S 0 W 5EVIE
EUROPE'S BEST-SELLING MODELLING MAGAZINE
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ISSUE 42
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TIGER! BRILLIANT BIRDCAGE Vought FU4-1 Corsair Airfix MAY UK 5.indd 1
ALLIED LIFELINE British Light Truck MAY 2014 £4.20
NEWLY-TOOLED 1/72 AIRFIX TIGER MOTH BUILD
MEAN, GREEN RODENT Stacey David’s Rat Roaster
PRECISION BOOMER Grumman A-6E Intruder 12/03/2014 09:51
Zoukei F_P.indd 1
12/03/2014 11:34
EDITOR'S DESK 3
A
fter just over three years as Editor of AMW, from my first roughly drawn concepts on a piece of A4 late one evening, it’s now time to hand over the magazine to my Assistant Editor Chris Clifford. But before a certain wellknown British modelling forum starts a conspiracy theory, AMW is in a very good place at present and I have been given the opportunity to return to the ‘full-size’ modern military aviation side within Key Publishing. But, I dare say I won’t refrain from taking some reference images of real aircraft while on assignment at a number of air bases later this year with AirForces Monthly. But as you are no doubt aware, not a single issue of AMW would have been possible without Chris Clifford and Key designer Tom Bagley, a very impressive team of regular contributors and some wonderful staff at Margate. The opportunity to work with Darrell Burge, Dale Luckhurst, Ryan Maxwell and Hannah O’Toole from Hornby has been an absolute pleasure and many an hour has been spent chatting on the Airfix stand at model shows across the UK and Europe. For contributors, while there has been the odd teething problem in getting used to our house style, they have all risen to the challenge and provided AMW with some of the best models I have seen in any magazine – thanks guys! As for modelling techniques, I have built up my own personal
Advertising Commercial Director: Group Manager: Advertising Manager: Production Manager: Production Assistant:
Editorial
Editor: Assistant Editor: Editor's Secretary:
Glenn Sands Chris Clifford Julie Lawson
Regular Contributors
David D'Arcy, Steve Abbey, Jennifer Wright, Malcolm V. Lowe, Ian Hartup, Toni Canfora, Tom Sunley, Johan Augustsson, David Fisher and Ian Grainger
Design
Art Editor: Group Art Editor:
Production Sub Editor: Production Manager:
03_Editorial.CC.indd 3
Tom Bagley Steve Donovan
Kay Kelly Janet Watkins
Marketing
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).
reference file, having written down many of these neat little fixes. They’re all now in a file I keep close to my own cutting mat for when I become stuck in how to solve a modelling problem. For this I have the contributors to thank. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the reader’s for supporting the magazine, the brilliant chats at model shows and the advice that you have passed across to me over the three years. I will take all the memories with me and hope to keep in touch with many of you when I’m next at a model show. All the best and may you find plenty of time during an average week to get some modelling done…and keep adding to that stash! Glenn Sands Editor
Subscriptions Please refer to main advertisement within the magazine. All applications stating name, address, date to commence and remittance to: Subscriptions Department, Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK. Telephone/9.00-5.30 Monday-Friday GMT +44 (0) 1780 480404 Fax: +44 (0) 1780 757812 E-Mail:
[email protected] Airfix Model World (ISSN: 1471-0587) is published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK and distributed in the USA by Mail Right Int., 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Periodicals Postage Paid at Piscataway, NJ and additional mailing offices.
All items submitted for publication are subject to our terms and conditions. These are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely available from Key Publishing Ltd or downloadable from www.keypublishing.com The entire contents of Airfix Model World is ©copyright, and no part of it may be reproduced in any form or stored on any form of retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher. We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value, including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisements within this publication.
Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling toll free 800-676-4049 or fax 757-428-6253 or by writing to Airfix Model World, 3330 Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA23451-9828. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, c/o Mail Right International Inc.,1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway NJ 08854.
The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2012 was 12,175 copies monthly.
19/03/2014 09:58
4 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.
58 Subscribe and Save! Subscribe to Airfix Model World and make great savings!
80 On the shelf
70
ADVANCED BUILD F4U-1 CORSAIR 'BIRDCAGE'
Thirteen pages of reviews bring you the latest kits, books and modelling products.
98 Kit Court Put forward your case to AMW, as to why a particular 'missing' kit subject should be made available.
18
12
REVIEW BUILD '32 FORD RAT ROASTER
REVIEW BUILD MV-22B OSPREY
04-05_Contents.indd 4
19/03/2014 12:32
INSIDE 5
52
EXCLUSIVE BUILD DH.82a TIGER MOTH
FEATURES 12 Review Build – MV-22B Osprey Tom Sunley goes vertical with Hasegawa’s all-new MV-22B Osprey.
18 Review Build – Stacey David’s '32 Ford Rat Roaster Ian Hartup goes green with envy over Stacy David’s '32 Ford Rat Roaster from Revell.
26 Advanced Build – Grumman A-6E Intruder Lothar Wolf shows how to boost the structural accuracy of Kinetic’s recent
62 HUNTER KILLER science-fiction classic
A-6E Intruder.
36 Military Build – British Light Truck WOT-2C John Simmons replicates his grandfather’s wartime ride with Plus Model’s British Light Truck.
44 Advanced Build – IAI Finger Jen Wright pulls her Finger out and builds High Planes’ latest Mirage derivative.
52 Exclusive Build – De Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth Peter Fearis offers an exclusive test shot build of Airfix’s newly-tooled Tiger Moth.
60 Out and About – East Of England Model Show 2014 Assistant Editor Chris Clifford travelled to his local model show to help out with the judging and pick up some bargains.
62 Sci-Fi Build – The Future War Aerial HK Machine Ian Grainger depicts the aggressor from a modern science-fiction classic, courtesy of Pegasus Hobbies.
26
04-05_Contents.indd 5
ADVANCED BUILD A-6E INTRUDER
70 Advanced Build – Vought F4U-1 Corsair ‘Birdcage’ Jan Maes reckons Tamiya has raised the bar yet again with its stunning new F4U-1 Corsair.
19/03/2014 12:20
6 NEWS BULLETIN
{BREAKING
NEWS!}
AIRLINER CLASSICS
LUFTWAFFE LEGEND
AIRFIX’S 1/48 Bf 109 mould from 2010 has been re-released in two new early-war guises. The first is the E-4/E-1 package (A05120A), which offers the following Luftwaffe decal options: • E-4, White 12, Uffz. Ernst Poschenrieder, 7./JG 53, France, 1940 • E-1, Red 1, Oblt. Hannes Trautloft, 2./JG 77, Germany, August 1939 Supporting this is A05122A, Bf
109E-4/N Trop. The markings for this kit comprise: • E-4/N Trop, Black 3, Maj. Eduard Neumann, 1./JG 27, North Africa, 1941-42 • E-7, Black chevron and bar 5, (reportedly) Lt Peter-Paul Steindl, Stab II./JG 54, Romania, 1941 All the great features of the initial releases are present, such as fine engraved panel lines and alternative canopies/spinners, and various weapons choices.
AIRLINER FANS will welcome yet another comeback by Airfix’s venerable Boeing 727 and 737 mouldings, with new colour schemes. While the parts are the same as they ever where, ripe for update and refinement by more experienced modellers, the ‘old school’ colour options are:
COULD HAVE BEEN… large size performed flawlessly during the USAF’s fly-off. The exact performance details of the YF-23 have never been revealed by Northrop, which only goes to serve as an indication as to how advanced the aircraft actually was. Over the years Italeri and Dragon have released 1/72 kits of the type and, although both require minor changes to make a truly accurate example, it was the decals that let down both kits.
ALTHOUGH NOW regarded as the loser of the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) Program, Northrop’s YF-23 Black Widow II was certainly the better looking of the two designs in AMW's opinion. The two Prototype Air Vehicles (PAV)s, known as PAV-1 and PAV2, oozed stealthy looks with a fighter’s edge and, despite their
06-07_News.GS.CC.indd 6
Now Caracal Models has rectified this problem with its latest 1/72 decal sheet CD72016. Printed by Cartograf, full decals and stencils are provided for both airframes and include the names of the test pilots assigned to team. The shortlived but famous red ‘hour-glass’ symbol, which was carried on the underside of PAV-1 on its first flight, is also provided. For more information visit: www.caracalmodels.com
• (A04177A) Boeing 727-233, C-GAAC, Air Canada, 1976 • 727-243, I-DIRI ‘Citta di Siena’, Alitalia, 1982 • (A04178A) Boeing 737-204C N68SW ‘The Winning Spirit’, Southwest Airlines, 1984 • 737-2H4/Adv, G-AXNB ‘City of Birmingham’, Britannia Airways, 1971
OWL OUTLOOK VALIANT WINGS Publishing is certainly establishing itself a reputation for producing highquality modelling guides. Under the series Airframe Constructor, Volume No.2 the 1/32 He 219 Uhu, (German for Owl) is given the full-treatement. This soft-backed 96 page volume guides the reader/modeller through every stage of constructing, painting and weathering. Image quality is superb, the copy is easy to follow and is packed with hints and tips for enhancing even the smallest details on the kit. If one is planning to build a He 219, this new modelling title is a must. Priced at £13.95 and available from Valiant Wings Publishing at: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
20/03/2014 08:32
LATEST UPDATES
A STITCH IN TIME
If one has visited any European airshow in the last couple of years, one could not fail to be impressed by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16 Demo team. During the 2012-13 season Captain Stefan ‘Stitch’ Hutten demonstrated his F-16A (MLU) in routines that included lowaltitude passes, afterburner turns and zoom climbs. Arguably, many modellers who were also ‘Viper’ fans wished to have the ‘Orange Lion’ within their model collect – and now they can with Revell’s 1/72 F-16MLU ‘Solo Display’ (Kit No.03980). With decals provided by French firm Syhart, and Revell’s well-received 1/72 F-16A parts, this boxing will
certainly have some appeal for those in the IPMS Special Schemes SIG. The decals provide the markings for the 2009, 2010-2011 and 20122013 seasons. These changes simply consist of different display pilots, mentioned on the canopy framing; these names are included on the stunning decal sheet. The kit itself now shows only
a tiny amount of flash on the smaller parts, but this is easily cleaned away. Choosing the F-16 Demo Jet leaves the builder with a substantial set of air-to-air missiles and drop tanks for the spares box. The Pearl Metallic Orange paint used on the jet is available directly from Syhart (www. syhartdecal.fr), which would be the wise choice rather than mixing Humbrol colours as suggested on the kit instructions. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For more details on this kit and many more, visit the newlook Revell website at: www. revell.de/en. UK readers can now order kits online and the order can be routed through the nearest Revell retail stockist...handy indeed!
(Key – Glenn Sands)
LIGHT THIS CANDLE!
SPACE FANS will be delighted with the re-release of the MRC/Atomic City Project Mercury capsule, in 1/12 scale. The model is sizeable as it sports the Escape Tower section (moulded in red styrene), as well as the retro pack which has real metal retaining straps. The
06-07_News.GS.CC.indd 7
instructions state that the kit represents capsules flown on five of the missions, but detailed advice is given on how to convert the capsule to that of Alan Shepard’s on the first manned mission, which had different specifications. Internal detail can be improved by more knowledgeable space modellers, because the kit portrays most accurately Gordo Cooper’s Faith 7, the last Mercury flight; all previous flights had a periscope in the control panel and the panel’s pedestal formed the barrel of the periscope. Arguably, a glaring omission is the small pressure bulkhead, which sits at the forward edge of the hatch
opening, just beyond the instrument panel; without the bulkhead, one can see all the way to the parachute containers in the forward end and scratch-building will be necessary for true accuracy. Two decal sheets are provided but the markings are rather thick so will undoubtedly require strong setting solution (or after-market alternatives). It’s a welcome return though, and the kit is available in the UK via Amerang. www.amerang.co.uk
20/03/2014 08:33
8 NEWS BULLETIN
{in brief}
LATEST UPDATES
TESTING DELTAS
DOCKSIDE DIORAMAS French after-market specialist L’Arsenal has new additions to its range of small-scale resin vehicles. In 1/700, the following are now available: Ford Sedan x 10 (AC70075), Japanese Tanks and Vehicles x 17 (Type 2593 armoured car, Komatsu bulldozer, Type 94 tank, Type 2 Ka-Mi - AC70076) and Opel Blitz x 13 (five variants – AC70077). For 1/350 modellers, there are: Bedford QLT x 5 (AC350131), Ford Canada F60L x 5 (AC350139), Ford GPA x 5 (AC350143), Bedford Light Truck x 5 (AC350146), Humber FWD Van x 5 (AC350147), Open Kraftomnibus 2.5t x 5 (AC350148), M10 Tank Destroyer x 6 (AC350149), Camion Opel Blitz 3t x 5 (AC350150) and Churchill Tanks x 5 (AC350153). Many are suitable for water/dockside scenes, D-Day and the like, and are cast with fine detail. www.larsenal.com
SUPREME SOVIET Eduard has become a specialist at creating ‘boutique’ kits, by adding its own after-market parts to other manufacturers’ moulds. The Czechbased firm has now added to its stable of limited edition products, with a re-hash of Zvezda’s excellent Lavochkin La-5FN. To this well-detailed moulding, Eduard has married pre-coloured photoetched metal (cockpit parts), plain brass for exterior embellishment, lovely resin main wheels and tape masks to aid with painting. Zvezda’s Lavochkin features exquisite surface detail (among the best so far from the company) and a full engine with bearers. Crowning the package is a splendid new Cartografprinted decal sheet, with five colour schemes. The camouflage is the same for all, but there are patriotic slogans and markings for four different aces; Maj. Ivan A. Vishniakov, Lt. Anatolii V. Ruzin, Konstantin S. Nazimov and Kirill A. Evstigneev. For further details, visit: www.eduard.com
CREDIT CORRECTION The Hurricane artwork used on page 58 of our April 2014 issue was incorrectly attributed to Pete West, it should have been David Howley. Our apologies to both parties.
08_News.CC.indd 8
ALLEY CAT was quick off the mark with resin backdate sets for Airfix’s recent 1/48 Gloster Javelin FAW.9. The firm offered parts with which to render earlier operational variants of this classic interceptor, but now, Alley Cat has given extra variety and a riot of colour with three new conversions for Javelins in the test-flying domain. The first package (AC48041C) is for the jazzy red and white FAW.9 XH897, which currently resides at Duxford. After squadron service, the jet was flown by
Bristol Siddeley Engines for test work at Filton, before it went to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down, as a calibration checker and pacer aircraft. The next set (AC48042C) offers parts for the equally eyepopping FAW.2 XA778, which wore a mostly Dayglo orange and yellow scheme for its work with the A&AEE; it was fitted with an FAW.7 engine section. The final conversion (AC48043C), allows the replication of FAW.7 XH754, with two Royal Aircraft Establishment colour schemes provided. All sets, priced £24 each, offer quality resin components, the appropriate decals and photo-etched brass templates for the positioning of vortex generators. For further details, visit: www.a2zeemodels.co.uk
BIG CAT UPGRADES
POLISH AFTERmarket firm Aber has released two improvement sets for the Hobbyboss 1/16 Tiger I (82601). The kit is relatively simple as it’s suitable for radio control conversion, and does need upgrading if it’s to match a smaller-scaled version from the likes of Dragon, in terms of high detail. But Aber has answered many modellers’ pleas with these sets, which comprise photo-etched metal and turned brass/aluminium. Set 16 050 has three alloy frets and two brass templates, with all one would expect, such as tool clamps, jack block holders and details for the jack itself, but there is also a gun travel lock and cleaning rod racks with lock-down bars. One large alloy fret and a small brass example define set 16 051, which offers rear mudguards. Priced at £61.60 and £24.70 they're stunning in terms of detail and sheer modelling pleasure. www.aber.net.pl
PURE EVIL AND A MUTANT FIGURE PAINTERS with a love for comic subjects have two exciting new releases to explore, courtesy of Dark World Creations. The firm has steadily released 70mm characters from the cult comic 2000AD, but the two latest subjects could prove the most popular – they are the decidedly creepy Judge Death and mutated bounty hunter Durham Red…sidekick to Johnny Alpha in the story Strontium Dog. Fans will know Judge Death as the evil entity from an alternate dimension, who
battled with Judges Dredd and Anderson. DWC’s resin version is splendidly menacing, with all the scary-looking features rendered faithfully. On his skinny frame are the trademark bony-fingered kneepads, winged skull belt buckle, bone-laden left shoulder pad and pterosaur on the right shoulder. Best of all is the helmet with portcullis visor and the lower face, which has long teeth drawn in a sinister rictus. Red, however, is less scary and based on later drawings of the character. The slender curves, vampiric smile, skin-tight outfit
and calf knives all make for a superb rendition. Both figures have separate parts and come with circular branded bases. For further details, visit: www.darkworldcreations.com
19/03/2014 09:59
10 SHOW SCENE
DIARY DATES
SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model and airshow calendar
Poole Vikings Model Club Annual Show Hosts:
Poole Vikings Model Club
Address: Parkstone Grammar School, Sopers Lane, Poole, BH17 7EP
12 APRIL, 2014 PARKSTONE GRAMMAR
Times:
10:00-16:00
Prices:
Adults £3.00, Child/OAP £1.50
Tel:
01202 743494
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
Myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ poolevikings
APR 12
SWORD & LANCE 2014
APR 27
GATWICK AIRPORT COLLECTORS' FAIR
JUN 1
THE NORTHERN MODEL SHOW
JUN 24-25
SCOTTISH NATIONALS 2014
Hosts:
Darlington Military Modelling Society
Hosts:
Tom Singfield
Hosts:
The Northern Model Club
Hosts:
IPMS Scotland
Address: Darlington College, Haughton Road, Darlington, DR1 1DR
Address: K.2 Sports Centre, Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9BQ
Times:
10:00-16:30
Times:
Opens 10:30am
Prices:
TBC
Prices:
TBC
Tel:
01325 489801
Tel:
N/A
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
Web:
dmms.moonfruit.com
[email protected]. co.uk
APR 13
THE REME MUSEUM MODEL SHOW
Hosts:
REME Museum
Address: REME Museum of Technology, Arborfield, Berkshire, RG2 9NH
Web:
N/A
MAY 24-25
THE D-DAY ANNIVERSARY AIR SHOW
Hosts:
IWM Duxford
Tel:
Jim Gibb
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
N/A
Web:
http://scotnats.org.uk
JUN 15
MAFVA NATIONALS
JUL 12-13
FLYING LEGENDS
Hosts:
IWM Duxford
Hosts:
IWM Duxford
Email:
08:00-18:00
Times:
08:00-18:00
Adults £24.75, Children £16.30
Prices:
TBC
Prices:
Tel:
N/A
Adults £31.05, Children £16.30
Email:
paul.middleton600@ ntlworld.com
Tel:
01223 835000
Email:
[email protected]
mafva.net/nationals.htm
Web:
www.iwm.org.uk
Email:
enquiries@rememuseum. org.uk
Tel:
01223 835000
Email:
[email protected]
www.rememuseum.org.uk
Web:
www.iwm.org.uk
KEY
rob@reflectedlight photography.co.uk
01207 561971
Times:
0118 9763375
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
TBC (Discounts for IPMS members)
TBC
Tel:
08:00-18:00
Tel:
m
Prices:
Prices:
Times:
Adults £5.00, Children £4.00
MODEL COMPETITION
10:00-17:00 (Sat) 10:00-16:00 (Sun)
TBC
Address: Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR
11:00-16:00
)
Times:
Times:
Address: Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR
Prices:
E MODEL DISPLAY
Address: Dewars Centre, Glover Street, Perth, Scotland, PH2 0TH
Address: Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR
Times:
Web:
Address: The Parks Centre, Howden Road, North Shields, NE29 6TL
Prices:
J
Web:
MILITARY DISPLAY
REFRESHMENTS
AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY
FREE PARKING
TRADE STANDS
AIRFIX ROADSHOW ATTENDING
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]
10_Diary Dates.CC.indd 10
19/03/2014 10:01
NE
W 24 Hours that c h the course of anged WW2 A
SPECIAL
T
he Allied invasion of Normandy, Operation Overlord, was the greatest air, land and sea operation ever conducted. Its success depended on the invading forces gaining a foothold on Hitler’s Fortress Europe on the first day, D-Day. On that single day 150,000 troops, almost 7,000 warships, transport vessels and landing craft and thousands of aircraft, launched the assault that would mark the beginning of the end of the Third Reich. Though not all the objectives were achieved in the bitter and bloody fighting, enough ground had been won by the end of D-Day to enable reinforcements to be landed and the beachhead expanded. This 132-page special from the team behind Britain at War magazine pays tribute to the twenty-four hours that changed the course of the Second World War.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
JUST
* 9 .9 5 £ AVAILABLE THURSDAY 17 APRIL FROM
D-Day: the plans, preparations, aims and objectives Airborne assault The Beaches: Utah, Omaha, Juno, Gold and Sword The Road to Berlin
AND MUCH MORE!
AND ALL OTHER LEADING NEWSAGENTS
Alternatively, Order Direct - Delivery from Monday 14 April
JUST £5.99 FREE P&P* *Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply.
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
S U B S C R I B E R S C A L L F O R Y O U R £ 1. 0 0 D I S C O U N T ! 220 D-Day Full.indd 11
19/03/2014 10:44
12 REVIEW BUILD
D
is for
Vertical Tom Sunley goes vertical with Hasegawa’s all-new MV-22B Osprey
12-16_Osprey.CC.indd 12
esigned as a medium-lift replacement for the CH-46 Sea Knight, the MV-22B is a tiltrotor V/STOL aircraft. With the ability to operate as a helicopter or as a turboprop aircraft, the Osprey offers twice the speed, six times the range and a massive three times the payload of the CH-46. With three successful US Marine Corps combat deployments in Iraq, from 2007 to 2009 with VMM-263, VMM-162 and VMM266, followed by VMM-263’s embarkation on the first MV-22 shipboard deployment with the Bataan Ready Group in May
2009, the Osprey has already forged a fine pedigree. For improved survivability the Osprey has cross-coupled transmission that enables either engine to power the rotors should one engine fail. The USMC plans to purchase up to 360 MV-22s to give the Corps the ability to carry troops, equipment and supplies to the front line by operating from ships and austere airfields.
First glance A welcome addition to the 1/72 market, Hasegawa’s Marine variant Osprey certainly did not disappoint. In the box were
Cockpit detail was relatively basic but more than adequate for 1/72 scale. Perhaps an after-market producer will oblige soon?
19/03/2014 10:03
MV-22B OSPREY 13
Kit colour schemes Two US Marine Corps liveries are supplied by Hasegawa on its kit decal sheet: • 168025/8025/00/YW, VMM-165, MCAS Miramar, 2011 • 168220/8220/00/EP, VMM-265, MCAS Futenma, 2012
MODEL SPEC
ten runners (nine in completely flash-free grey styrene and one in clear) and the build from the outset showed signs of being a very enjoyable experience. Detail was very good, with crisp panel lines, and a faithful representation of the real aircraft was evident after checking of reference material. Decals supplied in the kit were MV-22B OSPREY By:
Hasegawa
Stock Code: 01571 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£39.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
for two colourful US Marines examples. Assembly began with the cockpit which, although basic, was completely adequate for the scale. Once painted this area was further enhanced by the fabrication of a set of seatbelts made from Tamiya tape, cut to size and painted in situ on the seat. Given the size of the glass panels on the glazing, this would ensure plenty of detail would be in view on the completed model. Instruments were provided in decal form for individual screens and, before it was fitted, the panel was sprayed black and dry-brushed lightly with white paint to bring out the excellent detail.
Fantastic bodywork
Here is the assembled cockpit fitted to the fuselage, along with the bulkheads and wheel wells. Instruments were provided in decal form, but looked good.
The main wing was assembled and fitted to the top of fuselage. Its fit was superb and required little remedial work. Assembly of the tail unit made it ready to be fitted to the rear of fuselage.
Before the cockpit assembly was fitted inside the fuselage halves, each half was sprayed with Xtracrylix XA1131 Dark Gull Grey, as were the various bulkheads that required
12-16_Osprey.CC.indd 13
19/03/2014 10:04
14 REVIEW BUILD
Hasegawa’s engines comprised numerous parts and utilised rubber grommets, to allow them to be posed at different angles on the wings once the model was completed. There's plenty of engraved engine panel detail on these parts.
The flat, circular antenna on the cabin roof was poorly moulded, so it was replaced after the seam line was sanded. This was an easy fix, which simply involved punching a circle from a sheet of plastic card and gluing it in position.
Seen here are the assembled engines fitted on the ends of the main wings, complete with rotors attached temporarily.
Glazed parts were masked for painting and then panel lines and detail points were pre-shaded with black paint.
fitting before the joining of the halves. The porthole windows in each side were also positioned before the fuselage was closed. These were fixed in position with Gator’s Grip PVA adhesive. Finally a large bracing piece was placed inside the fuselage; this served as a strengthening device should the optional display stand be used on completion. The fuselage halves
little remedial work would be required before the painting stages, such was the quality of the joins. Main wings were assembled complete with their flap system, which was assembled in the down position. This resulting assembly was fitted to the top of the fuselage and, again, the fit of these parts proved to be exceptional. The fit was very positive as a large
12-16_Osprey.CC.indd 14
were then mated by touching and flowing Tamiya Extra Thin cement along the join, and were held in position by strips of tape until set. At this point it was noted that very
tongue and groove system was manufactured into the join, while the rear cargo ramp was fitted to the underside of the fuselage in the closed position, before the twin tail section was built. The latter was then cemented to the fuselage and the assembly set aside to cure fully. Once dried, all remedial work on the seams was carried out. Any detail lost or impaired
19/03/2014 10:04
MV-22B OSPREY 15 during sanding was reinstated with a Tamiya scriber. Various lumps and bumps were added around the airframe at this stage, although delicate parts such as antennae and pitot probes were left until the end of the build.
Rotor time Next to be assembled were the two Rolls-Royce Allison T406 engines and their massive contra-rotating propellers. Hasegawa allowed for variable positioning of the engines following construction, by using a small rubber grommet retained inside the engine. Once complete this allowed the powerplant to be pushed onto the stub on the end of the main
wing without cement, to allow the sub-assembly to be rotated from zero to 90 degrees, as on the real aircraft. The propellers, too, were fitted with a rubber grommet inside so that they could also be fitted after painting was completed…and allowed to rotate on the fixed stub in front of the engine. Propeller blades were twopiece affairs, but the resulting joins were along natural panel lines or easily made invisible with light sanding.
Time for paint After the panel lines and details were given a preshade with black paint, the main scheme for the chosen aircraft was airbrushed. This
consisted of a three-tone grey livery which was reproduced with the lightest colour first for the underside, replicated by Xtracrylix XA1136 Light Compass Grey. This was allowed sufficient time to cure before masking for the midtone grey, for which Xtracrylix XA1135 Dark Compass Grey was employed. Again, this was allowed to dry thoroughly before masking for the top side shade, Xtracrylix XA1126 Dark Blue/Grey. A third curing period was allowed before the whole model received a generous coat of clear gloss. The decals behaved extremely well and, because they were produced so thinly, only minimum use of
The rotors were substantial and joins followed natural panel lines. Rubber grommets were utilised to allow the rotors to spin, which also enabled them to remain detached until painting was completed. Here, a test fit on the engine was carried out.
Plenty of masking was added to the airframe, ready for the third grey in the three-shade paint scheme. With the paintwork unmasked one can clearly see the effect of shadowing, produced by allowing the pre-shade to show through the final paint coats.
12-16_Osprey.CC.indd 15
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16 REVIEW BUILD setting solution was required to ensure that all detail and panel lines were adhered to. Overnight drying was allowed and, once checked, a further clear coat
MV-22B OSPREY was applied for protection ahead of weathering. The model was given a dark wash and allowed to dry somewhat, before the excess was wiped away with a moistened paper towel. Finishing with strokes in the direction of the airflow ensured a believable amount of weathering, and allowed panels and detail to come to life. Once happy with the effect, the
various finishes were brought back to a uniform sheen with a coat of Alclad Klear Kote Flat.
Vertical victory All antennae were fitted around the airframe with just the smallest dab of PVA adhesive, which brought the model to completion…and it looked splendid. A final check to ensure positioning and whether touch-
ups were required was carried out as a final measure. Hasegawa has produced another stunner with this kit. Here’s a model that should be a breeze for any modeller, such is the quality and fit of parts. The decals were of superior quality and dried on the model as if they’d been painted. Not a single fault was apparent and the kit is ❚ highly recommended.
Rotors too received their decals and the leading edge panels were sprayed with silver paint.
Decaling was carried out and, with minimal use of setting solution, all behaved well. When dry the decals conformed brilliantly with the detail and panel lines, for a painted look. A dark wash was applied and, once wiped away with moistened paper towel, left all the detail and panels highlighted appropriately.
12-16_Osprey.CC.indd 16
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18 REVIEW BUILD
me an , green roden t Ian Hartup goes green with envy over Stacy David’s Rat Roaster from Revell
s
tacey David is a product of the almost exclusively American concept of workshop television. His GearZ Series is syndicated all across North America and achieves high viewing figures. The premise of the show is simple; Stacey has a huge workshop and builds stuff… petrol-powered stuff. From drag racing trucks to custom cars his taste is varied yet eclectic. The Rat Roaster concept ’32 Ford was
one such vehicle built episodeby-episode. Stacy’s intention was to create a modern take on the classic ’32 Ford Roadster of old, from scratch, with a reproduction body and chassis, and supercharged small-block Chevy power plant. Stacy is always keen to promote all sides of the automotive hobby and so he regularly features model cars, and this led Revell to produce a kit of the Rat Roaster. Revell’s classic ’32 Ford series kits have
A pleasing newly-tooled set of tyres and bodywork really set the scene.
18-22_Rat Roaster.CC.indd 18
been around for years and feature different bodies, wheels and engines. For the Rat roaster, however, Revell chose not to just simply reissue the older kit but to tool a mostly new product.
Power first The real car used a smallblock Chevy V8 with Weiand supercharger and this was faithfully reproduced. The main elements were easy to assemble and the joins required little or
no clean-up before they were primed and finished in gloss red to match photos on the GearZ website http://staceydavid.com. The supercharger and majority of the motor’s top end were produced in a sort of flat-pack style and then chrome plated - a combination fraught with issues. Simply put, the chrome made it difficult to get anything to stick, so the parts were all soaked in bleach overnight to remove the finish. Once the parts had been
The wheel well liners were handed and located neatly into place on the bodyshell.
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'32 FORD RAT ROASTER 19
The engine block was a neat unit formed from six well-detailed pieces; the engine stand was fabricated from brass rod to simplify handling it later.
All of the parts to be painted in the body colour were located and cleaned up before they were mounted ready for primer. Mr Primer Surfacer 1000 from a rattle can was utilised to provide a sound base for the colour coats that followed.
MODEL SPEC
washed, joining surfaces were further neatened with a sanding pad before the supercharger could be assembled. The completed sub-assembly was coated with Alclad Grey Primer to ensure tidy seams. More Alclad Gloss Black Base prepared it for a final application of Alclad Chrome. It was essential to ensure proper alignment of the front face of the blower body onto the engine’s upper section, STACEY DAVID’S '32 FORD RAT ROASTER By:
Revell
Stock Code: 85-4995 Scale:
1/25
Price:
US $24.95
Available from: Revell, www.revell.com
18-22_Rat Roaster.CC.indd 19
to allow the pulley and belt assembly to match. Once this was achieved, the supercharger’s upper section was added and the chrome-painted carburettors slipped into place. The distributor cap received a two tone aluminium and red finish, before it was added to the block. Smaller ancillary parts, all prepainted were then added to the engine before the main assembly was side-lined for chassis work. The instructions stated that the main part should be painted in the body colour; the body of the real car is finished in high gloss candy green over a silver base. Zero Paints produces a range of such candy shades and its green looked close to that on the real car. Painting of the body-coloured parts
A base coat of Zero Paints’ Medium Flake Candy Base was applied and left over night to dry properly.
Zero Candy Apple Green was applied over the silver before a coat of clear was applied, and that is what imparted the shine; Zero's Pre-Mixed clear coat was used on the review model.
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20 REVIEW BUILD
The front chassis-mounted moon tank was one of the weakest areas of the kit, with poor moulding and fit. Much effort was expended in getting it right!
would be a multi-stage process and it was essential to achieve the same finish on all thus painted. Thorough study of the instructions suggested that the chassis, floor and insert, interior trims, dashboard, grille shroud, firewall and the body and fenders should all be painted the same. By chance, the opportunity arose to watch episodes of GearZ, which featured the Rat Roaster project. After this, and having reviewed images of the real car, it became apparent that there was more to this than met the eye. In fact, large chrome-plated parts of the kit should actually be body coloured. So, the front suspension arms, steering rack and headlight housings were all placed into bleach and
stripped of their chrome. With the chrome removed, the parts were cleaned up and primed. The front suspension and rear transaxles were assembled dry to the chassis frame, to ensure they all lined up correctly and the painted finish would not be damaged later. Once the finish was satisfactory, two coats of Zero’s Medium Flake Silver Base were applied. Minor blemishes required remedial work before a third silver coat was added. Once the silver had cured, the candy colour was airbrushed. The finish of candy colours is progressive, meaning that the shade darkens as it dries, so care was required in the application process. Several light coats proved much better than one
A huge number of decals were included, with which to detail the Rat Rod’s interior.
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heavy layer. Once the colour saturation was deemed suitable, the whole thing was set aside to dry overnight. The dried parts were then given two ‘wet’ coats of Zero’s pre-mixed Clear. The effect of the Clear on the candy was nothing short of magical; the gloss finish imparted a huge degree of ‘zing’ to the finished paint. With the body panels and detail parts all painted, the various sub-assemblies were brought together. The real car’s body sported natty, chromed two tone belt line trims and these were reproduced on the kit decal sheet. These were laid down one side at a time and sealed into place with a combination of a hairdryer and a little Johnson’s Klear to seal them. The rear
fenders were tacked into place with White-Tack and then Mr. Cement S was run along the inside face of the join. Once fully dry the process was repeated for the other side. The floor of the interior was finished with Tamiya X-18 Semi-Gloss Black before it was decaled with the mat and aluminium gearshift base plate decals provided. Seats painted in a different satin black finish
The seats and floor panel fitted positively to the chassis.
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'32 FORD RAT ROASTER 21
The rear transaxle and suspension were designed to build around the already installed exhaust pipes. Failure to follow this simple sequence can lead to serious issues later...you have been warned!
for contrast were fixed to the floor but, in a change from the instructions, the floor was fixed to the chassis. Experience of theis firm's older kits suggested that this would be better and there remains no contradictory evidence.
Fancy inner finish The interior of the real car has a diamond-quilted finish on the sidewalls and rear bulkhead. This detailing came in the kit, with a combination of engraving and decals and, after coaxing with a hairdryer, this proved effective. The sidewalls fitted positively to the floor; masking tape was strapped across the joins while the glue dried to ensure correct alignment. The dashboard was lovely, with neatly-moulded dial recesses and the inset panel seen on the real car. For the inset, the Rat Roaster was
18-22_Rat Roaster.CC.indd 21
fitted with a piece of material from an electric guitar body. To represent this, the kit part was painted aluminium and an oil wash was applied to impart a pearlescent finish. Decals were provided for the dials and these were in perfect register. To ensure that they would settle into the recesses properly, a selection of correctly-sized pieces of aluminium tube had their edges sharpened and the decals were punched out before they were applied in the usual manner. Exhausts were painted in a combination of Stainless Steel and Steel Alclad shades, before they were tacked into the chassis floor. Black wash was applied later to the exhaust tips to impart depth, and then the chassis reinforcing section was fitted to trap the exhausts in place. The pre-assembled engine dropped into the chassis
The engine block and blower head were added to the chassis before the body was added. Fitting of the firewall became an issue shortly after this photograph was taken.
and five-minute epoxy adhesive was employed to allow requisite ‘wiggle’ time. Once dry, the front suspension was slipped onto the chassis front rails. The rear transaxle and drive shaft were then fitted into place. It should be noted that the kit retained the classic rear suspension of the older products, while the real Rat Roaster had a more modern
triangle linked unit. The front suspension was not prototypical either. Why Revell chose to take this short cut was confusing; after all, the kit is advertised as a new tooling. Rear suspension braces were added next, but it was debatable whether they should have been body coloured as well. In the absence of definitive images the chrome
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22 REVIEW BUILD
'32 FORD RAT ROASTER
Primary sub-assemblies went together with few problems. The wheels displayed a simple and positive push fit.
The multi-part exhausts required a great deal of time and effort to get them to this point but, ultimately, it was worth it.
finish was retained. The body was then offered to the chassis with its pre-fitted interior and engine. Mating was tight but controllable, and with a satisfying click it all
the engine from the radiator, it all imparted the slight forward rake of the original. Revell’s box art image of the real car clearly showed two brace rods, running from the radiator shroud to the firewall, and Revell provided location holes for both. However, the firm omitted any reference to these parts in the kit and its instructions. Two polished pieces of Albion Alloys’ aluminium tube were utilised to represent them here. The kit provided the modeller with the choice of either uncovered front wheels or a neat set of bicycle-style huggers. These were designed to attach to mounts moulded in situ on the front brake discs, and were duly employed on the review kit… although fixing them to the mounts in a strong manner required two-part epoxy adhesive. The wheels of the real Rat Roaster have a two tone polished finish, with
m a ter i al s a t a gl ance Alclad (http://alclad2.com) Black and White Primers Various metallic shades MDC (www. modeldesignconstruction.co.uk) Gunze Mr. Hobby various colours Mr. Cement S Fine Compound F Tamiya X-18 Satin Black Masking tape (various widths) Zero Paints (www.hiroboy.com) Brilliant White and Silver base coat colours Candy Apple Green Pre-Mixed Clear Coat
went together well. The firewall did not have such a close fit and on this kit at least, appeared to have twisted during moulding.
Pass the filler The side exhausts were arguably the worst parts in the kit; their slightly over-engineered multipart assembly meant heavy seam lines, which demanded filler before their finish could be improved enough to allow them to be chrome painted later. The windshield frame was designed to fit into recesses on the bodyshell and this it did with only a little careful neatening. A very clear windscreen and rear view mirror completed this area. However, the mirror was 'short shot' and at the time of photographing the model this had yet to be replaced. The radiator shroud and grille fitted perfectly and, once clipped into the chassis and the various pipes were fitted to
the main part in satin chrome and the highlights in gloss. This was replicated by running a satin clear coat wash over the deeper detail of the chromefinished wheels. Various smaller components were all that remained and these proved very little trouble. With the model completed it looked too stark and the engine chrome in particular seemed too clean. To mute the finish, Citadel washes were used; brown and black on the supercharger and engine block, black into the shut lines and panel gaps. The rocker covers of the real car have a red inlay finish and this was represented with red wash. With the finishing done the model was completed, and it sat impressively among a collection of other ‘32s built over the years. Revell has produced a pleasing, if workmanlike representation of Stacy’s ❚ masterpiece.
Games Workshop Citadel Washes, various colours
18-22_Rat Roaster.CC.indd 22
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26 ADVANCED BUILD
Lothar Wolf shows how to boost the structural accuracy of Kinetic’s recent A-6E Intruder
The leading edge of the vertical tail was reshaped (with the aid of a plan drawing, shown) and panel lines were added, while the anti-collision light was reduced in size and the plastic centre was replaced with a clear light.
A new anti-collision light was made from pieces of leftover clear styrene from the parts runner. Drilled holes were filled with Gunze clear red paint to portray bulbs.
26-34_Intruder.CC.indd 26
The completed vertical tail shown with the new and corrected anti-collision light, missing panel lines added and the leading edge reshaped.
hen the A-6 was retired from active service in 1997 it had served for a remarkable 33 years. It was employed in almost all major conflicts and campaigns of its time, from 1965 onwards in Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf, and over Iraq and Bosnia in the 1990s. While its carrier colleague the F-4 would never win a beauty contest (it was soon christened ‘Double-Ugly’ by one US Navy officer), the A-6 design could easily be considered even more ‘pragmatic’. As with most aircraft, the Intruder was subject to modifications and upgrades due to new and different requirements, which finally lead to the A-6E depicted here by Kinetic. The kit plastic was quite thick and heavy, with soft detail and flash that needed to be removed; but
ultimately the styrene proved very workable, sanded easily and was responsive to paint and filler. One major issue needed to be considered before the build began…the wing in the kit represented the composite or ‘plastic’ wing, which was retrofitted to a large number of airframes to prevent fatigue and extend service life. However, after-market decals for these aircraft are rare; one would either have to stick with the decals provided in the kit or search for compatible markings. But Fightertown Decals produces two excellent sheets and no.48059 was used here.
Vertical tail Addressing the problems around the vertical stabiliser were the first steps taken, and the glaring shortcoming was the U-shaped leading edge. The profile was redolent of a horseshoe rather than a V-shape, with a slightly rounded front. But the plastic was thick enough to remove enough material until the required shape was achieved. Another problem on the vertical tail was incomplete and missing panel lines. Photos from the internet aided as a guide to add the most prominent panel lines and rivets. Finally the oversized anti-collision light had to be corrected; the centre of the light was removed and a
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A-6E INTRUDER 27
The A-6’s rear cockpit decking was a busy area. On this build, extra detail came via plastic rod/sheet and wiring was added from different diameters of solder and copper wire.
1mm-thick strip of plastic sheet was glued to the bottom. This reduced the inner dimension and, at the same time, allowed for more material to be filed off the outside of the frame, to reduce the overall size of the anti-collision light. The clear part for it was made from two squared pieces of clear styrene. A 1mm diameter hole was drilled in each part and filled with clear red paint. Once the paint had dried, the two parts were glued together and filed to shape until it fitted in the recess.
Crew area The cockpit itself was detailed quite respectably and would
certainly look convincing once painted, but due to the Intruder’s huge canopy, every detail in the cockpit would be visible so it is advisable to add as much detail here as possible. To that end, Kinetic’s own photo-etched (PE) metal parts set (K5015) was pressed into action. However, there were some issues with the kit cockpit, firstly the rear decking; the canopy actuator and the pipe next to it were tilted to the left, where both should be absolutely parallel to the aircraft’s centreline. In this case all detail was removed and the rear decking was reworked completely with scratchbuilt components, and wiring was depicted with different diameters of solder. Verlinden’s Lock On No. 20 book provided excellent detail images of this
Completed but still unpainted, the rear deck is shown here, along with the excess material (marked by pen) to be removed from the fuselage halves to provide a correct fit. Seats were made from the kit parts and Kinetic’s PE details, and painted accordingly. Note the shims underneath, added to raise the seat position. Alternatively, one could always actually scratch-build the rocket packs under the seats, which are almost never supplied.
MODEL SPEC
One can now see the improved height of the seats which, although still a little too low, was acceptable as the canopy was to be displayed in the open position.
GRUMMAN A-6E INTRUDER By:
Kinetic
Stock Code: KI-K48023 Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $39.99
Available from: Lucky Model, www.luckymodel.com
26-34_Intruder.CC.indd 27
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28 ADVANCED BUILD
Circled with pen is the leading edge recess inside the cockpit sidewall, filled with plastic card which was cut to match the recess, and then filled and sanded.
A total of 25g ballast was added inside the nose cone and secured with epoxy putty. Home-made brackets were attached top and bottom to provide a secure fit.
The nose cone was slid on by applying pressure on both sides of the fuselage, until the vertical opening was big enough to accommodate the brackets.
Tamiya tape formed the air intake FOD covers. The tape was cut to shape and a layer of CA glue was added to form a strong base for putty and primer.
26-34_Intruder.CC.indd 28
area and they were duly used as a guide. The GRU-7 seats were passable out of the box, but lacked vital features such as seat belts, placards and the like. Kinetic’s PE set provided these, though, and once painted and detailed the seats really looked the part. Another problem was the dimension of the cockpit tub and the seats’ positions. In an A-6, the actual position of the Bombardier-Navigator’s (BN) seat compared to the pilot’s seat was lower and further back. The kit’s cockpit tub had the BN’s seat set a little further back, but not lower. Another unpleasant surprise revealed itself when the cockpit was installed; the seats hardly extended above the cockpit sills. Photos of manned Intruders, in flight or on the deck, showed that the pilot’s helmet almost had contact with the top of the canopy and, consequently, the upper part of
the seat extended way above the cockpit sill. Both seats of the A-6 could be raised/lowered and tilted, but even at their lowest possible mark both seats were still considerably higher than the position of those in the kit’s cockpit. It was too late for any sort of surgery to deal with this issue, so consequently, 1mm-thick shims were glued under the seat - one shim under the BN’s seat, while two were placed under the pilot’s seat to raise it at least a bit above the BN’s seat, but with the side and centre consoles still within reach of the pilot. Another area in the cockpit that needed to be addressed was the wing leading edge recess on the inside of the fuselage. If not closed, this recess would be visible after the cockpit was installed. The fix was quite easy – two scrap pieces of 1mm Evergreen sheet were sanded to shape, glued
The intake covers were coated with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 500, and sanded after it had dried thoroughly.
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A-6E INTRUDER 29
Kinetic’s kit part was used as a template to draw the shape of the side brace onto 0.5mm sheet styrene. Two pieces per ladder were needed.
Drill bits placed through the top and bottom of the side braces were used to align them and ensure that all four braces were sanded to the same size.
The back of the boarding ladder was also copied from the kit part, cut from 0.5mm plastic card and glued in place.
Steps were made from plastic card, while lightening holes were added as per the original.
Additional step detail was created from plastic card and added to the boarding ladder bay.
into the recess, filled and sanded smooth.
Addressing the balance The model definitely needed weight in the nose to prevent it from being a tail-sitter. Approximately 25g of ballast was sufficient for this model. Firstly, two pieces of 0.6mm-thick Evergreen sheet were cut to size, bent to shape and glued to the top and bottom of the nose cone, to provide additional support when gluing the heavier radome to the fuselage. Once these brackets had dried, ballast was fixed in the nose cone and secured with Magic Sculpt epoxy putty. Since both Evergreen sheet brackets followed the geometry of the cone, fitting it to the fuselage might have appeared problematic, but was actually quite easy. The fuselage was squeezed slightly on the sides until the brackets just slipped in.
26-34_Intruder.CC.indd 29
Hey presto!...the fit was then so tight that the nose cone would not drop out despite its weight.
FOD covers After looking down the intakes of the Intruder, it became obvious that the kit’s intakes were way too short and would look strange on the finished model since the compressor blades were too far forward. This can be either accepted and the model built with the parts provided or – as with this build – fabric Foreign Object Damage covers were added to hide the incorrect intakes, as these covers were often seen on parked aircraft. In this case they were made from Tamiya masking tape. Several lengths were applied over the intakes and Cyanoacrylate (CA) was spread evenly across the tape layers to add strength. When the CA had hardened, Gunze Mr. Surfacer 500 was
The obviously reshaped and thinned trailing edge of the inner wing is on the right and the original thick trailing edge on the left.
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30 ADVANCED BUILD
On the outer wings, enough material needed to be removed on the inside of the wing halves to form a sharper trailing edge. The tram turret provided in the kit was unacceptable due to severe fit problems and poor shape, so it required intensive reworking.
Here is the area to be removed so the ball turret would slide in for a more realistic look, rather than simply being glued on top of the lower fuselage.
applied in several layers. After everything was completely dry the intake covers were sanded smooth and cut to shape with a sharp scalpel.
Gaining access
The ball turret was thinned carefully on the inside with a cherry cutter before the holes for the three lenses were opened.
26-34_Intruder.CC.indd 30
Lenses for the turret were stamped from clear acetate with a punch and die set. Gunze clear yellow, orange and red were added to the back of the lenses.
Another very interesting feature which adds life to any model is an unfolded boarding ladder; this applies especially to the Intruder. Unfortunately the detail given with the kit parts was rather bland, so this became another area to be addressed. Firstly, detail was added to the steps in the fuselage recess. With a steel ruler with one rounded end as a guide, halfmoon-shaped steps were cut from sheet styrene and were glued to the existing steps. Next were the ladders themselves, which were considered useless and hence needed to be scratchbuilt, so the kit part was used as a template to copy the curve. Around this curve the side part
of the ladder was drawn on 0.5mm plastic sheet. This part was copied three times to get the four necessary side parts. Two drill bits were used to align the parts and make sure all four had the same size after they were filed to shape. Lightening holes as present on the original were drilled and following this all burrs were removed. Each two side parts were glued to a strip of plastic card, previously bent and cut to size, to form the base frame for the ladders. For the steps a template ruler was used to mark each six lightening holes per step on 0.5mm plastic sheet with a pointed, round needle file. These marks were drilled with a 0.5mm drill bit and the cut-to-size steps glued into the ladder at their respective positions.
Wing trailing edges Once the inner wing halves were glued together, the trailing
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A-6E INTRUDER 31 edges measured a proud 2mm, which would make a trailing edge thickness of 3 ½ in (96mm) on the real aircraft – this issue must certainly be addressed. For this build the bottom and top wing halves of the inner wings were glued together, and marginally oversized square Evergreen rod was glued against the trailing edge. After it had dried, thick CA glue was run along the seam to close any possible gaps; the trailing edges were then sanded to shape carefully. Even though the trailing edge was not razor sharp, it was certainly an improvement over the original. The procedure was slightly different with the outer wing halves, though. There was more surface detail on the outside of these, which made sanding quite difficult, so the inside of the wings’ trailing edges were thinned until a respectably sharp trailing edge was achieved.
TRAM update Certain parts in the kit were questionable in terms of fit and accuracy. As the Target Recognition and Attack MultiSensor (TRAM) turret was a very prominent feature of the A-6E, it was decided to rebuild it completely, with the kit part as the basis. The first step was to thin the material with the help of a Dremel tool and a cherry cutter from the inside. Next, the openings for the lenses were drilled and replacement lenses were stamped from clear plastic with a punch and die set. These were painted on one side with irregular applications of Gunze clear red, blue and yellow paints and inserted in the
matching openings. The height of the turret was increased with curved Evergreen sheet to the front and rear, while a matching round opening was cut into the lower fuselage to house the turret itself. The side plates which contained the pivots were replaced by pivots made from plastic sheet and glued in their recess on the turret. Everything fitted well and was glued in place, so the turret protruded further out of the fuselage than the original kit part.
Wing fold Another interesting feature of the Intruder was its folding wings. Kinetic’s kit provided
The completed ball turret is shown in place. Note the styrene added to increase the length of the turret for a tight fit and further protrusion from the fuselage underside. Enhanced wing fold area: this step was repeated for the outer wing halves and red paint was added to check the shape and fit.
The shape of the slats, flaps and spoilers at the wing fold was enhanced with 0.5mm x 1mm strips of styrene strip glued in place carefully and cut to fit.
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32 ADVANCED BUILD cut off with a sharp scalpel after the glue had cured completely. As mentioned before, the plastic in the kit was quite thick and consequently, the completed outer wings were rather heavy. It was questionable as to whether the built wing folds would hold the weight of the folded upper wing permanently. Therefore, it was decided to build supports made from 1.5mm diameter plastic tube and 1mm diameter plastic rod (these supports could often be seen on parked Intruders). Lengths of 40mm and 50mm tube, and 1mm rod, were cut and the rod was pushed through the tube and secured with CA to add stability. Openings on the inner and outer wings were drilled at the locations were the support would be inserted, when mounting the outer wing to the inboard wing.
Gear wells the option to build the model with its wings up. Even though the wing fold was quite basic and required reworking, with additional detail it looked the part and was very convincing.
By following Stages 11 and 12, the inserts were glued into place in the inner and outer wings and the flap and slat sections next to them were filled and sanded, to ensure the surface
Shown here is a completed support brace for the wing, to ensure the heavy outer wing would stay in place. The brace was made from styrene rod and tubing. The wheel well gap was closed with a piece of plastic card glued in place, filled and sanded.
26-34_Intruder.CC.indd 32
was flat. Next, the slat, flap and spoiler shapes were enhanced with 0.5mm x 1mm Evergreen strips, which were bent where necessary and glued into position. Excess material was
Once the fuselage assembly was almost completed, there was still a large gap in the front part of the main landing gear well. No logical explanation was found as to why the gap was there…
A large gap in the main wheel well was there for no obvious reason and needed to be closed, since it would be visible from different angles. Wheel well enhancements were made with various diameters of solder and copper wire, while some parts came from plastic card.
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A-6E INTRUDER 33
Gaps between the nose wheel well and the fuselage were closed with styrene strip on each side, filled and sanded.
The NACA vents on the fuselage belly were a prominent feature of the A-6, but were represented poorly on the kit. They were rebuilt completely.
A slightly oversized template was made and the contours of the NACA vents drawn onto their positions on the fuselage. The plastic was thinned considerably from the inside of the fuselage and the marked area was then cut open.
The NACA vents were rebuilt with 0.5mm plastic card, which was cut to size and glued along the edges of the cut-out. The styrene was bevelled from front to back from the inside and the opening was closed with a piece of styrene glued on top.
and even excessive study of the instructions did not provide a solution, such as an overlooked part to close this gap. Since the space was prominent when viewed from the rear of the fuselage, a piece of plastic sheet was cut and glued into place and the area was filled and sanded until the front of the well was smooth and even. Despite the fact that little detail inside the wheel wells could be seen from normal viewing positions, the kit’s main undercarriage bays were just
into the gap on both sides, filled and sanded smooth.
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empty boxes with hardly any detail at all. There was so much space that was ripe to receive extra embellishment, but this is a matter of personal preference and taste. Here, inspiration was gained from photographs of the original wheel well and detail was added from plastic sheet and different diameters of lead and copper wire. The only shortcoming with the nose gear wheel well was a noticeable gap between the fuselage and the well itself, but this was an easy fix – a strip of styrene was glued
NACA vents Prominent on the Intruder’s belly were the two NACA (US National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) vents underneath the engine intakes. These vents were represented poorly on Kinetic's kit part and certainly required rework. A slightly oversized template was made from plastic sheet and taped over the position of the NACA vent, and the shape of
the vent was copied onto the kit plastic with a red marker. Next, material was scraped off the opposite side of the vents’ position to thin the plastic. Once enough material was removed the shape of the vent was cut out carefully. Strips of 0.5mm plastic sheet were then glued along the edges of the cut-out to form a correct looking vent. Finally, modelling filler was added and sanded smooth; from the inside the vent was bevelled from front to back and covered entirely with a section of plastic sheet.
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34 ADVANCED BUILD
Carrier in sight There was nothing out of the ordinary in the painting and finishing of this model. Prior to painting, all components were airbrushed with diluted Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1000 to check for imperfections and to provide an even base coat. Once dry and checked, dark blotches of FS 36118 Gunship Gray (Gunze H305) were applied
A-6E INTRUDER
randomly all over; then the regular camouflage pattern of FS 36320 Dark Compass Gray (Gunze H307) and FS 36375 Light Compass Gray (Gunze H308) was airbrushed in several highly diluted coats, to steadily cover the darker blotches of H305. After the paint had dried completely, a few random panels were masked around and they received very light coats of
heavily diluted H308 with a 30% share of white, airbrushed along the edges to add more contrast to the paint scheme. This replicated the real US Navy act of spraying panels each time they have been refitted. A wash made from Humbrol olive green and dark brown enamels, heavily thinned with white spirit, was then applied to the panel lines. Since the Gunze acrylic paints
were semi-gloss, no clear coat was applied prior to the wash. Excess wash was removed with a soft cotton rag, moistened with more white spirit. The gloss coat was only airbrushed on areas where decals would be applied, and the markings proved to be no challenge at all; Fightertown’s decals were a treat to work with.
REFERENCE ROUND-UP
A not uncommon weapons load consisted of tanks on the inner pylons and an AGM-84 Harpoon and GBU-12 Paveway on the outer pylons. Fuel tanks were taken from the kit, while the Harpoon and GBU-12 came from Hasegawa’s aircraft weapons set B (no. X48-2). For this load only the AGM-84s were provided in the kit, but those in Hasegawa’s set had finer detail. Besides AGM-84s the kit provided plenty of Mk.82 bombs and multiple ejector racks, if a fully-bombed-up load is desired. However, these displayed gaps around the fin area where filling and sanding would be quite difficult.
Lock On 20: A-6E, KA-6D Intruder, EA-6B Prowler, by Willy Peeters (Verlinden Publications), ISBN: 1-930670-717-2 Seen here are the irregular blotches of FS 36118 on top of the primer coat, and the following layers of heavily thinned FS 36320 Dark Compass Ghost Gray and FS 36375 Light Compass Ghost Gray. The underside of the wings show the same painting procedure, but with the small service panels painted with FS 36375 Light Compass Gray… to which white paint was added for more contrast.
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A-6 Intruder Walk Around, by Lou Drendel (Squadron Signal), ISBN: 0-89747-327-2 Intruder (Modern Military Aircraft 5007), by Lou Drendel (Squadron Signal), ISBN: 0-89747-263-2
Things under wings
Beginners beware This was a very challenging kit with several flaws and not a proposition for a beginner but, with patience, imagination and ‘elbow grease’ one will end up with a model that represents the purposeful outline of the A-6E Intruder most graciously. ❚
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36 MILITARY BUILD
T
The author’s grandfather ‘Nick’ Morris seen in relaxed mode in front of his truck. This and other photos gave inspiration for the whole build.
he project started after this modeller flicked through a photo album, which showed his Grandfather's service during World War Two. His name was S.C (Nick) Morris and apart from being a loving Grandpa, he was proud to be British and led his life in a very military manner. Nick was in the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and his main duty was to command his troop in transport convoys, whether it would be food, ammo or even captured parts of the V2 Rocket, sometimes close to enemy lines. This is where the Fordson WOT 2 came into play; he was very fond of it and mentioned it in his unpublished book (Life in the Forces 1939-1946) and it's certain that he kept it much
From bUNS TO bUlLeTs John Simmons replicates his grandfather’s wartime ride with Plus Model’s British Light Truck
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BRITISH LIGHT TRUCK WOT-2C 37 cleaner than the model in this feature! On seeing the vehicle in the photo, the desire to create it as a model couldn’t be quelled. Not only would it be a lovely homage to Grandpa, but it was an interesting truck, too!
Appraising the subject
MODEL SPEC
This was the only available kit of the WOT-2 in 1/35 scale and came from Czech Company Plus Model. Its resin was beautifully cast and made up 98 of the total parts, which included a photo-etched (PE) metal fret and decals for two versions. The instructions appeared to be hand drawn, but were still BRITISH LIGHT TRUCK WOT-2C By:
Plus Model
Stock Code: 325 Scale:
1/35
Price:
€84.90
Available from: Plus Model, www.plusmodel.cz
clear and well printed. Being resin, all parts had to be cleaned with a toothbrush and warm, soapy water to remove the release agent before any gluing could begin. In this modeller’s experience, if resin isn’t cleaned properly the paint can quickly chip back to the bare base medium! Once all parts were cleaned it was time to assemble the first part of the model. The
instructions called out for the chassis to be built first; straight away the fine detail was evident. All components had casting stubs attached and these required careful removal so as not to cause damage to the often fragile and thin resin. Once the chassis neared completion it was time to consider the engine. Not being a ‘petrol head’, this modeller was somewhat
unfamiliar with vehicle powerplants but the clear instructions proved to be a good guide. The PE parts needed to be used, so the fan and belt were built carefully. Next came some drilling, as the rear of the engine had to be drilled out with a pin vice by hand, to allow the shaft that attached to the rear axle to be fitted. It was useful to highlight the A kit-supplied PE fan and belt parts were added to the engine to complete its construction.
The instructions called for the bottom of the engine to be drilled out to except the shaft. The chassis was sprayed with Vallejo Black Primer as a base for the forthcoming rust tones.
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38 MILITARY BUILD
parts shown on the instructions, as they were glued, to be fully aware of the construction process...especially around the
suspension and front axle. Once a rolling chassis and engine were completed, they were ready for red-brown primer, to
Home-mAde ta rp'’ A sheet of lead foil was pressed carefully over the brass frame, and the appropriate camouflage colours were added via airbrush. A slight airbrush coat with sand-coloured paint gave the illusion of dust.
act as rusty tone after paint chipping. The engine received a generous coat of AK Interactive Heavy Chipping fluid and was
then sprayed with a light coat of matt white. After the white had air dried, the chipping process commenced with an old brush moistened with tap water, to brush repeatedly areas that would be worn and scratched. The water activated the chipping fluid (much like in the hairspray technique) and the paint was manipulated to create a convincing look. This process was to be repeated over the whole chassis and rear of the truck. More chipping was hand painted with green on the engine and the belts were carefully hand brushed in black. The exhausts were given a rusty tone with Lifecolor paints and the nooks and crannies of the engine and chassis were filled with different earth tone pigments, fixed in place with enamel thinner. Finally, fuel stains finished off the engine and after the deck was fitted, focus then shifted to the bonnet and wheel arches, which came as one piece. Subtle colour modulation was opted for here, from a dark shade up to light The chassis was painted in different shades of brown to act as a rust base for further weathering.
The engine received its first stage of weathering in the form of paint chipping.
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BRITISH LIGHT TRUCK WOT-2C 39
Earth tone pigments brought extra life to this dirty engine unit and its surrounds. Vehicle powerplants can weather very differently so one has plenty of scope here.
The wooden flooring was installed and it received the same chipping and pigment dusting as used on the chassis.
The PE front grille was fixed in place with Superglue and highlighted with different shades of Olive Drab.
The dashboard received kit-supplied decals and a hint of Johnson’s Klear on the dials to replicate glass.
with Olive Drab shades from AK Interactive’s Modulation set. The whole model would be given many washes during the process, and mainly brown and neutral tones were used.
Drive for accuracy
Klear was then dripped carefully onto the dials to imitate glass. Because Grandpa’s truck had American markings, the kitsupplied decals were of no use, so suitable spare white stars were found but alas, none
Plus Model’s rendition of the WOT-2 wasn’t identical to the truck driven by Grandpa, so scratch-building was necessary and started with the doors. These were made with plastic card and scraps from the spares box. Once these were painted (again with the colour modulation technique) they started to look the part. The centre console was fitted and the decals for the dials were crisp and sat within the rims very easily without the use of setting solution. Johnson’s
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40 MILITARY BUILD
New doors had to be scratch-built from plastic card and PE parts from the spares box.
Paint and weathering were added to the scratch-built doors, complete with decals provided in the kit.
The scratch-built doors were fixed carefully to the frame of the hood and chassis, with Superglue.
Bonnet, floor and dashboard sub-assemblies were attached gingerly to the delicate chassis; note the sprayed markings, which were created with a template and airbrushing.
for the bonnet. So, after much head-scratching it was decided to create a template and spray the stars. Back to the scratch building, windows had to be made because those supplied appeared too small when compared to reference photos.
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As the kit parts were not correct for this rendition, a new windscreen was scratch-built from styrene while the glass consisted of acetate sheet.
A frame was made from Evergreen strip, while clear plastic from the kit was duly cut to shape. Next, the wheels, front detail, headlights, fuel tanks and cab details were all installed without any hiccups, although small parts such as the PE brake
pedal and clutch were very fiddly to make. The roof bars were next and the kit provided brass rod for this task; careful straightening and plenty of patience was the key here! They were brought to a fairly straight format and used as a template
for the rear bars, which were not included. The rear bars were made from copper tubing and Evergreen plastic tube. The rear buck was installed and small PE cleats needed to be attached at this stage, which wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Reference photos showed a canvas on the rear, which caused concerned from the start. One couldn’t decide initially whether to use tissue dipped in white glue or rolled Aves Epoxy sculpt but, in the end, lead foil was selected, as it conforms easily and although expensive was an easy solution. Once the canvas
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BRITISH LIGHT TRUCK WOT-2C 41 was fitted it was sprayed in the appropriate colours, and anchoring rope (made from cotton) was added. The truck was then completed.
Realistic setting This modeller is always on the lookout for cheap picture frames as they make great display bases. The frame was filled with foam insulation board cut to shape, which was then sprayed with earth tones and left to dry. Railway flock was sifted on and fixed by gently misting on matt varnish through an airbrush. Once the flock had dried, grass, weeds and shrubs from Armorfarm (www.armorfarm.
bAse cre Ation
Gear stick and handbrake parts were installed, but this was a tricky process and correct placement was not achieved on the first try!
The finished truck sits upon a base made from insulation board cut to shape and fitted snugly inside a picture frame.
The base frame was masked before general earth tones are sprayed to get the basic look of an off-road track. The canopy frame was made from brass tube and assembled with Superglue.
The wheels received a heavy dusting of AK Interactive Dust Effects Enamel Wash.
PE mud flaps were not for the faint hearted, but once fitted looked great.
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Scale railway flock and gravel were added, along with pigments to give a convincing appearance.
Natural flora such as weeds and saplings came from the Armorfarm range, for the final flourishes of detail.
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42 MILITARY BUILD
BRITISH LIGHT TRUCK WOT-2C
The buck unit received heavy weathering and paint chipping to portray consistent use.
Simple cotton was used to represent rope for the tarpaulin tie-downs.
While the underside wasn’t to be on display when the model was on the base, every effort was made to make it look authentic.
A converted Matchbox figure of General Montgomery was used to portray the driver figure. The cigarette was replicated with a length of toothbrush bristle.
com) were added, along with small leaves and stones to finish off the roadside scenery. It was then time to create the main man himself! A photo showed Grandpa drinking a ‘cuppa’ from his flask and one hand in his trouser pocket. After searching
bristle sufficed for a cigarette and a proud-looking Grandpa was ready to be posed next to his trusty ride.
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the internet for a suitable 1/35 figure, a Matchbox Monty in the Commonwealth AFV set was secured. The figure’s torso, arms and legs were converted slightly before the subject was painted with Vallejo Model Color acrylics. A section of toothbrush
A fitting tribute This was rather an emotive piece given the family connection
and, if Grandpa was still here, he would almost certainly be proud of the results. The model went together very well and although fiddly at times, Plus Model’s resin was great to work with. All parts were clearly numbered on the stubs and this made following the instructions very easy. There was an element of fragility with some components, though, so ❚ careful handling was vital.
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44 ADVANCED BUILD
ARGENTINE
ATTACKER Jen Wright pulls her Finger out and builds High Planes’ latest Mirage derivative
M
ade by Israeli Aircraft Industries, the IAI Finger is an upgraded Dagger, itself a refurbished Nesher. The contract was released by Argentina in 1979 to upgrade all Dagger aircraft to Kfir C2 standard, and was in progress at the time of the Falklands conflict. High Planes' kit was released in late 2012 and comprised four grey plastic runners with 94 parts. Alongside this came a small transparencies frame and a photo-etched (PE) metal fret, which provided aerials and other small parts. The included decals
covered five aircraft, all from 1° Escuadrón, Grupo 6 de Caza, Fuerza Aérea Argentina; two of which featured three-tone camouflage, and three in the more up-to-date overall grey scheme. One impressive aspect was the extra information included in the instructions. Parts layout diagrams with shaded areas for unused parts were
It wasn’t completely obvious in the instructions, but the upper spine part of the fuselage should rest on the little ledges inside, as pointed out by the scriber. This created the rearward part of the characteristic intake splitter gap. One criticism levelled against these kits is that the surface detail is too pronounced. It was found, though, that simply sanding the whole kit surface with medium grade Wet and Dry paper sharpened the panel lines beautifully. Compare the sanded left wing to the untouched right wing to see the difference. The completed main airframe was finished in short order, as the fit was creditable. Sanding was necessary but there was little need for filler.
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IAI FINGER 45
Holding small parts for painting was achieved with cocktail sticks and Blu-Tack, which saved any need for touch-up of runner mounting points. There was plenty of depth in the seat to drill a hole for the cocktail stick, while the instrument panel was pressed onto Blu-Tack, which was then held with reverse-action tweezers.
Once completed, the forward fuselage fitted the main airframe with few issues. Unfortunately the same was not true of the intakes! Perhaps something was assembled wrongly, but the step seemed unavoidable. Luckily, it was not too hard to deal with.
The kit seat featured well-moulded harnesses and was reasonably detailed for the scale. Careful painting brought it to life, such that an after-market seat was unnecessary. PE firing handles were supplied, but the intrinsically flat nature of this medium can look less realistic than styrene moulded handles.
A mixture of Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue and talcum powder was used to create a paste, which filled the gap and built up the intake surface in short order. After treatment with sanding sticks and sponges, surface detail was restored.
Ready for painting to begin, the major filling and sanding was restricted to the intakes and the small fin extension part. More routine attention was given to wing root joins and the windscreen base.
complemented by profile views, which showed ten separate versions of the Mirage III, V and 50 families…all of which could be built with parts in the kit. To avoid confusion, the profiles even showed which exact parts to use for each version. This meant that almost any Mirage could be built from each of the High Planes releases,
that of a paint number cross reference chart for the colour codes. The included resin fuel tanks were fitted, but an aftermarket Master Model turned brass pitot tube finished the package.
MODEL SPEC
if the modeller already has appropriate decals. Although weaponry was not proffered in the kit, the instructions were, again, comprehensive and revealed appropriate loads for this version if one has a well-appointed spares box. Yet another useful inclusion was
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IAI FINGER By:
High Planes
Stock Code: HPK072102 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£26.00
Available from: Freightdog Models, www.freightdogmodels.co.uk
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46 ADVANCED BUILD
The first colour used was Tamiya XF-83 Medium Sea Grey. As well as painting the underside, a coat was put on the rest of the model to provide a unified base colour for the camouflage. The first shade to be applied was Gunze Sangyo H310 Brown (FS 30219). This was applied where needed until proper coverage was achieved.
To avoid a monotone finish, shading came next. The first step was to thin the paint, and then add a little black or dark brown. This mixture was then sprayed on sections that demanded a dark shadow. This included selected panel lines, areas of shadow and areas to end up looking dirty…all were treated to the dark paint mixture in varying densities.
The second step, perhaps unsurprisingly, was to mix a lighter version of the base colour by adding white. This was used to add highlights to raised areas, to represent faded paintwork and was particularly effective when used to pick out random panels.
Lastly, the airbrush was reloaded with the original colour. This was painted over the top of all the shading to harmonise the colours and restore the original hue. Not a fast process, but the results were more believable than a simple pre-shade would have provided.
Moving lightest to darkest, the second colour used was Gunze Sangyo H303 Green (FS 34102). In this shot, the blend coat was still to be added, showing how subtle these effects could be. The last, and darkest colour was Gunze Sangyo H309 Green (FS 34079). All the shades were sprayed freehand to save tedious masking.
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IAI FINGER 47
SPRAYING FINE LINES Freehand camouflage spraying, especially in 1/72 scale, requires a steady hand and plenty of practice. A good quality double-action airbrush is a big help, but not absolutely essential. As can be seen in the photo, the line width used on this model was about that of a felt tip. Finer lines are possible, but the important point with freehand camouflage is not so much line width, as a tight spray pattern to avoid a speckled look at the edge, and excessive overspray. To obtain this fine, edge very thin paint was necessary, along with low air pressure. To practise this, the modeller should start with a paint mix of approximately 75% thinner and around 10-15psi (0.6-1.03bar) air pressure. All model paints behave differently, so experimentation makes all the difference!
To spray the wheel bays silver, plenty of masking was required. All the other parts that required silver were prepared at the same time. Note that all of the undercarriage leg retraction struts were scratch-built with slide-fit brass tubing, as the kit parts were a little clumsy and not well moulded.
Although well printed and in register, the kit decals did require strong setting agents to make them conform to the surface detail. Gunze Mr. Mark Softer was used where there was little surface detail, while the stronger Daco decal solution sufficed where more detail was present.
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After the decals had dried, washes were used to dull the bright colours somewhat and unify the decals to the paintwork. MIG Productions' Cold Grey was used on the underside, while the brownish-coloured Neutral Wash was perfect for the camouflaged areas. Any armour modeller testify to the versatility of washes.
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48 ADVANCED BUILD
I’s dotted and Fingers crossed This was an unexpectedly enjoyable build; the kit was impressive in its level of detail for such a small scale, with the jet exhaust and ejection seat being highlights. Although the surface detail appeared a little heavy handed in places, it was not too obtrusive once the model was finished. With
IAI FINGER
so many build options, free resin fuel tanks and decals for five schemes, the slightly high purchase price was somewhat mitigated; but the lack of included weapons was a little disappointing. Overall, though, this kit should be welcomed by Mirage enthusiasts and all who enjoy modelling less obvious fighters.
Deep breath time! The Master turned-brass pitot required a larger mounting hole than the original. Many modellers might have checked that before the whole model was painted… Compare the resin fuel tanks (left) to the styrene originals; they were visibly larger in diameter and sported more substantial wings. The resin items fitted perfectly though, even without glue, and were supplied as a bonus within the kit.
❚
REFERENCE ROUND-UP • Mirage III (Planes and Pilots No.6) Mirage 5,50 and derivatives From 1955-2000, by Dominique Breffort and André Jouineau (Histoire & Collections) ISBN: 2-913903-92-4 • Wings of the Malvinas, The Argentine Air War over the Falklands, by Santiago Rivas (Crecy publishing) ISBN: 978-1-9021092-2-0
During final assembly, a small piece of plastic tube was the perfect way to protect the large aerial on the spine. Assorted old paint jars were useful tools, on which to balance the model while the undercarriage legs dried.
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Owned by the Tiger Club and based at Headcorn airfield, Kent, Tiger Moth, G-ACDC (Delta Charlie) was built at De Havilland's Stag Lane, production line at Edgware 1933. Impressed into RAF service as BB726 on October 30, 1940 the aircraft served with No.1 Elementary Flying Training School at Hatfield. The aircraft survived the war and remains airworthy to this day, making it the oldest flying Tiger Moth in the world.
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52 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
ICON
The quality of the parts was stunning and some smaller components displayed high levels of detail. A small amount of flash was evident but this will be removed from production examples. Moulding gates presented no serious problems, even on smaller items and just a minimal amount of neatening was required.
Peter Fearis offers an exclusive test shot build of Airfix’s newly-tooled Tiger Moth
D
esigned during the 1930s, de Havilland’s diminutive DH.82a Tiger Moth was arguably responsible for the training of more aviators than any other British aircraft design. After flying for the first time in late October 1931, this classic can still be observed in skies around the world more than 80 years later. Not only was the type acquired and used by the RAF until 1959, but it found favour with many other nations as well as civilian flying clubs. More than 7,000 examples of the machine were produced, with 200-plus still flying due to the dedication of Tiger Moth enthusiasts. Airfix,
52-57_Tiger Moth.CC.indd 52
with the help of de Havilland Support Ltd, Vintage Fabrics, Headcorn Aerodrome’s Tiger Club and The Shuttleworth Collection, has replaced its original kit with a stunning new tooling.
First light
The interior was equipped with enough to make it look busy, but would allow super detailers to add more should they wish. Prominent ejector pin marks were placed in areas which would be hidden once the remainder of the interior was added, thus negating any need of attention. If the crew access doors are to remain closed the four mounting depressions in each of the halves must be filled.
Arriving without a box or decals and wrapped in capacious amounts of bubble wrap, attention was immediately drawn to the quality of the grey styrene moulding (the two sets of artwork for the box are just as stunning); this would be a fun build! Forty finely-moulded parts were present for this delightful little model, along with a clear
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DH.82a TIGER MOTH 53
The option was given to allow the crew access doors to be displayed in the open position and so minor surgery was performed. Following the panel lines on the exterior, this was a simple task. New doors were supplied as replacement items and these were exceptionally thin.
The interior was painted Humbrol 89 Middle Blue and once dry, the lower areas were masked prior to Humbrol 78 Cockpit Green being applied to the upper reaches. Once the masking was removed, the tube framework was highlighted with Humbrol 78. To finish the sidewall detail, levers were picked out with various tones of aluminium and given a very light wash with weathering pigments.
Airfix, thoughtfully, also included the fuselage strakes and this action demanded more surgery. Great care was required to remove sections from both fuselage halves accurately, to avoid the excessive use of filler.
MODEL SPEC
runner to which two very thin windscreens were attached. The rendition of fabric areas was exceptional, while detail was represented beautifully on the interior and outside of DE HAVILLAND DH.82a TIGER MOTH By:
Airfix
Stock Code: A01024/A01025 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£5.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
52-57_Tiger Moth.CC.indd 53
the fuselage halves...and was adequate for the scale. Items such as the engine cowl sported commendably thin trailing edges and were equal to anything from Eastern European or Asian manufacturers. Construction followed 23 stages in a format new to Airfix, which has moved away from its traditional exploded diagrams and progressed to CADstyle drawings. These were clear, concise and quite a welcome departure from the old style. With this being a pre-production test shot, and decals not being available at the time, the hunt for a colour scheme was on. No contest!...it had to be the classic RAF instructional scheme of Dark Earth, Dark Green and Trainer Yellow.
Main components for the interior comprised five pieces and portrayed accurately the layout of the Tiger Moth…right down to the wind break around the front seat. The main part of the component was painted Humbrol 78 and the tops of the bulkheads and control columns received matt black. Small slits in the bulkheads were cut to accommodate the harnesses, made from paper.
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54 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
Airfix offers two Tiger Moth boxings, each with a single scheme. A01024 depicts N9181/56 of the RAF’s No.10 Elementary Reserve & Flying Training School, RAF Yatesbury, Wiltshire, in 1940. It wears standard RAF training colours of Dark Green, Dark Earth and Trainer Yellow. The second version, A01025, has a bright crimson and silver dope scheme and is coded G-ACDC…not a nod to the famous rock band but an aircraft from The Tiger Club, Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent, in 2013.
Void of embossed detail, the instrument panels were painted matt black and attached to one of the fuselage halves prior to the insertion of the seating assembly. Decals for instrumentation are provided in the production kit.
Alignment of the fuselage halves was good and required just a cursory pass with a sanding stick along the joins. Stages 8 and 9 dealt with the assembly and attachment of the fuselage strakes. The two pieces that formed the strakes were joined first prior to attachment to the fuselage. The engine cowling was moulded as a single piece and captured all the classic lines of the real thing perfectly; the small intake on the starboard side was supplied as a separate component but it was very small!
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DH.82a TIGER MOTH 55
Cast delicately, the exhaust was a little gem and the only act required was to drill out the end. Once attached to the cowl the sub-assembly, minus the airscrew, was fitted to the fuselage.
Attachment of the lower wing was also carried out at this point and, due to a tight fit, a little fettling was required. The excellent details Airfix included, such as the wing attachment points, clearly showed the firm's commitment to quality.
As the finished model was to be rigged (Aifrix graciously supplied a diagram) it was decided to deviate from the prescribed build sequence and add the tail surfaces, which fitted without issue.
Adding the cabane and inter plane struts was a simple task thanks to the designers at Airfix. Location for each was exact and solid, which boded well for the attachment of the upper wing. The approach Airfix used for the inter plane struts was similar to that used on its recent Gladiator.
Attachment of the undercarriage was precise and the mouldings sturdy, but well detailed. Once the location points for the rigging had been drilled, the cockpit openings were plugged and a coat of Humbrol Grey Primer was applied. This served to check for surface blemishes and acted as a key for the forthcoming camouflage shades.
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56 EXCLUSIVE BUILD An example of the quality of this kit was demonstrated by the upper wing radiator in the centre wing section. The part was moulded very crisply indeed.
The first colour to be added was Humbrol 24 Trainer Yellow. This was applied to the lower fuselage, around the fuselage band area and the lower surface of the upper wing.
The top surface of the lower wing was painted in contrasting colours to the Dark Earth/Dark Green of the rest of the aircraft; this was referred to as ‘Shadow Effect’. For this contrast, Humbrol 72 Khaki Drill and Humbrol 86 Light Olive were employed.
Anchor points were drilled in preparation for the rigging and Trainer Yellow was applied to the lower surface, along with the outer sections of the upper wing.
Fixing of the upper wing was straightforward, thanks to the thought put into the tooling…everything just slotted into place. Once positioned and fully set, the inter plane braces were removed with side cutters and the attachment points were then neatened.
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By following the supplied drawings the model was rigged with Aeroclub thread and the whole task took very little time. Rigging biplanes in this scale is not as scary or difficult as it might seem.
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DH.82a TIGER MOTH
Once all the rigging was done and the attachment points had been made good, the remainder of the painting was carried out. Prior to decal placement, Humbrol Clear was airbrushed to give a good base for the markings’ application.
With the fuselage band and lower wings masked, a disruptive scheme of Humbrol 29 Dark Earth and Humbrol 30 Dark Green was applied. Before attachment of the upper wing, the bracing wires ahead of the canopy were added.
Heaven in a box This model was a dream to build! With each subsequent new Airfix release one has the feeling that the company has reached its pinnacle, but the next comes along and one finds yet more delights… this model was no different. Finally modellers around the world have a simple, yet stunning replica of this British classic. One build does not even scratch the surface and it’s likely that many modellers will add more Tiger Moths to their collections. A big thank you Airfix, you have made legions of modellers very happy.
52-57_Tiger Moth.CC.indd 57
To simulate turnbuckles, PVA glue was applied with a toothpick to the attachment point; when dry and painted these appeared fairly realistic. To simulate the finish, Humbrol Satin Coat was applied and given 24 hours to dry before the final details were rendered.
❚
19/03/2014 10:25
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Direct Debit UK only. If paying by Direct Debit please send in form. Payments are accepted by Direct Debit, cheque, Postal Order, Credit Card and US Dollar check. Payments by credit or debit card wil be shown on your statement as Key Publishing Ltd. Key Publishing wil hold your details to process and fulfil your subscription order. Occasionally we may wish to contact you to notify you of special offers on products or events. If you do not wish to receive this information please tick here or mention when calling. Gift subject to change. Any alternative gift wil be of equal or higher value. Please note: Free gift is only available on Direct Debit with a minimum 2 year subscription. Should you cancel your subscription earlier then an invoice wil be raised for the full price of the gift. 19/03/2014 15:31
60 OUT AND ABOUT
EAST OF ENGLAND MODEL SHOW 2014
Posh
T
EXHIBITS
his event is always a relaxed and popular feature of the modeller’s calendar, but it looks as though it may be the last time it will be held in Peterborough’s spacious Town hall.
The building has passed from local authority control to a private management firm, which seeks to place a fee on the space…for many years it has remained free of charge to the organising club as it raises welcome funds for the Mayor’s charities. Undaunted,
An oldie but goodie!...the re-released 1/48 Hawker Fury was a splendid feature of Greater Peterborough Model Club’s Airfix kit table.
though, Greater Peterborough Model Club set up a superb show, which was attended by many clubs from the Midlands, Norfolk and elsewhere, and one of the traders (MAN Models) even came from Glasgow! In terms of models, there was as much to excite and inspire as always and IPMS Rutland put on a stunning exhibit, in that every model featured was of impressive quality. A highlight among many gems on this table was Mack McCrudden’s excellent Valom 1/48 Bristol Brigand T.4, and it helped the club to deservedly secure the show’s Best Display accolade. Judging of Best in Show, though, fell to myself as AMW's Assistant Editor, and I was dazzled by the modelling of Norfolk Scale Model Club’s Stan Long. This very talented gentleman took
Craig Gardiner of Belvoir Model Club ensured an eye-catching exhibit with his Dragon 1/48 Me 163 Komet, in the colours of Luftwaffe Knight’s Cross holder Major Wolfgang Späte. Stan Long from Norfolk Scale Model Club took the Best in Show award with his Monogram 1/24 Bugatti 35B, which benefited from a wealth of quality scratch-building.
a Monogram 1/24 Bugatti 35B kit, first moulded in 1966, and through clever scratch-building and finishing made it look like a very expensive diecast model. Stan created new spark plugs, h/t leads, timing belt, brake cables and more…and even represented the body stitching with dressmaker’s nylon thread. For his beautiful model Stan won Best in Show and a year’s subscription to AMW. Trade-wise, the shopping was brisk despite the fact that several businesses failed to appear as booked. Valiant Wings Publishing, S & M Models, Little Cars and The Aviation Hobby Shop were just some of the firms on hand to provide interesting kits, sundries and useful reference material. Let’s hope the organisers are blessed with a suitable venue for next year’s show. ❚ Chris Clifford
Airfix Model World sponsored the show, and organisers Greater Peterborough Model Club created this wonderful Airfix tribute display.
An excellent standard of painting defined this Revell/Dragon 1/35 Schwere Artilleriewagen, built by Kevin Fleckney of the IPMS WWII Special Interest Group.
60_Peterborough.CC.indd 60
Despite being a slightly tricky project due to its limited run nature, this Valom 1/48 Bristol Brigand T.4 turned out splendidly for IPMS Rutland’s Mack McCrudden.
19/03/2014 10:30
62 SCI-FI BUILD
aerial
assassin Ian Grainger depicts the aggressor from a modern science-fiction classic, courtesy of Pegasus Hobbies
t
he future is not set… there is no fate but what we make for ourselves”. Arguably the most famous line from the groundbreaking and breathtaking 1991 film T2: Judgment Day, James Cameron’s spectacular sequel to his original 1984 sci-fi masterpiece The Terminator, where a cyborg (living tissue over metal endoskeleton) from the future is sent back through time to assassinate the mother (Sarah Connor) of the future human resistance leader (John). The plot of both films centres on a future war of humanity against machines, in which man-made technology has become self-aware and makes a pre-emptive strike, albeit annihilating the people of planet Earth. In the future, along with
The prominent main engine nacelles required filling and sanding along their join seams. Front and rear ‘arm’ assemblies – in effect landing gear – also received filler to hide the joins.
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AERIAL HK MACHINE 63
Several seams on the ventral gun assembly also needed attention with filler.
cyborg soldiers, the machines of Skynet have developed land and aerial Hunter Killers (HKs) to exterminate the remaining humans. The aerial HK is a VTOL drone-like creation, armed with lasers, missiles and ventral plasma cannon, to seek out and destroy resistance fighters with terrifying, indefatigable precision. Seen in the future war opening titles, and dream sequences of the films, the vehicles are almost as iconic as the T-800 endoskeleton warrior creations of Stan Winston.
Much to savour Upon opening the eye-catching box, with its striking future war artwork that depicts a pair of aerial HKs, the modeller will be impressed with the wealth of accurate-looking parts. Four separately-bagged runners, one clear, one large and two identical smaller frames carried 96 parts. The styrene mouldings had crisp, accurate outlines and recessed panel detail, which demonstrated that Pegasus must have had access to detailed information on
The V-shaped tail assembly had clear navigation lights sandwiched between the halves, which went together well and required just light sanding for an acceptable finish.
MODEL SPEC
Continuation of the body assembly process highlighted several other moulding-related fit issues.
THE FUTURE WAR AERIAL HK MACHINE By:
Pegasus Hobbies (USA)
Stock Code: 9016 Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $39.95
Available from: Good model shops/online
62-68_Hunter Killer.CC.indd 63
19/03/2014 10:31
64 SCI-FI BUILD
More filler was required to hide unsightly joins on the main body parts. Plastic clamps were used to hold the forward top ‘deck’ of the body parts together with the lower portion, as the polystyrene cement cured.
The upper and lower body parts have been assembled and checked for areas requiring remedial work.
Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1000 was flowed into some of the more prominent, problematic join lines to preserve details that would be omitted by further sanding.
62-68_Hunter Killer.CC.indd 64
the original studio filming miniatures. In a quoted 1/32 scale, it was believed to be the first mainstream kit of the subject. With several parts designed to be moveable postconstruction, which included the pair of large engine pod assemblies and ventral gun assembly, the package appeared well executed without sacrificing all-important detail. The instructions were clear and concise, with easy-to-follow illustrations for the build stages and a simple painting guide that employed a single annotated photograph of a completed example. With the instructions apparently aimed at the casual builder, no actual branded paint colours were quoted, but useful tips were provided on the types of cement to use for the main opaque polystyrene parts – and recommendations
of standard white glue for the clear components. Construction followed the suggested sequence, and the engine pods were reminiscent of futuristic turbine versions of the twinbladed configuration of the contemporary V-22 Osprey. The main join required copious amounts of filler and had to be sanded carefully not to obliterate integrally-moulded detail, but unfortunately the finished items still had hairline cracks. Under-body ‘arm’ assemblies were next on the agenda and these required filling and sanding but the join line became hidden more effectively. It was important to keep track of these parts during the build as there were two different styles, one with an angled mounting post designed to fit the front, while the others had straight mounts intended for the rear. Careful construction of the ventral gun became necessary, to enable the barrel item to swivel 360 degrees on its axis to the mount. When building the prominent V-shape tail, care was required when sandwiching the upper and lower halves around the clear navigation lights of each tip. The tail join sanded smoothly without the use of additional filler, but some panel lines failed to match
19/03/2014 10:31
AERIAL HK MACHINE 65
The forward under-nose plate had to be held in place with elastic bands rather than clamps.
Gunze Mr. Mask Neo masking fluid gave protection to the clear navigation lights on the tail during painting stages.
Engine pod nacelles were held with plastic clamps while they were painted.
A large wooden spatula was tacked into the stand locating hole on the underside of the main body, and used as a painting hold/support.
up between halves. These navigation lights were protected during the construction and painting processes, with Gunze Mr. Mask Neo fluid.
Arm and gun assemblies were supported on wooden coffee stirrers for painting.
Tricky fit Attention moved to the main body assembly, where the lower portions were tackled initially. Pegasus took great care in its attempt to include every possible detail on this area of the kit and, as a result, the large breakdown of parts resulted in some items that fitted poorly. Care was vital when fitting the engine pod inserts, without cement, to allow them to rotate. Several stages of the body assembly required the use of clamps and more rudimentary methods, such as elastic bands, to forcehold the parts in place while the cement cured. With all the body parts glued, more filling and sanding became essential to hide unsightly fit problems. Where it was important to preserve the excellent surface detail in problem areas, Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1000 (liquid filler in solvent suspension), was flowed into some of the join lines. With the main assemblies constructed, each was suspended and/or tackglued with PVA onto various handholds ready for painting.
62-68_Hunter Killer.CC.indd 65
19/03/2014 10:31
66 SCI-FI BUILD
Alclad 2 ALC 305 Gloss Black Base was the primer of choice for the forthcoming chrome finish.
These included a pair of the plastic clamps previously employed to help the parts cement accurately, a large wooden spatula and several long coffee stirrers. Alclad 2 ALC 305 Gloss Black Base was airbrushed onto all of the parts as a primer coat. This base coat was designed to maximise the effect of the next painting step.
Alclad 2 ALC 107 Chrome was applied to the body in several thin coats at low airbrush pressure.
All of Skynet’s Terminators from the films were arguably as famous for having a clinical chrome finish, as they were for being methodical killing machines; as such the top coat chosen was Alclad 2 ALC 107 Chrome, applied to the gloss black parts in several thin coats at low airbrush pressure, around 15psi (1bar).
The resultant highly reflective surface was allowed to dry overnight, then polished very gently with a soft cloth, before being sealed with Alclad 2 ALC 600 Aqua Gloss; this was one of the few varnishes available specifically designed to be used over chrome finishes. Sealing of the chrome allowed more forgiving handling
Tamiya X-23 Clear Blue for the starboard light, and Tamiya X-27 Clear Red for the port and tail navigation lights, provided a splash of colour to the somewhat ‘clinical’ chrome finish.
The other components were also primed with Alclad 2 ALC 305 Gloss Black Base…
…before being airbrushed in the body medium of Alclad 2 ALC 107 Chrome.
62-68_Hunter Killer.CC.indd 66
19/03/2014 10:31
AERIAL HK MACHINE 67
during the final construction steps. It was decided that these machine-built-machines would not be allowed to retain a battle-scarred appearance during future warfare, and would simply be replaced rather than repaired. As such, it was thought unnecessary to weather panel lines as they were prominent on the finish in any case. The only weathering applied was to the blades of the engine pod turbines, with a fairly subtle wash of Citadel Badab Black. Final construction involved the mating of the main body’s under surfaces with the front and rear arm assemblies, paying attention to their correct placement, followed by the under-slung gun. Engine pods came last and they needed careful application of cement on each tip to fit into the movable inserts, which would allow them
to rotate freely. After careful fettling of the plastic to achieve a decent fit, PVA fixed the clear ‘searchlight’ items to the underside to avoid fogging. The
Citadel Badab Black Wash was used to subtle effect on the ‘engine pod’ turbine blades, to simulate depth and break up the high-shine chrome.
62-68_Hunter Killer.CC.indd 67
lenses were coated with Tamiya X-22 Clear to restore their translucence. Once the masking fluid had been removed, the tail navigation lights had Tamiya
X-23 Clear Blue for starboard and Tamiya X-27 Clear Red for port, carefully hand-brushed. Finally, the finished model was cemented onto the supplied
The landing arms and gun assembly were fitted to the body during final construction.
19/03/2014 10:31
68 SCI-FI BUILD
AERIAL HK MACHINE
rebel remains On models of this genre, a ‘proper’ display stand is an oft-neglected item by the manufacturer and, is either simply plain or clear…boring! Pegasus has, to its credit, gone to the trouble of producing a mini diorama for the T2 HK, though, complete with moulded rubble and human skull details in keeping with the look of the original movie.
The area on and around the T2 Judgment Day logo was undercoated with Alclad 2 ALC 305 Gloss Black Base.
These areas were airbrushed with Alclad 2 ALC 107 Chrome in several thin coats, polished, and then sealed with Alclad 2 ALC 600 Aqua Gloss.
Menacing search lamps for hunting human prey were fixed in place with PVA and then coated with Tamiya X-22 Clear.
stand, the base of which had already received its own painting sequence to showcase the excellent moulded detail (see separate panel).
Long time coming The T2 logo was masked to protect the chrome finish from the remaining processes.
With the logo masked, Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black was applied. The edge of the base was to remain in black.
Dry-brushing with suitable Citadel paints was carried out with Codex Grey, Fortress Grey, Kommando Khaki and Bleached Bone.
The whole base was sealed with Vallejo 100% Acrylic Resin Matte Varnish, and the masking was removed to reveal the chrome T2 logo.
62-68_Hunter Killer.CC.indd 68
It was incredible to think that this was the first mainstream kit of such a popular and sought-after subject, from an iconic film released more than 20 years ago. Such has been the anticipation, popularity and reception of the Pegasus kit within the sci-fi modelling community, that there are already after-market items available from the USA, which include LED lighting kits that would make this machine look increasingly stunning on display, (although difficult to do justice to in still photography). Despite its shortcomings in the
fit department (increasingly rare with the latest moulding technology) this kit proved striking once completed. The choice of scale seemed perfect to capture enough detail, and would fit well on a diorama with some heavily modified 1/32 Airfix soldiers; or perhaps the after-market will provide in-scale resistance fighters and T-800 endoskeletons? Pegasus has announced a 1/32 landbased tracked HK for release in 2014, so sci-fi modellers should look forward to the possibility of the aforementioned diorama project. Remember, however, ❚ “The future is not set”!
19/03/2014 10:31
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30/10/2013 14:11
70 ADVANCED BUILD
BRILLIANT
BIRDCAGE Jan Maes reckons Tamiya has raised the bar yet again with its stunning new F4U-1 Corsair
I
n 1938, with the impending outbreak of war, it was felt that some of the then US fighter designs would be insufficient and so a higher specification was needed.
The required design called for a carrier-based fighter with capabilities exceeding those of land-based prototypes. Rex Beisel’s team at Vought produced the most promising design, with
See here are some painted cockpit components, which await their addition to the sub-assembly process.
70-79_Birdcage.CC.indd 70
its inverted gull wing shape, which allowed a huge propeller to be fitted…necessary to harness the power of the 2000hp 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine. Its wing shape also Eduard’s replacement seatbelts were more realistic than those provided in the kit.
allowed for a relatively short main landing gear, which had to cope with the stresses of carrier landings. The prototype first flew in 1938 and after a series of modifications to improve the fighter’s defensive and offensive capabilities, the first production F4U-1 made its maiden flight in 1942; eventually, more than 700 machines were deployed to the squadrons. Carrier qualification trials revealed problems, though, such as poor visibility and undesirable stall characteristics, and while the fighter passed the trials it was later replaced as the US Navy’s main carrier fighter by the Grumman F6F Hellcat. From 1943 the F4U-1 was assigned as a land-based fighter. Vought improved the stall characteristics, added more powerful engines and the ability to carry bombs and rockets – and the addition of Airborne Intercept (AI) radar on the starboard wing. At the outbreak of the Korean War, later Corsair versions were formidable and capable of speeds beyond 434mph (700km/h) and it became the main close-quarters support aircraft. In total more than 12,000 Corsairs were built
19/03/2014 10:34
F4U-1 CORSAIR ‘BIRDCAGE’ 71
• BuNo. 02337, 17-F-13, Lt (jg) James A. Hartford, VF-17, US Navy, USS Bunker Hill, 1943 • BuNo. 03829, 15, ‘Daphne C’, Capt. James N. Cupp, VMF-213, US Marines, Solomon Islands 1943 • BuNo. 02714 ‘Spirit of 76’, Maj. Robert G. Owens, VMF-215, US Marines, Solomon Islands 1943
70-79_Birdcage.CC.indd 71
Here’s a view of the final cockpit assembly, ready to be installed in the fuselage. Note how the Eduard seat belts assumed a natural position on the pilot’s seat.
and used by the Royal Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force, French Navy and some Central American countries. It was an iconic aircraft that, together with the P-47, came to define the fighterbomber genre.
in grey and clear plastic, for those wanting to have a detailed engine on display. As with the firm’s other recent 1/32 scale aircraft, the kit came with two decent pilot figures, one to be fitted in the cockpit, the other for a standing aviator. Decals were produced by Tamiya and while its reputation in that area has not been great, at first sight the decals looked thin, with little carrier film.
A busy box! Tamiya’s kit offered 16 runners with cleanly moulded and flashfree parts, very thin and clear transparencies, two photo-etched metal (PE) frets, decals and a small bag of assorted hardware. A pleasing feature was that runner ‘G’ carried engine cowling panels
MODEL SPEC
KIT colour schemes
The cockpit remained somewhat fragile until it was fitted to the fuselage side-wall.
VOUGHT F4U-1 CORSAIR ‘BIRDCAGE’ By:
Tamiya
Stock Code: 60324 Scale:
1/32
Price:
£107.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Office first Tamiya stuck to tradition here and the build started with the cockpit, which took 17
19/03/2014 10:35
72 ADVANCED BUILD
MAGIC METAL Tamiya’s instructions followed the usual format with paint references only for its own brand, and a total of 123 detailed construction stages. The object of this build was the VMF-213 machine and, while the kit provided excellent support and detail for folded wings, it was decided to have the wings extended to prevent all the excellent cockpit detail from being obscured. The quality of Tamiya’s recent 1/32 aircraft needs little introduction and the kit should build brilliantly out of the box, but recent releases by Eduard (seat belts and PE details) replaced some interior and engine parts.
More cockpit instruments were installed on the starboard fuselage, and then painted and weathered.
Tamiya provided two PE frets and while most of the components worked well, the metal was really too stiff to be used for seat belts.
The support structure for the tail wheel has been installed in the rear fuselage. Not much could be seen of it once the model was finished.
Eduard already has a number of after-market sets available for Tamiya’s Corsair. Just a small sub-set of this PE was used during the build.
70-79_Birdcage.CC.indd 72
The wing fold was well detailed, but the demanding modeller could go much further with Eduard’s PE. Replacement fabric seatbelts were also used.
stages and covered several subassemblies. Some of these were fairly involved, with complex shapes and small parts that required care to ensure proper alignment. All parts were primed on the runner with Alclad II Grey Primer and it was the first time that this modeller had used this product…with excellent results. The only thing worth noting is that
the product is lacquer-based, so must be used in a well-ventilated area and a good quality filter face mask is recommended. Available references contradicted themselves with regard to the interior colour of the cockpit. In the end, Tamiya’s recommendations were followed and all cockpit components and fuselage inside walls were painted
19/03/2014 10:35
F4U-1 CORSAIR ‘BIRDCAGE’ 73
with a mix of XF-5 Flat Green and XF-8 Flat Blue. All details were hand-painted and picked out with a fine brush and a mix of Tamiya and Vallejo acrylics. All parts then received a Winsor & Newton oil wash to create depth, followed by dry-brushing with W&N Naples Yellow Hue. The instrument panel followed Tamiya’s current method of a reversed decal put on the back of a transparency, which should then be inserted behind the actual panel. The seat received XF-16 Flat Aluminium first, and parts of it were covered with masking fluid before it received its interior colour coat. Once dry, the masking fluid was rubbed away to leave a damaged and scuffed paint finish. This was detailed further with a Prisma silver pencil. This brought the proceedings to the Achilles Heel of all Tamiya kits. While the PE parts worked well for
solid and structural components, they were far too rigid to be used convincingly for seat belts. Eduard came to the rescue with its new replacement seat straps and, while in the past they were made of flexible and pre-coloured
The cockpit sub-assembly dry fitted to the starboard fuselage without trouble, but take care not to damage the control column and details on the seat.
brass, this time they came as a set of fabric belts with PE clasps and buckles. In essence they had to be assembled just like the real thing and while at first this looked daunting, in practice it was easier than anticipated – it just required
two sets of fine tweezers, a steady hand and loads of patience. Eduard has a great how-to guide on its web site, with step-by-step photographs
Fuselage halves were closed without filler or fit issues; the very fine surface detail was certainly noteworthy.
Tamiya’s superb tail wheel assembly was completed, ready to be installed later.
Several thin oil washes provided a grimy look on the main undercarriage legs.
70-79_Birdcage.CC.indd 73
19/03/2014 10:35
74 ADVANCED BUILD
The wings’ centre section was the most complex part of the construction…and crucial for a correct wing-to-fuselage join. Here, the spar for extended wings has been built in.
Top surfaces of the centre section were added and Tamiya’s splendid engineering made for a very positive fit.
The result of careful assembly was a perfect wing-to-fuselage join – no filler or remedial work was necessary.
Perhaps somewhat unconventionally, the flaps were attached before painting. It made the weathering process easier and obtained a uniform finish across the whole wing.
(www.eduard.cz). One word of caution, though; as the belts were made from fabric they absorbed an oil wash far more than PE parts would. Therefore, care was needed not to end up with parts that were too dark. In the end the cockpit construction was involved but straightforward – thanks in no small part to Tamiya’s excellent engineering. Just follow the instructions to the letter and one won’t go wrong. Cockpit side walls
was carried out. The completed cockpit was a fairly flimsy affair when held unsupported, but again Tamiya’s engineering excelled and the whole assembly fitted in the fuselage half like a glove. The same was true for the tail wheel structure and closing the two fuselage halves brought a smile to this modeller’s face…the tube of filler would stay in its box!
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were constructed and detailed in similar fashion, and this led to the final stage before the fuselage could be closed. The tail wheel and its supporting framework were a complex set of interlocking parts but they mated well. All components here received a paint coat which was an odd mix of X-17 Pink, X-21 Flat Base and XF-9 Hull Red. None of the available reference material provided details, so Tamiya’s advice was adhered to and oil wash and dry-brushing
Airframe parts At this point it is worth mentioning the quality of the
fuselage and wing surfaces. These were moulded with incredibly fine rivet and panel detail – some of it nearly invisible without a paint coat to provide contrast. At first sight the detail looked too faint and concerns arose that most of it would disappear under primer and paint. This was unfounded though, but a word of caution: be very gentle and meticulous when applying glue to the fuselage or wing parts, as there was virtually no tolerance for sanding and any detail lost would be very difficult
19/03/2014 10:36
F4U-1 CORSAIR ‘BIRDCAGE’ 75 to restore. Once the fuselage was closed the instructions moved to the engine and here, the kit provided great detail, more than sufficient to omit the engine cowlings and leave the engine on display. For those that want to go a step further, the Eduard PE set provided loads of additional detail, which would turn the engine into a stunning piece of equipment.
For this build the cowlings were going to stay closed, so most of the lovely PE stayed on the fret (see separate panel). The build now reached perhaps its most complex stage, construction of the wing centre section. This was the part that gave the Corsair its trademark wing profile and the kit’s sub-assembly had to incorporate the radiator intakes,
main landing gear bays, wing folding mechanism, the split flaps and the wing spar. A choice needed to be made between extended or folded wings, because the kit provided separate parts while the instruction manual dedicated 40 separate steps to each option. The build of the centre section was involved and comprised more than 50 parts;
great care was needed as any inaccuracy would result in trouble with the wing-to-fuselage join, or the join between the panels on the extended wing. Tamiya’s design, though, was bullet proof as the whole assembly was built around a very substantial wing spar that guaranteed the correct angles – just make sure to cut the correct part from
BUILDING THE ENGINE The separate engine parts were primed and base coated while still on the runner. Metal parts received a coat of Alclad Semi-matt Aluminium, which was subsequently muted by a thin W&N Sepia and Black oil wash which pooled suitably between the crisply-moulded cooling fins. While the Eduard PE fret contained loads of additional detail, just the ignition harness was used as that would be the only enhancement
70-79_Birdcage.CC.indd 75
visible on the finished model. Gunze Mr. Metal Varnish was used to provide a better surface to paint the ignition wires, while XF-9 Hull Red coloured the cables. The 36 leads were then routed carefully between the cylinders and attached with tiny drops of Superglue. Frame and cowling supports were then added to finish off the engine, which was then mated to the firewall already installed in the fuselage.
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76 ADVANCED BUILD
Exhaust stains were built slowly by airbrushing various grey and brown tints.
the runner as most components relating to the flaps were available in two versions depending on whether the flaps were to be
extended or not. It is worth noting that Tamiya dispensed with the complex mechanism for flaps, aileron and rudder
THE PACIFIC LOOK
attachment. On previous models these consisted of PE hinges and pins, which could be a pain to assemble and align correctly, but here Tamiya resorted to simple plastic tabs. The consequence was, however, that the parts for flaps and elevator were available in two versions – make sure to use the correct items! The centre section was mated to the fuselage and resulted in a perfect fit. Construction of the outer wing panels was trouble free and sliding the wings over the centre section spar revealed faultless fit at the hinge point, an area that invariably causes trouble when modelling extended wings. Tamiya also recommended that all flaps and elevators were installed at
Both top coats have been built with thin layers to avoid obscuring the panel lines completely.
this time, which caused concern for painting and masking, but in the end the instructions were followed and the basic model was ready for paint.
Undercarriage and more The landing gear on the real aircraft was a complicated affair, as the main legs rotated through 90 degrees when retracted. The kit’s representation was very accurate but this meant that construction was somewhat complex; each main leg comprised 12 parts. The kit provided a small metal rod to build into the main legs for added strength, and even the brake line was provided as a delicate
3
1
2 Alclad II primer was airbrushed over the whole model and left to dry to a tough, smooth finish.
All panel lines received a pre-shade of XF-69 NATO Black to create depth and contrast.
In this case preparing the model for paint was quick as no filler had been used and, due to the limited sanding required, none of the fine surface detail had to be restored. After a quick rub-down of the surface to eradicate grease and finger marks, the model received Alcad II Grey Primer, as it was prethinned, airbrushed beautifully and left a hard, smooth finish. After a short drying period, all panel lines were pre-shaded with well-thinned XF-69 NATO Black. Pre-shading has gone out of fashion for some, but the technique offers greater control than any post-shading technique as it’s easier to correct any mistakes with the top coat over the pre-shading, than the other way around. The model then received its gloss coat in preparation for the decals.
4
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The next step was to airbrush the base coat on the underside and lower part of the fuselage. Tamiya suggested a mix of XF-19 Sky Grey and XF-2 White to replicate the Non-Specular Light Gray (FS 36440), which was adopted in favour of a direct colour match of another paint provider, mainly because Tamiya paints airbrush really well when diluted with the company’s proprietary thinner. The base coat was applied in thin layers to leave some of the pre-shading visible. Demarcation between top and bottom paint was soft edged, so masking came in the form of thinly-rolled Blu-Tack ‘worms’, which provided a feathered edge when airbrushed at a 90 degree angle. The top of the model received a mix of After a marathon session all decals and stencils were eventually applied – thankfully without any problems, and they reacted well to Micro Set and Sol.
5
19/03/2014 10:37
F4U-1 CORSAIR ‘BIRDCAGE’ 77
6
9 A first oil wash was applied to the surface, to accentuate the superb detail. One can always repeat the process if it's felt that the highlighting isn't strong enough.
A third weathering task was the application of three different oil washes, in multiple layers.
XF-18 Medium Blue and XF-2 White to match FS 35189 Non-Specular Blue Gray, followed by X-22 Clear to provide a gloss base for decaling. Tamiya’s decals have been criticised in the past, and rightly so, but there was no need for that here as the main markings settled without any trouble and just a little Micro Set and Sol. These were followed by 100 stencils which took time to apply but didn’t cause any trouble. The model then received a thin layer of satin varnish to provide a base for subsequent weathering, whose first stage consisted of a very thin oil wash of W&N Naples Yellow Hue, which was allowed to pool somewhat in the crisp surface detail then left to dry thoroughly. The next step was a technique
often used by armour modellers and involved tiny dots of different oil colours applied randomly. A stiff, short brush was then used to work the paint into the underlying coat until only a hint of discoloration remained. This again was left to harden in readiness for the third stage, three thin oil washes of W&N Sepia, White and a Paynes Grey/White wash. These were applied randomly and in multiple layers, to create an uneven and sunbleached effect. The mixes also left a satin finish which looked quite real. No other top coat was applied but the model was left alone for a week to allow the paint to cure thoroughly.
7
Tiny dots of vivid oil colours were applied to the surface of the model, a technique often used by armour modellers.
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8
After the oil dots were worked into the underlying paint coat, the random discoloration which really brought the surface to life.
10 Here is the end result of all the weathering: a sun-bleached and well-worn paint surface fitting of a weary Pacific fighter.
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78 ADVANCED BUILD
Oil streaks were added with a very fine brush and W&N Sepia oil paint. The tyres received weathering via MIG Productions pigments (European Sand and Dark Earth).
Here’s the completed propeller with painted tips instead of kit decals. The prop hub received a W&N Sepia oil wash.
The propeller was weathered slightly and finally added to the model. Note the lovely engine detail and fuselage surface texture.
The aerial was made from EZ Line elastic thread and the sliding canopy hood was installed with an excellent fit, thanks to the recessed panels underneath.
styrene part. As usual Tamiya provided rubber tyres, which is an endless source of debate. There are excellent resin replacements available, but in this build the kit parts were used. Unfortunately,
undercarriage legs and wheel bays were painted XF-24 Dark Grey, they were detailed with stencils provided in the kit and finished with thin oil wash. The propeller was straightforward,
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the rubber tyres had a substantial mould seam through the middle of the tread pattern and this was removed with a coarse sanding stick – somewhat tedious but it worked. After the
with the blades as separate parts that mated to the back of the hub to ensure correct angles. The kit provided decals for the yellow tips but instead the yellow was painted via XF-4 Flat Yellow
19/03/2014 10:38
F4U-1 CORSAIR ‘BIRDCAGE’ 79
reference round -up Modelling the F4U Corsair, by Brett Green (Osprey Publishing), ISBN: 1-84176-880-4 F4U Corsair In Action, by Jim Sullivan (Squadron Products), ISBN: 978-0-89747-623-2 F4U Corsair Aircraft Monograph 19, by Adam Jarski (AJ Press), ISBN: 83-7237-162-8 Corsair: 30 Years of Filibustering 1940-1970, by Bruno Pautigny (Histoire & Collections), ISBN: 2-91903-28-2 F4U Corsair in detail & scale, by Bert Kinzey (Squadron Products), ISBN: 1-888974-08-7 Chance Vought F4U Corsair Vol.I, by Andre Zbiegniewski (Kagero), ISBN: 83-89088-41-X
and masked, while the rest of the blades received X-18 SemiGloss Black. It was then time to add the windows to the side of the fuselage behind the cockpit, and here Tamiya thoughtfully provided two versions; one sat slightly deeper in its recess so the sliding canopy wouldn’t foul it when left open. The front windscreen was added at this point after masking, with the masks provided in the kit, although the builder was left to cut the masks with a fresh scalpel blade. With the model painted and weathered, the only remaining task was final mating of all previously built sub-assemblies. The main undercarriage legs slotted into the wheel-bays with a positive fit and the same was true for the tail wheel, while the propeller just slid over the prop shaft and did not require any glue thanks to a poly cap built into the prop hub. A piece of EZ Line elastic thread was attached between the top of the rudder and the aerial mast in front of the cockpit and, for the first time, the finished model sat on its undercarriage...lovely!
can also be found on Tamiya’s offering. That certainly does not mean the kit is difficult to build… there’s just a lot of it but the superb engineering and excellent construction guide make it difficult to go wrong. Surface detail was sublime and the reward
for care and patience will be a stunning model. Some might criticise the seat belts and rubber tyres, but they are easy to live with and can be replaced by aftermarket items if needed. Is it the best Corsair ever?...build one and judge for yourself, you’ll love it! ❚
The finished model sat on its undercarriage for the first time. The use of different weathering techniques really paid off. Another view of the finished model; Tamiya surpassed itself again with this kit and has raised the bar once more.
The ultimate pirate? Tamiya has pulled out all the stops with this model. Having built its previous 1/32 scale aircraft, it’s this modeller’s opinion that the company has raised the bar yet again with this kit. The ‘Birdcage’ has a complex shape and every nuance
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80 ON THE SHELF
FLYERS OVER THE WAVES on Tokyo is also covered, but the surprising inclusion (and one of the most enjoyable and revealing), is that which reports on the many films with naval aviation dominating the storylines; from 1918’s Sky Patrol to the box office smash Top Gun in 1986, the stars and reviews are all described. The Women on Board chapter, obviously, reveals the role of female US naval aviators, the struggles they’ve often faced and the tragic tale of Kara Hultgreen, who died in 1994 when her F-14 crashed on approach to the USS Abraham Lincoln. The chapter on the
aircraft themselves is quite fast-paced and one might crave more detail, but Sea Harrier exponent ‘Sharkey’ Ward’s account of his exploits in the Falklands more than satisfies. It’s a thoroughly absorbing read. CC
BOOK SPEC
This well-rounded hardback lifts the lid on 100 years of naval aviation, and offers fascinating titbits of information in the process…
as well as more detailed examinations of flight operations at sea. From the first carriers and the Washington Naval Treaty, to full-on combat in World War Two, Korea, Vietnam and the South Atlantic, there is much to learn here for the aviation historian, but there’s ample inspiration for modellers who embrace influence by historical texts. A noteworthy fact explored in the book, is that the Japanese found the confidence to attack Pearl Harbor after studying how the British attacked the Italian fleet at Taranto. Jimmy Doolitle’s famous raid
NAVAL AIR – CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF NAVAL FLYING By:
Philip Kaplan
ISBN:
978-1-78159241-0
Price:
£19.99
Format:
240mm x 165mm
From:
Pen & Sword
RUSSIAN SNOOPERS
BOOK SPEC
Here’s a new imprint from Pen & Sword, which will be of particular interest to modellers. This volume deals with the two mainstays of Soviet Cold War era reconnaissance, the MiG-25R series and the Yak-25RV SOVIET SPYPLANES OF THE COLD WAR By:
Y. Gordon & D. Komissarov
ISBN:
978-1-78159285-4
Price:
£16.99
Format:
A4
From:
Pen & Sword
Mandrake…in essence, the latter being Russia’s U-2 equivalent. One is generally in safe hands with anything written by the prolific Yefim Gordon and it’s generally the case here, with concise text and an intimate knowledge of Warsaw Pact types. Gordon’s description of the Yak-25 quickly gives way to modelrelated focus, though, and the book offers a Modeller’s Corner chapter that sheds light on available kits, such as the 1/72 vac-forms from Broplan and Prop & Jet, Amodel’s three limited-run styrene kits in the same scale and the 1/144 resin offering
from Anigrand Craftswork. Component photos are present, as are descriptions of each product’s good and bad points, and images of a beautifullyfinished Amodel example. The bulk of this softback volume, though, centres on the mighty Foxbat, whereby almost 70 pages explain the capabilities of the real machines (with good quality photos, including walk-round shots), as well as a modelling section that offers commentary on the Zvezda/ Condor kits and the resin/ metal MiG-25R conversion from Ukrainian firm Armory. Line drawings and splendid colour profiles feature,
but there are no plan views, particularly of those wonderful MiG-25RBF and RBSh sub-types in their intricate camouflage... that would have been most useful. Nonetheless, no Soviet aircraft modeller should miss this book. CC
SCANDINAVIAN DELIGHTS
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before the handsome Bristol Bulldog makes an entrance. A stunning colour plan view, which shows trial Bulldog camouflage, provides a rare example of when underside shades are more
interesting and attractive than those on the upper surfaces! Saab’s J 21 family looms large as expected, but the book also explores the P-51 Mustang and de Havilland Mosquito in Swedish service. There are many beautiful colour profiles, plan views and tables with individual aircraft histories, and these are supported by a fine collection of mostly black and white photographs. The Seversky P-35s are particularly interesting and their attractive and challenging camouflage schemes are well rendered here; one would do well to investigate Special Hobby’s excellent 1/72
kits of this fighter. Colour photos appear, too, and are wonderful references for the various paint shades. Anyone remotely interested in Swedish fighters should buy this book, and it may even convert those who have not yet considered the subject! CC
BOOK SPEC
Modellers interested in Swedish types have had little in the way of detailed references. There has been a good Swedish-text hardback with English captions, from Allt om Hobby, but it’s been out of print for some time, while Nordic Airpower’s book on the Flygvapnet has limited focus on older types. Now, though, Mushroom Model Publications has come to the rescue with a superb and weighty hardback, which offers a wealth of information on early Swedishoperated aircraft such as the Phönix D.II, Nieuport-Delage Ni-D 29 and Fokker C.V-D. Svenska Aero’s SA 11 is also covered
SWEDISH FIGHTER COLOURS 1925-1954 By:
M. Forslund & T. Vallet
ISBN:
978-8361421726
Price:
£29.99
Format:
A4
From:
MMP Books
19/03/2014 10:41
AIRCRAFT BOOKS 81
ARABIAN DELIGHTS hopeless situation. It was also a time in which certain Arab air forces represented all that was left between their governments and total defeat. Before long, however, other Arab air arms were to enter periods of significant growth and development, with consequences that would place the nations and their air forces involved in dogfights across the region, with the hundreds of Soviet-supplied MiGs playing a significant role. It's packed with an exhaustive amount of detail, profile artwork (some of the best I've seen to date), along with detailed maps of air bases and pilot accounts. The depth of coverage is stunning, one example being how the Egyptians modified MiG-21 drop tanks to
make reconnaissance pods! If one is looking for the history of Middle East air wars, or is simply a die-hard MiG fan, this title deserves to be in one's collection. At over 250-pages, the book oozes quality and demonstrates the authors' passion. Long may these Harpia titles continue. GS
BOOK SPEC
Harpia Publishing has produced some stunning publications recently and this latest volume within the Arab MiGs series continues the high quality, in-depth research we have come to expect. The previous three
volumes in the series related to the relatively coherent story of specific Arab air forces from the mid-1950s until the mid-1960s, culminating with coverage of the June 1967 War between the Arabs and Israel. This conflict resulted in fundamental changes to the political, military and territorial landscape of the entire Middle East. This is where this volume begins, in 1967; a period when specific Arab Air Forces were already re-establishing themselves from blows received from Israel during the war. But, a few nations were struggling to restore their strength. This was a time in which most Arab states involved in 'tussles' with Israel found themselves in a precarious, if not
ARAB MIGS VOLUME FOUR By:
Tom Cooper, David Nicolle, Lon Nordeen, Patricia Salti and Martin Smisek
ISBN:
978-0-9854554-1-5
Price:
£34.99
Format:
A5 (Softback)
From:
Harpia Publishing
ROUNDELS OVER THE DESERT
BOOK SPEC
Following the end of World War Two, the RAF was tasked with implementing the policies of its political masters in the volatile and often openly hostile environment of the Middle and Near East. During this period the RAF was to RAF MIDDLE EAST & NEAR EAST By:
Steve Webster
ISBN:
978-0-95698028-1
Price:
£19.99
Format:
A4 (Softback)
From:
AIRfile Publications
be at its height, equipped with a wealth of fighters, bombers, transports, reconnaissance and the newly emerging helicopter fleet. While aimed squarely at modellers, there is more than enough information for aviation historians alike. Cleverly broken down into five-year or ten-year sections, the aircraft that equipped the RAF during these periods are illustrated and accompanied with extensively detailed captions for each profile and four-view. The text is comprehensive and explains the dramatic expansion and, just a few decades later, the withdrawal of the RAF from
this volatile region. There is a minor gremlin that has crept into the production of the book in that Chapter One is repeated as Chapter Two, an annoying point, but the publisher supplies an insert with the correct copy.
This doesn’t detract from the wealth of information provided to the reader. Included are the countless ‘exercise’ markings and in some casesthe conflict markings, including the famous Suez stripes applied to types such as the Canberra, Hastings, Hunter and Shackleton. A brilliant book that will hopefully inspire decal firms, as there is a wealth of RAF schemes within these covers which; if you’re a fan of the era when the air force had countless types in service, you’ll want this publication. A brilliant modelling reference, but plenty for the aviation historian too. GS
YOU WISH!
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several million pounds apiece. Husband and wife author team Paul and Louise Blackah look into what is required to find a Spitfire suitable for restoration and then
return it to the skies. Paul’s vast hands-on experience with the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfires, combined with his contacts in the aircraft restoration community, mean he is uniquely placed to give readers a glimpse inside the world of Spitfire building and restoration in the 21st Century. This Haynes Supermarine Spitfire Restoration Manual includes interviews with leading Spitfire builders and restorers, as well as containing many new and previously unpublished photographs of Spitfire restorations.
For those who are unable to acquire their own full-size Spitfire, this 200-page book will also provide a wealth of detail for anyone ‘restoring’ a plastic scale model Spitfire. GS
BOOK SPEC
The Spitfire remains one of the most iconic combat aircraft of all time and to own an airworthy example of this classic fighter is the Holy Grail for many warbird collectors. For an aircraft that first flew more than 70 years ago and, which went out of production in the early 1905s, it may seem strange to discover that there is a flourishing industry centred on this aircraft in the 21st century. Scratch-building brand new Spitfires or restoring original examples to airworthy condition has become big business, with aircraft changing hands for
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE RESTORATION MANUAL By:
Paul and Louise Blackah
ISBN:
978-0-85733-224-0
Price:
£25.00
Format:
A4 (Hardback)
From:
Haynes Publishing
19/03/2014 10:41
82 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS & DVDS
BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE
BOOK SPEC
Resistance to German-led Axis occupation occurred all the way across the European continent during World War Two. It took a range of forms – non-cooperation and disinformation, sabotage, espionage, armed opposition and full-scale partisan warfare. EUROPEAN RESISTANCE IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR By:
Philip Cooke & Ben H Shepherd
ISBN:
9781848848863
Price:
£25.00
Format:
A5
From:
Pen & Sword
It is an important element in the experience and the national memory of the people who found themselves under Axis government and control. For more than 30 years there has been no systematic attempt to give readers a panoramic, yet detailed view of the make-up actions and impact of resistance movements from Scandinavia down to Greece and from France through to Russia. This authoritative and accessible survey, written by leading experts in the field, provides a reliable, in-depth, up-to-date account of the resistance in each region and country, along with an assessment of its effectiveness and of the
{DVDs} Axis reaction to it. An extensive introduction by the editors draws together the threads of the varied movements and groups, highlighting the many differences and similarities between them. This book will be a significant contribution to the frequently heated debates about the importance of individual resistance movements within Europe. GS
BLOODY OMAHA Battery. Maps, orders and assault plans have been found in UK, German and US archives, many of which were not released from the Top Secrecy Act for more than 60 years. All these combine to make this one of the most up-to-date references on the subject and a ‘must have’ for historians. GS
BOOK SPEC
The Rangers' mission was clear. They were to lead the assault on Omaha Beach and breakout inland. Simultaneously other Ranger units would scale the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to destroy the ‘huge’ gun battery there and thus protect the invasion fleet from being targeted. But was the
Pointe du Hoc mission actually necessary? Why did the Allies plan and execute an attack on a gun battery, which they knew in advance contained no field guns? And more importantly, why did they ignore the position at Maisy that did? Using personal interviews with the surviving Rangers who fought on the beach and Pointe du Hoc – this is a work of exceptionally detailed and fresh research which takes the reader into the centre of the action alongside the Rangers. The author has made a painstaking study of what the Allies actually knew in advance of D-Day and about the Maisy
THE COVER UP AT OMAHA BEACH By:
Gary Sterne
ISBN:
9781848844896
Price:
£25.00
Format: A5 From:
Pen & Sword
SINGLE-FUNNEL SHIPS
BOOK SPEC
A previous work in the Ship Craft series, No.11, focussed on British destroyers of the A to I and Tribal Classes, while this new book (no.21), is devoted to the J-C and Battle Classes; the main distinguishing difference being that the latter vessels were fitted with single funnels. One is treated to writing on the history and structural nuances BRITISH DESTROYERS J-C AND BATTLE CLASSES By:
Les Brown
ISBN:
978-1-84832-180-9
Price:
£14.99
Format: A4 From:
Seaforth Publishing
82_NonAircraft Books.CC.indd 82
of these Royal Navy workhorses and armament, too, is explained. All this is supported by black and white images. It’s then into the Model Products section, which details mainstream kits and more obscure items. Obvious choices are Tamiya’s O Class and the old Matchbox HMS Kelly,, both in 1/700 scale (the latter was re-boxed by Revell last year). Various 1/700 resin offerings from Germany’s HP Model cover the L, M, J, K and Battle Classes, and Blighty’s own White Ensign Models is listed as well, with its resin 1/350 J, K, L, M and M Class vessels. After-market accessories are presented, before the Modelmakers’ Showcase offers gallery images of built subjects. The standard of photography differs;
some photos are superb but others have poor depth of field and bad light, so details are out of focus. Wartime operations and camouflage are explained, and the latter include disruptive paint schemes. Line drawings in 1/700 scale complete a generally decent book. CC
DOGFIGHT IN THE CLOUDS Between 1939 and 1945, the opposing nations in World War Two battled each other in the air over Europe and the Pacific Ocean, in lethal competition; the goal was air domination and only the ruler of the air could hope to win the war. Aerial combat was affected by the quality of the 'plane on the one hand, and the abilities, training and courage of the pilot on the other. It was vitally important to both sides that their aircraft flew faster, could fly tighter turns, had a longer range and carried the heaviest and most accurate weapons. Often it was the technical advantages that decided the life and death of the pilots. While World War One was merely influenced by aerial forces, World War Two aviation was already playing a decisive role. With a running time of 83 minutes, there's plenty of wartime footage to watch, some of which I had not seen previously. For details of how to order a copy visit: www.pen-andsword.co.uk GS THE HAWKER HURRICANE This powerful study of the Hurricane in combat blends rare archive film with new aerial footage of one of the last surviving Hurricanes in flight. The Hawker Hurricane, designed by Sydney Cann, was the British produced single-seat fighter aircraft which was flown by the RAF from 1937 onwards. It was a product of Hawker Aircraft Ltd and it arrived just in time to affect the outcome of the Battle of Britain. Despite the fame of the Supermarine Spitfire, the Hurricane became renowed as a superb fighter during the Battle of Britain and it certainly played the dominant role, by accounting for 60% of the RAF's air victories in the battle. Almost 15,000 Hurricanes were built between 1937 and 1944, and they served in all the major theatres of the Second World War. While it would have been good to have more cockpit footage via the BBMF, what is presented on this 58-minute DVD is a good overall look at the development and operational history of the Hawker Hurricane. For details of how to order a copy visit: www.penand-sword.co.uk GS
19/03/2014 10:42
A DAY WITH THE FIGHTER COLLECTION
and GOLD PASS PRIZES PLUS ADULT TICKETS TO FLYING LEGENDS up for grabs!
EACH GOLD PASS PRIZE INCLUDES: • Special Fighter Collection Merchandise (To collect from FOTFC enclosure at Flying Legends)
• Your individual Gold Passes • Gold Car Pass to your VIP parking area (One car pass per pair)
• Entrance to the Air Show and Museum • Viewing enclosure on the flight line • A copy of the souvenir programme • Free, direct access to the flight line walk
HOW TO ENTER Our friends at The Fighter Collection are giving away Send your name, address and email (if you have one) on a postcard or to one lucky reader ‘A Day sealed-down envelope to: with The Fighter Collection’ – get to spend a day with the Flying Legends Competition professionals, see the behind Airfix Model World magazine the scenes action and the planes Key Publishing up close! PO Box 100
WANT TO KNOW MORE.... To book discounted tickets, or for the latest flying programme, visit: www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or call +44 (0)1223 499 353 All flying subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments. Gold Pass Available for £80.00 per person per day or £111.50 including a two course buffet lunch.
For two lucky runners-up, The Fighter Stamford Collection are offering two pairs of Lincolnshire ADVANCE TICKET PRICES Gold Pass prizes to this year’s Flying Adult 16-59 yrs £31.05 PE9 1XQ Legends, to be held on 12 and 13 July at Imperial War Museum, Duxford. This Senior 60 yrs+ £24.30 year’s show is set to be an unmissable or email the same information to: Child 5-15 yrs (Under 5s free) £16.30 event with appearances from over Discounts available for group bookings 50 historic aircraft. Each of these
[email protected] f Close Date: 12.00 GMT 6 June 2014. historic aircraft is a living tribute to the rs o ! i a p with subject header Winners will be notified outstanding skills of the people who ir 5 no later than 9 June 2014. win per pa ‘AMW Flying Legends Competition’. designed, built, maintained and flew o t 0 y them in years gone by. unit 62.0
r£ ort opp rth ove e h t o 232/14 also ckets w s Images: Darren Harbar ’ e i r T e t Th Adul
On occasions Key Publishing Ltd and Flying Legends/The Fighter Collection may make offers on products or services that we believe to be of interest to our customers. If you do not wish to receive this information, please write NO INFORMATION clearly on your entry. Transport and accommodation not included for any prize. Please state if you would prefer to attend on Saturday or Sunday.
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84 ON THE SHELF
PRODUCT SPEC
Eduard’s splendid MiG-21 gets a slight re-work to portray the recce variant flown by WarPac/Communist air arms. This release has wings with the trademark sensor/aerial blisters on the tips, pre-coloured and plain photoetched (PE) metal, D/R-V/R recce pods and tape masks. The detail is superb, with a worthy KM-1 ejection seat in styrene but with PE embellishment. Extra goodies for this kit have already been released by Eduard, too. The decals are super and provide five options: • White 39, 263rd IRAS, Soviet AF, MiG-21R Kabul, Afghanistan, 1981 By: Eduard • Black 104, 353rd RAS, Yugoslavian Item no: 8238 AF, 1971 • Black 1501, Air Test Dept, Czech AF, Scale: 1/48 Caslav, 1994 Price: €33.02 • Red 1423, 32nd TRAR, Polish AF, Available from: Sochaczew-Bielice, early 1980s Eduard, www.eduard.com • Black III, Cuban AF, 1980s-1990s
STORMS AT SEA
HEAVY FIGHTER
Serious fans of the Ju 88 will be disappointed with this C-6 kit due to its lack of detail and refinement…but it’s a bargain for novice or younger modellers. The wings are moulded to the fuselage and the latter is split horizontally, so there’s no potential grief with wing angles. The low parts count will also suit beginners. Panel line engraving GERMAN JU 88 is restrained and in keeping with By: Hobbyboss the scale and the undercarriage is Item no: 80297 reasonable. A thoughtful inclusion is that of a clear under fuselage Scale: 1/72 gondola part. The decal sheet is fair Price: £9.99 at best and offers two Luftwaffe Available from: colour schemes: Creative Models, • 3U+LV, 11./ZG 26 www.creativemodels.co.uk • F1+XM, 4 (Z)./ZG 76
PRODUCT SPEC
CAMERA-TOTING FISHBED
FABULOUS FLOATPLANE
84-85_Aircraft Kits.GS.CC.indd 84
This imposing Heinkel will impress through size alone! Eleven styrene runners carry beautifully engraved parts, although the wings and fuselage have a slightly rough texture in places. One does get a generous portion of resin parts such as engines and radio gear, and these are stunning. Photo-etched brass is present and offers seatbelts, ladders and an instrument panel. Three colour schemes are offered, including one HEINKEL HE 115B aircraft believed to have attacked By: Special Hobby the infamous PQ-17 convoy: Item no: SH48110 • He 115B-1, K6+TH, 1./KflGr.406, Trondheim, Norway, 1942 • He 115B, M2+BL, 3./KFlGr.106, Borkum/Schellingwoude, mid-1940 • He 115B, 8L+FH, WNr.2398, KFlGr.906, 1942
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Naval aviation fans have a great proposition here (but at a price), with Hasegawa’s double kit that allows two versions of carrier fighters to be built. There are wings for the Mk.I with just the gun holes, and wings with proper barrels for the Mk.II, alternative spinners and best of all, resin catapult spools and inserts for the A-frame arrester hook. While Hasegawa’s fuselage skin ribbing is a little over-accentuated, the moulding is generally excellent. There is only provision for a closed SEA HURRICANE MK.IB/ canopy, though, but the one-piece MK.IIC COMBO glazing is admirably clear. Decals By: Hasegawa are up to the usual standard for this firm, and three Royal Navy schemes Item no: 02025 are offered: Scale: 1/72 • Mk.IB, H-M2, 768 NAS, HMS Argus Price: £44.99 • Mk.IIC, NF672/7-N, 835 NAS, Available from: HMS Nairana, June 1944 Amerang, • Mk.IB, Z4550/G, 800 NAS, www.amerang.co.uk HMS Indomitable, August 1942
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€61.10
Available from: Special Hobby, www.cmkkits.com
19/03/2014 10:43
AIRCRAFT KITS 85
THE FUTURE IS HERE
MOUNT OF ACES
1/72
Price:
£19.99
Available from: Pocketbond, www.pocketbond.co.uk
COMBAT EAGLE 2013
PRODUCT SPEC
Hasegawa's F-15J gets another outing, care of special markings relating to one of the JASDF's recent Air Combat Meet competitions. While the standard kit runners remain unchanged in this boxing, these particular Eagles haven't undergone the MSIP upgrades, fortunately. The kit would benefit from after-market resin cockpit updates, but other than that it's still one of the best out there. This release, however, is alll about the two decal schemes and each are bright, colourful and eye-catching. One F-15J EAGLE 'AIR COMBAT features a large bear on the fins, MEET 2013' while the other wears large paw By: Hasegawa prints and tiger-striped drop tanks. You can't get anymore colourful Item no: 02084 than that! If you're a special Scale: 1/72 scheme fan...enjoy! Price: £32.99 • 42-8832, 2nd Air Wing, 203rd Available from: Squadron, Chitose Air Base, 2013, Amerang, • 72-8880, 2nd Air Wing, 201st www.amerang.co.uk Squadron, Chitose Air Base, 2013
84-85_Aircraft Kits.GS.CC.indd 85
May 1945 • Black + •, Stab III/JG 5, Group Commander Oblt.Franz Dörr, Finland and Norway, 1944-45 • Yellow 12, 6/JG 5, Major Henrich Ehrler, Petsamo, Finland, June 1943
PRODUCT SPEC
Scale:
AZmodel's series of Bf 109G-6s continues to be well received by Luftwaffe modellers, with a number of sub-types being released by the company. The latest limited edition (500) boxings target specific Luftwaffe units, with one of the first being Jagdgeschwader 5 Eismeer. The tan-coloured engraved runners are the same as previous boxings of the G series, while decals provide full stencils for one aircraft. The four colourful options are: Bf 109G-6 • Mickey +, Stab JG 5, Hptm Horst 'JAGDGESCHWADER JG.5 ' Carganico, Alakurrti, Finland By: AZmodel • Black 3, 11/JG.5, Gossen, Item no:
7455
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£9.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.com
FANCY FULCRUM
Despite not being the most accurate Fulcrum on the market, in that it's slighty undersized and with the nose not correctly shaped, the Hasegawa option is still one of the best if one can put up with these faults; place it next to an Italeri example and the differences are clear! But on its own it certainly looks the part. Hasegawa has released a number of boxings of the MiG-29 FULCRUM MiG-29 in fancy schemes worn by this 'HUNGARIAN AIR FORCE 70TH Cold War fighter, the lastest being this ANNIVERSARY' Hungarian Air Force example. While By: Hasegawa the basic kit has remained unchanged Item no: 02062 for years, there is the inclusion of new air-to-air missiles, pylons and a centreline drop tank in this boxing. Only one decal option, though is provided in this release: • 11, 70th Anniversary Special Scheme 1938-2008
PRODUCT SPEC
• AF-06, 461st Flight Test Squadron, 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB • AF-14, 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB • AF-21, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, Nellis AFB
PRODUCT SPEC
Modellers of modern aircraft will be greeted with a wealth of 1/72 F-35 Lightning IIs this year, with one of the best being Academy's. The fuselage features subtle panelling on its upper surface and extensively detailed weapons and undercarriage bays. The intake ducting is particulalry well done, without that hollow effect. A wealth of AAMs and USAF F-35A LIGHTNING II PGMs are included. Certainly the By: Academy best 1/72 F-35 we've seen to date. Item no: 12507 Decal options are:
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£34.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
19/03/2014 10:43
86 ON THE SHELF
WADING PANZER
URGENT FURY MUTT
The US invasion of Grenada in 1983, to tackle a coup, is now the stuff of history. It’s a fascinating subject, so it’s great to see Tamiya’s M151 ‘Mutt’ from the conflict. The model has a fair representation of the A2’s amended suspension, but the holes in the wheels are only indentations and too small. One does get a .50-Cal and stowage for the bonnet…as seen on real vehicles in Operation Urgent Fury. There’s M151A2 GRENADA 1983 also radio gear, three figures, By: Tamiya M60s, an M16A1, folded stretchers, Item no: 35332 helmets and ammo boxes. A real issue, though, is that there are no Scale: 1/35 driver foot pedals. The instructions Price: £19.99 suggest two Grenada colour Available from: schemes: The Hobby Company, • 2nd Ranger Battalion www.hobbyco.net • 82nd Airborne Division
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Dragon had already released an Operation Seelöwe (Sealion) boxing of the Tauchpanzer III wading tank, but this updated version provides said vehicle in its more common format, after conversion for crossing rivers rather than entering the sea from landing ships. Across the 23 styrene runners (which include three clear), new parts offer earlier drive wheels with large holes, more involved idlers and shock absorbers, and there are alternative cupolas. As expected, the waterproofing components are supplied and, PZ.KPFW.III (5CM) (T) AUSF.G thankfully, all hatches are separate if By: Dragon one wishes to scratch-build internal Item no: 6773 detail. A small amount of photo-etched Scale: 1/35 brass is offered, along with one-piece DS Styrene tracks. Three colour Price: £49.99 schemes are catered for: Available from: • Red 212, 2.Pz.Rgt.35, 4.Pz.Div., 1941 The Hobby Company, • 2.Pz.Rgt.35, 4.Pz.Div., 1941 www.hobbyco.net • Pz.Abt.D, 1940
Dragon’s sweet Panzer III Late Production reinforces the fact that this firm excels with small-scale armour. One glimpse at the lower hull reveals gorgeous detail, impressive for a diminutive model. Cupola hatches can be modelled open or closed, there are new turret vision ports and the exhaust pipes have hollow ends. Hatch detail on the turret is very good and, although towing cables are moulded on in this scale, careful painting will bring PZ.KPFW.III AUSF.J effective results. Photo-etched By: Dragon brass engine screens are supplied,
Italeri’s Dodge was first released in 1981, but for its age this re-issue is fairly good and no flash whatsoever was present…just a few heavy mould seams. The chassis is reasonable, being covered by three main stages on the instructions. Stowage is limited to four jerry cans and a tarpaulin, but more can be added from the after-market if desired, or scratch-built. One can pose the roof up or folded and the moulded blousing of the material for the former is convincing. As with almost all Italeri re-releases DODGE STAFF CAR from the 1980s, though, further By: Italeri refinement and detail can be Item no: 228 added. Decals for three Olive Drab
along with DS Styrene track runs. The tiny decal sheet looks good and provides markings for two schemes: • Red 523, Pz.Rgt.24, 24.Pz.Div., Stalingrad, 1942 • 1./Pz.Rgt.5, Pz.Gren.Div. ‘Wiking’, Russia, 1943
86-87_Military Kits.CC.indd 86
Item no:
7372
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£19.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
vehicles are provided, the only real difference being the registration numbers. The markings are glossy, so silvering shouldn’t be a problem if they’re laid over the appropriate varnish.
PRODUCT SPEC
OFFICER’S RIDE
PRODUCT SPEC
RUSSIAN FRONT STALWART
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£20.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
19/03/2014 10:44
MILITARY KITS 87
ANTI-AIRCRAFT TANK
ROCKET-FIRING ARMOUR
SOUTH-EAST ASIA RUNABOUT
PRODUCT SPEC
Tamiya’s re-working of its A2 Mutt offers a Vietnam-era vehicle. Fresh details include the windscreen’s centre post, flat front bumper and canvas roof…although the latter can only be posed up and not folded. Further plus-points comprise an extended exhaust and air snorkel. The detail and moulding is good in general, but some hiccups have crept in, such as the steering wheel, which is still the A2 version, there are no M151A1 VIETNAM WAR clear plastic headlamp lenses (just By: Tamiya solid green items) and a glaring Item no: 35334 omission is that there are no foot pedals for the driver (as with the Scale: 1/35 firm’s A2 kit). Two Vietnam colour Price: £19.99 schemes are offered: Available from: • 3rd Marine Division, USMC The Hobby Company, • 18th Military Police Brigade, www.hobbyco.net US Army
86-87_Military Kits.CC.indd 87
PRODUCT SPEC
Italeri’s Shermans have long been surpassed by products from Dragon and Tasca, but if one enjoys adding home-spun and/or after-market detail this could be the ideal project. The kit seemingly represents the large-hatch M4A3 with 75mm turret (with loader’s hatch), but also has the Calliope rocket system. Alternative drive sprockets (9A1 or 9A2, and 9A3 economy) are provided and the VVSS units have the final M4A3 SHERMAN CALLIOPE skid shape. Open spoke wheels By: Italeri feature, but the T80 track comes Item no: 288 in one-piece ‘rubber band’ variety. The rocket tubes lack finesse and Scale: 1/35 the more experienced will want to Price: £25.99 create new items with brass or alloy Available from: tube. Decals for two US Army tanks The Hobby Company, from winter 1944 are offered, one www.hobbyco.net with the nickname ‘Cold Storage’.
BIG GUN IN ITALY
Dragon’s latest Churchill depicts the Mk.III converted to carry the American 75mm gun in the Italian theatre. Detail points include separate turret hatches, which can be posed open or closed, integrally-moulded tools, alternative gun barrel positions and DS Styrene tracks. The suspension is moulded as two units per side, which is fine and sensible CHURCHILL MK.IV NA75 in this scale, while the upper By: Dragon decking is well detailed. This is Item no: 7507 quite a simple kit, though, so some may balk at the asking price. Three colour schemes are provided, for Italy in 1944; two vehicles are from unidentified units, but the other is ‘Castlerobin IV’, from C Squadron of the North Irish Horse.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
A sure-fire way to ensure variety in armour builds is to opt for a flak tank… and Dragon’s Zwilling is a beauty. It has a superb engine underlay part, but the upper decking that covers it is just as impressive for the scale. Separate items include grouped tool sets and spare track links, and although onepiece styrene towing cables are provided, one also gets just the hoop ends so real metal wire or thread can replicate the main cable itself. Side 5.5CM ZWILLING FLAKPANZER skirt armour comes moulded as By: Dragon one for each side, but DS Styrene Item no: 7488 tracks ensure finely moulded detail and the gun muzzles have hollow Scale: 1/72 ends. Two 1945 colour schemes are Price: £21.00 suggested (unidentified units), with Available from: the German-based vehicle being a The Hobby Company, fine example of that period’s more www.hobbyco.net interesting camouflage.
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£19.50
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
19/03/2014 10:44
88 ON THE SHELF
INVASION JUGGERNAUTS
By:
BarracudaCals
Item no:
BC48036
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $22.95
Available from: BarracudaCals, www.barracudacals.com
traditional nude to the red devil motif of ‘Screemin’ Weemie’. A simply stunning collection, some of which includes: • P-47D-15, 275845/B4-J ‘The Madam’, 1st Lt John H. Fetzer • P-47D-28, 419791/D5-X ‘Mississippi Rebel III’, 1st Lt Lloyd Hutchins • P-47D-2, 325519/D5-T ‘Stinker Too’, Capt. Neal Worley • P-47D-28, 229348/B4-A ‘Hot Body’, 1st Lt Sam Lutz • P-47D-26, 228296/D5-A ‘Haulin Ass’, 1st Lt James McWhorter
NORTH AMERICAN’S FINEST
PRODUCT SPEC
Owners of Monochrome or Trumpeter F-86F Sabre kits now have alternative markings courtesy of Brengun, which has released these six schemes for aircraft from the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. All liveries are from 1953 and have the FU/last-three style of codes, stencilling and aircraft names, but national insignia will F-86F 335TH FIS By:
Brengun
Item no: BRL144084 Scale:
1/144
Price:
€5.37
Available from: Brengun, www.brengun.cz
88-89_Decals.CC.indd 88
have to come from the base kit. The printing is excellent for such small subjects, and the carrier film is admirably thin…vital in this scale. The options are: • 112959 ‘Barb’, Capt Ralph Parr • 112972 ‘Billie’, Capt Lonnie Moore • 112953, Maj Vermont Garrison • 24468 ‘Lorrie’, 1st Lt Richard Keener • 112841, Col James Johnson • 24773 ‘Mississippi Gambler/ Arkansas Traveler’
PRODUCT SPEC
THUNDERBOLTS OF THE 365TH FIGHTER GROUP ‘HELL HAWKS’
At 2012’s Zhukovsky airshow the Russian Air force (VVS) displayed various long-range bombers, to help celebrate its centenary. A specialist in all things Russian, Linden Hill has thoughtfully provided us with decals for four bomber types flown at the event; Bear, Blinder, Blackjack and Fullback. It’s great to see the new style of VVS ‘BBC’ legends and blue-trimmed stars, which ensure a contemporary look, while the Tu-95s wear a mix of the more recent grey scheme 100 YEARS OF VVS THE BOMBERS By:
Linden Hill Imports
Item no:
LHD72030
Scale:
1/72
Price:
US $20.99
Available from: Linden Hill Imports, www.lindenhillimports.com
and the traditional pre-overhaul aluminium. Nine schemes in total include the following: • Tu-160, RF-94104/Red 05 ‘Alexander Golovanov’, 6950th AB, 1st Av Gp, Engels AB • Su-34, Red 03, 4.GTsPAV i VI, Lipetsk AB • Tu-95MS, RF-94128/Red 10 ‘Saratov’, 6950th AB, 2nd Av Gp, Engels AB • Tu-22m3, RF-94139/Red 49, 6950th AB, 1st Av Gp, Shaykovka AB
LUFTWAFFE DIVE BOMBER The infamous ‘screaming’ groundattack type is well catered for here, with a generous 10 schemes on offer. Various styles of camouflage are apparent (Legion Condor and standard Luftwaffe splinter, desert mottle) but our sample instructions were not that well printed, so one may have to conduct further research in order to be as accurate as possible with paint application (the plan views are okay, but some of the profiles are very dark). There are no such gripes about the decals themselves, though, because they’re printed very well, are suitably thin and lack the tinted carrier film that has marred some products from this manufacturer in the past. The unit heraldry is
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Last year Barracuda published a splendid book on the 365th FG with modellers in mind; it provided photos and a large selection of colour profile artwork, which covered many Razorback and Bubbletop P-47s flown by this unit as it supported the Allied invasion force in 1944. Now, we have decals with which to re-create the aircraft featured in the book. There are a generous 21 schemes, with two lots of national insignia and stencils. The three separate sheets carry beautiful nose art of all descriptions, from the
CENTENERY RUSSIANS
JUNKERS JU 87 STUKA By:
Print Scale
Item no:
48-032
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£7.70
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
particularly good and a second sheet carries all the national insignia. Options include: • Ju 87B-1, J9+AL, 1.(St)/Tr.Gr.189, France, 1940 • Ju 87A-1, 29•2, Kampfgruppe 88, Legion Condor, Spain, 1938 • Ju 87D-5, White 46, 2 Pulk Szturmovy, Royal Bulgarian Air Force, 1944 • Ju 87B-2, White 209, 209 Squadriglia, 96 Gruppo, Italian AF, Libya, 1941
19/03/2014 10:45
DECALS 89
IRONWORKS FIGHTER
WILDCAT AND MARTLET ACES By:
Print Scale
Item no:
48-055
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£TBA
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
For those interested in captured aircraft, Rising’s enticing collection of Luftwaffe types provides fascinating modelling subjects. RAF roundels cover Croatian insignia, and stars, bars and Allied desert paint decorate a Ju 88. Even the diminutive Me 163 makes an appearance…a splendid inclusion if one is a fan of legendary test pilot Eric ‘Winkle Brown’, who flew many, if not all of the German war prize aircraft HMS Formidable, 1942 • FM-2, White 35, Lt Ralph Elliot Jr, VC-27, USS Savo Island, 1945 • F4F-4, White 19/Bu. No.3417, ‘Swede’ Vejtasa, VF-10, USS Enterprise, 1942 • FM-2, White 29, Lt (jg) Hatherly Foster III, VC-93, USS Petrof Bay, 1945 • F4F-3, Black 8, Lt Col. HW Bauer, VMF-212, Guadalcanal, 1942
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
All but one of the eight options provided represent Pacific theatre aircraft, in Blue Gray over Light Gull Gray and overall Sea Blue. The Med’ theatre ‘loner’ is an Operation Torch Fleet Air Arm Martlet in Extra Dark Sea Grey and Slate Grey over Sky (although FS equivalent numbers are given). Most of the decals are well printed, but some of the Japanese flag kill markings are a little fuzzy. The instructions offer colour profiles, one whole plan view and sectionalised views of the wing uppers. Examples include: • Martlet IV, FN112/07-D, Lt Dennis Mayvore Jeram, 888 Sqn,
WAR PRIZES
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT PART II By:
Rising Decals
Item no:
RD72057
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€15.00
Available from: Rising Decals, www.risingdecals.com
types. This sheet is also available in 1/48 scale (fewer options), but the six choices here are: • Bf 109G-14/AS, Black 10, Italy, April 1945 • Bf 109G-10, W.Nr. 130342, White 44, Fassburg, April 1945 • Bf 109G-4 ‘Jack’, 1 Sqn SAAF, Sicily, 1943 • Ju 88D-1/Trop, W.Nr. 430650, Romanian AF • Ju 88A-4, W.Nr. 300227, Luftwaffe, Foggia, Italy, 1943 • Me 163B-1a, probably W.Nr 191060, JG 400
SHINY TWO AND A HURDLER
Anyone who owns Hobbyboss’ large-scale kit of this imposing nightfighter will welcome extra choice in terms of markings. Here, Superscale provides three allblack Pacific theatre aircraft, all being from the 548th NFS based on Iwo Jima, with impressive artwork on their noses. Red spinners, cowling rings and codes ensure pleasing contrast, there is basic stencilling and the rendering of the nose art is very good. Just one set of national insignia is offered
Two of the best recent special schemes on RAF Tornados are present on this Xtradecal offering for Revell’s largescale kit. The first is that of ZA398 of 2 Squadron, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the unit’s formation, with its black and white tail, and superb illustration of a Be.2 biplane. Secondly, one also has markings for the attractive 41 Squadron jet with Olympic artwork. The aircraft is ZA614/EB-Z, which celebrates the achievements of Gp Capt Don Finlay, the 110m hurdler
P-61B BLACK WIDOWS By:
Superscale
Item no: MS320262 Scale: Price:
1/32 US $16.00
Available from: Squadron Products, www.squadron.com
88-89_Decals.CC.indd 89
though. The options are: • P-61B-1-NO, 42-39408 ‘Lady in the Dark’ • P-61B-1-NO, 42-39404 ‘Midnight Madness’ • P-61B-2-NO, 42-39454 ‘Cooper’s Snooper’
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
NOCTURNAL SPIDERS
BAE TORNADO GR.4 By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X32050
Scale:
1/32
Price:
£9.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
who won a Bronze Medal in 1932 and Silver in 1936. He commanded 41 Squadron from September 1940 to August 1941. In this scale the artwork is hugely impressive and any Tornado in either scheme will have real presence.
19/03/2014 10:46
90 ON THE SHELF
DECALS
LUSCIOUS LIBS
BOMBER GALS
By:
Lifelike Decals
Item no:
72-028
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£12.49
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
San Jose AB, 1945 • B-24J-190-CO, s/n 44-40980, ‘Barbara Jean’, 65th Bomb Squadron, 43th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force, Clark Field, Philippines, April, 1945 • B-24L-10-CO, s/n 44-41549, ‘Maiden Montana’, 23rd Bomb Squadron, 5th Bomb Group, 13th Air Force, Morotai/Indonesia, January, 1945
LONE STAR STATE VIPER
PRODUCT SPEC
Over the years there has been a wealth of special schemes worn by USAF F-16s, but, one of the LONE STAR GUNFIGHTERS By:
Caracal Models
Item no: 72004 Scale:
1/72
Price:
$7.99
Available from: Carcal Models, www.caracalmodels.com
90_Decals.GS.CC.indd 90
best to date has to be that of the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing, which celebrated its 65th Anniversary in 2011. This sheet has proved popular with modellers and has been reissued again. It is intended for the Revell 1/72 F-16C, but do make sure that you use the later 'big-mouth' intake and correct engine exhaust for this one option: • F-16C Block 30, 87-0255, 149th Fighter Wing, November 2011
PRODUCT SPEC
CONSOLIDATED B-24 LIBERATOR PT.1
Lifelike Decals' second sheet for the Consolidated B-24 Liberator offers even more options for Olive Drab over Neutral Gray, Desert Sand over Neutral Gray or overall polished metal B-24s, with stunning nose art and brightly coloured rudders. One welcome addition is the late-war ‘greyedout’ star-and-bars for one B-24H.
CONSOLIDATED B-24 LIBERATOR PT.2 By:
Lifelike Decals
Item no:
72-029
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£12.49
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
The four-part sheet includes the stencils for the fuselage and even the yellow rings for the bombs. Some additional research will be needed to ensure each bomber has the correct top turrets and nose windows, so aftermarket items are necessary for some of the options here. There are four options, the two highlights being: • B-24H-15-CF, s/n 41-29385, ‘Double Trouble’, 791st Bomb Squadron, 467th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, Rackheath AB, England, September, 1944 • F-7A, s/n 42-64331, ‘Over Exposed’, 2PMS, 311th Photographic Wing, Hollandia or Morotai, Indonesia, 1945
DEMONS, DRONES AND DESERTS Wolfpak decals is certainly catering for modellers with a passion for US types. This latest sheet, covers drones, aircraft involved in the Vietnam war, Afghanistan and types based in the United Kingdom at RAF Mildenhall. Seven subjects are provided: • F3H-2M, VF-61, USS Saratoga, 1957 • QF-4G, 82nd ATRS, 53rd WG, Tyndall AFB, October, 2005 • A-4E, VMA-311, Chu Lai, Vietnam, 1970 • QF-4G, DET.1, 82nd ATRS, 53rd WG, Holloman AFB,
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Lifelike Decals has done it again with a superb series of markings for 1/72 Liberators of the USAAF. Four options are provided from the Pacific Theatre of Operations (PTO). The instruction sheet offers a wealth of information for each bomber, with a bonus set of starsand-bars included to ensure proper colour depth. Rudder markings are included and for the F-7A, the reconnaissance version of the B-24, nose camera ports are provided as decals! A stunning sheet that any USAAF heavy bomber fan should seek out. The four options are: • F-7A, s/n 42-73045, ‘American Beauty’, 20CMS/6PG, 5th Air Force, Nazadab, New Guinea, November, 1944 • B-24L-5-CO, s/n 44-41479, ‘Air Pocket’, 320th Bomb Squadron, 90th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force,
SCREAMIN' DEMONS By:
Wolfpak Decals
Item no:
72-066
Scale:
1/72
Price:
$17.00
Available from: Wolfpak Decals, www.millcreekconsultants.com
October 2005 • EA-6B, VAQ-133, Afghanistan, September, 2007 • CV-22B, 20th SOS, 27th SOW, Cannon AFB, 2013 • CV-22B, 7th SOS, 352nd SOG, RAF Mildenhall, November 2013
19/03/2014 10:47
1:72 New Tooling
THE TIGERS TEETH
A08013 Avro Lancaster BI(F.E.)/BIII n Fully detailed bomb bay n Alternative rear turrets n H2S radar installation
ancaster BI(F.E.)/BII Avro L I 3 1 0 A08
Avro Lancaster B.1(F.E), Tiger Force, No.35 Squadron, Royal Air Force Raveley, Cambridgesgire, England, 1945
Avro Lancaster B.III, ‘Frederick II’, No.57 Squadron, Royal Air Force Scampton, Lincolnshire, England, August 1943
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92 ON THE SHELF
FIGURES
TEUTONIC AIRCREW
GREAT WAR BRITS
Item no:
LSK08
Scale:
1/32
Price:
£30.00
Available from: www.wingscockpitfigures.com
KEEPING CLEAN
PRODUCT SPEC
If one is contemplating a diorama, this set could be just the inspiration to kick-start a project. The six figures portray soldiers washing, and they could be employed as a larger ablutions scene, or selected individuals could be matched with, say, a vehicle. There are three fully-clothed troops, one bare chested and one naked. The neat addition is that of soldier seated on a box, with towel on his shoulders, ready for a shave. ABLUTIONS By: Item no:
Dan Taylor Modelworks F-76231
Scale:
1/76 / 1/72
Price:
£10.50
Available from: www.dantaylor modelworks.com
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Wingnut Wings’ Hannover and LVG kits in mind. Cast in resin, the pilot comes with two alternative heads, but the observer has just one choice of head. The detail, mastered by Steve Warrilow, is superb and enough to make any aircraft modeller explore figure painting.
DESERT DUDES
Seven figures in total are provided by this set, designed to enliven Dragon’s SAS Jeeps. Just one of the subjects is posed standing, and this appears to be an officer in peaked cap and duffle coat. The remaining seated troops wear a mix of shorts and trousers, long and rolled-up sleeves and the obligatory desert-style headgear. While the moulding is reasonable, some may wish to add their own refinements and, frustratingly, no personal equipment is supplied. It’s a useful collection though and a must if anyone has the appropriate vehicles. Tamiya’s re-released LRDG Chevrolet could be another recipient. SAS VEHICLE CREWS NORTH AFRICA 1942 By:
Dragon
Item no:
6682
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£19.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
THE FIGHTING FEES RFC FE2B PILOT & GUNNER By:
Wings Cockpit Figures
Item no: RFC07B Scale:
1/32
Price:
£30.00
Available from: www.wingscockpitfigures.com
BIG CAT TRIO
Airfix’s superb Royal Navy and Army Lynx kits can only benefit from these fine 1/48 figures. Pilot, Observer and Gunner examples are all provided, with the latter in a kneeling position at the open rear cabin door for variety. All are well cast in cream resin and have life preservers over the standard UK-style flight suits. The visor is down on the Gunner’s helmet, but they are in the up position on the other two subjects and flying gloves are also in evidence. Assembly with cyanoacrylate or epoxy glue is necessary, as the figures come in 13 separate parts. Experienced figure modellers will be able to adapt these to fit other helicopters. ROYAL NAVY LYNX CREW By:
PJ Production
Item no:
481125
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€13.50
Available from: PJ Production, www.pjproduction.net
convincingly and the fur lining has a great texture. The added bonus of these items is that if one isn’t too good at painting facial features it doesn’t matter, as they have scarves and goggles covering the faces. A lovely set of figures.
HUNTING ‘CHARLIE’
A thoughtful and appropriate armoury comes with Masterbox’s well-detailed figures, suitable for all manner of Vietnam War dioramas. The weaponry comprises classic M16A1 (and with M203 grenade launcher), M79 grenade launcher, M60 heavy machine gun, M37 Ithaca pump-action shotgun, M-14 semi-automatic rifle, M72 LAW, holstered M1911 and K-Bar knives. Typical jungle fatigues and webbing are present and the ’60 gunner has a rolled-up sleeves and a muscular build. Facial detail is reasonable for styrene moulding, and variations in pose and equipment/headgear can be rendered. Other items such as rucksacks also feature.
PRODUCT SPEC
Wings Cockpit Figures
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
PRODUCT SPEC
LSK HANNOVER/LVG PILOT AND OBSERVER
WCF’s pair of resin Royal Flying Corps aircrew is designed to fit the Wingnut FE.2b. Both exhibit impressive sculpting and are posed ready to battle the cold of altitude. The gunner in particular is excellent, as his long coat bellows out
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Few modellers use aircrew figures because they want the seat and cockpit detail to remain unobscured. That could change though, with the rise of Wings Cockpit Figures and its splendid range of products. This beautifully sculpted pair of Germans has been produced with
JUNGLE PATROL, VIETNAM WAR SERIES By:
Masterbox
Item no:
MB3595
Scale:
1/35
Price:
€11.95
Available from: Masterbox, www.mbltd.info
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94 ON THE SHELF DAN TAYLOR MODELWORKS Resin/photo-etched metal www.dantaylormodelworks.com 1/76 / 1/72
73485 Lancaster B Mk.I/B Mk.III Interior self-adhesive (Airfix)
AM-48-083 Hawker Typhoon Mk IB Late Type Cannons (covered barrels)
73494 A6M3 self-adhesive (Tamiya)
AM-48-084 Hawker Huricane Mk IIC Hispano Mk I 20mm Cannons (flat springs)
1/48 EX409 MiG-23MF masks (Trumpeter)
AM-48-085 Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC Hispano Mk II 20mm Cannons (round springs)
EX413 Spitfire Mk.IXc Weekend masks (Eduard) 48795 IAI Kfir C2/C7 exterior (AMK)
AM-48-086 Spitfire Mk.IXC Hispano 20mm Cannons in fairings (Eduard) 1/32
C-76082 A13 Running Gear (S-Model)
48-021 Air Wing All-Stars Tomcats Part One
C-76085 Cruiser Mk IVA Conversion Set Western Desert (S-Model)
MASTER MODEL
AM-32-057 BAC Lightning Pitot Tube
Turned metal and photo-etched brass www.master-model.pl 1/350 SM-350-074 USS Indianapolis (1945) Armament (Academy)
C-76086 Burnt Out Road Wheels – Crusader/Cromwell/Comet (Airfix/ Revell/Matchbox/S-Model) F-76228 AFPU (3 figures) F-76229 ATS Drivers (4 figures) H-76322 British Mk III Helmet (6 heads with helmets and a single helmet) EDUARD
49663 MiG-23MF interior selfadhesive (Trumpeter)
SM-350-075 USS Indianapolis (1945) Armament (Trumpeter) 1/72
49664 IAI Kfir C2 interior selfadhesive (AMK)
AM-72-058 Mirage F.1 Pitot & AOA Probe
648130 Ju 88 wheels early (Dragon)
AM-72-059 IAI Kfir Pitot Probe & AOA Probe AM-72-060 BAC Lightning Pitot Tube
FURBALL AERO-DESIGN Waterslide decals www.furballaero-design.com 1/48
Photo-etched metal, resin, tape masks www.eduard.com
AM-72-061 Convair B-58 Hustler Pitot Tube 1/48 AM-48-076 Mirage F.1 Pitot Tube & AOA Probe
AM-32-058 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Machine Gun Set SCALE AIRCRAFT CONVERSIONS White metal undercarriage www.scaleaircraftconversions.com 1/72 72081 F-4 Phantom II (Hasegawa) 72082 B-29 Superfortress (Airfix) 1/48
AM-48-077 IAI Kfir Pitot Tube & AOA Probe
48247 Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Hasegawa)
1/72
AM-48-078 BAC Lightning Pitot Tube
CX374 A6M3 masks (Tamiya)
AM-48-079 Convair B-58 Hustler Pitot Tube
48248 Fairey Firefly (Special Hobby) 48249 SAAB Lansen (Tarangus)
AM-48-080 RA-5C Vigilante Pitot Tube & AOA Probe AM-48-081 A-10 Thunderbolt II GAU-8 Avenger Gun Tip and Pitot Tube
48-016 Man-Eater SLUFs (A-7D Corsair II) 48-018 Bravo MiG-Killers Part Two F-4B Phantoms of the Vietnam Conflict (Academy) CX380 Harrier GR.1 masks (Airfix) 53106 U-boat IXC (Revell)
48-019 Air Wing All-Stars Phantoms Part Two (Academy)
672028 SR-55 Rocket Pod
48-020 F-21A Lion Cubs
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AM-48-082 Hawker Typhoon Mk IB Early Type Cannons (uncovered barrels)
48250 Sea Harrier FRS.1/FA.2 (Airfix) 1/32 32079 F-104 Starfighter (Italeri)
19/03/2014 10:48
RECENTLY RELEASED 95 HASEGAWA Limited edition plastic model kits www.amerang.co.uk 1/200 02048 Kawanishi H6K5 Type
97 Flying Boat Model 23 w/Radar ‘901st Flying Group’
07341 Kawasaki T-4 ‘Blue 07322 A-7E Corsair II ‘VA-113
Impulse 2012/2013’
Stingers Bicentennial’
10698 Kawasaki C-1 Combo
02050 Mitsubishi Ki46-III Type 10741 Peach Airbus A320
1/72
100 Commandant Reconnaissance Plane (Dinah) Interceptor ‘28th Flight Regiment’
07342 J35 Draken ‘Demonstrator’
‘NSGr.2’
07330 P-38J/L Lightning ‘Putt
02013 Nakajima B5N2 Type 97
Carrier Attack Bomber (Kate) Model 3 w/800kg armor-piercing bomb
07323 Junkers Ju 87D-3N Stuka
Putt Maru’
07353 F-15I Strike Eagle 'Israeli
Air Force Ra’am’
02066 J-15 Flying Shark
1/48
07333 Mitsubishi A6M2b Zero
Fighter Type 21 ‘Junyo Fighter Group’
02015 F-15C Eagle ‘57th Fighter
Interceptor Squadron’
07355 F-4S Phantom II ‘Vandy 75’
07303 Nakajima Ki-43-I
Hayabusa (Oscar) ‘64th Flight Regiment’
09978 Typhoon Mk.IB ‘Shark 07334 Spitfire Mk.VI ‘No.616
02020 P-51D/K Mustang ‘Pacific
Aces Combo’
Teeth’
Squadron’ 07308 F-16C (Block 52
Advanced) Fighting Falcon ‘Zeus’
52104 P-40E Warhawk ‘Prisoner 07336 AH-64D Apache ‘Royal
02038 Nakajima Ki27 Type 97
Fighter (Nate) ‘Nomonghan Aces Combo’
07319 P-40K-10 Warhawk ‘Long
Netherlands Air Force Special Marking’
of War’ 1/32
Fuselage’
02045 Kawanishi E7K1 Type 94
Model Reconnaissance Seaplane ‘Battleship Kirishima’ w/ Catapult
94-95_Accessories List.CC.indd 95
08233 Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden 07321 Spitfire Mk.VII/VIII ‘Pointed
07337 Junkers Ju 87R-2 Stuka
Wing’
‘Desert Snake’
(Jack) Type 21 ‘302nd Flying Group’
19/03/2014 10:48
96 ON THE SHELF
35 K07
Scale:
1/35
Price:
€71.82
Available from: Aber, www.aber.net.pl
UNDER COVER
PRODUCT SPEC
AFV Club’s ingenious cam’ net comes as a form of large decal, which can be airbrushed with acrylic paint, soaked in water and then shaped and expanded with help from the card frame provided. It comes not just in Snow Grey as with this item, but also Desert Tan and Jungle Green. At almost A4 in size and perfect for gun pit or vehicle dioramas, it’s certainly worth investigating. EXTRA THIN CAMOUFLAGE NET SNOW GREY By:
AFV Club
Item no:
AC35021
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£6.99
Available from: Pocketbond, www.pocketbond.co.uk
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Item no:
BRL144091
Scale:
1/144
Price:
€4.39
Available from: Brengun, www.brengun.cz
By:
Eduard
Item no:
48794
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€18.95
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
DAIMLER-BENZ
TINY PANZER PARTS Even smallscale armour can benefit from aftermarket items, and CMK’s driver compartment set really will add a new dimension to Dragon’s Panzer III kits. Courtesy of 16 resin parts and a small, pre-coloured photo-etched metal fret, one receives a hull floor section, transmission unit, seats, instrument panels and separate hull hatches. The floor is particularly good as it features torsion bar suspension detail. PZ.KPFW. III AUSF.M/N/L DRIVER’S SET By:
CMK
Item no:
2056
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€9.30
Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com
An excellent KM-1 ejection seat is the focal point in Eduard’s Brassin after-market cockpit for its recent MiG-21R kit. It sits in a well-cast and beautifully detailed ‘bathtub’, which also comes with instrument panel parts and a busy-looking rear bulkhead. Much of the set is in resin but pre-coloured metal gives extra class…particularly as it has that shade of turquoise seen in Cold War Soviet types. There’s even a flying helmet and alternative switch banks, depending on the type of recce pod carried.
PRODUCT SPEC
Item no:
Brengun
MiG-21R EXTERIOR
MiG OFFICE
MiG-21R INTERIOR By:
Eduard
Item no:
648129
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€19.79
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
JUNKERS ROLLING Eduard’s new resin engine unit for Revell’s recent Bf 109G-6 is a masterpiece. Every little feature of the DB605 is recreated with staggering refinement and more than 100 parts. One doesn’t just get the engine and its bearers, but also exquisite machine guns and alternative components for the G-6/U4. New engine cowlings are also supplied, in what is most certainly a complete kit in itself; photo-etched brass completes the package. Simply stunning and the perfect aftermarket accompaniment to Revell’s large scale offering. Bf 109G-6 ENGINE By:
Eduard
Item no: 632025 Scale:
1/32
Price:
€33.02
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
Anyone with a Dragon 1/48 Ju 88 should check out these neat resin wheels, designed for that manufacturer’s kit and in the early pattern. Eduard provides crisply-detailed main wheels with separate hubs, a tail wheel and mudguard…and photo-etched brass rims to fit around the hubs (and mudguard support arms). Tape masks are also supplied for neat airbrushing.
PRODUCT SPEC
Aber
By:
Plenty of fine metal parts feature in Eduard’s upgrade for its MiG21R recce variant kit. Areas such as the undercarriage and bays, afterburner and exhaust are catered for, and even missile and rail detail is provided. With more than 100 individual components, it will certainly make a difference to what is already a splendid kit.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
BOEING 727-200
PEEPING FISHBED
PRODUCT SPEC
PANZERJÄGER JAGDTIGER (SD. KFZ.186) FRÜHE PRODUKTION
For civil aircraft fans with Airfix’s Boeing 727-200 in their stash, Brengun’s new resin wheels will bring much needed refinement to the model. The wheels are more accurate and true to scale, and come on slight casting blocks so these will be easy to remove. Also provided is a full set of antennae, but no instructions are provided so the modeller must rely on reference material for accurate placement of these items.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
After-market specialist Aber now has this stunning upgrade for Tamiya’s Jägdtiger. Detailhounds will love the embellishment in terms of tool brackets, mudguards, fenders, jack block holder and jack itself, gun travel lock, hatch locking mechanisms, exhaust covers and more. There’metal towing cable, engine screens and a superb turned aluminium gun barrel. Most of these parts could also be employed on Dragon’s version. Not cheap, but it’ll provide a great many hours of fun.
AIRLINER WHEELS
PRODUCT SPEC
HUNTING TIGER DETAILS
ACCESSORIES
Ju 88 WHEELS EARLY By:
Eduard
Item no:
648130
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€5.95
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
19/03/2014 10:49
98 KIT COURT
1/24 HASEGAWA RALLY CARS
A case by Ian Grainger for early 1990s 1/24 Hasegawa rally cars
EXHIBIT 1
The first Mitsubishi Evo of the breed. Future 'Evolutions' of the Lancer would give Tommi Mäkinen the crown from 1996 through 1999.
R
allying in the late 1980s and early 1990s was a period of transition. The infamous Group B era had passed with crazy machinery such as the Metro 6R4 and Ford RS200 consigned to either the Rally Cross circuit, the teams’ museums or private collections. Before the dawn of the first official World Rally Car (WRC) in 1997, the intervening period belonged to Group A.
The FIA rules allowed modified competition rally machines based upon production-derived models. A vehicle qualification process was introduced (Homologation) that required competing rally manufacturers to produce a minimum of 5,000 road-going specials (and post 1993, 2,500) cars of the competing model to be manufactured. Group A remains the basis of many rally cars to this day. Modifications
EXHIBIT 2
The initial RAC Rally GB outing for the iconic Subaru Impreza. Two years later it would give McRae his first and only world title.
to the standard counterparts, usually involved the addition of turbo charging and four-wheeldrive systems. By the mid 1990s many Group A cars had exceeded the performance of the 'killer Bs', but were much safer in the handling department! In the early 1990s Hasegawa led the way in the production of 1/24 rally car subjects. Its quality at the time was unrivalled; with crisp, accurate moulding, photo-etched metal frets, self-adhesive masks for the glazing, seat belt material and original decals from a then after-market Italian company...now established as one of the best in the business - Cartograf. Hasegawa released several Group A vehicles in multiple guises, beginning with kit CR-1, the 1991 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Rally, and thus documented another golden era for the sport. These kits are highly sought after, with some subjects fetching ridiculous prices on internet auction sites. One vehicle in particular is the Subaru Legacy RS that appeared in three versions: The 1991 RAC Rally, 1992 Sweden and 1993 New Zealand; all piloted by the late Colin McRae, with the 1993 Legacy giving him his first World Rally win. Kits of the iconic Subaru Impreza WRX followed from 1993 through to 1995 that also propelled the great man to his only World Rally Championship. Other ‘historic’ releases were those of the Mitsubishi Lancer 'Evolutions'
that carried Colin’s great rival, Tommi Mäkinen, to multiple world titles. The early Evolution I through IV boxings also command a premium price on the second-hand market. So please Hasegawa, will you re-release the moulds of some of these important Rally machines? With their timeless quality, they still hold their own in the 21st-Century. I rest my case... court is adjourned! ❚
EXHIBIT 3
Colin McRae's first World Rally winner; the 1993 New Zealand Subaru Legacy RS. The most sought after of all these kits.
Hearings ... If there’s a kit you’d love to see re-released or produced then why not state your case to the world via AMW. What you need to supply is 300-350 words for a ‘reasonable’ case, and two to three high-quality images that are your own, to help illustrate the subject. AMW can’t promise a new kit by the end of the year, but the industry will definitely get to hear a ‘modeller’s case!’ email: editorial@ airfixmodelworld.com
THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE MAY 1* *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
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