Airfix Model World Issue 054 (May 2015)

ISSUE 54

FREE! BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER MK.X SUPPLEMENT

product reviews

MAY 2015 £4.30

BRILLIANT BEAUFIGHTER UNDER THE BONNET How to detail a car kit engine

EXCLUSIVE BUILD We appraise Airfix's new 1/72 Beaufighter Mk.X

TARGET-TOWING 'MEATBOX'

TEUTONIC TANK-HUNTER

SAAB'S LIGHT FIGHTER

1/32 Gloster Meteor F.4

1/35 Jagdpanzer IV/70 (V) Lang

1/72 Saab JAS-39C Gripen

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EDITOR'S DESK

WELCOME

Editorial

Editor: Assistant Editor: Editor's Secretary:

Chris Clifford Stu Fone Vanessa Smith

Contributors

Brian Wakeman, Malcolm V. Lowe, Steve Abbey, Ian Grainger, Jennifer Wright, Terry Higgins, Chris Jones, Jan P. Forsgren, Johan Augustsson, Dr Jim Whalen, Peter Johnson

Design

Art Editor: Group Art Editor:

Production Production Manager:

Tom Bagley Steve Donovan

Janet Watkins

Advertising

Commercial Director: Ann Saundry Group Advertising Manager: Brodie Baxter Advertising Manager: Tom Lee Production Manager: Debi McGowan

Marketing

Group Marketing Manager: Martin Steele Marketing Manager: Shaun Binnington Subscriptions and Mail Order: Liz Ward Managing Director: Executive Chairman:

Adrian Cox Richard Cox

Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, UK. Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PP. Tel: 020 7429 4000. Fax: 020 7429 4001. Printed by: Warners (Midland) plc, Bourne. Printed in England (ISSN 1471-0587).

Subscriptions Please refer to main advertisement within the magazine. All applications stating name, address, date to commence and remittance to: Subscriptions Department, Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK. Telephone/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. Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling toll free 800-676-4049 or fax 757-428-6253 or by writing to Airfix Model World, 3330 Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA23451-9828. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, c/o Mail Right International Inc.,1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway NJ 08854. All items submitted for publication are subject to our terms and conditions. These are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely available from 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.

‘F

WELCOME

or valour in the face of the enemy’...it’s all that needs to be said to represent the kind of bravery and dedication to duty epitomised by Victoria Cross recipients. So when I was e-mailed recently by the nephew of a VC winner, a shiver went down my spine. The message was from Jim Nicolson, whose uncle was Wing Commander James Brindley Nicolson VC, DFC; RAF Fighter Command's only pilot to receive the Victoria Cross. It was his 249 Squadron markings (P3576/GN-A) that were added to Airfix’s new 1/48 Hurricane Mk.I in the March 2015 issue. Jim, a life-long modeller, wanted to congratulate us on the content of that edition, and to say how pleased he was to see coverage of his relative...but he also imparted some fascinating snippets of information. Apparently, James Nicolson had a red devil painted on his Hurricane, although this was missing from the aftermarket decals used on our model...but more about that later. Another nugget was that Airfix’s last re-issue of its original Gloster Gladiator kit offered a pre-war livery for an individual aircraft also flown by James Nicolson, that of 72 Squadron's K6142. The final link in this interesting tale is that Nicolson also flew K9942, the oldest surviving Spitfire, now displayed at the RAF Museum Cosford...what a great modelling theme, and I’ve resolved to build all three of the aforementioned aircraft in the future, in my own small tribute. Back to that red devil though; the main reason it was not included on the decal sheet is, almost certainly, that no photographs of the actual artwork on Nicolson’s Hurricane have been published thus far. If any of you have ever seen a period photo with it in situ, or you have any other information on ‘Old Nick’ in this respect (or the possible artist) please do contact me via the e-mail address below. Who knows what’s lurking in a loft or dusty, long-ignored archive somewhere?

FREE MODEL! CLAIM YOUR FREE AIRFIX SPITFIRE PR.XIX OR GLADIATOR MMk.I WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO AMW. SEE PAGE 56.

“AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby Hobbies Limited and is used under licence. We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value, including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisements within this publication.

The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2013 was 11,488 print and digital copies monthly.

Chris Clifford, Editor [email protected] Follow us at www.facebook.com/airfixmodelworld Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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CONTENTS INSIDE

REGULARS 06 News The latest happenings in the world of plastic modelling.

73 COMPETITION Win Flying Legends tickets!

10 Show Scene A comprehensive and up-to-date calendar of model-related events.

42 Your Airfix Readers get the chance to showcase their own Airfix builds.

80 FREE MODEL! Claim your free Airfix Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX or Gloster Gladiator AMW Mk.I when you subscribe to AMW.

90 On the shelf Sixteen pages of reviews bring you the latest modelling products.

114 Kit Court Put forward your case to AMW,, as to why a particular ‘missing’ kit subject

14

INTERMEDIATE BUILD METEOR F.4

should be made available.

28

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG

68

BASIC BUILD JAS-39C GRIPEN

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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CONTENTS

INSIDE

46

EXCLUSIVE BUILD BEAUFIGHTER Mk.X

FEATURES 14 Intermediate build – Meteor Maestro AMW welcomes Brian Wakeman, who makes a beautiful job of HK Models’ 1/32 Gloster Meteor F.4.

22 In Focus – Meteor F.4 Malcolm V. Lowe details the career of the Meteor’s F.4 sub-type, and offers splendid period imagery.

26 Test-Shot Preview – Revell 1/32 Fw 190F-8 This important new kit is appraised out of the box by AMW stalwart Steve Abbey.

28 Intermediate Build – Teutonic Tank-Hunter Tamiya’s all-new (and very welcome) 1/35 Jagdpanzer IV/70(V) Lang gets the Steve Abbey treatment.

34 Intermediate build – MP-Fwoar! Race car builds don’t come much better than Ian Grainger’s rendition of Fujimi’s 1/24 McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

43 Beaufighter Mk.X supplement! We offer a test-shot build of Airfix’s stunning new Beaufighter Mk.X by Jen Wright, and fascinating history text, period photos, colour profiles and scale drawings from Terry Higgins.

66 Out and About – Huddersfield Show 2015 Assistant Editor Stu Fone witnesses fine modelling at this Yorkshire event. VIEW MORE ONLINE airfixmodelworld.com

68 Basic build – Czech Tiger Revell’s all-new 1/72 Gripen C lightweight fighter kit is built by Chris Jones.

74 In Focus – Saab Gripen Jan P. Forsgren provides a snapshot of Saab’s Gripen, with useful reference photos.

76 Intermediate build – Joy Ride! The steampunk genre is explored by Johan Augustsson, who does a superb job with MDC’s ‘Harriet on a Bike’ figure.

82 Out and About – North Devon Model Society show 2015 Malcolm V. Lowe reports on this group’s successful inaugural exhibition.

76

INTERMEDIATE BUILD HARRIET ON A BIKE

84 Skills School – Car engine detailing Adding extra embellishment to the engine can lift a car build to another level. Dr Jim Whalen shows us how. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

EARLY WAR FAC FACE-OFF

AIRFIX HAS released its superb 1/72 Dornier Do 17Z from last year, and this year’s same-scale Bolton Paul Defiant, as a special Dogfight Doubles package. Those who have seen the builds of both kits (November 2014 and February 2015 issues of AMW), will know that these products are a world away from the original raised-line products of yesteryear, and this dual offering (A50170) provides new colour schemes,

which are: • BP Defiant Mk.I, L7005/PS-B, Sgts Ted Thorn and Frederic Barker, 264 Sqn, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, August 26th 1940 • Dornier Do 17Z, 5K+AR, 7./KG 3, Saint Trond, Limburg, Belgium, August 26th 1940 The package also includes 12 pots of Humbrol acrylic paint, two tubes of cement and two quality paint brushes. For further details visit: www.airfix.com

‘JULIET’ SPOOK RELEASE

ACADEMY HAS already delighted many with its new 1/48 F-4B/C kits, but now Phantom enthusiasts have extra cause to rejoice. The company has now adapted its moulds to offer a US Navy F-4J ‘VF-84 Jolly Rogers’ boxing (kit no. 12305). All the new-age detail of the previous versions is apparent, but this package provides the main ‘Juliet’ differences; bulged upper wing and correct underradome ECM fairing, exhausts,

thicker wheels/tyres, cockpit instrumentation and the relevant antennas. As the kit name intimates, the famous skull and crossbones rules here, as decals for two different VF-84 schemes from 1972 are featured, although they are the same (with the later overall black tail and yellow fin tip) save for the radome colour and Modex numbers: BuNo. 154783/211/AE and BuNo. 155854/212/AE. For further details visit www.pocketbond.co.uk

THE FELINE’S RETURN

MATADOR FACELIFT

AIRFIX’S OLD 1/76 Matador truck can gain a new lease of life with a stunning conversion set from Dan Taylor Modelworks. Design specifically to fit kit no.A01314, this involved package will certainly test the skills where photo-etched brass is concerned; there are two large and one much smaller fret, which help to convert the Matador into its Dorchester Armoured Command Vehicle (LP) cousin. Dan has excelled himself

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with the materials, as the PE is splendid and provides an interior floor and wall framework, roof stowage frames and the complete outer shell. These parts are complemented by resin items that replicate furniture, radiator, roof vents, tools and very good wheels. For such a small subject it’ll be a busy build for more experienced modellers, but very satisfying once completed...and it’s just £18.50. www.dantaylormodelworks.co.uk

IT'S BEEN a busy time for Alley Cat since its change of ownership (see News, March 2015), and the firm has released new products. A failing of many 1/48 Phantom kits is the lack of full intake trunking, and here the firm’s seamless resin components (with compressor blades) for Hasegawa’s F-4J (AC48030C) and F-4K/M (AC48031C) are very welcome. For World War Two fans, a 1/48 resin canopy (AC48048C), which has correct window bulges for RAF versions of the Ventura, is available as a direct replacement for the incorrect Revell part. Another of Revell’s kits, the 1/72 Lancaster,

will benefit from the correctly shaped Lincoln-style vertical fins (AC7204C); all these require is removal from the casting blocks and they are ready for use. Additionally, there is a resin set to improve the tropical intakes on any 1/72 Mediterranean/Eastern Front Fw 190; these feature a hollowed intake and ribbed detail on the cylinder. Further good news involves three conversions for Revell’s 1/32 Bf 109G-6. These are the FiSK 199 prototype, Bf 109G-8 reconnaissance version and a revised and re-released set for the Bf 109H high-altitude variant. For further details visit: www.a2zeemodels.co.uk

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

MICRO TUBE MAGIC IT’S NOT often one can use the word revolutionary in our hobby...but Albion Alloys’ new Connecto product is pretty darned close. The system is based on various sizes of the firm’s micro tubing, but the clever part is the photo-etched brass connecting joints (cross/star/arrowshaped), and once these come into play, a wealth of different structures can be produced. Think railings on large-scale ship models, aircraft ladders, tubular framework in cockpits, bodies for towing arms

and floatplane/flying boat beaching trollies, and then there’s the military world, with many applications for vehicle modelling; the sky’s the limit. There are 12 sets of PE connectors, which hold from 51 to 90 pieces, while the micro tubing is sized from 0.4 – 1.4mm, and there’s also a special Albion Alloys cutting tool for the tubing. It’s a stroke of genius, limited only by one’s imagination. For further details visit: www.albionalloys.co.uk

CANADAIR TO THE RESCUE...AGAIN!

FIREBOMBERS kits are rare... and those who seek to model them mostly have to utilise limited edition conversions. But one aircraft has been kitted and issued a number of times

by a host of companies – the Canadair CL-415. Originally a 1/72 Heller kit, the CL-415 is now currently on the shelves courtesy of Revell. The original moulds date to the 1980s, so

although the basics are here, the main parts will need a rubover with fine Wet and Dry to reduce the rivets, but don’t remove them all...having seen these aircraft up-close there’s very little streamlining! The cockpit is basic and additional scratch-building is advised, as this will all be seen under the crystal-clear canopy. Optional landing gear allows the flying boat to be built as on the ground. The single colour scheme is: C-GOZ, ‘Tanker 278’, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Dryden Regional Airport, 2008. For further details visit: www.revell.de/en Glenn Sands

CRETACEOUS CARNIVORES DINOSAUR LOVERS will appreciate the two Cretaceous Period killers and confirmed herbivore released by Pegasus Hobbies. Kit number 9551 is T-Rex ‘Tyrant Lizard King’, and is impressive at 18in (46cm) in length. The fearsome reptile is posed with one foot on a young Triceratops, on a sizeable base. Filler will be needed to blend in some of the 14 vinyl parts, but the detail is wonderful and much fun can be had with interpretation of the beasts’ colouring. Pegasus’ 9550 is an adult Triceratops, which comes in nine parts, while the third and most imposing is the Spinosaurus (9552). This

brute benefits from a beautiful spinal ‘sail’, nightmarish talons, and a superb crocodile-like head. Just think...no Federal

Standard numbers and day-long reference sessions! For further details visit: www.pocketbond.co.uk

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

{in brief}

LIGHT AS A FEATHER

GUNSHIP MARKINGS To accompany Kitty Hawk’s new 1/48 AH-1Z helicopter gunship kit, Werner’s Wings offers a new decal sheet (48-08) with eight US Marines colour schemes. The markings are for low-vis grey machines and represent the following units: HMLA-369, HMLA-169, HMLA-267, VMM-163 (REIN), HMM-268 (REIN), HMM-364 (REIN), VMM-161 (REIN) and VMM-166 (REIN). The printing is good and two sets of stencils and insignia are provided. Helicopter fans will be pleased to know that Floyd Werner will also provide new decals to match Kitty Hawk’s forthcoming UH-1Y. www.wernerswings.com

IN THE market for a new airbrush? If so, German firm Harder & Steenbeck’s cool new Evolution ALplus Two in One would be a splendid choice. It’s the company’s first airbrush made from aluminium, and as such it’s incredibly light and weighs just less than 2oz (56g), and comes in a stylish satin black and chrome finish. Smart cosmetics aside, the Editor’s trial run on a spare model,

with Humbrol 1 enamel Grey Primer mixed 50-50 with that company’s thinner, was sheer joy. Some airbrushes do take getting used to, but the ALplus was comfortable from the outset and performed smoothly. It was equally at home with blasting on wide coats at higher pressure, just as it was applying very thin lines with much less air from the compressor. Our test was done with the smaller

TON-UP TIFFIE

0.2mm needle and this produced neat, pencil-thin lines when placed close to the subject...that previously tricky Luftwaffe mottle or Wellenmuster pattern will now be a doddle, even in 1/72 scale! A 0.4mm needle and accompanying nozzle is also supplied, as are 2ml and 5ml screw-on paint cups, for real versatility. The retail price is €221.11, so it would be a substantial investment...but it really is superb. For further details and UK stockists, visit: www.harderairbrush.de

NORTH OF THE BORDER

AMW INDEX Enterprising Airfix Model World reader James Culshaw has compiled a handy issue-by-issue index to the magazine. Available online, the unofficial searchable index has new content added each month, but does only concentrate on build and reference articles, so does not include news or On the Shelf reviews. It’s a useful tool, though, and can be found at: http://amwindex.jculshaw.com

Search: 'Airfix Model World'

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WITH A reputation for stunning ship accessories, MK1 Design has now branched out into aircraft. This new detail set (MA-24001) has been designed specifically for Airfix’s 1/24 Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib, and offers a huge number of components. MK1 has used a variety of materials, which include five sheets of photo-etched (PE) metal, turned metal rockets and cannon barrels, resin cannon breeches and white metal propeller blades. The majority of the accessories are intended for the kit’s interior, with a new instrument panel, replacement inner flaps

and engine grilles. There are also two fully detailed 20mm Hispano cannon, with individual turned metal rounds to load into the ammo feeds. The standout feature, though, is a full load of eight turned metal rockets with separate warheads, PE fins, arming wires and launch rail attachments. With all of the extra weight imposed by these accessories, white metal undercarriage legs are included, as are resin wheels with realistic flattened spots. Not cheap at more than £100, but it will ensure staggering detail. For further details visit: www.ka-models.com

ORGANISERS OF the Scottish National Scale Model Show are gearing up for a first-class event. Visitor numbers are expected to be high at Perth’s Dewars Centre over the weekend of April 25/26, and half of another hall has been secured to ensure an even bigger experience. Modellers can expect at least 25 trade stands, 33 club exhibits, an open model competition with 51 classes (including juniors and special awards) and skills demonstrations. For further details e-mail Jim Gibb: [email protected] or visit the website: www.scotnats.ork.uk

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

QUARTER-SCALE TROOPS

UK-BASED 1/48 scale military specialist Red Zebra is now importing Corsar Rex figures from Russia. This range has been available in various countries for a short

while, and in several different scales, but Red Zebra now has exclusive rights to bring them onto Blighty’s shores, and will concentrate on 1/48 subjects in the short term. The four

examples seen by AMW (Soviet Soldier Elite Assault Troops – CR-48006, Soviet Soldier Red Army – CR48007 and German Soldiers Wehrmacht – CR48014 and CR48017) exhibit absolutely lovely detail, to a standard usually only reserved for 1/35 scale and larger. All come in separate parts and have to be built, but this will be a simple process and ultimately, it’s all about making the most of the splendid casting through careful painting and shading. They are priced at £6.50 each, and 15 individual figures are available currently, but special orders for items not stocked at present are possible. For further details visit: www.redzebramodels.co.uk

MIRAGE IDENTITY SWAP

V-BOMBER RESIN AFTER-MARKET specialist Freightdog Models continues its coverage of RAF subjects, with a new conversion set for the 1/72 Matchbox (just re-released by Revell) HP Victor. The four-piece package enables one to backdate the kit’s K.2 format to B.2 or SR.2,

GREAT WAR LINKS CHINESE BRAND Takom has released a set of snap-fit workable tracks for its Mk.IV World War One tanks. Those already in the basic Male/Female boxings are multi-part affairs, which have to be removed from runners and glued. But these new links come already removed from the runners, and they click together easily. Do note that Takom’s Tadpole and Hermophrodite (sic) Mk.IV boxings already come with these new links. For further details visit: www.pocketbond.co.uk

and provides a flush bomb bay door section, wingtips and the sometimes-seen EW jammer tail cone. Of course, some surgery will be required but there’s a full guide and good drawings provided. For further details, or to order, visit: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk

DESERT SHADES

FOLLOWING ON from AK Interactive’s recent aircraft paint sets (see last month’s News), the firm has also released a set that will hold great appeal for military/ armour modellers. The Caunter Scheme (1940-41) Africa and Mediterranean set (AK 4030), offers six individual acrylic colours, with which to decorate one’s Allied vehicles from those theatres. Much debate has occurred over Caunter shades, but one can always adapt the colours here to personal taste if

desired. The paints, which come in 17ml bottles, are perfect for subjects such as the Universal Carrier, Stuart Mk.I, Vickers Light AA Mk.II and Marmon-Herrington armoured cars. The shades are: BSC. No.64 Portland Stone, BSC. No. 28 Silver Grey, BSC. No.34 Slate, BSC. No.61 Light Stone, Khaki Green No.3 (New service colour) and BSC. No.49 Purple Brown. The company recommends its own thinner for these paints. For further details, visit: www.ak-interactive.com

TWO NEW 1/72 conversion sets for the Mirage III/5 have been released by PJ Production. The first (PJDEC007), gives various items with which to convert the firm’s own Mirage IIIE, to a Swiss IIIS, RS or DS... fighter, recce and trainer sub-types respectively. Resin parts comprise a vertical tail and canards, radome, cockpit/ undercarriage bay and other smaller features, while there’s also a clear resin RS camera nose, and photo-etched (PE) brass details. A decal sheet for low-vis grey S/DS schemes, and a green/grey camouflaged RS, also features. Slightly more exotic in Mirage terms is Chile’s Elkan, which is that country’s ‘boosted’ version of the Belgian MIRSIP Mirage VBA/BR. PJ’s conversion (PJDEC008), offers a similar PE fret, new canards, airframe fairings and instrument panels in resin, and a Chilean AF decal sheet. This set is designed for use with PJ’s 5BA/BR kit. For further details visit: www.pjproduction.net

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SHOW SCENE

DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE

At-a-glance model and airshow calendar

Salisbury Model Show Hosts:

Salisbury Model Club/ IPMS Branch

Address: Wyvern College Sports Hall, Church Road, Laverstock, Salisbury, SP1 1RE

30 MAY, 2015 WYVERN COLLEGE

Times:

9.30am-4.30pm

Prices:

Adults £3, children £1.50

Tel:

07950 703564

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

www.salisburymodelshow. co.uk

APR 25-26

9TH CAMOUFLAGE AIR CLUB EXHIBITION

APR 26

MODELKRAFT 2015

MAY 2

20TH MODEL MAKING FESTIVAL

MAY 9

LANCING MODEL SHOW

Hosts:

Camouflage Air Club

Hosts:

Milton Keynes Scale Model Club

Hosts:

IPMS Moorsele

Hosts:

South Downs Model Group

Address: Gymnase Michel Hidalgo, boulevard Général De Gaulle, 13730 Saint Victoret, France

Address: Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN

Times:

10am-6pm

Times:

10am-4pm

Prices:

Free

Prices:

Tel:

N/A

Adults £5, senior citizens £3, children free

Email:

camouflageairclub@ gmail.com

Web:

www.cac-marseille. blogspot.fr

APR 26

12TH MODELLBAU AUSSTELLUNG

Hosts:

Modellbaufreunde Siegen

Address: Festhalle Wilnsdorf, Rathausstrasse 9, 57234 Wilnsdorf, Germany

Address: OC Troubadour, Vlaswaagplein 3, 8501 Bissegem-Kortrijk, Belgium Times:

9.30am-5.30pm

Prices:

Free

01273 929547

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

www.lancingmodelshow. org.uk

MAY 16

AEROBILIA 15 Boscombe Down Aviation Museum (BDAC)

00 32 58317358

Email:

[email protected]

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

www.mksmc.co.uk

Web:

www.facebook.com/ pages/IPMS-Moorsele

MAY 2

CARMARTHEN MODELLERS’ CLUB MODEL EXHIBITION

MAY 2-3

SOUTH WEST MODEL AND HOBBY SHOW

Hosts:

Hosts:

Carmarthen Modellers’ Club

Hosts:

South West Model Engineering

Address: BDAC Museum, Old Sarum Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wilts, SP4 6DZ

Address: Carmarthen Town Library, King Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1LN Times:

10.30am-3.30pm

Prices:

Adults £1.50, children 5-16 50p, under-5s free

Tel:

N/A

Address: Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN

Entry €2, under-12s free

Tel:

N/A

Email:

[email protected]

Email:

Tel:

0117 907 1000

Web:

carmarthenmodellers [email protected]

www.modellbaufreundesiegen.de

Web:

www.carmarthern modellersclub.clubbz.com

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

www.swmee.co.uk

KEY

Free

Tel:

Tel:

Prices:

m AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

10am-4pm

Prices:

N/A

10am-5pm

) MODEL COMPETITION

Times:

Tel:

Times:

E MODEL DISPLAY

Address: The Lancing Parish Hall, South Street, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8AJ

 

Times:

10am-5pm

Prices:

Adults £15, children £5, under-5s free

Times:

10am-4pm

Prices:

Adults £8.50, children under 16 £6, under-5s free, concessions £7

Tel:

01980 863062

Email:

hugh.sillett48@btinternet. com

Web:

www.boscombedow naviationcollection.co.uk

MILITARY DISPLAY



REFRESHMENTS

AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY



FREE PARKING

J 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]

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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

HK models included a large metal weight, aimed at preventing this tricycle-undercarriage model from tail-sitting.  The standard kit cockpit parts were well defined, but Eduard PE items were also incorporated for this project.

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Brian Wakeman makes his AMW debut with a classy build of HK Models’ 1/32 Meteor F.4. Would it meet his expectations?... esigned to bring cuttingedge technology to the Allies’ World War Two battle plan, the original Meteor F.1 never achieved its much-anticipated duel with the Messerschmitt Me 262. Gloster’s selling point for its product came during the 1950s, when large numbers were sold to the RAF and foreign export customers. Demand was so high that licenced production was the only way it could be met; Fokker in Holland built a large proportion for NATO air arms. The high-selling number of F.4s eventually led to the Meteor's final nightfighter variant the

NF.14, with its stretched twinseat fuselage and elongated radar-equipped nose. To see one of these also appear from HK Models would be a dream come true, along with the more popular F.8.

Digging deep This kit costs almost £80 in the UK, but while the high-quality plastic runners were inspected, a lack of parts was perceived and it may be that these were anticipated to be included, but then the plan changed. Although being a rather rudimentary early jet aircraft with a small profile, one would assume HK intended

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

 HK Models’ decal sheet (left) exhibited less than stellar quality, and so after-market items from Dutch Decal were employed instead.

MODEL SPEC

to include the Rolls-Royce Derwent V engines and the port side ladder, as all the relevant openings and covers were there. Gloster Meteor F.4 By:

HK Models

Stock Code: HK01E06 Scale:

1/32

Price:

£79.99

Available from: www.pocketbond.co.uk

On top of this, a rather poor decal sheet that provided two options was included...one from the Auxiliary Air Force (RA381, 600 Sqn), and a very attractive Argentine Air Force aircraft (C-027, believed to be from the 7th Air Brigade, which only retired the Meteor in 1970). For this build, the kit decals were to be replaced by Dutch Decals’ sheet 32-023, which offered a highly attractive target-tower from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht - KLu), with camouflage on top and black/yellow striped undersides. HK did include a fine photoetched (PE) metal set and a diminutive 1/144 scale

 Eduard photo-etched metals sets were employed to add extra refinement; they worked well in certain areas, but not others. About an hour was taken to paint the cockpit area, and a mixture of dry-brushing and pigment made it look realistic.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

Meteor. Why this small model was incorporated, and not the ‘missing’ parts was a mystery. A thoughtful inclusion, though, was a white metal nose weight, to ensure the model would sit on its tricycle undercarriage. To heighten the detail levels of this kit, three new PE sets from Eduard were employed, but with mixed results. As a conventional build was anticipated, including PE parts, a decision was taken to start in the cockpit. While studying reference material, it was noticed that many Meteors sported a green floor, with black sidewalls and instrument panel. On the model, Lifecolor UA004 Interior Green and UA735 Deep Cockpit were used, available

in the UK from The Airbrush Company (www. airbrushes.com), while the dials were picked out with gloss black. To complement the basic kit parts, Eduard PE sets 32 804 interior and 32 816 seatbelts were selected for a more realistic ‘office’. Inspection of the new seat after it was assembled revealed that it seemed to sit a

 After study of Dutch Meteor reference photographs, it became apparent that the floor was painted in a green shade; this model received Lifecolor UA004 Interior Green. A far superior PE seat from Eduard replaced the kit item.

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little on the low side. An easy fix was to fashion a square of thick plastic card to heighten the base. Just before the cockpit was fitted, a decision was made to cut and replace the four cannon barrels, and these were fashioned from Albion Alloys tube. This was easy and certainly an improvement, but may not have been necessary considering

the model would depict a targettowing machine (therefore, the guns may have been removed).

Quick build Because of the relativity small parts count, the fuselage and tail section were constructed in a matter of minutes. The tailplane parts were of extremely high quality, with separate rudder

The overall quality of parts was superb and HK Models even included a separate trim tab.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

 Albion Alloys’ metal tubing was used to make the four forward cannon barrels. They were cut easily with a sharp Stanley blade, which was rolled back and forth.  This was a relatively simple kit, but to make life easier a spray can of Humbrol acrylic Matt Black saved time and effort in painting the intakes. The paint needed to be removed from the wing mating surfaces, though, to ensure a good join via liquid cement.

 Discussions on Internet forums had questioned the small-bore intakes’ shape. Replacements are available, but the author thought the kit items good enough not to bother.

 Hard-to-remove ejector pin marks on the flaps meant that PE additions were a desirable option, but one must remove the kit detail first.

and elevators, and separate trim tabs on the latter. When it came to achieving a good fuselage join, though, the grey styrene proved to be on the thick side and force was needed to hold the halves together while the glue set. As with most models, the seam was sanded and lost detail re-scribed. This problem was also encountered around the nose

Rolls-Royce Derwent V engines, but then possibly considered that the after-market industry might come to the rescue. Both engine covers came detached, but when fixed in place they fitted like a glove, and required just a hint of liquid cement to hold them in their cradles. When the large three-piece wings were attached, there was a gap on top and that

section, which needed a sliver of thin plastic card to fill the gap. Soon the attention turned to the main wing. Humbrol 33 Black Matt acrylic spray paint was applied to the inside of the air intakes, and dried in minutes; but on reflection, the intake interiors may have been aluminium. As discussed, HK Models may have planned to integrate a brace of

was filled with a sliver of plastic card...but the underside proved to be far more problematic and demanded extra filling and sanding work. Eduard kindly provided detailed items for the wheel bays and inner flaps, but they seemed to be more of a hindrance in some areas than others. Numerous PE items were of great use,

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

and with a layer of Colourcoats Aluminium ACRA18 applied to them, the extra depth shone through. Heavily diluted Lifecolor Tensocrom Oil (TSC203) provided a worn and grimy appearance in the bays. Scale Aircraft Conversions’

new white metal legs (32-082) may also be a sensible idea as the model is heavy. To complement the metal legs, Eduard’s Brassin resin wheels (EDU632041) were

painted and made ready to go with the SAC items. The kit wheels were not bad, though, and came with a slightly flat spot that many modellers will appreciate.

Interestingly, the aircraft intended to be built seemed to have the undercarriage legs and wheels in blue, rather than the accustomed mundane aluminium. Therefore, Colourcoats’ ACRN14 RAF PRU Blue was chosen and looked extremely attractive.

This was a heavy model once built, and the undercarriage seemed a little weak to cope. White metal replacements from Scale Aircraft Conversions were employed for strength, while substitute wheels came from Eduard’s Brassin range. A small piece of thin styrene strip was needed to fill a gap on the top wing. Clamps held the strip in situ until the glue cured.

Well-thinned Lifecolor Matt White was sprayed over the grey, and after ample drying time was followed by Trainer Yellow.

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Look carefully and one can see the mixed shades of yellow. These broke the monotony of a single hue, and the black would make this stand out even further.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

 Care must be taken to ascertain where the black bands should lie. To make it easier, White-Tack held the tailplanes and undercarriage doors in position temporarily.

 Most of us have our own way of preparing to paint camouflage. One method is to add the demarcation lines in pencil before the actual colours are applied.

 RAF Dark Green was next to be sprayed freehand and, with all masks removed, the target-tug scheme proved instantly eye-catching.

 Humbrol Clear formed the basis of the gloss finish on this model, before the decals were applied. It ensured a tough, smooth finish.

Give us a KLu Meteor F.4s were operated by many overseas air forces across the decades, and furthermore many were delivered in an aluminium finish...this being known as High-Speed Silver. But with a model of this magnitude overall silver could look rather

bland, hence the selection of the colourful Dutch Decals scheme. Four liveries were on the sheet, and included a T.7, but the target-tug begged to be portrayed. This particular Meteor from 323 Squadron was based at Leeuwarden, circa 1956. All that was needed was to work out how

to render the camouflage and underside stripes; easier said than done! To achieve this, two primers where needed; one grey (Alclad 2 Micro-filler on the topside) and acrylic matt white for the underside. The positions of the wing and rear fuselage bands also received a

 Lifecolor UA262 Dirty Grease was of great use in making the legs and wheels look suitable grimy.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

 Wheelbays and flap interiors comprised a mixture of PE and plastic items. Even though the effect was superior, the process of applying these parts was tedious.

 If one decides to have the four airbrakes in the open position (top and bottom) then remember they are handed and only fit one way.

coat of the latter. When the PRU Blue was sprayed, the large ventral fuel tank was also painted and by adding a hint of white at times, the hue and pattern outcome was varied. Next to be addressed was the nose area and for this, Lifecolor LC06 Matt Red was used. Xtracolor

and pencil was most useful to set the angles. Again, a worn finish was desirable and this was the perfect time to try a ‘get away from neat black’ approach. Colourcoats’ British Army BlueBlack Disruptive (BS987C) ARB16 was used as a base colour, (this may be the way to go for a SR-71 Blackbird), and then random blacks from Lifecolor’s LCCS27 Shades of Black set proved perfect, dried quickly and could be mixed and matched easily to

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X030 RAF (BS110) Roundel Blue was applied to the fin bullet, while the yellow came via Colourcoats’ ACRN21 Trainer Yellow. When dry, a random mix of Lifecolor LC03 Matt Yellow with a splash of white provided a mellow-toned worn effect to the finish. Black proved more of an issue to incorporate as it took an age to mask, and a protractor

vary the tint. On the upper areas, Lifecolor UA536 Dark Green (BS241) was followed by Colourcoats’ ACRN03 Dark Sea Grey (BS638) to form the camouflage pattern. With the mask removed, Humbrol’s new formulated Clear provided the sealant before decaling. As mentioned, the markings used were a mix of kit and Dutch Decals items. This modeller can testify that, having had experience with this

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

GLOSTER METEOR F.4

brand, it is sensible to use strong setting solution to avoid silvering. Everything else went to plan on the weathering front, and Adam Wilder’s new NL33 Medium Grey and NL02 Deep Shadow Wash

Aerofax Gloster Meteor, by Phil Butler/Tony Butler (Ian Allan Publishing), ISBN: 1-85780-230-6. Warpaint No.22 Gloster Meteor, by Tony Butler (www. guidelinepublications.co.uk) The Gloster & AW Meteor Modellers Data File, by Richard J. Caruana & Richard A. Franks (SAM Publications), ISBN: 0-9533465-8-7

Nitro-Line filters provided the wash, while COM-AIR Soft Dirt (21011) and Fertile Soil (21012), from The Airbrush Company, provided good depth to the ‘trampled’ areas. A final dusting of Lifecolor’s PG106 Damp Dust pigment was applied to the inner wing section. Last but not least, after the final Xtracrylix Matt-Satin 60-40 mix had been applied, the missing ladder was fashioned from a length of plastic rod and painted, and then very fine scratches were made with a silver Prisma pencil.

Impressive ‘Meatbox’

 A fine line HB Prisma silver pencil is worth using for paint chips and scratches, but works better over matt, rather than gloss finish.  The missing ladder was fashioned from plastic rod, and this took just a few minutes’ work.

How would one summarise this Meteor kit from Hong Kong? Well, after the fanfare of the same firm’s B-17 Flying Fortress, which received rave reviews from the modelling press, this release is also a show-stopper! The only real issue is the cost; if the engines were included then, in this contributor’s opinion, the price would be about right. If one wants a large-scale Meteor, though, this is the only option... but it won’t disappoint. ❚

 Panel lines were accentuated with Adam Wilder Nitro-Line washes (NL33 Medium Grey, NL02 Deep Shadow); these are available from The Airbrush Company (www.airbrushes.com)

 The inner wing/engine nacelle sections required just a light dusting of pigments to portray operational staining. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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IN FOCUS

METEOR F.4 The classic lines of the Gloster Meteor are well illustrated by this F.4, serial number RA444, of the RAF’s 257 Squadron. It proudly wore that unit’s famous Burmese Chinthe insignia on its nose. (Malcolm V. Lowe Collection)

Malcolm V. Lowe examines the history of the Meteor F.4, an important early production version of Gloster’s pioneering twin-engined jet fighter he Gloster Meteor is a truly historic aircraft. It was the first production jet fighter manufactured in Britain, heralded a new golden age for our then great aircraft industry, and it ranks alongside Germany’s Me 262 as the first-ever operational jet-powered single-seat warplane

to enter frontline service. It was the culmination of many years’ research, not only in its own design, but in the then very new science of jet propulsion. The first Meteor flew in March 1943, and early production examples entered RAF service with 616 Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force in the

summer of 1944. The Meteor was thus well and truly established on the front line by the end of World War Two during the following year. Continuing development of the Meteor, and the jet engines to power it, resulted in a series of post-war versions for the RAF... important for Britain’s frontline capability in a variety of roles for many years after the end of the war. The first of the Meteor’s postwar versions was the F.4 fighter, which became an important type not just for the RAF, but also gained significant export sales.

The record-breaking Meteors were specially prepared for their attempts on the world air speed record, but nonetheless showed that the superb Meteor was a world-beater. (Gloster)

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Increased power The Mk.I and some Mk.III earlyproduction versions were powered by the Rolls-Royce Welland turbojet, and these types formed the basis of initial RAF Meteor operations. Later Mk.III airframes received the new and more powerful Rolls-Royce Derwent I turbojet. With the continuing improvement of the Derwent, a considerable increase in power and performance was promised for future Meteor versions. Development work was therefore pursued by Gloster during 1945 to further integrate the Derwent into the Meteor’s airframe. This led to the July 1945 ‘first flight’ of a prototype (actually a converted Mk.III) for a planned new Meteor version, the F.4 fighter. Powered by a Derwent V of 3,500 lbst (15.6kN), the new F.4 incorporated various ‘tweaks’ to the basic Meteor design. Important among these was an increase in the length of the engine nacelles, which resulted in a considerable improvement in maximum speed (adding up to 60mph [97km/h] at sea level) due to more efficient airflow over the nacelles, with less drag. An early form of pressurisation for the cockpit was included for the first time, together with armour protection for the pilot and

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IN FOCUS

METEOR F.4

Painted yellow overall, this Meteor Mk.III, EE455, was one of two brought up to early F.4 standard and used for an attempt on the world air speed record in late 1945. (Gloster)

strengthening of the airframe to absorb the power increase. Armament for the F.4 remained the standard Meteor layout of four 20mm cannons, two in each side of the forward fuselage. Manufacture of the F.4 was mainly carried out by Gloster, but a small number were built by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft at Baginton. Initial production examples, which began with serial number EE517, had the same wing planform as previous Meteors, but the increased power and top speed resulted in considerable stresses on this wing design. Gloster therefore reduced the wingspan from 43ft (13.1m) to 37ft 2in (11.3m) by squaring off the wing tips. This reduced stresses and improved the Meteor’s rate of roll, but increased landing speed. The new short-span wing was nevertheless standardised for the type, under the company designation G.41G.

With the Derwent V the F.4 had excellent acceleration on take-off and good single-engine performance (with one powerplant stopped), and was cleared for flight up to a critical Mach number of 0.78. Overall it represented an important upgrade in the RAF’s fighter capability.

Operational service Although the Meteor airframe that was a prototype and development aircraft for the F.4 variant actually flew in 1945, it was not until later in 1947 that production examples of the F.4 started to reach operational RAF squadrons. This fact has confused a number of aviation historians, who have stated incorrectly that the F.4 entered service in May 1945. Several RAF frontline squadrons began to receive Meteor F.4s during 1947 and early 1948, alongside the Meteor Mk.III

In addition to RAF service, the Meteor F.4 was much in demand for export, including these Dutch-operated examples. (via John Batchelor) The Meteor became a very important export product for its creator, the Gloster Aircraft Company. It was the first major version of the type to sell overseas, at a time when many air forces were either re-establishing themselves or simply re-equipping after the end of World War Two. Demand for the type was high, especially when its excellent performance with RAF squadrons became apparent. Several countries subsequently operated the Meteor F.4, either with new-build examples, or machines originally destined for the RAF which were diverted to fulfil export orders. The initial overseas customer for the Meteor F.4 was Argentina, with which Britain had good relations at the time. Argentine Meteors were ordered in 1947, with the type being supplied as new-build examples in addition to airframes diverted from intended RAF deliveries. The first customer in Europe was the Netherlands, which ordered Meteor F.4s shortly after Argentina. Several additional countries signed up for the F.4, paving the way for further export successes for subsequent marks, notably the two-seat T.7 trainer. In later years following the type’s replacement by higher-performance types, the Meteor F.4 fulfilled second-line duties, one of these being target-towing. Converted F.4s excelled in this particular role, especially in the Netherlands.

airframes already in operation. These included 74 and 222 Squadrons, which were effectively the first to become operational on the type – an event which somewhat surprisingly was heralded with little fanfare. The

former squadron was, arguably, the premier RAF fighter unit, and so it was particularly appropriate that it was among the initial recipients of the Meteor F.4, in 1947. During the course of 1948 several further units, including 66 and 92

Here, RA444 displays 257 Squadron's peacetime codes 'A6' on the fuselage. (Malcolm V. Lowe Collection)

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IN FOCUS

METEOR F.4

Meteor F.4 VT257 lands at RAF Tangmere, and displays 43 Squadron’s peacetime code letters ‘SW’ on its fuselage. (via John Batchelor)

Squadrons, transitioned to the type. Most of these squadrons were already operational with the Meteor Mk.III, but a small number moved to the Meteor F.4 from the Supermarine Spitfire, while 19 and 41 Squadrons formerly flew the piston-engined twin-engined de Havilland Hornet fighter, prior to a brief spell with the Meteor

within the RAF in the immediate post-war years were examples of de Havilland’s Vampire jet fighter which, along with the Meteor, were the RAF's very first operational jetpowered combat aircraft. Meteor F.4s also served with various RAF training and secondline establishments, such as flying training and advanced flying

training schools. Much later, some were converted to U.15 unmanned target drones.

Record Meteors Even before the Meteor F.4 had established itself in RAF squadron service, the type had gained headlines around the world due to several successful world record

attempts. In the early days of the development of the F.4, two Mk.III examples, serial numbers EE454 and EE455, were specially prepared to break the existing official world air speed record set in Germany during 1939. They were brought up to roughly F.4 standard, with EE455 painted overall yellow. In early November 1945 Group Captain Hugh Wilson, in Meteor EE454, broke the official world record over a set course along the south coast of England, at just more than 606mph (975km/h). In the following year the RAF High Speed Flight made a further attempt on the record, with special F.4s EE549 and EE550. Group Captain E.M. Donaldson used EE549 in September 1946 to raise the speed record to almost 616mph (991km/h). Several other records were also achieved by Meteor F.4s, including times and speeds between specific locations, which underlined the excellent performance of this version.

One of the early production Meteor F.4 airframes, EE519, was used for trials and development work with a variety of underwing loads, although the main role of the F.4 always remained that of a fighter. (Gloster)

F.4. Eventually more than 20 RAF squadrons operated the F.4 (including several from the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the successor to the former Auxiliary Air Force), some for just a few weeks while others flew the type for a number of years. Even though overall its operational life with the RAF was comparatively short, the Meteor F.4 nonetheless represented an important facet of the RAF’s home-based Fighter Command, and provided part of Britain’s air defences during the increasingly tense Cold War. Also operational

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Meteor EE454 broke the world air speed record in November 1945, which illustrated the excellent performance capabilities of the type. (Gloster)

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IN FOCUS

METEOR F.4

IN FOCUS

METEOR F.4

A late-1940s formation of Meteor F.4s coded ‘LZ’ belonging to 66 Squadron. The Meteor line was somewhat affectionately nicknamed ‘Meatbox’. (via John Batchelor)

A number of F.4s were also employed for experimental and trails purposes. This included important work with Rolls-Royce on jet engine development and installation, and an early example was F.4 RA435, used by RollsRoyce for Derwent engine testing, and was eventually fitted with two examples of the Derwent engine upgraded with reheat, to thus become one of the first aircraft ever equipped with afterburning turbojet engines. Other powerplants flown experimentally in F.4 airframes included the RollsRoyce Nene and Avon jet engines, the Metropolitan-Vickers Beryl turbojet, and French SNECMA Atar jet engine.

The Meteor began its operational life during World War Two, and continued in RAF service well into the Cold War era. As such it straddled a change in official designation nomenclature. During World War Two, Roman numerals were used in Britain to describe different mark numbers within a military aircraft type’s manufacturing and operational life. This practice continued into the post-war period, but was comparatively soon replaced by the use of Arabic numerals instead of Roman. A letter designator to describe the aircraft’s specific role (eg. ‘F’ for ‘Fighter’) also came into widespread use with the adoption of Arabic numerals. Therefore the early marks of Meteor in RAF service were the Mk.I and Mk.III. During the development and production of the F.4, however, the change in notation took place; early Meteors of this version were initially named F.IV, with the more normal title F.4 (as used in this article) duly taking effect. Later marks of Meteor, for example the T.7 two-seat trainer and NF.14 two-seat dedicated night-fighter, all used Arabic numerals.

Development potential Further improvement work by Gloster on the Meteor's basic layout led to the upgraded singleseat Meteor F.8 fighter, for which an F.4 airframe, VT150, was used for development purposes; it initially flew in this role during October 1948. Following a production go-ahead the Meteor

F.8 began to replace the F.4 in RAF service from 1950 onwards, while another iconic British day fighter of the early Cold War era, Sydney Camm's Hawker Hunter, eventually took over the reigns of Britain’s daytime air defences from the Meteor line during the ❚ later 1950s.

Several Meteors were used for engine development and related trials work, including this F.4 which was re-engined with afterburning Rolls-Royce Derwent turbojets for test purposes. (Malcolm V. Lowe Collection)

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TEST-SHOT PREVIEW

FOCKE-WULF Fw 190F-8

Steve Abbey inspects a test-shot of Revell’s all-new Würger

 

ocke-Wulf’s Fw 190 Würger (Shrike) was a German single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft designed by Kurt Tank in the late 1930s and used widely during World War Two. Based on the A-8 fighter, and with a BMW engine tuned for low-level work, the F series encompassed dedicated groundattack versions. It had additional internal armour built into the airframe and could carry a wide range of additional stores under the wings and fuselage, at the expense of wing armament. In the second half of 1944, to improve the pilot’s side-forward

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visibility, a widened ‘blown’ cockpit canopy was added.

Revell steps up At last, after more than a decade, Revell has turned its attention to a newtool 1/32 scale Fw 190 F-8. The test-shot included 201 grey parts on nine runners, with a further runner of 12 clear components. Fortunately, an interim instruction leaflet that comprised 16 pages was supplied, along with a wellprinted decal sheet that contains markings (complete apart from swastikas), for two aircraft, Black 2 and Black 6, both from SG 10 based in Czechoslovakia during 1945.

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TEST-SHOT PREVIEW

FOCKE-WULF Fw 190F-8

MODEL SPEC

Overall, finely engraved panel lines with some rivet detail covers most parts, although rather odd thin raised lines represent the internal structure of the separate control surfaces and flaps. Possibly a smoother finish would have been nearer to the original. Upper and lower wing halves are moulded with outer gun positions and ejection chutes deleted. However, a raised rectangle around the lower wing gun panel, plus various flashed-over openings are just visible, hinting that an alternative wing maybe produced for another mark in the future. The one-piece lower wing, when combined with well-detailed wheel wells and the stout wing spar that incorporates Focke-Wulf Fw 190F-8 By:

Revell

Stock Code: 04869 Scale:

1/32

Price:

£36.99

Available from: Revell, www.revell.de/en

the engine bay firewall, should ensure correct dihedral. The cockpit tub and instrument panels have adequate detail, improved with decals for the instrument dials, a separate seat cushion and decal seat straps. Some will, however, undoubtedly want to add after-market straps and/or coloured photo-etched brass replacements. The large cooling gills on the fuselage sides are displayed in the open position. A comprehensive BMW 801, which can be displayed with open cowlings, comprises 16 parts, and incorporates push rods, manifolds and a cooling fan. Exhausts, along with gun barrels, have slidemoulded openings. Revell has supplied four canopies so the modeller can opt for either early or later blown versions in open or narrower shut positions. Different parts are also supplied for raised or lowered undercarriage and the pilot’s step. There is a choice of SC500, SC250 or SC100 bombs, or three 300lit drop tanks to hang under

the fuselage and wings. Also found on the runners are alternative engine cowlings and gun barrels applicable to other versions. Surprisingly, a large stand with circular base has been included so that the finished model can be displayed in flying mode...albeit without a pilot.

Conclusions Although there may be some slight issues with simplified wing and control surfaces, the overall shape really does look spot-on. With this new kit, Revell has delivered another bargain largescale classic in its growing 1/32 ❚ scale line-up.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG

Steve Abbey appraises Tamiya’s completely new 1/35 Jagdpanzer IV

T  The main hull was built around upper and lower halves, which could be fitted together easily and separated due to a clever system of poly caps.  Well-engineered construction meant speedy installation of the bump stops, suspension arms and the rest of the running gear.

he Panzer Kampfwagen IV tank design was developed continuously to ensure it remained a serious threat to Allied armoured vehicles throughout World War Two. Its ultimate form was the Jagdpanzer IV/70(V), which combined a low profile with the hard-hitting 75mm L/70 gun from the Panther tank. Unfortunately, the gun mount made the vehicle front heavy, and the increased armour made it slow and cumbersome. To reduce wear and tear the manufacturer, Vomag, replaced standard Panzer IV wheels with steel-rimmed units.

New mould delights This newly tooled kit comprised 252 styrene parts, with two lengths of black polyethylene tracks and a bag of poly caps. Twelve pages of instructions led the modeller through 27 build

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stages, with an eight-page fold-out colour guide, reference photos of a surviving vehicle and there were decals for three vehicles: • Black 322, 655th Heavy Anti-tank Battalion, Western Front, December 1944 • Red 313, unknown unit,

Western Front, December 1944 • White 103, unknown unit, Eastern Front, early 1945 Assembly started with the lower hull and a realisation that Tamiya, in including poly caps to attach upper and lower hulls and a mysterious ‘hatch’ in the latter, may release a motorised version in the future. Well-engineered construction meant all suspension arms, bump stops and the rest of the running gear were soon installed. More poly caps were inserted between the mainwheel,

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG Separate sponson covers were attached to the upper hull to blank-off any view through from the underside.

Tamiya’s only obvious omission was the front light cable, but this was remedied with a length of fuse wire cut to size and attached with cyanoacrylate.

MODEL SPEC

idler and drivewheel halves, which were pushed onto their respective suspension arms on the lower hull temporarily to check for alignment. Exhausts and other details were then added to the rear hull plate. The quality of the detail on the upper hull was outstanding, none Jagdpanzer IV/70(V) Lang (Sd.Kfz. 162/1) By:

Tamiya

Stock Code: 35340 Scale:

1/35

Price:

£34.99

Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net

better than on the rear decking. In fact, Tamiya’s only obvious omission was the front light cable... easily remedied with a length of fuse wire cut to size and attached with a drop of cyanoacrylate (CA). Front, rear and louvred intake panels formed the rear engine bay, before separate sponson covers were attached to the upper hull. A small amount of filler was needed to hide joins and location holes, but this was the only area on the model that needed such attention. Separate mudflaps, transmission covers and armoured panels were attached on the vehicle front. A travel lock, to hold the massive gun when not in action, was also included and made to pivot between vertical and stowed positions. In a departure from the construction sequence, and to limit subsequent damage when handling the unfinished model, all tools and accessories were painted individually with

“THE QUALITY OF THE DETAIL ON THE UPPER HULL WAS OUTSTANDING”

With careful alignment and a hint of glue, commander’s and loader’s hatches were made to pivot in a realistic manner.

 Four poly caps and eight plastic parts went together to make the fully pivoting gun mount, while the single-piece gun barrel and separate muzzle were assembled and then set aside until after the model was painted.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG

WONDER LINKS J-Pak Workshop/Kaizen’s Panzer IV Lightweight Track Set (Kz-Pz-400LW) comprised 55 styrene runners and brass rods for the track pins. The links featured slide-moulded locating holes that enabled quick and easy construction...it took longer to remove the links from the runners than to assemble the tracks! Care was taken to ensure the left- and right-hand units were fitted on the correct side, with the pins, which had been trimmed with side-cutters, located on the inner face. Once completed, the tracks were testfitted and then primed with a 70-30 mix of Vallejo Black and German Red Brown, before Lifecolor’s Dry Dust was used to build layers of encrusted dirt. More powder was applied on both sides, as well as the interior of each link, and then fixed in place with lighter fluid. Finally, Tamiya XF-56 Metallic Grey was dry-brushed over each link where contact would have been made with the road surface. The tracks were then set aside until after the main hull had been painted and weathered.

The kit-supplied soft plastic tracks were stapled together and tried on for size. Although they did fit, it was felt they were slightly too tight, with insufficient ‘sag’ between the return rollers.

 After a coat of automotive grey primer to check for blemishes, the hull’s interior was sprayed with Vallejo White Primer.

MIG Productions’ Tool Colors Set (A.MIG 7112), before they were set aside. With four poly caps and eight styrene parts, the fully pivoting gun mount was assembled easily and the ‘Saukopf’ mantlet exhibited a particularly wellrendered texture. The single-piece gun barrel and separate muzzle were then built, to be added later so as not to hinder the painting stage. Although the kit-supplied tracks were stapled together and tried on for size, it was felt that they were slightly too tight, with

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insufficient ‘sag’ between the return rollers, and were replaced with after-market items from J-Pak/Kaizen (see panel).

Getting camouflaged With careful alignment and a touch of glue, the commander’s and loader’s hatches on the hull roof were made to pivot in a most realistic manner, and the periscope hatch was able to slide from side to side. Roof panel join surfaces were masked before the hull roof was painted with white primer, which ensured a good

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG

“THE PERISCOPE HATCH WAS ABLE TO SLIDE FROM SIDE TO SIDE”

bond when it was glued to the rest of the hull. Tamiya supplied two figures which, after painting, were set aside for later. A coat of automotive grey primer was used to check for blemishes, after which the hull’s interior was sprayed with Vallejo White Primer and left overnight to dry thoroughly. All hatches were closed and any openings masked from the inside, before the entire model was sprayed with the same primer mix as the tracks. The first camouflage colour, MIG Productions’ A.MIG-011 Dunkelgelb aus ‘44 (probably the best pale version of Dark Yellow), was misted

so that the primer layer was only just visible. To complete the hardedged camouflage, Lifecolor UA 409 Dark Brown and UA237 Dark Olive were used, with each area of camouflage masked carefully with Tamiya tape, pre-cut into shape with the kit colour guide used as reference. After the camouflage had dried, small triangles of olive and yellow were painted by hand. While the upper hull was put aside to dry, rubber road wheels were painted with UA 733 Tire Black and, to enhance the detail, the running gear and lower sides

were treated to a pin wash of AK Interactive's AK 082 Engine Grime product. To create better adhesion, the five decals were placed in position over a layer of previously applied

MATERIALS AT A GLANCE AMMO by MIG Productions (www.migproductions.com) A.MIG-011 Dunkelgelb aus ‘44 A.MIG 7112 Tool Colors Set AK Interactive (www.creativemodels.co.uk) AK 082 Engine Grime AK 105 Dust Effects Lifecolor (www.airbrushes.com) SPG 02 Tracks Painting & Weathering Set UA 237 Dark Olive UA 409 Dark Brown UA 733 Tire Black

 A 70-30 mixture of Vallejo Black and Red Oxide was used to prime the entire model.  The first camouflage colour, MIG’s Dunkelgelb aus ’44, was applied in a mist coat so the primer layer was just visible.

Tamiya (www.tamiya.com) XF-56 Metallic Grey Vallejo (www.creativemodels.co.uk) 74.600 White Primer 74.602 Black Primer RAL 8012 German Red Brown Primer 26.518 Matt Varnish

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG

gloss varnish and all equipment, along with spare tracks and tyres, were fixed to the rear decking with small drops of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement. Both crew figures were added before the top deck plate was glued into place...having made sure the periscope, attached to the gun breach, was clipped in with its sliding cover so it could still move.

A blending layer of Vallejo Matt Varnish was sprayed lightly over the upper and lower hull and barrel sub-assemblies.

Heavy weather In preparation for weathering, AK 082 Engine Grime was again used to enhance all moulded detail on the upper hull. A few drops

Each area of camouflage to be sprayed was masked with Tamiya tape, cut to shape with help from the kit painting guide.  After the hard-edged camouflage had dried, small triangles of green and yellow were painted by hand with a brush.

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of lighter fluid on a clean brush helped to push the enamel-based paint further into all the nooks and crannies. To fade the rather bright upper hull colour scheme, AK 105 Dust Effects was misted over the model...concentrating mainly on horizontal panels, particularly at the front and rear where dust would accumulate.

The impression of a dust-covered vehicle was created with Lifecolor’s Tracks Painting and Weathering Set (SPG 02). First, small amounts of Dry Dust and Damp Dust pigments were mixed together, and the model placed on its side, which prevented the powder from falling off. Working a small area at a time, powder was dropped onto

 Rubber road wheels were painted with Lifecolor Tyre Black, and a pin wash of AK 082 Engine Grime enhanced the detail on the running gear and lower sides.  All equipment, along with spare tracks and tyres, was painted carefully before attachment to the rear decking.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

JAGDPANZER IV/70(V) LANG

A pin wash of AK 082 Engine Grime was brushed into all the nooks and crannies, before a light mist coat of AK 105 Dust Effects was sprayed over the model, to mute the rather bright upper hull colours.

 Several layers of powder were needed to attain the required thickness of accumulated dust.  Once the tracks were in place, more powder was applied on both sides, as well as the interior of each link.

 AK Interactive’s Dry and Damp Dust pigments, held in place with lighter fluid, were used to build layers of encrusted dust that collected around the running gear and vehicle sides.

the horizontal model surface and pushed into places where it would usually lie. With a clean brush, lighter fluid was dripped over the powder to fix the pigment in position. The powders darkened when damp but returned to their original colour after drying, and several layers were needed to build the required thickness of accumulated dust. This method was repeated on the other side and then on the front and back plates. With the model upright once again, more damp powder was pushed

onto running gear and equipment. To seal all the paint and pigment, a fixing layer of Vallejo Matt Varnish was sprayed over the entire model.

Jagdpanzer...los! Tamiya has produced a wellengineered model that was, for the most part, an enjoyable build and was assembled easily, without any need for resin or photo-etched brass additions…although the Kaizen tracks were a bonus and made a world of difference. A set of side plates or Schürzen,

“TAMIYA HAS PRODUCED A WELL-ENGINEERED MODEL”

would have been useful though. Modellers will be divided over whether the moving gun and linked periscope, along with the workable crew hatches, are something of a gimmick. However, their inclusion did help with painting the model, and increased the fun factor. While this build is slated as ‘Intermediate’, it’s only because after-market tracks were used. If sticking with the kit tracks is the favoured option, then it would easily fall into the basic category ❚ due to the excellent fit.

REFERENCE Der Panzerkampfwagen IV und seine abarten by Walter J Spielberger (Motor Books), ISBN: 4-87943-402-6 Model Art AFV profile 1: Jagdpanzer IV L/70 “Lang” (Model Art), 08734-10 The Modeler’s Guide to Jagdpanzer Part.1, by Jim Hensley (RZM Publishing), ISBN: 978-1932033793 Tanks in Detail 9 – Jagdpanzer by Terry J Gander (Ian Allen), ISBN: 0-7110-3046-4

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3

MP FWOARI Ian Grainger makes the most of Fujimi’s recent McLaren MP4-12C in 1/24 scale

M  Fujimi’s kit-supplied decal sheet was fairly impressive, but only offered markings for one car.  Extra liveries for other cars in the Spa 24 hour race were sourced via Studio 27 aftermarket decals.

cLaren entered three MP4-12C GT3s for the 2011 Spa 24 hour race... all resplendent in Can-Am orange The two works machines comprised #58 with an all-UK crew and #59, which was a more multi-national affair with Scotland’s Andrew Kirkaldy, Englishman Oliver Turvey and Portuguese driver Álvaro Parente. Car #60 was run by Von Ryan Racing with four drivers, which included veteran New Zealander Roger Wills in the line up, was the only finisher of the three entries, in 23rd place. These cars featured

the addition of a light pod on the front for illumination during the hours of darkness. Each vehicle, though, sported subtle differences in livery and sponsorship...and for complete accuracy it proved necessary to consult multiple photographic references. Fujimi’s kit came with decals for only #60; while being the most successful car in the race, it sported the least attractive scheme of the trio, due to the amount of random sponsor logos that served to spoil the beautiful lines of this GT3 racer. This builder chose car #59 with its fluorescent red accents and red Total-sponsored windscreen strip.

 A useful array of photo-etched metal detail parts were provided with the kit. These included foot pedals, seatbelt buckles, brake discs and grilles.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3 Design and Development

 Fujimi also offered adhesive tape masks for the glazing, which made life easy at painting time.

MODEL SPEC

Other subtle differences between car #59 and #60 were the style of the Michelin Man on the lowerrear quarters. Interestingly, car #58 ran on British ‘Avon’ tyres, and thus sported matching logos, plus fluorescent yellow accents to its livery. For these other scheme options, Studio 27 decal set ST27_DC945 was purchased. Carbon-fibre decals aside, the only other addition to the kit’s contents was an exquisite turned metal Acu-Stion roof aerial (ATS-9524). Precision came at a price however; designed specifically for this vehicle, this ‘extra’ added another £6.50 to the build. McLaren MP4-12C GT3 By:

Fujimi

Stock Code: 125701 Scale:

1/24

Price:

£49.99

Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk

This 1/24 Fujimi tooling from last year had more than 100 flawlessly moulded parts, spread across eight runners (plus the main body and seat) in injection-moulded white and black styrene; a clear moulding for the headlamp parts and glazing also featured, and a chrome-plated runner for the lamp inserts and mirror glass completed the package. Yellow adhesive tape window masks, akin to those in Tamiya automotive kits, came bagged with the glazing. These had printed template lines so that each mask could be cut (very carefully) from the backing, with a sharp scalpel blade. Also included were four realistic racing slick tyres, poly cap bushes to hold the wheels in place and a metal bar for the rear axle. A surprise inclusion of a photo-etched (PE) metal fret, manufactured by KA-Models, included several useful items; drilled and grooved brake disk faces, mesh for grilles, rear-wing endplates, towing eyes, radiator faces and seat hardware. The PE parts even came with their own separate, fullcolour photographic placement instructions! A comprehensive

 Masking tape templates were employed, to be used for carbon fibre decals at a later stage.  The additional bonnet-mounted lamp pod (specific to the Spa 24hr race) had its location point cut out and the pod was inserted, with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1000 added to blend the joint.

“ THIS TOOLING HAD MORE THAN 100 FLAWLESSLY MOULDED PARTS”

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MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3

 Body components for the radiator housings and side panels, seen removed from their runners and labelled for painting.

 A Tamiya Spray Works painting stand supported the smaller primed and painted parts for the duration of the drying process.

 Vallejo Grey Primer was airbrushed on the main body parts.

 The bonnet lamp pod had its front glazing fitted and masked during the painting stages.

sheet of racing decals, for the interior and exterior logos of #60, completed the collection. All of the aforementioned came in a large, standard-style cardboard box with lid, handy for storage of all the work-in-progress parts.

the bonnet; the instructions failed to point out that the builder must cut out a panel in the bonnet for the pod to fit in place properly. Not a task for post-paint application! Upon inspection of the underside of the body, a defined cut-out had been moulded to aid removal of the panel. After much cutting, filing and fettling, the lamp pod was suitably located, and a smear of Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1000 was applied around the join to help it blend in properly. The large side panels, C1 and C2, were fitted to the body, and then the smaller components for the complex

Race preparation Modern GT cars (as with the majority of competition machinery) employ carboncomposite materials. The build began initially with laborious cutting of templates for several parts of the kit, which were to receive this finish. Soon after the

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project reached this stage, the builder stumbled across another useful after-market addition; Studio 27 Carbon Template Decals for the MP4-12C (ST27-CD24011). Again, this added more cost, but the investment was sound because it allowed the builder to skip this initial step and dive in to preparation of the body, although since not every item was included on the set, some home-made templates were retained. First, it was necessary to deviate from the kit’s instructions. The final phase was Stage G, where the additional lamp pod was fixed to

radiator shrouds were removed from their runners and supported with cocktail sticks and clips on a Tamiya Spray Works painting stand. All main body parts were airbrushed with Vallejo Grey Primer and set aside to dry, while the chassis and interior components received Vallejo Black Primer. Areas of the PE fret were then masked and coated with the black primer.

Vivid orange With the body components prepared, they could all be painted with an airbrushed coat

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3

“ THE REAR COOLING VENTS PROVED TO BE ANOTHER ONEROUS TASK”

achieve a convincing match for the exterior housings.

of Zero Paints’ (Hiroboy) ZP-1109 McLaren Can-Am Orange, colour matched to the real car. The Zero Paint came as satin or matt base coat that required a gloss top coat. Alclad 2 Aqua Gloss fitted the profile of this adequately,

and acted to aid decal adhesion. This lacquer is of a similar nature to Johnson’s Klear floor polish, proving inert/non-reactive to the Zero Paints base coat. Surrounds for the windows, rear vents and other areas of body trim

 Vallejo acrylic-polyurethane Black Primer was coated on the unmasked areas of the photo-etched metal fret for the various grilles, etc.

were hand-brushed with Citadel Abbadon Black, which provided a stark contrast to all the orange. Car #59 had fluorescent red accent colours – some of these being covered by the aftermarket Studio 27 decals, but the prominent door mirrors were also colour coded. Vallejo Model Air 71082 Fluorescent was applied in several thin airbrushed layers, to

gloomy innards The interior of the MP4-12C GT3 was very dark. To introduce variation and interest in ‘model scale’ a small amount of dark grey was mixed into the black on certain areas of the engine and roll cage. Humbrol Metalcote 27002 Polished Aluminium detailed the fire extinguisher, pedals, dash circular vent and

 Zero Paints’ (Hiroboy) ZP-1109 McLaren Can-Am Orange was employed for painting the smaller radiator shroud components.

The body was airbrushed with ZP-1109, McLaren Can-Am Orange.

The driver’s office appeared suitably workmanlike after construction and the representative engine looked effective.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3

“ CARBON FIBRE DECALS ENHANCED THE BUILD EVEN FURTHER” several engine components, while Gunze Mr. Metal Color 214 Dark Iron coated the exhaust pipes. With gentle buffing once dry, the metallic finishes were brought to an accurate shine. Areas of the dash, steering wheel grip and the racing seat received a coating

of Tenco Proto Spray Fabric to simulate the Alcantra finish of the prototype. Seat harness fabric and logos came from the spares box and, when combined with the supplied PE buckles, looked more convincing than a simple decal ever could. Studio 27’s

 Photo-etched metal brake disc faces brought these specific items of the model to life.

 The wheels were mated to their slick rubber tyres and had the special ‘Michelin’ sponsor decals affixed.

carbon template decals supplied coverings for parts of the centre console and steering wheel boss. Further embellishment to represent the various buttons and switches, with Citadel Colour paints, brought the driver’s ‘office’ to life.

Comprehensive composite The under-body components for this particular Fujimi offering proved simplistic, but functional. Carbon template decals for the front splitter and each individual vane of the rear under-floor

 This car’s rear sported a large carbon fibre area, and the cooling vents on the rear quarters comprised multiple template decals.

 The rear underside aerodynamic venturi tunnels were clad with 18 separate carbon template decals.

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 The carbon areas that surrounded the rear deck ‘glass’ engine access panel required home-made templates.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3

 Surrounds for the fuel filler necks on both sides were fashioned from composites.  Carbon templates decorated the steering wheel and dasboard centre console.  Another homemade carbon template decal coated the windscreen scuttle panel.

Fujimi included chrome-plated inserts for the headlamp reflectors; the details were brushed with Citadel Abbadon Black.

diffuser were provided by Studio 27...no less than 18 separate items. Application of these decals required a calm, methodical approach, not to mention copious amounts of Microscale decal solvents. The front and rear brake assemblies were, again, simplistic and designed functionally on the kit, but additional PE disc (rotor) faces improved their appearance greatly. Fujimi’s ten-spoke racing wheels came moulded in an accurate metallic gunmetal shade and, with the centre caps treated to a wash of Citadel Badab Black, their detail was apparent. With the

rubber racing slicks stretched over the rims, the excellent ‘Michelin’ manufacturer’s logos could be placed on the sidewalls. These were of the ‘reverse transfer’ style, whereby the markings were removed from the baking paper, rubbed onto the sidewalls, soaked in situ, and then the remaining top paper was lifted away. Several carbon fibre template decals from the Studio 27 set, and those from ‘home-made’ methods, had to be fixed to the body components. The rear cooling vents proved to be another onerous task, as each comprised

seven separate decals, but were worth the end result. Carbon coating for the large rear wing, and small canard vanes for the front wings, also came supplied on the after-market set. These pre-cut were excellent, and are recommended highly over more traditional (and even more time consuming) methods.

Glass and shine Attention returned to the final body components; detail painting of the window surrounds and other items was accomplished by careful hand-brushing of Citadel

Abbadon Black. The window masks supplied in the kit were similar to Tamiya’s in style... albeit that they required accurate cutting with their printed lines as a guide. Positioning of these masks was much easier than those of several other kit manufacturers’ offerings, such as Belkits and Hasegawa. Decals for the body and glazing were sourced from a mixture of the kit-supplied sheet and that from Studio 27. All decals applied easily and without any silvering due to their quality, the gloss finish and Microscale

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3

“KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FUJIMII ”

 Fujimi’s masking seals applied to the insides of the glazing, for painting of the black surrounds. Once the paint had dried properly, the masking was lifted off.

decal solvents. Their quality was faultless, with perfect register and depth of colour. Fujimi’s sheet even supplied additional white squares to place underneath each racing number panel, to help avoid bleed-through from the orange body colour; a thoughtful touch. Once all the decals had dried, any excess adhesive was removed with warm water, and the body was left to dry. The sealing top coat for the decals was Tamiya X-22 Clear, which was allowed to dry for several days before it was polished with all three grades of Tamiya Polishing Compound and cloths (Coarse, Fine and Finish). This is the builder’s favourite model wax thus far, due to its ease of application, delicate nature and minimal residue build-up.

The late hours

 Here, sponsor decals have been applied to the glazed parts. The Total-sponsored sun visor marking was unique to car #59 in the Spa 24-hour race.

Final construction began with the multi-part radiator and side vent assemblies, followed by fitting of the main glazing with a little PVA. Detail painting of the fantastic chrome headlamp inserts required a steady hand and Citadel

Abbadon Black. With the inserts in place, the headlamp covers could then be fixed with PVA Formula 560 canopy glue. Chassis components were mated to the driver’s bathtub assembly and the wheels fitted to the suspension with the supplied poly caps. As with many complex race car kits, the body fit to the chassis proved problematic, and required several attempts; however, once in place correctly, the aggressive look of the model was splendid. Delicate items, such as the wiper for the front screen, were attached along with the front canard/vanes and rear deck wing. Door mirrors were enhanced by the addition of their chrome plastic ‘glass’, but proved awkward to fit as they did not employ any kind of fixing lugs or slots...they just had flat mating faces, which were difficult to align and required ‘jigging’ when using PVA. This was better, though, than risking a quick bond with cyanoacrylate, which could spoil the paint finish. The PE grilles, towing eyes, fuel filler caps and superb turned metal roof

 The multi-coloured orange/yellow/brown side stripe decals had to be applied as a single piece, and then cut in half along the line of the door shut. Tricky indeed!

Main body decals settled over the complex curves with ease.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3 aerial were all fitted in place to complete the project.

A future classic GT cars have, arguably, always made the most attractive auto modelling subjects, and this up-todate example is no exception. The beautiful lines of the MP4-12C GT3 are enhanced by the brilliant orange scheme, which for those unaware, mirror founder Bruce McLaren’s original race team colours. Fujimi has led the way in 1/24 racing car kit production recently, and has produced several new tools each year – many more releases than its Japanese counterparts, such as Tamiya and Hasegawa, and the overall quality of each package seems to improve with every release. The use of template carbon fibre decals enhanced the build even further, and one wonders when other kits of modern subjects from this part of the world will include these too; Revell in Europe, for example, has included carbon decals for several years on its 1/24 F1, Endurance and DTM kits. Fujimi has now added the McLaren F1 GTR Short Tail and Long Tail versions from the mid1990s LeMans era, so fans of the GT3 should also consider these for their ‘to build’ list. With the inclusion of metal parts to recent releases, the level of detail achieved straight from the box is stunning. Adding aftermarket decals where appropriate, to suit each modeller’s taste, may enlarge the range of build options, requiring multiple purchases. ❚ Keep up the good work Fujimi!

 The completed lower chassis mated to the driving compartment and engine components without issue.

 The prominent rear wing was coated with composite decals from the template set, and featured the PE end plates supplied in the kit. Acu-Stion provided the after-market roof aerial.

 Cooling vents in the bonnet were also treated to carbon fibre decals from Studio 27’s set.

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{41} 19/03/2015 09:56

YOUR AIRFIX BOEING 727

YOUR

AIRFIX

Olivier Bonnet added an interesting German livery and realistic weathering to his Airfix Boeing 727

I

discovered the world of airliners only fairly recently, and was surprised by the choice of kits and after-market products. Re-released a few years ago and with new decals, the Boeing 727 from Airfix dates originally from the 1970s. Its main shortcoming is a lack of detail, mainly in the engine areas, and so for this build I used resin powerplants from Authentic Airliners. I also chose a livery different to that in the kit…Germany’s very retro Condor, available on a decal sheet produced by LSP. Like many airliner modellers, I prefer decals for windows rather than ‘clear’ plastic fitted into the fuselage. The window apertures were filled with a mixture of old styrene melted in cellulose thinner, and nose weight was also added before fuselage closure. Airfix’s old kit also has raised panel lines, and so these were removed and re-scribed completely; not mandatory, but a personal choice. There was also a lack of detail in the wheel bays, so extra embellishment was added, while wing fences were also rebuilt in plastic sheet. I also fashioned two rectangular antennas on both sides of the vertical stabilizer. At painting time I used XF-2 from Tamiya, which offered good coverage, and each coat was polished with a smooth cloth. Other colours included Tamiya XF-3 Yellow, Gunze H332 and H335, Citadel Mithril Silver and Chrome from a spray-can for auto use. Many people think of airliners as clean machines, but just one visit to Airliners.net will reveal the exact opposite! Weathering on this model consisted of postshading for the grey, panel lines highlighted with Tamiya Smoke, pastels applied with a brush on the fin, and oil paint for oil streaks. The red strobe light was created from a piece of red school ruler and attached with PVA. Despite its age, this kit provided a good representation of the 727, but the resin parts certainly added a great deal of improvement. With many after-market decal sheets available, Airfix’s Boeing 727 is a good subject for anyone new to the world of airliner modeling. Olivier Bonnet, France

Are you proud of a particular Airfix build? Then let AMW know by providing us with 200-250 words on the project and what was involved, along with 6-8 good quality photos against a clean white background. Photo file sizes should be 1Mb or larger. Please e-mail your submissions to the editor: [email protected]

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BEAUFIGHTER

EXCLUSIVE BUILD

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SCALE DRAWINGS

SUPPLEMENT

HISTORY

19/03/2015 15:13

CONTENTS

46 AIRFIX BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER Mk.X BUILD Jennifer Wright finds there's a whole lot to love about Airfix's new 1/72 Beaufighter Mk.X, which fits like a dream, offers various alternative structural details and gives two colour scheme options.

B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 45

52

52 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER Mk.X SCALE DRAWINGS Terry Higgins offers what are arguably the most accurate scale plans for the early Mk.X Coastal Command Beaufighter. Produced with help from original Bristol drawings, they offer a wealth of information on structural features and differences.

58 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER Mk.X HISTORY With period photographs, colour profiles and informative text, Terry Higgins explains the travails of the early Beaufighter Mk.X. This includes a profile of Beaufighter pilot Allan Selwyn Bundy, considered to be the first black flyer in the Canadian Air Force.

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46 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

In tackling Airfix’s latest test-shot, Jen Wright is blown away by a Beaufighter

ROCKET QUEEN for transparencies, shared nothing with the 1958 original. Pleasingly, the parts presented a smoother surface finish than other recent releases, with fine panel line representation. Detail-wise the parts looked simple yet effective, and very much in keeping with other new-tool kits from Airfix.

The adequately detailed interior was built from relatively few parts, although the engineering was such that misalignment of the wing spars was nigh impossible.

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Interior delights

Construction began with the fuselage floor, complete with wing spars, on which the cockpit and observer’s areas were to be built. The thoughtful inclusion of tabs and slots made sure that spar alignment was a non-issue. All parts were added before any painting took place, as pretty much everything was to be Interior Green. Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit Green was used here, with a neutral brown wash added before details were picked out. Since no decals were available for this build, the plain instrument panel was a problem. Luckily, Airfix's decal designer came to the rescue, and provided a sample image of the decal sheet. This was printed to an appropriate size, which allowed the panel to be cut out and attached to the plastic part with white glue. Due to the large and very clear cockpit canopy, seatbelts were necessary and a set

of the new fabric-style belts from Eduard (item no.73025) fitted easily. Not wanting to leave the rear seat bare, small strips were cut from the edging of the set to give the impression of belts. Cementing the fuselage halves together was easy, as the fit was impeccable. Cyanoacrylate (CA) was used as both adhesive and

MODEL SPEC

W

hen Airfix announced its new-tool Beaufighter Mk.X, modellers across the country rejoiced. At last, a modern kit of this Bristol classic was to be widely available... and at a sensible price. The new example, with 120 parts spread across four runners, and a fifth

Bristol Beaufighter Mk.X By:

Airfix

Stock Code:

A04019

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£14.99

Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 47

KIT COLOUR SCHEMES

VARIATION ON A THEME

Airfix’s two liveries in its new Beaufighter kit are:

Typically thorough, Airfix included several optional extras in this kit. Probably the most notable of these was the tailplane set-up, as two complete units were provided to cater for the early and late Mk.Xs, and their different elevator hinge lines. Additionally, several minor variants were represented by different transparencies. Both types of landing light cover were included, along with early or late wingtip navigation lights.

• TF.X, NE829/PL-J, Fg Off Maurice Exton DFC, 144 Sqn, RAF Banff, Scotland, October 9, 1944 • TF.X, RD367/H, 27 Sqn, RAF South East Asia Command, Burma, June-August 1945

filler, by allowing it to ooze from the join and covering the exterior. When sanded, the CA filled any tiny crevices or faults that would otherwise have required extra work. The completed interior floor could then be offered from below, where it literally clicked into place and could have been left without glue. At this point, two holes were drilled in the sides of the nose to accept a pair of aerials later in the build. The next step was to affix the separate belly plate; however, test-fitting had shown that cleanup of the lower wing join would be marginally easier if this was left off at this stage. With that in mind, work moved to the wings. These comprised two parts each, complete with moulded wheel bays in the lower parts. Fitting the

halves together was simple, with minimal seam sanding required afterwards. Although a specific landing light for the aircraft being modelled was selected, in truth this was moot, since that area had to be filled...rocket-armed aircraft had their landing lights plated over to avoid damage from the rocket exhausts. Lastly, late-type wingtip lights, and the separate ailerons were fitted, which left the wings complete and ready to attach to the fuselage.

Herculean power

Adding the wings was simplicity itself; the spars provided location and support, which allowed liquid cement to be run into the join once everything was butted together. As snug as

Since the tailwheel was not completely covered in flight, a raised option was supplied as well as the standard unit. Whichever is chosen, it must be trapped between the fuselage halves.

“THE PARTS PRESENTED A SMOOTHER SURFACE FINISH THAN OTHER RECENT RELEASES”

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Cyanoacrylate was used as glue and filler combined to join the fuselage halves, as this avoided any hairline seam issues. The separate belly section was test-fitted and left off until after the wings were attached.

Separate inserts were provided for the underside of the tailplane and these assembled in a seamless manner. While the complex joins on the fin suggested trouble, in fact they too fitted perfectly.

The wings were simple twopart affairs, with integral wheel bays. Note that the landing lamp was filled and scribed, as this was plated over in rocket-armed aircraft.

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the fit was, a little clean-up was still necessary. A tiny amount of Gunze Mr. Surfacer was used around the leading edges and along the bottom of both wings... just enough to make the join look like the panel lines around it. On one wing, the fairing was a touch too proud towards the rear, which required a little sanding to match the other side. All of this assembly had been made slightly easier by not attaching the belly part until this stage, and although it might have sounded an involved process, it actually only took a few minutes. The belly panel and nose cone were then added, neither of which needed any more than light sanding across the glued join for a great finish. If there has been one consistently impressive aspect regarding newtool Airfix kits, it’s the ingenious engineering solutions. The layout of the tailplanes for this kit was certainly that; looking like refugees straight from the parts catalogue of the real thing, they slotted neatly into place. Despite the very complicated-looking join line of the fin in particular, the layout of the tabs and fittings meant that everything fell into place beautifully. The last major construction concerned the interchangeable Bristol Hercules engines and nacelles, and here assembly deviated from the instructions, as the exhaust rings were kept separate, to ease painting. It was critical to ensure proper alignment at this stage...and this was made simple by more of Airfix’s clever

AFTER-MARKET AS IT SHOULD BE Since this test shot was issued too early to include kit decals, Aviaeology’s 404 Squadron Beaufighters sheet (AOD72010) was used instead. The quality of these was simply stunning, with a depth of research that put many a reference title to shame. Detailed drawings and at least one photo of the actual aircraft were provided for each subject. As if this wasn’t enough, further notes detailed aerial fits, colours, markings, armament and even a potted history of the individual aircraft. Thankfully the quality of the decals themselves matched the immaculate research, even down to thoughtfully designed carrier film outlines and tiny stencils for the rocket rails! www.aviaeology.com

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“MODELLERS TRULY HAVE AN AFFORDABLE AND EXCELLENT 1/72 BEAUFIGHTER TO ENJOY” engineering. After painting the engines and the cowl interiors, the propeller bosses were used to locate the exhaust rings and cowls while glue was applied to the latter. Once dry, the exhaust rings were removed until after completion of painting.

Painting Jezebel

As one might expect, painting began with the Sky undersides and so Gunze H74 Sky (Duck Egg

Green) was applied until proper coverage was achieved. The platedover landing light was masked and painted with Gunze Mr. Color C368 Sky, as this was a slightly darker shade. The darker colour was also used to add an element of shading across the bottom of the wings. After this had dried, a mix of H74 Sky and white was used for light shading, principally around the wing leading edges and the fuselage rear. Prior to the

undersides being airbrushed with H333 Extra Dark Sea Grey, they were masked; however, this turned out to be very time consuming. Tamiya tape was used throughout, with custom-cut curved sections where required. Humbrol Maskol was useful for plugging small gaps in corners, as there were several quite tricky areas. After an initial coat straight from the jar, white was added to lighten the colour progressively for three further

applications. The excellent decal instruction drawings were used as the prime reference for the location of faded areas. Finally, neat colour was again loaded and sprayed in certain areas to represent freshly touched-up paintwork. To stabilise the painted surface and protect it from finger marks and decal solutions, Johnson’s Klear was brushed over the whole model. Application with a brush allowed a slightly

Rather than building the engine nacelles in their entirety, the exhaust rings were left off until after painting.

Thanks to thoughtful design by Airfix, there was no danger of the nacelle and exhaust ring being misaligned; the propeller fitting was used as a guide to ensure everything was straight.

Modellers who prefer in-flight displays will be delighted by the excellent fit of the closed undercarriage doors, whereas others will have recognised that they serve as great wheel bay masks!

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The main canopy/fuselage seam was treated with the addition of a very small amount of Gunze’s Mr. Surfacer. Black Chrome Bare Metal Foil was used to mask the canopy.

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50 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

Fully masked and ready for paint, the bullish Beaufighter lines were very evident. The rear canopy was masked internally with Maskol, which was also used to attach it temporarily.

The upper surface Extra Dark Sea Grey was represented by Gunze H333. This was lightened progressively with white to replicate extensive fading, before pure colour was used to represent touch-ups.

thicker coat, which was useful as the painted finish was so matt. Some of the faded effects seemed to disappear a little under the sheen, but never fear, as they reappeared once the final matt coat was applied. When the Klear had cured fully it was time to apply the decals, a process complicated slightly by the fact that they were incredibly thin. As they are wont to do, these were quite keen to turn over on themselves if not handled with the utmost care. They were also affected by decal solutions,

was dealt with during spraying, which left just the dirt to add, with Ammo-mig panel line washes employed here. A final matt coat sealed all the weathering work, and attention was diverted to the fiddly bits while the model was set aside to dry thoroughly.

so time was of the essence. When all were applied and fully dry, though, the upside of that trickiness was apparent since the carrier film was almost invisible, even before matt coat application. Prior to that, though, it was time for weathering, as the finish on these aircraft deteriorated rapidly in service due to the extremely harsh maritime environment. RAF Dallachy was situated right on the coast, and the aircraft operated at low level over the sea, which led to faded and filthy paintwork in very short order. The fading

Rocketeers

Much of the work in this area was concentrated on the rocket armament, inspired by the references provided in the decal sheet. After adding rivet and fastener detail to the rocket

mounting pads, the rockets and rails were drilled to accept wiring, fashioned from Plus Model 0.2mm lead wire, with Humbrol Clearfix blobs to represent the plugs on the end of the wires. The eight rockets were painted RAF Dark Green with black warheads, which featured white bands on their noses, while the rails were Sky with steel coloured lowers. According to references, Dallachy Strike Wing aircraft most likely operated with the slimmer armour-piercing (AP) Mk.II rocket, but the kit rockets were used for this build.

“AIRFIX HAS TAKEN ANOTHER STEP CLOSER TO THE LEADERS IN THE FIELD”

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RECOMMENDED REFERENCE The Bristol Beaufighter Modellers Datafile, by Richard A Franks (SAM Publications), ISBN: 0-9533465-5-2

The last stages of assembly went as smoothly as the rest of build, although care must be taken to align the undercarriage legs correctly. Hand-painted lines along the wing roots and around the dinghy access panel constituted the finishing touches to the weathering... these represented doped-on sealing strips which were replaced regularly in service. The exhaust rings and propellers were clicked into place without any need for glue, such was the excellent fit. All the kit-supplied aerials slotted in without issue, and were then

rigged with Uschi Van Der Rosten Lycra thread. The final touches were the two tiny aerials added to the nose, and a whip aerial on the fuselage spine...all made from heat-stretched styrene.

Worth the wait

There has been much talk here of excellent fit and engineering, and in this kit Airfix has taken another step closer to the leaders in the field. Where previous newtool kits needed a little fettling or filler, this kit needed none. It literally fell together in the manner of a modern Eduard or Tamiya kit. It may not have been quite as crisply moulded as the aforementioned, but it was not at the cost of being enjoyable, as this build was an absolute pleasure. So may the rejoicing continue, for now modellers truly have an affordable and excellent 1/72 Beaufighter to enjoy.

Once the exhaust stacks had been added, stains were airbrushed with a very thin black-brown mix around the nacelles and cannon apertures, which by this time had been daubed with a red-brown colour.

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Separate hubs were provided for the wheels, but the two-part tyres meant that the inner section had to be painted before assembly, as this was the only way to avoid masking. The rest of the tyre was subsequently painted by hand.

Kit-supplied weaponry comprised an aerial torpedo complete with the breakaway stabiliser and a set of rockets. The latter were used on this model, with added fuse wires.

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52 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X Beaufighter TF.X (early production) delivery configuration • typical as delivered to Coastal Command squadrons through to at least August-September 1943

Beaufighter TF.X (early production), in service within Coastal Command as anti-flak R/P strike aircraft • typical in service with Coastal Command squadrons from late 1943 through to December 1944

Lockheed (upper) or BLG tailwheel seemed to depend on availablility.

• Early R/P installations were Mk.I projectors and either armour-peircing or high-explosive heads, depending on mission.

Beaufighter TF.X (early production), initial service as torpedo strike aircraft • sun-shade shown installed on pilot’s cockpit overhead hatch. • Electro-magnetic release unit shown installed on dual lugs.

Adapters were affixed to twin lugs for carriage of Universal Bomb Carriers one beneath keel member.

All TF.Xs prior to RD130 fitted with F.46 torpedo strike camera (with small rectangular protective plate bezel) at tip of nose cap at either factory or MU. By late 1943, this was replaced on coastal 'camera ships' with larger, longer-lensed F.24 camera.

© Terry Higgins of Aviaeology Publishing, 2014-2015

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 53 Beaufighter TF.X (early production), in service within RAF overseas commands • typical as delivered to RAF Overseas Commands from late 1943 through to November 1944. • DF loop fairing and tropical items usually removed at MU for coastal-destined aircraft.

Beaufighter TF.X (mature production from mid-late 1944) • typical as delivered to Coastal Command squadrons through to January 1945.

• Early R/P installations were Mk.I projectors and either armourpeircing or high-explosive heads, depending on mission. Later R/P installation used the same 'pannier' (blast plate plus wing fairing with electrical installation included) but newer Mk.III single-rail projectors and their associated stirrup and saddle hardware, as well as newer AP Mk.II solid-shot warheads.

Beaufighter TF.X (mature production early RD-series airframes from late 1944) • typical as delivered to the service through October-November 1944 and to the squadrons through January-February 1945

Note enlarged elevator design and shorter balance tab control rods and horns moved from below to above the elevators. Ususally delivered with 'clean' nose caps but these were often retrofitted with F.24 camera-endowed caps on an as-needed basis. Some squadrons replaced windscreen wiper assembly with old Coastal Command-developed venturi box ahead of windscreen on nose. Most aircraft delivered after July 1944 retained the torpedo gear beneath the fuselage unless tasked as bombers (increasingly more rare for most squadrons after October 1944) All 1/72 scale

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54 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X Beaufighter TF.X (early production) delivery configuration • typical as delivered to Coastal Command squadrons through to at least August-September 1943

Note that the rear-facing formation light clear part was rendered inoperative and sometimes overpainted on many Beaufighters of all marks. Post RD130 production wing tips difffer (see lower plan view on pg. 55).

• DF loop fairing removed at MU for coastal-destined aircraft, and replaced with whip aerial.

Tropical fittings, including engine carb intake filter housings and noseshroud pieces, usually removed at MU for coastaldestined aircraft.

Dive brakes were usually deactivated and venturis below wings removed. Brakes removed if maintenance downtime permitted.

Early aircraft delivered to Coastal Command with earlier standard cupola had it replaced with the Bristol B.20 rear-defence gun cupola - initially at user unit airfield and later at MUs. B.20 appears to have become a standard production item through the early summer of 1944.

Beaufighter TF.X (early production), in service within Coastal Command as anti-flak R/P strike aircraft • typical in service with Coastal Command squadrons from late 1943 through to December 1944

© Terry Higgins of Aviaeology Publishing, 2014-2015

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 55

Beaufighter TF.X (mature production from mid/late 1944) • typical as delivered to overseas commands and Coastal Command Squadrons through to January-February 1945.

Note enlarged elevator design and shorter balance tab control rods and horns moved from below to above the elevators. Usually delivered with 'clean' nose caps, but these were often retrofitted with F.24 camera-endowed caps on an as-needed basis. Some squadrons replaced the windscreen wiper assembly with the old Coastal Command-developed venturi box ahead of the windscreen on the nose. Mk.XII wing featured fairings over the main spar between the engine nacelles and fuselage to accommodate the drop tank feed/vent system, single landing light lamp in revised fairing, wooden wingtips with smaller-pattern navigation light openings, and revised access panelling on both surfaces.

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Beaufighter TF.X (mature production early RD-series airframes from late 1944) • typical as delivered to the service MUs through October-November 1944 and to the squadrons through January-February 1945.

All 1/96 scale Enlarge by 133% for 1/72

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56 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

Beaufighter TF.X (early production) delivery configuration • typical as delivered to Coastal Command squadrons through to at least AugustSeptember 1943. • ASV transmitter Yagi aerial seemed to be retained in service only for a short while on most squadrons. Torpedospecialist units seemed to retain them longer through into late 1944 at least. • ASV receiver aerials (sword aerials, either side of nose) were retained on coastal aircraft for Rebecca beacon system prior to RD130, even if transmitting Yagi was removed. From RD130 onwards (see lower drawing, next page) a larger aerial mounted in the new wooden wingtips replaced it functionally. Note the asymmetrical layout of the cannon blast tube ports under the nose. This was standard across all Beaufighter marks.

Dive brakes were usually deactivated and venturis below wings removed. Brakes removed if maintenance downtime permitted.

On coastal Beaufighters prior to serial RD130 fitted for operational R/P work, the twin landing light fixture in the port wing was clad with sheet metal and finished in the local camouflage colour.

Tropical fittings, including engine carb intake filter housings and noseshroud pieces, usually removed at MU for coastaldestined aircraft.

This wing shows a universal bomb carrier (UBC) in place just inboard of the wing gun ejector chutes. An R/P blast plate and fairing are illustrated on the opposite wing, with the fittings for the UBC just inboard of it. A pair of UBCs is illustrated either side of the forward entrance hatch with a pair of sway braces in between. Either a 'balloon' or Marstrand twin-contact type could be used on the tail landing gear – usually depended on airfield conditions and surfacing. Beaufighter TF.X (early production), in service within Coastal Command as anti-flak R/P strike aircraft • typical in service with Coastal Command squadrons from late 1943 through to December 1944

© Terry Higgins of Aviaeology Publishing, 2014-2015

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 57

Wing modification featured revised ejector chute design with separate orifices for links and casings. Later again, a small aerodynamic wedge was screwed to the wing outer surface ahead of the forward chute orifice.

Beaufighter TF.X (mature production from mid-late 1944) • typical as delivered to overseas commands and Coastal Command Squadrons through to January-February 1945.

Radio Altimeter aerials under tailplane could be factory or Service (MU or user unit level) installed

Note enlarged elevator design and shorter balance tab control rods and horns moved from below to above the elevators. Usually delivered with 'clean' nose caps but these were often retrofitted with F.24 camera-endowed caps on an as-needed basis. Some squadrons replaced windscreen wiper assembly with old Coastal Command-developed venturi box ahead of windscreen on nose. Mk.XII wing featured fairings over the main spar between the engine nacelles and fuselage to accommodate drop tank feed/vent system, single landing light lamp in revised fairing, wooden wingtips with smaller-pattern navigation light openings, and revised access panelling on both surfaces.

Beaufighter TF.X (mature production early RD-series airframes from late 1944) • typical as delivered to the service MUs through October-November 1944 and to the squadrons through JanuaryFebruary 1945.

All 1/96 scale Enlarge by 133% for 1/72

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58 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

MARITIME MAUL Terry Higgins explains the features of early maritime strike Beaufighter Mk.Xs

T

he goal of this feature is to promote a better understanding of the Beaufighter TF.X from modelling and historical perspectives. With the latter, a general overview of the Beaufighter family’s evolving role in Coastal Command, and its technical development towards that end, puts the TF.X in perspective against the background of all other variants that came before it. The modelling aspect – essentially the salient and subtle features that make a Beaufighter a TF.X and not

any other earlier variant – are perhaps best described with the popular maxim ‘a picture is as good as a thousand words’ via the photographs, colour profiles and scale drawings.

A Beau for Cinderella

The origin of a Coastal Commandoptimised version of Bristol’s Beaufighter can be traced to highlevel discussions in 1940, in which staff officers of the command had virtually begged higher authorities for a more capable and heavily armed long-range fighter. At the time the Beaufighter was just

beginning its Fighter Command career as an interceptor, while the 'Cinderella Service' (as Coastal Command was nicknamed, due to it being overshadowed by the bigger and better-known Fighter and Bomber Commands) was using four ‘borrowed’ Fighter Command squadrons of Blenheim Mk.IFs and Mk.IVFs to fulfil its Reconnaissance Fighter role (the other two Blenheim squadrons were on loan from Bomber Command, and flew General Reconnaissance missions). The role, also officially referred to as Coastal Fighter, involved

either escorting or roving ahead of coastal convoys and patrol aircraft, should enemy air assets be encountered along planned routes: air superiority, even if only temporarily in the interest of safe passage or patrol, was the desired outcome. The initial thrust to obtain Beaufighters was parlayed on paper in 1940. As a result, the first specialist unit, 252 Squadron, was established at Bircham Newton in November but, after it moved to Chivenor, it had to make do with Blenheims and trained crews on twin-engined flying and coastal procedure until

LX803 in factory scheme prior to delivery to a Coastal Reception MU, May 1943

This aircraft came from the first production batch of TF.Xs, at which time the Weston-Super-Mare factory was still using the finish and markings scheme it had applied to Mk.VICs and Mk.XICs built there; the Temperate Sea Scheme of Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey over Sky. Neither the scheme, nor the under-wing roundels would remain on TF.Xs destined for Coastal Command. The rear-view mirror was introduced on some very early coastal Beaufighters.

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ULER NE221 on a test flight, carrying a retrievable drop-practice (no propulsion) torpedo. This aircraft illustrates certain features of the production standard delivered to the service in late 1943. Dive brakes are still present and wing gun blast tube ports are blended neatly into the finish of the wing leading edges. (author’s collection)

the first two Beaufighters arrived between Christmas and New Year's Eve, 1940. These were straightup fighters (Mk.IF) while a third (R2152) received on January 2, 1941 had some, albeit unspecified, coastal features incorporated. This partially converted machine may be cited as being the very first Beaufighter Mk.IC (C for ‘Coastal’) by some, but squadron records suggest it was very much a hybrid suitable purely for crew training. In addition to the task of producing combat-ready crews with just four Beaufighters (the fourth arrived on January 15) and

B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 59 eight Blenheims, the squadron was forced to dedicate one of its precious Beaufighters to the development of a coastal-specific airborne radio installation (ARI, or avionics suite in today’s language), in cooperation with the Coastal Command Tactical Development Unit located across the Bristol Channel at Carew Cheriton. This remained the situation until March 8, when the “first three Beaufighter I aircraft (T3228, R2269, and T3230) operationally equipped to Coastal Command Standards” arrived from Bristol’s Filton works via 33 MU at Lynham. When taken on strength, it was discovered that the MU had failed to install the wing machine guns, general-purpose wireless gear, or dinghies! Presumably, the mid-fuselage long-range fuel tank, navigation equipment (including some coastal-specific ARI components such as the directionfinding loop), were deemed sufficient by the MU. As March turned to April, the number of new Beaufighter Mk.ICs increased, and squadron ground crews busied themselves installing radio gear, dinghies, and Browning machine guns, while training escalated towards operational readiness. After a move to Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, 252 Squadron was declared operational on April 6, 1941, and launched the Command’s first Beaufighter operational sorties – Mk.ICs T3235 and T3228 on convoy escort – at 06:05 hrs that very day. By April 16, first blood had been drawn...Beaufighter Mk.IC T3237/ PN-K, with Irish ace Flt Lt ‘Bill’ Riley (a veteran of Gladiator ops in Norway and Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain; he achieved the rank of Wing Commander in 1942) at the controls, shot down

404 Squadron TF.Xs attack a minesweeper off the French coast, on August 8, 1944. Despite the condition of the photo, the strike wing story is immediately communicated here. Cannon and R/P have already done serious damage but the flak continues to come up, appearing as little white balls. (Melson collection)

a KG 40 Fw 200 Condor, and later that afternoon his colleagues Flg Off Lane (pilot) and Sgt Cross were lost, in Beaufighter T3238/ PN-S, to the guns of a Bf 110

off Norway. While there were no survivors from the Fw 200, Lane ditched successfully, after which he and Cross were rescued and became POWs.

Torbeau! Beaufighter VIC ITF JL832 was ‘A’ of 254 Squadron when posed for this 1943 photo. The TF.X inherited many features from this variant, including torpedo crutches, strop release and tensioning gear. (author’s collection)

LZ293 prior to receiving its 236 Sqn markings in the summer of 1943

This is an example of the short-lived mostly white ASW scheme applied to some coastal Beaufighters, either already in service or on delivery in mid-1943. The specification called for Extra Dark Sea Grey uppers, which included most of the upper wing and tailplane, except the leading edge. Serials are Light Slate Grey and the red dope around the wing fillets was to fasten fabric strips over the fillet attachment screws, for they would come loose when the cannon were fired.

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60 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

TF.X LZ293 of 236 Squadron after refinishing, from the short-lived (at least on Beaufighters) mostly white ASW scheme (see profile) to the Beaufighter special EDSG over Sky. The fuselage just below the Gee whip aerial retains the outline of the DF loop fairing while the newly installed venturi box ahead of the windscreen also features darker paint. This latter appears to have been exclusive to Coastal Command TF.Xs. (author’s collection)

Thus began the command’s long association with the mighty ‘Beau’. Much of 252 Squadron’s 15 aircraft, together with the other Aldergrove-based early adopter of the Mk.IC, 272 Sqn, would be whisked away to Malta and the Middle East within the coming month, but the foundation was set nonetheless. In the wake of these departures, 143 Squadron set up shop at Aldergrove and, on June 15, 1941, received the seven Beaufighters left behind by 252 Squadron. They too would only be operational for a very short period until shortages of crews and aircraft conspired to make them a de facto training unit for long-range fighter crews. Such was the nature of Coastal Command’s fighter community in those days; aircraft, spares, aircrew, and specialist ground crew were all in short supply and high demand.

Mainstay units

Trudging on stubbornly from these tenuous beginnings, nine more firmly committed

frontline Beaufighter squadrons operated within Coastal Command throughout the course of World War Two. This commenced with 248 Squadron, which gave up its hard-worked Blenheim IVFs for new Beaufighter Mk.ICs in July 1941. These were operated until replaced by Mk.VIFs in February 1942, in turn usurped by TF.Xs in June 1943. 248 Squadron would continue to operate Beaufighters until it converted to Mosquitos at the beginning of 1944. In October 1941, 236 Squadron became the next to stand up on Mk.ICs. However, a temporary paucity of aircraft meant its precious new Beaufighters would all go to other squadrons, and this effectively reduced it to a cadre unit between early February and mid-March 1942. Thereafter, it remained a Beaufighter unit until war’s end, and traded-up to Mk.VICs in May 1943, with newer TF.Xs in operation alongside them from June. The later mark was the more predominant from September, during which the

earlier examples were phased out. The third Blenheim unit to convert was 235 Squadron which, after a brief flirtation with a lone early example in December 1940, flew its first ‘real’ Beaufighter Mk.IC on operations in December 1941, and completed its transition through the early months of 1942. By May, more powerful Mk.VICs began to arrive, but a number of the older mark persisted in the inventory as late as spring 1943. From October 1943 later Mk.IXCs and TF.Xs dominated the squadron’s dispersal at Portreath. This mix remained effective operationally into June 1944, while the squadron made an expedited transition to the Mosquito FB.VI. Of the four original squadrons ‘inherited’ from Fighter Command in June 1942, 254 Squadron was the last to give up its Blenheims. Unlike the others, 254 went straight to Mk.VICs and, by November, became central to the service introduction of the first of the ‘Torbeaux’ – the modified Mk.VIC Interim Torpedo Fighter

– into service. A TF.X user by October 1943, this squadron was unique in maintaining its torpedo specialisation through into the early post-war period, although one flight had a brief flirtation with ‘Tsetse’ (6-pdr gun) Mosquitos in the closing weeks of the hostilities. To backtrack a little, 404 Squadron had become Canada’s initial Article XV contribution to Coastal Command when it formed at Thorney Island on May 1, 1941, and had operated Blenheims in the Coastal Fighter role prior to converting to Beaufighter IIFs through September–November 1942. The Royal Canadian Air Force unit was one of just two frontline Coastal Command squadrons to operate the Merlinengined Beaufighter (all were surplus Fighter Command aircraft refitted with a minimum of coastal equipment). These were given up for the much more capable Mk.XICs in March 1943. The squadron converted to TF.Xs, as a rocket projectile (R/P) specialist

LZ295/Z, 404 Sqn, RCAF, Davidstow Moor Strike Wing, circa May 1944

This, the Special Duties Scheme A, comprised Sky under surfaces, Dark Sea Grey sides, and EDSG uppers. Comparing several other 404 Squadron aircraft of the period, there appears to have been liberal interpretation of the spec’ by user-units, for the wings and tailplane uppers appear to be more Dark Sea Grey than Extra Dark Sea Grey. The overpainting behind the ‘2’ was where the aircraft letter was applied prior to the numeral coming into use. Dive brakes are still present but venturis have been removed.

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 61 outfit, commencing in August, 1943, and remained thus until its transition to Mosquito FB.VI aircraft not long before VE Day. As referred to in the previous 252 Squadron section, 143 Squadron had its Mk.ICs were handed over to an MU for redistribution and, in December 1941 they were equipped with Blenheims! By September 1942, it was an operational squadron once again and, as did 404 Squadron, made the novel move to Merlinengined Beaufighter Mk.IIFs before receiving its first coastaloptimised Mk.XICs in March 1943. These would remain 143 Squadron’s primary equipment until supplanted by TF.Xs from April 1944 and Mosquitos from October 1944. Where the preceding squadrons operated as Coastal Fighter units, the following three operated as Torpedo Bomber squadrons in Coastal Command prior to transitioning to Beaufighters. No. 144 Squadron had started the war in Bomber Command as a Hampden-equipped medium bomber outfit, but transferred

Armourers from 404 Squadron heft early AP Mk.I-tipped R/P rounds past a locally refinished LZ295, at Davidstow Moor in May 1944. The Special Duties Scheme A appears to have been open to interpretation when applied at the operational level. This example sports a ‘proper’ amount of Extra Dark Sea Grey along the spine and tail leading edge. (LAC PL41009 via author)

to Coastal Command and the torpedo bomber role – also on Hampdens – in late April 1942. Home Waters operations were interrupted by a foray to the Northern USSR later in the year, but resumed for a few months before conversion to Beaufighters in January 1943. Mk.VIC ITFs were flown operationally for a few months before the newer TF.X aircraft began to arrive in May.

The domestic coastal commitment was interrupted once again, as the squadron mounted a staged deployment to North Africa not long after receiving its new aircraft. Between August and October, 1943, 144 Squadron re-established its Coastal roots as a TF.X torpedo specialist unit before it switched to a guns-only anti-flak role in January 1945, and added R/P to its repertoire

for the last few months of the war in Europe. Australia’s 455 Squadron followed a similar path from Bomber to Coastal Command– also on Hampdens and made the transition at around the same time–and deploying with it to the USSR. After a return to the UK, the unit re-equipped with newer Hampden TB.Is and continued in the torpedo strike role until

After LZ293 was lost, NT950 became the squadron's new 'T'. In this photo she appears in the mid-August 1944 variation of the Beaufighter scheme with full stripes retained. The level of weathering is typical of busy TF.Xs of the time. (author’s collection)

NE830 of 143 Squadron, circa late October 1944

Photos of 143 Sqn TF.Xs are rare. Interestingly, this example started out with two 144 Squadron Beaufighters either side of it on the production line, and all three began their squadron service with tropical dust filters still installed on their carb air intakes – not standard equipment for Coastal Command Beaufighters.

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62 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

TF.Xs up from Dallachy for publicity purposes in mid-February 1945. Nearest to farthest are NV427/L, NT916/S, NV177/Z and LZ449/D. NT916 has been converted with the modified tailplane that became a production standard starting at TF.X RD130. All aircraft show a patchwork finish of field-overpainted old markings and Scottish winter weathering. (author’s collection)

the move to Beaufighter TF.Xs in December 1943. By March the squadron was fully operational on the new type in the anti-flak specialist role. Come D-Day, it was one of the few Coastal Beaufighter units proficient in both R/P and low level bombing. As with 144 Squadron, it ended the war as part of the Dallachy Strike Wing in the R/P strike role. 489 Squadron, RNZAF, began

its RAF Coastal Command career within the milieu of logistics and supply problems that plagued the RAF in the early war years. At first (August 1941) it was to be a torpedo strike unit with Beauforts, but before training was completed, Blenheim IVFs replaced these in January 1942 and the role reassigned as ‘Coastal Fighter.’ The new syllabus followed through to March, by which time

the squadron reverted to the Torpedo Bomber role and received Hampden TB.I aircraft; actual operations commenced in March. In November 1943, 489 Squadron converted to Beaufighter TF.Xs, and resumed operations as a torpedo strike specialist unit it occasionally gave up its heavy ‘fish’ for guns-only sorties as required tactically. In the closing months of the war it too went

LZ177 was one of the first five TF.Xs delivered to 404 Squadron on August 23, 1943. The photo shows the finish and markings applied at the MU where, over the course of two weeks since leaving the factory, these aircraft also received the R/P installation, IFF gear and short-range ‘homing only’ ASV sets. (Ed Lee via author’s collection)

over to the use of armour-piercing R/P as the main anti-shipping strike weapon. The pugnacious Beaufighters were given up for Mosquitos a few months after VE Day, but the squadron had very little time on its new mounts before disbandment in July, 1945.

Coastal variations and strike wings As noted earlier, Coastal Command first became interested in acquiring Beaufighters for the express purpose of replacing the less-capable Blenheim in the Coastal Fighter role. This was accomplished with the Mk.IC, with 397 being built (some sources reduce this to 378). Differences between coastal and Fighter Command-optimised versions were myriad in detail, but in general new features centred on range extension, over-water navigation capability and survival gear. The earliest C-models carried extra fuel in the fuselage (in the form of a modified Wellington overload tank), while later versions featured a system of

NV173/EE-X, 404 Squadron, RCAF, Banff Strike Wing, November 1944

This aircraft was often the mount of Wg Cdr Pierce, squadron CO, until lost in early December when flown by another crew. In reference photos, the larger codes that had been either side of the roundel show through the renewed black and white of the stripe. Before her loss, the upper half of the stripes would be over-painted in EDSG.

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X 63 four extra tanks in the wings... the outermost pair of which necessitated swapping-out the wing guns. This system would remain a feature through to the very last TF.Xs built in 1945. The up-engined Mk.VIC followed, and the first examples entered squadron service in early 1942. Other than Hercules VI engines that produced 250 additional horsepower, and the introduction of a dihedral tailplane early in the production programme, these were very similar to the earlier mark. As Coastal Command’s anti-shipping war evolved towards the strike wing concept, the Coastal Fighter role was expanded to include antiflak operations (while escorting anti-shipping strike aircraft)

with machine guns, cannon and occasional pairs of 250lb (113kg) bombs. Later in 1942 a special version of the Mk.VIC, the Mk.VIC Interim Torpedo Fighter (ITF), was produced to replace Hampden TB.Is then operated for torpedo strike. By April 1943, when the command was on the eve of making multi-squadron strike wing operations a matter of routine, 144 and 254 Squadrons had these on strength. The strike wing concept centred on two (later, three or four) co-located squadrons pairing up to form a larger cohesive unit; on any given mission, one would focus its efforts on flak suppression, the other on the primary task of sinking ships. Typically (but

A TF.X cockpit in mid-late 1944. The box to the right of the pilot’s shoulder holds fuel gauges for optional long-range tanks in the wings. To the left ahead of the instrument panel, above the engine controls, is the radio-altimeter indicator. High on the armoured windscreen is the mounting hardware for the torpedo sight. (Atrill collection)

404 Squadron Beafighter TF.X LZ451 at Dallachy, in Jan-Feb 1945. This aircraft was on operations since delivery in October 1943. Note the dome-headed screws mounting the venturi box to the fuselage. (Ed Lee via author)

not exclusively as was the case with 254 Squadron), units that had started as Coastal Fighter specialists became anti-flak experts, where those with some prior experience in torpedo strike and general reconnaissance were a natural fit for the actual strike aspect. Learning costly lessons from a disastrously premature start in November 1942, the reconsidered 1943 strike wing tactics featured tightly coordinated, phased suppression and strike waves over the target, clear preplanning based on the latest target intelligence, and long-range fighter escort (mostly Mustangs). The basic concept continued to evolve to embrace new technology, improved tactics and targets.

The ultimate Coastal Beaufighter In the spring of 1942, gun-nosed Mosquitos started to fill the

flight lines at Fighter Command nightfighter bases. Beaufighter Mk.VIFs continued to come off production lines into January 1944, as the trickle of the sleeker, faster de Havilland twin turned steadily to crescendo. Also in 1942, engineers were busy further refining the Beaufighter for low-level operations. With nightfighter production commitments winding down and Coastal Command (in addition to other overseas commands) already convinced of the type’s multi-role strike efficacy, fulfilment of the new spec' was already close at hand. The resulting Beaufighter TF.X (Torpedo Fighter, Mark 10) made its first flight in February 1943 and was in Coastal Command service by June (248 Squadron). The new aircraft was outwardly similar to the Mk.VIC ITF. Only close examination would reveal TF.X-specific external features

LZ407 of 455 Sqn, RAAF, Dallachy Strike Wing, February 10, 1945, post ‘Black Friday’

This combat veteran entered service with the squadron in March 1944. The reference photo for this profile had her under repairs after surviving the February 9, 1945 ‘Black Friday’ combat over Forde Fjord. Built with the standard tailplane, the modified example (enlarged elevator) she sports here was likely installed during prior maintenance.

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64 B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R M k . X

Live round: Beaufighter LZ448 of 489 Sqn, RNZAF, at Dallachy in March 1945 The handling trolley is still under the torpedo, even though it is already in the aircraft's sling. Note the starboard half of the 68in (172cm) span wooden air tail and the trailing wire aerial fairlead just beneath it. (Mullen family)

such as the IFF aerial atop the rear fuselage spine, and a modified engine exhaust tailpipe shroud that featured a more aerodynamically clean forward fairing. There were other less noticeable external differences and many internal. Least visible, but perhaps most noticeable from the operator’s point of view, was the new 1,735hp Hercules XVII engine. A redesigned supercharger, optimised for better performance at lower altitudes, distinguished it from the latest Hercules Mk.VI and XVI engines used on the Beaufighter Mk.VI. It should be noted at this point that, along with the Mk.VIC ITF, another decidedly interim variant of coastal Beaufighter, the Mk.XIC, preceded the TF.X into service. Sometimes misunderstood according to what’s been written to date, the XIC is all too often referred

to as ‘the TF.X without torpedo capability’. However, more thorough study of the historical record suggests that “...a Mk.VIC ITF with the new Mk.XVII engines and with the non-structural parts of the torpedo gear not installed,” would probably be a more accurate description. The Mk.XIC featured the older IFF and beam approach systems of the Mk.VIC (the latter was removed from the ITF), and the pairs of lugs mounted on the fuselage keel members, either side of the forward entrance hatch: this latter feature was a defining feature of the Mk.VIC ITF. As with the Mk.VIC ITF, the XIC was a relatively rare bird. Fewer than 170 were produced, compared to 60 ITFs and 2,205 TF.Xs.

TF.X Variations

As the TF.X’s career matured in Coastal Command and overseas service, myriad changes were

made. To outline them all in detail, or even in bullet-points, would be difficult in the space provided. Paired as it is with this issue’s 1/72 Beaufighter build, the photos and illustrations here focus on Coastal Command aircraft in the configuration portrayed in the kit – the smallfinned, standard-nosed TF.X. Comparing one Coastal Command TF.X to another, differences could depend on when individual aircraft were built, or when and where they were modified (manufacturer, MU, or userunit) from the factory standard. Small-finned, standard-nosed TF.Xs were produced in one factory (Weston-Super-Mare, the Rootes-produced TF.Xs were all big-tailed, thimble-nosed machines) from early 1943 to late 1944. The production/ delivery standard varied somewhat as time progressed, as did the modifications introduced by the service after delivery.

Late in the production run, from serial RD130, a modified wing, originally designed for the unrealised Beaufighter Mk.XII, was introduced. A stronger structure, it featured internal Avro bomb gear that could support droppable ordnance up to 1,000lb, a modified fuel system and electrics, as well as wooden tips. These aircraft also featured a modified tailplane and elevator configuration, as well as a windscreen wiper installation. Production switched from the Hercules XVII to the Hercules XVIII (most probably starting at RD239 or RD298) with the reintroduction of a two-speed supercharger. From RD420 onwards, Weston-produced TF.Xs featured a thimble-shaped radome nose and a dorsal fin extension right off the assembly line. These features were also retrofitted to earlier aircraft either at MUs or those already in squadron service.

This photo of a typical TF.X power egg was probably taken at Weston-SuperMare, in early 1944. A nose-piece shroud is fitted to the exhaust ring, which is finished in the coastal-spec matt black anti-glow paint. The shroud and tropical filter atop the cowl were often removed if the aircraft ended up in Coastal Command, but retained on overseas-destined machines. (author’s collection)

RD136 of 404 Sqn, RCAF, Dallachy Strike Wing, February 9, 1945 ‘Black Friday’

RD136 was the sixth production-modified-tailplane TF.X and had flown just a few times with 404 Squadron before being lost on ‘Black Friday’ with the crew of Plt Off Smook (pilot) and W/O Duckworth on board. As with RD329 below, serials appear to have been applied in a grey paint, possibly Dark Sea Grey or Light Slate Grey.

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B R I S T O L B E A U F I G H T E R 65

BLACK

WINGS

Late-production Beaufighter TF.X RD421/EO-V provides the stage for a March 1945 official photo of the aircrew and non-flying officers of 404 Squadron at Dallachy, Scotland. The photo has been cropped to show Flg Off Bundy (next to the starboard engine) and his navigator Plt Off Wright (directly under the root of the port propeller’s innermost blade). This crew flew its final operational Beaufighter sortie in this aircraft on 26 March 1945, as part of a four-ship midnight rover. Note the weathered finish of the nose cap, which was from an older Beaufighter. (Reeve [Aljoe] family collection)

Allan Selwyn Bundy was a Canadian who flew Beaufighters and Mosquitos in Scotland; he was most probably the first black combat pilot in the RCAF

N

ot long after they had arrived at RAF Station Banff to join 404 Squadron (RCAF), Flg Off Bundy and his NCO navigator, Flt Sgt (later Pilot Officer) Wright, together with another newly arrived crew were “declared fit for ops” on October 8, 1944. Two days later the crews were in the air

honing their formation flying skills; a continuation of their experience at 132 (Coastal) OTU, East Fortune, forged the bonds, making for effective combat-ready Beaufighter strike teams. One week later, on the 15th, Bundy and Wright flew the first of many successful Beaufighter sorties as one of 12 404 Squadron

TF.Xs that contributed to a ‘wing effort’ of 38 similar machines. On this occasion they met the enemy, a tanker and its Kriegsmarine escort vessel, in open water east of the Naze (southern tip of Norway) well southeast of their usual hunting grounds along that country’s southwest coast. Bundy fired his load of eight rockets into the tanker and although his Beaufighter’s cannon malfunctioned, the squadron diarist noted that they “gave a good account of themselves.” By the end of the month Bundy and Wright had completed four more operational trips, the last

of which was made after the squadron had moved from Banff to Dallachy. The crew continued to show its mettle through to the close of the Squadron’s Beaufighter period at the end of March 1945, flying the full range of mission profiles- from full wing efforts to lone reconnaissance patrols by day and night. Most of April was taken up with conversion to the Mosquito FB.VI at Banff, where the squadron became operational on the type later that month, and served for the remainder of the war as part of the Banff Strike Wing.

Beaufighter TF.X NE800/EE-N of 404 Squadron, as flown by Flg Off Bundy on his first operational sortie. Although it came to the Squadron from 46 MU on May 7, 1944, the aircraft appears just five times in the Operational Records Book (ORB) prior to Bundy’s first operational ‘hop’ in October. Presumably it was held in reserve or used for training for much of its earlier life. Still she could make one claim to fame during those times; her Form 78 shows two ROS/CRO (repaired on site by the civilian repair organisation) entries through the summer and a return to the squadron on September 1. The cause of the second of these was most certainly flak damage received while in action with three-tour veteran Wg Cdr Gatward DSO, DFC at the controls, on his final Beaufighter sortie as 404’s CO. Returning to the squadron in September, she may have then been held in reserve, or used exclusively for practice and training sorties (which are not detailed in the ORB) until the second week of October, after which Bundy and Wright were her most frequent crew. Bundy flew at least 23 operational sorties in this aircraft, most of those with Wright as navigator.

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OUT AND ABOUT

HUDDERSFIELD 2015

 The Webster Trophy, recognising the show’s most promising young modeller, was awarded to Connor Dickens for this ingenious variation of Heller’s 4/1 Stag Beetle. (All Key – Stu Fone unless stated)

Among the typically varied display on IPMS Cleveland’s stand, Mark Dollery’s first-rate group of 1/9 and1/10 scale miniatures by Life, Young and SK stood out, with Sir Winston taking point...

VIEW MORE ONLINE airfixmodelworld.com

and this year’s Webster Trophy, for the most promising young builder, went to Connor Dickens for his imaginative ‘Warrior Beetle’. Further images are available at www. airfixmodelworld.com and www. huddersfieldmodelshow.co.uk Stu Fone

❚

YORKSHIRE PILGRIMAGE

A

fter the Christmas and New Year’s break, the first few shows of the new ‘season’ always seem to provide a little extra in variety. Perhaps it’s a case of modellers wanting to honour those resolutions to build something different, or possibly more than they intend to buy (we can all hope!), but Huddersfield has a reputation of being a busy venue and this year was no exception. With all of the recent turmoil in the accessories market, it was reassuring to see the likes of Alley Cat taking its place among such stalwarts as MDC, Mitches Military Models and Freightdog,

and there was plenty of activity around the traders’ stands. It came as little surprise to see the variety of the main arena reflected in the competition and after lengthy deliberation, this year’s winner was a gorgeous Wingnut Wings 1/32 DH.2 by Dave Coward. Other notable builds included Paul Sykes’ photo-etched metal-enhanced 1/35 D9 Doobi Armoured Bulldozer, and Keith Lycett’s fantastic Soviet-themed tram and artillery ‘Just Passin Thru’ diorama. A great aspect of this event is how younger modellers are encouraged,

 Standing out from the rest of the competition entries, and taking the coveted Best in Show award, was this stunning straight-from-the-box 1/32 Wingnut Wings DH.2 by Dave Coward.

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 It’s hard to believe that this detailed Hasegawa F-104G Starfighter by Mark Housely, which featured faded paintwork and the pilot checking over his shoulder, was in 1/72 scale...one of several notable exhibits on the 580 IPMS Modellers table.

 Catching the eye due to its unfamiliarity, Len Swaisland scratch-built this excellent 1/35 Terrapin Mk.1 4x4 amphibious transport, and posed it on a suitably muddy river bank.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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BASIC BUILD

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN

Chris Jones builds Revell’s newly tooled Gripen in its fetching NATO Tiger Meet scheme

 The cockpit was reasonable straight from the box, and it could even be painted once the fuselage halves were together. Revell’s parts breakdown can be seen here to good effect...the modular design worked well and the fit was superb.

 Fuselage parts were secured in place with small drops of cyanoacrylate.

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aab’s Gripen is a modern, multi-role, agile and (comparatively!) low-cost fighter providing useful service in various countries. Designed to replace the Draken and Viggen in Swedish service, it has ensured export success with a number of international air forces, including those of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand and South Africa, while Brazil has airframes on order. Revell’s newly tooled kit displayed recessed panel lines, a decent armoury and a rather modular airframe breakdown, which suggests that a two-seater is on the way. Aside from the main runner with the rear fuselage and wing sections, a second smaller frame held the forward fuselage halves and cockpit hub, which allowed a single-seat ‘C’ variant to be built. The healthy array of under-wing stores included a pair each of AMRAAMs, Sidewinders,

S

Iris Ts, RB 15F anti-ship missiles, fuel tanks and an MRPS Recce pod.

Cockpit first A fairly sparse but not unreasonable cockpit featured raised detail, for the switches and multi-function display screens, along with a decal to represent these should one choose to use it. The ejection seat was ok but would need belts adding, although in this case a Pavla after-market seat was utilised. Amusingly, though, it required a comical amount of trimming to get it to fit. The cockpit itself was fairly roomy, even in 1/72 scale, which made it possible to assemble the airframe and paint the office later. This was a little awkward but it meant that rapid assembly progress could be made. The fuselage came in five parts, with two rear and two front halves, and a one-piece lower wing/ fuselage section. After the front

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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BASIC BUILD

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN

DECAL OPTIONS Revell provides two colour schemes with its new Gripen: • 211 Squadron, Czech Air Force, ‘Tigermeet 2014’ with tiger and skull art • 39255, F 17, Swedish Air Force, Red Flag, Nellis AFB, 2013

A hint of filler was used where the joins didn’t mirror panel lines on the real thing.

Slightly more filler was added on top to cover where joins didn’t match panels.

MODEL SPEC

wheel well and cockpit tub were fixed in place, the front fuselage halves were joined, while the rear halves were secured to each other separately and adorned with the Saab JAS-39C Gripen By:

Revell

Stock Code: 04999 Scale:

1/72

Price:

£14.99

Available from: Revell, www.revell.de/en

vertical tail. Meanwhile, both main gear bays were added to the lower wing/fuselage. Modular designs are always a worry, but testfitting showed the overall fit of all airframe parts to be excellent... undoubtedly good news. Next, the front and rear fuselage halves were tacked together with a few of drops of Loctite Easy-Brush Superglue, before the one-piece lower fuselage/wing section was joined to the fuselage parts in a similar manner. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement was then used across the joins, before both upper wing halves were added. Once again, the fit was rather good. The leading corner join of each upper wing surface needed a little filler and sanding to

The undersides were a rather light shade of grey, here mixed from Tamiya acrylics.

“test-fitting showed the overall fit of all airframe parts to be excellent”

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BASIC BUILD

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN

blend with the fuselage-based leading edge notch, but this was no problem. After the inboard locating rod on the control surfaces was trimmed, these were added to the wings, while both airbrakes needed attention to ensure a close fit. Once again, the mating was excellent when it came to securing the intakes and splitter plates. After opting to have the refuelling probe stowed, it was discovered that a plastic card support was needed under the hatch, which also required sanding to make it flush with the surrounding area.

Good housekeeping It was decided to remove the tiny antennas on the fuselage spine and undersurface, along with the nose pitot and pressure sensor tube on the tail. The antennas (which didn’t get lost!) were attached later, while metal rod was used to replace the tubes at the end of the build. On the upper surfaces, half of the fuselage join followed a panel line, while the top section followed a rivet line. The lower section was left well alone, but seeing as no other rivets were present on the kit, filler was used on the top part and tape was After masking to stop overspray, the upper grey was sprayed freehand.

 Thankfully, the kit-supplied Czech Air Force decals responded well to Micro Set and Sol fluids.

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employed to protect the areas that didn’t need to be covered. With the nose cone full of lead shot, this was also glued in place. Overall, the joins did a fairly good job of following panel lines, and filler was used on the areas that didn’t. The engineering of the kit was really very impressive; to achieve such good fit on a modular design is to be highly commended. However, a word must be said about the moulding, as some runner gates were very heavy and much care had to be exercised to avoid breakages. Additionally, certain parts displayed raised

imperfections and some panel lines seemed softer and more indistinct than others...which caused trouble when it came to oil washes. The transparencies were also a letdown, with some internal texture to the parts, which was a surprise. Multiple dunks in Johnson’s Klear went some way towards helping this. The canopy displayed (correctly) a seam along the top and although this was pointed out by a wellinformed source, the information came too late as the author had already removed it in error. In addition to the seam that should be there, another seam of sorts that shouldn’t ran from one lower frame, up the canopy, across the top and down the other side. This seemed to be inside the plastic and couldn’t be removed, which was frustrating. With main construction completed and the cockpit painted, the instrument

With a contrasting black spine and tail, the airframe began to look rather smart.

 The tail art was trimmed considerably before it was committed to water, but looked stunning once applied.

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BASIC BUILD

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN A stark wash wasn’t desirable, so a suitable grey was mixed from black and white oil paint.

The upper surfaces of the canards were semigloss black, which was vital considering the trimming needed on the edges of the decals.  Some of the panel lines were soft, so the wash couldn’t grip; a 2B pencil was used later to provide the lost emphasis.

 After a very thin 2-1 mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown was used for post-shading panel lines and other appropriate areas, paint touch-ups began with a thin and slightly lightened mix of the original grey. A careful mottle was also applied.

panel shroud was added; this was slightly narrow, so after it was glued in place, Micro Kristal Klear was used to fill the gaps, before being neatened with damp cotton buds and resprayed. The seams were primed with Tamiya XF-64 NATO Black and once everything looked acceptable, this was rubbed off with 1,000-grade Wet and Dry paper.

Black respectively. The rear end/ exhaust was painted separately before attachment; it received XF-60 Dark Yellow internally and Alclad Dull Aluminium over gloss black externally, in addition to the camouflage colours. After glossing the airframe with Klear, on went the decals and, despite being matt in appearance, they performed well with Micro Set and Sol. Sadly, the formation lights and missile colour bands were noticeably ‘dotty’ so these were replaced with after-market

Two shades of grey After finding two photographs of the 2014 Czech Tiger Meet

Gripen in rather clean condition, an un-weathered paint job was the initial objective. Undersurfaces were sprayed with a mix of approximately one part XF-80 Royal Light Grey and two parts white. After masking areas where overspray would be inevitable, the upper grey was sprayed freehand with one part XF-66 Light Grey and two parts white. Once complete, the gear bays and tail/spine were masked and sprayed with off-white and XF-18 Semi-Gloss

offerings. Also, a large amount of trimming was necessary to get the canard and tail graphics to fit. A heavy amount of gloss was needed to cover the matt decal finish, but once dry all was well. Weathering began with an oil wash mixed from lamp black and titanium white for a suitable grey shade on the airframe, while a grubbier brown-grey mix was used over the gear legs, doors and wheel wells. The wheel hubs received a darker mix than the other undercarriage

“The engineering of the kit was really very impressive” Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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BASIC BUILD

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN The contrast was too high, so a drop of XF-66 Light Grey was added to the mix and used to mute the area.

 On the real thing, touch-up patches on the starboard wing were very dark grey and Tamiya XF-66 was used for this. The same mix was then sprayed carefully on the wings for darker patches, and misted over the airframe to tone down the area further.

 The stores were decent and looked the part. Hannants’ blue decal stripe was used in place of the spotty kit stripe decals, to represent training rounds.

“Revell's new Gripen looked fantastic once together”

parts. Some airframe panel lines were rather soft and the wash couldn’t grip, so a 2B pencil provided emphasis before the excess was removed with a dry cotton bud. Once happy, the whole model was matted with Xtracolor XDFF flat varnish. At a late hour, though, other photos were discovered which showed the upper wing surfaces were covered in paint touch-ups akin to those seen on US Navy aircraft. After some thought (and being a real fan of airbrush weathering) it was decided to bite the bullet and replicate the paint touch-ups from the photos.

{72}

The roundels were covered gently with Blu-Tack to prevent overspray, and so it began.

Armament and airframe options The kit stores were rather good and an air-to-air load was selected. The fit of the Sidewinder fins wasn’t great, but after Miliput was stuffed into the gaps and neatened with damp cotton buds, they looked fine under paint. Rounded bulges on the pylons, which the instructions stated as being optional, were left on after studying the box art. Only later was it discovered that

they shouldn’t be there on this particular aircraft. Another area that was overlooked was the ILS antennas on the fin fairing. This particular Gripen has them on the radar warning antenna on the fin leading edge instead, so check references carefully and earlier than this author! After carrying out the topside paint touch-ups and weathering the undersides, the various final bits and pieces were added with GS Hypo Cement, white glue and Superglue where required. Apart from pipe detail in the nosewheel well, which needed to be trimmed to avoid snagging the gear leg, all was well.

Super Saab Revell’s new Gripen looked fantastic once together; it did a wonderful job of capturing the look and feel of the real thing and the stores options gave it a suitably mean demeanour. The fit was excellent, especially considering its modular design and Revell is to be commended highly for this. It’s a shame that certain panel lines were soft in places, but these can be deepened with scribing tools. Care must also be taken with the heavy runner attachment gates, and the transparencies were disappointing, but overall it built ❚ into a lovely model.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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A DAY WITH THE FIGHTER COLLECTION

and GOLD PASS PRIZES PLUS ADULT TICKETS TO FLYING LEGENDS up for grabs!

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r o opp rth ove e h t o 279/15 also ckets w s Images: Darren Harbar ’ e i r T e t Th Adul

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IN FOCUS

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN

Meets Lion Jan P. Forsgren provides a snapshot of Saab’s lightweight fighter uilt to replace Sweden’s Draken and Viggen, Gripen was designed to be a costeffective, easily maintained and deployed multi-role fighter and reconnaissance asset.

B

A contract for five prototypes and an initial production batch of 30 aircraft (and an option for a further 110) was signed in 1982. The chosen aircraft, named in Swedish after the legendary

Eagle

half-lion, half-eagle creature the Griffon, was a single-seat, single-engined, fly-by-wire and aerodynamically unstable design, with canard foreplanes. Power comes courtesy of a Volvo Flygmotor RM12 engine; the license-built derivative of General Electric’s GE F404-400. It can take off and land in less

than 1,969ft (600m), but unlike the earlier Viggen, Gripen does not use thrust-reversing although its canards can be tilted to act as airbrakes on landing. Threequarters the empty weight of an F-16C and about half the empty weight of the Viggen, Gripen is a true lightweight fighter. The airframe features

Gripen C 9240, of the Czech Air Force’s 211 Squadron, is seen at Ostrava in the Czech Republic. This is one of the aircraft depicted by Revell’s new 1/72 kit, built in this issue. (AirTeamImages)

Gripen Cs, such as these from Sweden’s F17 Wing, exercise often with NATO assets as part of that organisation’s Baltic Air Policing mission. This protects the airspace of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania from foreign aircraft probing. (Edwin Borremans)

 Rafeal’s Litening navigation and targeting pod is carried by Swedish Gripens at F17 Wing, Ronneby. (Edwin Borremans)  The Gripen' C's range can be extended by air-to-air refuelling. (Jan P. Forsgren)

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“Gripen was designed to be a cost-effective‚ easily maintained and deployed multi-role fighter”

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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IN FOCUS

SAAB JAS-39C GRIPEN extensive use of composite assemblies for lightness, while the small size reduces purchase and operating cost…and gives a lower radar signature. The type flew for the first time on December 9, 1987 but there were soon concerns about its fly-by-wire system. After two spectacular accidents during testing, Saab found the problem to be high amplification of the pilot’s quick and significant stick command input, which was corrected, and operationally just three crashes have occurred since...and the pilots all ejected safely. None of the crashes were related to the Gripen being a single-engine aircraft, and it has been flown regularly north of the Arctic Circle in Winter.

Selling the legend Saab also chose to enter the international fighter sales market. Although a perfect aircraft for Sweden, the JAS 39A/B versions proved to be ill-suited for other countries’ needs. Relatively short range, and a lack of air-refuelling capability and sparse weaponry, did little to boost business. But then a new version was developed by Saab, the NATOcompatible JAS 39 C Gripen, and introduced in 2002. Changes to

The business end of the Gripen C's improved RM12 engine. Note the navigation lights on each side. (Jan P. Forsgren)

CURRENT AND FUTURE USERS Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet): JAS 39 A/B, and since 2008 the JAS 39 C/D alone. United Kingdom: Empire Test Pilots’ School has used Gripen for fast jet training since 1999. Czech Republic: Leased 14 and deliveries began in 2005. This might be increased to 19. Hungary: Leased 14, delivered 2006-7. South Africa: Purchased 26, delivery began in 2008. Thailand: Bought 12, delivered from 2011. Brazil: Signed a deal for JAS 39 E/F (next generation Gripen) in 2013 - 36 for the air force and 24 for the navy.

the original ‘A’ airframe included: • An air-refuelling probe that retracts into the top of the port-side engine intake • Extended armament capabilities • New inertial navigation system with GPS • New cockpit labelling in English • New colour multifunction displays, also compatible with night-vision goggles • An improved RM12UP engine • More computing power and new radar modes • Improved electronic warfare system • New auxiliary power unit Externally, the visual differences are minimal; the APU with inlet and exhaust on top (said not to make the left side as dirty as the old APU; bad for us modellers!), new wheels, several antennas (horizontal on each side of the fin and a small unit below the exhaust).

JAS 39 E/F Moves to ‘future proof’ the Gripen have been made by Saab, initially in the shape of its Gripen NG demonstrator, which then evolved into JAS 39 E/F sub-types; these have been ordered by Sweden, and Brazil. One technology demonstrator is flying and Sweden’s Ministry of Supply has ordered 60 JAS 39 E/Fs for the Flygvapnet, and just recently Brazil confirmed an order even though the contract was signed more than a year ago. Switzerland was another possible customer, but politics and a public referendum have scuppered purchase as yet. Saab hopes this improved Gripen, though, will help to gain a bigger share of the market for fighter aircraft. The competition is tough, but Saab has a good stronghold in the market for nimble, capable military aircraft, and it is still the cheapest in its ❚ class to maintain and fly.

 This image shows the JAS 39 C's unpainted APU doors, with obvious weathering, and the painted inlet doors just ahead of the warning triangle. (Jan P. Forsgren) Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD HARRIET ON A BIKE

 Unfortunately, there were several deep blemishes on the rear wheel, which were almost impossible to correct and the tread pattern was lost in some places.

OY RIDE

Johan Augustsson ventures into Steampunk territory with MDC’s resin ‘Harriet on a bike’

{76}

were evident, which was a great bonus, but on the other hand some of the parts suffered from significant blemishes.

Black-chrome and copper The motorcycle parts consisted of the main frame, front and rear wheels, drive chain with gears, handlebar and front fork, crystal ‘engine’ covers, chain protection and finally a form of ornamental shield, which also incorporated the headlight. Sparse amounts of flash and several mould lines had to be removed, but most of the

MODEL SPEC

 For such a large kit, there were surprisingly few parts; here all were prepared for assembly, although the brake and clutch handles still needed to be corrected. Also evident were the copper rod and tubes that constituted the rear axle.

est known for its aircraft models, accessories and pilot figures, Model Design Construction (MDC) also has quite a generous stock of fantasy figures. Harriet and her bike was more in-line with steampunk than fantasy, even if the powerplant was indeed a fantasy construction, with a dragon encased in a type of crystal to energise it, rather than a mechanical engine. The resin parts and the plastic ‘crystal’ came in a sturdy black box with magnetic lid, which unfortunately lacked any protective packing material, so a few parts were damaged. There were no instructions with the kit, and the box had just a name tag, which meant that construction and painting was up to the builder to figure out. Overall, the kit was of reasonable quality, with some really fine details such as Harriet’s goggles and the bike’s frame, while other areas seemed to have been a little rushed. No casting plugs

Harriet on a bike By:

Model Design Construction

Stock Code: None given Scale:

None given

Price:

£55

Available from: modeldesignconstruction.co.uk

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

HARRIET ON A BIKE

Here the unpainted bike, with corrected handles, was added to the base; the chain guard and crystal parts were added later, after painting had been completed.

preparation work involved trying to correct the wheels, as these both suffered blemishes during the casting process. By filing and sanding it was possible to get the front wheel to a respectable state, but the rear wheel was beyond full rescue; thankfully the lack of tread wasn’t going to be too obvious on the finished model. A logical approach to the construction resulted in there being no major problems, apart from how to position the equipage balancing on its back wheel, as this did not appear to have been thought through properly. MDC had got the first part right with a copper tube cast integrally with the tyre; this would be inserted in the resin cobblestone base. However, the second half of the idea didn’t work too well, as the rear axle was formed from a length of copper rod inside a centrally mounted copper tube. Unfortunately, this join was insufficient to support the weight of the chopper and figure. Superglue and two-part epoxy glue were used, together with a hefty blob of modelling paste around the hub, but to no avail. As soon as Harriet was placed in the saddle,

the wheelie quickly deteriorated into a mundane two-wheel pose. After a close look at the rear of the bike, it was realised that an extra pin, drilled through the left side of the swing arm and tyre, was needed to stabilise the assembly. An alternative fix to the problem

 Once assembled, Harriet received primer coats of black and white. By using two shades it was much easier to decide where shadows and highlights would be added later.

would have been to attach a pin through the saddle. Attention then moved to the front of the chopper, where it was realised that the brake and clutch handles had been positioned the wrong way around. These were corrected and the handlebars and front fork were added to the main chassis, with the figure used for an alignment check. The crystal and its covers were left off until after painting, and all parts

 The main chassis featured excellent cast detail, especially the single-cylinder ‘dragon power’ engine and the equipment on the swing arm. To maintain the wheelie pose, a second pin was added between the swing arm and rear wheel. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD HARRIET ON A BIKE

Skin shades were airbrushed after the paints had been diluted with the appropriate thinner. Five different hues were used, and any overspray was easily overpainted by subsequent colours.

were then primed with Citadel Chaos Black Primer. Steampunk subjects often include plenty of metal bits and pieces and this was no exception. In fact, after a coat of Tamiya clear varnish, the whole bike was airbrushed with Alclad ALC-124 Black Chrome (even the dragon!), and then masked and coated with ALC-109 Polished Brass. Highlights were handpainted with Dark Star’s acrylic silver, Vallejo 70.865 Oily Steel and 70.998 Bronze, before another airbrushed coat of clear varnish. Details such as cables, tyres, saddle and handles were then picked out with a variety of Vallejo colours, to differentiate them from the remainder of the metal parts. The bike was weathered with pigments from Wilder and MIG Productions, before a thin wash of AK Interactive AK-181 Desert Sand was applied over the tyre treads. A similar process was used on the stone slab base, with several sandy brown shades sponged onto the surface; these were followed by a very thin airbrushed coat of Tamiya XF-63 German Grey, which blended the base colours.

 Leather parts were painted with several browns from the Vallejo range. Note the shades and highlights on the gauntlet, which served to enhance its pattern.  It was decided to paint the skirt in red, and while highlighting every single fold might have looked like a time-consuming process, in reality it didn’t take more than 30 minutes to finish. Harriet also received red lipstick at this stage.

Harriet’s accents Construction of the figure didn’t present much of a challenge, with just minor filling around the joins required. Harriet was then primed with black and white,

{78}

 All the white shades were painted on the lace details and the top hat...additional lines were added with heavily thinned black paint. After consideration, the original idea of having a chequered pattern was discarded in favour of stripes instead.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

HARRIET ON A BIKE Additional colour was provided by the black gloves and green stockings, the latter shade chosen to complement the skirt and lace details and tones. The top of the hat has also received its black stripes; quite a difficult task...

HE MAIN CHASSIS FEATURED EXCELLENT CAST DETAIL, ESPECIALLY THE SINGLE-CYLINDER ‘DRAGON POWER’ ENGINE” as this created an immediate impression of depth, before the skin tones were airbrushed. Vallejo paints were tricky to use with an airbrush, so to be on the safe side, they were diluted with the same company’s airbrush thinner. Shades were applied going from dark to light tone, and the process started with a blend of 70.876 Brown Sand and 70.845 Sunny Skin Tone. This was then mixed with 70.955 Flat Flesh, before the latter was used on its own to provide initial highlights, with lighter tones achieved with a combination of 70.835 Salmon Rose and 70.928 Light Flesh. Andrea Color’s white set (ACS003) was used to paint the white lace clothing and hat, but before any highlights were applied, a very thin wash of black ink was added sparingly, to add further depth. From the outset it had been decided to make the corset, boots and gauntlets resemble leather, and for this, mixes of 70.940 Saddle Brown, 70.871 Leather Brown and 70.872 Chocolate Brown were used, highlighted with Andrea’s Sunny Skin Tone. The skirt was to be an eyecatching red and painted accordingly with a blend of 70.947 Red and 70.817 Scarlet; subsequently, white was added to

create pinkish highlights and this shade was later picked up in the band around the hat. To balance the reds in the skirt and the leathers, a complementary colour, 70.896 Extra Dark Green, was chosen for the stockings and scarf, with added highlights of 70.914 Green Ochre. Thoughts of painting the hat in chequers had been entertained, but while marking this pattern, the idea of making it striped instead appeared much cooler, so a scheme with black stripes was selected. Hair colour was blonde initially, but this lacked contrast with the bright face and hat, so several reddish and brownish shades were used instead. Finally the goggles were painted with Vallejo Oily Steel and Bronze and, after a wash of black ink, Harriet was ready to ride!

Verdict

 The chopper was primed and airbrushed with Alclad’s Black Chrome and Polished Brass. Note that Alclad cannot be brush-painted, but used correctly gives a striking result. Details such as cables and the seat were hand-painted with a variety of Vallejo colours...this was intended to provide suitable contrast to the otherwise metallic finish. A light coat of XF-63 German Grey was used to blend sandy brown shades on the base.

Despite the issues with the rear wheel and axle, the build was a fun side-step from this modeller’s usual armour subjects, and due to the very workable resin presented no real construction obstacles. Large parts made it easy to put together and paint, even if the Alclad lacquers were a little challenging to work with, and this rather large model will provide a colourful addition to ❚ anyone’s collection. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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{79} 17/03/2015 14:46

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OUT AND ABOUT

NORTH DEVON MODEL SHOW Huma’s attractive little 1930s-vintage Fieseler Fi 5, in 1/72 scale, featured in the model competition at the North Devon show.

 Impressive even in 1/200 scale, Cyber-hobby’s North American XB-70A Valkyrie stood out on North Somerset Modellers' table. (All Malcolm V. Lowe)  Reviving happy childhood memories, Fireball XL5 was one of many nostalgic TV-related exhibits on the stand of Century 21 Modellers.

DYNAMIC DEBUT I

n Fremington Parish Hall, just outside scenic Barnstaple, North Devon Model Society pleased many with its inaugural event this February. Although this was the first model show to be held by this group, it was managed very professionally; club members had studied how other modelling exhibitions are staged, and introduced several of their own ideas. The show, therefore, catered for diverse tastes with static models being the central theme, around which various other attractions were added. The Parish Hall venue provided several exhibition rooms in addition to the main hall itself, and by midday these were filled with visitors, which made it rather difficult to move around but illustrated the show’s success in terms of attendance. The main hall housed the majority of static models, and these represented many genres; sci-fi and maritime subjects

{82}

rubbed shoulders with aircraft and military vehicles. Although just a small number of traders attended, clubs from across the south and south-west of England were well represented, with exhibitors who made the long journey from Dorset and Cornwall being particularly prevalent. North Devon Model Society itself put on an excellent display as host, and this included a demonstration of 3D printing, while particularly eye-catching exhibits were shown by Century 21 Modellers and North Devon Marine Modellers Association. Other exhibition rooms included a display of military hardware, which featured deactivated full-size firearms, and several beautifully detailed working railway layouts. Further details of North Devon Model Society can be found by visiting: www. northdevonmodelsociety.co.uk ❚ Malcolm V. Lowe

 Emhar’s 1/35 Whippet from World War One was a star exhibit on IPMS West Cornwall’s table.  Tony Jewell of North Devon Marine Modellers Association displayed several Italeri 1/35 maritime subjects, including this Elco torpedo boat.

 The old Frog/Eastern Express Shackleton MR.3 made a welcome appearance on the Coastal Command Special Interest Group stand. We’ll undoubtedly see many more examples of this type, once Airfix and Revell release their new kits later this year.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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The Scottish National Scale Model Show SATURDAY 25th April 10am to 5pm SUNDAY 26th April 10am to 4pm

45 Exhibitors 25 Traders Kit Swap

The Dewars Centre • Glover Street • Perth • PH2 0TH

BIGGER SHOW!

Now in Two Halls

Competition Demonstrations Tombola

www.scotnats.org.uk

SKILLS SCHOOL

CAR ENGINE DETAILING

1

2

 The cylinder heads and intake manifold were added but before the engine front was glued, the oil filter was cut off to avoid tricky masking.

 The dipstick was made by removing some insulation from the wire and then bending the core into a loop, before cyanoacrylate (CA) and accelerant, or 'kicker' were used to create a solid unit. It was pushed through the hole (that had been drilled at an angle) and trimmed to ensure the oil pan would fit.

W

UNDER THE

Bonnet

Dr Jim Whalen explains how to detail a car kit engine with the relevant materials

{84}

hen appreciating a car, enthusiasts will usually want to study its engine. Model cars are no different in this respect, and one of the quickest ways to improve realism is to super-detail the powerplant. This feature will focus on four areas that need attention to produce an engine that will catch the viewer’s eye: assembly and painting, fuel system, ignition system and drive-belt assembly. A suitable engine for this task would be the Generation 2 Chrysler Hemi V-8. The reputation of this engine is such that all someone has to do to indicate the performance potential of their

3

 The battery wire from a Model Car Garage Delco battery kit, and a connector, were pushed onto a pin and attached with five-minute epoxy.

car is to say “It’s got a Hemi in it”. The term Hemi comes from the shape of the combustion chamber, because it is hemispherical; the advantage of this being it gives the biggest volume compared to surface area. This improves efficiency and gives further structural advantages (such as short intake and exhaust ports, and position of the spark plugs), which makes the basic design very good.

Hemi genesis The Generation 2 Hemi came into being to compete at the 1964 NASCAR Daytona 500, and was created by placing Hemi heads onto Chrysler’s successful Max Wedge engine. After a lastminute dash to strengthen the blocks of the new Hemi, it won the Daytona 500 when

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SKILLS SCHOOL

CAR ENGINE DETAILING

4

5

 To avoid having the unrealistic effect of the alternator being held in the air by a plastic belt, a Model Car Garage single drive set was employed. After Mr Muscle oven cleaner was used to remove the chrome, a hole was drilled into the alternator to accept the pin that was to hold it in the right-hand cylinder head.

 This view shows the location of the alternator on the cylinder head, compared to the rest of the engine. The diameter of the holes on the engine front and alternator were checked and drilled out as necessary to accept the pulleys. A final check to ensure the latter fitted was carried out before painting commenced.

6

 An RAL paint chart was consulted to pick a colour (2009, Traffic Orange) that represented Hemi Orange. The whole assembly was then given a coat of a white primer before the gearbox was masked, to prevent excessive paint obscuring the detail. The engine was sprayed orange and varnished with Zero 2 Pack gloss clear coat.

7

 The masking was then swapped to allow the gearbox to be sprayed with Alclad ALC305 Gloss Black Base. This was followed by ALC-120 Gunmetal, and then 2 Pack clear coat. As the gearbox would bear the brunt of handling during toning, weathering and assembly of the engine, a durable clear layer was required to protect its paint.

MODEL SPEC

Richard Petty led the race for 184 out of 200 laps. Due to the power struggle between muscle car manufacturers in the 1960s, ’70 Plymouth HEMI Cuda 2 n 1 By:

Revell

Stock Code: 85-4268 Scale:

1/25

Price:

$26.95

Available from: www.revell.com

a street version of the engine was developed. This version of the hemi appeared in Dodge and Plymouth cars from 1966 to 1971, when it became the victim of insurance rates and emissions regulations. The kit chosen for this article was Revell’s 1970 Hemi Cuda – a well-received kit when released in 2013. In 1970, 666 buyers opted for the Hemi engine in their Barracudas, making for what many consider to be the pinnacle of fusion between Pony cars (a style started by the Ford Mustang) and muscle cars; it is therefore a very rare car and highly desirable. The following sections show how this scale Hemi was detailed, but it is straightforward to adapt these steps to detail other types of engine.

8

 To provide the colour tone of street Hemis, and to give the recesses more depth, a wash/ filter was added. This comprised two parts paint to 12 parts white spirit and was made with Humbrol 132 Satin Red and a tiny amount of 85 Coal Black, to create a mix slightly darker than the orange. When the wash was almost dry, the final effect was achieved with white spirit. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SKILLS SCHOOL

CAR ENGINE DETAILING

Materials

Albion Alloys (www.albionalloys.co.uk) • 1mm outer diameter aluminium tube AT1M Alclad (www.alclad2.com) • Chrome for Plastic ALC-107 • Gloss Black Base ALC-305 • Gun Metal ALC-120 • Polished Aluminium ALC-105 Detail Master (www.detailmaster.com) • Red Race Car Ignition Wire DM-1055 • Wiring Looms DM-2360

9  The next stage involved Vallejo Model Wash for Dark Vehicles. Any excess was dabbed away with kitchen towel to represent a well-maintained engine. More wash was allowed to remain on areas where it would be difficult for an owner to clean their engine.

10  Two holes were drilled into the fuel pump. The top hole was for the lines leading to the carburettors, with lower being for the line to the fuel tank. After the orange wash/ filter and Vallejo wash stages were completed, the fuel pump was painted with Humbrol 11 Silver enamel.

Eileen’s Emporium (www.eileensemporium.com) • Nickel Silver Straight Wire 0.31mm diameter NSW031A Hobbycraft (www.hobbycraft.co.uk) • Prym Bridal & Lace Pins 26 x 0.53mm Humbrol (www.humbrol.com) • 11 Silver • 85 Coal Black • 132 Red • 27002 Polished Aluminium Metalcote The Model Car Garage (www.modelcargarage.com) • Brake lines MCG-401 • Delco battery kit MCG-2192 • Photo-etched metal throttle linkage details MCG-2146 • Single drive set MCG-201

 Model Car Garage brake lines, Albion Alloys 1mm outer diameter aluminium tube, and plastic tube were used to make fuel lines and inline filters. The latter were fashioned from short lengths of aluminium tube, with lengths of brake line fed through. Slivers of plastic tube painted Humbrol 27002 Polished Aluminium completed the filters.

11 12

Modelling Tools.co.uk (www.modellingtools.co.uk) • Bare Metal Foil Ultra Bright Chrome Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland ([email protected]) • 1/25 Hemi Spark Plug Boots P-71 • 1/25-1/24 8cyl Distributor Drilled Tan RM-79C Tamiya (www.tamiya.com) • Tamiya X-18 Semi-gloss Black

 Due to street Hemis having dual carburettors, plastic strip was used to make the fuel distribution block. The first hole was drilled all the way through - at an angle - so it was near the middle at the bottom. The second hole was drilled just far enough to hold the fuel line in place.

Painting Chart

Colour

Parts

Vallejo (www.creativemodels.co.uk) • Model Wash for Dark Vehicles

Alcad Gun Metal & Zero 2 Pack Gloss

gearbox, carburettors

Alclad Chrome Cleared & Zero 2 Pack Gloss

exhaust manifolds, distributor base, fan clutch

Zero (www.hiroboy.com) • Clearcoat Pre-thinned Lacquer – ZP-3002 • Custom Paint Mixing Service – Chrysler Plum Crazy FHG 2006 • Jet Black (solid) ZP-1017 • RAL Paints (European Standard Colour Range) Code 2009 • White Airbrushing Primer/Micro Filler ZP-3023 • 2 Pack Gloss Clearcoat ZP-3006

Alclad Polished Aluminium & 2 Pack Gloss

alternator

Humbrol Silver Metallic

fuel pump

Humbrol Polished Aluminium Metalcote

inline fuel filters

Humbrol Satin Black and Red Wash/Filter

engine

Tamiya Semi-gloss Black

spark plug boots

Zero Chrysler Plum Crazy & Pre-thinned Clearcoat

top of air cleaner

Zero Jet Black & 2 Pack Gloss

fan, radiator, fan shroud, starter motor

Zero RAL 2009 Traffic Orange

engine block assembly, oil pan

Zero White Primer

bottom of air cleaner to represent filter

Zero White Primer & 2 Pack Gloss

oil filter

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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SKILLS SCHOOL

CAR ENGINE DETAILING

13

14

 After a hole was drilled in each side of both carburettors, they were painted in the same manner as the gearbox. Model Car Garage photo-etched metal throttle linkage details, and wire, were used to make the accelerator cable and throttle return springs. The latter were made by winding wire around a pin.

 For ease of assembly and to reduce handling the carburettors, a jig was made to build the throttle connections. The rear carburettor bracket required three holes (for the accelerator cable, throttle return spring and linkage), whereas the front carburettor bracket required two (linkage and throttle return spring).

15

16  After the pins were trimmed to length, the completed throttle connection assembly was glued with epoxy into the carburettors. The latter were then attached with gel CA; the throttle return springs were inserted into holes in the intake manifold as the assembly was lowered onto the engine. Excess wire was then trimmed.

 The fuel lines were bent to shape and cut to the lengths required to fit into the carburettors and fuel pump. After the lines to the carbs were fixed in place with CA, the distribution block was placed just in front of the right-hand side cylinder head, between where the alternator and distributor would be placed.

Reference Material

Hemi, The Ultimate American V-8 by Robert Genat (Motorbooks), ISBN: 13: 978-0-7603-2747-0 Half Century of Hemi by Elana Scherr in Hot Rod, April 2014, Source Interlink Magazines (this special issue also has several other hemi articles)

 A Replicas and Miniatures tan predrilled distributor, and Detail Master Red Race Car Ignition wire were desirable. The distributor base was painted with Alclad ALC-107 Chrome for Plastic and cleared with 2 Pack gloss clear. Detail Master Wiring Looms were then used to route the wires to the cylinder heads.

17

 The firing order (anti-clockwise on the distributor) on Hemis is 1-8-4-3-65-7-2. The ignition wire was fixed in the distributor cap and the #1 ignition wire was marked with masking tape.

18 Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SKILLS SCHOOL

CAR ENGINE DETAILING  Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland resin pre-drilled Hemi spark plug boots provided added detail. They were shortened to match reference photos of Gen-2 Hemis. The holes where then re-opened where necessary and the wires test-fitted before assembly.

 Chrysler Hemi engines have the spark plugs in the tops of the valve covers, which makes them easy to wire. As the engine depicted was customised, the kit chrome plating was kept on the valve covers.

19

20

 Wiring looms were slid along the ignition wiring to their positions, before the distributor was glued in the intake manifold. The wires were then cut so they were slightly longer than the spark plug boots, to ensure enough length to insert them with enough draping effect.

 Ignition wires were inserted into the spark plug boots and secured with gel CA. Black paint was then used to blend the joins between wires and plug boots. The remaining ignition wire was for the ignition coil, and this was painted with Zero’s Jet Black.

22

21  Ignition wires were pressed into place before the air cleaner was attached. The kit provided two air cleaners, and the custom variant was chosen due to the character of the engine...and the added bonus that the fuel system details were more visible.

23

 The pulleys were attached and the rubber belt was fitted, while the fan clutch was shortened to match the depth of the fan and a small hole was drilled in the back. This assembly was then attached to the pulley with CA, and remaining details were added.

24

 The ultimate evolution of the Chrysler Hemi design is the modern nitro methane drag racing engine. These are milled from billet aluminium and it is estimated they produce 10,000hp. Top fuel dragsters and funny cars accelerate to 300mph (483km/h) in less than 4 secs. This scale top fuel engine was made with the techniques described here.

{88}

Closing stages The detailed engine was ready to be mounted in the chassis. Throughout the assembly the engine was placed in the engine bay, to ensure the extra details were close enough to the engine to avoid fit complications. This also involved placing the bonnet onto the body to check the distributor and ignition wires weren’t too high. The steps outlined have produced a far more realistic engine than was provided in the , and they can be applied to enhance any model car engine...all the modeller needs to do is carry out research to see how they would need to be adapted for ❚ their own application.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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ON THE SHELF BOOKS

AVIATION HERITAGE and any historical background, before the resident airframes, or parts thereof, are detailed. A considerable amount of information is provided for each wreck/relic, and where applicable, additional notes provide a comprehensive chronicle of an aircraft’s history. It should be noted that several entries are located on active military bases as either gate or unit guardians, and while there isn’t free access, a visit can easily be arranged via a quick call to the base public relations office. In addition to a series of black and white photographs that accompany a number of the individual entries, there are

two colour compilations, which will provide modellers with basic details at the very least. The final section comprises a number of appendices, which include overseas RAF wrecks, exported airframes, a useful glossary and a handy index of exhibits by type and location. SF

BOOK SPEC

Now in its 24th edition, it’s hard to believe that this series began more than 30 years ago as an 86 page pamphlet and, in its

latest iteration is now five times larger. The author has continued to update this fascinating compilation of UK-based aviation heritage, with some truly notable examples, including a 100-yearold Cody biplane located at the Science Museum. Entries are sorted geographically, first by country, then county, and finally by actual place of residence, so modellers can determine quickly which artefacts are close by, or where a specific airframe can be found. Each location is then given a short narrative (although the museums tend to get a much larger commentary), which outlines its significance

Wrecks and Relics By:

Ken Ellis

ISBN:

978-08597-91779

Price:

£18.95

Format:

155mm x 217mm

Available from: www.crecy.co.uk

STALIN’S FLYING TANK

BOOK SPEC

Occupying a similar place in Russian aviation lore to the Spitfire, the Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik was a rugged and heavily armed ground attack aircraft. Built in huge numbers (more than 36,000), and earning nicknames such as ‘flying tank’ and ‘flying infantryman’, the sight of the Il-2 struck fear into Il-2 Shturmovik By:

Viktor Povinsky

ISBN:

978-83-6367837-1

Price:

£35

Format:

A4

Available from: www.mmpbooks.biz

the Germans. Here the type is subjected to an encyclopaedic examination, with all known variants covered, including several that were little more than paper projects. Detailed explanations of the aircraft's development are accompanied by useful line drawings in 1/72 and 1/48 scales. The story then shifts to operational service, and thoughtfully includes some of the modifications undertaken in the field, notably the initial attempts to fit a rear gunner, which included holes being cut into the canopy and fuselage! Amazingly, almost a third of the pages are devoted to a series of excellent colour profiles, and feature a myriad of camouflage

schemes. Curiously, the Il-2 was never developed fully as a heavy cannon-armed tank-buster in the manner of the Ju 87G Stuka, as trials proved unsatisfactory. Pilots preferred the mix of bombs and 23mm cannon over the bigger guns, which imposed severe constraints on manoeuvrability and handling due to their weight. More than 900 were produced with 37mm cannon, but they were used little over land and were allocated to the Black Sea Fleet, where they were employed against naval targets. As is usual for Mushroom Model Publications, the final section provides a detailed walk-around, with

photographs of surviving aircraft from museums in Moscow, Warsaw and Belgrade. Additional information is provided by excerpts from technical and pilot manuals, and this is sufficient enough to satisfy the most ardent detailer. SF

DIY LIZZIE

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the airframe anatomy then follows, which combines close-up/walkaround photographs with technical notes courtesy of the Shuttleworth Collection, and provides a neat segue into the type's cloak and dagger operations. It came as

something of a revelation to find out that the majority of the clandestine missions were conducted by just two units, 138 and 161 Squadrons. As would be expected, the wartime anecdotes of those flights are at times breathtaking, with the occasional humorous interlude, such as a pilot taking a piece of telephone cable that his aircraft had snagged on take-off as a souvenir! A wonderful final section covers the surviving Shuttleworth Collection airframe, with yet more close-up photographs and an engineer’s perspective on how to maintain the more than 70-year-old airframe. This is an invaluable reference for

anyone with an interest in wartime special operations or the Lysander aircraft, doubly so for modellers, as, in addition to the fantastic photographs of the interior and engine, there are plenty of ideas for dioramas featuring the eponymous Lizzie. SF

BOOK SPEC

Released ahead of the celebration of Westland’s centenary in aviation design and construction, Haynes has provided a cracking summary of the legendary Lysander. Surprisingly, the 'Lizzie’s' early years were rather mediocre, and it wasn’t until an aircraft was required to ferry agents into and out of occupied Europe that it came into its own. Haynes introduces the aircraft and covers the early service of the Lysander in detail, including the heavy losses in the Battle of France and its service in the Middle East, where the fighter threat was much lower and it was used as an occasional light bomber. An excellent overview of

Westland Lysander 1936-1946 (all marks) By:

Edward Wake-Walker

ISBN:

978-0-85733-395-7

Price:

£16.99

Format:

212mm x 276mm

Available from: www.haynes.co.uk

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SEND IN YOUR PRODUCTS FOR US TO REVIEW AT: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, Units 1-4 Gwash Way Industrial Estate, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XP, UK

THE ‘BRICK’ IN DETAIL black 208 Squadron XN976, 12 Squadron’s XX984 with fuselagelong green/black trim, and exercise birds in grey and white for Norway ops and with Pale Stone added for Red Flag in the USA. This section ends with the Desert Pink Gulf War 1 machines, with their now famous nose art and mission tallies. As with Double Ugly!’s more recent Harrier book, reviewed below, the coverage then ventures into the realm of walk-round detail imagery, and this doesn’t disappoint. Shots of the radar, engines, undercarriage, canopy, cockpits, ejection seat, bomb bay and more provide excellent reference for detailing,

and there is a handful of stores photos of Paveway II, Pave Spike, Sea Eagle, Martel, CBLS carriers and the Mk.20 refuelling pod. Not nearly as extensive as the publisher’s Harrier book, but a useful work nonetheless. CC

BOOK SPEC

Having worked formerly with MOD (PE) Buccaneers for a period, this reviewer can attest to the imposing nature and great character of the aircraft. The type is a great modelling subject (when will someone provide us with a

decent 1/72 styrene example?), and if one has the Airfix 1/48 kit or its 1/72 alternative, Matchbox’s ageing effort (re-released by Revell), or CMR’s boutique resin items, then this 65-page softback book is for you. The publication begins with a very brief history of the type, and then offers plenty of clear and bright photos of Buccs in flight and on the ground, and these depict the earlier Dark Green and Dark Sea Grey over Light Aircraft Grey, the first two shades in wraparound format, and late-service low-visibility grey. RAF Germany jets (15 and 16 Squadrons) are included, as well as ‘specials’ such as the all-

Blackburn Buccaneer By:

Willy Peeters & Glenn Sands

ISBN:

9783935687317

Price:

€16.95

Format:

210mm x 297

Available from: Double Ugly! Books, www.shopofphantoms.com

FROM PROPS TO JETS IN THE LUFTWAFFE

BOOK SPEC

Although the title and cover give the impression that this memoir is about the He 162, only the last half concerns the author’s experiences with the Volksjäger. Wollenweber starts by recounting his service in a Thunder over the Reich Flying the Luftwaffe’s He 162 Jet Fighter By:

Wolfgang Wollenweber

ISBN:

978-1-9021093-8-3

Price:

£29.95

Format:

A4

Available from: Hikoki Publications, www.crecy.co.uk

Bf 110 squadron from January 1943 until February 1944, flying bombing and escort missions from Norway’s Barents Sea coast. The narrative is well written and engaging, and comprises a fairly standard mixture of operational flying and squadron life. But the real meat, for this reviewer, starts when the author transferred to engineering school, then single-engine fighter conversion training, and finally glider school... all preparatory to joining an Me 163 Komet unit. With the Komets grounded for lack of fuel, he transferred finally to Jagdgeschwader 1, the sole operational He 162 unit, where

he remained until the war’s end. Wollenweber’s narrative is vivid in its description of the chaos and confusion of attempting to maintain an operational squadron in the final months of the war, moving from airfield to airfield as the Allies approached, trying to keep aircraft serviceable, scrounging fuel, food and supplies. The Volksjägers were temperamental and difficult to control, which led to many accidents and deaths among those pilots who couldn’t master its nuances. The author also includes portrayals of his comrades, along with observations that are seemingly at odds with

traditional history. Closing the book is an appendix of facsimile pages and translation of the He 162’s Pilot’s Notes. It’s a most worthwhile read for anyone whose interests lie in the Luftwaffe’s jet aircraft and operations. PJ

MODERN JUMP JET BIBLE Mk.12H seat, GR.7/9 operations, production serials and build numbers. Then, almost 50 pages are devoted to whole airframe shots of various Harriers in all their glory...from GR.5s to the mass retirement formation and a stunning

(and fitting) sunset shot. The images from Afghanistan are particularly useful, for getting stores fits and camouflage just right. What then follows is a truly epic collection of walk-round photos, and every facet of the jet seems to have been ‘snapped’, and with good quality. Captions tell what one is looking at, albeit in a sometimes brief manner, but this does allow for the images to be used in the most effective way. Thankfully, weaponry photos also feature (too many builds fall down on stores accuracy), and there are superb weapons carriage diagrams,

too. In closing, five pages of vector-style colour profiles/plan views are offered, and there’s also a marvellous set of superaccurate fold-out 1/48 scale plans. This is every Harrier modeller’s dream! CC

BOOK SPEC

Harrier Special Interest Group stalwarts Andy Donovan and Nick Greenhall have produced what is easily the best and most comprehensive photographic study of the modern RAF Harrier. The result of two years’ work, this 240-page, English/ German text book unpeels the type in an unbeatable way. After the forward by former Harrier Force Commander, AVM Gary Waterfall, one receives a 12-page introduction on the Harrier II that covers GR.5 onwards, and provides details on upgrades and capability boosts, the Pegasus engine, flight profiles, the Martin-Baker

BAE Systems Harrier II By:

Andy Donovan and Nick Greenhall

ISBN:

9783935687188

Price:

€39.95

Format:

210 x 297mm

Available from: Double Ugly! Books, www.shopofphantoms.com Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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ON THE SHELF

BOOKS & DVDS

AXIS AIRCRAFT REFERENCE ups of the former afford a wonderful view of the engine/ propeller, and the fuselage pod, while another image of a 6./St.G 1 Stuka's nose offers a very clear appraisal of the staffel badge above the exhausts...a snorting rhino. Bf 109 fans have a treat in store, courtesy of the Close Support chapter, which offers a detailed examination of Bf 109G-14/AS Red 8, flown by Ofhr Schwendtmayer, of 2./EJG 2; Claes Sundin’s two-page colour profile of this aircraft is excellent and inspirational in equal measure. The aforementioned artist also provides another great

profile, of JG 1 boss Hans Philipp’s interesting Fw 190A-5 named ‘Minke+Pinke’. Other photos and text on types such as the Fi 156, He 111H-6 (what a cover photo, ripe for diorama treatment!), Ju 87 and Ju 88 complete yet another excellent volume. CC

BOOK SPEC

Yet another mouth-watering collection of images is provided in issue 23 of Luftwaffe im Focus...the unmissable periodical for German aircraft enthusiasts

and modellers alike. After a short hiatus due to book and decal publishing, Axel Urbanke returns with another mixed bag of fighters, bombers and transports, and a scattering of recce and close-support types thrown in. Highlights include a splendid colour photo of an Arado Ar 234 being refuelled (those with Italeri’s fuel truck kit take note) and, besides the aircraft detail one gets a great glimpse of the vehicle’s camouflage pattern and rear pump control area. The Fw 189 and Ju 88D-1 feature as interesting reconnaissance subjects, and two black and white close-

Luftwaffe im Focus No.23 By:

Axel Urbanke

ISBN:

978-3-94143723-4

Price:

€15.80

Format:

A4

Available from: Luftfahrtverlag-START, www.luftfahrtverlag-start.de

AVIATION LEGEND

DVD SPEC

There is a saying in aviation that ‘there are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots. Yet the subject of this documentary, Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown RN, is one of that rare breed. Voiced quietly to camera by the man himself, his career is covered in depth, from Edinburgh University Air Eric Brown, A Pilot’s Story By:

Quanta Films

Price:

£15.98

Running Time:

80mins

Available from: Quanta Films, www.quantafilms.com

Squadron to the Fleet Air Arm and testing at Boscombe Down and Farnborough. After learning to fly in 1938, his airborne exploits spanned more than four decades, during which he amassed the greatest number of types flown (487) and most carrier landings (2,407). His father, also a pilot, first introduced him to flying, but his second major aerial experience was with Luftwaffe legend Ernst Udet before World War Two! One of the few who found deck landings easy, he conducted numerous trials on carrier suitability, including the first landing of a Mosquito and, more famously, the de Havilland Vampire in

December 1945. Due to his excellent language skills, Brown was involved heavily in post-war studies of German aviation, and he interrogated several senior officers, including Hartmann and Göring; subsequently, he oversaw the training of the new German Naval Air Force. Incredibly, just 25 years separated Brown learning to fly and his first test flight in an F-4 Phantom, a period known as the ‘great age of test flying’, and this amazing pilot was at the forefront. Not all work was military, though, and post-war he flew many tests that sought to make airliner travel safer, including deliberately transiting the middle of a thunderstorm

in a Spitfire! There are many more fascinating incidents and anecdotes than can't be mentioned on this page due to space, and so this DVD is recommended highly to anyone with an interest in either aviation or test-flying in particular. SF

RETURNED TO FLIGHT

{92}

from scratch...a move regarded in the Warbird community as one of the world’s most outstanding restorations. While the walk-around and taxiing footage will be of use

to modellers, the main audience for this collection of flights and displays will be aviation enthusiasts in general, particularly those who love the Mosquito. As well as test and airshow footage, there are gems such as a massed World War Two fighter flypast, with KA114, a Spitfire, P-51 Mustang and P-40... truly a sight to behold! Just as fascinating are the accompanying anecdotes of what Mosquito operators achieved during World War Two, from the famous ultralow-level raid across Denmark to target the Gestapo headquarters in Aarhus, to breaching the walls of Amiens prison. For those who

believe that commentary gets in the way of listening to the marvellous sound of the Merlins, there is an option for ‘engine-only audio’ to provide one with nearly two hours of nostalgia. SF

DVD SPEC

As one of the most iconic aircraft of World War Two, it is surprising that there are fewer than 40 surviving airframes, and just two airworthy ‘Mossies’. One of the latter, KA114/N114KA/EG-Y, was built as an FB Mk.26 (Canadian version of the FB Mk.VI) in Toronto, but it never served in wartime and spent the majority of its life in storage, where its condition deteriorated. Restoration of the aircraft, which took eight years, was complicated by the need to build a complete replacement fuselage. As all of the moulds were destroyed in the years following the end of the war, the team built a complete set

A Wooden Wonder Restored: de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito By:

Historical Aviation Film Unit

Price:

£22

Running Time:

140 mins +

Available from: www.aviationbookcentre.com

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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Douglas DC-6A PH-TGA ‘DR.IR. M.H. DAMME’. DC-6B PH-TFK ‘JAN HUYGHEN VAN LINSCHOTEN’. DC-3 PH-DAW/TCY KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. DHC-6 Twin Otter Schreiner. w w w.dutchdecal.nl [email protected] facebook.com/DutchDecal

ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT KITS

ALL-NEW CLASSIC

TRUCK-HUNTING TRAINER

Scale:

1/144

Price:

£21.99

Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net

BIG STING

Having already released the C-119C Boxcar, Roden now offers this Vietnam-era gunship. It portrays the K-variant, unofficially known as the Stinger, and benefits from four 7.62mm miniguns and two 20mm cannon (vertical ammunition drums for the latter are not provided), along with other vital gear such as the 20Kw Xenon light, AN/APQ-133 Beacon Tracking Radar, AN/AAD-4 Fairchild AC-119K Stinger FLIR turret and Night Observation Scope. The detail is excellent By: Roden for a relatively small model, and Item no: 322 highlights include the under-wing jet Scale: 1/144 engines (solid-fronted), decent radial engines and fine engraving. A single Price: £21.99 ‘Stateside’ scheme is offered, that of Available from: airframe 52-5910/IH, of the 4413th Pocketbond, Combat Crew Training Squadron, 1st www.pocketbond.co.uk SOW, 1969.

PRODUCT SPEC

or lowered flaps and even a neat stand for the wheels-up/landing configurations. The expansive decal sheet offers five schemes, four Aeroflot and one for the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.

PRODUCT SPEC

Zvezda has recently produced a series of excellent airliner kits, and its latest is the Il-62 (NATO reporting name Classic), which had the same engine/tailplane design as the British VC-10. Labelled as an ‘Ultimate kit’, it offers at least three configurations, wheels up, landing (flaps and wheels down) and parked. With all parts moulded cleanly and featuring engraved panel lines, single-piece upper and lower wing halves, and an entrance corridor for the forward fuselage hatch, this is a cracking Civil Airliner IL-62M kit. Options include extended and By: Zvezda compressed undercarriage legs, Item no: 7013 a rear fuselage support, raised

HYBRID GLOSTER

{94}

Special Hobby Meteor kits offer classy detail, but here the firm provides a very interesting sub-type of the ‘Meatbox’. The kit depicts the so-called T Mk.7.5; a standard T.7 airframe but with an F.8 tail unit and wingtip tanks; it was used in test and demo in the UK, but served operationally in Belgium and Israel. Fine engraving features throughout, and the F.8 tail is separate, but one must part the original tail from the fuselage with a razor saw. Resin is the chosen medium for the wingtip tanks, and Gloster Meteor T Mk 7.5 although the glazing is very clear it is a one-piece part. The decals are splendid By: Special Hobby and offer four options, one of which Item no: SH72317 sports a PR.10 nose (clear part): Scale: 1/72 • G-ANSO, Gloster Aircraft Co., 1950s • VW411, Experimental Flying Price: €22.50 Department, RAE Bedford, 1962-64 Available from: • ED-28, Belgian AF Special Hobby, • White 21 ‘Viper’, 110 Sqn Knights of the www.cmkkits.com North, Israeli DF, 1964

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Classic Airframes’ released a 1/48 Hornet some years ago, but this new release from trumpeter should be much easier to build. In terms of accuracy it’s not bad, and arguably better than the same firm’s Westland Whirlwind from last year. When compared to Warpaint plans, the fuselage, vertical/horizontal tails and wings size well, but the engine nacelles appear to be approximately 2-3mm short at the front... arguably a trifling amount. There is a fair amount of raised detail in the undercarriage bays, and a pleasing portrayal of mesh in the radiators. Decent four-spoke wheels also feature and the cockpit is reasonable, with convincing raised moulding on the instrument panel; an F.3-style vertical tail, and exhaust flame dampeners, indicate further releases. Trumpeter provides two painted aluminium schemes via the De Havilland Hornet F.1 sharply printed decal sheet. No By: Trumpeter unit information is given, but the Item no: 02893 liveries are in fact: • PX252, 65 Sqn, Linton-onScale: 1/48 Ouse, 1947 Price: £28.99 • PX216/WA-TN, Wg Cdr WA Available from: ‘Tiny’ Neale, Yorkshire Sector Pocketbond, commander, Linton-on-Ouse, www.pocketbond.co.uk 1947-49

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ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT KITS

LITTLE DOLPHIN

NIGHT STALKER

TWIN FIRST WINDS

Revell has re-boxed Monogram’s classic P-61 Black Widow and it’s hard to believe this kit is 40 years old, as the levels of detail stand up well against more recent offerings. The only real drawback is the presence of raised panel lines, which some modellers will want to re-scribe, but even so, this will build into a great model. There is a choice of either the A or B variant, complete with four-gun turret, blanking plate and differing nose cones, and other options include raised/lowered flaps, open/closed Northrop P-61A/B Black cabin, gun and engine bay doors. Widow Just two overall black schemes By: Revell are provided: Item no: 04887 • P-61B-1, 42-39468 ‘Moonlight Serenade’, 13th AF, Morotai Scale: 1/48 Island, November, 1944 Price: £26.99 • P-61A-1, 42-5524 ‘Midnight Available from: Mickey’, 7th AF, Saipan, Revell, www.revell.de/en December, 1944

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

In recent years, 1/144 has become an increasingly popular scale, and the variety of subjects covered has expanded greatly. New from Mark I Models is the L-29 Delfin training aircraft, released here as a double-kit set. Even in this diminutive size there is a wealth of detail, from the cockpit tub and separate seats to delicate engraved panel lines on the fuselage and wings. Four schemes are included, two in overall natural metal and two in camouflage: Aero L-29 Delfin • Black 3302, 1st Fighter Regiment, By: Mark I Models Czechoslovakian Air Force, May, 1971 Item no: MKM14429 • Red 81, 59th Training Regiment, VVS USSR, early 1980s Scale: 1/144 • Red 378, 101st Fighter Recce Price: £12.50 Regiment, Hungarian Air Force, 1970s Available from: • Black 338, Fighter Pilot Training 4+ Publications, Regiment, East German Air Force, www.4pluspublications.com/en Autumn 1987

LOW COUNTRY TWIN-BOOM

RS Models has up-scaled its 1/72 rendition of this fascinating aircraft, and the detail level is very good for a limited-run kit, although beginners should beware of the lack of locating pins (often the case with L-R offerings). The fuselage pod is particularly impressive due to the very fine engraving, rivets and exhaust ports. Heavy seams mar the actual exhausts themselves and they are solid, so sanding and drilling will be necessary. Cockpit features lean towards the basic, although the Fokker D-XXIII instrument panel is splendid and photo-etched metal seatbelts are By: RS Models provided. RS offers two schemes Item no: 48001 for the first prototype, with the Scale: 1/48 codes X-4 and 998 for 1939 and 1940 respectively; the three-tone Price: £TBA camouflage is highly attractive, Available from: but the black edges to the national Hannants, insignia are a little rough and will www.hannants.co.uk need careful trimming.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Platz’s latest offering is the T-34 Mentor, nicknamed Hatsukaze (First Wind), which was used by all three of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. This package contains two aircraft and their associated stands. With just 28 parts per kit, these will be quick builds, yet the moulding is excellent; panel lines are engraved very finely and there is a basic cockpit with instruments. However, the standout feature is once again the decal sheet, which offers eight overall natural metal and International Orange/ natural metal schemes, a variety of different-sized national insignia and JASDF Trainer Aircraft T-34 full stencil data. Highlights include: Mentor • 41-0323, 323, Air Proving Group, By: Platz Shizuhama AB, JASDF, 1973 Item no: PF-21 • 41-0297, 297, 11 Flying Training Wing, JASDF, 1960 Scale: 1/144 • 61-0390, 390, 11 Flying Training Price: £11.99 Wing, Shizuhama AB, JASDF, 1970 Available from: • 0781, 781, National Defence Platz, www.platz-hobby.com Academy, Yokosuka, 2014

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ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT KITS

SPEEDY CAMERA SHIP

PRODUCT SPEC

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California employs Legacy Hornets for camera chase and flight training duties. Hasegawa has picked up on the fact and now offers its generally excellent 1/48 kit in appropriate white and blue markings. Anyone who hasn’t built this offering in the past is in for a treat, as there is an impressive detail quota; super-fine panel lines and rivets, very busy undercarriage bays with full plumbing, moulded cockpit features and a decent seat, and optional dropped flaps and slats. This particular release also provides F/A-18A Hornet ‘NASA’ sharply rendered white metal By: Hasegawa undercarriage and photo-etched Item no: 07384 metal embellishment (HUD, chaff/ flare dispenser faces, boarding Scale: 1/48 ladder and more. In comparison Price: £59.99 with the box top, though, the decals' Available from: blue is more akin to dark blue-grey, Amerang, so one might wish to paint these www.amerang.co.uk portions instead.

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Revell has re-released Italeri’s 2000D but it suffers from exactly the same problem it did first time around...it’s not a D, but an N variant. Structural features missing from this kit, to make a proper ‘Delta’, include the slim fairings above the existing blocks on leading and trailing edges of the vertical tail, and the chaff/flare dispenser in the spine. The 2000D had its nose pitot deleted, so one also needs to attach the kit pitot, cut it off close to the radome tip and file the nose. There are fairly fine engraved panel lines, AS.30 and Matra Magic missiles, an Atlis Dassault Mirage 2000D II pod and centreline fuel tank...but By: Revell no large wing tanks almost always Item no: 04893 carried by the 2000D. The decal Scale: 1/72 sheet is tidy and offers two liveries: • 133-IV/683, EC 01.003 Navarre, Price: £13.50 2014 Available from: • 3-XJ/602, EC 03.003 Ardennes, Revell, www.revell.de/en 2014

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Eduard now offers this D.Va in ProfiPACK format, so besides the two styrene runners one also receives masks and photo-etched (PE) metal. There’s much to revel in here, such as the lovely fuselage and over-wing radiator detail, a good engine and, unusually, an excellent pilot figure. A well-appointed cockpit heightens the detail, as do PE cooling jackets for the guns. Other PE parts include seatbelts and strut mounts. The kit also seems to conform well in shape when compared to plans. There are dazzling colour schemes, Albatros D.Va and decals for the complex lozenge By: Eduard patterns and rib tapes: Item no: 8111 • 6550/17, Hans von Hippel, Jasta 5, Scale: 1/48 Cappy sur Somme, May 1918 • Jasta 5, Boistrancourt, Jan-Feb 1918 Price: €17.25 • 6633/17, Michael Sigmann, Jasta 78b, Available from: April-Aug 1918 Eduard, www.eduard.com • Pilot von Hunoldstein, Jasta 14, 1918

DELTA IDENTITY CRISIS

ARRESTING AERMACCHI

Despite its age and raised lines, Super Model’s MB 339 is a fair package and here it appears in an Italeri box...in ‘Falklands War’ guise with superb decals and 30mm gun pods. The need for re-scribing aside, the kit offers a decent shape, two styles of wing tanks, under-wing tanks and rocket pods. Seat-wise, the kit items are passable likenesses of the Martin-Baker IT 10LK, but many modellers will replace these. With some effort a later C-model could be MB 339 A replicated. Four schemes are given: By: Italeri • 4-A-115, Ten.di Navio Owen Crippa, Item no: 1354 Argentine Navy, May 21, 1982 Scale: 1/72 • 61-32, 61̊ Stormo, 213̊ Gruppo, Lecce Galatina, Italy, 2014 Price: £13.50 • RS-43, Reparto Sperimentale Volo, Available from: Pratica de Mare, Italy, 1983 The Hobby Company, • 432, Khalifa Bin Zayed Air College, www.hobbyco.net UAE Air Force, Abu Dhabi, 2005

PRODUCT SPEC

MASS-PRODUCED BIPLANE

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ON THE SHELF

MILITARY KITS

DESERT FOX

PRESS-GANGED RENAULT

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£11.50

Available from: Revell, www.revell.de/en

DAS AUTOBUS

During World War Two, the German Army frequently requisitioned trucks from occupied nations, and ICM has released a kit of one such vehicle, the Renault AHN. The package features a high parts count for its size, and great efforts have been made to capture accurately the peculiarities of the Renault, including the ‘Roman nose’ cabin and curved cargo cover rails. Standout features include the highly detailed Lastkraftfwagen 3.5t AHN engine and frame for the cargo German Army Truck bed; the latter is particularly wellBy: ICM rendered, and it’s a shame that Item no: 35416 both will be hidden from view. Four schemes are offered: • WH-692390, Russia, winter 1941 • WH-931652, Ukraine, summer 1942 • WH-1451143, France, 1944 • WL-496854, Italy, 1943

PRODUCT SPEC

• Y 232 604, KFOR, Kosovo, December, 2003 • Y 232 604, ISAF, Afghanistan • KY-00-00, Netherlands, December, 2003

PRODUCT SPEC

A joint Dutch/German project, the Fennek is the latest recce vehicle in service with these nations. This is a re-release of Revell’s 2004 moulding, and remains the only kit of the type in this scale. The contents are a mixed bag, with delicate detail and acetate windows, yet no interior is provided and there are sink marks on the roof boxes. Choices include German or Dutch heavy machine guns or 40mm grenade launcher for the commander’s cupola, Fennek Recon Vehicle and provision for an imaging sensor on By: Revell the upper hull. Three schemes all offer Item no: 03136 standard NATO camouflage:

Scale:

1/35

Price:

£22.99

Available from: ICM, www.icm.com.ua

COMBAT LEVELLER

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Plusmodel has produced an unusual World War Two subject, in the form of the Caterpillar No.12 Motor Grader, which was also served in the Korean War and subsequently in civilian guise. With more than 230 finely cast resin parts, this is a complex kit, but Plus Model has thoughtfully provided an excellent CD with approximately 200 build photographs to accompany the instructions booklet. The level of detail in this kit is stunning, from the bolt heads on US Motor Grader the engine block to the individual By: Plus Model universal linkages on the grader arm. Item no: 426 Additional touches include a photoScale: 1/35 etched metal gearing mechanism for the grader blade and copper wire for Price: €119.10 the steering rod. The tiny decal sheet Available from: provides basic markings for two Olive Plus Model, www.plusmodel.cz Drab US Army schemes.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Roden has followed its militarised Vomag with a ‘standard’ 7 OR 660 bus, as used by the German postal services. It features a fully detailed engine, single-piece chassis frame and individual passenger seats, although large ejector pin marks will need to be removed from the latter. Unusually, the main body shell is in halves, but this has enabled Roden to reproduce the fine body trim and roughened texture of the roof. A Vomag Omnibus 7 OR 660 major feature is the large window By: Roden area, and acetate is supplied instead Item no: 729 of thick styrene; similarly, the rooftop cargo rails are photo-etched Scale: 1/72 metal items. The two schemes Price: £19.99 represent a dark green Deutsche Available from: Feldpost machine from early 1940 or Pocketbond, a Carmine Red Deutsche Reichspost www.pocketbond.co.uk option from late 1930.

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ON THE SHELF

MILITARY KITS

PRODUCT SPEC

Dragon has already offered this half-track in its 1939 format, but here this example portrays a 1940 machine; the latter had already been boxed as a Cyber-hobby item. Good value is apparent, as almost all parts on the runners are to be used. Detail highlights include a slide-moulded, onepiece gun barrel with refined hollow muzzle, individual Magic Track links, beautifully rendered engine and gearbox, and photo-etched (PE) metal mesh for the vehicle side and rear Sd.Kfz.10/4 für 2cm FlaK 30 panels – PE also accounts for other details, such as the magazine port By: Dragon on the gun. Open louvres adorn the Item no: 6711 separate engine cover parts, and Scale: 1/35 there’s a complete ammunition trailer. The gun can also be posed in combat Price: £49.99 or travel modes. Colour scheme-wise, Available from: it’s Panzer Grey all the way and the The Hobby Company, two liveries are from unidentified www.hobbyco.net units. A superb kit.

GREAT WAR UPGRADE

Lovers of large-scale tanks have a superb option in Takom’s new Renault...reworked to portray the polygonal ‘Omnibus’ turret, which could sport either the 37mm Puteaux gun or 8mm Hotchkiss machine gun. Nine runners provide well-detailed components and aspects of the moulding are exceptional; a full engine, along with internal Renault FT Char canon with hull features such as ammunition Berliet Turret racks and driver’s controls. The By: Takom running gear is impressive, there are Item no: 1003 individual track links and real metal chain. More than 15 photo-etched Scale: 1/16 brass parts feature, but the real gem Price: £79.99 is the resin commander figure, which Available from: displays expert sculpting. Two multiPocketbond, tone schemes are provided, but no www.pocketbond.co.uk unit information is given.

PRODUCT SPEC

INVOLVED HALF-TRACK

CROSSOVER EIGHT-RAD

CORKING CATERPILLAR

With a foot each in traditional kit-building and gaming, Italeri can please both camps with its Warlord Games-branded rendition of this famous armoured car. The engineering and construction will make for a speedy entrance to the table top, although modelling purists will undoubtedly want slightly more refinement. The detail that is present is respectable though, with rather fine leaf-spring suspension units, tools and other items such as jerry cans. Width indicator poles are provided, too, as is a decent turret, main 50mm gun, Sd.Kfz.234/2 separate hatches and a driver figure. By: Italeri Panel line detail is a little heavy, but Item no: 15653 gamers do prefer a more pronounced Scale: 1/56 (28mm) appearance. Two colour schemes are suggested: Price: £19.99 • Red 111, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteiling Available from: 2, Normandy, June 1944 The Hobby Company, • Red 131, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteiling www.hobbyco.net 2, Normandy, June 1944

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Arguably, it was just a matter of time before dozers and tractors came into vogue, and thankfully it’s MiniArt that has taken the plunge, with the first of three such subjects this year. This standard D7 with winch unit will be superb for individual display, but will really forge a reputation as a diorama piece. Twenty runners provide more than 500 parts, some of which are very fine. Detail-hounds will love the well-rendered engine, which can be viewed easily. Photo-etched brass components are US Tractor D7 w/Towing provided, and the workable tracks Winch D7N are an involved affair; patience will By: MiniArt be required in the construction of the individual links and plates. All Item no: 35174 that’s missing is a driver figure, but Scale: 1/35 an after-market firm will oblige soon, Price: £35.99 undoubtedly. One Olive Drab US Available from: Army scheme is kept company by a yellow civilian livery. www.miniart-models.com

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ON THE SHELF AUTO KITS

PRODUCT SPEC

Few cars are as iconic as the Porsche 911 Carrera RS, and Revell has re-released its 1980s vintage kit with a new decal sheet, albeit with just a black scheme...which is a shame, as everyone knows that the best 911s were red! The level of detail is good, albeit rather heavily moulded, but the wooden door panels will look excellent with dry-brushing. Of greater concern is the body shell, which appears to be incorrect in length and height, and the tyres, which have been produced as unwieldy two-part items. Chrome Porsche Carrera RS 3.0 parts are something of a ‘love them By: Revell or loathe them' issue for modellers, Item no: 07058 and in this sample the runner suffered from uneven plating. In contrast, the Scale: 1/25 decal sheet is excellent, and it offers Price: £19.99 number plates for nine vehicles from Available from: across Europe and examples of white Revell, www.revell.de/en and gold ‘Carrera’ livery.

ITALIAN RACER

Released as part of Hasegawa’s ‘Historic Car Series’, this new-tool Nissan Sunny pickup is likely to cause plenty of nostalgia. Aimed at Japan’s pickup truck enthusiasts, this kit captures the look and feel of the 1960s vintage design accurately, including those now absent items such as window handles and ‘big button’ car radio. The moulding is to Hasegawa’s usual high standards, particularly for the one-piece chassis/ floor pan, and there is plenty Nissan Sunny Truck Long of detail included, even for Body Deluxe the cargo deck, with two cutBy: Hasegawa out cardboard boxes provided Item no: 21120 in the instructions booklet. Scale: 1/24 Surprisingly, just a single offwhite scheme is offered, on Price: £32.99 the small decal sheet, although Available from: research will undoubtedly Amerang, provide more potential shades www.amerang.co.uk for the modeller.

BRILLIANT BOULANGERIE Ebbro has now released a kit of the Renault 4 panel van, more commonly known as the ‘Fourgonnette’, a vehicle which will forever be associated with French bakeries (boulangerie). This is a re-boxing of the firm’s previous Renault 4 (25002), and features an all-new single-piece body shell, complete with characteristic raised ‘giraffe roof’ and a photoetched metal radiator grille. With an excellent replica of the fourcylinder water-cooled

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Rally cars always make interesting modelling subjects, and the re-release of the Lancia Rally in ‘Chardonnet’ form by Hasegawa is no exception. With an eye-catching dark blue and white livery, replete with sponsor’s markings, the kit has a relatively high parts count, which provides for a fully detailed engine and interior. The instructions are interspersed with helpful black and white photos of real vehicles to aid construction. Just a single scheme is provided, for the Chardonnet Lancia 037 Rally ‘Chardonnet’ team No.11, as driven by Jean-Claude By: Hasegawa Andruet in the 1984 Tour de Corse Item no: 20264 Rally, although alternative decals are also provided for those who Scale: 1/24 prefer to paint the white livery. The Price: £36.99 tyre decals are applied differently, Available from: as these are printed in reverse and Amerang, are a cross between waterslide and www.amerang.co.uk rub-down items.

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PICKUP NOSTALGIA

PRODUCT SPEC

LEGENDARY SPORTS CAR

Renault 4 Fourgonnette By:

Ebbro

Item no:

25003

Scale:

1/24

Price:

£39.99

Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net

engine and even six ‘Ebbro’ cartons to add to the cargo area, there are plenty of options available. A small decal sheet provides at least three different registrations, two French and one Japanese, along with rear panel stencils for ‘Fantasyland’ and ‘T2M Racing Products’. Cue accordians!

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12/03/2015 12:41

ON THE SHELF

MARITIME KITS

PRODUCT SPEC

Harking back to an earlier period of model-making, Revell’s re-released USS Constitution is holding up well for a 40-year old kit. Detail is of the raised type, with the deck, and its integral cannon mounts, as the standout feature...and although there are heavy mould seams and some flash, this will be simple to rectify. As would be expected from a kit of this age, the sails are vacuum-formed, and will need to be removed from their USS Constitution styrene sheet before assembly. For By: Revell the rigging, the modeller is provided Item no: 05472 with two reels of thread and a choice Scale: 1/146 of basic or detailed...the latter will take considerable time and patience! Price: £19.99 No decals are provided, but the Available from: national flags and ensigns are Revell, www.revell.de/en provided on a paper sheet.

NAGATO GUNS

Hasegawa has expanded its accessories for Japanese World War Two vessels, with a set designed to augment IJN 1/350 destroyers. Comprising four each of the B-type twin 12.7cm gun mount, Type 92 quad torpedo launcher, motor boat and cutter, there are also smaller twin anti-aircraft mounts and ship fittings. Although the runners are Japanese Navy Ship duplicates from Hasegawa's Kagero Equipments Set D kits, the majority of this set can be By: Hasegawa used on other IJN destroyers and Item no: 40088 cruisers. While the main features Scale: 1/350 are undoubtedly the larger gun and torpedo mounts, the small boats, Price: £19.99 which include launch/recovery Available from: davits, are well detailed, with options Amerang, for opened and closed covers, and www.amerang.co.uk even oars for the cutters.

GLOBETROTTING GALLEON

All hobbies have occasional trends or fads, and the use of multi-coloured parts seems to be one of those coming back in to fashion, especially for ‘snap-together’ kits, such as Zvezda’s new-tool Golden Hind. All of the parts feature crisp detail, particularly the cannon and hull parts; although due to moulding limitations the Sir Francis Drake’s Flagship ratlines are rather thick. This is an Golden Hind ideal kit for beginners, as it can be assembled without glue or paint, By: Zvezda and will build quickly into a faithful Item no: 6509 replica. Zvezda has thoughtfully Scale: 1/350 provided stands for full-hull and waterline options, as well as a name-plate. The decal sheet is surprisingly busy, and includes all of the complex livery and heraldry carried by ships of that period.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Hasegawa has a reputation for producing detail sets for aircraft and ships, and this new set is intended for that company’s Nagato battleship. However, it contains far more than the stated twin 41cm main gun turrets, in fact the entire secondary armament of 20 x 14cm guns is included. The confusion arises when these parts are compared to the actual ship kit...they are merely duplicates of runners N and T, and Japanese Navy Ship this type of turret was apparently Equipments Set C only used on the two Nagato-class By: Hasegawa vessels. Putting that aside, the parts Item no: 40087 are moulded to Hasegawa’s usual high standards, with the hollowed Scale: 1/350 main gun barrels a neat touch. While Price: £19.99 providing a useful set of spare parts Available from: for the battleship kits, it will also Amerang, enable modellers to add armament www.amerang.co.uk to ‘what-if’ subjects.

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NIPPONESE SHIP EQUIPMENT

PRODUCT SPEC

OLD IRONSIDE IS BACK

Price:

£9.99

Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net

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12/03/2015 12:42

ON THE SHELF FIGURES

ATTILA PERHAPS?

WARGAME FIGHTERS

Sovereign 2000

Item no:

S2KB016

Scale:

1/9

Price:

£16.50

Available from: Sovereign 2000, www.sovereign2000.uk.com

HUN PACKAGE

PRODUCT SPEC

What with the Great War on many modellers’ minds, this new set from ICM is most welcome...and it’s very good. Sharp moulding abounds, and the definition of the personal equipment is superb (especially on the entrenching tool/ bayonet sets). The weaponry is pleasing, with Mauser 98/98a carbines (some with bayonets), Tankgewehr M1918 anti-tank gun, Bergmann MP18, Luger and Mauser C96 pistols. Excellent detail adorns the four figures themselves, and they carry wellrendered bedroll/pack bundles on their backs. Uniform features are impressive, and the faces stand up well for styrene examples.

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German Infantry (1914) By:

ICM

Item no:

35679

Scale:

1/35

Price:

£7.80

Available from: ICM, www.icm.com.ua

trim on the smock and the toughlooking and very characterful face. The top section of a decorated quiver is provided, along with three feather-ends of arrows...and a small resin display plinth on which to mount the bust.

TERRITORIAL SUPPORT Excellent cast detail makes Toro’s Polish ‘Dad’s Army’ troop from September 1939 one to look out for. The Home Defence soldier comes with his legs and torso as one, and with separate arms, helmet and other personal equipment. The way the ammunition pouches and bedroll are rendered is splendid, and the face has strong features that will respond well to careful shading and washing. Toro’s small instruction sheet offers several photos of the real uniform, and a handy rank badge guide; wellprinted decals are supplied for the latter items. Polish Home Defence soldier By:

Toro Model

Item no:

35F69

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€10

Available from: Toro Model, www.toro-model.com.pl

Rome’s Legions of the Republic (II) By:

Victrix

Item no: VXA008 Scale:

28mm

Price:

£22.95

Available from: Victrix, ww.victrixlimited.com

COLD WAR BRITS

If one favours pilots in aircraft models, do consider PJ’s refined RAF flyers from the 1960s. Cast crisply in resin, the duo have different angles to their heads for realism, and well-defined features on the flying suits. Oxygen masks are positioned in flying mode, so this is great for wheels-up format on a stand, and the hands are posed as if to grip the control column...or get close to it. They’re ideal for individual use in, say, a Hunter or Lightning, or as a pair in a Vampire, Gnat or Jet Provost. RAF pilots seated in a/c (1960s) By:

PJ Production

Item no:

721131

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€4.20

Available from: PJ Production, www.pjproduction.net

infantry, standard bearers and musicians is provided. As with its previous miniatures, the quality of moulding is superb, with separate weapons, shields, heads and arms, all with sharply defined features...particularly the wolf skin headdresses worn by the velites. While the painting will be a test of one’s skills, the end result should be stunning.

WAITING FOR THE BOSS Royal Model produces exquisite resin figures, and this new six-part addition to the range upholds the standard. Designed to sit on the mudguard of Tamiya’s Citroen (but worth using with other vehicles, with a little conversion) the subject wears typical German Army dress with a forage cap and high boots. His hands are crossed and one holds a cigarette...the driver could be waiting for his officer to return from his business, and sneaking a crafty smoke in the meantime. Facial features are excellent, with eyes closed as if enjoying the calm of his much-needed break, and a flask is grasped by the other hand; it’s a bit too small for a water canteen, and so probably holds something stronger!

PRODUCT SPEC

By:

PRODUCT SPEC

The Hun

PRODUCT SPEC

Victrix has expanded its range of 28mm hard plastic wargaming figures to include this set of 60 Roman soldiers. Suitable for the early Republic era (300-200BC), a mix of legionnaires, centurions, velite

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Sovereign’s new fantasy busts provide decent detail at value prices. Here, the firm offers ‘The Hun’, which certainly looks like one of the fierce warrior clan. The bust is shown with the separate head fitted for effect, and one can see that the sculpting and casting are impressive. Notable touches include the well-executed knotted hair tie for the pony tail, coarse fur

Citroen German Driver By:

Royal Model

Item no:

729

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€12

Available from: Royal Model, www.royalmodel.com

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12/03/2015 12:43

ON THE SHELF

DECAL SHEETS

WHITE KNIGHTS

MARITIME PATROL BOMBERS

International T-38 Talons of NATO By:

Caracal Models

Item no:

CD48051

Scale:

1/48

Price:

US $14.99

Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com

• T-38A, 63-8173, Turkish AF (experimental scheme, T-38M project), 2011 • T-38M, 63-8231, Turkish AF, 2014 • T-38A, 61-0853, Port. AF, 1992 • T-38A, 61-0837, Port. AF, 1991 • T-38A, 61-0840, Port. AF

MODERN RAF MASH-UP

PRODUCT SPEC

Having already explored some of the featured subjects in 1/72 scale, Xtradecal now caters for quarter-scale fans. Three special Typhoon FGR.4s accompany another example of the type in standard garb, but there is also a ‘Dambuster’ Tornado with dazzling special tail artwork. The printing is excellent and the schemes will please many devoted to building the RAF’s current fighters. The choices are: • Typhoon FGR.4, ZK343/ BX, Flt Lt N Rees, 29 Sqn, Coningsby, 2014 • Typhoon FGR.4, ZK308/ TP-V, Sqn Ldr G Stratford,

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Royal Air Force Update 2013-14 By:

Xtradecal

Item no: X48139 Scale:

1/48

Price:

£7.99

Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk

‘B Flight’, 29(R) Sqn, Coningsby, 2014 • Typhoon FGR.4, ZK342/ED, Wg Cdr M Baulkwill, 6 Sqn, Lossiemouth, 2014 • Typhoon FGR.4, ZK348/FN, Wg Cdr MR Flewin, 1(F) Sqn, Lossiemouth, 2014 • Tornado GR.4, ZA412, Wg Cdr DS Arthurton and Fg Off RD Hartley, 617 Sqn, Lossiemouth

PRODUCT SPEC

Impeccable research goes into this company’s releases and the instructions are highly informative reference works in their own right. This certainly goes for the firm’s latest offering, which has eight liveries for Hudsons of the Royal Canadian AF Eastern Air Command, and US Navy U-boat hunters. Regardless of the available kit one chooses (MPM, Airfix, MPM/Italeri or MPM/ Revell), for accuracy one must modify the engine cowlings as all but one of the schemes are for Mk.III airframes and their USN derivatives (the anomaly is Mk.I). “First Kill” Hudsons By:

Aviaeology

Item no:

AOD72012

Scale:

1/72

Price:

Can $12.99

Available from: http://stores.ebay.ca/ Aviaeology

The camouflage varies but all are attractive. They include: • Mk.I, 784, 145 (BR) Sqn, RCAF • PBO-1, 82-P-8, VP-82, US Navy • Mk.III, BW-403/LM-S, 113 (BR) Sqn, RCAF • Mk.III, BW 616/LM-B, 113 (BR) Sqn, RCAF • Mk.III, BW-625/LM-L, 113 (BR) Sqn, RCAF

POLSKI RUNABOUT

Got an Italeri or Bronco Staghound armoured car, but want alternative markings? Look no further than Toro’s collection of seven schemes for machines manned by Polish

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

This package of seven schemes for the T-38 represents aircraft in overall white, and two with smart extra red portions in places. There are three Portuguese and four Turkish subjects (from Esq 103 at Beja and 121 Filo at Cigli-Izmir respectively), and all are perfect for quarter-scale Trumpeter/Wolfpack kits. With great printing by Cartograf, the choices are: • T-38A, 63-8121, Turkish AF, 2004 • T-38A, 63-8183, Turkish AF, 2012

Staghound in Polish Service vol.1 By:

Toro Model

Item no:

35D31

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€7

Available from: www.toro-model.com.pl

crews in World War Two and just after. All but one vehicle wears twotone green/tan camouflage (the other is in Olive Drab), and the arm of service symbols, roundels and stars in circles all contribute towards attractive subjects. Choices include: • Mk.I, 214461 ; ‘Smialy’, 1st Sqn, 15th Poznan Lancers, Italy, 1945 • AA, F235791 ‘Nadwislanski’, HQ Sqn, 12th Podolian Lancers, Italy, 1946 • Mk.I, F225444, HQ of 3rd Rifle Brig., 1st AD, Germany, 1945 • Mk.I, F116239 ‘Pomorzanin’, 3rd Sqn, Carpathian Lancers, Italy, 1944

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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ON THE SHELF

DECAL SHEETS

Fans of this long-serving and successful fighter now have a great array of markings for recent examples in worldwide air arms. Six choices depict single-seat ‘Charlie’ airframes, but extra codes are provided with which to portray F-16Ds. The users and camouflage are all very different; even Iraqi AF machines are represented, but with speculative serials. Copious stencilling also features, along with all the necessary national insignia, and the decals are designed to fit Hasegawa and Tamiya kits. The main aircraft are: • F-16C Block 50, 91-0391, 148th FW, Minnesota ANG, 2014

One couldn’t wish for a more eclectic mix of schemes when considering the decoration of Airfix’s great new kits. Various camouflage colours offer real variety, as do the user air arms; there’s the Dark Earth and Middle Stone of the South African AF in Libya, overall Trainer Yellow on a Canadian Bolingbroke and then there are the more exotic markings/ insignia on Free French, Luftwaffe, Greek, Italian and Portuguese examples. Ten liveries in all are featured, with some being:

By:

Caracal Models

Item no:

CD72019

Scale:

1/72

Price:

US $13.99

Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com

• F-16C Block 52, 03-0060/4060, Polish AF, NATO Tiger Meet, 2011 • F-16C Block 52, 08-0816, Royal Moroccan AF, 2012 (4,500th F-16 delivery scheme) • F-16C Block 40, 98-2012, Royal Bahraini AF, 2012 • F-16C Block 50, 02-2116/811, Royal Air Force of Oman, 2010 • F-16C Block 52, 1607, Iraqi AF, 2014

SHINY TWELVE JETS AND PROPS

PRODUCT SPEC

Kits World takes a pleasing approach here, by offering a Lancaster and Tornado from the same RAF unit...great if modelling RAF 12 Squadron Tornado/ Lancaster By:

Kits World

Item no: KW172121 Scale:

1/72

Price:

£10.20

Available from: Kits World, www.kits-world.com

on a theme. The featured Lanc’ in question wears impressive knightwith-lance nose art; the aircraft went missing on a raid to Acheres, France, in June 1944. Fast-forward 70 years to the ‘Tonka’ and this jet sports a glorious black, white and green commemorative tail, decorated last year. National insignia and stencilling for both aircraft are provided. They are: • Tornado GR.4A, ZA395 ‘Leads the Field 1915-2014’, Lossiemouth, 2014 • Lancaster B.III, LM321/PH-H, Wickenby, 1943

Bristol Blenheim & Bolingbroke IV & IVf RAF & Foreign Operators By:

Xtradecal

Item no:

X72215

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£7.99

Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk

• Blenheim IVf, Z7513/R, 15 Sqn, Cyrenaica, 1943 • Blenheim IV, V5458/RT-O, 114 Sqn RAF, West Raynham, 1942 • Bolingbroke IV, 9030/BK-V, 115 Sqn RCAF, Alaska, 1942 • Blenheim IV, 5+5, Luftwaffe, 1040-41 • Blenheim IV, 267/ZE-G, Esquadrilha ZE, Portuguese AF, 1944

SENIOR SERVICE JETS The Hawker Hunter has always been a great subject for colour schemes, and Royal Navy versions are arguably some of the most desirable. The fact has not been lost on Fantasy Printshop, which has produced this stunning collection of markings for singleand twin-seaters. A staggering 32 options are provided and the liveries vary from RAF-style Dark Green and Dark Sea Grey over Light Aircraft Grey, and Extra Dark Sea Grey over white, to High Speed Silver and Dayglo. The interesting unit heraldry only adds to the mix, so dig out those Matchbox/ Xtrakit two-seaters or Airfix/Revell ‘singlies’. Black serials come on a separate sheet, and some of the options include: • GA.11, XF291/BY, Rough Diamonds

PRODUCT SPEC

F-16C/D Vipers – The Next Generation

PRODUCT SPEC

ALLIED TWINS

PRODUCT SPEC

GLOBAL SIXTEENS

Royal Navy Hawker Hunters By:

Fantasy Printshop/ AIRfile

Item no:

FPAF-003

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£12.95

Available from: Fantasy Printshop, www.fantasyprintshop.co.uk

aero team, Brawdy, 1969 • GA.11, WW654/833/VL, FRADU, Yeovilton, 1985 • GA.11, XF300/694/LM, 764 NAS, Lossiemouth, late 1960s • T.8, XL582, 700Y NAS, Lossiemouth, 1958 • T.8, XE664/708/LM, Lossiemouth, 1962 • T.8C, XF289/738/VL, Heron Station Flight, Yeovilton, 1972 Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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ON THE SHELF

DECAL SHEETS

ENGINEERING IDENTITIES

The Brazilian Navy bought ex-Kuwaiti A-4s in 1998, and last year celebrated 15 years of operations with the type with this stunning special livery. Lying over low-visibility grey, a falcon’s head and the black and yellow colours of VF-1 ‘Falcões’ adorn the front and back of the unit’s A-4M ‘N-1004’. A standard scheme is also supplied,

UK & Commonwealth AOS Signs Summer 1943 – Spring 1945 By:

AFT Decals

Item no:

AR77035

Scale:

1/35

Price:

US $8.95

Available from: Archer Fine Transfers, www.archertransfers.com

FALCON ANNIVERSARY

Divisions, and some of these are: • HQ Divisional RE • Field Park Squadron RE • Armoured Division’s Bridging Troop RE • Field Squadron No.2 RE • Field Park Company RE and Light Aid Detachment REME • Field Company No.1 RE

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Incredibly useful for modellers who favour Allied subjects, this collection of waterslide Arm of Service signs in 1/35 scale applies to various Corps of Royal Engineers units from World War Two, and the subject vehicles include types such as the Austin Tilly, Morris Light Truck, Bedford QL and Matador, to name a few. These markings were carried in metal frames attached to the vehicles, but were later were simply painted on the subjects directly. The sheet is split into Armoured and Infantry

WAR PRIZES AND ANOMALIES

Brazilian Navy A-4M 15 Years By:

Caracal Models

Item no:

CD48070

Scale:

1/48

Price:

US $9.99

Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com

and this version (N-1021) is in two-tone grey and has fullcolour roundels and fin flash (as opposed to the low-vis insignia on the anniversary jet). Printed by Cartograf, the markings have rich colours and great register. A limited amount of stencilling also features.

TIFFIE MARKS 70TH

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Captured & non standard vehicles in Polish service By:

Toro Model

Item no: 35D32 Scale:

1/35

Price:

€7

Available from: www.toro-model.com.pl

are enemy machines, and the Polish markings (and new paint) will certainly give them a very different look. No painting information is offered on the instruction sheet, but Toro’s website does show the vehicles in colour. The options are: • Autoblinda AB41, Polish Carpathian Lancers, Egypt, 1942 • Greyhound, HQ 12 Podolian Uhlan Regt, Italy, 1946 • Sd.Kfz.250/10, 13th SelfPropelled Artillery Regt, 1945 • Schwimmwagen, 11th Sappers Company, 1st AD, Holland, 1945 • Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.J, Carpathian Lancers, Egypt, 1942

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

If one is looking for a different way to portray a 1/35 Axis vehicle, then why not consider Toro’s interesting mix of captured and out-of-the ordinary types? Apart from the Greyhound armoured car, the remaining six examples

Last year was a ‘biggie’ for several anniversaries, and arguably the most important was that of the D-Day landings. The fact was not lost on the RAF’s 29 Squadron, which added D-Day stripes and the World War Two codes ‘TP-V’ to Typhoon ZK308 (allocated to Sqn Ldr G Stratford), in May last year. Here, Two Bobs provides these markings in 1/72 and 1/32 scales on the same sheet. Decals for the stripes are only offered for the smaller scale, though, and the black and white would Typhoon D-Day 70th Anniversary By:

Two Bobs

Item no:

72-101

Scale:

1/72 & 1/32

Price:

US $14

Available from: Two Bobs, www.twobobs.net

have to be painted for the 1/32 build. A full array of stencilling is given for both, Microscale’s usual printing standards are evident and Two Bobs' colour instructions are highly informative.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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Airfix Ad 4 F_P.indd 1

12/03/2015 12:45

ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

Aber

Item no:

35 G29

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€6.63

Available from: Aber, www.aber.net.pl

LONG-NOSE DETAILS

Sherman Mk.V Firefly By:

Eduard

Item no:

36 300

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€17.25

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

MiG-15SB auxiliary solid rocket boosters By:

Profimodeller

Item no:

32225

Scale:

1/32

Price:

€4.67

Available from: www.profimodeller.com

WIDOWMAKER

HEBREW MUSCLE

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By:

Brengun

Item no:

BRL72083

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€8.78

Available from: Brengun, www.brengun.cz

Achzarit early By:

Eduard

Item no:

36 284

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€22.45

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

Obviously released to accompany Eduard’s new re-boxing package of Hasegawa’s Starfighter, this photo-etched metal upgrade can, of course, be employed on the original Hasegawa kits too. It offers undercarriage bay and leg details, airbrakes, exhaust inners, canopy rails/locks, antennas and other items.

PRODUCT SPEC

Fw 190D-11/13

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

AZ Model’s ‘190s are good kits but as with any limited-run offering, extra detail is a must. Here, one is treated to a full array of photo-etched metal cockpit parts (instruments, seat straps, rudder pedals, cockpit coaming and behind-theseat decking), along with new undercarriage doors, an engine face, antennas and canopy handles. A small printed acetate sheet provides instrument faces.

Embellish Meng’s Israeli Achzarit APC to perfection with this comprehensive offering of photo-etched brass. It provides a wealth of detail for the kit’s gun and mount, such as an ammo box and round chute, as well as various structural features for the hull; fire extinguisher frame, mudguard parts, fuel filler cap chain and more.

F-104G upgrade set By:

Eduard

Item no: 48833 Scale:

1/48

Price:

€14.95

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

Give Kinetic’s new SHAR a dash of style and extra detail with Eduard’s pre-coloured, selfadhesive cockpit parts. They’re highly convincing and provide a complete set of photoetched metal instruments/side consoles, seatbelts and ejection seat firing handle.

PRODUCT SPEC

By:

A pleasing new addition from Profimodeller is this pair of solid rocket boosters for the MiG-15; although intended for the MiG-15SB variant, this resin and photo-etched metal set could be added to any Fagot subtype. Just remove the boosters from their casting blocks, add the turned aluminium nozzles and PE mounting brackets and one’s MiG-15 is ready for an assisted take-off.

JUMP JET METAL OFFICE

Sea Harrier FA2 interior SA By:

Eduard

Item no:

FE698

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€9.95

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

TANK-HUNTER BRASS As beautifully engineered as Tamiya armour can be, it can always stand extra embellishment. The firm’s M10/Achilles will benefit from this comprehensive fiesta of photo-etched metal, which offers tool clamps, headlight guard frame, details for the transmission cover and seats. There are also mudguards, engine grilles and tie-down loops for the canvas cover that was used on the turret. Even ammunition racks feature.

PRODUCT SPEC

Grilles for T-55 Enigma

Many armour fans relished the fact that Tamiya recently re-released Tasca’s excellent Firefly. Why not make a real show-stopper out of it, though, with Eduard’s photo-etched brass? This set offers many tool clamps, a light guard, front fenders, stowage bins locks, gun cleaning rod straps and details for the hatches.

BOOSTED MIG

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Add an extra portion of refinement to Tamiya’s Enigma tank with this neat set, which comprises not just the engine grilles, but other highly detailed features that surround them, such as locking pins and brackets. It’s a small set but perfectly formed and will make the world of difference.

ALLIED ARMOUR UPGRADE

PRODUCT SPEC

MYSTERIOUS METAL

M10 IIC Achilles By:

Hauler

Item no:

HLX48355

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€15.50

Available from: Hauler, www.hauler.cz

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

4316

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€19.30

Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com

GROUNDPOUNDING STUFF

PRODUCT SPEC

Need accurate armament for your Vietnam War fighter...look no further than Eduard’s resin M117 bombs. Mounting lugs are cast on the bodies, and even the fuze cover is portrayed on the separate tail units. Six stores are supplied, and they come with nose fuzes, fuze pocket plugs and optional fuze extenders. M117 bomb early By:

Eduard

Item no:

648 188

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€14.95

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

Item no:

7317

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€12.80

Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com

‘FRIGHTNING’ MOTOR

If one fancies going beyond out-ofthe-box with Airfix’s new Lightning F.2A, this package offers a beautifully detailed engine upper half, its bay and covering upper fuselage panelling, and a busy electronics bay that sits near the cockpit. Some surgery to the kit is required, but it’s relatively simple; careful painting will really pay dividends here. BAC Lightning F2A engine set By:

CMK

Item no:

7312

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€12.80

Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com

By:

Red Zebra

Item no:

N/A

Scale:

1/48

Price:

£9

Available from: www.redzebramodels.co.uk

MIDDLE EASTERN TRAINER

Kinetic’s Fouga Magister (and the Wingman re-boxing), can be converted to an Israeli variant with this resin set. A full cockpit tub is supplied, along with instrument panels, bulkheads and seats, and photo-etched brass undercarriage details. There are no decals, so these must be sourced separately if one has the Kinetic kit; Wingman's boxing has them though. Israeli AF Tzukit Conversion By:

Wingman Models

Item no:

WMF 48025

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€16

Available from: www.wingmanmodels.com

These splendid new resin wheels from SBS Model are intended for Airfix’s newly tooled Gladiators, but could easily be adapted for the original kit or other manufacturer’s versions. With delicately cast wheel hub covers and fine engraved detail, these smooth-surfaced tyres will add further refinement to the already impressive base kit.

PRODUCT SPEC

CMK

Bedford RAF Stowage

BIPLANE GEAR

Gloster Gladiator Covered Wheels Set By:

SBS Model

Item no:

72018

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€4

Available from: SBS Model, www.sbsmodel.com

FRIGHTNING RESIN

Airfix’s new-mould F.2A and F.6 Lightnings are great, but will look even better with these resin wheels from SBS Model, and with a little extra work they could also improve offerings from Hasegawa or Sword. Featuring finely engraved tread lines and excellent hub detail, the look is enhanced even further by the provided photo-etched brass brake units.

PRODUCT SPEC

Item no:

CMK

By:

In timely fashion, Red Zebra has turned out a superb resin stowage set with which to load Airfix’s new Bedford MWD (built in March issue of AMW). The centrepiece is a partially covered grouping of oil cans, jerry cans, wooden crates and two aircraft wheels, and this portion is convincing. Also supplied as individual items are parachute packs, kit bags, crates, oil cans, jerry cans, haversacks and two larger boxes, which carry a mix of tin helmets, clothing and a water canteen...all sculpted beautifully.

PRODUCT SPEC

By:

Hurricane Mk.I interior

AIRFIELD GEAR

PRODUCT SPEC

GBU-24 Paveway III

For those adept at intricate work such as detailing 1/72 cockpits, CMK’s package for Airfix’s Hurricane will be a boon. The resin tub has lovely detail, especially the rudder bars and foot boards, but there is also a seat, control column, instrument panel and cockpit framework, and starboard emergency door. Photo-etched metal instruments and seatbelts are also supplied.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

The GBU-24 is carried by US Navy F/A-18s and USAF jets such as the F-15E and F-16, so this pack of two resin stores is useful indeed. The detail is excellent, and the main bodies are accompanied by separately cast tail units and forward fins, and a full complement of photoetched metal 'remove before flight' streamers. Decals provide stencilling and yellow ‘high explosive’ bands.

STORM IMPROVEMENTS

PRODUCT SPEC

LASER-GUIDED FUN

EE Lightning Wheel Set By:

SBS Model

Item no:

72020

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€4

Available from: SBS Model, www.sbsmodel.com

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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MODEL MART

CLASSIFIEDS

Tel: 01530 231407 www.aviationbookcentre.com PRODUCTS Stands to reason

www.sphereproducts roducts.co.uk .co.uk

BESPOKE BE SPOKE STORAGE SY SYSTEMS STEMS TRANSIT TRANSI T CASE CASES, S, TOOLS AND WOR WORKSTATI KSTATIONS ONS  + 4 4 (0) 0)14 1473 7363 6367 6787 87 e: spherepr sphereprodu oducts cts@bt @btinternet internet.com .com 19 Anson Anson Road, Road, Martlesham Ma rtlesham Heath, Ipsw Ipswich ich,, IP5 3RG

Email: [email protected]

Unmade or already built, any quantity, especially large collections, Will collect nationwide and pay best cash price.

Please call 01202-976974. or 07901-890461. Thank you.

Freightdog Models

Home of Blue Max and Pegasus Models Online shop for kits, decals ands accessories www.freightdogmodels.co.uk +44 (0) 1342 716004 Fairlight, Sandy Lane, Crawley Down, Crawley, RH10 4HX

Fast and friendly service Easy to navigate webshop Large range of over 3500 models, figures, tools and accessories from Revell, Airfix, Italeri, Tamiya and many more, ready for immediate despatch Based in the Midlands since 2001 with worldwide shipping available

Web: www.models2u.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01543 433999

To advertise here T please call Ben Harrison on 01780 755131 or email [email protected]

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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

You can also view and buy from our huge selection of Eduard kits, etch and Brassin, as well as our massive range of kits from Valom, A-model, Pavla, Sword and many other hard to find brands.

www.oxoniansplasticfantastic.co.uk [email protected]

FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CALL BEN HARRISON ON: +44 01780 755131

ON THE SHELF

RECENTLY RELEASED BRENGUN

EX448 Whirlwind (Trumpeter)

36301 M4A3E8 Sherman (Tamiya)

PROFIMODELLER

Photo-etched metal/resin details www.brengun.cz

 48829 Sea Harrier FA.2 exterior

635 001 M2 Browning

(Kinetic)

635 002 MG 34 gun

Photo-etched metal/resin details www.profimodeller.com

HQT014 Superglue applicator

1/32

1/35

1/144

JX162 Bf 109G-10 Erla (Revell)

BRL 144104 F/A-18C (Revell)

JX168 Spitfire Mk.II (Revell)

35224 External crane for Mi-17 (Trumpeter)

BRL 144105 MiG-15bis (Eduard)

JX169 Gloster Meteor Mk.4 (HK Model)

1/72 BRL 72082 Wooden barrels and buckets

32797 Remove Before Flight tags UK

48830 Whirlwind exterior (Trumpeter) 49009 Remove Before Flight tags 49050 Remove Before Flight tags (yellow/black) 49051 Remove Before Flight tags UK 49068 Fabric Remove Before Flight tags 49072 F-104G Fabric seatbelts (Eduard/Has) 49643 Jaguar GR.1 interior SA Kitty Hawk)

Photo-etched metal/resin details www.eduard.com

 32193 Armament set Gloster

Meteor (HK Model)

32807 Fabric Remove Before Flight tags

 BRL 72085 Baggage carts

EDUARD

1/32

32815 Bf 109G-10 Erla SA (Revell) 632 042 Do 335B wheels (HK Model) HAULER Photo-etched metal/resin details www.hauler.cz 1/72 HLH72036 Mobile barriers HLH72037 Sd.Kfz.10 Demag D.7 1/48

32211 Do 335 interior (HK Model)

49679 MiG-23ML Flogger G interior SA (Trumpeter)

HLX48356 Wheels for GAZ family (Ace)

32221 Ammo .50

648 134 Ju 88 wheels late (Dragon)

HLX 48357 Russian AA tank T-90 (Micro-Mir)

32222 Conversion set MiG-15bis (HPH Model)

00025 Mesh 6x6 rhomb type steel

648 143 R-77/AA-12 Adder

00030 Template access panels steel

648 147 WGr.21 for Bf 109G (Eduard)

MASTER TOOLS/TRUMPETER

SCALE AIRCRAFT CONVERSIONS

648 148 Bf 109G cannon pods (Eduard)

Tools www.pocketbond.co.uk

White metal undercarriage www.scaleaircraftconversions.com

648 149 Bf 109G-6 wheels (Eduard)

 09957 Tweezers set

1/144

00031 Template ovals and oblong steel 00032 Template ovals steel 00033 Mesh 6x6 square steel

648 153 Bf 109G exhaust stacks (Eduard)

14418 Victor B.2 landing gear (Great Wall)

1/72

649 175 F-104 exhaust nozzle late (Hasegawa/Eduard)

1/72

CX383 EE F.2A Lightning (Airfix)

648 178 Spitfire Mk.V wheels (Airfix)

CX385 S-61A Sea King (Cyber-hobby)

648 181 F-104 undercarriage wheels late (Hasegawa/Eduard)

CX388 Vampire Mk.3/Mk.5 (MPM/Azur)

 648 184 Spitfire Mk.V radio

00034 Mesh 4x4 square steel 00035 Mesh 4x4 rhomb type steel

72102 Vautour landing gear (Special Hobby/Azur) 1/48 48279 P-40 Warhawk landing gear (Hasegawa)

compartment (Airfix)

CX403 Stirling Mk.IV (Italeri) CX407 Bf 110C (Eduard)

PLUS MODEL

73008 Remove Before Flight tags

Resin accessories www.plusmodel.cz

73018 Remove Before Flight tags (yellow/black)

1/35  430 Acid containers

73020 Remove Before Flight tags UK

48280 Westland Whirlwind landing gear (Trumpeter) 1/32 32093 OV-10 Bronco landing gear (Kitty Hawk) 1/24  24009 Hawker Hurricane landing

gear (Airfix)

73021 Remove Before Flight tags 73505 Fw 190F-8 SA (Airfix) 73506 Vampire FB.5 SA (MPM/Azur) 672 032 AIM-7M Sparrow 672 054 AGM-88B HARM 1/48 EX423 MiG-23ML (Trumpeter) EX424 Firefly Mk.I (Special Hobby) EX447 Sea Harrier FA.2 (Kinetic)

1/35 36275 Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.B Tiger II upgrade (Eduard) 36281 StuG.III Ausf.G 1943 (Dragon) 36282 StuG.IV last production (Dragon)

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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KIT COURT

AÉROSPATIALE/WESTLAND GAZELLE

A case by South African modeller Hendrik Brits for a new Gazelle helicopter kit

(UK MoD)

EXHIBIT 1

 Various 1/48 boxings of the Gazelle were released by Fujimi, but they do need scratchbuilt refinement to be added for the best results.

I

t cannot be denied that the Gazelle is one of the more graceful and beautiful helicopters that has graced our skies for the past three decades. Having served globally with many air arms, and increasingly in civilian livery, this rotary workhorse has only been kitted by Fujimi in 1/48 scale, Airfix and Heller in 1/72 scale, and by the latter firm in the slightly odd scale of 1/50. All four kits have, however, been around for donkey’s years and it shows. With the proliferation of 1/48 scale kits that depict fighting equipment from various conflicts since the 1990s, most notably by Airfix of the various Gulf Wars and the Balkans, it is puzzling that the Gazelle

has not received more recent attention from kit producers. Designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale), the Gazelle has also been manufactured under licence by Westland in the UK,

by Yugoslavia’s SOKO, and the Arab British Helicopter Company (ABHCO) in Egypt; France and the UK have been the largest users. Since being brought into service in 1973, the Gazelle has been operated by a wide range of export customers, such as China, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. It has also participated in many conflicts around the world...flown by Syria during the 1982 Lebanon War, by Rwanda in its civil war during the 1990s, and by various air arms in the 1991 Gulf War. With a capable helicopter such as the Gazelle in such wide use, kit manufacturers really should consider a new-tool rendition of this popular machine, especially in 1/48 scale. Why specifically ‘quarter-scale’ scale you may ask? My argument is that it would complement recent Airfix offerings such as the Land

EXHIBIT 2  Old soldier! Airfix's Gazelle in 1/72 scale can still be found on the second-hand market, but again, the detail is a product of its time.

Rovers, Warrior ICV, Merlin, and British Army figures when in the Iraqi theatre. I would therefore appeal, on behalf of the scale ‘rotor head’ community worldwide, to Airfix, Italeri and other major manufacturers to consider this plea; even a 1/72 version would be worth exploring, and the aftermarket industry could have a field day, regardless ❚ of scale.

EXHIBIT 3

 Heller issued a Gazelle in the slightly odd scale of 1/50, and it's detail is fair at best.

HEARINGS If there’s a kit you’d love to see re-released or produced then state your case to the world via AMW. What you need to supply is 300350 words for a ‘reasonable’ case, a good quality photo and two to three high-resolution box-top scans 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: chris.clifford@ keypublishing.com

THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE MAY 7* *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.

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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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