make a great kit even better with Eduard’s plain and self-adhesive metal detailing parts. This set comprises full cockpit instrumentation of the pre-painted variety (which is highly convincing), but there is extra coverage for the inner cabin door, bulkhead, window framing and other areas; a great addition for anyone with Airfix’s Army Lynx.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Italeri’s Panzer IV Ausf.H is now long in the tooth and needs help in the detail department. Eduard’s dedicated photo-etched brass package, on two frets, is generous and provides a wealth of parts to aid with embellishment. Examples include new fenders, spare track link brackets, a jack block and its frame, hatch hinges, tool clamps, an exhaust mounting and a whole lot more. An average kit at the bottom of one’s build list can be turned into a sparkling replica with this comprehensive set.
BATTLE CAT
PRODUCT SPEC
A GERMAN CLASSIC
US WWII AIRCREW PARACHUTES #1 & #2 By:
True Details
Item no:
32508 & 32509
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $9.99 each
Available from: Squadron Products, www.squadron.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NE
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION
W
Brought to you by the industry renowned team behind Airliner World, this latest edition of the best-selling Airliner Classics series turns the clock back once again to bring you the best from the classic years of aviation, over 100 high-quality pages.
Features include: British Aerospace 146 – a look at the development of the Whisper Jet, Britain’s last domestically produced jet airliner. Silver City Airways – how this pioneering carrier provided more than just a simple car ferry service. Duxford Airliners – the most comprehensive and important collection of British Civil Airliners in the UK. Airspeed Ambassador – a twin-
engined piston airliner that helped regenerate passenger transport in the UK during the 1950s.
Tupolev Tu-144 – developed to rival Concorde, we chronicle the turbulent history of Russia’s supersonic jet transport. Liverpool Airport – a detailed overview of Merseyside’s air hub.
SABENA - the rise and fall of Belgium’s former national airline on what would have been its 90th anniversary.
T
£4.9 9
An Specia
Available NOW from
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ON THE SHELF ALSO RECENTLY RELEASED…
BRENGUN
CX326 Gnat T.1 masks (Airfix)
MASTER MODEL
AM-32-054 Su-27/Su-30 pitot
(Photo-etched brass, vac-form canopies) www.brengun.cz
CX328 Wessex HU.5 masks (Italeri)
Turned metal/photo-etched brass www.master-model.pl
AM-32-055 F-8E/F-8J pitot
1/700
1/144
1/48
T AM-24-005 Spitfire Vb Hispano cannons
BRL144057 Bell X-1 (Dragon)
49622 Wessex HU.5 interior SA (Italeri)
BRL144058 Spitfire IX maintenance (Eduard) BRL144064 Me 262 canopies x 2 (Eduard)
CX358 Fiat G-91 masks (Meng Model)
T SM-700-033 British 16in/45 (40.6cm) Mark I x 9 (Nelson/Rodney)
49639 Spitfire Mk.IXc interior (Eduard) 48760 Bf 109E tools and boxes
BRL144065 Ki-45 Toryu canopies x 2 (Nichimo)
48765 Spitfire Mk.IXc landing flaps (Eduard)
BRL144068 Spitfire IX canopies x 2 (Eduard)
48766 Spitfire Mk.IXc surface panels (Eduard)
BRL144069 Me 262B canopies x 2 (Eduard)
EX386 Jaguar A tape masks (Kitty Hawk)
BRL144070 Spitfire IX (Eduard)
1/35
BRL144071 Douglas C-47/Li-2 (Eastern Express)
T 36223 Garden flowers
1/72 BRL72017 Hunter/Harrier ladders x2 T BRL72039 P-40E/Kittyhawk Mk.Ia
SM-700-034 British 6in/50 (15.2cm) BL Mark XXII x 12 (Nelson/Rodney)
1/350
SCALE AIRCRAFT CONVERSIONS
SM-350-071 Sevastopol armament T AM-48-040 F-100 pitot
1/72
HLX329 BA-10 Armoured vehicle (UMM)
72056 F-102 Delta Dagger (Meng Model) 1/48
HLX48331 JS-2 grilles – WAR type (Tamiya)
48210 SEPECAT Jaguar (Kitty Hawk)
HLX48332 2cm Flak 38 (ACE)
48212 MiG-21 (Trumpeter)
HLX48333 Flakpanzer IV Mobelwagen w/Flak 43 (Tamiya)
48213 MiG-29 (Great Wall Hobby)
1/35 HLU35058 IS-2 (Tamiya) HLU35060 IS-2 grilles WAR type HLU35061 JS-2 stand-off armour
99035 WWII USN 20mm Oerlikon
T HLU35062 Simca 5 (Tamiya)
1/350 99025 Railings 45’ 2 bars short 1/72 72560 Wessex HU.5 exterior (Italeri)
T AM-48-062 MiG-21bis pitot
HLX48330 JS-2 stand-off armour (Tamiya
1/700
99040 IJN ship windows
11411 Boeing 727 (Airfix)
1/48
HLX48335 Land Rover Snatch grilles/mesh
Photo-etched metal/tape masks www.eduard.com
(white metal replacement landing gear) www.scaleaircraftconversions.com 1/144
(Photo-etched brass) www.hauler.cz
EDUARD
AM-24-007 Harrier GR.3/T.4 pitot/ AOA AM-24-008 Sea Harrier FRS.1/ FRS.51 pitot/AOA
HAULER
T BRL48039 Hurricane wheel set
AM-24-006 Harrier GR.1/T.2/AV-8A/ AV-8C pitot/AOA
SM-700-035 British 4.7in/40 (12cm) QF Mark VIII x 16 (Nelson/Courageous classes)
1/48
1/48
1/24
48204 FC-1/JF-17 (Trumpeter)
48211 He 177 (MPM)
48214 Me 410 (Meng Model) AM-48-063 MiG-21 F-13 pitot
48215 F-4B Phantom (Academy)
AM-48-064 MiG-21PF, PFM pitot
48216 H-34 USN/USMC (Gallery Models)
AM-48-065 MiG-21U, US, UM pitot AM-48-066 Su-27/Su-30 pitot AM-48-067 F-8E/F-8J pitot AM-48-068 Harrier GR.1/T.2/AV-8A/ AV-8C pitot/AOA
48217 A-10 Warthog (Revell/ Monogram) 48219 Mirage F.1 (Kitty Hawk) 48220 Merlin HC3 (Airfix)
AM-48-069 Harrier GR.3/T.4 pitot/ AOA
48221 Vampire (Trumpeter)
AM-48-070 Sea Harrier FRS.1/ FRS.51 pitot/AOA
48223 Fokker D.VII (Eduard)
1/32 AM-32-050 MiG-21bis pitot
48222 Fw 200 Condor (Trumpeter)
48224 Bf 109E-3/4/7 (Tamiya) 48225 Spitfire Mk.I/Vb (Tamiya) 1/32
73440 Wild flowers/butterflies
AM-32-051 MiG-21 F-13 pitot
73458 Wessex HU.5 interior SA (Italeri)
AM-32-052 MiG-21PF, PFM pitot
32070 SA 330 Puma (Matchbox/ Revell)
AM-32-053 MiG-21U, US, UM pitot
32071 Hawk 100 Series (Kinetic)
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
After light coats of Zero Paints' Bright Red, the roof masking was removed and the body sidelined to dry fully.
front bulkhead received a coat of white to match the instructions and was glued firmly in place (Gunze Mr. Cement S was used throughout this build). Exhaust tips were finished with Alclad Chrome
MODEL SPEC
Airfix’s all-new Mini Countryman WRC car is apprasied by Ian Hartup
RALLY
T
he Mini Countryman WRC was a product of the Prodrive motorsport development company in partnership with BMW’s motorsport division. Entered first in the 2011 WRC championship, it proved a rugged and dependable competitor in this highly-charged competition. The body shape, while entirely
redolent of the road-going car, was wrapped around a highlydeveloped 300bhp 1,600cc turbocharged powerplant, capable of propelling the car to a 0-60mph time of under four seconds.
Shared heritage Airfix’s new kit arrived hot on the heels of its Ford Fiesta WRC cars reviewed earlier this year (Issue
29). Once again the kit shared a common core with the Scalextric car of the same subject. However, unlike Airfix’s earlier efforts in this genre, this kit reflected significant changes in the manufacturer’s thinking. The components were spread across a handful of grey plastic runners, with the clear frame packaged separately as we have come to expect from major
By:
Airfix
Stock Code: A03414 Scale:
1/32
Price:
£14.99
manufacturers. Construction began with the chassis and interior; the instructions did provide colour call-outs for the majority of smaller components, but strangely not all of the parts were thus treated. For instance, there was no painting information for the chassis floor (part A2). In the absence of specific instructions it was painted matt black. The
The chassis was base-coated in matt black before the white-painted bulkhead was fixed in place.
over an undercoat of that firm’s Gloss Black Base, before they were carefully cemented to the chassis plate. The real vehicle features allround independent suspension and the kit made a reasonable pass at representing this. Separate shock absorbers were painted yellow and then attached into the shocker towers moulded into the floor, then the pre-painted black horizontal suspension elements were added. Trial and error suggested that the slots in the suspension components displayed a particularly tight fit to the shockers so these were opened. Once the slots were made a little larger, the shocker tabs located neatly into place and the suspension sets proved to be strong and resilient assemblies. Once the suspension sets had
Representation of the independent all-around suspension proved to be a reasonable pass at the prototype and strong, too. Once the pre-painted floor was positioned, the various smaller detail parts could then be added.
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Once the Zero Paints Brilliant White base coat had dried, the roof was masked with tape.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
24-29_mini.CC.indd 24
Read on your
MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
The body shell was base-coated with light layers of Alclad White Primer, sanded between coats.
{24}
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MINI COUNTRYMAN WRC
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Available on PC, Mac, Blackberry, Windows 8 and kindle fire from Requirements for app: registered iTunes account on Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4S, 5, iPod Touch or iPad 1, 2 or 3. Internet connection required for initial download. Published by Key Publishing Ltd. The entire contents of these titles are © copyright 2013. All rights reserved. App prices subject to change.
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The World’s Greatest Model Show! 4 Large Exhibition Halls Opening Hours Saturday 9 10am - 6pm Sunday 10th 10am - 4pm th
Over 170 Individual Club Displays
Over 170 Trade Stands
IPMS (UK) 50th Anniversary Special Display Rare 1993 Dodge Stealth 1
IPMS Members gain entry from 9am each day
Shackleton Preservation Trust Cockpit
www.smwshow.com
IPMS (UK) Annual Model Competition
To be held at Shropshire United Kingdom TF3 4JH 01952 281500
Admission Prices IPMS Members FREE Adults £10 each day Two day pass £15 Concessions £7 per day Children under 16 FREE
Sponsored by Pocketbond Limited
CUTTING MAT CHAT WITH ROWAN BROADBENT
Pheon Models proprietor Rowan Broadbent describes his early entry into the hobby… built my first Airfix kit at the age of six or seven in the early 1960s. To help offset an eyesight problem, the specialist suggested an introduction to plastic kits. As a result, Dad brought home Airfix models –the first one, I can clearly remember, was the Travelling
{I}
Crane and he ‘helped’ me put it together. Every week or two, another kit arrived and I built thatched cottages, railway stations, goods wagons and other models to embellish my Hornby OO train set. Being under the flight path for Tangmere Aerodrome (then still an RAF Station) sparked a switch to modelling aeroplanes.
Thereafter, not a Christmas or Birthday went by without the excited receipt of at least one of the larger Airfix kits – the Lancaster, Sunderland and B-17 to name a few. Like so many other aircraft modellers with an interest in World War One, the 1966 film The Blue Max made a lasting impression on an adolescent lad…as did Ursula Andress wrapped in towels! I pursued my burgeoning interest by collecting the Profile Publications, attempting to model many of the ace’s aircraft seen in Peter Endsleigh-Castle’s colourful drawings. My first effort wasn’t a red Fokker triplane (I have yet to build one of his aeroplanes) but Ltn. Helmuth Dilthey’s green and white-striped Albatros D.Va from the Airfix kit, of course. I stayed with 1/72 scale until the late 1980s and largely due to the enormous variety of vac-form models emerging from Joe Chubbock’s talented handiwork, my collection grew
steadily, as did my knowledge and modelling ability thanks to Ray Rimell’s superb Windsock magazine and attendant Datafile books. Around 1990 a switch to 1/48 scale occurred and in 2008, I was building an Eduard Sopwith Pup and the lack of any markings for ‘Mildred H’ prompted me to consider producing my own decals. John Adams of Aeroclub introduced me to vector graphics drawing, Ray Horwell at Fantasy Printshop pointed me in the right direction on decal design and Pheon was born. Coincidentally, in March 2009, when we launched our first decals, Wingnut Wings announced its first model releases. Since then, my wife Sabine and I have been running to keep up with the firm’s prodigious output of stunning models, as well as continuing to support 1/72 and 1/48 scale modellers where we can. I still have to finish the Eduard Pup which started it all… one day! ]
THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 5* {98}
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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MODEL DETAIL
Build your own Enterprise! MODEL DETAIL
Star Trek Into Darkness 04882 U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 1:500 This brand new model kit of the U.S.S. Enterprise marks the release of the latest Star Trek motion picture, Star Trek Into Darkness and features levels of detail to inspire both model makers and Trekkies alike including:
MODEL DETAIL
NEW ND BRA LING TOO
Available from branches of
and all good Toy & Hobby Stores.
• Large scale, two-piece saucer section • Separate command bridge • Multi-part deflector and sensor • Large scale, two-piece secondary hull • Multi-part nacelles with separate pylons • Transparent parts, including Bussard collectors and navigation lights • Extensive set of decals for the Enterprise • Display stand www.revell.eu
Revell GmbH, Orchard Mews, 18c High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5AH. Tel: 01442 890285. Fax: 01442 827919. Email:
[email protected] © 2013 Revell GmbH. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. All rights reserved. Trade enquiries welcome. TM CBS Studios Inc. © 2013 Paramount Pictures Corporation. STAR TREK and all related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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