ISSUE 32
ADVANCED BUILD
SOVIET ASSAULT II-2 Shturmovik
broadside
SPACE BUILD
BEYOND THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Space Probe Voyager
REVIEW BUILD
CHARIOT CHAMPION Merkava Mk.3D
Airfix July UK 2.indd 1
EXCLUSIVE BUILD COMBAT HISTORY CENTRE-FOLD ARTWORK
SKILLS SCHOOL
IN FOCUS
The Few in Miniature – How to paint RAF Pilots
Magic at Margate – Plastic Kit Production
JUL 2013
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EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME
THE TEAM Editorial
Editor: Assistant Editor: Group Editor in Chief: Editor's Secretary:
Glenn Sands Chris Clifford Paul Hamblin Julie Lawson
Regular Contributors
David D'Arcy, Steve Abbey, Jennifer Wright, Malcolm V. Lowe, Ian Hartup, Alan Price and Ian Grainger
Design
Art Editor: Group Art Editor:
Production Sub Editor: Production Manager:
Advertising Commercial Director: Group Manager: Advertising Manager: Production Manager: Production Assistant:
Marketing
Tom Bagley Steve Donovan
Kay Kelly Janet Watkins
Ann Saundry Brodie Baxter Sean Leslie Debi McGowan Danielle Tempest
Marketing Manager: Marketing Executive: Marketing Assistant: Subscriptions Manager: Mail Order:
Martin Steele Shaun Binnington Jess Jagger Roz Condé Joan Harwin Liz Ward Ann Petrie
Managing Director: Executive Chairman:
Adrian Cox Richard Cox
Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, UK. Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PP. Tel: 020 7429 4000. Fax: 020 7429 4001. Printed by: Warners (Midland) plc, Bourne. Printed in England (ISSN 1471-0587).
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. 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. 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
ell, they are out! What am I talking about? The 1/72 Airfix Hawker Typhoon IB and the Avro Lancaster B.III (The Dambusters). Having seen the test shots sometime ago, I have been waiting to get my hands on the complete kits and spend a lunch-break examining the moulds and having a look in the Key archive to see what reference material we have available. Given the release of a number of Dambuster themed publications, it seems none of us will be short of material when building this model. But, it’s the Hawker Typhoon that I have been looking forward to receiving most. I built a few of the very old Airfix kit many, many years ago. Before the paint had even completely dried on a Saturday afternoon they were off on their first operational mission: a strike against a retreating German military convoy making its way across the dining room carpet. Happy days! But this time I know I’ll be taking a lot more care of this Airfix Typhoon model. A recent visit to the Shoreham Aerojumble (see page 60) triggered my other passion for old coloured slides of military aircraft from the 70s and 80s. Growing up in Hampshire as one of the model plane ‘rat pack’ but unable to drive and short of funds, my mates and I regarded with envy those kids fortunate enough to live in Suffolk and Lincolnshire who could watch the RAF and USAFE fly from their doorstep or bedroom window! Glenn Sands Editor
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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. The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2012 was 12,175 copies monthly.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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CONTENTS REGULARS 06 News and Show Scene The latest happenings in the world of modelling and 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 you the latest kits, books and modelling products.
98 Cutting Mat Chat A final word from the ‘movers and shakers’ within the modelling industry.
44
28
REVIEW BUILD MERKAVA Mk.3D
EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB
40
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SKILLS SCHOOL PAINTING PILOTS
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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See page 17.
18
ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
FEATURES 12 Space Build – Voyager Space Probe Peter Johnson takes a fascinating trip with Hasegawa’s Voyager Space Probe.
COVER STORY
18 Advanced Build – Il-2 Shturmovik Lucas Rizzi portrays am Eastern Front Legend with Tamiya’s recent 1/48 Il-2 Shturmovik.
COVER STORY
28 Review Build – Merkava Mk.3D Ross McMillian explores Israeli firepower with Meng Model’s impressive Merkava Mk.3D.
36
IN FOCUS KIT PRODUCTION
COVER STORY
36 In Focus – Plastic Kit Production Assistant Editor Chris Clifford visits Airfix’s HQ to find out exactly what goes into producing a plastic kit.
COVER STORY
40 Skills School – How to paint RAF Pilots Sonia Maes imparts valuable techniques for painting RAF pilot figures, via Hawk Miniatures’ 90mm Battle of Britain flyer.
COVER STORY
44 Exclusive Build – Hawker Typhoon IB Malcolm V. Lowe recalls the operational combat history of the Hawker Typhoon during D-Day and its use by the 2nd Allied Tactical Air Force (2 TAF). Peter Fearis builds the new 1/72 Airfix Hawker Typhoon in 2nd TAF markings, exclusively for AMW.
60 On the Road – Shoreham Aerojumble AMW’s Editor Glenn Sands once more headed to the legendary Aerojumble in search of books, slides and models.
62 On the Road – RAF Cosford Model Show Assistant Editor Chris Clifford travelled to the RAF Museum Cosford's annual model show.
64 Battle and Build – 1st Canadian Armoured (Part Two)
64
BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic
Steve Guthrie concludes his examination of the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, with focus on 1943-45, while Simon Hammerton builds a Canuck middleweight Firefly Ic that took the unit into Germany. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
{BREAKING
NEWS!}
DAK' IS BACK
GLORIOUS GLADIATOR
AT LAST Airfix has an all-new 1/72 Gloster Gladiator Mk.I to be released shortly. The classic bi-plane has long been on the 'wants list' of many aircraft modellers and Airfix has now answered the call. The kit is well-up to the lastest standards of production, with a very comprehensive cockpit and the option to have the access panel positioned open. The canopy
can be fixed open or closed, armament is in the form of wing-mounted gun pods. The kit provides a 'rigging guide' for the novice modeller. Decal options: • K7985 (L8032/G-AMRK) of the Shuttleworth Collection, 2012, in the markings of 73 Sqn RAF, Hendon, 1937 • 26, 1 Fighter Sqn, Irish Air Corps, Baldonnel Aerodrome, 1940
RELEASED AGAIN is the Airfix 1/72 Dakota (Code A07005) which is actually the Italeri mould but with a revised decal sheet. Avaliable a few years ago, nothing has changed with this boxing; the parts are still crisp and clear and flash-free. The two decal options remain the same. The first being the RAF BBMF's Dakota as painted in the 2008 airshow season markings of 267 'Pegasus' Squadron, which operated in the Middle East during World War Two. The second option is for 293087, 94th Transport Group, USAF, as flown in the Berlin Airlift in 1948.
CARTOON COBRA! HASEGAWA HAS never held back releasing kits with a Japanese anime cartoon theme and, this latest boxing is certainly something a bit different for attack helicopter fans. Comprising two 1/72 AH-1S Cobras in the 2011/2012 markings of 23 year old First Lieutenant
Akane Kisarazu, an amine character who is the official mascot of Japanese Ground SelfDefense Force, Camp Kisarazu, a major army base in Japan. The Cobras both wear the standard three-colour camouflage, with one option sporting a shark's mouth. The decal sheet is perfectly in register and includes spare decals to add to a base should you so desire. An unusual issue of a familiar subject. For further details visit: www.amerang.co.uk
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NEED A WASH?...
CONTINUING THE success of the Weathering Powders, Humbrol is due to release a series of ten enamel washes suitable for both enamel and acrylic paint finishes. Black, Oil Stain, and Rust will be just some of the useful shades. For further details visit: www.humbrol.com
HIGH END ORION
CZECH MASTER Resin has recently turned its attention to Hasegawa's/Revell's 1/72 P-3 Orion and come up with a resin set (CMR72-DS03), which provides 'everything' you will need to make your P-3B/C standout. Comprising crew cabin, undercarriage bays, bomb bay and wing flaps the detail is stunning throughout and one will have to ensure that the crew access doors are modelled open on the model to take full advantage. A brilliant set to update an old model. For further details: www.cmrmodels.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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UPDATED LANCE
SWEDISH FIRM Tarangus now offers another limited run SAAB Lansen variant in 1/48 scale, to accompany last year’s A32A release. The J32B was a two-seater machine for the all-weather fighter role and Tarangus’ new kit (TA4802) offers the fine panel line detail seen on its previous product; this boxing also has a resin jet
pipe and ejection seats. Three colour schemes are provided, all being for standard olive green over natural metal and one is a test aircraft with unusual white stripe markings. In a welcome splash of colour, one of the jets wears the attractive dayglo red diamond pattern so employed by Flygvapnet, the Swedish Air Force. If one
favours the Lansen but would like to render a non-standard machine, Maestro Models now offers an excellent conversion set (K4867) with which to produce the type’s Gamma version, used in testing of the SAAB Viggen’s radar. The resin parts are designed to fit the company’s A32 singleseater and comprise a new nose, equipment and camera pods and a 250kg bomb counterweight. www.tarangus.se www.maestromodels.com
LIGHTNING BOOK/DECAL PACKAGE POLISH PUBLISHER Kagero has released a second volume of colour profiles, plan views and decals dedicated to the P-38. Its first instalment, at 36 pages, provided 14 aircraft but just five schemes had the requisite decals and these were arguably not the most attractive in the book…which irked many a modeller. Now, Kagero has cut the ‘waste’ and in Part II there are just eight schemes, but all have accompanying decals in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32, for £10.99. Racy female nose art and aircraft names come to the fore, and the artwork is
simply stunning. The Pacific theatre P-38Ls from the 8th FG, with their black and white wing/tail bands and stylised wraparound antiglare panels are wonderful modelling subjects. Quite why the 20th FG’s UK-based P-38J ‘California Cutie’ is included is anyone’s guess,
as it also featured in the first volume; customer demand perhaps. Other highlights include the Olive Drab P-38G ‘Nulli Secundus/X Virgin’ and the 82nd FG P-38L ‘Beautiful Bitch’ in natural metal. For details see The Aviation Book Centre: www. aviationbookcentre.com
RAF RECCE WHAT IF... FREIGHTDOG CONTINUES its series of 'what if' weapon loads for the 1/72 Airfix TSR2 with this reconnaissance set. Comprising a belly-mounted photo-pack, drop tanks, an IFR probe and Microcell countermeasures pods. Brilliant stuff. For details visit: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
MAGNIFICENT MARK NINE
FANCY FREEDOMS! Although it was originally intended to provide the USAF with a lightweight fighter, in the end the Northrop F-5 had a rather marginal career in the USAF, which used it mainly for training pilots in aerial combat. Its real success was in the export market with more than 20 countries around the world choosing the F-5. Its success continued with the improved version, the Tiger II, so much so that in all 2,600 examples of all versions of the F-5 came off the productions lines. With such history, F-5s have worn a wealth of colour schemes over the years, many of which are illustrated in profile in this new publication. For further details visit: http://livres. histoireetcollections.com/
OOPS! In Issue 23 we reviewed the Static Grass Applicator from Finescale Model World, but unfortunately the website address was incorrect. It should be www.finescalemodelworld.co.uk
EDUARD’S NEW 1/48 Spitfire Mk.IXc is finally here…and looks set to lift the crown of best example of the type thus far. Rivets panel lines are perhaps the best we’ve seen on a kit from the Czech company; be prepared to be blown away, not just with the quality of moulding but also with the accuracy. The ‘gull wing’ is well rendered, the cockpit in its styrene form is very good and there are sublime four- and five-spoke wheels. High quality detail also extends to areas such radiators and exhausts… the latter having hollowed ends. Separate control surfaces have admirably thin trailing edges, and narrow and broad chord rudders are supplied. Photo-etched metal includes
plain and pre-painted parts for the cockpit and elsewhere, and tape masks will aid painting. For the more experienced, Eduard also offers separate Brassin detailing accessories, such as an engine, wheels, fishtail exhausts, a whole cockpit, flaps, surface panels and fabric seatbelts. There’s real variety in the six RAF colour schemes, famous aces among them: • LF Mk.IXc, MH712/WX-D ‘Pat’, W/O Henryk Dygala, 302 Sqn, Summer/Autumn 1944 • HF Mk.IXc, MJ296/DU-N, F/
NAVAL BEAST RETURNS
Lt. Otto Smik, 312 Sqn, North Weald, August 1944 • LF Mk.IXc, ML586/LO-D, Pierre Clostermann, 602 Sqn, Longues sur Mer, July 7, 1944 • LF Mk.IXc, MJ250/UF-Q, 601 Sqn, Italy, Summer, 1944 • LF Mk.IXc, ML135/YO-D, Jerry Billing, 401 Sqn, Tangmere, June 7, 1944 • LF Mk.IXc, ML135/YO-D ‘Dorothy’, Jerry Billing, 401 Sqn, France, July 1, 1944 Expect a build article in Airfix Model World soon. For further details visit www.eduard.com
BUSH WARS
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]
THE ANTICIPATED re-release of Emhar’s 1/72 F3H Demon has finally happened. While fans of the type have had 1/48 examples from Grand Phoenix/AZ Model, and Hobbyboss, Emhar’s two kits are the only 1/72 styrene options but they are hampered by slightly heavy panels lines and basic detail. But scratchbuilders and after-market advocates have a decent base with which
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to create a great replica. Emhar’s kit no.3002 allows replication of the F3H-2N/M, with the early long ‘Beaver’ tail cone. The decal sheet is reasonably well printed, although alternatives can be found in the Xtradecal range. Kit schemes comprise aircraft from VF 61 and VF 122. The short-tailed Demon is also available (3001). For further details visit: www.pocketbond.co.uk
ON NOVEMBER 23, 1977, an armada of helicopters and aircraft took off from Rhodesian airbases and crossed the border into Mozambique to attack the HQ of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army, where thousands of enemy forces were concentrated. Codenamed Operation Dingo - this is the account of the ferocious battle that followed. Stunning! For details visit: www.helion.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES
Worldwide model and airshow calendar for 2013 JUNE 23
Model Show & Open Cockpit Day, presented by Coventry & Warwickshire IPMS in associtaion with the Midland Air Museum, Midland Air Museum, Coventry Airport, Baginton, Warwickshire, CV3 4FR.
29
National Armed Forces Day, Nottingham. Military vehicle displays, demonstrations and the opportunity to meet serving personnel from the RAF, RN and Army. For details visit: www.armedforcesday.org.uk
29
National Armed Forces Day, Portsmouth. Military vehicle displays, demonstrations and the opportunity to meet serving personnel from the RAF, RN and Army. For details visit: www.armedforcesday.org.uk
29-30
30
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Tankfest 2013, Bovington Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG. Experience the world's best display of historic moving armour. Trade stands, vehicle demonstrations, living history displays, plus access to the museum. For further details visit: www.tankmuseum.org Shuttleworth Collection Military Pageant, Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Military vehicle displays, limited flying display, trade stands and demonstrations. Tel: 01767 627927. Visit: www.shuttleworth.org
JULY 5-6
The Yorkshire Wartime Experience Show, south west of Leeds with easy access to the M62 motorway (Junction 26) just off the A58 Hunsworth Lane, Hunsworth, Bradford, BD4 9RN. One of the largest battle and re-enactment/military shows in the north of England/ for details contact Stuart. Tel: 07748604461. www.ywe-event.info
6
Shuttleworth Collection Flying Evening, Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Tel: 01767 627927. Visit: www.shuttleworth.org
6-7
RAF Waddington International Air Show, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. For details tel: 01522 726102. www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk
7
Moorlands Model Show, presented by IPMS Staffordshire Moorlands, TA Centre, Waterloo Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3HJ. Model displays, traders and demonstrations.
7
Smallspace, presented by Matt Irvine, Hanslope Villahe Hall, Hanslope, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7NZ.
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Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood West Sussex. For details tel: 01243 755055
13
Yeovilton Air Day 2013, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. Air display, For details tel: 08445 780780.
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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SPACE BUILD
BEYOND
VOYAGER
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Peter Johnson takes a fascinating trip with Hasegawa’s Voyager Space Probe
I
n 1977, NASA launched two Voyager probes on a 12-year Grand Tour mission to observe Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Both sent back thousands of stunning, high-resolution photographs of the outer planets before leaving the Solar System. Although their cameras were
turned off in the late 1980s, the probes continue to send data to earth as they near the boundary between the Sun’s influence and interstellar space, more than 35 years after they were launched. Voyager is the latest of Hasegawa’s Science World kits and it comprised two styrene runners in black, one in white and
Locating pins and holes were tight throughout the parts, so they were fettled for easier mating. Here the bus’s pins have been shortened and the holes enlarged with a file.
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one chromed with the famous golden record and, amusingly, an alien figure. A stand was also provided which proved essential, since with the long instrument booms and antennae fitted, the model could not be set down safely. The kit’s fragile nature was highlighted by two of the truss parts being broken just from the The entire bus was covered with insulation blankets, so Gunze Mr. Surfacer 500 was used to fill the gaps.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SPACE BUILD VOYAGER
Voyager’s legs were assembled separately from the bus, which made finishing the seams much easier…particularly where they attached to the bus.
runners jostling around in the box. The finished model was almost entirely black, silver and white, so the decision was made to build sub-assemblies of each colour and mate them after painting; the body section (the bus), the highgain antenna (dish), short truss boom with the cameras (Science Boom) and the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator boom (RTG) were each constructed, painted and detailed separately, then joined at the very end of the build. To add greater true-to-scale authenticity, replacement photoetched (PE) brass booms from LVM Studios were employed.
Close-fitting parts
MODEL SPEC
The decahedral bus was assembled first. Oversized and very tight locating pins were reminiscent of a snap-fit kit, so they were cut short and their respective holes were slightly enlarged, to enable the pieces to UNMANNED SPACE PROBE VOYAGER By:
Hasegawa
Stock Code: SW02 Scale:
1/48
Price:
£26.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
The dish’s support ring acted as a jig to hold the bipod legs in the proper position for gluing. Be sure to correctly orient the cut-out in the ring.
Just the detail parts that would be painted black were added to the bus, to minimise masking and brush painting. Careful planning of the sub-assemblies made painting and detailing easier.
be fitted and disassembled with ease. Tight-fitting parts were evident throughout the build, so care was taken to ensure that all mounting holes were slightly enlarged as construction progressed. Once assembled, the seams on the top and bottom of the bus were filled and finished. Nearly all of the black portions of the probe were covered in insulation blankets with dull silver edging. In this scale the puffiness of the blankets wasn’t obvious, but PVA glue or Gunze Mr. Surfacer 500 could be used to represent the blankets if desired. The three V struts that supported the dish were added, with the dish mounting ring (B42) used as a jig to hold them in position until the cement dried. Details were then added to the bus, with the exception of the four legs in Stage 4, which were assembled separately from the bus in order to make their seams easier to finish. Calibration Target part C12 had a solid triangular web to represent two struts, so the web was sawn off and replaced with Plastruct 0.20in rod. Next the halves and end cap of the RTG Assembly were built
and neatened, as well as parts B30/31 and the large end of these was painted Polly Scale 414110 Steam Power Black, then masked. The High-Gain Antenna was assembled next and its mounting holes were slightly enlarged to
promote an easier fit. Once trialfitting was carried out, Tenax was used to bond the parts, which were surprisingly strong and rigid once the glue dried. Mr. Surfacer was used to fill small gaps around the base of the tripod legs. Struts
Hasegawa’s excellent engineering made the boom trusses almost fool-proof to assemble. The end of the magnetometer housing was painted black and masked before the trusses were sprayed silver.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SPACE BUILD VOYAGER
The kit’s solid science boom was no match for LVM’s photo-etched metal version, but the former proved useful as a guide to mount the instruments in their proper positions. Solid legs on the Calibration Target were sawn off and 0.020in diameter plastic rod was used instead for a better scale effect - and the target was set aside for painting.
for the Science and RTG Booms were tackled next. Each piece required only minimal seam cleanup due to Hasegawa’s excellent moulding, and the complex struts were well-engineered for easy and nearly fool-proof assembly. The High-Field Magnetometer Assembly (Stage 10) was dry-fitted to the bus, including the RTG Assembly, and the struts were glued. Cementing just the struts themselves allowed the assembly to be removed and painted separately, to avoid complex masking and brush painting. The struts for the Meter Unit Mast Installation in Stage 9 were similarly cleaned-up, dry-fitted, glued together and then removed for painting later. With the large assemblies ready to paint, smaller details were tackled. The Meter Unit Assembly parts in Stage 5 were neatened, while the edges of part B2 were thinned to resemble sheet metal. The parts in Step 6, which attached to the Science Boom, were similarly smartened and assembled. Since LVM Studios’ PE boom would replace parts B28/29, locating tabs were removed from the detail parts
and the solidly-filled legs on parts B40/41 were filed and carved to separate them, for a more scalelike appearance. All of these parts had insulation blankets, so they were airbrushed with Polly Scale Steam Power Black, followed by hand-brushed Tamiya XF-16 Flat Aluminum edging. The Mass Spectrometer lens was brushed with a mix of Tamiya X-24 Clear Yellow and X-26 Clear Orange, after which the various camera lenses and windows were accented with Johnson’s Future/ Klear floor treatment.
Bold as brass LVM Studios has produced a set of two fine PE booms to replace the Science Boom parts B28/29 and magnetometer boom B7/8/9/10. These two booms made a remarkable difference in the look of the finished model, since the kit’s plastic parts couldn’t replicate an open truss. Eduard has recently introduced its own PE set for Hasegawa’s Voyager, which contains
DO THE TWIST LVM Studios’ Magnetometer Boom ensured greater refinement but did pose the challenge of rendering a distinct twist along its length. The boom was first twisted to 120 degrees, taped down and fixed with Superglue. The rod inserted through the boom prevented it from being crushed or bent while twisting, and was left in place for as as long as possible.
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SPACE BUILD VOYAGER other details in addition to the two booms…but it's the latter items that make the biggest difference. The shorter Science Boom was tackled first. LVM engineered the booms to bend easily, with the minimum amount of contact points along the bends. Two metal rulers were used to hold and fold the boom. The boom itself was squared with a draftsman’s triangle and cemented with thin Superglue, which was carefully sanded flush with a fine-grit sanding pad. Steam Power Black was airbrushed as the base colour, followed by Model Master Acryl 4762 Light Ghost Gray for the square frames. Part B24 was then Superglued to one end of the boom after straightness was assured, then the remaining instruments from Stages 5 and 6 were added. The long magnetometer boom was folded with folding blades from an Etch-Mate bending tool, and the open edge was taped together every few inches. This boom needed a 120 degree twist along its length, but a quick test showed that after bending it about one half turn, it sprung back to no twist at all. In order to provide stiffness and the ability to grasp the boom without crushing it, a 0.81in (2mm) diameter brass rod was slid through the truss, and the boom was twisted about two full turns until it sprung back to a roughly half-turn twist. Once the initial twist was made, it was easy to fine-tune the amount until it was exactly 120 degrees. With
the cardboard liner from the LVM package, the boom was taped down at each end to maintain the twist, and thin Superglue was applied along the seam while the boom was rotated as needed. Once cured, the Superglue was carefully sanded with a fine sanding pad, with the rod still inserted, and the boom was painted with Future/Klear so it would not tarnish. To mount the magnetometer boom, the end of part B7 was cut off to leave approximately 1mm of the plastic boom, which was filed so that the PE boom fitted around it…and the boom was Superglued in place. Part B19 was then
The attachment for the boom was cut from the kit’s part and filed until the boom fitted over it. Superglue secured the join, the magnetometer was attached to the other end and the boom was carefully put aside to be attached last.
painted and glued to the outer end of the boom and the assembly was set aside. The two long antennae (C1 and C2) were overly thick and too short, so new 8.2in antennae (10m at full scale) were cut from 0.020in brass rod. Each antenna was capped with a 2mm disc punched from 0.020in plastic. The mounting ends of the kit’s antennae were attached to the bus and holes were drilled for the brass rods. Because of the longer antennae, the kit stand’s support rod was too short, so a longer version was made from 3/64in (1.2mm) brass rod and coated with Future/Kleer.
Cosmic colouring The assembled bus was airbrushed Steam Power Black, and matt aluminum was carefully brushed along all of the edges to emulate the example in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Citadel 61-55 Mithril Silver was used for the radiators and fine details were added with photos for reference. The RTG housing and the dish’s mounting ring were sprayed with Tamiya TS-29 Semi-Gloss Black and details were picked out in silver. The dish was sprayed with Tamiya Fine White Primer and then detail painted. Parts C6 and C7 received their paint
The completed Science Boom pieces seen ready for assembly. Silver edges to the instruments replicated insulation blanket seams, while the lenses were glossed with Future/Klear.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SPACE BUILD VOYAGER The RTG boom, dish, and science boom were completed ready for mating with the bus.
Since the boom-to-truss join had no locating pins, a LEGO jig was constructed to hold the parts in position for gluing…but the finished boom was not glued to the bus until later.
It was wise to attach the booms first so the dish didn’t interfere with the fit.
The finished Science Boom was ready to be attached to the bus. The completed magnetometer mounting and RTG boom: the RTG was sprayed semi-gloss black to give it contrast with the insulation-blanketed bus.
separately before they were attached to the dish. Strut assemblies and parts A20, A21, A6 and B35 were airbrushed with Mithril Silver. After painting, the long, round mounting pin on the Science Boom was cut off flush, and the flat was painted Steam Power Black. The golden record was carefully removed from its runner and the cut was touched-up with Tamiya X-12 Gold Leaf. The chromed plastic looked too bright and toy-like, so a black Tempra wash was applied to the details on the record’s face, and the record was glued into place on the bus. After due consideration, the golden alien figure was regretfully omitted… he probably wouldn’t have had a record player anyway!
Final assembly A LEGO and Blu-Tack jig was constructed to hold the Science Boom and its truss in their proper alignment, and the two were carefully Superglued together. The Science Boom and RTG Boom were then dry-
{16}
fitted on either side of the bus, and thin Superglue was applied to the joins. Both booms should be level, as shown on the instruction sheet. The diagonal brace for the Science Boom was then added and Superglued. Be sure to scrape the paint from the various locating surfaces to ensure the best bond, especially since the mating surfaces are quite small. Next, the rectangular Calibration Target was glued to the bus’s legs,
A new taller support rod was formed from 3/64in brass rod to prevent the long wire antennae from touching the surface.
and the legs themselves were dryfitted and Superglued to the bus, followed by the dish assembly. The two wire antennae and the long Magnetometer Boom were added and Voyager was placed on its stand.
Super probe Voyager’s construction was more complex and delicate than first envisioned, but the kit’s excellent engineering
and moulding resulted in a very enjoyable project. Hasegawa’s solid booms were a disappointment, but LVM Studios’ PE set added immensely to the probe’s fragile and spidery effect. The trick will be to figure out how to transport this fragile subject to the local model show! ❚
AFTER-MARKET & REFERENCES LVM Studios HAVO48 photo-etched booms for the Hasegawa Voyager www.LVM-Studios.com Eduard 48761 Voyager Space Probe www.eduard.com Space Probes to the Outer Planets http://historicspacecraft.com/Probes_ Outer_Planets.html Voyager plans http://www.ninfinger.org/models/ vault2007/Voyager%20plans/index. html
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07/05/2013 14:17
COMPETITION CORNER WIN ZOUKEI-MURA SWS KITS!
OUR FRIENDS AT ZOUKEI- MURA ARE OFFERING TWO LUCKY AIRFIX MODEL WORLD READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN SUPER WING SERIES KITS
For your chance to win, answer the following: The Mk 108 shown in the picture below is a 30mm auto-cannon developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig. Its destructive power was feared by all Allied bombing crews who took to the skies over Germany.
C B
A
Two Mk 108s are mounted at an upward diagonal angle and the installation was commonly known as 'Schräge Musik'. Above which area were the Mk 108s mounted?
D
How to enter Simply write the answer plus your name, address and e-mail on a post-card or sealed envelope and post to: Airfix Model World Zoukei-Mura Competition, Key Publishing, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ. Alternatively, e-mail the same information to
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{17} 07/05/2013 14:33
ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
Lucas Rizzi portrays an Eastern Front legend with Tamiya’s recent 1/48 Il-2 Shturmovik
SovieT assaU I
In the wheel bays, oil paint weathering and dry brushing with aluminium highlighted the details. The radiator was attached to the centre wing section, which also comprised some of the wheel bay detail. Unfortunately, the radiator could not be seen once the fuselage was closed.
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lyushin’s Il-2 was one of the most prolific and feared aircraft of World War Two. Designed under the codename ‘Ivanov’, a total of 36,163 machines were produced in several variants, some being more important than others. One such sub-type was the Il-2M, which had two seats and 37mm cannons. The Il-2 was a key player in the fight against Germany on the Eastern Front, and it entered service just three months after the onslaught of Operation Barbarossa, in June 1941. It was powered by a 1660hp engine (AM38), while its armament consisted of two 20mm cannon and two 7.62mm machine guns, and various bombs and rockets. The Shturmovik became a formidable and much-feared tank-killer, as its firepower could easily destroy almost any piece of German armour. Its importance was such that in 1942, it accounted for one third of the total aircraft inventory of the Soviet Air Force. Its wings
and fuselage were built of wood, with structural reinforcements in aluminium; armour was 12mm thick in places, and one of the most interesting features was its radiator, which was inside the fuselage to protect it from enemy fire. For the unit to work efficiently, an air inlet was installed in the hood above the engine, which emerged as a prominent feature of the type. The Il-2’s armour was so effective that during the second half of the Patriotic War, when
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ADVANCED BUILD MODEL SPEC
Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
aU lT
Il-2 SHTURMOVIK By:
Tamiya
Stock Code: 6113 Scale:
1/48
Price:
£49.49
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Russia took part in the campaign in Belarus, around 50% of the aircraft returned with at least some combat damage…but only 2.8% of aircraft were actually lost (90% of damaged aircraft could quickly be returned to combat. Proof that the Shturmovik was a formidable machine is that around one third of the pilots who received the highest Russian decorations were Il-2 pilots.
Here, one of the wheel bay assemblies is seen fixed to the wing. Tamiya Weathering Master pigment was also used to add a used look. The wings were ready for attachment to the fuselage. An unsual format was evident for the joins but all fitted very well.
About the model Last year, this modeller visited Kbely Museum, in the Czech Republic, and actually seeing its real Il-2 exhibit was enough to dispel previous Internet
Tyres were painted with Mr. Hobby H77 Tire Black, but beforehand the wheel hubs were masked with Mr. Masking SOL neo.
Painting of the wheel bays: Black oil paint and aluminium dry-brushing highlighted the details, as without it they would become almost invisible. The horizontal stabilisers required a small panel to be glued on the upper surfaces. Small holes had to be created in order to attach the trim tab linkages. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
A choice of three different schemes was provided: • 6th Gv OShAP • 566th Shap, Leningrad, 1944 • VA 16th April, Berlin, 1945
The wings were finally ready to be mated and Tamiya Extra Thin Cement provide good adhesion. Superb engineering ensured a positive fit. Weathering on the tyres came via Sienna oil colour, but Tamiya Weathering Master was used to further accentuate the detail.
One reason for the wings’ excellent fit was the plastic spar, which also ensured that the correct dihedral was achieved.
The Eduard set brought life to the cockpit and instrument panel; the latter was a two-layer affair. Eduard’s PE instrument panel was fitted to the cockpit bulkhead…most convincing and better than the kit item.
The first option (depicted on the box art) portrays the aircraft piloted by Capt. Pavlov and its fuselage inscription reads ‘To the Hero of the Soviet Union Pavlov city workers Kustanay’. Upon its arrival at the front, the Il-2 was presented to Capt. Pavlov who was then a squad leader in the 6th Gv OShAP. Pavlov later saw action in this aircraft when his regiment attacked enemy forces in East Prussia, during the attack of the Red Army in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) in April 1945.
forum comments that Tamiya’s windshield shape was incorrect. With just six parts runners (one being clear), there were 170 components in total. The kit featured a mix of high and low relief, and
the representation of the timber, aluminium and fabric-covered areas was impressive; one detail that stood out was the riveting on the wings but the interior was also pleasing. The engine, though, had no detail although the radiator was well represented. A
fresh innovation from Tamiya was a new attachment point system which shunned the old-fashioned alignment pins. Detail on the landing gear was reasonable, but the tyres were a little lacking so some may wish to replace these with after-market items.
For added value and to ease painting, Tamiya included tape masks for the cockpit transparencies, although they were not pre-cut.
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09/05/2013 11:31
ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
Internal stringers on the wings ensured an excellent join, due to thoughtful engineering. Decals were of Tamiya’s usual standard, in that the printing was perfect, while the transparencies were also excellent and allowed assembly of the model with the cockpit open or closed. An added bonus was the presence of masks for the canopy.
Getting it together Construction began with the cockpit but to improve the detail, a set of interior photo-etched (PE) metal parts from Eduard (FE607) was employed. To locate
the PE parts, some existing kit detail was removed, such as instrument gauges and levers. Eduard’s PE components were self-adhesive and easy to use. All interior parts were painted with Tamiya XF-22 RLM Grey and, after drying, weathering was added with Winsor & Newton Black and Raw Umber oil paints. The air inlet to the radiator was also painted with Tamiya XF-22 RLM Grey and fixed to the fuselage. A perfect fit befell the fuselage halves, which could be glued and sanded before the cockpit was fitted; all joins were splendid, with just a hint of putty being necessary. Only in the rear part of the cockpit were some rivets lost during the sanding process, but these were reinstated with a riveting tool. Once the fuselage was completed the cockpit was inserted and fitted like a glove, without the need for any adjustment.
To further the detail some wiring was applied, along with a small lever from Eduard’s after-market set.
Black oil paint was used to enliven the cockpit area but extra detail came courtesy of Eduard, in the form of PE seat straps.
The cockpit was completed and looked superb, due to the extra additions. A drybrushing of aluminium was also carried out.
Side panels for the rear crew member compartment also received dry-brushing treatment, to highlight the kit detail.
Main planes Focus turned to the undercarriage bays where the detail was very good, but this would be a suitable area in which to add further Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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{21} 09/05/2013 11:39
ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
embellishment if desired. The wheel bay and landing gear legs were painted with Tamiya XF-22 RLM Grey and, after drying, oil paint weathering comprised Black, Raw Umber and Raw Sienna. A little chipping was replicated with a Faber Castell Silver Polychromos pencil. The undercarriage legs were drybrushed with metallic highlights,
followed by pigments from Tamiya Weathering Master Sets A and B. Tamiya’s instructions stated that the legs should be fixed at this time, but to mask the wheel bay with them in place would be difficult so they were left off until later. Masking tape and Mr Hobby Mr Masking Sol R were used to cover the
The fuselage started to look very busy once the internal sub-assemblies were fitted. Tamiya mostly did a great job with the detail here, although Eduard’s parts added something extra.
bays during painting. The wing joins were excellent after being glued with liquid cement and just a hint of filler was necessary for a fine finish. Once the wings had dried they were mated with the fuselage; although the join between the two looked complicated, in reality it was simple and fitted perfectly, with almost invisible seams. At
this stage, masking was applied to the cockpit, in the form of Tamiya tape and Gunze Mr. Masking Sol R. A coat of Mr. Surfacer 1200 was then applied as a primer covering, to help highlight any gaps before painting commenced; it also improved paint adhesion for successive coats. In a bid for better detail, the guns were replaced with 0.7mm diameter
A little filler was necessary after closure of the fuselage, and sanding was done before the cockpit parts were fitted to keep them free of dust.
Wings and fuselage glued. After masking the cockpit and wheel bay, the model was ready to receive Gunze Sangyo Mr. Surfacer 1200 as a primer.
The wheel bays were masked too, which was made much easier by delaying attachment of the undercarriage.
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ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK
hypodermic needle tubing for a more true-to-scale appearance.
Camouflage All top coat shades came from the Tamiya range; XF-24 Dark Grey, XF-58 Olive Green and a mix of XF-52 Flat Earth and 20% XF-59 Desert Yellow. The underside was painted with XF-23 Light
Blue. The same company’s Paint Retarder was added to all colours and they were thinned with isopropyl alcohol to a 3:1 ratio. They were then applied freehand with a TESTORS AZTEK airbrush. Once all the paint had dried, Mr. Hobby H30 Gloss Clear was applied to the entire model, to aid decal application, prevent silvering and help the forthcoming wash flow more easily. The decals themselves adhered without issue, and without the use of setting solutions. Weathering followed and was executed with Winsor & Newton Black, Raw Umber and Raw Sienna oil paints. Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color Black and Brown were used to highlight the panel lines. Gun staining was added by way of Tamiya Weathering Master Set A and B pigments. The oil paints required plenty of drying time, so several days were allotted to this before a final coat of Mr. Hobby H20 Flat Clear was airbrushed. Three thin coats were added, but they were not enough to produce a completely matt finish. But, this looked more convincing with a pleasing satin sheen.
A coat of Mr. Surfacer 1000 was applied as primer, in order to betray any imperfections and to aid paint adhesion.
All camouflage painting was done with a TESTORS AZTEK Airbrush, and a coat of clear gloss was applied to help with decal application, adhesion and washes.
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{23} 09/05/2013 11:36
ADVANCED BUILD Il-2 SHTURMOVIK With wash applied to the lower airframe, decaling continued on the upper surfaces. The previously applied gloss coat helped to prevent silvering of the carrier film.
A panel line wash was added over the clear coat, while oil paints and Tamiya Weathering Master pigments added a war-weary look.
With Tamiya Weathering Master Set A and B, extra wear and tear was added to the undersides, primarily around the gun ports and link ejectors.
Final touches Clear parts were painted first with the interior colour, XF-22 RLM Grey, followed by XF-58 Olive Green to match the fuselage colour. Matt and gloss varnish was mixed and applied to echo the satin finish of the remaining
{24}
model. The supplied masks and instructions were useful good, although it would have been better if the masks were provided as pre-cut items. As it stood, caution and a sharp knife were necessary to make precise cuts; a new no.11 scalpel blade is
Weathering was completed top-side and later, a Faber Castell Polychromos Silver pencil was used to render chipped paint effects.
recommended. Antennae wires came next and these were made from Pro-Hobby 0.1mm metal wire for a realistic look.
Kicking up a storm This is one of the best kits this modeller has ever built. No
problems were encountered, it fitted beautifully and was hugely enjoyable...and it arguably has the edge over its same-scale contemporaries. It’s highly recommended for those with an interest in aircraft from Russia's ❚ Patriotic War.
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09/05/2013 11:37
REVIEW BUILD MERKAVA Mk.3D
Ross McMillan explores Israeli firepower with Meng Model’s impressive Merkava Mk.3D
{28}
erkava (Hebrew for Chariot) is the Main Battle Tank of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Beginning with the Mk.1 that entered service in 1978, the Merkava has undergone numerous upgrades to the latest Mk. 4 version. This kit, released by Meng Model last year, is the first injection-moulded example of the Merkava Mk.3D. As a point of special interest, it should be noted that close collaboration
between Meng Model and Lt. Col. (Res) Michael Mass has yielded an extremely detailed and accurate kit. Mr. Mass is curator of the Yad Lashiryon Memorial Site and Museum of the Israeli Armored Corps, and author of Merkava Siman 3D in IDF Service Part 2, from Desert Eagle Publishing.
MODEL SPEC
illustrated with detailed, easyto-follow drawings. More than 500 parts filled the sturdy box, the majority being moulded in a medium grey-green styrene which closely resembled the colour of the actual vehicle. Clear parts were provided for the panoramic sight, range-finder and periscopes which could be displayed in open or closed positions. Individual track links were moulded in brown and poly caps were provided for the wheels and drive sprockets. The decal sheet provided markings for two machines, with numbered colour diagrams to indicate proper placement. Stages 1-9 dealt with the wheels, suspension and various details of the lower hull. Each of the 12 road wheels comprised six parts and the modeller could choose MERKAVA Mk.3D .3D EARLY By:
Meng Model
Stock Code: TS-001 Scale:
1/35
Price:
$70.00
Available from: Hobby Link Japan,www.hlj.com
Out of the box The 26-page instruction booklet was well thought out and the 45 stages of construction were
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REVIEW BUILD MERKAVA Mk.3D between a complete set of allsteel or rubber tyre wheels, with a third option of mixed types as seen in many service photos. Close attention to the instructions was necessary as there were different road wheel arms for each style of wheel. Assembly of the tracks was postponed until Stage 18, which allowed for easier
would become much more useful if an enterprising after-market company would release a resin interior. Stage 9 focused on assembly of the left and right rear stowage baskets. The instructions illustrated the attachment of the baskets to the rear of the hull, but due to the delicate nature of these assemblies it was prudent to save this task until the end of the build.
Topside detail
painting and associated weathering of the suspension and lower hull, while rear door assembly was covered in Stages 7-8. The door was functional and could be positioned opened or closed. But since no interior was provided, closed was the logical decision. This feature
Construction of the upper hull commenced with Stage 10 and concluded with Stage 18. Decisions were made during these steps as to the options for open or closed periscopes, headlamps and driver’s hatch. Parts for Type A and Type B versions of the driver’s hatch were supplied. No interior detail or driver figure was included in the kit, so the hatch was fixed in the closed position. The upper hull was secured to the lower hull in Stage 18 and the tracks were added. Individual links were assembled into right and left track runs before they were glued together with liquid styrene cement. After consulting the drawing related to this
An all-steel road wheel assembly on the left and a rubber tyre road wheel on the right. The different types required their own arms as noted in the instruction booklet.
The clam shell-style rear door was functional and could be displayed open or closed.
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{29} 07/05/2013 14:40
REVIEW BUILD MERKAVA Mk.3D
A temporary jig fashioned from modelling clay and craft sticks was used to ensure alignment of the wheels while the styrene cement cured. A short section of the tracks was test-fitted to the right drive sprocket to show the correct direction of the track links.
stage, particular care was given to ensure the tracks were mounted in the proper direction. The runs were allowed to bond for approximately 20 minutes before each was wrapped around the adjacent wheels and set aside to dry overnight. Following the completion of the tracks there were 22 extra links remaining. The conclusion of Stage 18 was the attachment of the rear light housings and side track armour. Here’s one of the sections of ball and chain anti-RPG veil. The high level of detail came at the cost of extreme delicacy. Yellow-Tack or Blu-Tack, was useful as a support while the parts were carefully removed.
{30}
The turret Assembly of the turret began in Stage 19 with the construction of the 120mm main gun. This was followed by the rear turret plate and basket assembly. The remaining primary surfaces, turret top, sides and armour modules were added in consecutive steps through to Stage 30. Owing to the high level of detail, a fair number of delicate parts slated for assembly during these steps were withheld until the final stages of the build. In like manner, additional sub-assemblies such as the smoke grenade launchers and machine guns were assembled at this time but not attached. This allowed for easier masking and spraying of the anti-slip coating on the vehicle’s upper surfaces.
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REVIEW BUILD MERKAVA Mk.3D
With so much attention given by the manufacturer to accuracy and detail, it was difficult to determine why the prominent anti-slip surfaces were not represented. While somewhat disappointing, the omission was easily remedied with the use of liquid latex masking agent and Rust-Oleum Multicolor Textured Finish. After careful study of photo references, masking agent was applied to all the areas which were to be kept free of the anti-slip coating. Next, two medium coats of the textured finish were sprayed at a distance of 12-14in (30-35.5cm) and allowed to dry overnight. The masking agent was then removed with tweezers and a stiff bristle brush. The new antislip coating was now ready to be painted with the base colour, which was mixed with Tamiya acrylic paint. Rust-Oleum’s Textured Finish will also accept enamel or lacquer-based paints.
Beginning of the end The majority of IDF vehicles are painted with a uniform grey-green shade. Meng’s instructions recommended Vallejo 70847 Sand Brown but this was not correct. Instead, a suitable colour was mixed using a formula given by Michael Mass in his book Merkava Mk.3. which called for Tamiya XF-25, XF-62 and XF-65 in a 6:3:1 ratio. Having been previously painted, the lower hull, suspension and tracks were covered to prevent contamination by overspray. The recessed areas and panel lines were then accentuated with Tamiya XF-27 Flat Black Green. Next, the hull and turret were sprayed with the ‘Mass formula’ IDF Grey, allowing the dark areas underneath to remain slightly visible. As a final step, the IDF Grey was lightened with a few
drops of Tamiya XF-2 Flat White and then dusted sparingly in the centre of various exposed panels. Now that the basic paint job was completed, the remaining sub-assemblies and fiddly bits were attached to the model with thick cyanoacrylate, such as Superglue. The thicker viscosity extended the setting time to approximately 20 seconds which allowed for proper positioning of parts. Touch-ups were made as necessary, with a fine point brush loaded with the IDF Grey mixture. Gloss clear acrylic was applied to appropriate areas in preparation to receive the decals. Markings for a machine from the 2nd Company (Wolves), 2nd Battalion, Barak (Lightning) Brigade were chosen from the kit decal sheet and applied to the designated areas. One exception was the white tactical
With the turret removed, the upper hull was airbrushed using the ‘Mass formula’ for IDF Grey and allowed to dry. Next, Tamiya XF-27 Flat Black Green was applied to recessed areas and panel lines.
Here is the turret with liquid latex masking agent applied. The upper hull was prepared in the same fashion.
After the textured finish was applied and allowed to dry, the masking agent was removed. A stiff bristle brush was used to scrub the masking free of the detail features.
The upper hull with turret bearing the completed anti-slip surfaces, ready for paint. Some black lines are visible which were made with a fine line marker. These were helpful references for the intricate application of the liquid masking agent.
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{31} 07/05/2013 14:40
REVIEW BUILD MERKAVA Mk.3D
The upper hull was then re-coated with two slightly thinned layers of IDF Grey. Still visible, the black green helped to force the perception of depth in recessed areas.
The ideal reference for this build is: Merkava Siman 3D, by M. Mass and A. O’Brien (Desert Eagle Publishing), ISBN: 978-965-91635-1-9 www.deserteagle-publishing.com It offers many colour photos of the Merkava in service, along with detailed walk-round images, a guide to Israeli tactical signs… and a model build of the 1/35 Academy kit.
{32}
markings prominently displayed on tarpaulins hung from the rear turret basket. When compared to photo references, the kit markings were too large so these were hand-painted to the appropriate size. Finally, the white ‘aiming’ stripe was painted along the top of the main gun barrel. The model was essentially complete at this point, with a factory-fresh finish.
What’s Hebrew for ‘Wash Me’? The vast majority of reference photos show the Merkava in service, which means they display a moderate to major layering of dust and sand. This causes the medium IDF Grey to range in colour from a mildly
A lightened mixture of IDF Grey was then sprayed carefully in the centre of various panels, to further enhance the perception of depth.
streaked tan on grey to a neartotal light sand tan. This may be the reason Meng and other kit manufacturers have chosen variations of sand to list in their colour call-outs. In order to replicate the dusty appearance of IDF armour in the field, this model was subjected to multiple applications of MIG Pigments PO22 Ashes White, mixed with PO37 Gulf Sand in a 85:15 ratio. After the desired effect was achieved, the model was lightly dusted with Testors' Dullcote Lacquer to fix the pigments in place.
Not for the beginner In the opinion of this modeller, the weakest part of the kit was the tow cable and associated
chains which were represented by nylon cord and brass wire. While adequate, this feature would be more realistic with the use of copper cable and chain from an after-market company. The fit of parts was precise and no filler was needed throughout the build. Congratulations go to Meng Model for introducing this kit to the modelling community. While complexity and the fragile nature of many of the tiny detail parts makes this kit better suited for the intermediate to advanced builder, anyone exercising patience and a working knowledge of basic modelling skills should be able to render an excellent replica of the Merkava Mk.3D, straight ❚ from the box.
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07/05/2013 14:41
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24/05/2013 10:23
IN FOCUS PLASTIC KIT PRODUCTION
CONCEPTION CONSTRUCTION AMW’s Assistant Editor Chris Clifford visits Airfix’s HQ to find out exactly what goes into producing a plastic kit
ometimes the marketplace doesn’t know what it wants until it sees it”. This insightful statement from Airfix New Product Development Manager Martin Ridge says much about the tricky world of plastic kits; what will sell… and what won’t? But when we eagerly purchase the latest styrene creation, how many of us actually consider what goes into its production? Of course, there are many of us who think
Computer Aided Design has revolutionised kit production. Here, 3D renderings of Avro's Lancaster are the result of original factory drawings, visible on the right.,
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a certain subject is missing from the existing long-run examples, but for a kit to make it to fruition it has to be economically viable. Passionate (or obsessive) demands for a mass-produced Granger Archaeopteryx will fall on deaf ears, but something more mainstream has a greater chance of reaching production. The Airfix development team, based in Margate, Kent, receives all manner of requests for new kits, particularly when it attends shows such as Scale Modelworld
at Telford – and all suggestions are collated to form a ‘league table’. Interestingly, one the greatest demands is still for British Cold War subjects.
Old or new? From Airfix’s perspective, there are two avenues down which to travel in terms of kit production; the re-invention of a past or existing catalogue subject, or a completely fresh tooling. This can, though, develop into something of a hybrid and the new 1/72 Lancaster kits
While CAD plays a major part, there’s still room for traditional methods. Here, frame positions are marked on a 1/24 Harrier to aid production of its new 1/72 equivalent.
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IN FOCUS PLASTIC KIT PRODUCTION are a good example. Martin Ridge explained: “The marketplace can be quite narrow at times so we like to target popular choices. With the Lancaster, there was the opportunity to give modellers a real classic but of a much better standard than the old Airfix Lancaster. It’s a subject we’ve offered before but today’s customers needed something with greater detail, and that required new tooling. It also allowed us to better what had been done by the opposition.” The decision to manufacture a Dambuster B.III (Special) Lancaster was obviously swayed by this year’s anniversary of the famous Dams raids in 1943. But a new Lancaster also provided the means to extend the product range and get the most from the moulds…and offer Bomber Command fans a type that had previously been unavailable in full kit form. Just a little extra new tooling ensured that the muchdesired Mk.II with radial engines could also be offered.
Where does one begin? As with any new kit, research is vital…but sometimes things aren’t always as they seem, as Airfix Product Designer Matt Whiting explained: “With the Lancaster the main challenge was that of the many modifications given to the type in its lifetime. We could study photographs of the same aircraft at different time periods and see different details…it’s a detective story.” As in most cases, the team first locates factory drawings which can then be imported into a Computer Aided Design (CAD) package called Creo, with the aim of creating a ‘skeleton model’ on
screen to assess external surfaces. Old, flat Avro illustrations have new life breathed into them via added 3D detail that can be refined along the way; datums and frames can be moved to suit. Proceedings can be hampered by a lack of such original plans, and this was so with regard to the Vickers Valiant, whose factory drawings were all destroyed long ago. In situations such as these, it means much more time spent measuring the real thing. Checking the drawings against examples of the actual machines is also carried out when possible, because there are no guarantees that factory renderings will be an exact match. Up to two visits to museums or other sites can occur. The team travelled to see the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, and the Mk.VII ‘Just Jane’ at East Kirby’s Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. Additionally, a trip to the museum at nearby Manston meant the Margate crew could inspect a real Upkeep mine. In all cases many photographs and measurements are taken. Some subjects demand long journeys for fact-finding; there was no A-4 Skyhawk in the UK when Airfix decided to create a 1/72 scale version, so a development team member had to visit the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier (now a museum moored in Manhattan, New York City), to take photographs and measurements of its A-4B exhibit. In parallel, Airfix will also consult known experts on various types, as besides their valuable knowledge, they might have access to research material previously unseen by the kit maker. This is vital for types where good material isn’t easy to access, such as the Mitsubishi Zero.
Research is vital in the production of plastic kits. Here, Airfix’s Simon Owen pounds the books for potential colour schemes. (all photos Matthew Roberts unless otherwise stated).
Spark erosion is being carried out to create a new tool…in this case for the Harrier GR.9. ‘Dielectric’ liquid is used, with the positive on the work piece electrode and negative on the tool. This process can also be used to add components to ‘old’ tooling. (Airfix)
It may take up to four months for a 1/72 subject such as the Hawker Hurricane to be fully re-created in CAD form, but six months could be afforded to something as big as the Lancaster. Certain subjects can be more labour intensive; the 1/48 Merlin was particularly challenging due to its shape and detail. And the larger the scale, the more work is entailed.
Battle colours The subject of colour schemes runs hand-in-hand with the physical production of any kit…and in some cases these can be ascertained first to drive manufacture of a particular sub-type. Airfix Researcher Simon Owen can spend between one and three months on any one subject, but the workload is relentless as the
Chris Joy, a member of the Airfix development team, builds a test-shot of the new 1/72 Hawker Typhoon to assess its fit before the company heads towards full-scale production. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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IN FOCUS PLASTIC KIT PRODUCTION
Martin Ridge is Airfix’s New Product Development Manager. Here. He inspects test-shot runners for the forthcoming 1/48 Gloster Javelin. It’s important to catch ‘hiccups’ early.
They might not look too impressive, but these toolings cost thousands of pounds to produce. The two sections here help to mould runners for Airfix’s 1/48 Merlin. (Airfix)
team is already considering new kits for 2016-17. Above all, Simon looks for something interesting and with a good story when planning and confirming colour schemes. There’s also the fact to consider, that certain Airfix moulds may be released in different boxings so extra schemes may be necessary. Airfix’s forthcoming 1/72 Fw 190 exemplifies the multirelease ethos, with five schemes across four separate products. Delights such as the red and yellow snake, which was painted almost the whole length of the fuselage by Luftwaffe Fw 190 operator Jagdgruppe 10, provide Simon with markings choices simply too good to ignore.
machine, the subject is built from the bottom up in a container of liquid resin that hardens where it is hit by a computer-controlled laser beam. All detail expected to feature on the production kit is rendered on the resin prototype, to enable checks for accuracy, quality and scale. If something isn’t quite right it can be addressed before
Technical Illustrator Richard Petts creates Airfix instruction sheets with a special computer package. New-style 3D plans with colour coding are currently being trialled.
committing to expensive tooling. And when we say expensive, it’s exactly that. The tool for the Lancaster costs tens of thousands of pounds, so it’s best to iron out the creases before moulds are manufactured by Chinese specialists. When the ‘stereo’ has been inspected fully (and if it passes the test), Airfix can then move to actual injection moulding of test-shots and this is carried out in India. Test-shots are the final defence against imperfection, and three or four may be necessary to ensure the sought-after quality. This process is not just to check accuracy of the subject, but it is also vital to ascertain the integrity of the mould and how well the parts runners are ejected. This proved invaluable during detailing of the new 1/72 Hawker Typhoon. While frustrating for modellers, it was essential that small ejector pins be placed in the wheel bays (and thus leaving tell-tale marks) because if they were not the
Step by step
Laser modelling Once the Airfix team is happy that it has done all the necessary research, the time comes to turn drawings into something solid…and this is done by the magical (and expensive) process of stereolithography. Beginning with the 3D CAD file, which is downloaded into a special
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runner would not leave the mould cleanly due to the very fine raised detail. If any final final tweaks are required, settings on the injection moulding machine can be adjusted so that any minor flashing, sink marks or ‘short shots’ (whereby the hot plastic does not reach every recess) are tuned-out by experimenting with the moulding and plastic temperature, and cooling time. Test shot samples are then sent to Airfix, where they are inspected and actually built to check fit and ease of construction. If all works well, actual production moulding can begin. Those familiar with the term ‘slide moulding’ will associate the method with Chinese kit wizard Dragon. The practice involves a third mould section to produce greater detail, such as sharp undercuts and realistic hollow gun muzzles. Airfix has also recently employed slide moulding on its forthcoming 1/72 Harrier GR.1, specifically on its upper forward fuselage section, but the company simply can’t use the process on every kit and keep prices wallet friendly.
As Airfix’s expertise is with plastic injection moulding, the firm had to outsource production of its recent and highly-detailed resin buildings.
As we all know, kits can’t be built properly without instruction sheets and much goes into the production of these, too. Airfix’s Technical Illustrator Richard Petts also relies on CAD to help produce instructions, and in particular uses a package called Isodraw. Richard’s renderings develop in tune with the kit parts themselves, and this does sometimes mean the re-numbering of components to ensure practicality and a logical build process. While being a
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precise process, it’s not without its fun. Richard’s sense of humour has worked its way into the instruction sheet drawings of recent kits; eagle-eyed modellers may have spotted smiles, proper facial features and even spectacles on pilot figure drawings, and this is down to Richard adding his colleagues’ faces to the illustrations! But aside from the drawings themselves, other factors that must be considered include how many colour schemes are in the kit and the number of pages and folds in the instructions (in relationship to box size), which ultimately affects printing costs. One improvement Richard is trialling at present is that of 3D CAD-style drawings (with colour coding), to replace the traditional ‘flat’ artwork.
New heights While many winced at the potential loss of a British institution when Airfix hit economic woes, undoubtedly the best thing that could have happened to the brand
was its purchase by Hornby. Investment and new technology have paved the way for the exciting subjects that are making their way into scale form. But it also takes careful consideration of what’s in the public’s awareness. Martin Ridge said: “We want to grow the marketplace and be topical at the same time. Sometimes an untapped resource makes itself obvious, such as Afghanistan, which prompted our Merlin helicopter kit but also suitable vehicles to accompany it, such as the Coyote and Jackal.” The Central Asian arena is still in the minds of many modellers, and they will be delighted with this year’s new additions which include a British Army Warrior armoured personnel carrier APC with bar armour, and a quad bike with trailer and stretcher. While AMW’s staff are sworn to secrecy regarding 2014 products, one can expect some exciting announcements and kits…it's going to be a bumper year with some ❚ real surprises!
Just a small section of extra tooling ensures that we can now have a kit of the rarer Lancaster Mk.II with radial engines, besides the Merlin-engined B.III (Special) flown by the Dambusters.
SELLING THE STORY Few would argue that the new digital box art by the likes of Adam Tooby is some of the most dynamic seen on Airfix kit packaging. Before Adam commences with his artwork, several factors must be taken into account, such as box size and shape (and how it will be positioned on shop shelves). It can take Adam up to two weeks to complete a piece of box art, after he’s carried out his own research into the subject’s shape, details and markings.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SKILLS SCHOOL PAINTING RAF PILOTS
There are a multitude of acrylic paints available for figure painting (Andrea and Vallejo to name just two), but acrylics are unforgiving for the beginner as they dry very quickly. Therefore oil paints were chosen for this figure because of their extended drying period, which provides enough working time (and the ability to remove paint and start again should things go wrong!). Their ability to blend tones also removes the need to buy many colours.
Sonia Maes imparts valuable techniques for painting RAF pilot figures, via Hawk Miniatures’ 90mm Battle of Britain flyer
FEW THE IN MINIATURE H
ow often do we hear an aircraft modeller say that they would have liked a figure to go with their latest creation, to add an extra dimension? Too many give up because they feel their painting skills are not up to the task…the sentiment being that the poorly-painted figure affects the overall quality of the attendant aircraft build. While figure painting is an art in its own
Oils contain linseed which causes them to dry to a gloss finish…which is often undesirable. The oils were put on kitchen towel 30 minutes before painting, to draw out the oil and ensure a more matt finish.
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Figures often come as a single or two-piece casting and, as a result, require neatening. Therefore, make sure all mould lines are removed and defects filled. If in resin, ensure that all mould release agent is removed with washing-up liquid. The final step is to prime the subject; here it was airbrushed with Vallejo Acrylic Primer. If priming with a paintbrush, dilute the paint and apply it in thin layers.
right, simple and basic techniques are all that are required to enable any aircraft modeller to turn the usual ‘plane on a base’ into a more visually interesting presentation. There are various 1/32 figures available for posing next to aircraft and in cockpits. Here, though, a 90mm figure has been used in order to more clearly show the techniques and results…but 1/32 subjects can be painted in exactly the same way.
Another product worth buying is matt medium: a tiny amount added to the oil paint makes it dry to a dead matt finish, while it also significantly reduces drying time (two hours instead of two days). This bottle was bought from an art shop.
07/05/2013 14:46
SKILLS SCHOOL MODEL SPEC
PAINTING RAF PILOTS BATTLE OF BRITAIN FIGURE By:
Hawk Miniatures
Stock Code: RL/6 Scale:
90mm
Price:
£34.95
Available from: Hawk Miniatures, www.hawkminiatures.co.uk
Always start with the eyes. Real eyeballs are slightly off-white which is achieved by adding a tiny amount of blue. The iris can be brown with a black pupil, but the key is to always ensure that both eyes point in the same direction; sideways is often best. If one has a steady hand, the eyes can be outlined with a darker colour to create more depth.
Lowlights were followed by highlights on the tops of the cheeks, the bottom of the chin, the forehead and upper lip. The two different colours were blended together with a dry brush to provide a smooth transition from light to dark.
Every portion of skin on the model has received a basecoat of the desired mid-tone and is left to thoroughly dry. Any paint spills from when the eyes were painted have also been corrected.
Next were the dark shadows on the hands and face. Shadows were added under the cheek bones, in the eye corners, the side of the nose, under the bottom lip and between the fingers. The edge of the oil paint was feathered to soften the edge of the shadows.
The face was finished by painting the hair, eyebrows and lips. While acrylics could be used for the hair, the same is not possible for the eyebrows and lips, as acrylics cannot be applied over dried oil paint.
Rather than pre-mixing the colours, the two tints are applied to the piece and the boundary between the two is worked so that the paints are blended Here, red and yellow were used to create a smooth orange transition, but the same technique can be employed to create transition between mid-tones and highlights or lowlights.
When choosing a base colour for the face, one should consider the ethnicity of the pilot. For the mid-tone choose a colour appropriate for the desired skin colour. Here all skin tones were created from a mix of four basic oil paints: Winsor & Newton White, Naples Yellow Hue, Alazarin Crimson and Burnt Umber.
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SKILLS SCHOOL PAINTING RAF PILOTS
Consult references for the correct blue-grey shade of the uniform. This will form the base colour and while dedicated acrylics can be purchased, it is possible to mix the correct tint from oil paints…the choice is yours.
As with the technique for painting the face, lowlights were added in the folds while highlights provided additional tonal variation to create depth and bring the uniform to life. It’s akin to pre- and postshading on any aircraft model.
To create even more realism, additional highlights can be applied to the edges of the various materials. Here the edges of the uniform and life jacket received an extra highlight for a more worn-out appearance.
Leather comes in various tones (and looks different depending on light) and therefore the choice of base colour is important. Here, a red-brown colour was desirable and therefore a basecoat of Vallejo Leather Brown was applied. Subsequent coats of oil paint will remain somewhat transparent and the base colour will remain visible.
FIGHTER FATIGUES A staged ‘scramble’ at North Weald by pilots of 56 Squadron. Left to right: Plt Off Rouse, Flt Lt Gifkins, Plt Off Deugo, Sgt Turner.
RAF pilots wore various combinations of uniform prior to and during the Battle of Britain. Illustrated (left), is a Hurricane pilot in typical airman's service dress with 1936 Pattern boots, (right), is a Spitfire pilot in November 1940, with a leather winter jacket over his 1938 Pattern Irvin flying suit. (Illustrations courtesy of Osprey Publishing)
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Sgt Hyde of 66 Squadron, Duxford, early 1940. (Both photos Ken Ellis Collection)
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There’s almost never a matt finish to leather and therefore there was no need to add any of the products described earlier, as the gloss finish was precisely what was sought. The down side, of course, is the extended drying time. Here, a single oil layer of Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna already provided the rich tonal variety that leather always displays.
The finishing touches have been applied. Clasps on the life jacket were painted a metallic colour, with an oil wash applied to the edges to create depth. This technique was also applied to the buttons on the uniform. Fur on the boots was painted with acrylics, but received an oil wash to create depth. Finally, all edges on the uniform were outlined with a dark oil wash to ensure additional contrast.
REFERENCE MATERIAL Hurricane Aces 1939-40, by Tony Holmes (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 18), ISBN: 978 1855 325975
Spitfire Mark I/Il Aces 1939-41, by Dr Alfred Price (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 12), ISBN: 978 1855 326279 www.ospreypublishing.com
After the oil had dried, additional highlights and lowlights were added to complete the boots. Oil paints made life easy again because they allowed easy application of thin, transparent coats, which remained easy to blend for a realistic leather finish.
Anyone can do it! So there we are…a realisticlooking pilot figure painted with a minimum of effort. While often the words ‘oil paint’ are enough to make grown modellers quiver with angst, in reality mastering a few basic techniques will quickly produce excellent results. Don’t forget that oils can be mixed easily so one doesn’t need to buy many colours. By following these simple steps, any 1/32 RAF pilot can be turned into a convincing support piece for a Spitfire or ❚ Hurricane build. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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IN FOCUS TYPHOON IB
Malcolm V. Lowe examines the career of the formidable Hawker Typhoon close-support aircraft in the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force during the latter part of World War Two
tank kille erial supremacy above the battlefield can literally be a war winner, and in the specialised role of tactical close-support, Britain’s Royal Air Force operated a potent and impressive warplane during the latter stages of World War Two. This was the Hawker Typhoon, which came to be a highly important weapon in the hands of specialised squadrons that operated within the very successful RAF organisation that was tasked with close air support and tactical operations in north-west Europe, the 2nd Tactical Air Force (2nd
a
The Typhoon was strong and could take much battle damage, as shown by this No.182 Squadron example, JR427, which returned home with a large hole in its port wing. (via John Batchelor)
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TAF). The Typhoon is rightly regarded as one of the greatest close-support aircraft in aviation history, but ironically it began life purely as a fighter. It also had a less than easy development. The creation of this formidable and charismatic close-support aircraft dated back as far as 1937. At that time the iconic Hurricane fighter was under development by Hawker Aircraft, Limited, and was about to enter front-line service. With re-armament gathering pace in Britain in the face of the growing threat of Nazi Germany, Hawker’s talented and forward-
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IN FOCUS TYPHOON IB A rocket-equipped Typhoon Mk.IB, EK497, illustrates the ‘car door’ type cockpit entry with heavily-framed cockpit canopy used on early production aircraft. (Hawker Aircraft Ltd.)
Usually 2nd TAF rocket-equipped Typhoons carried four 3in rockets under each wing, but the little-used installation shown here allowed 12 to be carried, six below each wing. (via John Batchelor)
airframe and most notably with the Sabre engine, put back the full-scale service introduction of the Typhoon to 1942, initial deliveries having been made from the previous September onwards at first to the RAF’s No.56 Squadron. The type featured a very thick-section wing, which had great structural strength, provided considerable room for internal fuel tanks and a heavy 20mm cannon armament, and helped the aircraft to be a steady weapons
platform. It could also take a considerable amount of battle damage. With this wing, the type was eventually found to perform best at low- to medium altitude. Indeed, the excellent low-level performance of the Typhoon ultimately resulted in its use for the fighter-bomber role in which it excelled. In fact the Typhoon eventually performed particularly well when employed in close-in, ground-attack work, providing close air support for Allied ground forces.
ler
looking designers were already committed to the creation of a possible more powerful successor to the Hurricane. In designing what eventually grew into the Typhoon, Sydney Camm and his design team at Hawker basically sought to put into production an advanced fighter, which would be powered by a similarly advanced and very powerful engine. This new power plant was the Napier Sabre 24-cylinder liquid-cooled H-section engine, at that time a very advanced, powerful, but unfortunately troublesome beast. The first prototype Typhoon flew on February 24, 1940. However, development delays with the
A 2nd TAF ‘Bombphoon’ with black and white underwing ‘Invasion’ stripes is worked on in this posed picture, with what appears to be a ‘dust’ filter within its ‘chin’ air intake. (Malcolm V. Lowe Collection)
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IN FOCUS TYPHOON IB so effectively. This was even under the austere maintenance conditions encountered on airfields and temporary landing strips on the Continent after D-Day, where the Typhoons eventually operated with
for low-level operations. A very serious problem for the Typhoon series concerned airframe structural problems around the tailplane, with several early aircraft being lost in accidents. Eventually a structural strengthening
Apparently parked amongst civilian buildings, Typhoon IB JP672 is actually being serviced in front of cleverly-camouflaged ex-Luftwaffe hangars at Melsbroek in Belgium, September 1944. (via John Batchelor)
Development problems Unfortunately, despite being a rugged and powerful aircraft, the Typhoon suffered from a number of problems. A significant and continuing difficulty surrounded the Napier Sabre engine, which proved troublesome and required considerable additional development work from its Typhoon IB MN413 of the Canadian-manned No.440 Squadron is lifted by crane after a belly landing in manufacturer. Eventually it Normandy. It was repaired and later returned to squadron service. (via John Batchelor) did mature into a powerful, mainly reliable engine, but in the early days engine engine to work on or maintain, such effectiveness. The Sabre modification, ‘Mod 286’, had fires and overheating were and it is a credit to the hardIIA engine of some 2,180 hp to be instituted, which major underlying problems, worked ground crew members (1,626 kW) became standard involved the fitting of together with difficulties in on Typhoon squadrons that for the Typhoon, this giving prominent metal ‘fishplates’ the type considerable power around the rear fuselage starting. It was never an easy the type eventually worked ‘transport’ joint ahead of the tailplane. Carbon Monoxide ingress into the cockpit was another major issue for the Typhoon series, which was partly alleviated by the addition of revised exhausts but was another consideration that was a perennial problem for the Typhoon. Early Typhoons were unusual in having a ‘car door’ type entry for the pilot, with a heavily-framed cockpit canopy, but later aircraft had a conventional and very well-designed rearwardssliding ‘teardrop’ cockpit canopy which was easier for pilot entry and exit, and also considerably improved pilot Photographed around the time of D-Day in June 1944 when the Typhoons wore full black and white visibility. The main production ‘Invasion’ stripes, this Typhoon was part of the large contingent based at RAF Holmsley South in mark of the type was the Hampshire. (Norman Austin via FONFA) Typhoon IB, with the Gloster
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IN FOCUS TYPHOON IB Aircraft Company being the major sub-contractor in the Typhoon production series. As with many World War Two aircraft types, a final total for Typhoon manufacture is open to conjecture, especially when clouded by the addition of related development and prototype airframes, and the refurbishment of older airframes, but most historians agree that the total was slightly over 3,300 examples. Further development of the basic Typhoon design led to the Hawker Tempest, potentially the most potent and arguably the fastest piston-engined fighter that the Royal Air Force employed in combat during World War Two. This aircraft, although powered by the same Napier Sabre engine, suffered few of the Typhoon’s woes. Indeed, in September 1943 Hawker initially trialled the use of the Tempest’s improved tailplane shape and design for fitting to the Typhoon, and some of the later production Typhoons featured this modification. It potentially improved the handling of the Typhoon while carrying heavy loads.
Important service The power and prowess of the Typhoon was obvious even in the early days of its service with the RAF. Although it proved disappointing as a Hurricane replacement in the pure fighter role, especially at medium to high-altitude, it did prove capable at lower levels. When Germany’s Luftwaffe introduced the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter and fighter-bomber into service during the latter half of 1941, the Typhoon was found to be the only RAF fighter at that time capable of catching on equal terms the German aircraft at low altitudes. The Typhoon therefore secured a new role as a low-altitude interceptor, and continued in this capacity well into 1943 while chasing low-level Fw 190 raids on the south coast of England. A lesser-known early role of the Typhoon was that of night-fighter. The type was tried out as an interim, non radar-equipped night-fighter from the summer of 1942, with Nos. 1, 257 and 486 Squadrons being intended to use the type for this specialised form of warfare.
2nd tactical air force Successor to Army Co-operation Command, the RAF’s 2nd TAF was formed during 1943, with many of its air assets based in southern England. Its most important leader was Arthur Coningham, who became its commanding officer in January 1944. Coningham had great experience of the type of operations required for supporting fast moving ground warfare due to his command of Allied air assets in the Mediterranean, where many of the close-support ideas that came to be so important for 2nd TAF were originally pioneered and perfected. These included the ‘cab rank’ system for close air support, with aircraft already airborne waiting to be called on at short notice by ground observers to attack specific targets. The Typhoon became the backbone of 2nd TAF’s close air support effort. It was certainly the most effective aerial counter to German heavy tanks, although significant losses were suffered by the Typhoons on low-level tactical missions, especially to German light flak. Following D-Day in June 1944 2nd TAF’s air elements moved to the Continent, to provide close cover for the advancing Allied armies from specially-prepared advanced landing grounds and captured former Luftwaffe airfields. The large-scale Luftwaffe attack on Allied airfields on the Continent, Operation Bodenplatte, on January 1, 1945, saw 2nd TAF suffer serious losses on the ground, but these were soon made up with attrition replacements.
Early ‘car door’ Typhoon IB, EK139 coded HH-N of No.175 Squadron being armed with light-coloured practice bombs during 1943. (Hawker Aircraft Ltd.)
RAF Holmsley South in Hampshire was a major base for 2nd TAF Typhoons prior to D-Day. This accident at the airfield involved Typhoon IB JR142 HH-D of No.175 Squadron. (Norman Austin via FONFA).
In the event the Typhoon was only used for a short time in this role, although the type’s wide-track main undercarriage made it ideal for safe night landings. One ‘car door’ type Typhoon was actually fitted with Airborne Interception radar as a Typhoon NF.IB, and was found to be passable in this role, but the increasingly widespread use of the excellent de Havilland Mosquito as a night-fighter made the Typhoon surplus to this task. Able to carry almost as much payload as a medium bomber, but capable of more accurately delivering it onto point targets, the contribution of the Typhoons to the
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IN FOCUS TYPHOON IB
In dry periods, Normandy can become very dusty, as shown by this Typhoon IB of No.198 Squadron on an advanced landing ground in northern France after D-Day. Some Typhoons were fitted with ‘dust’ or ‘tropical’ filters due to the dry conditions. (Malcolm V. Lowe Collection)
Allied aerial close-support effort in the latter stages of World War Two cannot be overemphasized. Following on from the initial, less than exceptional initial service of the Typhoon in the latter half 1941, by 1943 the type had matured into a much more effective warplane. It subsequently gave sterling – and on several occasions absolutely vital – service to RAF and Commonwealth units in 2nd Tactical Air Force. The type started to equip 2nd TAF squadrons from the start of that organisation’s existence, with several squadrons already Typhoon-equipped by late 1943 and flying operations against targets on the Continent – including Nos.181, 182 and 247 Squadrons at RAF Merston, and Nos. 174, 175 and 245 at RAF Westhampnett. Subsequently the 2nd TAC Typhoon element considerably expanded, with an increasingly large number of airfields in southern England being used. These included important bases in Hampshire such as RAF Hurn (now Bournemouth Airport) and RAF Holmsley South. Various ‘rhubarb’ low-level operations were flown over the Continent, but important specific targets included suspected V-1 launch sites. During 1943 Typhoon wings were ‘plumbed’ and adapted to carry cylindrical 45gallon (205litre) underwing fuel tanks, increasing the Typhoon’s range from some 690 miles
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(1,110 km) to up to 1,090 miles (1,754 km). This enabled Typhoons to operate deeper into France, the Netherlands and Belgium. Some units,
unfolded. They were involved in all the major, and smaller, actions that subsequently took place. Close support of Allied ground units was vital,
A bomb trolley is used as an improvised transport for 3in rocket projectiles during re-arming of 2nd TAF Typhoons. (via John Batchelor)
such as Nos. 198 and 609 Squadrons, were able to achieve notable success in both air combat and groundattack operations using their longer-range Typhoons. The Typhoon really came into its own during the run-up to the D-Day landings in June 1944, the Invasion itself, and the subsequent operations on mainland Europe that led to ultimate victory in Europe during May 1945. Typhoons of 2nd TAC flew many operations from southern England across to northern France prior to the Allied landings, and were in action daily from June 6, 1944, onwards as the Invasion
and Typhoons were often on hand to deal quickly with German armour and troop concentrations, plus many other targets including rail and road transport, airfields and a vast array of other tactical targets. Perhaps the greatest triumph for the Typhoon was the action on August 7, 1944. This has since been called the ‘Day of the Typhoon’. At that time a major counter-attack had been launched by the Germans in the Mortain and Vire areas of Normandy, which posed a serious threat to Allied forces. On that day Typhoons were particularly prominent amongst Allied air assets in breaking-up the German mechanized advance. Massive destruction was caused by the Typhoons which effectively halted the German attack. Typhoons were later involved in such operations as the famous ‘Falaise Gap’ rout of German ground forces, the ‘Battle of the Bulge’, and the final push into Germany. Unfortunately it has become fashionable in recent times to water-down the successes of the Typhoons by counting the number of German tanks directly destroyed by Typhoons. True, the 60lb (27kg) unguided rockets of the Typhoons were notoriously inaccurate, but this counting misses the point. The arrival of a number of rockets had a major blast effect that would destroy anything in and
effective armament The Typhoon was one of the most effective close-support groundattack aircraft of World War Two. The Typhoon Mk.IB’s heavy internal armament of four wing-mounted 20mm Hispano cannons (two per wing) was supplemented by either bomb or rocket armament, with specific squadrons specialising in either form of weaponry. Originally the Typhoon was cleared to carry one 500lb (227kg) bomb under each wing, but this was increased to one 1,000lb (454kg) beneath each wing during 2nd TAC service, preferably with a change to a fourbladed propeller unit from the initial three-bladed unit. Up to eight RP-3 unguided rockets (four under each wing) was the usual load for rocketfiring units, initially on steel rocket rails although aluminium rails were later available. At least two types of 60lb (27kg) high-explosive heads could be fitted to the 3in (7.62cm) RP-3 rocket bodies by the end of the war. Special training was needed for the specialised roles of the 2nd TAC Typhoon units, with an Armament Practice Camp (APC) being set up for each of the specialities of bomb or rocket armament.
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IN FOCUS TYPHOON IB
The unique radar-equipped trials Typhoon NF.IB R7881 is seen in this view at the RAE, Farnborough probably in the summer of 1943. Aerials related to the radar are visible on the port wing. (via John Batchelor)
around the explosion, and the Germans were not just using heavy tanks but many forms of mechanized weapons and softskinned vehicles, all types of which were easily wrecked by rocket explosions. The effect of a Typhoon strike on the morale of the German forces was also without doubt. Often the sight of a number of Typhoons ready to pounce was enough to send the Germans running for the nearest cover. Armed reconnaissance sorties that were frequently flown by Typhoons over and around the battlefield while
looking for targets, which relied as much on the pilots’ own eyesight for information on potential targets from the ground, were common for the operational Typhoons of 2nd TAF after D-Day. These sorties did not rely on the use of cameras. However, far less well-known about the Typhoon’s career with 2nd TAF was the limited employment of some Typhoons as dedicated, camera-carrying low-level reconnaissance aircraft. This involved the Typhoons concerned being specially adapted to carry wing-mounted
cameras in place of part of the standard 20mm cannon armament. The need for such an aircraft gradually evolved when supplies of the excellent low-level Allison-engined North American Mustang began to dry up as production switched in the US to the well-known Merlin-engined medium and high-altitude later marks of Mustang. The latter were less well suited to low-level reconnaissance and the RAF began looking for an alternative to the dwindling number of available Allison-engined Mustangs. The
A posed but nonetheless interesting view of an early ‘car door’ Typhoon, showing the early-type black and white underwing stripes applied to Typhoons. These were not related to the later ‘Invasion’ stripes. (Hawker Aircraft Ltd.)
Typhoon FR.IB was therefore developed in late 1943/early 1944 for use as a tactical reconnaissance fighter. Few FR.IBs were converted from existing airframes, however, and most served with No. 268 Squadron, starting in July 1944. The aircraft was never popular with the pilots, who preferred the older but far better Mustang Is and IAs, and high-frequency airframe vibration (another enduring Typhoon problem) meant that photos were often blurred. The Typhoon FR.IB was thus eventually phased out. After D-Day 2nd TAF’s Typhoon squadrons moved to the Continent, many being based on German soil by the end of the war having kept up with the advancing Allied ground forces which they did such a sterling job of supporting. As already explained earlier in this feature, continuing development of the Typhoon design led on to the excellent Hawker Tempest fighter, which eventually served alongside the Typhoon in 2nd TAF. The end of the war saw the Typhoon very rapidly withdrawn from front-line service with 2nd TAF, its close-support work well and ❚ truly done.
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Reformed on October 30, 1939 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron; initially a Spitfire squadron until 1941 converted to the Hawker Typhoon in early 1942. By the time of the D-Day landings in 1944; now serving as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force's 146 Wing, 266 Squadron pilots provided close-air support for the army in the Normandy area. Often being called in to attack retreating German armour with 1,000lb (454kg) bombs or 3in 60lb (27kg) Rocket Projectiles (RP-3) fitted with high explosive (HE) or semi-armour piercing (SAP) warheads.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB
broadside D
eveloped by Hawker as a fighter for the RAF, the Typhoon proved its value not in its intended role but as a fearsome ground-attack aircraft. Early versions were equipped with three-bladed propellers and car door-type entry to the cockpit. While perfectly suited to the role, the type was improved in several ways to refine the design; these included revised
tail planes, rudder, fuselage strengthening, a four-bladed propeller and removal of the car door access in favour of a conventional sliding bubble canopy. The Typhoon’s real menace was in its firepower. Armed with four 20mm cannon, the aircraft could also carry eight rocket projectiles or two bombs of either 250lb (113kg) or 500lb (226kg). While flying low-level missions over occupied Europe to
attack trains, supply convoys and armoured vehicles, the Typhoon unleashed its stunning firepower with devastating effect.
Plastic heaven As the most outstanding ground-attack aircraft in service with the RAF during the final years of World War Two, the Hawker Typhoon has for many been a popular modelling subject. There have
MODEL SPEC
Peter Fearis offers an exclusive test-shot build of Airfix’s new Hawker Typhoon… and reckons it’s now the best on the market
Cockpit sidewalls were painted with Xtracrylix XA1010 Grey Green.
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HAWKER TYPHOON IB By:
Airfix
Stock Code: A02041 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£7.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
To promote depth, moulded detail was picked out with matt black followed by dry-brushed silver. Humbrol Weathering Powders were then used to add grime.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB been several models in various scales over the years to satisfy their requirements. When Airfix announced a new tooling of the Typhoon, many modellers were excited at the prospect of this kit. Until now perhaps the best 1/72 scale offering was Academy’s, although Brengun’s recent kit is respectable…but it’s now time to pass on the title! Moulded in the now customary grey plastic the mouldings are perhaps even finer than recent new tooling from Airfix. With 72 parts, the kit’s construction followed 18 stages that were relatively easy to follow. Two RAF colour schemes were included on the Cartograf decal sheet and the markings were in perfect register.
The main interior components were painted and weathered, in readiness for assembly.
decal options The two 2nd Tactical Air Force colour schemes included with Airfix’s new Typhoon comprise: • MP126/ZY-Y, Squadron Leader Basil ‘Stapme’ Stapleton DFC, 247 Squadron RAF, Eindhoven, Netherlands, December 1944 • RB281/5V-X, Flying Officer AH ‘Hugh’ Fraser, 439 (Westmount) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Eindhoven, February 1945 Sqn Ldr Stapleton was one of World War Two’s most outstanding and colourful fighter pilots, who found fame in Spitfires, then Hurricanes, before he assumed ground-attack duties in the Typhoon. Airfix has portrayed accurately his cheeky ‘Excreta Thermo’ nose art. F/O Hugh Fraser was one of two Typhoon pilots who, on February 14, 1945, each ‘downed’ a Messerschmitt Me 262 of KG 51.
Let it begin The proceedings started with the seat and armour protection; both were well detailed and the seat even had an embossed representation of leather padding. Detailed painting instructions called for these items to be painted in Interior Grey-Green, the lower section of the back plate in matt black and the seat padding in leather. Once dry the sub-assembly was given a wash created from Humbrol’s new weathering powders to accentuate the embossing. All that needed to be added to complete the seat was the addition of harnesses. Attention then turned to the rest of the interior construction. For the instrument panel Airfix supplied a decal, but this prompted a conundrum. While void of moulded detail on the main panel,
When painted and given a colour wash, the kit seat assembly was a fine representation of the original; all that was needed was a set of belts.
The detail was very good and with dry brushing, the results were excellent. It would be difficult to see how after-market items could improve on the kit parts here.
the smaller lower sections had raised detail; the decal sported detail for the main area but lacked features for the lower portions. The ideal solution was to remove the lower part of the decal, below the white line, and dry-brush the moulded embellishment. Interior areas of the fuselage halves, along with the upper surface of the wheel bay, were painted in
the same Interior Grey-Green as used on the seat. The wheel bays each carried an ejector pin mark that needed careful removal. Airfix confirmed that the ejector position was vital in these areas because if not used, the runner would not release from the mould properly…a small sacrifice for very fine detail. The instructions called for the top of the wheel bay to
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB Tape was used to hold the rear of the fuselage together firmly while the glue dried, but a clamp proved useful for the nose.
Blu-Tack proved excellent as a plug to hold the parts in position while the glue dried, being flexible and easy to remove.
At this stage it proved wise to enjoy the view, because once the fuselage halves were joined little would be visible.
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be painted in Medium Sea Grey but this did not seem to tally with the rest of the interior. Humbrol Weathering Powders were used once again to add grime and dirt to the interior, to add depth, and then the rudder pedals and control column were attached. Before closing the fuselage the radiator needed to be painted and attached to the forward end of the wheel bay. The main section should be painted with gunmetal and drybrushed with silver to pick out the detail, while the centre body of the filter should be painted aluminium. For the joining of these parts Airfix moulded a notch so the centre component fitted in the correct
position, but be warned…the fit is very tight! Attachment of the radiator to the wheel bay proved positive, with location lugs to guide positioning and the finished assembly looked most convincing. The interior of the wheel bay could then be painted and weathered. Airfix recommended Medium Sea Grey, but research steered towards aluminium. Stages 6 and 7 referred to mating the fuselage halves, but it was here that a small problem surfaced during dryfitting. Due to the tight tolerances there was a slight gap just forward of the cockpit opening; this just required a very easy fix, in that
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB two swipes with a sanding stick on the sides of the instrument panel produced the correct fit. Attachment of the wheel bay assembly was quite tricky, as one needed to feed the control column through the space between the seat and instrument panel. Airfix engineered the assembly in a very clever way - the forward section of the wheel bay formed the roof of the intake (to hold the parts in place accurately until the glue had dried, Blu-Tack was used as padding). Where the bay touched the wing root, liquid cement was applied and allowed to dry properly. One last item whose detail was somewhat soft was the
tail wheel. Demarcation between the wheel and tyre was very hard to discern but the part also needed to be fitted at this stage. The other half of the fuselage could then be attached and taped. A Berna clamp was used around the radiator intake to hold the parts together during drying.
Rapid progress With the fuselage together two things became apparent: how little could be seen through the cockpit opening and how quickly construction would then progress. At this point one section of the instruction sheet was put on hold until later, namely the insertion
Dymo tape made a good guide for removal of the cannon bay covers. For surgery such as this, it’s always wise to use a new blade to avoid damage to the plastic. A series of slow careful cuts will ensure no damage to the wing's surface.
In haste the cannon details were added to the lower wing; this was not how Airfix instructed the modeller to proceed, because they should have been attached to the upper wings.
of the exhaust stacks. These would be painted and added after the colour scheme was completed. The tail surfaces were added and care was taken to ensure they sat at 90° to the fin. It was then time to move onto the wings. A decision had to be made as to which armament fit would be carried and the appropriate holes were opened in the lower wing. With the navigation light added the lower wing was attached.
This was quite a complex task at the root but there were a set of very positive locators where the wheel bay fitted to aid this. The inside of the lower wing needed to be painted aluminium at this stage if one planned to open one or both of the cannon bays; this was not mentioned in the instructions. Airfix offered yet another innovation on this model...detailed cannon bays. These had to be attached to the inside of the upper wings if they were to be displayed. To allow the internal detail to be seen the appropriate access panels on the
After careful trimming one was left with a large hole in the wing. Airfix offered the best solution for this option in that if one doesn’t want an open bay, one is not confronted with inserts that can on occasion be problematic.
The painted detail looked every bit the part. Detailers could, if they wish, add additional embellishment.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB
wings needed to be removed prior to attachment of the bay details. To achieve this, a new scalpel blade was run along with either a steel rule or Dymo tape as a guide. The bays could then be attached and painted as per the instructions. The detail was quite exquisite and perfectly acceptable for most modellers. A word of warning is necessary, though. The
upper wings were attached to the runner with what looked like thick attachment points, but these were in fact anchor points for attachment to the fuselage. At this point, should one decide to display the gun bays, the instructions called for the folded covers to be added but this was best left until the colour scheme had been completed. Smaller sub-assemblies
Portions of dish-washing sponge and tape were perfect for sealing openings, to protect from overspray.
were then tackled and put aside for later stages. These items included the undercarriage, wheels, door covers and propeller. With most of the assembly completed it was time to plug the openings ready for the model to be primed. One of the most useful items for this was the humble dishwashing sponge. Small pieces were torn or cut off and inserted into various orifices, without causing damage (one sponge goes a long way). The model was primed with Humbrol Grey Primer and allowed to dry before being inspected for areas that needed further attention. Very little filler was required…just mere swipes along the wing-to-fuselage join. This may well have been down to accidental removal of the locating pins. For filling these small gaps, Delux Materials’ Perfect Plastic Putty was employed. This filler can be smoothed flush with a damp cotton bud while setting, and eliminated
the need for sanding. When satisfied, a second coat of primer was applied and allowed to dry.
War paint It was now time for what many consider the most enjoyable part of a build, applying the colour scheme. Some modellers do not favour the pre-shading technique but this modeller generally finds it simple and effective. Panel lines were airbrushed with matt black to give the whole model the appearance of a patchwork quilt. Before starting the camouflage, certain areas such as wing leading edges and wing roots were misted with aluminium. Humbrol Maskol applied randomly by sponge would simulate chipped areas when removed later. Rather than use the decals for the invasion stripes these were painted, starting with matt white. After sufficient drying time, Tamiya masking tape was cut to the correct width and
The model received a coat of Humbrol grey primer. This was an important stage as any defects in the build or mouldings that required attention would be revealed.
Pre-shading of the panel lines added depth to the finished scheme, and was simple to apply. The technique was used on the whole airframe.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB Next for application (if one plans to paint these details rather than use the decals) was the Sky fuselage band.
First to be applied was the white for the D-Day identification stripes. Care was taken not to cover the pre-shading too heavily or the effect would be lost. The areas required to be white, along with the Sky band, were masked. To obtain accurate width between the bands, a piece of the tape was employed as a spacer.
Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black was used in preference to pure black, as it gave a scale effect. When dry these areas were masked to allow application of Medium Sea Grey.
All the masking was removed and the Typhoon really started to come to life.
positioned where the white needed to remain, prior to Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black being applied. This colour gave a good, slightly faded rendition of black in this scale. With the invasion stripes added
and masked, the sky fuselage band was next for application. It was then time to apply the camouflage, which started with the lower surfaces. With Tamiya XF-83 Medium Sea Grey, heavier coats were applied between the panel lines but with a lighter rendering over the pre-shading. Once dry, Tamiya tape was used to
define the demarcation between the upper and lower surfaces. By referring to the instructions and using a soft pencil, the camouflage pattern was set. The first colour was Tamiya XF-82 Ocean Grey, and then Tamiya XF-81 Dark Green was airbrushed freehand to finish the scheme. All that remained was to mask for the yellow leading edge
ID strips and paint them. While the airframe dried the canopy and windshield were removed from the runner and masked. These items were very clear and thin; it’s advisable to remove them with a fine razor saw to avoid damage. Masking was conducted
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB with self-adhesive vinyl used by sign makers (it’s thin, flexible and cuts perfectly), and the remaining area was covered with Maskol. After painting the framework with Interior GreyGreen, the transparencies were attached to the fuselage, after which the exterior colours were applied. ‘Ageing’ of the airframe came next, via a mix of Humbrol Weathering Powders. Once done the areas where the Maskol had been applied were gently rubbed away to show the aluminium paint below.
Adding the markings With the aid of pencil lines drawn on the upper surfaces, Tamiya XF-82 Ocean Grey was the first upper colour to be airbrushed. The canopy was masked and ready to be attached to the fuselage. For the contrasting colour, Tamiya XF-81 Dark Green was airbrushed freehand. Do not worry if the paint is not too dense…it will add variation to the finished model and act as weathering, but don’t overdo it.
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Before decal application the whole model received two coats of new Humbrol Clear, which was superb and every bit as good as the original Johnson’s floor treatment of the same name. Decals were very comprehensive and well printed by Cartograf, a bold and excellent direction for Airfix. Humbrol Decalfix solution was used and all the markings went on perfectly and conformed to all the panel lines, with no signs of silvering. Do note that if the cannon bays are to be open the upper wing roundels must be allowed to dry properly before trimming. Once all the decals were on and given time to dry, the model was wiped over to remove any excess decal solution before being given a coat of matt varnish.
On finals After being side-lined earlier it was now time to add the subassemblies to the main airframe. The undercarriage legs and wheels were very neat, but delicate affairs that needed careful handling. Next was the attachment of the wheel bay covers, which were suitably weathered to match the rest of the airframe. Rocket rails (the weapons chosen for this build) followed and care was taken to ensure that each hung vertically before the actual projectiles, painted Olive Drab, were glued into place. Suitably painted exhaust stubs were finally attached and last, but by no means least, was the propeller and spinner assembly. The back plate, propeller tips and spinner were painted yellow, the reasoning behind this
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD TYPHOON IB
reference Perfect for anyone building Airfix’s new Typhoon is the splendid fourvolume set 2nd Tactical Air Force, by Christopher Shores and Chris Thomas (Classic Publications). Vol.1 ISBN: 1-903223-40-7 Vol.2 ISBN: 1-903223-41-5 Vol.3 ISBN: 1-903223-60-1 Vol.4 ISBN: 978-1-906537-01-2 The Typhoon is just one of many aircraft covered, but the fascinating pilots’ accounts, mission/claims lists, colour profiles and stunning photographs, along with details of units, camouflage and markings, and tactics all marry to provide the ultimate reference on the subject.
being clear on the instructions; the tip of the spinner needed to be yellow. By using a punch of the correct size, a small disc was cut in a portion of tape and stuck in position before the spinner was painted red. Propeller tips were masked and the blades painted matt black. Scale sheen was given to the blades by rubbing them between thumb and forefinger. The back plate, propeller and spinner were then joined ready to be fitted into position. The instructions called for a shaft to
be passed through a plug and the whole assembly glued to the propeller, before its addition. This made for an extremely tight fit and it is advisable to push the plug into the fuselage first. All that then needed to be done was to remove the masking from the canopy.
A storming kit The new Airfix tooling of the Typhoon raises the bar substantially. It’s well designed, well detailed and looks every bit the tough beast the original was. A coat of Humbrol’s new Clear product readied the airframe for decals.
With this offering any modeller can produce a replica to savour, and advanced modellers would find little to improve unless they wished to pursue the superdetailing route. This kit certainly captures the crown for being the best Typhoon currently on the market, as it offers great detail and value for money. Indeed, what it does promote is the hunger to see how much further Airfix can go with its blossoming range. Would this modeller build more ❚ Typhoons?...too right! All the decals were finally in place. They were of excellent quality and settled well with use of Humbrol’s Decalfix, with no silvering in evidence.
The painted wheels and propeller (yet to be assembled) were among the last items to add.
With excess decal solution washed off, the whole model was treated to a coat of Testors’ Matt lacquer, which dried quickly and provided a wonderful finish.
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ON THE ROAD SHOREHAM AEROJUMBLE 2013
By midday the tent was packed with aviation enthusiasts looking for a bargain. It was clear that the whole day had been a great success!
An original Hawker Hurricane instrument panel surrounded by associated dials and throttle levers. Something for everyone!
Certainly a 'blast from the past' the original 1/72 Airfix C-130 Hercules complete with Bloodhound missile and associated RAF personnel.
Reference books and model kits as far as the eye can see. This was just one corner of the main tent at the aerojumble. (All images Key - Glenn Sands)
had been watching the weather all week and as the weekend drew near it looked like it would be dry, really cold but dry! That was good enough for me and so Saturday morning it was the long drive down from Lincolnshire to West Sussex for the annual Shoreham Aerojumble. Money had been set aside but there was no ‘wish list’…it was just a case of wait and see and a vague recollection of some secondhand books that I wanted to study if spotted. Despite the early start and biting wind, I was checking out the stands by 8am and looking for items, namely colour slides, USAFE patches
flew by and somehow I had still managed to spend most of my cash. Simon Watson from The Aviation Bookshop had a number of new titles on show and, being a fan of the Douglas Skyraider, I couldn’t ignore the chance to purchase a French tome on Chad and Algerian combat operations - and have been dipping into it between deadlines ever since. Of course there were a few models purchased, a cheap Revell Privateer for a future Cold War project and an Italeri weapons set – always handy as it included a number of anti-ship missiles which will save robbing Starfighter kits in the stash. But somehow I ended up finding many of the second-hand books
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from the 1970/80s and any cheap 1/72 Monogram B-36 Peacemakers (I’m having a Strategic Air Command phase at the moment!). Events such as these are fascinating as one never knows what will crop up. While I managed to pick up a few reasonably priced slides (the search continues), the morning
Some of my spoils from the day! An Italeri weapons set and a book on the Lockeed T2V-1/T-1A Seastar.
I was after for bargain prices – this is what the Aerojumble is all about. As I loaded these into the back of the car, I knew the long drive had been well worth it. In my mind, the kettle was already on, the armchair ready and it would be a relaxing Sunday afternoon gradually working my way through the small pile of books that I’d acquired. I also found a few friends from the local model club, where upon the aviation and kit talk last for over an hour, and only paused for coffee to keep warm out on the airfield. It was yet another great Shoreham Aerojumble organised by Andy Saunders and, as I hit the motorway for the return drive north, I knew that next year I’d be back for more. Assuming that there’s some space left on the bookshelves at home that is! ❚ Glenn Sands
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ON THE ROAD RAF COSFORD MODEL SHOW 2013
The owner of this gorgeous 1/72 Dornier Do 17 wasn't on hand to say which kit he'd used, but the weathering and paint finish were admirable.
Graham Taylor of Midlands MAFVA/Leicester Modellers did a fine job on this cool vignette, which matched a stunning 1/35 KV-2 with a railway flatbed.
Hulk smash!...Universal Model Society's Martin Abraham worked wonders with this Toybiz snap-together kit of Marvel's famous character. The scene was scratch built.
This beautiful Airfix 1/72 Stirling got the full re-scribing and weathering treatment from Bomber Command SIG member Neil Woodhall.
ith glorious spring weather finally in evidence it seemed almost a crime to be indoors…but those who visited the Shropshire Modellers Show experienced a truly enjoyable event. Set among the exhibits of the RAF Museum Cosford, every nook and cranny seemed to be filled with a model club table or trader. Airfix Marketing boss Darrell Burge and his crew were inundated with modellers wanting to know more about future releases…and to view built test shots of the forthcoming 1/72 Lancasters. Other models were on show too, such as the expected 1/48 Warrior armoured personnel carrier with bar armour. It was a decidedly busy show and the many traders,
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Norman Otty's 200mm US paratrooper from the 505th PIR displayed enviable oil painting and shading skiills.
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such as Model Craft, Little Cars, A2Zee and others, seemed to be packing carrier bags for much of the day. Of course, there were plenty of under-the table bargains at club stands, and the sheer number of those attending was impressive. Even IPMS Serbia took the trouble to exhibit and displayed fine examples of interesting aircraft such as the Orao and Jastreb. Figure modellers would have been delighted with the presence of Mitch’s Military Models, whose 200mm British Task Force Black soldier (expertly sculpted by Maurice Corry) drew admiring glances and encouraged wallets to open. As for built models, Cosford attracted real talent with a huge variety of quality subjects on club and Special Interest Group (SIG) stands.
Appropriately, Special Scheme and Harrier SIGs displayed in front of 1 Squadron’s Harrier with its attractive retirement tail. Other clubs in attendance included IPMS branches from Leicester and Bolton, St Athan Scale Model Club and the Airfix Modelling SIG. Cosford is an inspiring venue for a model show; who could fail to be impressed with the Cold War hangar with its Lightning zooming straight up, and a Sabre hanging from the ceiling almost inverted? Many modellers had smiles on their faces, and the look of wonder shown by young visitors engaged by the stunning exhibits, both real and plastic, was heart-warming. This friendly West Midlands show was a winner on all fronts. ❚ Chris Clifford
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BATTLE AND BUILD 1ST CANADIAN ARMOURED BRIGADE An 11 CAR Sherman V in the ruins of Ortona, in December 1943; the number of 75mm spent cases indicate the tank has been in one spot for some time, while the commander operating head-out would indicate that he feels the danger from snipers is not pressing.
Steve Guthrie concludes his examination of the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade, with a focus on 1943-45
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fter the defeat of Erwin Rommel’s Deutsche Afrika Korps forces in Tunisia, the Allies decided the next objective would be Sicily and then Italy. This would eliminate the air threat to Allied Mediterranean convoys and hopefully knock Italy out of the war; in turn it was hoped that the Germans would withdraw troops from the Russian front to replace Italian forces no longer available to defend their country.
A
During discussions over the invasion of Sicily, the Canadian Government insisted that Canadian Army units be allowed to take part. This was a departure from the government’s original concept that the Canadian Army should remain intact in Britain as the main striking force for the eventual cross-Channel invasion of continental Europe. But there was growing pressure on the government by citizens to get the Canadians into action. By 1943, some units had been training in
the UK for three years while other Dominion forces including those of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India had been war fighting since 1940. The planners agreed and substituted the 1st Canadian Infantry Division (1 CID) and 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade (1 CATB) for the British 3rd Infantry Division and 33rd Armoured Brigade, as part of the 8th Army. It’s unclear whether the two Canadian formations expected to go into action together and remain alongside each other throughout the campaign. What was clear, was that they were to gain combat experience then return to the UK to help train units there. As it turned out, 1 CATB spent as much time supporting British and Indian infantry units as those from Canada and only returned to the UK after the war was almost over.
Italian-bound Shermans In early May 1943, the regiments of 1 CATB were issued with new Sherman Vs and training began
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BATTLE AND BUILD 1ST CANADIAN ARMOURED BRIGADE immediately for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. Around the same time, the units also turned in their Daimler Scout Cars for Canadian-built Ford Lynx Scout Cars. Because it was being sent to the Central Mediterranean Theatre of Operations as part of the 8th Army, the armoured assets in 1 CATB Tank regiments were organised along the same pattern as British Army tank regiments. Regimental HQ had four Sherman tanks. Headquarters Squadron possessed two Trucks, 15-cwt, Armoured (White Scout Cars), a Recce Troop of six Scout Cars and 10 Universal Carriers…and an Intercom troop of eight Scout Cars. After a short period in action, it was decided to replace the Recce Troop entirely with Stuart V light tanks, which had their turrets removed to lower the vehicle’s silhouette and increase speed. Each of the three ‘Sabre’ Squadrons had a Headquarters section with three Shermans and a White Scout Car. Each Squadron had five Troops, each with three Shermans. At Brigade HQ Squadron, there were four Shermans, three Covenanter Bridge Layers (soon replaced by the Valentine BL) and two Armoured Recovery Vehicles (Sherman ARV I). For some reason, Canadian Armoured Corps regiments in Italy had to make do with just two of these vehicles, while those in North Western Europe were equipped with three.
Lynx Scout Car of 14th Army Tank Battalion (The Calgary Regiment) in Catanza, September 1943. The Lynx was built by Ford of Canada and was a copy of the British Daimler ‘Dingo’, but because of construction methods, it was not as fast or nimble. There is no vehicle name seen but there is a tiny HQ Squadron marking between the front vision ports. (All images Library and Archives Canada)
1 CATB vehicles were fully decorated with formation signs, arm of service markings, the red-white-red recognition flash, census numbers, and squadron insignia and, in many cases, vehicle names. Photos show the visibility of the markings was lessened by the amount of accumulated dust, dirt and mud.
‘Adjunct’ of A Squadron, 14 CAR overlooks the town of Potenz during September 1943. This tank carries a disruptive camouflage scheme seen on several 1 CATB Shermans early in the campaign. It appears to be overall Olive Drab with a disruptive pattern in black on the hull and turret. It’s unclear whether the lighter line dividing the colours is paint or dust that’s settled on a ridge of paint.
Into Action The 12th Army Tank Regiment, otherwise known as Three Rivers Regiment (Tank), made the actual beach assault during Operation Husky on July 10, 1943; C Squadron was the first into action and it supported the Carlton and York Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade. A and C Squadrons also assisted the units of the 1st and 2nd Brigade in the attacks on Assoro and Leonforte on July 20. They lost a number of tanks to mines and anti-tank guns, but driver’s quickly learned how to negotiate stony hills and goat tracks and get their tanks into position, where they could support the infantry. 1 CATB’s skill at backing up the foot soldiers, even if the attack was launched over difficult terrain, was soon highly valued by British and Canadian formations. On September 3, 1943 the 11th CTR (Ontario Regiment) and 14th CTR (Calgary Regiment) took part in the invasion of Italy at the straights of Messina but there was little work for the tanks to do, as the narrow mountain roads and extensive
German demolitions made it hard for them to keep up with the infantry. The 11th and 12th CTRs were eventually loaded onto landing craft and taken by sea east around the heel of the boot of Italy, to Manfredonia on the Adriatic. The idea was to meet with the 14th CTR which was travelling by road north with 1 CID. The regiments rarely fought as a unit, as individual squadrons were teamed with infantry, recce and anti-tank units to form all-arms task forces for individual objectives. For example, the commander of 14 CTR, Lt.Col. C.H. Neroutsos created one from his A and B Squadrons, the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards (recce unit for 1 CID), the Royal Canadian Regiment (1st Cdn Infantry Brigade) and supporting units. They were sent to seize the town of Motta Montecorvino and along the way, the tank regiments refined their infantry support techniques. They realised that there was no set drill; that each attack involved a careful evaluation of the role they were to play. There was
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BATTLE AND BUILD 1ST CANADIAN ARMOURED BRIGADE
use a Regimental fitters and Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers personnel V: October Scammell Heavy Breakdown Tractor to change the Chrysler Multibank engine in a Sherman this type with up tied being tractors breakdown to led derricks heavy and cranes of 1943. A shortage of work, to the despair of the recovery crews.
no point in tanks entering a town without eliminating enemy strong points which would hold up the infantry. On this occasion, the tanks got into Motta Montecorvino, but the infantry could not follow due to heavy machine gun and mortar fire and the tanks had to withdraw.
What’s in a name? Even with the brigade in action, administrative details were expected to be followed. In September 1943, Canadian Military Headquarters in England
later presented 12 CAR with his personal pennant as thanks for its support. The next action for 1 CAB was the first of a number of difficult river crossings, which dogged the Allies during their fight up the boot of Italy. A veteran of the campaign interviewed by this author stated: “That’s what I remembered most about the war there; we always seemed to be crossing a river or gorge, with the Germans on the next mountain top trying to drop mortar bombs down the back of our shirt collars.” On December 9, 1943, A Squadron of the Calgarys charged down a steep bank to a diversion across the Moro river called Chit House Crossing, carrying members of D Company of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, their destination the village of San Leonardo. Under furious shell
finally put an end to bickering over the difference between Army Tank Brigades and Armoured Brigades. They ruled that there was, in fact, no difference and therefore, 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade became 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade. Shortly afterward, the designation of the three armoured units of 1 CAB changed from Canadian Tank Regiments to Canadian Armoured Regiments. 1 CAB’s major tank-versus-tank battle occurred on October 6, 1943. A British Commando Brigade had seized the important Destroyed Sherman V of 11 CAR. An internal explosion has flipped the turret upside down, blown out the right sponson floor and separated the upper and lower hulls.
12 CAR Sherman outside of Termoli, October 1943. Note that the stowage on the rear deck is low enough to allow the turret to fully traverse 360 degrees. Note also the use of the letter ‘C’ as a designator rather than the usual hollow circle as seen on turret sides.
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town of Termoli on the Adriatic coast north of the Canadians. The Commandos had been reinforced by infantry units of the British 78th Division and tanks of 2nd County of London Yeomanry, but the 16th Panzer Division was expected to attack in an attempt to wipe out the bridgehead. 12 CAR was sent in to relieve the pressure on the British and spent all day engaged with the Pz.Kpfw. IV F2 tanks of 16 Panzer. The Three Rivers lost five Shermans but destroyed eight Panzers, which forced the Germans to withdraw. The commander of the Irish Brigade of the 78th
fire, they fought their way up the far bank of the river, but lost two Shermans which tumbled off the edge. Another was disabled on a mine and seven more became bogged down. Under Major Nev’ Amy, the remainder accompanied the Seaforths and helped them clear the village. They then spent the next three hours repelling counter-attacks by the Germans. Major Amy received the Military Cross for this action.
Breaking through the barriers To defend Italy against the northward advance of the
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BATTLE AND BUILD 1ST CANADIAN ARMOURED BRIGADE Allies, the Germans built a series of defensive lines across the countryside. The first the Canadians experienced was the Gustav Line, which was anchored on the Adriatic coast near the town of Pascar. But to reach Pascar, they first had to clear the town of Ortona north of the Moro River. 1 CAB now supported a series of battles by Canadian Infantry on the way to Orton, including The Gully, Cider Crossroads and Casa Berardi. Here, four tanks of C Squadron of 11 CAR under Major ‘Snuffy’ Smith and a depleted company of the Royal 22nd Regiment (The Van Doos), under Major Paul Triquet, attacked, cleared and held a battered farmhouse. Triquet was everywhere, checking on his troops, telling them: “Ils ne passeront pas!... they shall not pass. For four days, they fought off attacks by 200 Fallschirmjäger (German paratroopers) supported by tanks, self-propelled guns and mortars. Shermans brought up after dark to replace those knocked out or bogged down delivered supplies of food, water and ammunition. After the battle, Triquet was awarded the
Victoria Cross and Smith the Military Cross. The way was now open to Ortona. For the assault on the town, special efforts were made to ensure effective tank-infantry co-operation. 1 CAB was gaining a reputation for excellence in this area, but it was felt that more could be done. For this battle, tank squadron commanders travelled with the commanding officer of the supported infantry regiment. In addition, an infantry officer rode in the co-driver’s seat of one of the squadron’s tanks, using a 38 radio set installed in the tank, set to the regimental frequency. The attack on the town centre on December 20 was assigned to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, supported by C Squadron of the 12th CAR (Three Rivers Regiment). Shermans acted as mobile pillboxes as the ‘Loyal Eddies’ systematically worked through the streets. Tanks knocked holes in buildings with high-explosive fire and shot up sniper and machine gun posts. Tank commanders working with their heads out of their vehicles maintained constant guard for snipers…and grenades and demolition charges dropped from
A Sikh soldier and destroyed Pz.Kpfw.IV on December 13, 1943. The former was probably with the 3/8th Punjab Regiment, part of 19th Indian Infantry Brigade, 8th Indian Infantry Division. 1 CATB often supported Indian Army infantry units. Notice the vehicle’s finish in dabs of mud, echoing what the Deutsche Afrika Korps used on its original dark grey vehicles in the early battles in North Africa.
rooftops. Luckily the defenders did not have access to hand-held anti-tank weapons such as the Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck,
but mines and the occasional anti-tank gun took their toll. In one case, a Sherman took out an anti-tank gun dug into
C Squadron of the 12th Canadian Army Tank Battalion (Three Rivers Regiment) preparing for Brigade inspection. Trooper E. Sims is in the foreground, arranging tools: October 1943, Lucera, Italy.
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A Lieutenant with 11 CAR grabs lunch while standing by a Sherman fitted with a No.38 radio set beside the co-driver (Liri Valley, May 12, 1944). 1 CAB tanks carried these to ease communication with infantry. Note the American pattern jerry can marked with the tank’s WD number and the condition of the bogies.
the basement of a building by driving into it, to bring down tons of rubble onto the heads of the gun detachment. By December 27, the Germans had had enough and withdrew.
Preparing for the big push The coming months allowed the 1st Canadian Corps to move into rest positions. In January it grew in tank strength with the arrival
of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division. A month later, Brigadier Wyman was among a number of officers from 1 CAB to return to England to relay combat experience to the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, which was preparing for the upcoming D-Day invasion of France. Wyman was replaced as commanding officer by Bill Murphy, a former commander of the 9th CAR (British Columbia Dragoons) which was part of 5 CAD. The spring offensive in the Italian Campaign was to open up the road to Rome and liberate the city. This road snaked through the Liri Valley and bisected two major German defensive positions: the Gustav Line and Hitler Line. Both took advantage of the rocky terrain which was densely punctuated by rivers and streams. To the natural defences, the Germans added minefields, concrete and steel obstacles and hundreds of gun positions, including dozens of Pantherturms (Panther tank turrets armed with the 75mm KwK 42 L/70gun, set into a concrete or steel foundation). Hard to spot and even harder to knock out, they
were to cost the Allies dearly in the fight for the Hitler Line. In preparation for the assault the 8th Army, which included the 1st Canadian Corps, was moved from the Adriatic coast west across the mountains to south of the Liri Valley. The plan of attack up the valley called for 1 CAB to support the infantry in crossing a number of rivers to pierce the Gustav and Hitler lines. 5 CAD would then pass through, leading the charge for Rome. In order to maintain momentum of the armoured units, in April 1944, 1 CAB established an Assault Troop. Equipped with turret-less Stuart tanks, White Scout Cars, jeeps and trucks, the outfit accompanied the recce troop of the lead armoured regiment. Their main tasks were to build temporary bridges and diversions, fill craters and lift mines so that the advance could continue; follow-up engineers would make more permanent repairs. Recognizing the utility of such a unit, 5 CAD created its own Assault Troop in July.
More obstacles On March, 12 CAR took up positions east of Cassino, to
Diamond T 40-ton Tank Transporters from the 1 CAB Workshop are seen carrying tanks of A Squadron, 11 CAR, near Manfredonia in October, 1943. During the winter of 1943-44, the Tank Brigade workshop was ordered to install ‘a simple boom’ in all its Diamond T 980 tractors, so they could act as expedient recovery vehicles.
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A bridge diversion built under shell fire by the Royal Canadian Engineers and named Chit House Crossing, San Leonardo, Italy, December 18, 1943. Canadians had to cross dozens of rivers during the Italian campaign, often under fire from the defenders. If the water was shallow, a simple ford or diversion was used but if not, a Bailey Bridge had to be built.
support British, Polish, Indian and New Zealand units. In one case, Canadian crews took over 12 New Zealand Shermans immobilised in the ruins around Cassino itself. The tanks had to be manned to keep the German defenders under observation but couldn’t be moved, so the crews spent a week in the ruins to give the Kiwis a much needed break. On May 12, 1944, 11 CAR and 14 CAR waited
by tanks of 14 CAR until it was temporarily put out of action by artillery fire. The rest of 14 and 11 CARs crossed on other bridges positioned and in use. But in addition to the shelling and machine gun fire, the tanks then had to face mud and mines in the flats beyond the river; 16 were soon out of action but 14 were eventually recovered by 11 CAR. The next day, the two regiments supported 17 and 19 Indian Infantry Brigades as they fought through the typical countryside of rock, ravines and bad roads. After a brief rest, 11 and 14 CARs were sent to support the British 78th Infantry Division in an assault on the town of Aquino. Just outside the village, they ran into a nest of anti-tank guns dug into a
to cross the Gari River in the first stage of the assault on the Gustav Line. There were four bridges planned; three conventional but the fourth was unique. Bridging operations taking place under enemy fire could lead to heavy casualties among the engineers, so the commander of the Light Aid Detachment assigned to 14 CAR came up with a new idea. Captain Tony Kingsmill built
A Sherman V of 11 CAR passes a 20mm anti-aircraft gun position of the Saskatoon Light Infantry. This unit was the Medium Machine Gun Battalion in the 1st Canadian Infantry Division. At this time it was equipped with 4.2in mortars and 20mm guns, as well as Vickers medium machine guns. Ortona, January 7, 1944.
The crew of an 11 CAR Sherman Ic Firefly on a railway flatcar, en route from Italy to North West Europe, Mouscron, Belgium, March 24, 1945. (L-R) Troopers E.D. Gyles, J.R. Simmons, A.J. Cartner, Harry Clark. 21 Army Group tank regiment War Establishments allowed for more tanks than the 8th Army. 1 CAB regiments were issued with more Fireflies when they reached the Netherlands.
an 82ft (25m) Bailey Bridge, mounted across the top of a de-turreted Sherman. The aft end of the bridge was attached to a second Sherman fitted with a pusher bracket. On that morning, Capt. Kingsmill walked in front of the bridge as the two Shermans headed for the river, under a hail of mortar, machine gun and rifle fire. The first turret-less tank drove into the water and stopped midstream, supporting the bridge, while the second tank pushed the bridge the rest of the way across until it touched the far bank, at which point it dropped the rear end into place and backed away. Known as Plymouth Bridge, it was used
cemetery, and lost 12 tanks to gunfire, although every tank had been struck by anti-tank fire at least once. A few days later, it was the turn of 12 CAR. Supporting the 1st Canadian Infantry Division along the Aquino-Pontecorvo road, they charged through a dug-in anti-tank position which was littered with the smoking remains of British Churchill tanks knocked out in an earlier action. Carrying troops from West Nova Scotia Regiment, 12 CAR broke through the line of guns and thence through the Hitler Line, supporting the infantry as they dug in and held the position until relieved.
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BATTLE AND BUILD 1ST CANADIAN ARMOURED BRIGADE
Winding down Unlike their comrades fighting in North West Europe, CAC units in Italy had to wait until October to be issued with the latest equipment, the 17-pounderarmed Sherman Vc and Ic Fireflies and 105mm howitzerarmed Sherman I. While all CAC units in Italy received Fireflies,
surviving documentation seems to indicate 1 CATB units were not issued with 105mm gun tanks. As autumn 1944 turned to winter, the pace of operations chasing the Germans up the boot of Italy slowed. A lack of decent roads lead armoured regiments to operate with only one squadron forward, the troops of the other
two squadrons being sent on leave or employed in traffic control duties. The end of 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade’s war in ‘the soft underbelly of Europe’ was in sight. Operations ceased in December and the brigade was informed it would rejoin the First Canadian Army in North West Europe in February
Turret-less Stuart V light tanks were used by each regiment’s recce troop and later the assault troop. Armament was typically a Browning .50 Cal as seen here. The tank shown is actually a 5th CAB vehicle, but 1 CAB Stuarts were very similar.
1945. Then, the brigade’s tanks were loaded onto ships at the port of Leghorn and sailed for the south of France, to disembark at Marseilles. From here, they travelled up the Loire valley by train and road, eventually concentrating near Nijmegen in Holland by late March. They went into action on April 2 to support the British 49th (West Riding) Division, in the destruction of remaining enemy forces on what was called The Island - a parcel of land south of Arnhem between the Waal and Maas rivers. Even though dogged by mines, flooded ground and roadblocks, 1 CAB completed its task and crossed the Neder Rijn with the 49th to drive the enemy out of Arnhem by April 14. This was the end of fighting for 1 CAB and the crews held their positions until 0800 hours on May 5, 1945, when hostilities came to an end. From 16 tanks and 150 men in 1939, the Canadian Armoured Corps grew to 20,000 across all ranks, which served in two Armoured Divisions and two independent Armoured Brigades. Of those men, 6,800 became casualties and 1,600 died. In recognition of gallantry and success of the Canadian Armoured Corps, King George VI approved its re-designation as the ‘Royal’ Canadian Armoured Corps, effective August 2, 1945. ❚ Shermans of 11 CAR in the main square of the town of Ortona, December 1943. The tanks acted as mobile pillboxes to help the Loyal Edmonton Regiment drive out German Paratroopers who were defending the town.
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL
Simon Hammerton builds a Canuck middleweight with a mighty wallop
Up-gun ne d
Canadian Bolts were added to the front of the lower hull tub and the gap was filled with putty.
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he Sherman Firefly was created by the Allies in response to the need for a tank capable of stopping the German Panther and Tiger tanks. Britain’s M4 Shermans were chosen as the base vehicle as they were plentiful and easily maintained. However, the 75mm main gun was inadequate against the well-protected German tanks at anything other than dangerously short ranges. So, certain versions of the British M4 Sherman were equipped with the potent 76.2mm 17pdr anti-tank gun after the Sherman’s gun turret was heavily modified to take this much larger gun along
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with its considerably bulkier ammunition. Shermans Mk I and Mk V were used as the base for the Firefly, being known as Firefly Ic and Vc respectively. However, one fundamental Sherman weakness was always inadequate armour protection compared with its opponents, so additional armour was welded over vulnerable points on the hull and turret. Some Sherman units improvised further armour protection in the form of logs, concrete, sand bags, and lengths of old tank track. It was questionable as to how effective these additions were, but they made for very unusual looking tanks.
Sherman and Firefly kits Most of the mainstream model manufacturers have produced Shermans in 1/35 scale, but the most prolific have been Tasca and Dragon which produced models of all the versions of the Firefly, including this model (6568) of the Sherman Firefly Ic Welded Hull, by the latter producer. This kit followed the usual Dragon style of production and contained many parts runners from several different Sherman kits, along with two clear runners for items such as periscopes and
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL a fret of photo-etched (PE) brass with parts such as brush guards and tool straps. Only one decal option was provided for a Polish Firefly from the First Armoured Division. As this build was to accompany Steve Guthrie’s excellent feature, 1st Canadian Armoured Division dry transfers were obtained from Archer.
Get building
MODEL SPEC
Construction started with the wheels and suspension for which Dragon supplied two wheel and two suspension options. Most of the Sherman Mk.Vs used by Commonwealth forces seemed to use the pressed steel wheels (parts V8 and V9), but many of the earlier Sherman Is used the cast FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL By:
Dragon
Stock Code: 6568 Scale:
1/35
Price:
£49.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
spoke wheels (part D6). Two types of suspension tower were supplied. The early version (parts V10, 11, 12 and 13) were more commonly seen on Fireflys, so were used here. Extra detailing has always been necessary on Sherman models, regardless of manufacturer. Each suspension tower was designed to have the trailing return roller bracket bolted to either side, depending on which side of the hull the tower was fitted. The towers had four holes drilled in the opposite side from where the return roller bracket was moulded. Track skids for the top of each suspension tower were very thick, so they were filed and sanded to a more realistic scale thickness; these skids were bolted onto the top of the towers. Dragon supplied these bolts (part V33), but they were shaded on the instructions as ‘Parts not for use’. Two options for drive sprockets were provided, either plain plate or the fancier star pattern. Both types were used so this was either the modeller’s choice or defined by reference photos of a specific vehicle.
Perfect Plastic Putty was used to fill the gaps between the hull and the transmission.
One of the etched brass mudguards soldered together…these were far easier to ‘distress’ than the plastic options.
PE retaining straps added finesse to a very tidy set of tools. The water drainage hole was drilled out in the fuel cap surround.
A better body Two types of air filter were provided…square and round canister types. The square filters were used as the round type seemed a rarity on Commonwealth Shermans. The final drive nose Plastic Putty filled the gap in the appliqué armour plates, while the weld bead was rendered from stretched styrene soaked in liquid glue, then textured with a scalpel.
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL The workable suspension could lift under the tension of the tracks, so the bogies were glued and weight added while the glue dried.
Driver’s hatch padding wad added with styrene sheet, softened with Liquid Poly then textured.
casting came next and was a classic case of what happens when a kit has been produced by using other kits as donors. There was a massive gap between the nose casting and the front of the hull tub. Experimenting with a couple of other castings supplied with the kit confirmed that they were no better. It appeared that the casting was designed to fit the Ic Hybrid Hull version. Eventually, the back of the gap was filled with styrene strip, then with Deluxe Materials’ Perfect Plastic Putty. This water-soluble acrylic filler was easy to use, and could be filed and sanded when hard, then either pre-coloured or painted with acrylics. In addition to filling these gaps, a line of bolt heads was applied to both sides of the hull front. These bolts were shaved off spare final drive covers and fixed with Humbrol
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Liquid Poly. At the back of the hull tub, the rear panel was fitted with just a small wipe of putty to close any gaps. This included blending in parts E3 and E4 which completed the floors of the hull sponsons. With the lower hull tub completed, attention turned to the upper superstructure. More Sherman housekeeping was in order, specifically two welds either side of the turret opening. All Sherman kit manufacturers have shown this as a fold in the armour plate, where in fact it was where two armour plates met and were welded together. To recreate this, the join line was scored to create a shallow trench that was then filled with stretched styrene soaked in Humbrol Liquid Poly, and textured with the back of a scalpel blade. American welding was very smooth so any excessive roughness in the texture was lightly sanded when the glue had
fully hardened. This technique was also used on the panels of appliqué armour welded to the sides and front of the upper superstructure, to ensure a proper welded look, otherwise these panels appeared to ‘float’ on top. Front hatches were also fitted at this stage, along with fine plastic periscope guards and hatch handles. However, these very delicate items would benefit from being left off until nearer the end of the build. It was important to remember that the co-driver’s position was used as an ammunition store, so the periscopes were not employed and the periscope covers were left closed. The hatches lacked interior padding so a kidneyshaped piece of styrene sheet was softened in Liquid Poly and textured to replicate the padding; the driver’s hatch was then left open for the later
addition of a figure. Head and tail light assemblies were supplied as clear plastic parts. The backs of the lights were painted chrome silver and the lenses masked with small blobs of Blu-Tack prior to the top colour being applied Front and rear headlight guards were supplied as plastic and PE components. There were no useful markings for positioning the front PE guards, so the plastic versions were used to mark mounting points on the glacis plate. The PE rear light guards came in two pieces and they could be glued together with cyanoacrylate (CA), but were for better strength. The real light guards were welded to the hull, so a small quantity of Perfect Plastic Putty was used to replicate the welds. Another Sherman detail was required at this stage, namely the addition of drainage holes to the semi-circular guards around the outermost
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL
fuel filler caps. This position is not marked on Dragon Sherman kits, but drilling a small hole at the outermost part of the guards is correct. More drilling was required for the positioning of the tools, but the front mount for the barrel cleaning rods (part L8) was not moulded to the inside of the upper hull. A simple remedy was to open the one existing hole
and position the rods on the hull parallel to the outside edge, which made drilling the front locating hole easier. Dragon supplied lovely PE straps and tie-down points, but they were fiddly to use so a compromise was employed. The straps were heated with a candle flame to make them easier to bend and the tie downs were then glued either side of the tools. Casting numbers were applied over and under successive coats of Humbrol’s new Acrylic Clear liquid.
PE straps were threaded through their buckles then cut in half and glued under the tie downs. The straps certainly added finesse and were a vast improvement to the look of the tool stowage. There were also rather tidy plastic tiedowns on one of the kit’s runners. These were not listed but were perfect for anyone not familiar with PE brass.
Turret time With the hull assembled it was time for the gun turret. The turret shell provided by Dragon was the correct low bustle type, with a pistol port in the left hand side. However, the fit was very poor between the top and bottom halves around the rear of the turret. There were also moulding seams
personal kit Stowage was often seen on Allied and Axis tanks during World War Two. It can be overdone in scale form, but get it right and the extra equipment adds pleasing realism. Here’s how it was done:
Deluxe Materials’ Create and Shape was used to produce the stowage bundle. A small lump was moulded in the hand to form the rough shape required. The bundle was then pressed lightly onto the engine deck to give it a natural ‘sit’ on the vehicle. Additional items of stowage were pressed into the material to add variety. When the bundle was hard it could be carved and sanded to replicate folds and texture. Straps were made from thin strips of Tamiya masking tape and the bundle was painted with acrylics. Archer’s numbers were so well-defined that it was a shame to hide them under spare track links! Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL
Dragon’s plastic 17pdr gun barrel was smoothed with Flex-I-File sanding tapes until no join seam was visible.
The instructions failed to mention the co-axial machine gun barrel, so one was used from the multitude of spares provided in the box.
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around the pistol port and other areas, and the cast metal texture was variable. This was, though, an inevitable consequence of the moulding process and not a failing on Dragon’s part. The two turret halves were glued together then the rear of the turret was corrected by applying Mr. Surfacer 500 thinned with cellulose, with a final top coat of Mr. Surfacer being stippled over the entire turret area with a short brush, to reinstate the cast texture. This Firefly was one of Dragon’s Smart Kit range, which meant it lacked a turned metal main gun barrel and came with a one-piece plastic barrel with a split muzzle brake. The brake looked a little too smooth so was treated with more of the thinned Mr. Surfacer 500. The very fine mould seam which ran down the length
of the barrel was removed with excellent Flex-I-File sanding tapes. One item missing from the kit instructions was the coaxial .30cal Browning, so one of the unused barrels was fashioned into a suitable replacement. Dragon provided two types of commander’s cupola, the usual US version and a Britishdesigned assembly with multiple periscopes. It was rare to see the latter, so it was consigned to the spares box and the US cupola was used instead. Dragon also provided one of its superb .50cal Browning machine-guns. These seemed to have been discarded once the Shermans forged ahead through France and the risk of air attack was negligible, so this was consigned to the spares box. The distinctive inverted cone-shaped
Mr. Surfacer 500 was thinned with cellulose and used to correct the poor shape around the back of the turret. A final coat was stippled to reinstate the texture of the turret casting.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL Type 19 radio aerial mount was provided in both plastic and PE versions. Anyone uncomfortable with assembling delicate brass pieces would be happy with the plastic offering, as it was surprisingly fine. One issue that required thought was placement of stowage on the back of the hull. Most archive images of Commonwealth armoured fighting vehicles show them with all manner of bits and pieces hanging, however this is often somewhat overdone. The tanks frequently carried much equipment externally, but rarely so much as to compromise their ability to fight. To create the stowage a new product called Create and Shape was used. This material was a water-soluble acrylic medium designed to work as filler or for creating solid objects. It looked a lot like cream cheese and could be trowelled on or moulded in the hand. Over 24 to 48 hours it becomes a solid mass that can be carved, sanded, and glued using CA adhesive, and it accepted acrylic paints extremely well. A quantity of Create and Shape was moulded in the hands to roughly the required shape, and additional pieces of stowage were pushed into the mass to create the overall stowage bundle. The surface
was stippled with a stiff brush to create a canvas-like texture. After about 36 hours the material was ready for detailing, which involved carving channels for where the tie-down strapping would go and the rendering of folds and creases in the bundle to better replicate canvas. Finally, the stowage was painted to mimic the various textures and materials.
Numbers on the beast One thing that all Shermans had in common was that they were adorned with many casting symbols that indicated where each metal component was made. All model manufacturers have attempted to recreate these symbols with varying degrees of success. Archer Fine Transfers produced a set of Surface Details (AR88007) that had casting symbols in 1/35, 1/48 and 1/72 scales. These details came in the form of thin resin mounted on clear decal film. This allowed them to be used just like standard water-slide decals, but the main difference was that they were applied under the final paint finish. Decal setting solutions could be used to help the details conform to uneven surfaces.
Bronco’s T48 track set was used to create the lengths of track ‘armour’. The box provided enough links to add a complete set of Sherman tracks with plenty to spare. The track components could be lost easily due to their diminutive nature.
A short run of the assembled track; these were easy to make workable as long as one was sparing with the glue.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL
Extra armour
A JLC Razor Saw and Mitre Box (www. sprumart.co.uk) was used to make brackets for the individual links. The completed model was ready for coats of primer - essential with the different materials used in the kit’s construction.
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A popular field modification to Canadian (and Polish) Shermans was the addition of track links as supplementary armour, so Bronco T48 Workable Tracks were used. These tracks were not easy to assemble, as each link comprised four pieces plus end connectors. This made for a lengthy process, and the ‘carpet monster’ dined well on the miniscule parts, but the finished effect was worth the effort. Completed lengths of track with end connectors were assembled for the front and sides of the hull and the sides of the turret. Individual links without connectors were prepared to act as fillers in gaps not covered by the main lengths. Pictures from the period show that there were numerous ways of attaching these tracks. The main lengths were glued to the model by the teeth on the end connectors, while individual links were glued to brackets made from Evergreen right-angle strip. These brackets were cut with a JLC Razor Saw and Mitre Block to give a consistent result. Photos also showed that tank units recycled track links
Materials at a glance Archer (www.archertransfers.com) AR88007 Casting Symbols Bronco (www.bronco-model.com) AB3538 T48 workable track set Deluxe Materials (www.deluxematerials.com) Create and Shape, and Perfect Plastic Putty - available from Creative Models (www.creativemodels.co.uk) Vallejo - Creative Models Model Color 924 Russian Uniform Green 888 Olive Grey 953 Flat Yellow 889 USA Olive Drab 863 Gunmetal Grey 988 Khaki Panzer Aces 304 Track Rubber Humbrol (www.humbrol.com) Clear Gloss Varnish AV003 Sand Pigment AV007 Dark Earth Pigment
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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BATTLE AND BUILD FIREFLY Ic WELDED HULL
from German armour, so these could have been used for variety. The kit tracks were made from Dragon’s excellent Dragon Styrene which could be glued with normal plastic cement and painted easily. Shermans used a ‘live track’ that had very little sag between the return rollers, so a one-piece track made perfect sense.
OD… or not OD? With the model assembled, two light coats of Vallejo Grey Primer were applied in preparation for the base coat. Both the US and Britain had a colour they called Olive Drab but in reality the two colours were different. British OD was known as SCC15 and research was all that was needed to establish a suitable mix for Vallejo Model Color acrylics, specifically a 50:50 mix of 70.888 Olive Grey and 70.924 Russian Uniform. This resulting base colour was applied in several light coats with an airbrush. The
base was then lightened with a hint of flat yellow, which was sprayed over various high points of the model and in the centre of larger flat panels. A light brown enamel wash was applied to tone down the overall colour, and paint chipping was replicated with various colours, from the base OD back to bare metal. Tools were painted with a triedand-trusted method; handles received a light tan colour, and then a dark red-brown mixture was streaked along the handles to imitate wood grain. Finally, a wash of clear orange was applied for a varnished look. The metal parts of the tools were painted with Vallejo Gunmetal, and then powdered graphite was rubbed on wear points. While the main model was drying the tracks were airbrushed with Vallejo’s Panzer Aces 304 Track Primer, concentrating on the end connectors. The tracks were the
Two light coats of Vallejo Grey Acrylic Primer were airbrushed, then left for at least 24 hours to make sure they had time to cure properly.
T48 type with rubber chevron shoes, so these sections were painted with Panzer Aces 306 Dark Rubber. This colour was also used on the tyre contact surfaces of the road wheels and return rollers. Finally the tracks were drybrushed with gunmetal to highlight the areas worn bare by friction. It was now time to add the decals - Archer dry transfers for the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade. In addition to the tactical symbols a large Allied white star was applied as an air recognition marking on the engine deck. With all the main elements of the model assembled, general weathering would tie everything together, and for this new Humbrol Weathering Powders were used; the powders can be easily mixed for greater variety. Dark Earth and Sand were blended to provide a dust colour. Firstly, thinner was added to the model, and then the pigments were applied, allowing
the thinner to carry them into recesses where dust tended to gather. Finally, two aerials for the Type 19 radio were made from stretched styrene and fixed with Deluxe Materials’ Tacky Wax. This held them in place, yet allowed easy removal and replacement if they became damaged.
A quality product Dragon’s Sherman Firefly Ic was not perfect, but a fine replica could be built with reasonable modelling skills. The instructions lacked guidance as to which options should be used, although the quality of parts could not be denied…and with the exception of the nose casting and the turret the model built beautifully. At the time of writing the Dragon Firefly Ic Welded Hull was the only model of this version available in 1/35 scale, but for the Sherman enthusiast it would be a welcome ❚ addition to the collection.
British Olive Drab SCC15 was created by mixing equal quantities of Vallejo Russian Uniform and Olive Grey. For weathered paint work add a few drops of flat yellow to the mix. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT BOOKS
SAS, SOE AND SECRET STIRLING OPERATIONS
This is a remarkable book, of a fascinating aircraft that for far too long has been overshadowed
East, then Fairford and finally Great Dunmow. Although there was a healthy rivalry between personnel serving on 190 and 620 Squadrons, there was also a deep sense of camaraderie that forged bonds between them. Many of the operations involved a lone aircraft flying low across enemy territory at night, using visual navigation to find the small pinpricks of light where Resistance forces were waiting to receive agents and supplies. After exhaustive research into operational records and archive material, the author has found many ex-squadron members who have captured many unique moments from 60 years ago and so made it possible to tell their
remarkable story. If one is interested in RAF four-engined heavies, covert operations or the early days of the SAS and the SOE in Europe then this book has everythingone needs. As a bonus it's ideally timed to coincide with the fourthcoming 1/72 Italeri Short Stirling kit. GS
BOOK SPEC
by its replacement within Bomber Command, the Avro Lancaster. But the Short Stirling’s career was even more diverse than that of the Lancaster and finally an author has decided to put the record straight. This new book is the tale of two RAF squadrons, which shared the task of dropping agents and supplies on behalf of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), took part in the D-Day landings, suffered heavy losses at Arnhem, dropped Special Air Service (SAS) troops behind enemy lines and were involved in the Rhine crossings that sealed Germany’s fate in 1945. Both squadrons flew the Short Stirlings from Leicester
STIRLINGS IN ACTION WITH THE AIRBORNE FORCES By:
Dennis Williams
ISBN:
9781844156481
Price:
£25.00
Format:
A5
From:
Pen & Sword Publishing
KEEPING UP THE PRESSURE
BOOK SPEC
This is the fourth volume of the five part works that provide a comprehensive insight into all aspects of RAF Bomber Command in World War Two. This begins in the spring of 1944 with a completely new BOMBER COMMAND REFLECTIONS OF WAR VOL.4 By:
Martin W. Bowman
ISBN:
9781848844957
Price:
£25.00
Format:
A5
From:
Pen & Sword Publishing
insight on the catastrophic raid on Nuremburg on the night of March 30/31 and follows with the disatrous attack on Maillyle-Camp in May. Gradually, the Allied Bomber Offensive began to bear fruit and in June 1944 the invasion of Normandy took place under an umbrella of almost total Allied air superiority. RAF Bomber Command was to play a huge part in what proved to be the final steps to ultimate victory, returning to the mass raids on German cities by night and even mounting raids on the Reich by day. The author's well-tried formula of
using background information interspersed with the crews' personal narratives takes one raid-by-raid through each tour of ops, while carrying full bomb loads in sub-zero temperatures, blighted by atrocious weather conditions and dogged by fear of fire, death or serious injury, or having to endure months if not years of miserable existence and near starvation behind the wire in notorious PoW camps. The path to peace was paved with the unmitigated slow ebbing of courage with an ever-present possibility of death from a Luftwaffe night-fighter. At last
we have a series of books that records the remrakable courage of Bomber Command. The best book I have read in years. GS
BATTLESHIP BOMBERS
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the Bismark. The standards set by 617 Squadron is shown in the success of such operations. Led firstly by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, who set the benchmark in terms of prowess in leadership, the squadron came to be led by a series of similarly extraordinary men, often overlooked in traditional narratives that focus on the group under the tenure of Gibson. Men such as Squadron Leader Mick Martin and Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, colour the history of this squadron in equal measure. Wing Commander Willie 'Tirpitz' Tait who lead all three attacks on
the Tirpitz battleship also features, the various achievements of his career set within the wider context of the squadron's history. This book is a reminder that there is a lot more to 617 Squadron than the Dams raid. GS
BOOK SPEC
First published in 1983, this books relays the history and later operations of 617 Squadron, steering away from the typical accounts of the unit that dwell on the most predominant feature of its service history, the iconic Dambuster Raid of May 1943. Some of the most outstanding exploits in the history of aerial warfare were actually carried out by 617 Squadron after it had executed its famous Dams Raid. These included special low-flying attacks on the canals, factories, roacket sites, viaducts and, of course, the attack on the German battleship Tirpitz,, sister ship of
BEYOND THE DAMS TO THE TIRPITZ By:
Alan W. Cooper
ISBN:
9781781590638
Price:
£12.99
Format:
A5
From:
Pen & Sword Publishing
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT BOOKS
LATE-SERVICE TANKBUSTER The author obviously decided to portray the unbroken curves of the A-10, on the ground and in the air and this is no bad thing. The latter shots are especially impressive, with great light, sharpness and clarity. In terms of units, all US Air Force outfits are covered, along with reserve and test/evaluation squadrons… and those fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. Also useful are the many photos that show various weapons in the Warthog’s armoury, such as the Maverick, AIM-9 Sidewinder, GBU-38 500lb JDAM, LAU-131 rocket pod, GBU12, Sniper/Litening pods and, of course, the awesome 30mm cannon. The A-10, as with other
types in the USAF inventory, has been a canvas for interesting nose art (and illustrations on the inside of the ladder door); examples of such artwork are also included. This is a huge treat for A-10 enthusiasts and an invaluable resource for the modeller. CC
BOOK SPEC
Few could have predicted the success and longevity of the A-10…particularly as after the Cold War US Air Force leaders sought to retire the type. But soon after came Operation Desert Storm where the Warthog proved its worth and versatility
in combat. This Reid Air Publications softback offers A-10 fans an exhaustive photographic examination of the modern A-10, in its C-model format, with all the extra lumps, bumps and capabilities that upgrade ensured. After the introductory pages lay out a brief history of the type, and its advances in equipment, we are treated to a unit-by-unit focus on this charismatic aircraft via simply stunning photography. But although there are close-up views, these are not of the allpanels-open walk-round variety.
A-10 THUNDERBOLT II: 21ST CENTURY WARTHOG By:
Neil Dunridge
ISBN:
978-0-97950649-9
Price:
£34.95
Format:
280mm x 216mm
From:
The Aviation Book Centre
LEATHERNECK RHINOS IN COMBAT
BOOK SPEC
What a career the mighty Phantom has had…the legendary jet is still going strong with a handful of operators such as Turkey, Japan and Greece (Germany will its F-4s this summer) and has seen a serious amount US MARINE CORPS F-4 PHANTOM II UNITS OF THE VIETNAM WAR By:
Peter E. Davies
ISBN:
078-1-84908751-3
Price:
£13.99
Format:
248mm x 185mm
From:
Osprey Publishing
of combat. Its baptism of fire, as many know, was the Vietnam War and here, author Davies offers a detailed examination of US Marine Corps operations - from those early ‘mud-moving' missions in South East Asia to vital tactical recce work in the camera-toting RF-4B. Aircrew accounts of when VMFA-531 pioneered different mission profiles and weapons delivery are truly fascinating. One can’t help but reach for the nearest Phantom kit after reading about exploits such as TPQ10 radar-controlled bombing, night attacks under flares and ‘danger-close’ support
of Marines on the ground. The first deliveries of napalm and Snakeye retarded bombs (and their hazards) are covered, along with fruitful Forward Air Control relationships, the trials of operating from ill-equipped and Spartan bases such as Chu Lai and Da Nang, and the bitter fighting for Khe Sanh in 1968. Besides the excellent colour profile artwork, there are many photos in glorious colour. These provide much for modellers, not just for scheme detail but also for excellent views of various weapons loads; LAU-10 rocket pods, Mk.82 ‘dumb’ and Snakeye bombs, and the relatively rare fit of LAU-
33 Zuni rocket launchers on Sidewinder rails. This is a superb account of USMC Phantom air ops, and well timed with the release of Academy's new 1/48 F-4B kit. CC
ITALIAN LIGHTNING are manufacturer drawings and photos to provide additional perspective. Colour walk-round images of museum survivors also offer greater detail. Theatres of operations are covered, along with export operators such as Croatia and Germany… and the aircraft’s duties with the Aeronautica Cobelligerante (Co-belligerent Air Force) on the side of the Allies. For many, though, it will be the copious amount of colour profiles that will provide inspiration and get the creative juices flowing. Among the many varied colour schemes, captured C.202s wearing British
roundels simply beg to be rendered in scale form, while the ‘smoke rings’ and mottle of the Regia aircraft will excite, but test, fans of Axis Italian aviation. This is a splendid tome that will provide much for anyone who has the Hasegawa, Italeri or Tauro kits. CC
BOOK SPEC
Aircraft of Italy’s Regia Aeronautica make for interesting modelling subjects, but for some the camouflage can be challenging. The latter, as well as airframe technical aspects, are covered extensively in MMP’s volume on what was arguably Italy’s best fighter of World War Two. Detailed descriptions of each sub-type are given, but are punctuated with very good black and white (and some colour) period photographs. Line drawings in 1/48 and 1/72 scales provide modellers with a benchmark for accuracy in shape and panel lines, and there
MACCHI C.202 FOLGORE By:
P. Skulski
ISBN:
978-83-6142166-5
Price:
£16.50
Format:
A4
From:
MMP Books
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS & DVDS
COLD WAR LEGEND
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BOOK SPEC
CHIEFTAIN MAIN BATTLE TANK By:
Robert Griffin
ISBN:
978-83-62878-52-9
Price:
£12.99
Format:
A4
From:
The Aviation Book Centre
prospect, and this new book offers much in terms of detail. The text covers the machine’s conception and operational capabilities, but the bulk of the content lies in the many colour photographs, which provide surprisingly few glimpses of the tank in its entirety; instead, most of the focus is via walk-round-style and close-up images…but these are very good. A single page offers small photos of foreign Chieftains. One slightly annoying facet is that the black and white line drawings are to 1/55 scale, so enlargement via photocopier would be advisable. There are 20 colour profiles and additional scrap illustrations that
give an interesting account of the various colour schemes, including the exotic Berlin Brigade urban camouflage. A useful modelling reference piece. CC
NAVAL CARDINAL
Maritime modellers will be interested in this new series of French monographs. In French/ English text, this first edition on the battleship Richelieu should please anyone who has the
Trumpeter 1/700 or 1/350 kits. The 3D CAD drawings echo those seen in Kagero’s publications, although these illustrations are arguably less detailed than those of the Polish publisher...but only slightly. One issue is that the paper quality is of magazine grade rather than the thicker stock used in softback books, so the pages are slightly see through. Nevertheless, the information is sound, with statistics, close-up illustrations and black and white/ colour photographs. One shot of the vessel in Manhattan, having just sailed under the Brooklyn Bridge, is splendid and lends real scale. Another interesting and welcome feature is that the
aviation element of Richelieu and other French vessels, the Loire 130 flying boat, is examined in detail through text, photos and artwork. One profile portrays the aircraft in a delightfully colourful green and red French Air Force scheme from Indochina in 1944. This is good material at a reasonable price. CC
BOOK SPEC
MODERN MILITARY AIRCRAFT SERIES: F-14 TOMCAT Gone from US Navy (USN) service but certainly not forgotten, this tribute to Grumman’s finest ‘cat’ fighter comes from the late 1980s when the Carrier Air Groups were massive with some 14 carriers roaming the world’s oceans. While the commentary is now a bit dated the footage can’t be beaten with a mix of classic Grumman footage and USN from the flight deck. An introduction to the origins of the Tomcat features, stemming from the failed F-111B which led to the VFX contract, and there’s some stunning footage of the first prototype batch of Tomcats in grey and white with plenty of Day-Glo panels! The footage of the first ‘full colour’ markings used on VF-1 and VF-32 show how visually stunning the old schemes were. Interspersed with all this are interviews with Tomcat crews at the time and they are certainly upbeat about the then revolutionary AIM-54 Phoenix missile. It’s corny in places but a classic for Tomcat fans. For details visit: www. keypublishing.com/shop GS
Any modeller who favours post-war armour should certainly consider that Cold War stalwart the Chieftain, key in the face-off between the West and the then Soviet Bloc. Even though there have been few kits (Tamiya 1/35 and 1/25, and Airfix 1/76) it’s a worthy modelling
NAVAL MONOGRAPHIES THE BATTLESHIP RICHELIEU By:
LELA Presse
ISBN:
N/A
Price:
£8.99
Format: A4 From:
The Aviation Book Centre
AGAINST THE ODDS This meticulously researched new work from Martin Bowman provides a comprehensive insight into the aerial exploits at Operation ‘Market Garden’ in September 1944. In an interesting method of presenting the information, the author’s arrangement of British, American, Dutch and German personal narrative interspersed
BOOK SPEC
ENEMY BOMBERS This DVD is part of the War File series and covers all the main Axis bombers of World War Two. If you want to know about individual bomber types and their development then this DVD is for you. It takes each of the Axis powers in turn and then each bomber, warts and all. It does include footage of more obscure types…and some that were developed but failed to make the grade in active service and were subsequently withdrawn. Also shown is the disregard the Japanese had for their own aircrews’ safety by their failure to use armour plating or self-sealing tanks. If you are not a keen bookworm then this is probably an ideal series of DVDs if you are interested in World War Two aircraft. For details visit: www. keypublishing.com/shop DD
AIR WAR MARKET GARDEN: SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR By:
Martin W. Bowman
ISBN:
9781781591178
Price:
£19.99
Format: A5 From:
Pen & Sword Publishing
with factual material offers a more personalised view of the war through the eyes of the hard-pressed Allied airborne troops who were actually there in the thick of the fighting. They take you steadily through the bitter house-to-house fighting in Eindhoven, Nijmegen and Arnhem and fanatical attempts to keep open the narrow road to permit XXX Corps to reach and relieve Colonel John Frost’s men, outnumbered and out-gunned at Arnhem Bridge. They reveal the frustration and bitter disappointment in the battles of the drop zones, the bloody fight for the bridges across the Rhine and the almost suicidal second and third lifts to re-supply the troops holding on precariously, fighting desperately, tenaciously and bravely
to prevent their positions being overrun in the face of overwhelming enemy superiority. The author has unearthed a wealth of new facts and recollections, which are particularly harrowing to read. GS
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
CHRISTMAS TURKEY
SMALL BUT DEADLY
ROCKET ARMED SWALLOW
PRODUCT SPEC
A new set of decals and a pair of white-metal rocket tubes are the new additions to this latest boxing of Hasegawa’s Me 262. Typically to the maker's high standards, the crisp and cleanly moulded parts are as one has come to expect, although there isn’t much in the way of cockpit detail which is a shame; some new additions in this area would have been expected given the cost of the kit. The focus of this boxing is the pair of W.Gr.21 air-to-air rockets which fit directly onto the existing injection-moulded under-nose mounted racks. Standard under-wing rockets are also included as an option. A fine Me 262A-1a w/W.Gr.21 kit but at a substantial cost! Two By: Haseagawa differing late-war schemes are Item no: 02021 supplied, they are: • III./JG.7, Kommandeur Major Scale: 1/72 Rudolf Sinner, Germany, Price: £32.49 March 1945 Available from: • Stab/JG.7 Geschwader Adjutant Amerang, Hauptmann Erich Mikat, www.amerang.co.uk Germany, February, 1945
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Polish Air Force options are included for a green or sand and green Mi-2. • White 7333, Polish Air Force, circa 1980s • Black 6924, Polish Air Force, circa 1970s
PRODUCT SPEC
Despite its small size this Hoplite from Hobbyboss is packed with crisply moulded details which would put many a kit to shame. The cockpit is adequate, with the instrument panel and overhead consoles represented by decals. The kit looks as though it will fall together, with MI-2URP HOPLITE ANTIthe choice of boom-mounted flare TANK VARIANT dispensers and a substantial antiBy: Hobbyboss tank weapon load including Sagger Item no: 87244 missiles and 57mm rockets. Two Scale:
1/72
Price:
£11.99
Available from: Creative Models, www.creativemodels.com
MASTERING THE DOUBLE MAMBA
A welcome return of Revell’s excellent Fairey Gannet, this time in Royal Navy training colours; silver and Dayglo...fantastic! Superbly moulded with exceptional detail throughout, this is Revell at its very best. Cockpit detail is exceptional, being engraved in both forward cockpits, with the Observer's station being limited to dials and limited side console embellishment. All one will need to add is some seat straps. The ‘dustbin radar’ is still on the runner, meaning a standard Gannet AS.4 can still be built if desired with sourced FAIREY GANNET T.5 decals and weapons. The two decal By: Revell options provided in the kit are: Item no: 04845 • N752XT (XT752), T.5 Restoration, Scale: 1/72 Shannan Hendricks, Wisconsin, USA, January, 2013 (warbird example) Price: £11.99 • XG886, 450, 849 Naval Air Available from: Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, RNAS Revell, www.revell.eu Culdrose, September, 1964
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
A reissue of Hasegawa’s F-14A Tomcat kit, which still holds up well to newer offerings, with no flash present on any of the smaller parts; still making it the kit to beat for a Tomcat in this scale. The cockpit has the options of engraved moulding, decals or photo-etched metal for the instrument panels, which it should given the cost of the kit! But there are still no airto-air missiles included, so these will have to be sourced from Hasegawa’s Weapons Sets, which should no longer be the case now that this Tomcat tops out at over £40. This issue is all about the decals, in this case those F-14A TOMCAT ‘VF-211 of VF-211 Fighting Checkmates, which FIGHTING CHECKMATES’ during the final years of the F-14 were By: Hasegawa some of the most colourful. The two Item no: 02022 decal options are: Scale: 1/72 • NG101, CO, VF-211 ‘Fighting Checkmates’, USS Constellation, Constellation Price: £46.99 December, 1997 (Christmas Scheme) Available from: • NG101, CO, VF-211 ‘Fighting Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk Checkmates’, USS Constellation, 1998
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
TROPHY WINNING RACER
COMRADE COBRA
1/72
Price:
£21.60
Available from: CMR, www.cmrmodels.co.uk
PRODUCT SPEC
Scale:
CLASSY KITTY
RAF ROYALTY
PRODUCT SPEC
This is a re-release of Mach 2’s King Air kit, but with additional four-bladed propellers and extra glazing for the sixth window on the starboard side. The single runner is of true limited-run format, with some flash, a slightly rough texture to the styrene and a lack of locating pins; but with care and attention first-class results can be obtained. Effort will be required to restore clarity to the frostyKING AIR B200 looking clear parts, while research By: Twosix Models & is necessary to match serial Model Craft Ltd numbers with tail letters on the Item no: MCK7202 four RAF aircraft. It’s great to have this option in 1/72 scale, though. Scale: 1/72 Scheme examples include: Price: £30.00 • ZK456/P, 45(R) Squadron, Available from: RAF Cranwell Model Craft, • G-FPLB, Flight Precision Ltd www.model-craft.co.uk • G-CDFY, BAE Systems
Hobbyboss has done a fair bit of homework on this D-model. Besides providing a serious parts count there are SJU-17 ejection seats, accurate instrument panels, the trademark double chin pod and plenty of ‘mudmoving’ stores such as JDAM, Mk.82 bombs and GBU-12, although the latter are incorrectly shaped. Much detail adorns the wheel wells, there’s a full radar and Vulcan cannon, but the complete engines are pointless as F-14D SUPER TOMCAT there are no open hatches. Moulding is By: Hobbyboss crisp, though, and there’s even photoItem no: 80368 etched brass. Two low-visibility decal Scale: 1/48 choices are offered, although one has a high-vis’ tail and markings: Price: £49.99 • 164342, VF-101 Grim Reapers, USS Available from: Enterprise, 2000 Creative Models, • 164603/101/NH, VF-213 Black Lions, www.creativemodels.co.uk USS Carl Vinson
PRODUCT SPEC
• R3C-2, White 3, Lt. James Doolittle, Schneider Trophy winner, Baltimore, USA, 1925 • R3C-1, White 43, Pulitzer Trophy Race, 1925
PRODUCT SPEC
Floatplanes have an enduring appeal and this all-resin example will surely please fans of the genre. More than 20 parts allow the production of the sea-going aircraft, as well as its land-based derivative and all are cast in a crisp fashion. The exhaust outlets are very fine and lovely detail adorns the two one-piece wing sections. Concise information regarding colours CURTISS R3C-1/R3C-2 and paint references feature on the By: Czech Master instructions, while the well-printed Resin decals provide two US Army markings Item no: 5063 options for famous racing aircraft:
The line between limited run and mass production is blurred with this kit, as it offers stunning detail and locating pins. Panel line and rivet rendering is arguably the best we’ve seen from Special Hobby, which already pleased many with its previous 1/32 P-39D…but this is better. The instrument panel is finely detailed and one also receives photoetched metal which includes seat straps and other details. Two styles of exhausts also appear. The four P-39N/Q SOVIET GUARDS Soviet colour schemes are: REGIMENTS • P-39N, 21 GIAP, Lt. Col. N.G. By: Special Hobby Sobolev • P-39N, White 01, 42-9033, 100 Item no: SH 32028 GIAP, Germany, January 1945 Scale: 1/32 • P-39N, White 01, 42-9033, 100 Price: £46.50 GIAP, Germany, May 1945 • P-39Q-5, Yellow 93, 42-20414, Available from: Capt. A.P. Filatov, 30 GIAP, Poland, Special Hobby, Autumn, 1944 www.cmkkits.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
84-85_aircraftkits.CC.indd 85
{85} 07/05/2013 16:13
ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
COVERT ARMOUR
A LEGEND IS BORN
BRITISH BATTLEFIELD TAXI
PRODUCT SPEC
Entering service in the late 1980s with the British Army, this Revell boxing of the Warrior goes back to the days when RPG protection mesh and desert colours were yet to be introduced to the fleet. Its the traditional Cold War green and black camouflage so familiar to those units based in what was then West Germany. The tan-coloured plastic parts have impressive detail throughout. Solid tracks are included which WARRIOR MCV will require care when fitting so as not to lose any detail. Turret By: Revell hatches can be positioned open, Item no: 03128 but no crew figures are provided. Scale: 1/72 The two decal options are: • Yellow 33, British Army of the Price: £10.50 Rhine (BAOR), 1990 Available from: • Yellow 12, Royal Green Revell, www.revell.eu Jackets, 2000
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PRODUCT SPEC
Dragon is certainly taking the lead in armour kits and developing a series for certain types. Having previously rendered later variants of the Sherman, this mid-war example SHERMAN III DV EARLY is a most welcome release. The PRODUCTION box is packed to the limits, with optional parts to allow hatches to By: Dragon be positioned opened, a wealth Item no: 6573 of 'kit' to add to the hull and an Scale: 1/35 excellent replica of the .50 cal machine gun for the turret. Five Price: £39.99 schemes are offered all in Tan and Available from: Field Grey, some of which have The Hobby Company, the early RAF roundels painted on www.hobbyco.net their turrets for ID from the air.
SELF-PROPELLED WHIRLWIND
Dragon has extended its Panzer IV Wirbelwind moulds to offer an early production example with Zimmerit. Scale representation of this anti-mine paste divides opinion, but the pattern on Dragon’s parts looks good, with just enough texture to be convincing without being over-accentuated. The maker’s excellent quadruple flak gun is present and is enshrouded by superb two-piece turret armour which displays the full prowess FLAKPANZER IV AUSF.G of Dragon’s slide moulding. There WIRBELWIND will be many spare parts due By: Dragon to the mixing of runners from previous kits, but DS one-piece Item no: 6565 tracks feature, as do spare track Scale: 1/35 links. Three unidentified units are Price: £49.99 included on the decal sheet, which Available from: also offers the following scheme: The Hobby Company, • Black 03, a.Pz.Jg.Abt.654, www.hobbyco.net Belgium, 1945
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Despite only around ten Panthers being converted to look like US Army M10s, Panzer Brigade 150 commanded by SS-Standartenfuehrer Otto Skorzeny proved to be a lethal combination in Operation 'Greif' during the Ardennes offensive in 1944. There isn't a whole lot to this kit, but what is there is crisply moulded, with particularly excellent detail ERSATZ M10 on the suspension arms and road By: Dragon wheels. The tracks are rubber and Item no: 7491 must be adjusted to fit, although they won't have the characteristic Scale: 1/72 sag so familiar on parked Panthers. Price: £19.99 Two simulated US Army Olive Drab Available from: examples are provided: The Hobby Company, • B7, 150.Pz.Brigade, Ardennes, 1944 www.hobbyco.net • B4, 150.Pz.Brigade, Ardennes, 1944
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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07/05/2013 16:18
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS FIGURES
INFANTRY IN THE EAST
FLESH-EATING FEMALE
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MIA, ZOMBIE NURSE By:
Dawn of the Apocalypse
Item no:
DOT A005
Scale:
70mm
Price:
£32.40
Available from: Dark World Creations, darkworldcreations.com
Dragon
Item no:
6006
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£10.00
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
DOUBLE UGLY DUO
Phantom fanatics will love this pairing which would accompany any 1/48 F-4 well. With exquisite detail, the crew are covered in the usual G-suit, survival equipment and more. One subject even sports a moustache…beloved by US flyers in the 1970s-80s as a sign of rebellion (think Robin Olds!). A small decal sheet is offered, with uniform patches and helmet markings. CREW F-4 PHANTOM By:
Plus Model
Item no:
AL4018
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€10.20
Available from: Plus Model, www.plusmodel.cz
JESSICA By:
Dawn of the Apocalypse
Item no: DOTAB001 Scale:
1/10
Price:
£28.80
Available from: Dark World Creations, www.darkworldcreations.com
torn vest. Most clever is the rendition of the decomposing neck with broken skin and justvisible windpipe. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!
PACIFIC FLYER
LUFTWAFFE IN THE FIELD
This fine resin Pacific theatre pilot is rangy in build and wears shorts and a Mae West over his shirt. The arms are separate and there are two optional white metal heads, one with baseball cap while the other sports a summer flying helmet with unfastened chinstrap. Particularly well rendered are the officer shoes and socks.
The famous Luftwaffe division is represented by this basic quartet which offers mixed tropical uniforms. While some of the detail is good, annoying cooling lines mar areas of the uniform and will be tricky to hide. Personal equipment includes gas mask canisters, canteens, ammunition pouches and the like, and pleasing is the officer’s peaked cap with neck cover, along with ammo drum carriers for the machine-gunner's 'mule'.
US NAVY/MARINES FIGHTER PILOT WW2 TROPICAL By:
Master Details
Item no:
32035
Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $17.25
Available from: Master Details www.masterdetails.com
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
For those who favour edgy figure subjects, DWC’s resin flesh-eating medic offers real irony. With a well-proportioned body, the nurse in work garb has decomposing sections on both legs, arms and on the torso, with impressive (if somewhat gruesome) sculpting. The feet are separate, as are the arms and head, and there’s a stone-textured resin display base on which to ground the subject. Creepyminded fun!
CROSS OF IRON (EASTERN FRONT 1944)
PRODUCT SPEC
SCARY IN SCRUBS
PRODUCT SPEC
This set offers reasonable moulding. All helmeted soldiers sport webbing gear and personal equipment, while the peak-capped troop shuns this format…but does have ammo pouches and a stick grenade. Awards and rank insignia are fairly well defined, and footwear comprises high boots and short lace-up hob-nailed versions, with gaiters. weaponry is at a minimum.
PRODUCT SPEC
From the imagination of DWC’s properietor Aaron Ishmael comes this female zombie resin bust. Looking suitably malnourished and manic, the subject has a snarling face with prominent cheekbones, and sticky-out ribs give an even greater air of the undead. The pony-tailed hair is convincing (the tail itself is a separate casting) and Jessica’s modesty is covered by a
HERMAN GÖERING DIVISION (TUNISIA 1943) By:
Dragon
Item no:
6036
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£10.00
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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07/05/2013 16:23
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
BAe HAWK T.MK.1 RAF EARLY SCHEMES By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X72166
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£7.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
Many have waited a long time for this sheet and was it worth the hype? That’s a definite yes! Aztec has that remarkable ability to source colour schemes that few have seen or expected in decal form. The nine options cover MiG-21Fs and F-7s from Iran, Cuba, Bangladesh and even the USAF. Federal Standard paint numbers are given for the camouflage colours, which certainly makes things easier for the modeller. A simply
Sqn, 2nd Tactical Weapons Unit, RAF Chivenor, 1987 • XX164, 100 Sqn, RAF Finningley, 1983 • XX197/112, 234 Sqn, 1st Tactical Weapons Unit, RAF Brawdy, May 1983 • XX318, 234 Sqn, 1st Tactical Weapons Unit, RAF Brawdy, 75th Anniversary scheme, 1992
SILKY SMOOTH
PRODUCT SPEC
The second Hawk sheet from Xtradecal brings the RAF schemes for the trainer back up-to-date, although don’t expect anything other than gloss black. But, it’s the squadron markings that certainly make some attractive options on this sheet. Among the ten schemes are Hawks from the Naval Flying Standards Flight, anniversary aircraft and the latest addition to the Hawk story...a T.2 from 4 Squadron. Also included are a few of the development aircraft used when the overall black scheme was first being introduced into service. An interesting sheet that is certainly worth looking at and it goes to
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BAe HAWK T.MK.1 AND T.MK.2 OVERALL BLACK SCHEMES By:
Xtradecal
Item no: X72167 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£7.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
A TOUCH OF THE EXOTIC
prove that Hawks still have some ‘colour’ to them! The highlights of the sheet are: • XX312, 19 (Reserve) Sqn/4 Flying Training School. RAF Valley, July 2010 (95th Anniversary markings) • XX170, Naval Flying Standards Flight (Fixed Wing), RNAS Yeovilton, HMS Heron, May 2003
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
The RAF Hawk T.1 gets the ‘Xtradecal treatment’ this time and the firm has certainly done its research with this sheet. Covering all of the schemes worn by the type up until the current gloss black, some 28 options are provided; from the early red/white and Light Aircraft Grey, through to the more aggressive grey/green camouflage and ending with the overall twotone Air Defence Grey scheme. Also included is the red/white and blue Empire Test Pilots' School Hawk. Among the 28 schemes the real highlights include: • XX164/164, Central Flying School, RAF Valley, 1979 • XX314/314 (of 4 FTS) loaned to 151
SKY GUARDIANS PART ONE By:
Aztec Models
Item no:
72-051
Scale:
1/72
Price:
US $10.20
Available from: Aztec, www.aztecmodels.com
stunning decal sheet that is well worth seeking out. They are all attractive on this sheet but the best has to be: • 3-7510, 51st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, Omidiyeh, Iran, 1993 • 1424, 35 Squadron, ‘Thundercats’ , Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh, 1989-90 • 2167, ‘Fishbed C’, United States Air Force, c/o Nellis Air Force Base, 1962
TURKISH WARRIORS The F-4 Phantom is still going strong within the Turkish Air Force and the fleet has recently received a new two-tone grey camouflage. Four options are offered; three F-4Es and one RF-4E. The three F-4Es are all former USAF examples and wear the associated grey camouflage combined with nose art and shark’s mouths. Two different styles are included, but the star item is the RF-4ETM. This aircraft was shot down by a Syrian SAM site in 2012, while on a reconnaissance mission over the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It wears the new two-tone disruptive camouflage scheme now being introduced to the Phantom fleet. Full stencilling is included for one aircraft. The four options are: • 67-0346, 111th Sqn ‘Panther’ TuAF, 1st Main Jet Base, Eskesehir, 1992 • 68-0403, 112th Sqn, ‘Seytaniar’, TuAF, 1st Main Jet Base,
Eskisehir, 2011 • 67-0227, 172nd Sqn, ‘Sahin’, TuAF, 7th Main Jet Base Erhac/ Malatya, 2010 • 77-0314, 173th Sqn, ‘Safaklar’, TuAF, 7th Main Jet Base Erhac/ Malatya, 2012
PRODUCT SPEC
TRAINING WITH TEETH
F-4E/F-4ETM/RF-4ETM PHANTOM II By:
Hi-Decal
Item no:
72-058
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£5.83
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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09/05/2013 12:40
CELEBRATING
NE W
THE GREATEST TANKS EVER BUILT
This comprehensive, beautifully illustrated special 100-page publication covers the top ten tanks from the First World War to the very latest in-service tanks. Tanks of the World features a wealth of superb images, informative text, vehicle profiles and specification charts.
JUST 9
288/13
£5.9
Also included are features on Tank Design plus a ‘Tank Timeline’ of British tanks from the very first to the current highly sophisticated machines to illustrate the changes over the years. TANKS COVERED INCLUDE: Mk V • FT17 • Churchill • Tiger 1 • T-34 • Sherman • S-Tank • Leopard • Challenger • Abrams Tanks of the World is a must buy for all military historians and enthusiasts around the globe as well as a valuable reference source for military model makers.
Available Thursday 20th June exclusively from in the UK and other leading newsagents worldwide. FREE P&P* when you order online at www.keypublishing.com/shop
OR
Call: UK: 01780 480404 Overseas: +44 1780 480404 Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
*Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply. Postage charges var y depending on total order value.
SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2 DISCOUNT! SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £2 DISCOUNT!
349 Tank Special FP.indd 91
23/05/2013 16:58
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
DAGGER SEXTUPLETS
Mitchell fans have a treat here with three Pacific Theatre machines in Olive Drab, all with the famous Air Apache Indian head on the tail. One aircraft is particularly well known and wears decidedly angrylooking bat artwork over the entire nose, back to the engine nacelles. The detailed bomb mission tallies on all three add variety. This package is also available in 1/32 scale, for anyone with the hulking new HK Models kit.
F-102A (CASE X) Caracal Models
Item no:
CD72009
Scale:
1/72
Price:
US $13.99
Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com
• 56-1188, 111th FIS, Texas ANG • 55-3432, 178th FIS, North Dakota ANG • 56-1263, 190th FIS, Idaho ANG • 56-1113/PK, 509th FIS, USAF, Vietnam War • 55-3392, Turkish AF
SEMPER FI HOTRODS
PRODUCT SPEC
The Skyhawk, in various sub-types, was a mainstay of US Marine Corps aviation. It served for long enough to receive low-visibility paint schemes and here, Furball offers much variation in its 16 individual aircraft, from the A-4E/F to the more capable M-model, Forward Air Control OA-4M and a lone TA-4J trainer. All but two jets are in Tactical Paint Scheme shades… the remaining pair wears darker green and blue-grey camouflage. The large, single sheet is comprehensive, with different shades of star and bar insignia
{92}
LO VIZ DEVIL DOG SCOOTERS By:
Furball Aero-Design
Item no: 48-010 Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $19.99
Available from: Furball Aero-Design, www.furballaero-design.com
B-25J 345TH BG AIR APACHES By:
EagleCals
Item no:
EC48-145
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $15.50
Available from: Eagle Editions, www.eagle-editions.com
The choices comprise: • B-25J-11, 43-36199, 501st BS, July 1945 • B-25J-22, 44-29588 ‘Fatso’, 500th BS, April 1945 • B-25J-32, 44-30934 ‘Betty’s Dream’, 499th BS, August 1945
MARINE CORPS MUSCLE
and stencilling for five aircraft. Furball also provides a very useful weapons carriage guide. Options include: • A-4E, 149985/50/QR, VMA322, 1982 • A-4M, 159780/01/CF, VMA-211, 1989 • OA-4M, 152856/00/WA, H&MS12, 1984 • TA-4J, 158482/01/DR, VMA322, 1986 • OA-4M, 154628/04/DA, H&MS32, 1987
Followers of the mighty Phantom will ‘phreak’ on seeing this magnificent collection of B and J subtypes flown by the US Marines during Vietnam. As expected, a riot of colour is offered in terms of swanky unit markings over the classic Light Gull Gray and white airframe. Furball’s decals are, in this case, sized for the new Academy kit but undoubtedly some will also suit Hasegawa’s F-4s. A staggering 18 schemes are provided, with stencilling and insignia for two jets. A second full-size sheet carries all the black Modex, squadron numbers, Marines legends and more. Highlights include: • F-4B 149457/18/DC, VMFA-122, Chu Lai, 1970 • F-4B 150484/10/VE ‘Chivas Regal’, VMFA-115, Iwakuni, 1971 • F-4J 153791/1/WT, VMFA-232, Iwakuni, 1974 • F-4J 155580/9/WU, VMFA-334, Chu Lai, 1969
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
SUPER STRAFERS
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Printed with Meng Model’s recent Delta Dagger in mind, Caracal offers ADC Gray and South-East Asia camouflaged airframes with the Case X wing. There’s good colour density on all markings, along with decent register and for those who seek something other than US aircraft, there is a lone Turkish Air Force example. The North Dakota jet’s unit is incorrectly stated on the instructions, though, as the 111th FIS…it should be the 178th. The schemes are: • 54-1373, 199th FIS, Hawaii ANG
USMC RHINOS By:
Furball Aero-Design
Item no:
48-012
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $19.99
Available from: Furball Aero-Design, www.furballaero-design.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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07/05/2013 16:26
2nd year at
HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE
13th & 14th In Hartlepool
July 2013
Featuring over 25 quality layouts
Carlin Hall Hartlepool 2012.
S KET ! C I E T NOW C N A LE ADVAILAB AV
Hartlepool College of Further Education, Stockton Street, Hartlepool. TS24 7LB (Stockton Street is a continuation of the A689 from the A19)
At least 25 layouts from ‘N’ to ‘G’ including:- Rhyd-y-Clafdy (BR Western Region, OO); Fisherton Sarum (Southern Railway, OO); Loch Inch and Glen Gillie (BR Scottish Region, OO); Hospital Gates (industrial, O); New Mills (BR London Midland Region, OO); Mytholm (N); Oberau Nord (N) & Phoenix Fruit Express (HO). Full catering services available. Dedicated parking area £1.50 on Saturday, free on Sunday. Proceeds from the event go to Great North Air Ambulance and Hartlepool and District Hospice. Visit our website for regular updates on exhibits and traders at www.hornbymagazine.com or contact us at Hornby Magazine, Foundry Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2PP. Telephone: 01780 484630 Email
[email protected] www.hornbymagazine.com
ADMISSION PRICES On the day (including programme, whilst stock lasts) Adults OAPs/Children Under 5s Family (2+3)
£6.00 £4.00 FREE £16.00
In advance Adults OAPs/Children Family (Collect programme on the day)
£5.00 £3.50 £13.00
Advance tickets can be purchased until 30th June. Order by card on 01780 480404 or online by following the link at
www.hornbymagazine.com
Show Supported by
Doors open In association with Hartlepool Model Rail Group
Sat Sun
9.30am-5.30pm 10.00am-4.30pm
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
Item no:
N/A
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£12.00
Available from: adM Models, www.admmodels.co.uk
ZERO A6M2B By:
BRL 72045
Item no:
1/72
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€6.58
Available from: Brengun, www.brengun.cz
Large-scale Luftwaffe enthusiasts won’t want to miss this handy and well-detailed wheel bay package for Revell’s big Heinkel. Entirely in resin, the set has 24 parts with minimal casting blocks, so removal and neatening should be easy. Fine rendering of structural ribs, cabling and lightening holes are all evident.
Convincing rust is one of the most sought-after effects in modelling, and there are various means by which to achieve it. Lifecolor’s set will make life simple and interesting even for the novice, by providing three oxidised acrylic paint shades and three special weathering pigments of a very fine grain. All are suitably rusty in shade, to portray fresh metal breakdown, as well as older oxidisation and come in 22ml bottles. The powder can be mixed with water, alcohol or solvent, while the paint is water soluble.
{94}
HEINKEL HE 111P UNDERCARRIAGE BAYS By:
CMK
Item no:
5072
Scale:
1/32
Price:
€19.30
Available from: CNK, www.cmkkits.com
PRODUCT SPEC
OXIDISATION
PRODUCT SPEC
BOMBER BITS
RUST PIGMENT & COLOR SET By:
Lifecolor
Item no:
SPG 03
Price:
£20.50
Available from: The Airbrush Company, www.airbrushes.com
By:
Pinnacle Modelling Supplies
Item no:
Various
Price:
£3.95 each
Available from: www.model-supplies.org.uk
NORTHROP METAL
Kinetic’s Freedom Fighter is a real gem but as with any kit, it can stand further embellishment. Eduard’s set is comprehensive and offers a host of detail for the outer airframe. Areas such as the wheel bays and doors, undercarriage legs and airbrakes are catered for, and even the kit’s access ladder receives new, true-to-scale steps. This package will ensure hours of brass-based fun and a really show-stopping model. F-5A INTERIOR By:
Eduard
Item no: 48750 Scale:
1/48
Price:
€25.95
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
Detailing maestro Eduard has thoughtfully produced a set of beautiful landing flaps for Cyber-hobby’s Meteor kit. These units comprise more than 25 components in total and one gets the whole base of the flap housing (with framework detail) as a drop-in item once it’s constructed.
PRODUCT SPEC
adM Models
PRO-EFFECT WEATHERING PIGMENT
SLOW DOWN YOUR MEATBOX
METEOR F.1/F.3 LANDING FLAPS By:
Eduard
Item no:
72540
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€9.95
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
BENT-WINGED BETTERMENT
Kit manufacturers sometimes falter with reproduction of the complex shapes on aircraft. True Details has come to the rescue with regard to Hobbyboss’ 1/48 Corsair, with this resin replacement cowling and propeller blades. The prop boss is well detailed, the blades are thin around the edges and there’s fine riveting around the panel lines.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
Weathering is now an integral part of modelling and pigments have rocketed in popularity. This new British brand currently has 32 shades, with Mud (P723), OD Green (P715) and Earth (P726) being just some that are available. There are also various rust-coloured powders and all can be blended for ultimate versatility and application.
PRODUCT SPEC
CAFÉ SUR LE MUR (RUIN)
Here’s a neat, high-quality photo-etched metal detail set for Tamiya’s Zero. Interior and exterior parts are offered, to improve/replace areas such as the undercarriage bay doors, canopy and cockpit. Some of the detail on items such as the throttle quadrant is absolutely splendid, but patience is vital!
PERFECT POWDERS
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Here, we have a super ruined French café, which would provide the perfect backdrop for any number of models. There are 14 resin parts which all display fine casting and detail, with well-defined bricks peeping through pock-marked and chipped render. Part of the frontal wooden framework is provided, along with half of the upstairs window shutters.
JAPANESE JOY
PRODUCT SPEC
RUINED REFRESHMENTS
F4U-4 PROPELLER AND COWLING SET By:
True Details
Item no:
48552
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $12.99
Available from: Squadron Products, www.squadron.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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07/05/2013 16:28
Model built by David Underwood
IPMSis flying high Some of the benefits of IPMS (UK) Membership • • • • • • •
More than 80 local Branches, throughout the United Kingdom Over 70 Special Interest Groups covering a multitude of subjects Full colour, bi-monthly Magazine written by modellers, for modellers Decal Bank, Kit Instruction Library and Technical Advisory Service Free entry to Scale ModelWorld ~ the World’s greatest model show Discounts on kits and other products from hobby retailers Discounted membership for family members
• Sharing your hobby with modellers Worldwide
For an Information Pack, including a FREE sample magazine, please send 3 First Class stamps to the Membership Secretary: Colin Marrow 2 Kenilworth Road Cubbington Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 7TR or visit www.ipmsuk.co.uk to join IPMS (UK) online Ad V.4D.indd 1
24/02/2013 22:55:39
CUTTING MAT CHAT WITH MIKE GRANT
Airfix kits were part of a modelling childhood, which eventually led to a thriving after-market decal business for Mike Grant n his wallet my Dad carries a 50-year-old picture of a car…a drawing I did at the age of three in an early attempt at perspective. Machines – cars originally, and aircraft later – have always fascinated me so it’s no surprise that I strove to replicate them in either two or three dimensions. Every art project in school was contrived
{I}
to include either Jackie Stewart’s latest racing car or an aeroplane; Airfix models filled my bedroom shelf at home. The very first kit I built was the original Airfix Mosquito, aided by my dad after he’d taken me to see the film 633 Squadron, and like most lads of my generation I continued to build models through my school years. At 13 a friend
of mine introduced me to the International Plastic Modellers’ Society (IPMS) and the models I saw on the tables at their meetings were worlds apart from my own thrown-together attempts, and opened my eyes to what could be achieved. I’ve been building ever since. My art interests led to a career in graphic design and, in 2000, modelling and design disciplines converged after reading an article in a US modelling magazine. It featured a desktop printer capable of printing white ink, perfect for creating decals. This machine was duly purchased and a few weeks’ experimentation followed. The first decal sheet produced was a personal project, a set of 1/72 markings for the Canadian BAe Hawk. A photo of the sheet was posted on an online forum and within an hour I had several requests for the sheet; ‘Mike
Grant Decals’ was born. These days the majority of my decal sheets are conventional screenprinted products, although the ALPS printer is still in service and used extensively for my own custom projects. Another area where art and modelling overlap is in kit box art of course, and having grown up with the Airfix brand I’ve always been a fan of the classic Roy Cross illustrations. However the new computer generated images are absolutely superb and have been responsible for inspiring several recent purchases, including the F-86, Bf 109E and P-51D (the latter being one of my favourite kit releases from any manufacturer in the last few years). I was even tempted into buying the Airfix Cromwell IV tank, which re-ignited my interest in small-scale armour. Like I said, machines have always ❚ fascinated me…
THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE JULY 4* {98}
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
98_cuttingmat.CC.indd 98
*UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
07/05/2013 16:29
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