ISSUE 57
FREE! HEINKEL He 111P-2 SUPPLEMENT
product reviews
Blitz
Machine EXCLUSIVE BUILD
AUG 2015 £4.30
SHOW SCENE Poole, Lancing and Milton Keynes
We showcase Airfix’s new 1/72 Heinkel He 111P-2
FORZA DUCATI!
A TOUCH OF SPICE
OLE BILL AT THE FRONT
1/12 Ducati 1199 Panigale S
1/48 Fouga CM.170 Magister
1/32 WWI B Type bus
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EDITOR'S DESK
WELCOME
Editorial
Editor: Assistant Editor: Editor's Secretary:
Chris Clifford Stu Fone Vanessa Smith
Contributors
Eric Larson, Mikael Terfors, Tom Sunley, Malcolm V. Lowe, Peter Johnson, Alan Price, Pete West, Bjørn Olsen, Ian Hartup
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. “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 2014 was 12,005 print and digital copies monthly.
A
WELCOME
recent family holiday to the island of Gozo afforded me the opportunity to visit the Malta Aviation Museum. For some years I have been interested in the siege of Malta during World War Two; my curiosity was first piqued when researching Spitfire schemes, and those fascinating makeshift liveries painted on Malta-bound aircraft proved too good to ignore. But my Spit-related investigations soon burgeoned into other areas, and in no time I‘d read Warburton’s War (concerning Adrian Warburton, the maverick recce pilot), and Faith, Hope and Charity, the story of the three Sea Gladiators flown from Hal Far in the defence of Malta, against weighty opposition. Both provided vital reading and more than lit the fire in terms of inspiration. The museum itself, located at Ta’ Qali (what was RAF Takali), gave me goose bumps when I considered what had occurred there, and on the island in general (which resulted in the people of Malta being collectively awarded the George Cross). The exhibits were superb and the facility’s Director General, Ray Polidano, is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the preservation of Malta-related aircraft, and the history that surrounds them. It’s a great place, and if one is planning a trip to Malta or Gozo, don’t miss it. All this heady stuff got me thinking about the inevitable research when one builds to a theme, particularly if that subject is new to the modeller. Despite the many books and internet searches, one often meets conflicting information or nebulous ‘facts’. With this in mind, our monthly Kit Court page will make way next month for The Plastic Surgery...a regular feature where one can pose questions to our band of contributors, history writers and industry contacts. The query could surround a particular modelling technique (after-market parts, weathering, tools, painting/airbrushing), colour schemes or other subjects. Aircraft, military, cars and bikes, Real Space and science-fiction, maritime and figures...no matter what the arena, we’ll do our best to provide the answer. Personally, I think it will be great fun so let’s see your queries. The sender of each letter printed will be rewarded with a selection of Ultimate Modelling Products sanding sticks. So, we’ll swell the knowledge pool and dish out prizes all at once...what could be better?
FREE MODEL! CLAIM YOUR FREE AIRFIX SPITFIRE PR.XIX OR GLADIATOR MMk.I WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO AMW. SEE PAGE 72.
Chris Clifford, Editor
[email protected] Follow us at www.facebook.com/airfixmodelworld Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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CONTENTS INSIDE
50
EXCLUSIVE BUILD HEINKEL He 111P-2
REGULARS 06 News The latest happenings in the world of plastic modelling.
10 Show Scene At-a-glance model show calendar.
24 Your Airfix Readers get the chance to showcase their own Airfix builds.
72 FREE MODEL! Claim your free Airfix Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX or Gloster Gladiator Mk.I when you subscribe to AMW. AMW
88 On the shelf Twenty pages of reviews highlight the latest modelling products.
114 Kit Court Put forward your case to AMW AMW, as to why a particular ‘missing’ kit subject should be made available.
40
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ASTP
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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OUT AND ABOUT MODELKRAFT
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CONTENTS
INSIDE
74
INTERMEDIATE BUILD DUCATI PANIGALE S
FEATURES 14 Intermediate Build – A Touch of Spice Eric Larson portrays Kinetic’s 1/48 Fouga Magister in an eye-popping Asian colour scheme.
26 Advanced build – Ole Bill at the Front Airfix’s recently re-released B-Type World War One omnibus is improved by Mikael Terfors.
34 Photo Focus – Dutch Delights Tom Sunley provides superb reference photos from Frisian Flag...NATO’s interoperability exercise at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands.
38 Out and About – Bigger and Better Malcolm V Lowe reports on Dorset’s premier modelling event...the Poole Vikings Show.
40 Intermediate Build – Détente in Orbit Forty years ago this month the Apollo-Soyuz ‘link-up’ made history. To mark the occasion, Peter Johnson builds Dragon’s ASTP Project kit and provides reference photos.
49 Special Supplement – Heinkel He 111P-2 An exclusive test-shot build of Airfix’s stunning new 1/72 Heinkel is completed by Alan Price, Pete West provides colour
26
ADVANCED BUILD WWI B TYPE BUS
artwork and Bjørn Olsen tells the tale of the ‘Norwegian’ Heinkel He 111P-2; reference photos of this preserved aircraft are included.
74 Intermediate Build – Forza Ducati! Ian Hartup finds Tamiya’s new 1/12 Ducati Panigale S motorcycle kit an impressive piece of engineering. We also offer useful reference images of the real bike.
84 Out and About – Southern Comfort A cosy atmosphere was experienced by Malcolm V Lowe at this year’s Lancing Model Show.
86 Out and About – Mesmerising ModelKraft AMW’s Assistant Editor Stu Fone found plastic delights aplenty at Milton Keynes. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
PEOPLE POWER! AN EXCITING initiative has been launched by Airfix, whereby the fate of potential re-releases is put in the hands of the modelling public. The experimental KitStarter project allows builders to preorder which older Airfix kit they’d like to see become available again, and once the desired number of votes for any one kit have been reached, the item will then be re-moulded. This facility means that certain kits can be produced again in confidence by Airfix, as they have an immediate buyer base instead of items sitting on shop shelves for
months on end. Example kits will be loaded onto the Kit Starter Forum on a gradual basis, and those that gain enough support will be available on a pre-order basis, but not on general release. Richard Ames, Hornby Hobbies Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is a really exciting initiative for Airfix. We have a very large backcatalogue of model kits, many that are still remembered fondly by our consumers. Our KitStarter crowd-funding platform will enable Hornby to interact much more closely with our consumers. This will help us gauge demand accurately and respond quickly to their requests. Then we can prioritise which models we re-introduce.” At the time of writing, the top five demands are the Beagle Basset,
EASY-BUILD NAVAL ‘SPOOK’
ACADEMY’S NEW 1/72 F-4J ‘Showtime 100’ kit is now available in the UK via Pocketbond. But while the moulding and detail is of top quality, the actual format will divide opinion. The kit is supplied in Intuitive Build guise, whereby no glue is necessary and the whole thing snaps together; the parts also come on black, white and grey runners, to echo the main shades on US Navy Phantoms of the period (as on the firm’s recent 1/48 version). This is splendid for younger modellers, but the kit can also be glued and painted in the traditional manner. And due to the great moulding, experienced modellers now have a completely
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fresh 1/72 ‘J’...a commodity not seen since Hasegawa’s 1990 release. Phantom experts replace the kit's Mk.82 ‘slicks’ as they are pointed instead of having fuzes in the nose, and the AIM-9Ds have incorrect fins. Wing and centreline fuel tanks, and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles are provided though. The kit echoes its 1/48 hangar-mate, in that it is has full-length and well-detailed exhaust/ afterburner units, a one-piece upper fuselage and moulded instrument/ console features. Waterslide decals for two VF-96 schemes are given, along with self-adhesive stickers for younger modellers. For further details visit: www.pocketbond.co.uk
JUNIOR CONSTRUCTION AIRFIX HAS released two new kits in its Quick Build range for youngsters. With Lego-style components, the snap-together products depict the super-sleek McLaren P1 (J6013) and classic Volkswagen Beetle (J6015). Priced at £9.99 each, they both have 36 parts and present an easy and fun entry into building things, for children aged five and upwards. The Beetle was built by the Editor (with direction from his five-year-old son!), and the fit was very good indeed.
SR-N1 Hovercraft, SR.53, Fireball XL5 and 1/48 Buccaneer. Sadly, Airfix no longer has the tooling for Fireball and the SR.53, while a quality problem with the Bucc’s fuselage mouldings will prevent that kit’s re-emergence. But there
are many other splendid vintage Airfix products to vote for, so why not have your say and help to get the dust blown off some classic Airfix moulds. To register one’s interest, visit: www.airfix.com/ uk-en/kitstarter/
SHUTTLE ORBITER
DRAGON HAS already impressed Real Space fans with its 1/144 Space Shuttle and SCA, even if it had one or two flaws, and now it has released the Orbiter as a separate offering (11004)...complete with a satellite mini-kit. A revised runner F provides the majority of new components, such as landing gear and the satellite, although the latter does not appear to be identified in any way. Large areas of the fuselage and wings have been produced as clear parts and, when coupled with the open cargo bay door option, will showcase the excellent interior
detail and structural features. Unfortunately the main error on the forward fuselage has not been corrected, and still portrays an escape hatch on both sides, whereas on the real spacecraft there was just a hatch on the port side. A confusing aspect surrounds the markings for Discovery due to the box-art, which actually depicts Atlantis on final approach to land. However, the Cartograf-printed decals are excellent, as they offer a fair representation of the trademark wings and fuselage tile structure. www.hobbyco.net
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
WESTLAND'S CENTURY
HELICOPTER MANUFACTURER AgustaWestland is sponsoring a special competition category at this year’s IPMS ScaleModelworld, to help mark the firm’s 100th anniversary. One can enter a model in the special class as long as it portrays an aircraft or helicopter built by Westland since the firm’s beginning. The choice is myriad and eclectic; from companydesigned machines such as the Whirlwind fighter, Wyvern and Wapiti, to licence-built examples such as the Short 184 floatplane and Seafire. The legendary Sea King and Lynx are viable options, of course. An AgustaWestlandsponsored trophy is up for
Eduard kits EDK7046 1:72 Junkers J.I. Decals printed by Cartograf, 4 marking options. PE and mask included, full colour instructions. £13.99
grabs for the first-placed modeller, but the top-three placed individuals will also get to display their builds at AW’s headquarters
in Yeovil, Somerset. For further details on the show (November 7-8, 2015) and all competition classes, visit: www.smwshow.com
Eduard kits EDK8149 1:48 Polikarpov I-16 Typ 24 Decals printed by Cartograf, 4 marking options. PE and mask included, full colour instructions. £16.99
TUDOR WARSHIP DETAILS A TWO-PART photo-etched brass detail package for Airfix’s Mary Rose is now available from Scalewarship. The first set (the largest of the two, PE0174), provides a wealth of embellishment for this recent 1/400 rendition of Henry VIII’s Carrack-type warship. Proprietor Robin Carpenter is very proud of
these brass improvements, which include new decks, hatch frames and covers, forward bulkhead, walkways and netting frames, ladders, anchors, cannon port cover and decorative shields. Plastic rod and beam completes the product. Set two (PE0175) offers a complete array of port and starboard ratlines. The
quality of the etching is first rate and this brass will make a real showpiece out of a sweet little kit. For further details visit: www.scalewarship.com
Eduard kits EDK8156 1:48 rereleased! Fokker E.III Decals printed by Eduard, 5 marking options. PE and mask included, full colour instructions. £19.80
Eduard kits EDK84127 1:48 Mikoyan MiG-21PF Eduard plastic (2014 tool), decals printed by Eduard, 2 marking options. NO PE, NO Mask, NO resin included, full colour instructions. £22.60
ASK THE EXPERTS
AS ONE may have just read in the Editor’s Welcome, this issue’s Kit Court page will be our last look at ‘wish list’ releases...and it will be replaced by a new feature called The Plastic Surgery. Essentially an ‘ask the experts’ page, readers can pick the brains of AMW’s knowledgeable team of contributors, history writers and industry contacts on any facet of the hobby, from methods and techniques
such as weathering, scratchbuilding and airbrushing, to research queries concerning colour schemes, weapons loads and more. Depending on their suitability and how many we receive, up to three queries will be answered each month, and the sender of
every one printed will receive a selection of sanding sticks from Ultimate Modelling Products. Simply e-mail your query (with The Plastic Surgery in the subject line) to: chris.clifford@keypublishing. com, or with a typed letter by post, to: The Plastic Surgery, World, Key Airfix Model World Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, United Kingdom. Come on...let’s see those modelling conundrums!
Eduard kits EDK84128 1:48 Mikoyan MiG-21MFN decals printed by Eduard, 2 marking options. NO PE, NO Mask, NO resin included, full colour instructions. £22.60
H G HANNANT LTD HARBOUR ROAD, OULTON BROAD, LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK, NR32 3LZ
www.hannants.co.uk Tel: 01502 517444 0845 130 7248 (Local rate) Email:
[email protected] Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
{in brief}
RUSSIAN ARMOURY
KEEP CLEAN AND SHOP! UK kit importer Pocketbond now has two very handy AFV Club items for sale. The first is a branded modelling apron, in trendy digital pattern and with an embroidered Tiger I tank, with tool slots and two pockets (one with zip) on the front...splendid for protecting one’s togs from being spoiled or stained by paint, glue, pigments or thinners. Secondly, there’s a very useful nylon and cotton shoulder bag with the same branding and pattern; it folds into a very small package, but open it out and one has a decent-sized bag for shopping at model shows! For further details visit: www.pocketbond.co.uk
WHILE THERE are plenty of accurate aircraft kits, the weapons supplied are not always up to scratch. It’s been years since
Dragon’s 1/72 Soviet sets were available, but Hasegawa has now released a 1/72 Russian Aircraft Weapons Set (35201) which
addresses the shortfall, with two examples each of runners G and M from its Su-27 kits. It includes four B-8 rocket pods, KAB-1500 laserguided bombs, Kh-31, R-73, R-27ET and R-27R missiles, two R-60 and R-77 missiles and two figures. There are sufficient adapter rails and pylons for a varied weapons fit to any aircraft and even a twin-store carrier for the rocket pods, although the commonly used B-13 pod is not included in this set. While there are stencils for the rocket pods, it is disappointing that the remainder of the weapons receive just basic painting and marking instructions, although test/trials grids are included for the Kh-31s. www.amerang.co.uk
VINTAGE TRAINER
FELINE GROUNDPOUNDER Tomcat fans shouldn’t miss this new 100-page bookazine from the team behind AMW’s sister publication AirForces Monthly. ‘Bombcat’ gives an extensive examination of the F-14B/D sub-types, their capabilities and combat operations over Iraq, the Balkans and Afghanistan. With first-hand aircrew accounts, and in-action photographs from private and official sources, this is a great reference on the awesome Bombcat. Available now from all good newsagents, WH Smith and Key Publishing’s web shop: www.shop.keypublishing.com
UK-BASED S and M Models is to release an all-new 1/72 styrene kit of the Hunting Percival
STARS OF THE SHOW also be available. Other Tamiya goodies to come include a scaleddown 1/48 version of the firm's 1/35 German 3 ton 4x2 cargo Truck, and upgraded re-releases of the 1/12 Team Lotus Type 49B 1968 and Honda RA273 F1 cars. These kits will be available in the UK via The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
JAPAN’S RECENT Shizuoka Hobby Fair buzzed with excitement over Tamiya’s all-new 1/32 Mosquito FB Mk.VI. The impressive beast should be available by the end of this month, and features a host of amazing detail in the cockpit, belly bomb/gun bay and nose gun bay.
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‘Piston’ Provost T.1 trainer. The item (SMK72-31), will consist of around 50 parts, and
is scheduled to appear in four different boxings, with decals for two to three colour schemes in each; these will include RAF, Ireland, Rhodesia, Burma, Sudan and Iraq among others...civilian liveries will also be provided. The kit should be released in time for this November’s IPMS UK’s ScaleModelworld show at Telford, and it’s pleasing to have an alternative to the CMR mixed media kit of the type in the same scale, for those yet to master resin kits. www.sandmmodels.co.uk
Another welcome announcement was the same firm’s new-tool 1/35 Panther Ausf.D tank, which has been produced after Tamiya designers studied a real vehicle in the Netherlands. Slide-moulding ensures crisp features, and three ‘detail-up’ sets (and individual track links) will
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
NIC’S ‘OLD NICK’ Steve Budd
FURTHER TO the photo of RAF Coningsby’s Battle of Britaincoloured Typhoon GN-A in last month’s News, we now offer this useful shot of its Red Devil badge, added after our press day. The artwork was applied due to the
DIORAMA RELIEF
THE TRADITIONAL method for creating a cobbled and/or brick diorama base has been to use either sections of pre-cast plaster, painstakingly carve the pattern into a blank wooden or plaster block, or use sections of cork. Thanks to advances in printing technology, though, this task has been made much easier by Tamiya. The company has now released a series of diorama material sheets, the first of which feature stone paving (87165) and brick (87168) patterns. Relief-printed on thick paper, these sheets can easily be cut to the required shape and secured to a base with either tape, wood glue or spray adhesive. Both items are available in the UK from The Hobby Company. For further details visit www.hobbyco.net
efforts of AMW’s Steve Budd, who notified Coningsby about ‘Beelzebub’s’ existence on James Brindley Nicolson VC’s Hurricane Mk.I GN-A. It was this aircraft depicted by Steve in our March 2015 issue (with Airfix’s new-tool
kit), but at that time AMW didn’t know about the red devil until being contacted by Nicolson’s nephew, Jim Nicolson. We think it’s the first time that a real aircraft’s colour scheme has been influenced directly by a modelling magazine! Thankfully, Xtradecal is offering this 75th anniversary Battle of Britain Typhoon livery on its next RAF Update decal sheet, and for those who wish to portray Nicolson’s Hurricane accurately, Aviaeology is producing a red devil badge to update its own decals (used on AMW’s build) for the original Hurricane scheme. The latter on its own will only be available for registered Aviaeology customers, but will be added to re-printed sheets for the masses.
WEATHERING AND MORE
ULTIMATE MODELLING Products is a new brand launched last year, and AMW has received a selection of the firm’s items for appraisal. Anyone with weathering tasks ahead should consider Ultimate’s acrylic washes, which come in shades such as Concrete, Rust, Dark/Light Dirt, Sand and Mud, in 50ml bottles; they are non-toxic and non-flammable. The firm also offers its own airbrush thinner and cleaner, in 270ml bottles, and for armour enthusiasts, 125ml bottles of Burnishing Liquid are available,
for natural-looking weathering of metal tank tracks/links. A wide range of sanding sponges, in different grades, offers flexibility in neatening one’s model, while the firm’s Photo-Etch Placer (which looks like a white pencil crayon), will banish for good that horrible ‘ping!’ moment, when one grips a PE part too hard with tweezers. We’ll be testing these products on future builds. For more information visit: www.umpretail.com
CLASSIC BRITISH JETS AND PROPS
RAM MODELS has new and forthcoming products to delight those who favour Royal Air Force subjects. The firm’s superb decal sheet (144-001) for the VC-10 due this month offers four special schemes for this famous airrefueller. All are in low-vis grey 101 Squadron garb, but with colourful tails. They are: XV104 ’40 Years of RAF Service’, 2006; XV102 ‘1,000 Years of Oxfordshire, 2007; XV105, 90th Anniversary 101 Sqn, 2008; XR808 95th Anniversary 101 Sqn. Also just released are two sheets that will have Phantom fans in rapture, as they offer 1/72 and 1/48 British prototype F-4K/M liveries; these include aircraft used by BAe, the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment Boscombe Down, Naval Air Support Unit and 767 Naval Air Squadron; some of these schemes have not been available before in decal form. To excite modellers who favour British Cold War and civil subjects even further, RAM has bought the rights to the old Airways Vacform model range, and the firm will release the original 1/72 VC-10 in November this year in C.1 and C.1K format, across four separate boxings but with allnew decals. The other Airways kits that will eventually reach the marketplace are: AW Argosy, BAC 1-11 Series 300-400, Bristol Britannia, de Havilland Comet 4C, Vickers Valetta/Viking and Vickers Viscount. www.rammodels.co.uk
Search: 'Airfix Model World' Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SHOW SCENE
DIARY DATES
SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model and airshow calendar
Modelfest 2015 Hosts:
IPMS Farnborough
Address: Kings International College, Watchetts Drive, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2PQ
19 SEP, 2015 KINGS INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £4, concessions £2, accompanied under 16s free
Tel:
N/A
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.ipms-farnborough. co.uk
JUL 12
THE MOORLANDS MODEL SHOW
JUL 26
MIDLAND EXPO 2015
AUG 9
AVON PLASTIC MODEL AND WARGAMING SHOW
AUG 16
HULL MODEL EXPO 2015
Hosts:
IPMS Staffordshire Moorlands Model Club
Hosts:
IPMS Birmingham
Hosts:
IPMS Avon and Lincombe Barn Wargaming Society
Hosts:
Hull Scale Model Club
Address: The TA Centre, Martin Leake House, Waterloo Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3HJ Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £3, concessions and children £2
Tel:
01782 721463
Email:
smmcmodelclub@hotmail. co.uk
Web:
www.smmc.moonfruit.com
JUL 25
FIGUREWORLD 2015
Hosts:
The Figure Modellers Collective
Address: Leasowes Leisure Centre, Leasowes High School, Kent Road, Halesowen, B62 8PJ Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £4, OAPs/under-16s £2, family (2+2) £10
Adults £4.50, under-16s £2
Tel:
01482 341139
midland.expo.publicity@ gmail.com
07748 988102
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
hullscalemodelclub@ mail.com
Web:
www.midlandexpo. blogspot.co.uk
Web:
www.ipmsavon.org.uk
Web:
www.hullscalemodelclub. co.uk
JUL 26
ESSEX MODELLER’S SHOW 2015
AUG 15-16
IPMS MAR DEL PLATA 30TH ANNIVERSARY MODEL SHOW
AUG 23
Hosts:
IPMS Hornchurch, IPMS South East Essex, IPMS Chelmsford & Essex MAFVA
Hosts:
IPMS Argentina Mar Del Plata
NORTHWEST KITSWAP 2015
Hosts:
IPMS Lancashire
Email:
£3
Times:
10am-4pm
Tel:
N/A
Prices:
Email:
elanlane13@btinternet. com
Adults £3, child/OAP £1.50
KEY
) MODEL COMPETITION m AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
Adults £2, OAPs £1, children free
Tel:
9.30am-4pm
E MODEL DISPLAY
10am-4pm
Prices:
Prices:
Prices:
www.facebook.com/ FigureworldModelShow
Times:
9.30am-4.30pm
Times:
Web:
Address: KC Stadium, West Park, Hull, HU3 6HU
Times:
Address: Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Ave, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0SZ
Address: The Great Hall, Oundle School, Oundle, PE8 4GH
Address: Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Hill, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 3BJ
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.sticky-fingers.org.uk/ EssexModelShow
Address: Uthgra Hotel, Alfonsina Hall, Tucuman 2662, Mar Del Plata, Argentina Times:
Sat 9.30am-8pm Sun 9.30am-5pm
Prices:
Free
Email:
ipmsmardelplata@gmail. com
Web:
www.ipms-mardelplata. com.ar
Address: Canberra Club, Samlesbury Aerodrome, Balderstone, Lancashire, BB2 7LF Times:
10am-3pm
Prices:
Adults £1, children free
Tel:
N/A
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.ipmslancashire. wordpress.com
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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Salute W E
N
Battle of Britain
RAF Salute Battle of Britain 75 is an officially endorsed Royal Air Force souvenir publication commemorating the RAF’s role in one of history’s greatest air battles. Written and edited by expert contributors, this exciting 100-page special magazine provides an insightful overview of the RAF’s pivotal role before, during and immediately subsequent to the Battle. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
BATTLE JOINED The Battle of Britain period described and analysed 75 years on THE COMMANDERS A heady leadership mix of brilliance and animosity drove RAF Fighter Command through its finest hour
JUST
*
9 9 . 5 £
SYNCHRO DISPLAY 75 Salute talks to the pilots behind the spectacular 75th anniversary Typhoon/ Spitfire synchro display BATTLE OF BRITAIN SURVIVOR Behind the scenes with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s veteran Spitfire Mk II
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
Eric Larson gets a taste of the exotic with Kinetic’s recent 1/48 Magister, finished in Bangladeshi markings
M
Eleven parts defined the cockpit interior and featured convincing moulded detail. The control columns were particularly well rendered. Dry-brushed grey enamel highlighted the panel details, while yellow and red acrylic craft paints provided additional colour. Testors’ Clear Parts Cement & Window Maker was used to simulate dial glass. Instrument detail was replicated with India ink applied over white paint in each dial, and carefully scratched away with a small sewing needle.
agister - Latin for master or teacher was an appropriate name for the diminutive V-tailed trainer that has served more than 20 nations in various roles including trainer, ground attack, and aerobatic demonstrator. Over the years, Fouga’s little jet has been well represented in 1/72 scale by Airfix, Heller, and Valom but until this past year the only notable 1/48 offering was the limited-run multi-media Fonderie Miniatures kit. In early 2014 Kinetic released its 1/48 Magister and at first the price for such a small subject seemed excessive until one realised that two complete models came in the box!
What’s in store? One clear and three grey injection-moulded runners, and a small brass photo-etched (PE) fret, were supplied for each
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
Seatbelts were fashioned from 1mm strips of paper, combined with spare PE parts. Shoulder harness guides were made from Evergreen strip styrene and fine jewellery wire.
Weathering and dry-brushing with pastels helped to bring the overall black cockpit to life.
of the two models. Markings for a Belgian, two French, and two Israeli aircraft, along with appropriate airframe stencils, were provided on the beautiful
The Magister's complex nose gear structure comprised six parts, including the forward bulkhead. The latter served as a jig, which kept the supports aligned properly during assembly.
optional parts, some of which were not referenced in the instructions, so finding information on the particular aircraft being modelled was key to identifying which components to use. Not having any reference books to hand, Google searches provided a plethora of internal and external detail photos. Max Decals does, though, sell a superb Fouga reference book.
Builder beware kit decal sheet from Cartograf. For AMW’s model though, an eyepopping Bangladesh Air Force training scheme from Max Decals’ International Fouga Magister Selection (4823) was chosen. Kinetic provided numerous
As work began, it was soon apparent that the kit instructions were, in a word, poor. Erroneous part numbers, missing or vague placement indicators, incorrect or missing assembly sequences, and limited colour call-outs made every step a challenge. The fit was hit and miss throughout the build, too,
Kinetic’s decals The kit sheet provided well-printed markings for five colour schemes: • 272/15 ‘Diablo Rouge’, Belgian Air Force • VP585, Patrouille de France • 312-AX/529, Armée de l’Air • White 216, 147 Sqn, Israeli AF, 1967 • Black 158, Israeli AF Flight School, 1976
Kinetic provided numerous optional parts Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER Once the cockpit tub was cemented into place in the left fuselage half, lead sheet was inserted beneath the tub and secured with five-minute epoxy to prevent tail-sitting.
Canopy conundrum Millimetre-wide steps discovered when the canopy sections were test fitted demanded a creative solution. Clear styrene is notoriously brittle, but fortunately the thin transparencies permitted enough flex to allow the parts to be widened sufficiently. Though not used, the one-piece closed canopy had the same fit problem as those for the open option. Sections cut from a round toothpick acted as spreader bars for the three static canopy parts. Once the proper width was achieved, each part (with bar still in place) was dipped briefly in nearboiling water, which set the adjustment permanently. This treatment was not necessary for the two open sections as the width difference was not noticeable.
This shows why the nose weights went under the cockpit tub! Sadly, once the top cover was in place, just a limited view of this elegant structure through the gear bay opening was possible.
so constant dry-fitting and fettling where required was the rule. Construction began with the cockpit tub, which comprised 11 parts with sufficient moulded detail. Optional rear bulkheads were provided (parts A8 and A10) but nothing indicated which was appropriate for a particular markings option; A8 was chosen for this model. Contrary to the instructions, the instructor’s
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periscope, shown as part D9 actually comprised two parts – D9 and D11. Cockpit surfaces and fuselage sidewalls were painted matt black, followed by dry-brushed light grey enamel. Details were then picked out with red, yellow, and silver acrylic craft paints. Two tanks mounted behind the front seat were painted white with brass regulators and black supports,
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
while light grey and brown pastel dust was rubbed into the cockpit floor to simulate dirt and wear. Instrument dial detail was achieved with a technique where each was painted white, and followed by a drop of black India ink. A sewing needle held in a pin vice was used to scratch away the dried ink and expose the underlying white. Once painting was completed, the main cockpit parts were assembled apart from the seats, which were saved for later. Magisters were not equipped with ejection seats, and instead had simple units reminiscent of those found in a World War Two aircraft. Kinetic’s seats looked the part and were painted brown with khaki cushions and leather backs, the latter simulated by a matt
black base coat dry-brushed with raw sienna oil paint. No seatbelts were provided, so these were fashioned from 1mm strips of thin paper and PE hardware was sourced from the spares box.
Fuselage fun
which were halved and came with a pair of turbine fan inserts. Prior to assembly, the trunk interiors received a coat of the ivory mix, while the fans were painted Citadel Chain Mail followed by a brown oil wash. Unfortunately, the completed trunks were so narrow, that the turbines were hidden after assembly. This also effectively hid inside seams between the trunk
MODEL SPEC
Other than the black cockpit, Magister interior surfaces were often painted an off-white ‘ivory’
an eye-popping Bangladesh Air Force training scheme was chosen
colour, which a 50-50 mix of Floquil Railroad Colors Reefer White and Antique White provided. Work on the fuselage began with the installation of full-length intake/exhaust trunks, each of
halves, so no effort was made to neaten them. In a departure from the instructions, the intake lips were set aside until later but the aft exhaust inserts were attached to the fuselage halves prior to trunk installation. Tolerances between the trunks and fuselage halves were tight, so careful trimming of the trunk ends aided placement. The cockpit tub was
Fouga CM.170 Magister By:
Kinetic
Stock Code: K48051 Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $39.99
Available from: Lucky Model, www.luckymodel.com
The kit’s wing tank light inserts, one of which is seen between the two tanks, were undersized, and so chunks cut from clear styrene were cemented in place, filed to shape and polished. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
The fit of the wing control surfaces was excellent. Flap mounting tabs marked in black were removed to allow attachment in the raised position; if the lowered pose was desired, the unmarked tabs would have been removed. An epic instruction fail showed the radio equipment insert installed in the opening behind the rear cockpit bulkhead, which was obviously far too large. It actually attached neatly to the rear canopy’s underside.
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then installed in the left fuselage half, and to ensure the finished model rested on its nosewheel, thin strips of lead sheet were cemented beneath the cockpit tub with twopart epoxy. After determining which fuselage antennas were to be used, the appropriate locator holes were opened and the fuselage halves were joined and secured with clamps while the cement cured. Next, the two forward intake housing inserts were installed followed by the lips. Undersized strakes along the upper and lower intake vents were replaced with 0.010in (0.25mm) Evergreen strip styrene. Four parts formed the complex nose gear, which represented the actual structure most convincingly. The front bulkhead, part C72, served as an assembly jig for the truss-like support but was not attached permanently at this time. Painted ivory, with details picked out in black and silver, the bulkhead was then attached to the fuselage, which allowed testfitting and fettling of the main nose halves and cover without interference from the nose gear. Once satisfied with the overall fit,
the support structure, painted Alclad Aluminum, was attached to the bulkhead. After opening holes for the loop antennas, parts C19 and C20, the gunless nose halves were joined to each other and then the bulkhead, followed by the top cover. Small gaps around the latter were filled with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, sanded smooth, and lost panel lines re-instated. Several more fuselage inserts were then cemented in place and the seams neatened. A glaring instructional error was revealed when attempting to install the radio equipment insert behind the rear seat as illustrated – the opening was too large! The part actually attaches to the underside of the aft glazing. Numerous fuselage vents, scoops, and fairings were removed from their runners, neatened and attached. Placement of these tiny parts was poorly indicated in the
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER A base coat of Alclad White Primer was necessary prior to application of the translucent yellow and orange paints.
Montex vinyl paint masks made easy work of preparing the interior and exterior canopy frames for painting.
instructions, but photos found online aided the task. Testors' Chrome Silver was applied to the clear nose light’s inside surface, after which it was cemented in place with CA.
Butterfly Tail The signature V-tail comprised six injection-moulded parts and four prominent PE mass balances. In yet another instruction fail, no assembly diagrams were provided for the tail parts. As the tailplanes were handed, this was not a big deal though the separate ruddervators could fit on either side. The correct orientation was with the trim tab actuator arms on the underside. The completed tail surfaces fitted solidly into the rear fuselage with minor filling needed around the bases, but the delicate mass balances were set aside until the final steps to prevent damage.
With all airframe painting completed, application of the superb Max Decals markings commenced. These are available from www.maxdecals.com.
Moving to the wings, optional inserts allowed the airbrakes to be displayed retracted or extended. The brakes themselves were provided as PE pieces, but were not used as they were seldom seen extended on the ground. Rocket
and bomb pylons were provided, the mounting holes for which must be opened before joining the wing halves, but as this model was an unarmed trainer, this was not done. Wheel well interiors were painted ivory and the wing halves joined.
The signature V-tail comprised six injection-moulded parts Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
Rather than using the clear inserts provided for the emergency canopy releases, the openings were first painted white and red followed by a small piece of silver wire, after which they were filled with Envirotex Lite casting resin (available at amazon.co.uk).
Separate ailerons and flaps were provided with the latter having two sets of locating posts for raised or lowered poses. The flaps were installed in the raised position and the fit of the flaps and ailerons into the wing was excellent. But the wing tank light inserts were undersized, and so chunks of clear styrene were cemented in place with CA, sanded to shape and polished. Two sturdy tabs and bevelled edges on each wing root made for solid fuselage attachments, with just a touch of filler and light sanding needed to blend the joins.
Canopy concerns Kinetic provided closed and opened canopy options, with the former being a single part while the latter comprised five components and was the choice for this model. But positioning the static sections over the cockpit revealed a problem – they were too narrow by a millimetre or more. A creative and daring solution was devised and is described in the accompanying panel. Montex's canopy mask set SM48406, which included
interior and exterior protection, was applied in preparation for painting...after which the five canopy inner surfaces were painted Interior Black, and those masks were then removed. The previously mentioned equipment insert, painted an ivory shade with black radio boxes, was installed in the aft glazing section after which it and the windscreen were cemented in place.
Colours and markings Most of the airframe was yellow and orange and, as paints of these colours are notoriously translucent, white primer was a must. Alclad White Primer & Microfiller was
After the decals were sealed under a coat of Mr. Color 46 Clear Gloss, a thin brown oil wash was applied to panel lines and other surface details.
Kinetic provided closed and opened canopy options {20}
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
airbrushed over the entire model, which also served to fill minor scratches and seam lines. Once dried thoroughly, the primer was buffed gently with a dry paper coffee filter. Next, several light coats of Mr. Color (MC) 4 Yellow were sprayed over the entire fuselage, tail and the wings from the roots to half-way out. MC 59 Orange was used for the outer wing sections and tail, and these were masked and painted in two stages to ease
handling. The nose, intake lips, and tip tanks were then masked and MC 79 Shine Red was applied. Finally, the bare-metal exhaust areas were masked and airbrushed Alclad Dark Aluminum shaded with
MIG Productions’ Concrete Dust pigment, applied with a micro-brush, gave an appropriately grubby look to the tyre surfaces. Note the inner door retraction strut positions, which were not shown clearly in the instructions.
Small drain tubes made from fine brass tubing were added to either side of the tail. Also visible here is the tail light formed from a drop of five-minute epoxy.
Jet Exhaust. Since Mr. Color paints used were gloss, no clear coat was required prior to decal application. The superb Max Decals markings featured exceptionally thin carrier film and splendid colour density. Responding well to Micro Set and Sol, they appeared painted-on when dry. The decal placement diagrams showed just the schemespecific marking, and so some airframe stencils from the Max Decal and kit sheets were applied, as per reference photographs. To seal the decals the entire model was given a thin coat of MC 46 Clear Gloss; all Mr. Color paints, including the clear, were thinned 2:1 with MC Levelling Thinner for airbrushing. Once the clear coat had dried, panel lines were highlighted with a pin wash of MIG Productions Wash Brown thinned with odourless turpentine. Allowed to dry overnight, excess wash was removed easily by rubbing the model gently with a paper coffee filter, while a few stubborn areas were cleaned with a turpentinemoistened cotton bud. A final coat of MC 46 Clear sealed the wash.
Training Wheels
reference Mushroom Model Publishing has just released a brand new132-page book on the Fouga Magister, and it’s a great reference tool. While Max Decals had already published a splendid book on the type, that work does focus almost entirely on aircraft operated by the Irish Air Corps. Here, though, Mushroom’s book takes a much wider perspective and covers the Fouga from a global standpoint. Most of this splendid softback is filled by good interior and exterior colour walk-around photos, but there is also an interesting history section with appropriate period imagery, along with black and white 1/48 and 1/72 scale drawings. The real gem, though, is the collection of 34 colour profiles, which help to confirm that the Magister was certainly one of the world’s most colourful types; the schemes represent aircraft from Brasil, Togo, Senegal, El Salvador, Gabon, Cameroon, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Morocco, Algeria and other operators. Fouga Magister, by Tine Soetaert (MMP), ISBN: 978-83-63678-38-8 www.mmpbooks.biz
Kinetic accurately replicated the special grooved nose tyre, which was designed to direct runway water spray away from the intakes. All three wheels comprised tyre halves and a separate hub, which were assembled after painting. Undercarriage struts and braces were painted Alclad Aluminium, with the Floquil ivory mix used for all door interiors, and door exteriors were painted to match the surrounding airframe. The fit of the various undercarriage parts Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER
After one of the two pitots was lost, matching replacements were made from styrene and hypodermic tubing. Bases punched from styrene sheet were sanded to an oval shape and, as per reference photos, the new items were made slightly higher than the originals.
Notable details visible here include the pitot tubes forward of the windscreen, nose loop antennas, seat belts, wire whip antenna, and canopy supports. Evidence of the hot water treatment’s success in widening the static canopy sections is also apparent.
was generally good, particularly the main struts, but the retraction struts were a little long so the inner mounting post was clipped off and the strut end cemented to the bay roof. Large hinges on the inner and outer main door needed to be thinned to fit into their respective slots and once the wheels were
breakage or loss while handling. Two small vent pipes made from hollow brass micro-tubing were added to either side of the tail, and several antenna blades, with their oversized square mounting pegs removed and bases thinned, were cemented to the fuselage underside. Fine bronze wire
attached, MIG Productions’ Concrete Dust pigment was applied to the tyres with a micro-brush, which ensured a lightly worn appearance.
Final bits Many small items were left off until the final stage to prevent
the elegant little model certainly brightened the display shelf
replaced the thick plastic dorsal whip antenna, while the prominent red and white nose loop antennas were cemented in place with care taken to ensure they were level. Also at this time, the PE mass balances on the tail and wings were attached with thin CA. A frustrating event occurred when one of the two small pitot tubes launched itself into oblivion while being neatened, prior to attachment in front of the windscreen, and so two replacement parts were made from styrene scraps and stainless steel hypodermic tubing, which turned out to be an improvement over the originals. Lastly, the two open canopy sections and their support struts were cemented in place.
Mastering the Magister Once completed, this elegant model certainly brightened the display shelf...but getting there wasn't that easy. Niggling fit issues, numerous delicate parts, and frustrating instructions made this a kit for more experienced modellers only. Conversely, since Kinetic provided two kits in the box, after having mastered the first, the second example ought to be much easier! ❚
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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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YOUR AIRFIX
SPITFIRE Mk.I
YOUR
AIRFIX
Airfix’s new 1/48 Spitfire Mk.I provided a pleasurable and nostalgic experience for Paul O’Donovan
ike most modellers, I’ve been building Airfix kits since I was very young. The first I can remember was a 1/72 Canberra, which was constructed with considerable help from my uncle, who was also an avid modeller. The Spitfire has always been my favourite piston-engined
aircraft, but I’ve lost count of how many I’ve built over the years. The 1/48 model here is the latest Spitfire Mk.I from Airfix which is based on the company’s new-tool Mk.V from last year. It’s a gem and I built it straight from the box; the only addition being
Eduard seatbelts. The kit was painted with Vallejo acrylics and weathered with various brands of pigments. I was pleased with the marking scheme chosen by Airfix; this aircraft was flown by Plt Off Osgood Villiers Hanbury of 602 Squadron, which flew from West Hampnett, close to where I live.
I really enjoyed this kit...if you’re a Spitfire fan, you’d be mad no get one of these for your collection. I’d like to dedicate this build to my Uncle Alan, who sat patiently with me so many years ago and helped me with that Canberra! Paul O’Donovan West Sussex
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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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
Mikael Terfors builds the venerable and recently re-released Airfix Type B Omnibus... and finds it in surprisingly good shape
Ole Bill
T
he B-type, developed by the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC), was the first successful mass-produced motor bus. Introduced in 1910, it replaced the standard horse drawn coaches, but as the Great War broke out the British army found it was somewhat lacking
in motorised transport for a conflict on the continent. The solution to this crisis was solved by seizing civilian vehicles, such as furniture removal vans and buses. It must have come as a nasty shock to London Transport (LTS), when some 300 double-decker buses, were impounded by the Army Transport Corps in October
Firewall and bonnet parts all had very fine detail. Note the old-fashioned way of stamping the parts number on the back.
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at the
Front
1914. About half of those had the gaudy advertising boards removed before they received a coat of ‘Service Green’ and were promptly shipped to France. Today only a handful survives, and the recent London Transport Museum restoration and ‘Battle bBproject’ was a great source of information for the build in this article.
Classic contents First released in the early 1960s, the military version of this kit came in 1966, two years before the author was even born! Of course this raised questions of how well the kit had stood the test of time. Looking inside the box, it had all the hallmarks of a vintage kit; old-style blue-grey plastic runners with prominent ‘plugs’ and, in
The sides showed signs of warping and there were several ejector pin marks that needed attention...the mouldings, though, were crisp.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
MODEL SPEC
With thin strips of plastic card, the floor was covered and discs were stamped for added firewall detail. The pedals were bent into shape with leftover PE. WWI B Type bus ‘Ole Bill’ Gift Set By:
Airfix
Stock Code: A50163 Scale:
1/32
Price:
£24.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
places, a fair amount of flash. The sides for the coach body were pretty badly warped – although they looked manageable. Very fine details such as rivets and bolt heads were apparent and many of the components looked surprisingly crisp for a 50-year old kit. Dry-fitting some of the parts added to the positive feeling. Apart from the plastic, the box contained a small decal sheet, and printed cardboard to acting as window boards. A crew of soldiers was also supplied, but even though they looked buildable they were
The suspension, transmission and engine after enhancement; not much of this work would be seen once in place, but a casual glance would yield a ‘fuller’ impression.
perhaps not quite up to modern standards. This promised to be an interesting build indeed.
Conversion or straight from the box? This project could either be built as it came, as a nostalgia trip, or as an excursion into scratchbuilding. The decision to make an effort at enhancing and updating the kit was taken almost immediately, but the decision of just how much and what to ‘fix’ was made while under way. Because of this, construction was
not always done in the sequence laid out in the instructions. Construction started with attachment of the chassis to the back body floor, and this straightened the slightly bent chassis into its correct shape. The next step was to assemble the bonnet, radiator and engine covers, and these all came together with very little effort and no filler. This was a story that was to repeat itself throughout the build – a surprisingly small amount of filler was used in general. With the chassis and engine cover assembly ready, they were dry-fitted with the driver’s floor and seating bench. This revealed a rather tight fit, and the thickness of the parts had to be reduced, and it was at this stage that the first enhancements were made. The firewall came
“The components looked surprisingly crisp for a 50-year-old kit” Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
The front wall of the coach was first put in place as a guide for the sides. Fit between the driver’s seating, firewall and the coach was tight and needed attention.
Once the driving gear and axles were installed, they made for a busy look. The connecting rods were scratch-built from leftover PE and plastic.
with quite pleasing detail, but a few circular fittings were missing. These were stamped out of plastic sheeting with a circle punch, while other details were added via photo-etched(PE) brass. The floor and driver’s bench were covered in thin plastic strips to simulate wooden planking and with the foundation of the bus done, it was time to have a closer look at the coachwork.
Upstairs, downstairs The back step and the coach floor both had rather pleasing ribs...and the fit here was generally very good.
{28}
Trawling the net for information revealed that some details needed attention. The kit came with three raised panels moulded on the coach sides, but this would
in fact not have been the case with the B Type vehicle of the Great War. Although it seemed a shame, these were sanded for a more accurate look. With a Dremel tool and vigorous grinding bits, the sides were smoothed, and the runner attachment pips were removed at the same time. Underneath the coach floor, the driving gear and suspension was given a once-over with sanding and plastic upgrading. Not much of this would actually be seen once in place, but a casual glance underneath would yield a busier look. Though fairly well detailed, the connecting rods for the gear stick and handbrake were not
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
After the coach sides had been smoothed with a Dremel tool and sanding sticks they were bent into a straighter shape carefully, using hot water. Plastic strip was used to detail the sides, while the holders used for changeable signage were also scratch-built.
part of the kit, and were therefore scratch-built from plastic tubing. The forward wall of the coach was the first part of the superstructure in place, taking care for it to sit straight. Before the sides could be put in place, an attempt to straighten them in warm water was made and the upper floor was treated in the same fashion. This redeemed the parts somewhat, and what remained of the ‘curves’ would not be very noticeable in the end. To replace the previously ground-off detail, thin strips of plastic were glued to act as a ledge along the lower coach sides. Two small sign holders were also crafted from plastic. After studying period photos of ‘Battle Buses’ it was clear they lived a very hard life, and a dented mudguard would not look out of place. After heating the part carefully over a candle softened the plastic enough to allow it to be shaped with metal tools, a small ‘bump’ was created. With the fenders and driveline in place, it was time to continue mounting the coach walls. The remaining wall sides were fastened with plastic cement and the roof/upper floor was used as a guide. Tape and mild force held
everything in position while the assembly was left to dry overnight. The next morning, the tape was removed to reveal fairly straight bodywork, ready for internal painting and detailing.
Interior work Judging from the LTS Battle Bus restoration, the inside of the buses were kept pretty much in their ‘civilian’ state, and so the inside was primed with Tamiya TS-46 Sand Yellow from a spray can. This was an appropriate cream colour, which would work well as the lighter of the two-tone scheme used internally. The soldiers’ heavy boots and equipment would no doubt have left their marks, especially on the floor. It was therefore decided to use the hairspray technique to achieve a worn look in this area. After letting the primer dry, a thin layer of hairspray was applied before a mix of Tamiya XF-7 Flat Red and Tamiya XF-68 NATO Brown was sprayed over the floor. This was left to dry for about ten minutes, before water was applied carefully with a brush – to flake off bits of paint and let the beige shine through. The effect was immediate and left the impression of a
The insides were primed with Tamiya TS-46 Light Sand. Although the ceiling had some ejector pin marks, they would not be seen once assembled, and so were left untreated.
“This promised to be an interesting build indeed”
One could imagine the floors would be scuffed heavily...the effect was achieved with the hairspray technique. Although the real seats were finished in a blue and red pattern, this was omitted as they would not be seen. The period poster was made on a laser printer. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
“Details could easily rival newer kits” painted floor worn to bare wood. Next to place were the bench seats, and these would have been covered in a colourful Moquette fabric; however this would be very difficult to achieve, and would be almost invisible once the windows were boarded. Instead they were finished in a dark purple-brown mix. Other details included a laserprinted period LTS poster and wooden panels. The compartment
then received a light wash of Winsor & Newton Burnt Umber, before windows were cut from overhead film and fixed in place with cyanoacrylate.
Scratch-building As the upper floor had been used as a guide previously, it slipped into place easily but here and on the back, a limited amount of filler was needed. At this point
Interior detail was enhanced with brass rods as seat dividers, and was given a light wash of Burnt Umber for accumulated dirt. Windows were cut from acetate sheet.
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the decision was made to scratchbuild the screen that surrounded the second floor...for two reasons. First, the kit versions lacked detail, and this would be very visible and second, they were perhaps not entirely correct in detail for a B Type bus. With the kit parts used as templates, the sides were scratch-built from plastic card and strips. This was actually not as hard as it sounds, with use
of an aligned cutting mat and sharp blade. The result looked promising, but was flimsy and had to be treated with care before the sides could support each other in place. Though, before they were added, another piece of scratchbuilding was done – the wooden planks that covered the side windows, as plastic strip would look more in keeping with the rest of the build. Once the side
The windows were boarded with plastic strips; the lumps on the back step were salt crystals, used to create chipping effects.
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS screens were in place, the seats were attached and the stairs were started. These were a fiddly to get right due to the bent shapes, but with dry-fitting it all went well. The top railings were added via plastic rods that were bent into place, with PE parts from the scrap box, before the bus was primed with a Tamiya TS-46 spray can.
A ‘drab’ affair After much deliberation, the decision was taken to replace the kit’s upper sides with scratch-built items. Here the new front and back pieces can be compared with the originals...the effect of the ‘visible’ wooden planks was one aim with this conversion.
The front wall was attached first to act as a guide for the remainder of the upper structure...a comparison with the scratch-built top floor and the kit parts showed the improvement provided by the former.
The military omnibus was not exactly a colourful vehicle. By contemporary accounts it was painted, windows and all, with ‘Service Green’, a colour described as a ‘muddy’ green. We would probably call it Khaki – and Tamiya’s XF-51 Kahki Drab seemed ideal to represent this. Once the primer was dry, Tamiya X-9 Brown was used for pre-shading, before the upper floor was sprayed with the same Tamiya XF-7 and XF-68 mix employed inside the coach. This floor would also have received heavy wear, and was sprinkled with salt for a stressed and chipped effect. The seating area was masked, and Tamiya XF-13 JA Green was airbrushed in patches all over the body in preparation for the final khaki. This was applied in thin layers to let the pre-shading and priming work through, to leave a mottled effect. In anticipation of the decals, two coats of Johnson’s ‘Klear’ were airbrushed all over.
Materials at a glance Tamiya www.tamiya.com TS-46 Light Sand X-1 Black X-2 White X-9 Brown X-22 Clear XF-1 Black XF-2 White XF-7 Flat Red XF-13 JA. Green XF-10 Flat Brown XF-22 RLM Grey XF-51 Khaki Drab XF-55 Deck Tan XF-63 German Grey XF-68 NATO Brown XF-69 NATO Black XF-83 Medium Sea Grey Humbrol www.humbrol.com 16 Gold 53 Gun Metal Winsor & Newton Artists Oil Various outlets/art stores 554 Raw Umber 076 Burnt Umber 074 Burnt Sienna 678 Venetian Red 744 Yellow Ochre After-market items Scale Link www.scalelink.co.uk Bucket (WT32C1) Side lanterns (SMB/VP02)
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
These vehicles usually had fairly simple markings with handbrushed census numbers, and perhaps a unit number or letter. Therefore leftover decals from a recent build were sourced from the spares box, and applied. The yellow warning signs inside the upper screens were printed from a computer; the wording “the company cannot accept any responsibility for anyone
It was tricky to get the curved parts of the stairs to fit, but the end result was pleasing, with very little filler used.
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getting hurt” was ironic, considering the situation. Weathering was done in stages with layers of white spirit washes, containing Burnt and Raw Umber as well as Yellow Ochre. Light rust was added through a mix of Venetian Red and Burnt Umber. After these washes had dried, all that was left was to adding the final details, and this fun project came to its end.
What a pleasure! This was in many ways a trip down memory lane, as the author clearly remembers the kit from Airfix catalogue during his boyhood years. It was therefore very pleasing to finally get the chance to actually build one. Even more pleasing was the surprisingly good detail and fit in places...the fine rivets on the chassis and bonnet details could
Reference material Books on the subject of World War One support and transport vehicles are not exactly thick on the ground. One great exception to this rule was the recent Tankograd release, British Military Trucks of World War One,by Tim Gosling (ISBN 978-3-93651937-2). It not only contains a wealth of information about the many unsung heroes of the Great War, it also offers a short section on the LGOC bus that provided a few clear period images. Another wealth of information was the recent Type B restoration and subsequent Battle Bus conversion by the London Transport Museum (www.ltmuseum.co.uk)
With the stairs in place it was time to fit the final pieces of railing. Brass rods were used for the thinner, ‘bendier’ bits.
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ADVANCED BUILD
WWI B TYPE BUS
The bus was pre-shaded with X-9 Brown, while the upper compartment was sprayed with a mix of XF-7 Flat Red and XF-68 NATO Brown. With the upper floor masked, patches of XF-13 JA Green were applied, to provide a suitably mottled look.
easily rival newer kits. One would have expected the need for ‘tons’ of filler, but in fact very little was used. Yes, there were some issues - the multitude of ejector pin marks and, in places, a liberal amount of flash much sanding. There were also the warped coach sides and roof panel that took demanded care and attention to get in shape. Even though it does crave for a more ‘traditional’ modelling approach, this kit was by no means difficult to tackle. A build straight out of the box could be a fun project for nostalgic builders who favour vintage
kits. It could also be made into a more demanding project with scratch-building, enhancement and conversion. The level of detail and difficulty could be decided according to one’s desire and skill level. Being a fairly ‘square box shape’, makes most conversions well within reach of the moderately skilled builder. There could also be the potential to build something different, say, a gun lorry or why not a mobile pigeon loft? Whatever, this is warmly recommended to the reasonably skilled scratch-builders or fans of ❚ old kits.
Thin coats of XF-51 Khaki Drab completed this rather simple scheme...the trick to get variation in such a bland finish is to let the pre-shading work through. With the masking removed, a pleasing contrast between the drab and red-brown was achieved.
“A fun project for nostalgic builders”
After a mix of light and dark washes of Burnt Umber and Yellow Ochre, the bus looked more in keeping with the rough conditions of the Western Front. Patches of rust and scratches were added at this stage. The shovel and pick axe from the kit were finished in oils and placed on the back board, together with the Scalelink bucket.
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PHOTO FOCUS
FRISIAN FLAG 2015 F-15C Eagle of the 123rd FS ‘Redhawks’, Oregon Air National Guard based in Portland, USA. This aircraft, being the CO’s 'boss jet’, wears full-colour markings; it also sports an AIM-120 AMRAAM training round on the starboard outer missile rail.
Close to touchdown after completing a morning sortie, EF-18A Hornet of ALA-12, Spanish Air Force, wears special markings applied to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the squadron. The unit is based at Torrejon AB, Madrid.
Tom Sunley provides stunning reference photos from the recent NATO Frisian Flag interoperability exercise at Leeuwarden in the Netherlands
An F-16DJ of 10.ELT, Polish Air Force, about to touch down. It is unusual to see the two-seat variant without conformal fuel tanks, but they were not used at all during the exercise.
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PHOTO FOCUS
FRISIAN FLAG 2015
A local participant at Frisian Flag was J-142, an F-16AM which, in recent years, had been seen in the striking ‘Orange Lion’ scheme of the Dutch F-16 Display Team. Part of 322 Squadron, the jet is home-based at Leeuwarden.
Another participant was the 125th FW Florida Air National Guard, based at Jacksonville, with six Eagles in all. Here is F-15C, AF86-0155, on short finals. Bleeding off landing speed is F-15C, AF85-0106 of 123rd FS ‘Redhawks’, part of the Oregon Air National Guard contingent. A long way from home but destined, shortly after the exercise, for yet further travels as the Guard performs part of the Baltic Air Policing mission.
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PHOTO FOCUS
FRISIAN FLAG 2015
Looking great in its lowvisibility camouflage, this F-16CJ of 10.ELT, Polish Air Force, based at Malbork Air Base, was one of six that flew in the exercise. It carries an AIM-9X practice missile.
One of the ‘heavies’ in every sortie was this Netherlands C-130H Hercules of 336 Squadron based at Eindhoven. Many of the approaches were of the tactical variety and gave enthusiasts a display of what the ‘Herky Bird’ is good at!
Keeping a tight formation during a pairs landing are these two German EF2000 Typhoons of TLG-31 ‘Boelcke’. The unit is based not too far from the exercise at Wittmund and Norvenich, but 12 jets remained entirely at Leeuwarden for the duration of the exercise.
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OUT AND ABOUT
POOLE VIKINGS MODEL SHOW 2015
Paul Adams’ excellent racing car models included this 1/20 Ebbro 1970 Lotus 72C. Martin Hale, of Poole Scale Modellers, ensured welcome variety with his 1/32 Rotachute Mk.III, made from Fly’s kit. Surface Warship Association members displayed several impressive maritime models, including the minesweeper HMS Sir Galahad in 1/48 scale, by David McNair-Taylor. (All Malcolm V. Lowe)
Bigger and Better
D
orset’s well-known Poole Vikings Model Club staged its annual show on April 18. Already firmly established on the exhibition circuit, having been held in the Poole area for more than two decades, this
event was given a considerable makeover this year. Although placed in its usual venue of Parkstone Grammar School (actually located in Poole, despite its name), the show was expanded to include a new extension built
West Middlesex Scale Model Club’s stand included several World War Two military vehicles, such as this MiniArt 1/35 AEC Mk.I.
Exeter’s ISCA Model Club brought a splendid 1/48 Eduard Hungarian Fokker D.VII.
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recently at the school. This allowed for four main exhibition areas to be utilised for the event instead of three previously, which gave everyone attending much more room. All visiting clubs and traders were very happy with this new arrangement, which also proved popular with visitors. In terms of members of the public the event was a great success, with record numbers attending. Fortunately the show did not clash with other local and national exhibitions, which gave Poole Vikings a clear field and certainly helped with numbers of paying public. Poole Vikings members are well known for their hospitality and this year they welcomed exhibitors from as far afield
as Kent and Plymouth. Show organisers within the Vikings know how important it is to achieve the right balance between visiting clubs and traders, and this year the ratio was good, as virtually every trader expressed great satisfaction with the day’s takings...while many bank balances were correspondingly reduced for modellers in attendance. Although the venue for next year’s Poole Vikings exhibition will remain the same, a date has yet to be agreed, but further details of the club’s events and activities can be found at www.winkton.net/ poolevikings.htm ❚ Malcolm V Lowe
Poole Vikings member Graham Young displayed this excellent 1/72 Avro Manchester.
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ISSUES ! IN ITS TEST-SHOT BUILD 1/32 FOCKE-WULF 190F-8 WVELL K CL
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The Royal Air Force Museum London, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, London, NW9 5LL 0208 205 2266
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
Orbit Peter Johnson builds the world’s first multi-national manned space flight...with extra details and plenty of Alclad The stand was modified by epoxying a 3/4in piece of tubing onto the arm, which mated with a tube set into the bottom of the Docking Module; this balanced and supported the entire Apollo-Soyuz assembly.
F
orty years ago this July, the United States and the Soviet Union launched their first cooperative space venture, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). Although it flew after the end of the Cold War ‘space race’ to the Moon, two of the crewmembers, American Donald ‘Deke’ Slayton and Russian Alexei Leonov, were members of their countries’ original astronaut/cosmonaut corps. ASTP developed procedures and technology that paved the way for Space Shuttle flights to the Mir space station, cosmonauts flying on the Shuttle and astronauts flying on Soyuz... and finally the International Space Station.
From display piece to kit
To assemble the model securely, holes were drilled in the Command and Service Module bulkheads, and a socket was attached to the aft bulkhead, to allow a brass mounting tube to be inserted later.
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Dragon originally released its ASTP as a pre-finished display model which, like most of the firm’s space subjects, was followed by the model kit. While the Soyuz, Docking Module (DM) and Apollo Command Module (CM) used the same materials, the Apollo Service Module (SM), which was diecast metal in the display model, was injectionmoulded plastic for the kit. This caused problems with the
finished item’s balance and attachment to the stand, which necessitated modifications to the latter... a critical issue, since as with most spacecraft, the finished model could stand on its own. There was also a paucity of instructions for the Soyuz; these comprised just one assembled view with few part numbers shown, and this left the builder to puzzle out the configuration of the docking collars and antennas. The Soyuz and DM were cast in a mostly solid pink, flexible plastic that reminded this modeller of the DS material Dragon employs for tank tracks. However, it did not react to solvent cements, so that wasn’t it; Superglue and Gator’s Grip acrylic glue worked well when tested on the runner though. Various primers and paints were also tested on the runner, before Tamiya Fine White Primer and acrylic paints were chosen. Before assembly began, plans needed to be made for ‘docking’ the modules without them sagging, and attachment of the complete spacecraft to the base. Running a 3/16in (4.7mm) brass tube the whole length of the stack, from the base of the SM into the Soyuz, seemed the best solution, as it would support
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
The Apollo modules were test-fitted to show how the tube would support the structure. The Docking Module was fitted with a brass tube to connect it to the stand, by way of a 1/8in brass pin.
the weight of the solid Soyuz and keep the stack aligned. The original display model had the combined spacecraft screwed to the base through the diecast SM, which wouldn’t work with the kit’s plastic version, and wouldn’t support the top-heavy Soyuz. It was decided to drill a vertical rod
into the DM, and attach that to the stand’s arm...which solved the balance problem too. To modify the stand, a section of 1/8in (3.1 mm) aluminium tube was glued with two-part epoxy vertically into the slot at the top of the stand’s arm. This would match with a tube in the DM, with
A larger brass tube in the Soyuz slipped over the main tube to support the other end of the stack. Sections of a pen barrel kept the tube centred in the hollow Soyuz piece. Trial and error was needed to understand the sequence of docking rings and petals, since Dragon supplied just a single, assembled view without part numbers. The cylindrical pieces and pin would not support the stack’s weight, so they were replaced with brass tubes.
a 3/32in (2.3mm) brass rod to hold them together. On the Apollo Service Module, the six pieces of the SM’s shell had decidedly odd shapes, but the breakdown of parts placed all the seams on panel lines, and allowed crisp detail on the radiators that encircled the
module. Sanding was carried out on the interior bulkheads around the circumference, to ensure the shell would fit tightly around them. Before glue was committed though, the bulkheads were drilled slightly larger than the brass rod, and a section of Evergreen tubing was glued to
" Solar panels are often the bane of real space modellers"
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
Docking petals were detailed with Evergreen styrene (which provided a busier look) and then painted with Alclad and Citadel metallics. A section of plastic tube was added to match the diameter of the brass tube.
high gain high jinks A template was made to assemble the High Gain antenna, to keep the four dishes aligned and coplanar. The dishes were slotted over their horns, the template was positioned over them, and only then was Superglue applied; the completed antenna was then left in the jig until final assembly.
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Alclad Prismatic Sapphire was sprayed over the same firm’s Gloss Black Base to give the solar panels a deep, iridescent shine, which varied between blue and violet depending on the lighting.
the rear bulkhead to seat the end of the rod. The CM’s heat shield and apex were also drilled, with the apex sized to a fairly tight slip-fit to hold the tube firmly. After the heat shield supports were glued to the upper bulkhead of the SM, the cylindrical shell of the latter was assembled. The bottom bulkhead was undersized slightly, so Superglue was used to enlarge the periphery and neaten the join. Four thruster quadrants were then assembled, but were set aside to be attached to the SM after painting and decaling. The Docking Module was fitted with a piece of 1/4in (6.3mm) brass tubing that telescoped into the main tube, which would eventually connect the Soyuz to the DM. The hole in the top of the Soyuz was larger than the tube, so a section of a plastic pen barrel was Superglued into the Soyuz to match the tube’s diameter, which allowed the entire stack to be slid together without fear of sagging. In
order to mount the stack to the modified stand, the bottom of the DM was drilled to accept a 1/8in brass tube, and efforts were made to ensure the tube did not protrude into the centre hole. A 3/32in rod would then mount the DM to the stand.
The Soviet end With the structural and mounting hardware sorted, it was time to decipher the Soyuz’s assembly. Dragon supplied just one assembled view of Soyuz, with the docking apparatus, solar panels and various antennas in place, and few part numbers to identify them. Trial and error was used to ascertain what went where, and the parts were then duly labelled. Photographs revealed the basic nature of the details, particularly on the docking petals; the kit’s simple V-shaped actuators for the two docking petal rings were replaced with Evergreen
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
MODEL SPEC
" it was apparent a jig would be needed to prevent insanity!" Apollo Soyuz Test Project By:
Dragon
Stock Code: 11012 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£45.75
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
rod and sheet to match photos, while the rings received Alclad shades and Citadel metallics. Assembly of the basic Soyuz was straightforward, and comprised the two solid vinyl modules, an antenna ring trapped between them, and a conduit that ran along the side. Superglue was used to attach the antenna ring, and Gator’s Grip thick formula joined the modules. A brush dampened with water removed excess glue and neatened the join. This assembly was sprayed with Tamiya Fine White Primer, which was allowed to cure for a few days before the white panels and antenna ring were masked, and Vallejo Model Color 70808 Blue Green was airbrushed. After further curing, sprayed Alclad Aqua Gloss Clear
sealed the finish. Solar panels are often the bane of real space modellers, their deep blue lustrous colour being very difficult to paint realistically, so a new technique was tried for this model. After the panels were sprayed white, the framework on the top side of each was masked to leave the solar panels exposed. Alclad Gloss Black Base was then airbrushed in several medium layers, at around 15psi (1 bar), and applied from just a few inches away so that the paint would not dry before it hit the plastic... this resulted in a smooth, very glossy surface. Once it had dried for a few days, Alclad Sapphire Prismatic was airbrushed over the black, and layered steadily until a suitably deep blue was obtained. Surprisingly, Sapphire
Prismatic was a clear, sparkly liquid in the bottle, but when overlaid on black, the result was a deep, iridescent hue that varied from blue to violet depending on how the light struck it. Each solar panel was then
detailed with 10-thou (0.25mm) brass wire antennas to match photographs and drawings. The ASTP Soyuz also had unique flap-like structures on the bottom side of the innermost panels, and these were added with
Two oversized antennas were replaced with sections of telescoping Albion Alloys tubing for better scale effect. The bipod-mounted antennas opposite them were thinned, but were deemed close enough to not bother replacing.
The solar panels were detailed with thin brass rods for antennas, along with the unique flaps on the inboard ends of the panels. Note the solar cells are just on one side, not both as Dragon’s instructions showed. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
" The kit looked simple at first, but it required considerable remedial work to achieve the proper result"
Dragon omitted the Docking Targets, so they were constructed from plastic card and rod and metal portions from an old PE set. One target was mounted on Soyuz for the Apollo crew’s reference, and the other was below the Docking Module, visible in Soyuz’s periscope.
To replicate the two-tone engine nozzle, the entire unit was sprayed black, followed by a light coat of a mixture of Alclad Pale Burnt Metal and Jet Exhaust.
five-thou (0.12mm) plastic card. Two oversized antennas were also replaced on the docking end of the Soyuz, via telescoping segments of 0.3mm and 0.5mm Albion Alloys brass tubing. The periscope and Earth sensor were painted PollyScale 505358 Soviet Green, and they were glued to the Soyuz with Gator’s Grip, after which rocket motor details on the base of the Soyuz were painted Citadel 61-55 Mithril Silver. The completed Soyuz, docking collar and solar panels were then set aside until final assembly. The Docking Module was painted PollyScale Steam Power Black, and then over coated with Model Master Acryl Clear Flat. Three antennas that angled up behind the docking petals were added after a study of reference photographs, and the DM and its docking collar were set aside. Once finished, the Soyuz and DM were handled as little as possible, since the finish was marred easily in spite of the clear coats.
Four-dish fun Apollo’s large, multi-dish High Gain Antenna was the most detailed part of the kit, and featured a multi-part mount and four photo-etched (PE) metal antenna dishes. The instructions didn’t show the mount’s
{44}
components properly, and so more trial and error was needed to figure out how to assemble the base of the antenna. All four dishes need to be coplanar, with their flat faces aligned, so it was apparent a jig would be needed to prevent insanity! Holes were punched in a piece of styrene sheet, to allow the antenna horns to protrude while the dishes were held flat, and a section of rod kept the dishes straight. Dishes and base were sprayed black and white respectively before assembly then aligned in the jig, and tiny dots of Superglue were used to attach the dishes themselves. The antenna assembly rotated and tilted on its shaft, so the latter, which had been sprayed Alclad Aluminium and detailed with Citadel metallic colours, was glued at an angle to provide visual interest, and the assembly was set aside in the jig for final construction. One detail that Dragon omitted was the two circular docking targets, used to guide the two craft together. These were scratch-built from punched circles of thin styrene, styrene rod and bits snipped from old PE sets for the crossbars. Photos were studied to locate and align them, one on the DM that pointed
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
The short Earth sensor and longer periscope have been added and painted, appropriately, with PollyScale Soviet Green. Bare metal details on the aft end were brushed with Citadel Mithril Silver.
at the Soyuz’s periscope, and one on Soyuz that pointed toward Apollo’s left rendezvous window. The large Service Propulsion System nozzle was airbrushed with PollyScale Steam Power Black, while the upper, narrow half was masked sprayed with a mixture of Alclad Jet Exhaust and Pale Burnt Metal. Alclad Dull Aluminium was applied to the SM and its thruster quadrants, and the white radiator panels were masked and sprayed with Tamiya XF-2 Flat White. The raised housing on the aft end of the SM was sprayed with Alclad
Aluminium, with details picked out in Tamiya X-27 Clear Red and Alclad Pale Burnt Metal. Ultimately, the Command Module was the hardest section to finish properly. The CM was covered with bright silver Kapton foil strips, which gave it a shiny aluminium appearance, and Alclad Chrome was chosen to replicate this. Unfortunately, the CM moulding had a slightly rough finish, and so the first task was to sand and polish it. This started with fine sanding sticks and finished with 12,000grade Micro-Mesh. Following
The raised housing on the aft end of the SM was sprayed with Alclad Aluminium, which contrasted effectively with the Dull Aluminium overall finish. Details were accentuated with Tamiya Clear Red and Alclad Pale Burnt Metal.
Alclad’s instructions, the CM was airbrushed with Alclad Gloss Black Base and allowed to cure overnight. The windows and thruster ports were masked, and the Chrome was airbrushed. Results were poor, though, as the Chrome picked up every
flaw in the polishing and priming steps. After appropriate teethgnashing and many expletives, isopropyl alcohol readily stripped the Chrome and primer, and the entire polishing routine was re-done, followed by primer, masking and Chrome. This
materials Alclad II finishes: http://alclad2.com/ ALC-101 Aluminium ALC-117 Dull Aluminium ALC-104 Pale Burnt Metal ALC-113 Jet Exhaust ACL-104 Prismatic-Holomatic Sapphire ALC-107 Chrome for Plastic ALC-305 Gloss Black Base ALC-600 Aqua Gloss Clear 0.3mm and 0.5mm Albion Alloys tubing: http://www.albionalloys.co.uk/
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
A well-polished plastic surface and a smooth coat of Gloss Black Base were essential to apply the Chrome finish successfully, but obviously that was not achieved the first time around! Fortunately the paints stripped easily with Isopropyl alcohol. Four rounds of polishing, priming and spraying were needed to bring the Command Module to an acceptable level of reflectivity…a frustrating learning experience, but well worth the effort.
time the result wasn’t quite as bad, but still not good enough, and the process was repeated once more… and yet another time before the result was finally satisfactory! Lesson learnt, and much valuable experience gained, at the price of a few more grey hairs! Once chromed, it was vital not to handle the finish, since unlike standard Alclad colours it proved to be extremely fragile, so the base of the CM was Blu-Tacked to a bottle lid for handling and decaling.
Spare decals The Soyuz and the DM had no decals, but the Apollo was covered with tiny stencils. Printed by Cartograf; they offered perfect register and opacity, although the carrier film was matt in finish. Dragon thoughtfully provided an extra copy of each marking, so the builder needn’t worry about ruining one or two. Although
Alclad says that Chrome can be over coated with its Aqua Gloss Clear, the decals were applied directly to the Chrome so as not to dull it. Only water was used, as any type of decal solvent would dissolve the Chrome instantly, and this modeller had no desire to re-finish the CM yet again! The SM decals were also applied without an undercoat, but they were bedded down with Gunze Mr. Mark Setter to avoid silvering. With all the sub-assemblies completed, it was time for final mating. Thruster quadrants and the engine bell were glued to the SM with Gator’s Grip, and the High Gain Antenna grouping was pressed into place. The main 3/16in brass tube was inserted into the SM, and the CM was slid over the rod into place while wearing gloves, to prevent marring the finish; the CM actually sat on six small pads, so each received a blob of Gator’s Grip, the CM was pressed
into place, and its alignment and rotation were fettled before the glue set. To ensure the two docking collars on Soyuz and the DM were aligned and flush, they were tacked onto their respective modules with thick formula Gator’s Grip, the modules were slid together on their brass rod, and the collars were adjusted to interlock properly...the Gator’s Grip providing plenty of setting time to adjust them. The Soyuz solar panels were pressed into place, aligned and secured with Superglue wicked into the locating holes. Finally, the DM
was placed on the stand, Soyuz and Apollo were slid onto their respective ends of the DM, and ASTP was complete!
A deceptive project Dragon's kit looked simple at first, but it required considerable remedial work to achieve the proper result. Nevertheless, it was certainly a fun build, and the added details gave it a suitably busy feeling. Alclad’s metallic colours were essential to make the Apollo side look realistic and the firm’s Prismatic and Chrome finishes really made the model ❚ come to life.
References Soyuz 1967 onwards (all models) Owners’ Workshop Manual, by David Baker (Haynes), ISBN: 978 0 85733 405 3 www.haynes.co.uk
" Prismatic and Chrome finishes really made the model come to life" {46}
ASTP plans from Up-Ship.com, The Unwanted Blog: http://up-ship.com/ blog/?p=13614 Photographs gleaned from Google searches for Apollo Soyuz Test Project
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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PHOTO FOCUS
APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT
The bespoke Docking Module was carried on the Saturn IB where the Lunar Module was originally stowed. Once in orbit, the Command/Service Module turned around to dock with the DM and pull it from the spent booster.
ASTP used a unique androgynous docking system that allowed either spacecraft to be the active partner during docking. The docking petals and rings were designed to allow a less precise line-up that would still lead to a successful docking.
LINK-Up
The Apollo Soyuz Test Project was an unusual instance of US-Soviet scientific and political cooperation during the height of the Cold War
Compared to Apollo, Soyuz had many protuberances. Docking petals and rendezvous and docking antennas ringed the front of the Orbital Module, and a long periscope and shorter Earth sensor protruded from the bottom of the spacecraft.
Evident here is the contrast between the shiny Mylar Command Module and the anodized aluminium panels of the Service Module. The shaded portion of the Docking Module shows that it was, in fact, black. From the left, Soyuz comprised an ovoid Orbital Module, a gumdrop-shaped Descent Module and a cylindrical Equipment Module with solar panels and engines. The blue-green insulation blankets have been used on every Soyuz, serving the same function as the shiny Mylar on the Apollo Command Module. (All NASA)
The aft end of Soyuz’s Equipment Module housed large orbital manoeuvring engines and smaller attitude control thrusters. Also visible are the white undersides of the solar panels, and the flaps at the roots of the panels...unique to this spacecraft. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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Blitz Machine Alan Price builds a test-shot of Airfix’s forthcoming Heinkel 111P-2... which has been produced by lightradar scanning the real aircraft
he Heinkel 111 has been a favourite subject of kit manufacturers and has been produced in many and varied forms over the years, in the main scales. However, the ‘treble-one’ had
T
a complex shape, full of curves and odd angles. It’s incredibly difficult to get a drawing of one to look right, let alone a kit. To solve this problem Airfix employed a LIDAR (Light Radar) scanner (used in the film
The fuselage was well detailed inside, with insets provided to add the required features to the sidewalls of the rear crew compartment.
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business to capture real entities, for use in computer-generated imagery special effects) to create an accurate three-dimensional kit of a real aircraft. This kit, therefore, promises to be the most accurate example of the
type available, especially when one considers that the others all have various faults. Having built the Dornier Do 17 last year for AMW, this modeller had high expectations for Airfix’s Heinkel. A pre-production set
The centre section of the wings contained the bomb bay and undercarriage wells. This fitted tightly into the fuselage and along with the spars/bulkheads, ensured the wings were held at the correct dihedral.
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Each bomb bay comprised two parts; inserts for the rear crew compartment are also seen here.
„The parts displayed a wealth of detail…
of parts was provided for the build, and as usual there may be some minor changes to the parts seen here by the time the kit reaches the shops. Initial reactions did not disappoint; the parts displayed a wealth of detail, with a well-appointed interior provided. This will be, unfortunately, mostly invisible once the fuselage is closed. The cockpit was reproduced beautifully, with just seat harnesses required to make an excellent and highly visible crew area. Fine and consistent engraved panel lines adorned the entire airframe. The undercarriage was also impressive, although some of the parts were very delicate and needed careful separation from the runners.
The undercarriage parts displayed real finesse in their moulding, but care was needed while removing the parts to avoid damage.
were assembled into the port half of the fuselage, and then all received Gunze H70 RLM 02 Grey. This was gloss-varnished
and accentuated with Flory Models’ Black Wash. Certain features were picked out with enamels before a dry-brushing
Luftwaffe Liveries Though the kit decals were not available at the time of building, markings will be supplied for the following: • He 111P-2, 5./KG 4 ‘General Wever’, Norway 1940 (depicts the Lidar-scanned exhibit at the Norwegian Armed Forces Collection at Gardermoen, Norway) • He 111P-2, 6./KG 55 ‘Grief’, Villacoublay, France, 1940
Getting underway
Work began with the fuselage interior rather than the traditional cockpit route. The interior was fully detailed, with parts provided for the floor of the aft compartment as well as three bulkheads. Interior components
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of lightened RLM 02 was used over the whole interior to help highlight the detail. Finally, a coat of matt varnish was applied before fuselage closure. Particular attention was paid to the fit of the bulkheads, to ensure the fuselage closed tightly to avoid issues with the wings later. Though the instructions’ order then addressed the furnishing of the cockpit, this was left until the end of the build to avoid damage, as the parts would protrude from the front
of the cockpit orifice. Before the wings were attached, the lower centre section had to be equipped with the bomb bay and undercarriage bays. The former was represented accurately and was duly airbrushed in RLM 02 before assembly, and the completed bomb bays were then glued to the centre section. Careful assembly was vital in the undercarriage bays; this was a critical part of the build and, if fitted wrongly, they would not just hamper the engines’ fit, but
also that of the undercarriage units themselves. Airfix provide an illustration to show correct fitment, but modellers are advised to test-fit the upper wing and engine assembly to ensure everything mates correctly before the glue sets on the undercarriage bays. The latter fitted further back than one would expect – the rear wall sat back slightly from the moulded, curved fairings at the rear of the undercarriage bay openings. With the bomb bays and undercarriage
bays in place, the centre section was dropped into place in the fuselage underside. The wings were constructed rapidly next, and the upper surfaces went on first and the fit was superb; no filler was required save for a dab of Mr. Surfacer at the leading edge-to-fuselage join. Underside outer wing sections also attached splendidly. All control surfaces were separate and so these were left off until the seams had all been neatened. The ventral gondola (part G2) Bulkheads and other details were fitted to the port fuselage half before painting.
The control surfaces were all moulded as single parts, so one had more variety in terms of positioning.
The busy fuselage interior was painted RLM 02 Grey and a black wash was used to accentuate the detail.
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Painted and assembled bomb bays were attached to the centre section, along with the undercarriage bays, before the whole unit was fitted into the fuselage.
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was installed at this point; this proved to be slightly tricky as the front was a touch too wide on our test-shot. This was remedied by carefully taping the part in place after glue was applied, and then pulling in the sides. This meant that the front
insert required the edges to be filed before it would fit in place. It’s also worth noting that the front inset (part G11) had a gun mounting, but the plans did not call for one to be fitted...many early He 111s had a solid section here, with no glazing. This part (E8) though, was present on the runners. It was found that the close proximity of the windows in to the edge of the part (in the ventral gondola) meant it was impossible to avoid seeing the glue join through them. Tails were added next, but again the control surfaces were left off. These interlocked and provided the locating point for the tailwheel once assembled. Having completed the major assembly, the seams were then cleaned-up. Just a dash of Mr. Surfacer was
Once the centre section was in place the wings were attached; the design ensured the latter fitted at the correct dihedral. Engines nacelles were assembled as separate units and attached.
MODEL SPEC
The ventral gondola was taped in position carefully to get the best fit. Control surfaces were added at this stage too, to complete the bulk of the construction.
Heinkel He 111P-2 By:
Airfix
Stock Code:
A06014
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£19.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
„Fine and consistent engraved panel lines adorned the entire airframe… 50-59_Heinkel Build.CC.indd 53
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Bomb bay doors were glued closed on this test-shot. It seemed strange that no stores were provided, but this was due to moulding tolerances on the bay structure.
The cockpit was fitted into the fuselage and looked superb. Just Eduard seatbelts were added to complete this very busy crew area.
required and that was mostly to ensure the rounded shapes were not affected by sanding. After clean-up, the engines were assembled and attached but the props were left off to ease painting. The final job was to attach the control surfaces.
Tackling the ‘office’
Seatbelts from Eduard also enlivened the upper gunner’s position, which dropped into place easily.
With the nose glazing all in place, the model was ready to paint.
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With all the construction work done, attention turned to equipping the cockpit. This area will be highly visible through the huge glasshouse nose and for a 1/72 kit, the detail provided by Airfix in this area was very good. Assembly began with a basic floor section and to this was added the pilot’s side console, rudder pedals and control column, while the pilot’s seat was built separately to facilitate painting; all parts were then painted RLM 02. Airfix gave the cockpit colour as RLM 66, but photos show early He 111s with a lighter colour interior in black and white images, which suggested RLM 02. The bomb aimer’s cushion and seat were painted with brown enamels and then photo-etched
metal seat belts were added from Eduard set 73003 ‘Luftwaffe bomber seatbelts’. The pilot’s seat was then set in position and the whole cockpit assembly was manoeuvred gingerly into place in the nose. The final job before painting was to add the transparencies and this started with the side windows. All but one glazing section needing to be filed to get the windows in place. Two windows protruded from the fuselage after fitting, so these
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„Detail and fit were superb…
were sanded flush and the clarity restored by sanding with fine grades of Micro-Mesh. The nose glazing came in five parts; three provided the major sections, another the top hatch and the final item was the nose gun position. The three main sections were attached, but care was needed to align the parts with one another before the glue set. Once the adhesive had cured, the transparencies were masked with Tamiya tape, cut carefully around the window framing with
a new scalpel blade. The canopy was then airbrushed with RLM 02, which allowed the correct interior colour to be visible on the framing inside the cockpit. As stated earlier, kit decals were not available for this build but the new Xtradecal sheet X72220 ‘Heinkel He111P’ was released just in time, available from Hannants (www.hannants. co.uk). This sheet had a number of colourful options and the marking chosen, 1G+BB, was adorned with large fuselage artwork. The aircraft was in the standard Luftwaffe bomber colours of RLM 70 Black Green and RLM 71 Green over RLM
Reference
Before painting, the glazing was masked neatly with Tamiya tape. All openings were plugged with foam blocks to prevent overspray.
Hikoki’s Luftwaffe Colours book was highly useful for portraying the camouflage pattern accurately. This title is available from www.crecy.co.uk
After a coat of Gunze Mr. Surfacer primer, the model was pre-shaded with black ahead of the camouflage application.
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„The completed undercarriage was very sturdy…
RLM 65 Blue was airbrushed in thin coats onto the underside, which allowed the pre-shading to show through.
65 Blue. All the aircraft on the Xtradecal sheet featured the early style bathtub gondola with no glazing at the front. Unfortunately, the kit had already been built with the later glazed section, which could not be removed without damaging the build.
Paint prep’
The demarcation between the upper and lower camouflage colours was complex. Curved masking sections were required along the fuselage, and these were created with an Olfa cutter, before the entire underside was covered.
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Before painting could start the whole airframe needed a clean-up. This involved sanding with 3,600-grade Micro-Mesh to remove any imperfections, followed by a scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any residue from the panel lines. The airframe was then wiped down with Xtracrylix Thinner to clean the surface. Paining began with a coat of Mr. Surfacer from an aerosol. This was subsequently polished with
3,600-grade Micro-Mesh, which left a perfect finish onto which the camouflage could be painted. All panel lines were pre-shaded with black and the underside was then painted RLM 65. Having allowed 24 hours for the paint to cure fully, the underside was masked ready for the upper surface camouflage. Demarcation between upper and lower shades was quite complex and the Luftwaffe official painting charts available for the He 111 proved most useful. A good reference
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Each section was then masked with Tamiya tape before RLM 70 Black Green was airbrushed.
After the Post-Its were removed, the corrected paintwork looked much better.
1
2
Splinter Group Painting splinter camouflage can be time-consuming due to the amount of masking it requires. The type of pattern used on the He 111 had a hard edge, which required masking, unlike some of the fighter schemes which had a soft, sprayed edge to the pattern. The easiest way to do this is to work on two sections at a time. The reason for this is that if the entire pattern is masked, everything has to match and not overlap another section. If just two sections at a time are, it doesn’t matter if the masking overlaps another area (provided the paint has dried sufficiently). The first stage was to airbrush the RLM 71 Green areas freehand. After this had dried the pattern was then masked, working by creating a couple of sections, just masking the edges and removing the masking straight after painting the section in RLM 70 Black Green. The camouflage guide needed to be copied carefully, particularly when working on the pointed areas on the top of the fuselage. Work progressed from the port wingtip to fuselage, then starboard wing to fuselage, horizontal stabilisers and then finally the fuselage.
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Masking proved tricky on the fuselage, and the pointed sections had to be cut carefully to create the right shapes.
3
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The upper camouflage began with RLM 71 green being airbrushed freehand, but just on the areas required.
Post-It notes were handy in masking the freshly painted RLM 70 area, as the low-tack adhesive didn’t damage the paint.
Corrections to the camouflage were inevitable...here the RLM 71 needed attention.
is Luftwaffe Colours 1935-1945, by Michael Ullman (Hikoki), ISBN: 978-1-9021090-7-7. Once completed, the underside masking was removed and the model was polished with 6,000grade Micro-Mesh to remove any imperfections. The build could then be gloss varnished ready for decals. Xtradecal’s markings were of excellent quality and settled down well with Microscale setting solutions. The decals were cut along all the panel lines when almost dry and then more setting solution was
applied to make them sink into the panel lines completely. When the decals had dried properly, they were cleaned with a paper towel and warm water, before a further coat of gloss varnish was applied.
Almost there
Xtradecal’s markings were excellent and settled beautifully over gloss varnish, but the sheet didn’t offer stencil data; the kit decals for this would have been used if available.
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A pin wash was applied to the panel lines via Flory Models’ Black Wash. This may seem a
little dark on the underside but its worth remembering that when viewed from a normal viewing distance of 2-3ft, this will not look too dark at all. A further coat of gloss varnish sealed the wash, and it was then time for final assembly and this began with the undercarriage. As mentioned, this was very well detailed but some parts were delicate. Airfix recommend fitting the retractions struts (D25) as a pair linked by a piece of runner, to be removed afterwards. This would,
however, make cleaning-up the parts after their removal from the runner somewhat tricky, as they were so fine. It was easier to separate the parts before assembly; the locations in the undercarriage bay were quite large and enabled the components to be fixed easily. The completed undercarriage was
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After the decals were sealed with gloss coat, a pin wash was applied, followed by more gloss varnish.
„This new He 111 is by far the best option in this scale… very sturdy and after touchingup the paintwork the wheels and undercarriage bay doors were added. With the props in place, the aerials were attached and a new pitot tube of the correct length was made from brass tube. The build was then airbrushed with matt varnish before all masking on the glazing was removed, and the remaining transparent parts were attached. The aerial was the last item to be
The undercarriage was painted and then glued in place. This was very sturdy once attached, although some individual parts were quite delicate.
Final assembly involved the props being painted and attached (Gunze H26 Bright Green was a perfect match for the green of the decals). Wheels and aerials were also added.
added and this was made from Uschi van der Rosten elastic line.
A splendid bomber
This new He 111 is by far the best option in this scale. Detail and fit were superb and being that of an early P series, it allowed a number of Battle of Britain and pre-war subjects to be built. Hopefully Airfix will follow this with the H series in the future, which holds even more possibilities. After a matt coat the remaining glazing was added, and Uschi van der Rosten elastic thread was used to make the radio aerial lead; its available from www. albionhobbies.com.
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Profile In
B3+BK (numbers obliterated) of 2./KG 54 ‘Totenkopf’, but borrowed by 3./KG 54. In 1940 it was shot down and made a forced landing at Dunkirk, and the pilot, Horst Flick, was captured. Colour photos of this aircraft after the crash-landing show it riddled with bullet holes! RLM 70/71 over RLM 65
1G+EK ‘Spaßmacher’ of 1./KG 27 ‘Boelcke’. This aircraft was deployed to Neukuhren in East Prussia for the Polish Campaign.
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F7+06 of Hungarian Long Range Recon Squadron 1/1, in the Stalingrad region in September 1942; of note are the six Soviet ‘kills’ on the tail.
Black F (night bomber) of KG 55 ‘Grief’, as seen in late 1940 and early 1941. This unusual scheme has a dark green mottle applied over the upper surfaces’ RLM 70/71 splinter pattern, and RLM 65 squiggles on a large portion of the underside (and the entire engine nacelle undersides).
Illustrations by Pete West, © 2015
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In February 1979 the Heinkel sat squarely on its two wheels in a former Luftwaffe hangar at Gardermoen Air Force Base. Captain Mölmen, in the foreground, seems to be wondering what he had let himself in for… (Bjørn Olsen)
Bomber Reborn Bjørn Olsen is an aviation historian for the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection. Here, he recounts the story of He 111P-2 5J+CN that crashed on his home soil. It is now a museum exhibit and one of the colour scheme options in Airfix’s forthcoming kit little more than 75 years ago now, in the early hours of April 26, 1940, a Luftwaffe Heinkel He 111P-2 of Kampfgruppe 4 ‘General Wever’ took off from Oslo/Fornebu airport as one of a flight of three. Following operation ‘Weserübung’, the German invasion of Norway on April 9, Norwegian and British troops tried desperately to stem the German
A
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advance in southern Norway and the ‘Kette’ (trio) of bombers was out on an armed reconnaissance sortie to look for signs of Allied activity. The Heinkels of KG 4 flew in support of two army groups, 163 Infanterie-Division and 196 Infanterie-Division, which were advancing in a northerly direction towards mid-Norway and were also tasked with bombing Allied strongholds. On the previous day, they had taken part in the
destruction of all but four of the Gloster Gladiator fighters of the RAF’s 263(F) Squadron, which had landed at the frozen lake Lesjaskogsvatnet on April 24.
Fateful sortie
Aboard Heinkel 5J+CN were Oberfeldwebel Günther Hölscher and his crew; pilot Feldwebel Richard Gumbrecht, wireless operator/air gunner Unteroffizier Karl Stoltz and flight engineer/
air gunner Unteroffizier Willi Stock. As was common in the Luftwaffe, Hölscher was captain of the aircraft. They had taken part in the campaign from the start, and operated from Faßberg in northern Germany. On April 23, the whole Kampfgeschwader transferred to Fornebu; the airport was considered dangerous by its new occupants and it was not uncommon for aircraft to overrun the runway and end up in a ditch. Hölscher and his crew had also flown two sorties against Lake Lesjakogsvatnet. The briefing for April 26 had been clear: Any Allied target found was to be attacked, but alternatively they should attack the railway station at Aandalsnes. Passing over Romsdalsfjord, the
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for aircraft at the time, these underpowered dive-bombers were put into use as fighters. The Skuas could only stay in the patrol area for around one hour before they had to return to the aircraft carrier. The three Heinkels attacked their targets at Aandalsnes unopposed and then reformed for the return flight. Suddenly they were pounced on by Skuas; Lieutenant-Commander Bramwell in command of Skua A7-A and Lieutenant Martyn in A7-C, both of which attacked Hölscher’s Heinkel. Unlike the two other bombers who got away on full power, the damage to 5J+CN’s engine made it malfunction and the aircraft became easy prey. The first burst of fire from the Skuas hit Willi Stock who was manning the ventral machine gun, the so-called ‘death bed’ position, and killed him instantly. Their next attack hit the starboard engine, which began to emit smoke. With the ventral gun silent, the Skuas then attacked from below and Stolz, at the dorsal gun, found it very difficult to defend the bomber. In their last attack, the Skuas hit the port engine, the fuselage and also wounded Stolz. Hölscher escaped death by a miracle, though. Seconds after he had gone aft to see what had happened to Stock, a row of bullets hit the fuselage exactly where he ‘d been sitting.
Günther Hölscher, Willi Stock and Karl Stolz have just arrived at Faßberg, in a Ju 52/3m transport used by KG 4. (AR Chapman)
Captured
The bomber was in serious trouble. Its starboard engine had to be stopped and the port powerplant was barely running. The crew believed Stock might still be alive and would not bail out and leave him to a certain death, so a belly-landing was the only alternative. Gumbrecht skillfully put down the aircraft close to the highest mountain top, where it skidded along on
the snow until it finally came to rest near Digervarden, a high plateau south of Lesjaskog. After Stock was examined, the three survivors established that he was in fact dead. They left him in the aircraft and set out on foot in the deep snow, and hoped to meet advancing German troops in the area. They soon saw a Heinkel flying low over the crash site, but in spite of vigorous attempts they failed to attract the crew’s
An official photo of 5J+CN pilot Richard Gumbrecht. (AR Chapman)
bombers were fired on by the cruiser HMS Manchester, but although all thought they’d got away unharmed, the starboard engine of 5J+CN had been hit. Six Blackburn Skuas from the Fleet Air Arm’s 801 Naval Air Squadron had, that same morning, taken off from HMS Ark Royal to carry out a patrol over the Aandalsnes area at approximately 16,000ft (4,876m). Such was the desperate need
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Armourers pose in front of 5J+CN around the time of the Germans’ campaign in Poland. (AR Chapman)
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The Luftwaffe considered the runway at Oslo/Fornebu short and dangerous, and famed bomber pilot Hauptmann ‘Hajo’ Hermann in 5J+KR was among those who did not manage to stop in time. Another He 111 from KG 26 is in the background. Note differences in the colour scheme. (Bjørn Olsen)
attention. Instead they had to continue their struggle until they found a small cottage, where they sought cover and managed a little sleep before they set out again. After four days they had covered approximately 28 miles (45km)…a remarkable feat under those conditions, but the airmen were in poor shape. Gumbrecht had become snowblind and Stoltz’s wounds made it impossible for him to carry on. They then decided to break into a cottage and instead of trying to find their own troops, they waited for the German advance to reach them….but this was not to be. Their tracks in the snow had been spotted by a Norwegian
patrol, one of which had been at Fornebu on the invasion day and recognised the footprint pattern from German flying boots. Not long after, Hölscher’s crew found themselves prisoners of war. By a twist of irony, they were first taken to Aandalsnes, the town they had bombed, where they were handed over to the British. Then they were brought aboard HMS Manchester, the cruiser that had hit their aircraft and thereby set in motion the train of events that led to its demise, and evacuated to Britain. In the summer of 1940, all were sent to Canada where they spent the rest of the war, before they eventually returned
to the UK in 1946 and then Germany the following year.
The wreck found
5J+CN was left where it had landed and soon forgotten as KG 4 withdrew from operations in Norway. In 1943 a 14-year old boy called Öystein Mölmen spotted the aircraft in the deep snow; shortly after, he and a friend decided to investigate further and hopefully collect souvenirs. Entering from the front, they made their way towards the rear – until they suddenly came faceto-face with the dead Willi Stock. The boys turned instantly and ran! Later they found they could not forget what they had seen
Aircrew of 5./KG 4 in front of 5J+CN a few days before it was shot down and Willi Stock (fifth from left) was killed. (AR Chapman)
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and, after the war’s end, they summoned enough courage to bring out the body and buried it under a simple wooden cross. The bomber remained where it lay. During the following years, visitors to the wreck removed souvenirs, vandals caused much damage and exposure to the harsh elements in the mountains almost stripped it of paintwork. Mölmen meanwhile, had not forgotten ‘his’ bomber and made frequent visits. He also managed to trace the pilot Richard Gumbrecht, who became a confectioner in West Germany, but got no further. On August 11, 1973 this writer, along with two other members of the Norwegian Aviation Historical Society, set out to visit the aircraft. It was a tough walk and climb in rocky terrain, but after three hours the wreck was found. By then almost all the paint had gone and its prewar code 33+C25 from the unit’s previous designation (KG 25) was again exposed on the fuselage, as were two different types of Balkenkreuz…one with a narrow white outline and the other with a broad white version. Glass and perspex was smashed throughout the aircraft, while many components had been ripped out. Fortunately quite a few still lay nearby, including the pilot’s seat. Five propeller blades had gone, as had the entire rudder – stolen by Canadian ‘aviation enthusiasts’ a few years earlier. Both wings had separated from the fuselage, but fortunately without causing much damage to either, while both engines had fallen off
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their bearings, which causing damage to themselves and the undercarriage. All instruments in the cockpit had gone. Amazingly a wooden shutter, used by the observer to cover his bombsight while he manned the front gun, still worked, as did the control column. The four bomb racks on each side of the fuselage looked complete, even down to their electrical indicator plates. A single remaining number plate made it possible to establish the aircraft as WerkeNr. 1526, built in 1938. Further back, in the compartment shared by the wireless operator and flight engineer, all instruments and equipment were gone, but many rusty saddle-type machine gun magazines still lay around, as did spent cartridges; reminders of the deadly combat 33 years before.
April 26, 1940 and 5J+CN is down in the snow. The photo was taken from Staffelkapitän 5./KG 4 Hauptmann Kurt Leythauser’s aircraft in the afternoon, as another Heinkel of the same unit flies over the wreck. (via AR Chapman)
Recovery and restoration
The Heinkel at the Digervarden plateau in 1945 after its crash-landing. (Öystein Mølmen)
Despite the work of vandals, the bomber was undamaged structurally. Little rust was evident and many parts appeared to be repairable. Even the underside of the fuselage was intact because the aircraft had landed in deep snow and sunk slowly through as it melted. Just the ventral gun position had been pushed in. A recommendation for recovery was made to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, which later passed it on to the Royal Norwegian Air Force Preservation Committee, of which the writer had by that time become a member. Eventually, When the author visited the wreck in August 1973, 33 years in the open had weathered the paintwork so its pre-war code letters were actually visible. (Bjørn Olsen)
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complete, but missing parts are still being found or donated and put in their proper place.
Finding the crews
Large and small parts lay scattered around the wreck. Someone had placed the pilot’s seat just outside the aircraft, but it disappeared just before recovery in 1976. Fortunately it was returned later. (Bjørn Olsen)
the go-ahead was given and in the summer of 1976 the bomber was dismantled and taken to Gardermoen Air Force Base for restoration. Amazingly, the recovery team was led by none other than Öystein Mölmen who had first found 5J+CN as a young boy! By 1976 he was a captain in the air force’s technical branch. Restoration of the bomber proved to be long and difficult, but no short-cuts were allowed. What was at hand had to be repaired and missing parts sought out. A few came from other wrecks, while some were manufactured at the base. Happily, locals and souvenir hunters turned up to hand over
items they had taken and with time, 5J+CN became no longer a wreck but an aircraft. To facilitate recovery, the fuselage had been split in three and in 1977 each recovered piece was restored. However, it turned out that a new ventral gondola had to be made from original drawings, as there was nothing that could be done with the remains of the original. Eventually all fuselage parts were joined, the fuselage given a coat of primer and German markings applied. The centre-section was in place the following year, as well as both undercarriage units, the starboard wing and one engine. Both propellers were also finished.
The port wing was fitted in 1979, along with the starboard engine; bomb racks had also been restored and were installed, then work inside the aircraft began. This was another difficult task, since various marks of He 111s differed significantly when it came to instrumentation. In the end, scrutiny of original handbooks gave the answer and by August the inside was almost complete. Finding a new Daimler Benz DB601 engine and bearing for the port engine was another major challenge, but in time this was also overcome as were most other problems that occurred during the restoration. Even today the bomber is still not fully
Meanwhile the writer had contacted Rick Chapman, a ‘Brit’ resident in Germany and a fellow aviation historian, with a view to unravelling the story of the men behind the aircraft; eventually as it turned out, not just the crew of the Heinkel but also those in the Skuas. Provided with Gumbrecht’s address by Mölmen, Chapman was able to obtain much information so the search for his fellow crew members could continue. Stolz was soon located not far from Gumbrecht, but of Hölscher there was no trace. After a long search Chapman had almost given up when Stolz suddenly remembered that Hölscher had married a woman from Weinheim – and in that town there lived just one Günther Hölscher. We had the whole crew! Since the records of 801 NAS only named the pilots, finding eventual surviving British crew members became very difficult when it was established that Bramwell and Martyn had died in 1975. Fortunately the Telegraphist Air Gunner Association in the UK came to the rescue. The first one located was Reg Davies, Martyn’s
The author finds the observer’s escape hatch still in working condition. (Bjørn Olsen)
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By June 1978 the three parts of the fuselage had been joined, given a coat of dark grey primer and had Luftwaffe markings applied. (Bjørn Olsen)
TAG, and finally Bramwell’s observer John Collett. The latter remembered the incident well, not least how worried he had been about not finding Ark Royal on the flight back. Like the Germans, both Brits were enthusiastic about a reunion where it had all happened.
Poignant reunion
Sponsored by a Norwegian magazine and a journalist, a meeting of Germans and Brits was arranged in front of the Heinkel at Gardermoen on August 13, 1979. At hand were also Captain Mölmen, Rick Chapman and this writer. In his welcoming speech, the base commander emphasised the fact that almost 40 years after they had tried to kill each other, these former enemies now stood together as comrades and friends. It really gave the event its true significance...and they got along well. Perhaps it was that bond of mutual understanding found among airmen of all nations, or perhaps it was these five having shared an experience that would forever be just theirs. Left to their own, the Germans could hardly wait to get on board their Heinkel. But the discipline was still there; Gumbrecht and Stolz respectfully waited until their old commander had entered the aircraft. They were also more than eager to show their new-found friends around, and Gumbrecht’s face, when Collett told him that had they only been a thousand feet higher, the Skuas would never have got to them, was a sight to see. As mentioned, the wireless compartment had been picked clean while the wreck lay in the mountains. This had given rise
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The bare cockpit in February 1979...just a few months later it was more or less fully equipped once again. (Bjørn Olsen)
to uncertainty during restoration as to whether the Heinkel was a P-1 or P-2, the only difference between these versions being radio equipment. Stolz settled that in an instant: “It is a P-2, I had the latest equipment”. In the end, all got together to push the Heinkel back into the hangar. But it was not the end of the reunion. The next day all set out for Aandalsnes, their target on April 26, 1940, where they met a man who had been on the receiving end. Then he was a young railway worker, but then eventually a station master, and he remembered running for his life to escape the bombs Hölscher dropped. A potentially embarrassing situation, but fortunately the Norwegian bore no grudges and blamed Nazi Germany’s rulers rather than the airmen themselves. Following this encounter, most of us were lifted by helicopter up to the crash site. The weather was very poor, but somehow the dark sky, rain and windswept stone-ridden wilderness seemed strangely appropriate for the occasion. Here, in front of the wooden cross on Willi Stock’s grave, the Germans were respectfully left to their own thoughts. It was a solemn moment, before a forced smile following a joke from Stolz showed they had pulled
Their second meeting was far more peaceful than their first. Günther Hölscher, John Collett, Richard Gumbrecht, Reg Davies and Karl Stolz link arms. (Bjørn Olsen)
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Gardermoen Museum An important development in the preservation of the bomber came in 1997, when the Norwegian parliament granted 72.9 million kroner for the construction of a building in which to house historic military aircraft at Gardermoen; Forsvarets flysamling Gardermoen - the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection, which opened to the public in May 2000 and is one of seven Armed Forces museums in Norway. Today the facility has a total of 38 aircraft on display, which range from Norway’s very first, a 1912 Rumpler Taube, to jet fighters. Most have been in Norwegian service, but as a reminder of the war years the collection also houses the Heinkel, along with a Ju 53/3m and a Ju 88A-1 under long-term restoration. With its rare combination of machine, war and humanity, the Heinkel has proved a popular and fascinating exhibit. Needless to say, all at the museum are thrilled with the prospect of Airfix choosing ‘our’ Heinkel as the subject of its new kit. Forsvarets flysamling Gardermoen, Museumsvegen 35, NO-2060 Gardermoen, Norway. E-mail:
[email protected]. Web: www.flysam.no
The whole crew in the cockpit; Hölscher at the frontal machine gun, Gumbrecht at the controls and Stolz in the hatch as he exchanges words with Collett and Davies. (Bjørn Olsen)
themselves together. Sportingly, the three declined the offer of an airlift down and instead set off on foot along with some of us down the mountain to Mölmen’s cottage, where the Brits and a magnificent dinner waited. All five had become firm friends and remained so until the end of their days.
He 111 5J+CN has a prominent place in the museum. (Frode Ander)
Full circle
A postscript to this story came 20 years later. Willi Stock was married and his wife pregnant when he was killed. Not long after, on July 11, 1940, a little girl was born and given the name Annelise. Stock’s wife was told by a soothsayer that he had escaped from the aircraft and fled through
The tragedy of war: Holes made by the bullets that killed Willi Stock have been kept in the restoration.
Hölscher and Gumbrecht back in ‘the office’. (Bjørn Olsen)
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Sweden and Finland into Russia, where he was a prisoner of the Russians and to the day she died in 1964 she never accepted that he‘d been killed. In a strange way Annelise became very close to the father she was sure would one day come in through the door, and adored the photos they had of him. Only in 1978 did she learn that he was indeed dead and lay buried in Norway. Living in the so-called German Democratic Republic she was not allowed out of the country, but after the fall of communism
and reunification of the two German states, an opportunity to visit Norway arose. In 1999 her dream became a reality and on a fine but windblown August day up at Digervarden, Annelise walked up to the wooden cross and for the first and only time in her life spent a few minutes close to the father she had never met, but who had always meant so much to her. It was a deeply moving moment and finally the ring was closed. Special thanks to A.R. Chapman
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Detail In
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(All photos – Key Collection)
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
DUCATI!
Ian Hartup examines whether Tamiya has raised the bar with its new Ducati 1199 Panigale S
Gunze’s Mr. Cement Deluxe was utilised for the first time in this built and it proved a real godsend.
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designed as a basis for their Superbike racers, the Panigale displaces, yes, you’ve guessed it, 1199cc and the L-Twin engine produces 195bhp at approximately 10,750rpm. These spectacular performance levels, particularly for a road bike, coupled with state-of-the-art power control systems make for a stunning product. Forza Ducati!
Opening the power Tamiya’s kit represented the 1199 Panigale S in standard production form, and comprised a selection of silver, clear, black and white styrene runners, with a small bag of screws and springs. The instructions were in pictorial format, with notes on where to deviate from the standard sequence for any detail-up components, and colour references for Tamiya acrylic paints. Construction began with the highly detailed engine block; the major parts were assembled easily, and provided a solid basis for the rest of the build. The engine was then sprayed with Alclad ALC-302 grey primer before it was finished with ALC-101 Aluminium. All of the smaller, independent engine components were sprayed with ALC-302 primer, before they were coated variously with ALC-103 Dark Aluminium, ALC-104 Pale Burnt Metal or satin black. A few areas of smaller detail were picked out with brush-painted satin black, and a decal depicted the oil level glass on the crankcase. The
expectation here was that the decal should fit into a small recess on the crankcase cover, part C39; however, experience suggested that it would be better to cut the decal from its carrier first. A homemade punch, fashioned from a length of aluminium tube, and sharpened to an edge with sanding sticks and files, was placed over the decal and then struck with a small hammer. Once removed from
MODEL SPEC
D
ucati’s 1199 Panigale S is the first in a new range of bikes, and utilises a cantilevered design as opposed to a traditional tube-and-frame chassis. In a radical departure for the Italian manufacturer, the engine forms the core of the structure, with ancillary areas such as the rear swing arm, front forks and the airbox attached to it. Clearly
Ducati 1199 Panigale S By:
Tamiya
Stock Code: 14129 Scale:
1/12
Price:
£34.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
Typically, the engineering of the engine block was so precise that no filler or sanding was required. The basic block was painted with ZP-1047 Mica Silver, and then the various ancillary components added after being painted appropriately.
the tube, the decal was applied in the normal way.
Exhausting Incredibly, Tamiya captured the complex shapes, twists and turns of the Ducati exhaust system in just three parts. A clever system of slide joints allowed the whole assembly to align correctly with the engine sections, with little slack. To ensure this remained the case, Gunze’s Mr. Hobby Cement Deluxe (a product newly available in the UK), was used. Similar to Revell Contacta, it had better grip straight from the bottle and a more rapid setting time. The assembly was clipped into place on the engine after the parts had been glued, and the two silencer sections were temporarily attached to ensure that all these elements would align correctly later in the build. After the adhesive had cured, the exhaust parts were removed from the engine, and any joins and mould lines dealt with before they were sprayed with Gunze Mr. Primer
A simple slide-and-lock system was utilised by Tamiya to mate the front frame and airbox directly to the top of the front cylinder block. The Tamiya Front Fork Set (12657) parts were typically superb; the fit of the lower fork extensions was engineered such that any excess paint had to be removed to ensure everything joined correctly.
“A CLEVER SYSTEM OF SLIDE JOINTS ALLOWED THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY TO ALIGN CORRECTLY”
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
BRAKE ISSUES
A delightful set of anodised and machined parts from the Front Fork Set were used to embellish the headstock...the finish on the blue lock rings had to be seen to be believed.
Surfacer 1500 Grey. These were then buffed with worn denim to remove any surface imperfections, before Gaia Color 1002 Dark Stainless Steel was applied. Gaia Color is a Chinese range of lacquerbased paints for railway modelling, which dilutes easily with cellulose thinners (Mr. Hobby Self-Levelling Thinners was used here) and has recently become available in the UK. Once the first colour had dried, the silencers were masked and the lighter areas sprayed with Gaia 1001 Light Stainless Steel. With just four parts, the front frame, which also incorporated the engine airbox and radiator mounts, was assembled and sprayed black. This colour was chosen as
Tamiya represented the drilled holes in the front and rear brake disks with a series of circular depressions, and it was decided to correct this before main construction began. The holes were opened with an electric mini-drill (and a lot of patience!), with the moulded detail used as a template. While the front disks were being modified, the opportunity was taken to add parts from Tamiya’s Ducati 1199 Panigale S Front Fork Set (12657), to represent the fixtures between the disk frames and braking surfaces. These required the moulded detail to be removed, and 1.2mm locating holes then drilled in their place. In practice this was easier than it sounded, although later it was discovered that a slightly larger drill bit would have been more appropriate.
it imparted the correct finish for scale, based upon examination of reference photos. The front section of this assembly should then be sprayed with a mixed shade, equivalent to ALC-104 Pale Burnt Metal; annoyingly, this was overlooked on the review model, and not noticed until later in the build. Extra care was required for the attachment of the airbox, which was designed to simply clip and screw into place, as this had the potential to create misalignment in the finished model. The radiator and its shroud were neatly moulded, and incorporated clever engineering to ensure everything fitted seamlessly. After the radiator had
The rear brake disk was painstakingly drilled-out to represent the real thing; here the first few holes have been modified.
After the rear disk was completed, it seemed churlish to not do the same with the front units...the difference in appearance was significant.
been sprayed with Zero Paints’ ZP-1047 Mica Silver over a grey primer base, the centre element was masked and sprayed satin black. The extraction shroud and fan received black primer, before they too were finished with satin black. A set of three hoses, which attached to the radiator, also received black primer, before they were masked and the clips sprayed with ALC-101 Aluminium. With the top frame mounts in place, the exhausts and radiator were all added; the clever clip-and-screw assembly process ensured that everything located correctly.
Swing low The rear swing arm and hugger assembly was precisely engineered, which meant that any
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S build-up of paint on the mating faces would prevent a good fit, and so extra care was needed to avoid this. Masking tape was added to the joining faces of the smaller parts representing the chain and drive guard and once paint had been applied, the mask was removed...which enabled a perfect fit. To impart a carbon fibre effect on the rear hugger and main element of the trail arm, they were painted in black primer, with smaller elements finished in Humbrol 201 Metallic Black over the same base colour. Similarly, a dull/ toned-down finish on the drive sprocket and chain was produced with 1001 Light Stainless Steel sprayed over black primer. The chain was then brush-painted with Mr. Metal Color MC-212 Iron, and when dry, buffed with a cotton bud. A combination of 1001 Light Stainless Steel, 7032 Titanium Silver and MC-214 Dark Iron were used to pre-paint the rear brake calliper and disk, before they were set aside. One of the unusual features of Ducati’s design is the location of the damper for the rear suspension. As the exhaust was routed through the space usually occupied by the spring on a conventional bike, it had to be relocated. Ducati’s ingenious fix was to locate it horizontally on the side of the bike, and Tamiya did an excellent job to duplicate this unusual arrangement. Here, a degree of pre-planning was required, in particular for the main part of the spring mount, which needed a poly-cap to be trapped in place and
“THE ANODISED BLUE FINISH OF THE TOP RINGS LOOKED AMAZING” the join cleaned-up before it was painted. However, this was not a particularly onerous task, and took just a few swipes with a sanding stick to eradicate the seam. The metal spring was painted with Mr. Metal Primer to ensure good paint adhesion, before it was coated in yellow. Several smaller parts, which had been pre-painted with XP-1032 Titanium Silver and detail-painted with a mixture of Tamiya and Revell acrylics, were then added to the chassis in a trouble-free process. A turnedmetal and anodised reservoir piece was provided in the Front Fork Set, and this was attached As with any modern Tamiya kit, the parts fit was one of the real highlights, as exemplified by the ease in which the radiator and its rear shroud attached to the engine block.
The fork and headstock were added to the front structure at this early stage to ensure everything was aligned properly before the bodywork came into play. Giai Color 1002 Dark Stainless Steel was sprayed onto the exhaust pipe, before it was added to the chassis, along with the trailing arm.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
“FIT OF PARTS THROUGHOUT WAS EXEMPLARY” A combination of light and dark stainless steel (Gaia 1001 and 1002) was used to paint the exhaust silencer units; these were a precise fit to the motor and exhaust combination.
At this point it was realised that the front frame structure had not been painted with the correct metallic colour...sadly, construction was too advanced to rectify this oversight.
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with cyanoacrylate (CA), before the right-hand foot peg assembly and brake reservoir housing were added. After the adhesive had dried, the rear brake hoses were attached, along with the rear calliper, disk and additional piping. Beautifully turned metal front fork bodies from the Front Forks Set replaced the kit items, and assembly of these parts was sublime, with the integrated poly-caps more than sufficient to hold them together. A robust subassembly was then created from the metal shafts, kit-provided fork bases and lower fork stock, which had been pre-painted with 7032 Titanium Silver. The headstock, also pre-painted in silver, and the two integral reservoirs were then attached, before the delightfully detailed metal frame tops from the Front Fork Set were added. This caused a real ‘wow’ moment, as the anodised blue finish of the top rings looked amazing. The forks were then Unusually, the main damper spring is horizontally side-mounted on the Panigale, and Tamiya has replicated this area beautifully...perhaps the only improvement would have been to provide a spring pre-painted in the correct yellow.
Although the electronics boxes in the side shrouds were obscured after the bodywork was added, they were painted for this build.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
The lower section of the front cowling was designed to clip into place below the air intake mount and did so with a satisfying click.
screwed on to the chassis, although it is recommended that the damper, part B4, should be added to the frame before the forks.
Getting framed The well-moulded wheels were painted gloss black, before the red trim was added; this was supplied as a series of decals and, in a neat touch, spares for these delicate items were provided. That said, with care they went on pretty well, and Mr. Mark Softer was used to secure them before the tyres were added. The front brake disks, with all of their little details now fitted, were added to the front wheel before both wheels were screwed into place. Work continued on the front wheel, with the front callipers assembled and painted MC-214 Dark Iron prior to being attached with CA. The front mudguard, which had already been painted, was then added to the forks. A problem was encountered with the fit of the front brake lines, though, as the routeing of these around the back of the forks and through an aperture on the back of the mudguard was very fiddly. In the end, a length of fine wire was pushed into the vinyl piping, which allowed the lines to be curved and shaped once in place. The handgrips and bars were a typical Tamiya offering, with exquisite fit and high levels of moulded detail. While they could perhaps be better rendered as a multi-piece sub-assembly, the supplied parts were more than acceptable for most modellers. One the wheels were
attached, the model began to look like a bike. The next step was to clothe it, of which the first layer was a collection of fairings and frame sections. Although the large side panels concealed much of the engine detail, they were welldetailed pieces in themselves. The various connectors and engine control unit boxes all benefitted from careful painting, and 201 Metallic Black proved a very useful colour. Moving down the bike, the seat frame was a delight to assemble, with precise and flawless joins. Similarly, the rear light cluster parts, which had previously been painted with satin black, clear red and Mr. Super Metallic SM06 Chrome Silver, simply clipped together. As an aside,
Here the structure for the seat and rear fairing has been screwed to the back of the airbox and the rear-most cylinder head. The rear light cluster was a delight to assemble, although Tamiya could have improved this by moulding the light glass in red styrene (as in their car kits), rather than clear plastic, which then had to be painted.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S The kit provided a simple decal for the instrument panel, later a coat of gloss varnish greatly improved its appearance.
The front wheel and brake structure was the simplest of fits to the forks. Unfortunately Tamiya persisted with their big screw assembly methods, although at least this one was black!
A clever design enabled the rear fairing side panels and seat sections to simply slide into the rear structure, with poly-caps to hold them in place. The seat sections were painted with ZP-1082 Rubber Black to contrast with the bodywork.
the instructions suggested that the foot pegs be attached at this stage; however, it is recommended that they should be left until the very end, unless one would prefer to constantly re-attach them as they were knocked off easily!
The emperor’s new clothes This modeller’s usual combination of ALC-306 White Primer, Zero Paints basecoat and 2 Pack Gloss Clearcoat was utilised to reproduce the bike paint scheme, with colourmatched ZP-1273 Rosso Ducati 1199 Panigale used here. Of note,
the prototype is available in just Red or Stealth Grey, so there was not really a great deal of choice in any event. Kit decals were applied between coats of clear to give a glass-like finish to the finished panels. These were then set aside to cure for two days, in a well-ventilated plastic sandwich box over a radiator, before being polished with micromesh pads and G12 cutting paste. The rear fairing panels were married to their pre-painted liners and then clicked into place on the seat frame. Here the join was a little more than an interference fit, which necessitated a trim of the lower pins, and trial assembly was vital before one committed to glue. In what proved to be the only visible join line in the entire kit, the fuel tank was formed from two parts...this was eradicated with a sanding stick and Micromesh. Once again, the front light cluster was a superb piece of engineering and adhesive was not really required, just a dash of PVA to hold everything together. The remainder of the assembly was then just a simple case of ‘screw this on here’ and ‘glue this there’ that is, until the attachment of the rear view mirrors. By this stage,
PAINTS AND PRIMERS The specialised paints and primers are available as follows: Gaia Color www.hobbyeasy.com
“A FEW TRICKS OF THE TRADE WERE ESSENTIAL” {80}
Gunze Products www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk Zero Paints www.hiroboy.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
Windscreen glazing was provided on the clear runner and this clipped into place; the small coaming underneath it was a tricky fit but, once located correctly, was secured with just a dash of PVA.
the model was all but complete, so perhaps a little complacency had slipped in, and these simply butt joined to the sides of the main fairing, just below the windscreen... but this precluded the use of CA as it would have fogged the glazing. After a few hours of fiddling and trying to work out the correct alignment and means of fitting the mirrors, there was a palpable sense of impending doom. However, inspiration struck in the early hours of the morning...a dab of two-part epoxy adhesive was used to attach the mirrors and a small ball of Blu-Tack employed as an armature to hold them in place while the glue set. In hindsight, this was probably the best way to achieve a firm bond, and proved that it was amazing what a bit of caffeine could do to focus the mind!
The wing mirrors had a simple butt-fit to the fairing, which proved tricky to align...in the end they were attached with a dab of two-part epoxy, then held in place with a blob of Blu-Tack until the adhesive had dried.
Summing up As an all-new kit, Tamiya’s Panigale S encompassed more than 34 years of engineering know-how. The fit of parts throughout was exemplary and the design was clever, intuitive and yet at the same time provided a sensible route for any beginner modeller to achieve an excellent result. That said, to extract the best from it a few tricks of the trade were essential...and more experienced modellers would also appreciate the detail provided ❚ in the Front Fork Set. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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PHOTO FOCUS
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
DEVIL!
AMW presents reference photos of Ducati's magnificent Panigale, to help with the finishing of Tamiya’s kit
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(Ducati)
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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PHOTO FOCUS
DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE S
(All Key Chris Clifford unless stated)
Ducati)
(Ducati)
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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OUT AND ABOUT
LANCING (SOUTHDOWNS) MODEL SHOW 2015 One of the many excellent models in the competition was this diorama that featured a Dragon 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 163 and Tamiya Kübelwagen. Lovely!
Airfix’s new-tool 1/72 Folland Gnat builds into an excellent model, and this Hornchurch Model Club example was particularly attractive. (All Malcolm V. Lowe) Independent modeller Paul Janicki displayed his eye-catching 1/72 Lockheed Ventura target-towing in Royal Canadian Air Force markings, with after-market decals from Aviaeology.
Southern Comfort O rganisers of a major plastic modelling event on the South Coast of England celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. Created and run by Southdowns Model Group members, who live
in and around the Lancing area of West Sussex, the renowned Lancing (Southdowns) Model Show has become one of the major annual events in Southern England. Staged in Lancing Parish Hall in May, the show proved to
Superb scratch-built modelling was exemplified by individual exhibitor Philip Cowley, with his 1/24 Auto Union from the 1934 French Grand Prix.
be the biggest and most popular yet, with the anniversary being celebrated by visiting modelling groups and individual modellers from far afield in the South of England. Especially prominent were clubs from Kent, Hampshire and Dorset, while several IPMS (UK) Special Interest Groups similarly caught the attention of visitors. A number of traders were also present, as well as several individuals selling items from their own collections. The Parish Hall venue consisted of several adjoining rooms, which included the main hall itself plus annexes; this gave the show a homely and informal atmosphere that underlined the ‘friendly’ reputation of the event. An aspect of the
North Surrey Military Modelling Group members displayed several impressive models, including IBG’s 1/35 Einheits-Diesel Kfz.61 with extensive ‘interior’ detail.
Based on Heritage Aviation Models’ resin kit, but with much scratch-building carried out, this 1/48 Grob Tutor was a star of Lancing’s extensive model competition.
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2015 exhibition, which (pleasantly) surprised all concerned, was the huge number of entries in the competition classes. Held in a separate room, the contest easily spilled over from the tables provided, with aircraft, armour and dioramas particularly in abundance. Clearly, South Coast modellers are very competitive! The date for the next show organised by Southdowns Model Group has already been decided: May 14, 2016. Further details can be found at www.lancingmodelshow. ❚ org.uk Malcolm V. Lowe
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FOR SALE: WALRUS II by ROY CROSS. Signed original painting by famous aviation artist Roy Cross in gouache medium on art board. Mounted and framed in a metallic antique silver frame the overall size of which is 27" x 22"; the painted image (illustrated) measures 18" x 13". Displayed on one year loan to the RAF Museum, Hendon, June 2013 - May 2014 for inclusion in 'Airfix Making History - An Exhibition of Classic Box Art', this was reproduced in the 12th and 13th catalogues and not for theconstructionkit'sboxlidillustration.Agenuinereasonforselling,thispresentsanopportunityforthecollectortopurchase a beautiful Roy Cross original at a realistic price. £895 Carriage or delivery cost not included Contact:
[email protected] or call 07711 806258
Bring new levels of realism to your model making
RAVEN SCALE MODELS
Available to buy from our web & eBay shops
BEACONS MODEL LIGHTING KITS www.ravenscalemodels.com tel: 01550 721099 email:
[email protected]
L IGHTING FOR A IRCRAFT, S CI -F I & MORE ... !Install into your models to see them light up & come alive !Discover our exciting developments in space & Sci-Fi modelling – including a lighting kit for Star Trek ‘Into Darkness’ USS Enterprise !Mains conversion & double-flash strobe lighting kits now available !Contact the designers regarding custom model lighting projects
OUT AND ABOUT
MILTON KEYNES MODEL SHOW
Sovereign 2000’s Viking bust was painted beautifully by AMW's Sonia Maes; it featured intricate shading on the beard and details on the shoulder armour. Here's a conversion many wouldn’t dare undertake...chopping up Wingnut Wings’ 1/32 Pfalz kit and converting it into a motor transport...Phillip Ware’s incredible build should also take home an award for bravery!
Mesmerising ModelKraft
M
ilton Keynes Model Club’s annual ModelKraft show continues to go from strength to strength, once again hosted in Stantonbury Leisure Centre. The layout, which included use of a separate building, allowed for a huge variety of displays and traders, and thankfully for those away from the main hall, the weather remained fine throughout the day. One of the most moving displays was on the IPMS Belvoir stand, with a tribute to Chris Gardiner, who died recently. As ever, the competition attracted a large
number of excellent entries, which included a stunning ‘Lion in Winter’ diorama that featured Trumpeter’s 1/35 KV-1 by Andrew Johnson. However, the prize for best in show was deservedly won by one of the most extreme modifications of a Wingnut Wings kit ever seen...Phillip Ware’s conversion of a 1/32 Pfalz into a pseudo-car (as depicted in a period photograph) was truly inspirational and an example of what can be achieved when one's imagination is let loose! Stu Fone ❚
IPMS Belvoir paid tribute to the late Chris Gardiner with an array of his models displayed on the stand. They included this wonderful 1/32 scale Wingnut Wings Albatros.
VIEW MORE ONLINE airfixmodelworld.com Aaron Scott completed Trumpeter’s 1/32 MiG-3 as a fresh-from-the-assembly-line aircraft, to highlight the differing materials used in the real aircraft’s construction. (All Key – Stu Fone)
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At the opposite end of the cleanliness scale, a Revell 1/24 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet depicted a a very tired and rusty relic in this diorama by Richard Clarke from Salisbury IPMS.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
DAWN OF THE RED JET AGE Yakovlev and Lavochkin, and independent designer Semyon Alekseyev, who produced a series of graceful twin-engined aircraft. Unsurprisingly, many early designs bore similarities to the Me 262 and projects such as the P.1101, as a consequence of equipment and data acquired as the Red Army advanced through eastern Europe. Perhaps more notable, though, are the number of designators applied to these aircraft which were subsequently re-used in the 1950s, such as the Su-9 and the Yak-25. Detailed line drawings and numerous photographs (some of which are from the manufacturer’s archives and have never been published
before), provide a huge amount of information for modellers. Given the riveting tale of aircraft development in those post-war years, it’s a pity that there is such a dearth of available kits, but it can be hoped that modellers will be suitably inspired by this work to scratch-build their own. SF
BOOK SPEC
At the end of World War Two, just three nations had fielded jet fighters successfully...Germany, the USA and United Kingdom. The Soviet Union, despite
beginning research into this area in the 1930s, was well behind its technological rivals, and used captured German designs to boost its own development programme. Gifted by the donation of British Nene and Derwent engines, at that time probably the most advanced powerplants in the world, Soviet jet research never looked back. While the story of Soviet jet design in the 1950s is well known, that of the earliest designs has, until recently, been shrouded in mystery and the authors have made use of new information to build an enthralling narrative. Five sections deal with the four major post-war manufacturers, Mikoyan, Sukhoi,
Early Soviet Jet Fighters By:
Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov
ISBN:
978-1-902109-350
Price:
£39.95
Format:
303mm x 216mm
Available from: www.crecy.co.uk
THE WOLFPACK STORY
BOOK SPEC
The Type VII U-boat was the workhorse of the German Kreigsmarine submarine fleet during World War Two, and Haynes’ has now released an Owners’ Manual on this subject. Although it concentrates on the Type VII, the opening section U-Boat 1936-45 (Type VIIA, B, C and Type VIIC/41) By:
Alan Gallop
ISBN:
978-0-85733404-6
Price:
£21.99
Format:
212mm x 276mm
Available from: www.haynes.co.uk
provides a revealing insight into German U-boat designs, and the comparative unpreparedness of the fleet for the outbreak of World War Two. The narrative then shifts to the U-boat at war, and contrasts starkly the earlywar survival rates with those at the end, when just two out of every ten vessels would return. It also outlines the technological battle between the U-boats and their opponents, and the developments in airborne radars and anti-submarine weaponry. Modellers will appreciate the next section, which describes the anatomy of a Type VII U-boat, accompanied by a series of splendid colour photographs of
the interior and exterior of the sole surviving Type VIIC/41, now a museum exhibit at Kiel. While useful for all builds, regardless of scale, the imagery is particularly relevant for Revell’s 1/72 scale Type VIIC kit. Similarly, the section on the various antiaircraft fits on U-boats will be of great interest to modellers, and it was revealing just how many versions of these were fielded as the threats changed. The remaining sections cover the human aspects of operations, namely the crews and the challenges they faced onboard a submarine during combat, the tactics employed in a successful attack and the development of
the ‘wolfpack’ concept. Finally, one is introduced to the U-Boat ‘aces’...commanders who sank the highest number of merchant vessels and warships, some of whom eventually rose to high ranks within the post-war German Navy. SF
BLUE SWASTIKA BIRDS
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406 and Brewster 239 (known as the Buffalo with other operators). Kits of all these machines are readily available (Airfix, Special Hobby, RS Models, Azur etc), and so MMP’s work is vital if one wishes to explore this theme
in scale form. The 208 pages deal with each type in dedicated sections, and these are packed with a wealth of black and white (and some colour) photos, which are mostly of very good quality. Excellent colour profiles, plan and scrap views educate on paint shades, insignia and personal artwork. Where matters get really interesting is where Finnish markings are applied over the original air arm’s paint, which certainly makes for eyecatching modelling subjects. The Italian G.50s are this reviewer’s favourite inclusions, but all are attractive in their own right; the Gladiator Mk.Is are particularly impressive and this is a great
excuse to build Airfix’s lovely new tooling which, luckily, is available with skis. Along with engaging historical text and delivery list tables, this is a truly fine package and essential for anyone interested in the subject. CC
BOOK SPEC
Modellers who favour Scandinavian air arms gained access to a wonderful pool of inspiration, when MMP released its weighty hardback on Swedish aircraft colours of World War Two. Now, the publisher has made a natural progression with this just-as-impressive hardback examination of aircraft operated by Finland during the same period. Described in unparalleled detail, this first instalment offers extensive coverage of fighters obtained from France, the USA, Germany and the UK. This makes for an interesting mix of types, such as the Bristol Bulldog, Fokker D XXI, Gloster Gladiator, Fiat G50, Morane Saulnier MS
Finnish Fighter Colours 19391945 Vol.1 By:
Kari Stenman and Karolina Hołda
ISBN:
978-8363678074
Price:
£35
Format:
304mm x 216mm
Available from: MMP Books, www.mmpbooks.biz
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
IN MEMORY OF THE FEW than 70 years old. Although just a short section is devoted specifically to the aircraft, the narrative is accompanied throughout by a series of excellent photographs, both air-to-air and close-ups, which provide a wealth of detail for modellers. However, even if one has not witnessed a display, many readers may have already seen several of these aircraft before, as they participated in the 1969 film, the Battle of Britain... it’s not often that the aeroplanes are bigger stars than their pilots! As would be expected, the photography is stunning, and covers all aspects of the upkeep of these historic aircraft, and the close-ups of maintenance
work will undoubtedly provide huge inspiration for modellers. In fact, one set will be immediately familiar, that of masses of masking prior to using the airbrush. A thoroughly entertaining read, this is a wonderful tribute to those who fought over the skies of southern England in 1940. SF
BOOK SPEC
In a departure from its usual single-subject format, Haynes has released this manual on the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), to coincide with
that event’s 75th Anniversary. It comprises an equal mix of tributes to those that served in 1940 and the work that takes place at RAF Coningsby to keep their memory alive. Formerly known as the Historical Aviation Flight, and set up to ensure that a Spitfire and a Hurricane was airworthy to commemorate the RAF’s role in the Battle of Britain and World War Two as a whole, it was renamed the BBMF in 1969. The author has had rare access to the unit and covers all aspects of its day-today operations...these include an extensive section on engineering and maintenance aspects, which are considerable given that the majority of airframes are more
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: 1957 to date By:
Keith Wilson
ISBN:
978-0-85733-516-6
Price:
£25
Format:
A4
Available from: www.haynes.co.uk
PENCIL IN THE SKY
BOOK SPEC
With the release of Airfix’s 1/72 Dornier Do 17Z, there’s never been a better time for a reference book on the type. A wealth of facts has been packed into 84 pages, which includes a brief history and its origin as a high-speed mail plane The Dornier Do17Z: A Technical Guide By:
Richard A Franks
ISBN:
978-0-95758669-7
Price:
£12.95
Format:
A4
Available from: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
for Lufthansa. As with many early-war designs, its initial successes were marred by its lack of defensive firepower, a shortcoming exposed fully during the Battle of Britain, although it subsequently served in the Balkans and Finland. A technical description of the aircraft fills almost half of the pages, and modellers will welcome the extensive extracts from pilots’ and engineering handbooks. There is more than sufficient detail here to satisfy the most ardent detailer, and Valiant has thoughtfully included common bomb loads and configurations for those seeking extra accuracy. The
colours and markings section is fantastic, and while the majority of aircraft wore the standard base camouflage scheme, units and commanders applied temporary and/or theatrespecific tones dependent upon the situation, particularly on the eastern front. Six pages of colour profiles provide some unusual artwork to say the least, including a rather relieved-looking red devil on a KG 76 airframe. Helpfully there is also discussion as to the tones of various unit markings, which otherwise are always difficult to decipher from black and white photographs. Finally, there is a splendid build
article on the new Airfix kit, by renowned modeller Libor Jekl, which is packed with plenty of hints and tips. Three handy appendices then list all of the available kits, decals and accessories for this important German type. SF
GLOBAL SEAPOWER EXAMINATION its organisation, missions and principle combatants are covered. However, it is the ‘significant ships’ section which will be of most use to modellers. For 2015, the FREMM-class multirole frigate, Samuel Beckettclass offshore patrol vessel, Skjold-class fast attack craft
and Montford Point-class mobile landing platform are covered. Each receives an overview of its concept of operations and development, and includes at least one line diagram to accompany the narrative. A handy review of naval aviation occupies the next section, complete with a summary of developments, particularly those concerned with unmanned platforms. The operational role studied in the 2015 edition is mine warfare, and while the subject may not appeal to all, the photographs will be invaluable if one is building a vessel equipped with these capabilities. Finally, an oft-overlooked process
is considered, namely what happens to a ship once it has been decommissioned. While a lucky few will become museumpieces, the vast majority are recycled/scrapped, and there is a fascinating discussion of how this is achieved, accompanied by photographs of the remnants of once fine warships. SF
BOOK SPEC
Now in its sixth edition, maritime modellers will hopefully be aware of the Seaforth World Naval Review series, but if not, these works are well worth investigating. In addition to the expected summaries of maritime forces, they include a closer look at one specific navy, several individual classes of ship, an aspect of naval warfare and a technological standpoint. For its main review section, navies are grouped regionally, and it analyses major fleet strengths, acquisition and innovation trends, before it takes a slightly lessdetailed look at regionally minor forces. France is the subject of the 2015 Fleet Review, and
World Naval Review 2015 By:
Conrad Waters
ISBN:
978-1-84832-220-2
Price:
£30
Format:
265mm x 248mm
Available from: www.seaforthpublishing.com Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
EASTERN INVASION performing formations, such as the Nord Division, are included. However, the Waffen-SS is also associated with numerous warcrimes, many of which occurred on the Eastern Front, and these have not been glossed over. The actions of the Reichsführer units, which includes the Kavallerie and 1.Bde and 2.Bde formations are covered, and provide a very sobering final section. Even if one cannot read French, modellers will appreciate the excellent photographs of personnel and vehicles, particularly those associated with pre-operation activity, that accompany the text. While most wartime histories tend to focus on the armoured elements, here light vehicles such
as motorcycles and Kübelwagens feature heavily, and there is plenty of inspiration for diorama builders. This is a superb insight into the workings and activities of the infamous Waffen-SS units, and will be of interest to any modeller who intends to build dioramas of these formations during Operation Barbarossa. SF
BOOK SPEC
This French-language text covers the actions of the WaffenSS units that participated in Operation Barbarossa, the June 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. Although there were only
100,000 Waffen-SS troops out of a total of 3,500,000 German soldiers committed to the attack, their role was larger than would be expected due to their combat power, and they were employed within the spearhead Panzergruppen units. Known by their titles, rather than unit numbers, the Totenkopf, Wiking, Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler (LAH) and Reich divisions were instantly recognisable as Waffen-SS formations. In addition to the combat experiences of the prime formations, actions of the nonmotorized and lesser-known units are covered, notably the PolizeiDivision, which distinguished itself by blowing up the lock at Louga. Helpfully, even the weaker-
Opération Barbarossa: La Waffen-SS au Combat By:
Charles Trang
ISBN:
978-2840483632
Price:
£24.99
Format:
305mm x 215mm
Available from: www.casematepublishing.co.uk
DEFENDING THE FLEET
BOOK SPEC
Naval subjects tend to concentrate on the ships and main armament, and it is refreshing to see the role of anti-aircraft weaponry given the same encyclopaedic treatment. Here we embark on a journey through the development of antiaircraft guns during the final years Naval Anti-Aircraft Guns & Gunnery By:
Norman Friedman
ISBN:
978-1-84832177-9
Price:
£45
Format:
A4
Available from: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
of World War One, through to the immediate post-Second World War period. The author, a noted naval analyst and historian, opens by examining the air threat to ships, how it progressed from bombs to guided missiles, and the technical issues faced by anti-aircraft gun designers. One key difference with a land-based system is that a naval gun has to be aimed in three dimensions in order to gain a successful hit, and this is complicated even further by the movement of the firing platform itself. Developments in fire control are discussed before the main sections of this volume examine the Royal Navy and US Navy in detail, with shorter sections on
Japanese and other Axis naval weaponry. Unsurprisingly, all country sections follow similar paths, starting with large calibre weapons, which usually had a dual function against surface and air targets, before mixing these with an ever-increasing number of smaller, rapid-fire guns to achieve a massed barrage. Occasional diversions from this path are covered, and this includes the Japanese use of ‘special’ shells which could be fired from the 18in (457mm) main guns of Yamatoclass battleships, which ultimately had little, if any success in downing aircraft. Post war, the predominant anti-aircraft array returned to those dual-role medium-calibre
weapons (usually the secondary armament on capital ships but the primary on vessels such as destroyers), backed by a number of multiple-barrelled weapons. Any fan of maritime history will enjoy this journey through naval air defences, and modellers will appreciate the multitude of photographs and line drawings. SF
TANKS IN THE JUNGLE
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the constant balance between firepower and manoeuvrability. After an introduction to the conflict in Vietnam, including the role of armour, one is treated to sections on the involvement of tanks, armoured personnel carriers (AFV), armoured fighting vehicles (AFV)
and armoured support vehicles. Each section offers a variety of colour and black and white photographs, and although there is the occasionally poor quality example, these are included due to their rarity. It comes as a surprise that World War Two-era equipment was still prevalent, such as M4 Shermans and T-34-85s, although newer M48 Pattons and British Centurions were heavily involved. The AFV and APC sections are extremely good, and cover the vast majority of types that operated in Vietnam, both wheeled and tracked, and includes combat support equipment such as selfpropelled artillery units. There is a host of material here for modellers,
with numerous ideas for dioramas and vignettes. Detail-hounds are also catered for as there are excellent close-up and interior photographs of many vehicles. From this reviewer’s perspective, it is great to see so many of the lesser-known wheeled armoured vehicles covered. SF
BOOK SPEC
When anyone thinks of the Vietnam War, it automatically brings to mind jungles and mass attacks by the Viet Cong, or scenes such as in Platoon and Full Metal Jacket. However, there were also significant expanses across the country where armour was able to operate with little, if any, trouble from the terrain, particularly in the dry season. Indeed, as outlined in this outstanding collection of photographs, lighter armour units were even able to deploy into certain areas of the jungle. The author, who actually served in Vietnam with Troop E, 1st Cavalry of the 11th Light Infantry Brigade, brings a personal touch to the narrative, highlighting
Armoured Warfare in the Vietnam War By:
Michael Green
ISBN:
978-1-78159-381-3
Price:
£14.99
Format:
190mm x 245mm
Available from: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
POST-WAR BOMBER STORY
Almost everyone seems to focus on the Lancaster’s wartime exploits, and rightly so, but the type also had an interesting post-war career until the mid-1960s...and this
scheme, as well as overall Dark Sea Grey. There’s also a section on miscellaneous second-line Lancasters, which includes a fascinating glimpse of airframes returned to use in 1954 for the film The Dam Busters. Aircraft in Canadian service are not missed either, with their smart white, bare metal and red-white-red ‘lightning flash’ trim. A particularly fascinating ‘Canuck’ Lanc also featured wears Day-Glo panels and carries under-wing Firebee drones...a great modelling subject if ever there was one. Other sections cover French Aéronavale Lancasters, while an ‘other air forces’ chapter explores subtypes flown by operators such as
Sweden. Supported by a detailed colour schemes section, 16 pages of quality illustrations and a useful précis of kits past and present (including Airfix’s new tooling), this is a book no Lancaster fan should miss. CC
BOOK SPEC
period offers much more attractive colour schemes for modellers. And a new work in the Flightcraft series seeks to educate us on the peacetime duties of Avro’s famous aircraft. A large helping of pure history involves an examination of Bomber Command’s fleet, with orders of battle for 1946 and 1947, and period photos (with extended captions) of black and whiteliveried Lancs as they appeared for the projected Tiger Force project. Coastal Command’s aircraft are then tackled, again with photos and a list of CC units for 1945-1956, and operational RAF Maritime Reconnaissance squadrons on July 1, 1948. These aircraft sport the Medium Sea Grey over White
Flightcraft 4: Avro Lancaster in Military Service By:
Martin Derry and Neil Robinson
ISBN:
978 1473 827240
Price:
£16.99
Format:
A4
Available from: Pen & Sword, www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
US TWINS AND DUTCH PILOTS DOWN UNDER
BOOK SPEC
When one thinks of the B-25, images of US and RAF aircraft immediately come to mind. But there’s a very interesting facet of the Mitchell’s history told B-25C/D/J Mitchell ML-KNIL/ RNEIAAF By:
Max Schep and Luuk Boerman
ISBN:
978-94-9009209-2
Price:
€19.50
Format:
A4
Available from: Dutch Profile Publications, www.dutchprofile.nl
in this excellent new softback book...that of B-25s flown by the military aviation component of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. The whole affair is presented in dual Dutch and English, and a very good array of period photographs underpins a fascinating story. The book tells how the Dutch government sought a new aircraft to replace its ageing Martin B-10 bombers, via purchasing commissions active in the USA in 1940-41. The Mitchell was the favoured contender, but the entry of Japan into World War Two complicated the proceedings and delayed delivery of the
Dutch airframes. Mitchell’s were eventually made available, though, and the plan was to operate them in India and Australia, with individual delivery routes. Absorbing writing and splendid photos continue the story, and modellers will value the 23 colour profiles of relevant B-25s, some of which wear the initial orange and black triangle insignia, while later examples sport the red/white/ blue national flag. A wealth of interesting nose art is also apparent on many of the aircraft shown; most of these are in Olive Drab over Neutral Gray. But when it comes to the actual
modelling of these aircraft fear not, because an accompanying Dutch Decal release allows one to replicate many of these attractive subjects with Accurate Miniatures'/Italeri's 1/48 kits. CC
THE LAST WORD ON 'TANTE JU’ Hugo Junkers. The initial text is revealing in technical and political terms, as Junkers had, at times, rocky relationships with customers and the German government. Also interesting is the description of the driving
force in Junkers’ design, Ernst Zindel. It isn’t long before the narrative veers towards the aircraft itself proper and, with the help of splendid period photographs, one soon knows the Ju 52 in an intimate manner. All the sub-types are covered, and anyone planning build projects in any scale would be mad not to buy this handsome, 330-page masterwork. Civilian and military airframes are described, along with their uses, but anyone who thinks the Ju 52 doesn’t offer variety in colour schemes would be mistaken; this is exemplified by the splendid colour profile artwork, which represents not just silver machines, but various
camouflage patterns and liveries, Spanish versions among them. With manufacturer drawings and highly useful close-up imagery, this book represents a substantial outlay...but is a stunning tour de force. CC
BOOK SPEC
Research wizards John Forsyth and Eddie J Creek bring us the ultimate reference on a hugely important Luftwaffe type. ‘Tante Ju’ (Auntie Ju) as it became known, the Ju 52 was a vital cog on the Axis wheel, and besides transport it also performed duties such as bombing, minesweeping, seaplane and ambulance. Junkers had already produced other important aircraft for civilian and military use, but the Ju 52 arguably had a major effect on Germany’s war effort...and in some ways more vital than combat types. Here, the authors present an exhaustive examination, which begins by profiling Professor
Junkers Ju 52 A History: 1930-1945 By:
Robert Forsyth with Eddie J Creek
ISBN:
978-1-90653-746-3
Price:
£60
Format:
310mm x 230mm
Available from: Crécy Publishing, www.crecy.co.uk Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
RESERVIST WARTHOG
AIRBORNE HAMMER
SIEMENS FIGHTER
The Zeppelin Rammer was a German late-war, rocket-propelled design intended to tackle Allied bombers, initially with nose-mounted rockets, then by ramming the tail or wings, before it glided to earth; prototypes were under construction when the factory was bombed by the Allies. Brengun’s package contains two neat little kits; each comprises just 17 styrene parts (this includes a three-piece stand), and a small photoetched metal fret provides flap, elevator and rudder actuators and an aiming reticle. A small amount of Zeppelin Rammer flash was present on our sample, but the parts are otherwise moulded By: Brengun cleanly with airframe features Item no: BRP72013 represented by engraved panel lines. Scale: 1/72 Three fictional schemes are offered: • 12th pre-production aircraft, Price: €12.09 January 1945 Available from: • 21st production aircraft, May 1945 Brengun, www.brengun.cz • 911th production aircraft, May 1945
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Hasegawa’s A-10C has been re-boxed as a ‘Limited Edition’ with markings for two Air National Guard (ANG) units. Although the basic kit dates to 1983, the moulds have been modified over the intervening years to reflect updates to the real airframe, although the weapons are best consigned to the spares box. As with the previous A-10C release, all of the low-altitude safety and targeting enhancement lumps and bumps are now incorporated. Further additions for the A-10C include new ‘glass cockpit’ instrument panel and coaming, SATCOM and GPS antennas and a dual AIM-9 Sidewinder launcher. A-10C Thunderbolt II ‘184 FS The kit’s major drawback remains Flying Razorbacks’ its raised panel lines...modellers By: Hasegawa will need to scribe these for a more Item no: 02133 accurate appearance. Two schemes are offered: Scale: 1/72 • 184th FS ‘Flying Razorbacks’, 188th Price: £22.99 FW, Arkansas ANG Available from: • 82661, 163rd FS ‘Blacksnakes’, 122nd Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk FW, Indiana ANG
COOL COLT
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Bilek’s original An-2 Colt receives its second airing via Italeri. For the uninitiated, this is a fair kit despite slightly heavy seams and sporadic flash. Worthy cockpit detail includes raised and indented features on the instrument panel/centre console, seats, control yokes and a rear bulkhead, and there are individual flap/aileron control horns...and a great set of skis is supplied for one version. Rocket pods are also given and can be used on three versions, but the engine detail is passable and some may Antonov An-2 wish to scratch-build or secure aftermarket help here. The winning aspect By: Italeri is the Cartograf decal sheet, which has Item no: 1367 markings for six aircraft, with highly Scale: 1/72 varied camouflage, including: • CCCP-H542/16447310, Soviet Air Price: £17.50 Forces Polar Aviation, 1957 Available from: • 05, Moldavian Air Force The Hobby Company, • 40, Estonian Air Force www.hobbyco.net • 026, Bulgarian Air Force
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Eduard has re-boxed its 1/48 SSW D.III in ‘Weekend’ format, and while it lacks the photo-etched metal and mask sets of the ProfiPACK version, it represents excellent value for money. Moulding quality is superb throughout, and the wings are the standout items; each features a representation of the heavy stitching used to attach the covering fabric to the internal rib structure. The two decal sheets are excellent in terms of colours and register, and appear superior to those in the ProfiPACK release. For those modellers who like to SSW D.III emphasise rib tapes, they have By: Eduard been provided as 85 individual Item no: 8484 strips, which might be rather time consuming! Two schemes Scale: 1/48 are offered: Price: €18.75 • Jasta 15, Chey-les-Pouilly, Available from: July 1918 Eduard, www.eduard.com • 1611/18, Kest 4b
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ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
PROWLING THE BAY OF BISCAY
PRODUCT SPEC
Fine panel lines, a respectable cockpit and good overall shape are features of Hasegawa’s latest Ju 88..the handsome-but-deadly C-6. This version offers three scheme examples, all flown by KG 40 in France to attack Allied submarines and anti-sub air assets. A useful feature is the separate wing spars, which mean strong joins, and the cockpit has pleasing facsimilies of the radio gear. The double-gun cockpit glazing is convincing, as are the engine facings, but overall the kit’s airframe Junkers Ju 88C-6 ‘Hunter parts breakdown is a little complex. Killer’ If the asking price is too steep, By: Hasegawa Revell’s same-scale C-6 will give Item no: 02137 this offering a run for its money and it’s around £15 cheaper. The Scale: 1/72 three varied colour schemes for Price: £32.99 Hasegawa’s kit are: Available from: • F8+HX, 13./KG 40, 1942-43 Amerang, • F8+IX, 13./KG 40, 1942-43 www.amerang.co.uk • F8+LY, 14./KG 40, 1943
Hasegawa is to be commended for its Su-35, which differs from the Su-27. The dorsal airbrake and carnards have been removed, but manoeuvrability is maintained by thrust-vectoring exhausts. There’s also an in-flight refuelling probe, twin nosewheels and a new nose profile for the phased-array radar. All these nuances are present on this kit, which also depicts the type's glass cockpit. To buck the Hasegawa trend, ample armament is offered in the shape of R-27R/ET, R-77 and R-73 airto-air missiles, and Kh-31 Krypton air-to-surface missiles, KAB-1500 Su-35 Flanker ‘Prototype’ bombs and B-8 rocket pods. The By: Hasegawa two Russian Air Force prototype Item no: 02134 schemes make a real statement with their colours; one is ‘901’ which sports a three-tone 'crackle' scheme of sand-yellow, green and brown, while ‘902’ wears a cold-looking winter-style splinter of off-white, blue-grey and medium grey.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Phantom ‘Phans’ have a treat with Eduard’s boxing of Academy’s F-4C. Besides the styrene, this bumper package provides resin afterburners/ exhausts, wheels and seats, pre-coloured and plain PE for the cockpit and engines, and tape masks. The seats depict Martin-Baker Mk.7s, but research is advisable because some early F-4Cs carried M-B H.5 seats. Academy’s new F-4 has better features in places than Hasegawa’s F-4C, yet falls down slightly in others. Regardless, Academy’s is better overall and comes with a hefty armoury...five types of AIM-9, AIM-7, Mk.82 with fuze-extenders, SUU-23A cannon and ALQ-119 ECM. The superb decals cater for five Vietnam schemes: • 63-7500/BB, Col F Blesse, 390th TFS, 366th TFW, Da Nang, 1967 Good Evening Da Nang! • 64-0676, 45th TFS, 2nd AD, Ubon By: Eduard RTAB, 1966 Item no: 1193 • 64-0776/AK, Lt Col R Titus, 389th Scale: 1/48 TFS, 366th TFW, Da Nang, May 1967 • 64-0665/XC, 557th TFS, 12th TFW, Price: €74.95 Cam Rahn Bay, 1968 Available from: • 64-0752, 480th TFS, 35th TFW, Da Eduard, www.eduard.com Nang , 1967
STOP-GAP INTERCEPTOR
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£34.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
MID-AIR MISSION SUPPORT
This ex-AMT/Ertl KC-135A is still fairly good for its age, but does suffer from heavy runner attachment points in places, and the styrene is quite soft. Pluspoints, though, include a full cargo deck and well-appointed cockpit, oxygen bottles, and a basic ‘boomer’ station. Overhead switches are moulded into the clear glazing to fit over the cockpit, the cargo door can be posed open and one can also have the refuelling basket tight against the boom or hanging out. This is a big model once built, so do consider the fact when it comes to a display area! The decal sheet is a triumph, and offers four schemes, which portray the Stratotanker in various KC-135A Stratotanker colour schemes: • KC-135A/RC, 63591 ‘Ramrod’, By: Italeri Westover AFB, Springfield, Item no: 1353 Massachusetts, 1960 Scale: 1/72 • KC-135A, 63642, 92nd ARW, Fairchild AFB, Washington State, 1982 Price: £47.99 • KC-135A,63019/DY, 917th ARS, Dyess Available from: AFB, Texas, 1982 The Hobby Company, • KC-135A, ERV 1/93, French AF, Istres, www.hobbyco.net France, 1980
PRODUCT SPEC
AIR FORCE RHINOS IN VIETNAM
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ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
PRODUCT SPEC
Hasegawa has re-released the Ki-48 Lily as a ‘Limited Edition’, and offers examples of 8th Fighter Regiment aircraft. Despite its engraved panel lines, this is actually a re-boxing of the Mania kit, first produced in the 1970s, and which was regarded as being state-of-the-art at that time. The interior is well appointed, and includes instrument panel, sidewall details and radios. There has been much discussion over the fuselage and whether it was the -I or -II version, yet it measures 177mm, which is correct for the stated Kawasaki Ki48-II Otsu Type 99 length of the Ki48-II: 41.83ft (12.75m). (Lily) ‘8th Fighter Regiment’ A small photo-etched metal fret By: Hasegawa provides the option for a dive-brakeItem no: 02124 equipped B-version. Two schemes are offered: Scale: 1/72 • Ki48-IIB, 2nd Company, 8th Flight Price: £26.99 regiment, Burma, 1944 Available from: • Ki48-IIA, 3rd Company, 8th Flight Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk Regiment, Burma, 1942
ON WHEELS OR FLOATS
BLACK BUCK BOMBER
Cyber-hobby has re-released its 1/200 Vulcan B.2, this time as part of its Falklands 30th Anniversary series. There is a high parts count for such a small-scale kit, although the entire fuselage and wings comprise just two parts. The Vulcan’s complex wing shape has been reproduced accurately, while the attention to detail includes recessed panel lines and an accurate asymmetric load of one ALQ-101 countermeasures pod and two AGM-45 Shrike missiles. There are also two minute crew figures, yet Avro Vulcan B.2 strangely these are not referred to in By: Cyber-hobby the instructions. Three camouflage Item no: 2016 Black Buck schemes are offered, for aircraft based at Wideawake Air Scale: 1/200 Base, Ascension Island, in 1982: Price: £19.99 • XH558, 27 Squadron Available from: • XM607, 44 Squadron Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk • XM597, 101 Squadron
PRODUCT SPEC
DIVE-BOMBING FLOWER
LATE-WAR LANGNASEN
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Hasegawa’s elderly Fw190D-9 gets another outing with this combo-set, which includes a small number of resin parts to allow for the later D-11 and D-13 variants. Significant changes are the larger engine air intake, wider cord propeller blades and the lack of armament on the upper cowlings. The option to have the canopies mounted open is provided, although more fastidious modellers may wish to add extra detail. Minor cutting of the wings for the D-11 is required and careful study of the instructions will show what is needed and where. In-depth research will be needed Focke-Wulf Fw190D-11/13 if one chooses D-13 ‘Yellow 10’ as there are contradictory accounts of the Combo aircraft’s upper wing camouflage. Three By: Hasegawa colour schemes are provided: Item no: 02115 • (unknown unit) Verbandsfuelerschule, Scale: 1/72 Germany, May 1945 • ‘White 61’, Verbandsfuelerschule, Price: £39.99 Germany, May 1945 Available from: • ‘Yellow 10’ Franz Götz, Stab/JG 26, Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk May 1945
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Matchbox’s Twin Otter makes a comeback in Revell packaging, and for those who remember earlier kits from this source, a pleasant surprise is in store. While the older items sported trench-like panel lines, this later product is much better. Sure, the detail is still a little soft, but the raised panel lines are very delicate...although purists will sand these away and re-scribe anew. One gets a basic cockpit layout with seats, instrument panel (with moulded dials), control yokes and bulkhead, and a pleasing aspect is that one can opt for traditional undercarriage or floats depending on the colour scheme; for those who wish to go further with after-market decals, the kit also offers skis and alternative nose shapes. Two liveries are DHC-6 Twin Otter supplied via a highly attractive By: Revell decal sheet, which has glossy, Item no: 04901 near-invisible carrier film: • 806, 440 Squadron, Canadian Scale: 1/72 Armed Forces, Namao, Canada, Price: £9.50 1983 Available from: • 607/C-GJAW, West Coast Air, Revell, www.revell.de/en Victoria Harbour, Canada, 2006
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ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
PRODUCT SPEC
Fans of bombers will have been delighted with Italeri’s Stirling Mk.IV last year, as it was the progenitor of this product, which portrays the earlier Mk.I The Italian firm has done well with this kit, which benefits from a decent cockpit. Seats come as intricate multi-part units and photo-etched brass provides belts, instrument panel, engine details and more. Full ribbing enlivens the interior, and the bomb bay is also well appointed. One can fit an astrodome behind the cockpit or have a flush panel instead, and the wing bomb bays are also represented. About the only Stirling Mk.I frustrating issue is the slightly heavy engraving of the panel lines, but this By: Italeri can be ameliorated with sanding. Item no: 1335 Excellent decals for six aircraft are Scale: 1/72 offered and they include: • N3705/MG-F, 7 Sqn, RAF Wyton, 1942 Price: £41.50 • As above, but as a captured aircraft Available from: flown by KG 200, Netherlands, 1942 The Hobby Company, • N6086/LS-F ‘Macrobert’s Reply’, 15 www.hobbyco.net Sqn, RAF Wyton, 1941
TUBBY RUSSIAN HELO
‘So ugly it’s cool’ could be the mantra for Kamov’s Ka-29, and it’s pleasing to see Zvezda’s re-release of the Helix-B. This is a worthy rendition and the type’s domed surface rivets are well rendered, as are the trademark airframe details. Cockpit features run to basic seats, control sticks, instrument panel, consoles and rear bulkhead. The rotors and hubs are Russian Marine Support reasonable and the curved cooling Helicopter Helix B slots on the panel behind the rotors By: Zvezda are superb. B-8V20 rocket pods are Item no: 7221 the only weapons, but these could Scale: 1/72 be supplemented with twin-barrel UPK-23-250 gun pods from Hobby Price: £14.99 Boss’ Mi-24V. The type’s two-tone Available from: grey camouflage applies to all three The Hobby Company, schemes; aircraft numbers are www.hobbyco.net Yellow 48, Red 72 and Yellow 20.
PRODUCT SPEC
BOMBER COMMAND ASSET
This is the second boxing of the Moose by RS, and here the standard Soviet machine is depicted, along with a Czech-built C-11. Although limited-run, this kit displays excellent moulding and detail; wellappointed wheelbays, the type’s camera shutter-style engine facing and deftly rendered instrument panels. Fine panel lines and rivets add to the Yak-11/C-11 ‘Moose’ quality, and the one-piece cockpit By: RS Models glazing is impressively clear, even Item no: 92169 though quite thick. The decals cater for four liveries, all in bare metal: Scale: 1/72 • C-11, Egyptian AF, 1964 Price: €18 • Yak-11, Red 89/Blue 41, USSR, 1952 Available from: • Yak-11, White 49, Bulgarian AF, RS Models, Plovdiv, 1958 www.rsmodels.cz • Yak-11, Black 06, N Korea, 1950
Eduard’s Polikarpov is re-released in ProfiPACK form, and with it comes photo-etched (PE) metal and tape masks. The PE is plain and pre-coloured, and offers a particularly good instrument panel, seatbelts and an engine cowling panel, along with smaller cockpit details such as rudder pedals and their straps. This is a worthy kit, which comes on five runners and one clear. The pilot’s access door is a separate component and, and the type’s complex undercarriage is well represented. Four schemes are provided: I-16 Type 24 • White 10/11, Boris Safanov, 72.SAP, By: Eduard Northern Fleet, summer 1941 Item no: 8149 • Red 21, Genadij Tsokolajev, 4.GIAP, Baltic Fleet, Lake Ladoga, April 1942 Scale: 1/48 • White 27, Lt Krichevskiy, 254.IAP, Price: €22.45 Leningrad front, 1942 Available from: • White 3, L Shestakov, 69.IAP, Odessa, Eduard, www.eduard.com summer 1941
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PRODUCT SPEC
RETURN OF THE RAT
PRODUCT SPEC
SOVIET BLOC TRAINER
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ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
UNIQUE PANZER
REACTIVE MBT
WARGAMING ARMOUR
PRODUCT SPEC
This release from Italeri would be equally at home as a beginner’s kit or as part of a wargaming set. Labelled ‘fast assembly’, there are two snap-together Panther Ausf.Gs and, while there are just 12 parts per tank, they are reasonably well detailed. More experienced modellers might raise an eyebrow at the manner in which the tracks sit on top of the drive wheel teeth, but this can be hidden with ease. With a mixture Panther Ausf.G of raised and engraved features and By: Italeri two tanks per box, this is a great Item no: 7504 starter set. Two late-war camouflage schemes are offered, although the Scale: 1/72 four sets of numerals on the decal Price: £11.50 sheet will enable a multitude of Available from: vehicles to be modelled: The Hobby Company, • 143, Germany Army, spring 1945 www.hobbyco.net • 112, German Army, spring 1945
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PRODUCT SPEC
It’s good to see an old favourite available again, in the shape of Matchbox’s T-80B main battle tank (MBT), re-released by Revell as the updated T-80BV variant. Considering the age of the original moulds, the parts are rendered crisply and while fairly accurate overall, there remain a few shape issues, such as the rear of the turret and the housing beneath the gas turbine exhaust. All of the parts for the BV variant are on a separate runner, and the tracks are of the link-and-length type, but Soviet Battle Tank T-80BV the pad details are inaccurate. Four By: Revell schemes are offered: Item no: 03106 • Westgruppe der sowj, Streitkräfte, Scale: 1/72 Letzlinger Heide, DDR, 1985 • 705, Rückverlegung nach Russland, Price: £11.99 Berlin-Lichtenberg, DDR, 1994 Available from: • Parade, Moscow, 2005 Revell, www.revell.de/en • Parade, Khabarovsk, Russia, 2014
DIVING TANK
Dragon is working through all the Panzer III variants and updating/replacing its older releases; here the new Tauchpanzer (diving tank) III Ausf.H supercedes the previous iteration (Item No.9003) in terms of accuracy and quality. The standard of moulding is excellent throughout, and all that appears to be missing is the 3.5m (11ft 6in) air pipe which attached to the commander’s cupola when fording a Tauchpanzer III Ausf.H river. Tracks are in the form of lengths of DS Styrene, which seem to be a By: Dragon 'Marmite’ item for modellers...they are Item no: 6775 either loved or hated, but are easier Scale: 1/35 to attach than the Magic Tracks. Three Eastern Front Panzer Grey schemes Price: £56.50 are offered: Available from: • 2./Pz.Rgt.35, 1941 The Hobby Company, • 3./Pz.Rgt.7, 10.Pz.Div, 1941 www.hobbyco.net • 5./Pz.Rgt.35, 4.Pz.Div, 1941
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Dragon’s desire to build every conceivable version of a subject can be a little overpowering, and this release of a prototype Panzer IV with 5cm (2in) KwK 39 gun is an example, as just a single Ausf.D vehicle was converted. The usual mix-and-match approach to runners provides the correct early-style drive and idler wheels and the turret interior detail is excellent. Note that the single Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.D w/5cm KwK reference image that could be found L/60 of this vehicle indicates that it did not By: Dragon have a turret storage box fitted. The Item no: 6736 tracks are single lengths of DS-styrene, Scale: 1/35 which although well moulded, do not capture the sag of the real thing. Just Price: £49.99 a single scheme is provided, for the Available from: prototype vehicle: The Hobby Company, • Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.D, St Johann, Tirol, www.hobbyco.net January 1942
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ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
TEN-TON CZECH
I’LL BE BACK!
ARMOURED PATROL WAGON
PRODUCT SPEC
Revell has re-released its 1/35 Dingo 2 ATF as the A3.3 patrol and support variant, and this update includes a detailed suspension, transmission and interior. The moulding is excellent, and although there are numerous ejector pin marks, they are positioned on the undersides or where they'll be hidden by equipment. Two new runners provide parts for the armoured doors and rear, as well as the remote weapon station. Although the raised features on the armour and roof are well rendered, Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi other components, such as the By: Revell machine gun and grenade launcher, are quite basic. The vinyl tyres Item no: 03242 are excellent. Three Bundeswehr Scale: 1/35 schemes are offered: Price: £19.99 • Y-500377, ISAF, Afghanistan, 2012 Available from: • Y-500350, ISAF, Afghanistan, 2013 • Unknown, 2015 Revell, www.revell.de/en
PRODUCT SPEC
Meng has already kitted this amazing Russian vehicle to good effect, but Zvezda’s new version also has strong points...although Meng’s arguably displays sharper moulding. Zvezda’s is based on its T90 kit and offers the same Russian arms fair schemes. The link and length tracks look good and have separate runs of guide horns, and the hatches can be posed Terminator Russian Fire open. Thoughtfully, sag is moulded Support Combat vehicle into the one-piece upper track link By: Zvezda runs, and the boots over the rear of Item no: 3636 the gun barrels are convincing, but the gun muzzles are solid. String Scale: 1/35 towing cable and plastic mesh Price: £27.50 for the screens on the rear upper Available from: decking are provided. This is a busy The Hobby Company, and involved kit, which is around £12 www.hobbyco.net cheaper than Meng’s example.
FABULOUS FRENCHIE
Tamiya’s all-new 190-part tooling of this characterful French light tank will please many armour fans. Basically, it’s a stunner and offers a simple build experience, but with maximum external quality. The cast texture of the hull is pleasing, engine cover and exhaust parts display impressive moulding and, arguably, one of the best features is that of the individual click-together track links, which are splendid. Real metal chain is also offered, to drape from the Somua 35 towing eyes, and a small clear runner By: Tamiya holds lenses for the head/ tail light Item no: 35344 and turret vision block. French armour Scale: 1/35 is no slouch in the colour scheme department, and the fact is evident Price: £31.99 here with three liveries, which are: Available from: • White 56, 18th Dragoon Regt The Hobby Company, • White 42, 13th Dragoon Regt www.hobbyco.net • White 20, 4th Cuirassier Regt
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Tamiya’s 38(t) represents excellent value. The firm’s usual high standards are evident, from the well-moulded link-and-length tracks to the splendid upper hull decking. The only gripe could be the missing detail on the wheels’ inner faces, but one wouldn’t see it anyway in reality! Separate tools, smoke candle case and spare track links all feature, but talk of ‘dimples’ on the grouser Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) box, rather than proper holes, seems Ausf.E/F uncharitable considering the limits of By: Tamiya moulding in this scale; what is there Item no: 32583 looks fine. The moulded towing cable looks convincing, there’s a commander Scale: 1/48 figure and metal hull weights. Two Price: £12.99 schemes are provided, one being from Available from: an unknown Eastern Front unit in 1942, The Hobby Company, and another from the same period with www.hobbyco.net the 22nd Panzer Division.
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ON THE SHELF FIGURES
VEHICLE CHECKPOINT
Item no:
6521
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£29.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
WARGAMING BIKERS
PRODUCT SPEC
Italeri’s association with the wargaming scene is much increased recently, especially in 1/72 scale, but this release will be equally relevant to a traditional Afrika Korps desert diorama. It provides 16 figures (four free-standing) and four motorcycles, two equipped with sidecars. Base plates are provided for all bikes, which comprise two parts, with an additional two for the sidecars, including a spare wheel to be mounted on the front or rear. All of the parts are well moulded in a soft tan-coloured styrene, although there was a fair amount of flash on this sample.
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German Motorcycles By:
Italeri
Item no:
6121
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£8.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
AT THE WHEEL
With the increasing popularity of 1/48 armour subjects, it's pleasing to see the likes of CMK addressing the current lack of figures to accompany them. Here, its 1/48 Soviet Tank Driver will be ideal for any World War Two era Soviet tank kit, especially if one opts to display the various hatches open. It comprises just four parts and features exquisite casting, with the head being the standout feature. The separate arms will enable the hands to be positioned on or near to the controls, and a seat is provided in the event that the kit lacks such an item. Whether on its own or combined with CMK’s other Soviet tank-associated figures, this will certainly add a little extra to a finished model. Soviet WWII Tank Driver By:
CMK
Item no:
F48 265
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€9.80
Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com
WWI Infantry By:
Revell
Item no: 02451 Scale:
1/35
Price:
£17.99
Available from: Revell, www.revell.de/en
AMBUSHED!
Master Box’s latest set is ideal for a M1114 Humvee or RG-31 Mine-resistant Ambush Protect vehicle and features a US Army patrol section. The four well-moulded figures are in a variety of poses, which includes one injured soldier, one responding to the downed man, one seated with radio handset, and a vehicle gunner. Each soldier is equipped fully with body armour, ammunition and equipment pouches and individual weapon, although the slings and the radio cable will need to be scratch built. ‘Man Down’ US Modern Army, Middle East, Present Day By:
Master Box
Item no:
35170
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£8.99
Available from: Creative Models, www.creativemodels.co.uk
guns, equipment and helmets to allow plenty of variations. The standard of moulding is excellent throughout, particularly the backpacks for the French and German troops, and the depiction of the moustaches is masterful. To aid in painting, there is a comprehensive guide for each group of figures, and this set will no doubt find its way onto may World War One dioramas.
RE-ARMING FIGURE
Perfect for a Soviet tank refuelling/re-arming diorama, this 1/48 tank loader figure from CMK is posed as if handling ammunition. Part of a rapidly expanding range in this scale, it features excellent casting, with the tunic and trousers particularly well-represented, and the unclipped chin strap for the padded helmet is a neat touch. It comprises just four components, which will make for easy assembly. Painting the completed miniature will be eased greatly by the clear instructions, and Humbrol colours are specified.
PRODUCT SPEC
Italeri
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
the same company’s sand-bag set (0406) and Master Box’s US Army figures set (3591). Although the mould quality of the sand-bags is somewhat lacking, that of the other components is first rate and this will build into an excellent diorama, to depict action in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Markings are provided for the 'stop' signs and traffic cones, but the digital camouflage pattern on the fatigues will be a challenge to replicate!
Hats off to Revell for doing something no-one else had thought of... re-boxing three ICM figure sets into a single package to cover the nations which fought on the Western Front. There are four soldiers each for the British, French and German armies, and sufficient
PRODUCT SPEC
Road Block and US Soldiers
GREAT WAR SOLDIERS
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Italeri has recently released a series of diorama packages, and this set for a road block/checkpoint with soldiers is one of the best to date. An all-new runner provides a traffic barrier, wooden shelter, concrete blocks, bollards and an Armco barrier. Combined with this is the air-conditioned cabin from Italeri’s M925 Shelter truck (0367),
Soviet WWII Tank Loader By:
CMK
Item no:
F48 267
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€9.80
Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF SCI-FI KITS
SCI-FI TOW TRUCK
EAGLE ONE TO ALPHA
MAIN MISSION
The Eagle Transporter is one of the most iconic designs to emerge from TV's Space: 1999. A kit of the Eagle was first produced by Fundimensions in 1975, yet this re-boxing from MPC is the first attempt at an upgrade. The main rescue/passenger pod has been replaced by a new resin Laboratory version, which features pyramidal extensions on the sides. A resin spine-mounted booster pack is also included Space: 1999 Eagle and, combined with the new pod, Transporter Deluxe Edition will enable the spacecraft to be By: MPC configured as it appeared in the Item no: MPC816 episode ‘Metamorph’. One of the most challenging aspects is to replicate the complex markings on the landing and fuselage pods; this has been solved by the excellent decals, which provide the necessary demarcations.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Fans of Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds TV series will be delighted with Aoshima's re-release of the Recovery Vehicle. Intended as a quick-build subject, the kit features working magnetic grapples and two-way remote control, although the control unit will need to be assembled. Mould quality is excellent, and differently coloured styrene should mean that one can build Thunderbirds Recovery Vehicle this vehicle without paint. Surprisingly, By: Aoshima a Thunderbirds figure isn’t provided, Item no: 007853 nor is there interior detail. The tracks Scale: 1/72 are provided as individual links, which attach to a vinyl band and will allow the Price: £30.30 finished model to be steered. Markings Available from: are provided for both vehicles as used Aoshima, aoshima-bk.co.jp in the episode ‘Pit of Peril’.
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£64.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
PHANTOM DEATH SHADOW
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Via Round 2 Models, MPC’s Alpha Moonbase has been given a major refurbishment. Additional transport tubes, Eagle Transporters and new launch pads are included, and the original 30.5cm x 45.7cm vacform base has been replaced by a new 43cm-squared version, which Space: 1999 Alpha features improved detail. This is Moonbase two kits in one, as there is also a By: MPC 1/115 Main Mission room, filled with Item no: MPC803 figures and computer screens. A handy cutting guide is provided for Scale: 1/2000 and the various travel tubes and there 1/115 are useful hints on how to assemble Price: £39.99 the vac-form base without the need Available from: for filler. Decals are provided for the Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk Eagle launch pads and interior.
Japanese Manga/Anime has provided a rich source of inspiration for sci-fi kits, and Hasegawa’s latest release is from the popular ‘Space Pirate Captain Harlock’ series. The Arcadia is the principle warship and exists in two forms, the First Ship (64724) which features a squaredoff bow adorned with a huge skull and cross-bones, and this version, the Second Ship, also known as the ‘Phantom Death Shadow’ with a blade-like ram at the front. Moulded in multi-coloured styrene, it includes an impressive stand and can be assembled without being painted; however, more experienced modellers may wish to try their Space Battleship Arcadia By:
Hasegawa
Item no:
64712
Scale:
1/1500
Price:
£49.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
hand at weathering this unusual subject. The fine surface detail is rendered as a combination of raised and engraved features, and appears to capture the sinister look of the vessel. Just a single scheme is provided, with gold trim for the ‘wooden’ section thoughtfully included as decals. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF
MARITIME KITS
PRODUCT SPEC
In a welcome return to the kit market, Aoshima has re-released its early war configuration Nagato battleship. This latest iteration adds to the already excellent kit by adding two runners from the heavy vessel ordnance set, which provides cutters, whalers, motor boats, aircraft and searchlights. All components feature well-defined detail, and Aoshima has paid particular attention to the textures of the wooden and metalclad decking, which includes the non-slip cross-hatching on the eight anti-aircraft gun mounts. Notably, the parts layout demonstrates the company’s willingness to upgrade the moulds as technology has permitted...this is apparent with IJN Battleship Nagato 1942 the hollowed ends to the main gun barrels and the open lattice By: Aoshima supports for the amidships Item no: 045107 superstructure (previously these Scale: 1/700 had been solid items). Japanese Navy fans will welcome the fact that Price: £13.83 further versions of this well-known Available from: vessel are available from Aoshima. Aoshima, The single scheme depicts Natago www.aoshima-bk.co.jp during the Battle of Midway in 1942.
YANGTZE PATROLLER
VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY
Zvezda has continued with its range of 1/350 scale historical ships, with the release of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, Santa Maria, famously part of the expedition that discovered the West Indies. Immediately apparent is the comparatively small size of these vessels compared to modern ships, which underlines the hazardous nature of that initial voyage in 1492. Three options are offered, full-hull, waterline and one which appears to be aimed at the growing wargaming community and combines waterline with a hexagonal base. Despite being labelled ‘snap-fit’, there is a surprising amount of detail, and this will Christopher Columbus be an ideal kit for beginners. To Flagship Santa Maria simplify construction, the sails By: Zvezda and ratlines are provided as Item no: 6510 styrene components, and the former feature delicately moulded Scale: 1/350 surface texture. The small decal Price: £9.99 sheet provides markings for Available from: the sails and the full-hull stand The Hobby Company, includes a styrene nameplate, www.hobbyco.net which will require careful painting.
PRODUCT SPEC
FAR EASTERN DREADNOUGHT
SAVO ISLAND BRAWLER
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Hasegawa has re-boxed its Furutaka kit as a Limited Edition, which adds a host of accessories to the basic kit. These include a full-hull option, a photo-etched metal (PE) fret, turned brass main gun barrels, white-metal propellers, styrene anti-aircraft weapons and aircraft, and a wooden display stand. The most impressive additions are the PE components, which will significantly improve the appearance of the crane, launch catapult and twin searchlight masts. In what is likely to be a common addition to Waterline Series Japanese Navy Heavy Cruiser re-releases (a collaborative effort Furutaka Full Hull Special with Aoshima and Tamiya), the ancillary equipment, such as float By: Hasegawa planes, searchlights and life boats Item no: 43165 is provided by two identical runners Scale: 1/700 from the heavy vessel ordnance set. Just a single scheme is offered, Price: £44.99 for the cruiser as she appeared at Available from: the Battle of Savo Island (known Amerang, in Japan as the 1st Battle of the www.amerang.co.uk Solomon Sea) in August 1942.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Intended as flagships for destroyer flotillas, the Sendai-class of light cruisers participated in many actions during World War Two, although all were sunk by Allied units. Aoshima’s Sendai has been released in several variants that chart this vessel’s career, and this kit portrays the ship as she appeared in 1933, before she entered a major refit later that year. Part of the ‘Waterline’ series, there is no provision for a full hull, but this is an excellent kit, which features a high standard of moulding. The distinctive lines of the Sendai have been captured accurately, from the amidships torpedo launcher bays to the distinctive four-funnel layout. Compared to previous releases, Aoshima has updated the ancillary equipment with two examples of runner W, which Japanese Light Cruiser provides all of the life boats Sendai and searchlights. A bonus for By: Aoshima modellers is that the multitude Item no: 040133 of spares from this runner can be used for the majority Scale: 1/700 of Japanese World War Two Price: £11.71 naval subjects. While there are Available from: no decals, a small paper sheet Aoshima, offers two Japanese flags for www.aoshima-bk.co.jp the mast and jack stands.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF AUTO KITS
GULL-WING CLASSIC
PRODUCT SPEC
Often, the quality of the boxing speaks volumes for a kit, and Tamiya’s new 300SL is no exception. Careful packaging ensures the finely moulded parts are protected and considerable thought has gone into the parts breakdown. Construction begins with a roll-cage, rather than engine or driver/passenger area, but rest assured...the detail will still be visible thanks to the use of a clear chassis plate. All the nuances of this classic car are captured perfectly, from the brakes to the magnificent Mercedes-Benz 300SL 3 lit, six-cylinder in-line engine. By: Tamiya Options include moveable gull-wing Item no: 24338 doors and the bonnet. The moulding on the vinyl tyres is excellent, as Scale: 1/24 is that on the chrome parts. Just Price: £34.99 a single scheme is provided, for Available from: an overall silver finish vehicle with The Hobby Company, either US or European ‘300 SL’ www.hobbyco.net number plates.
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Lamborghini has a reputation for cars that look as if they’ve come from science-fiction, and the Murciélago is a fine example, with its huge ‘air intakes’ at the end of a steeply sloping nose panel. The box contains a huge number of parts, and this is reflected in the amount of detail incorporated. Just a left-hand drive version can be made, but Lamborghini Murciélago the interior comes with a full roll R-SV 2010 cage and the engine compartment By: Aoshima looks stunning. Window masks and Item no: 007105 vinyl mesh for the rear grille are Scale: 1/24 provided, and doors can be posed opened or close. The engine can be Price: £23.98 displayed too. Just one scheme Available from: is provided, that of a GT1 World Aoshima, Championship racer run by Reiter www.aoshima-bk.co.jp Engineering.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
What does one get when one combines an already classic car with a legendary designer? In the case of the Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby, it was the iconic Shelby GT-350. AMT has re-issued its own classic kit, and despite a modicum of flash, the mouldings are generally pleasing. Interior detail is good, if rather Spartan, although according to reference photographs there were few embellishments inside the real vehicle. A full engine is included, and can be displayed if the bonnet is raised, although, at least from this reviewer’s 1967 Shelby GT-350 perspective, a GT-350 should never By: AMT be seen like that! No colour scheme is Item no: AMT800 specified, but complete sets of silver and white body stripes are included for Scale: 1/25 either a light- or dark-toned vehicle. Price: £29.99 The inclusion of a miniature version Available from: of the kit box, to display next to one’s Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk completed model, is a neat touch.
ITALIAN GENIUS
QUIRKY QUATRELLE
Heller will delight many with its latest release, that of the GTL version of the ubiquitous Renault 4L, or ‘quatrelle’ as it's known. Options include doors, bonnet and tailgate open or closed, although if one opts for the latter, large locating tabs must be removed. A detailed engine and interior are provided, with the main differences between sub-types denoted by different paint schemes. Mould quality is high, particularly on the single-piece body Renault 4L shell, which features moulded engine By: Heller bay sides. Five schemes are offered: Item no: 80759 • GTL, 3839 HR61, 1984 • TL, 1870 ED14, 1984 Scale: 1/24 • TL, 6841 2435, Gendarmerie, 1984 Price: €34 • GTL, 1984 SR14, Sapeurs Pompiers, Available from: 1984 Heller, www.heller.fr • GTL, 2714 PC61, Equipment, 1984
PRODUCT SPEC
CARROLL’S MUSTANG
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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MODEL MART
CLASSIFIEDS
Tel: 01530 231407 www.aviationbookcentre.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]
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.
PRODUCTS Stands to reason
www.sphereproducts.co.uk
BESPOKE STORAGE SYSTEMS TRANSIT CASES, TOOLS AND WORKSTATIONS + 4 4 (0)1473636787 e:
[email protected] 19 Anson Road, Ma rtlesham Heath, Ipsw ich, IP5 3RG
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:
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Phone: 01543 433999
To advertise here please call Ben Harrison on 01780 755131
or email
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FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CALL BEN HARRISON ON: +44 01780 755131
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
{105}
ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
AIRFRAME DETAILS
SMOKIN’ DAKOTAS
Beaufighter stencils Mks.I/VI/X/XIC By:
Aviaeology
Item no:
AOD32S02
Scale:
1/32
Price:
Can $4.75
Available from: Aviaeology, www.aviaeology.com
the instruction manual, which is similarly packed with information. There are sufficient stencils included for one complete airframe and, based on the labelling, we can expect at least one more set, possibly for night-fighter variants.
PRETTY PROPLINERS
Modellers with an old Airfix or Esci 1/72 AC-47 ‘Spooky’ Vietnam gunship will appreciate this set from Kits World. However, the lead scheme is actually for a stunning Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Looking for extra stencils for your Revell 1/32 Beaufighter, or intending to build more than one of these with Aviaeology’s other decal sets? Well the latter’s stencil sheet, which caters for the Mk.I/VI/X/XIC variants, is just what the doctor ordered. Derived from the same exhaustive research that defined the previous Beaufighter sheets, this approximately A6-sized offering is crammed with detail. What makes this package even better is
C-47/DC-3 ‘D-Day Doll’/ AC-47 Spookys By:
Kits World
Item no:
KW172096
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£10.20
Available from: Kits World, www.kitsworld.co.uk
D-Day-liveried C-47, and would be applicable to Airfix’s new-tool kit. Just basic stencil data is provided, but this does include hatched door outlines, propeller warning lines and refuelling point discs. The decals have been printed to Kits World’s exacting standards and the highlight is the nose artwork for ‘D-Day Doll’. There are five options offered: • C-47/C-53D, 42-68830, M2/’DDay Doll’, CAF, Texas • AC-47D, 43-847/EN, ‘Spooky/ Puff’ • AC-47D, 43-770/EN, ‘Spooky’ • AC-47D, 927/EN, ‘Spooky’ • AC-47D, 43-010/OS, ‘Spooky’
CLASSIC COLOURS
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Douglas C-54/DC-4 By:
Dutch Decal
Item no: DDC723 Scale:
1/72
Price:
€14.95
Available from: Dutch Decal, www.dutchdecal.nl
colours are rich in tone; six baremetal aircraft are represented, all being flown by the Netherlands in 1945-46. The black and orange triangles are provided, but all aircraft are colourful in their own way. The liveries include: • C-54, NL-30/PH-TAD, KLM, Schiphol, Amsterdam, 1945 • C-54, NL-311/PH-TAM, Schiphol, 1945 • DC-4 PH-TAP ‘Paramarobo’, KLM (delivery scheme), 1946 • DC-4, PH-TAT ‘Twenthe’, KLM, Schipol, 1946 • DC-4, PK-DSB, Royal Netherlands Indies Airways, Dutch Indies, 1946
The attractive blue and yellow colours of Ukraine look great on that country’s military aircraft,
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Printed with Revell’s new C-54 Skymaster in mind, but also suitable for the older MACH 2 kit, this selection of markings for the aforementioned type (and its DC-4 guise), are most welcome. There’s a crisp finish to the decals and the
Ilyushin IL-62M Air Ukraine By:
BOA Agency
Item no:
BOA14482
Scale:
1/144
Price:
€6
Available from: BOA Agency, www.boaagency.cz
but equally as eye-catching on its civilian airliners. Here, the Czech Republic’s BOA Agency offers a lovely scheme for Air Ukraine, sized for Zvezda’s kit in 1/144 scale. The printing is excellent, and the shades of blue and yellow look just right, but there are also two styles of windows and windscreens and enough codes to portray any one of the seven aircraft in the fleet. Colour instructions quote Federal Standard paint numbers where these are applicable.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
SWEDISH LOW-VIS AND SPLINTER
By:
TwoBobs
Item no:
48-245
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $16
Available from: TwoBobs, www.twobobs.net
Hagar the Horrible artwork. TwoBobs’ instructions are superb, and offer a paint cross-reference chart for four paint brands and Federal Standard, while the decals themselves are printed perfectly by Microscale. Some of the choices are: • AJ 37, 37034, 6/34, F6 Wing, Vastergotland, 1993 • JA 37, 37302, 13/39/323, F13 Wing, Norrkoping-Bravalla, 1979 • JA 37, 37304, 21/01, F17 Wing, Ronneby-Kallinge, 2000 • JA 37, 37308, FC/38, FMV Test and Evaluation, Malmslatt, 1985
STIRLING EFFORT
PRODUCT SPEC
Xtradecal has timed this release perfectly with the release of Italeri’s Stirling. Eight schemes are all in the standard Dark Earth and Dark Green over Night and with red codes. There is nose art to add interest, one set of national insignia, and a pleasing addition to the instructions is information and crash site photos on LK171/ WES. The choices comprise the following: • Mk.IV, LJ875/QS-B ‘Cheers for the Beer at the Getsumin’, 620 Sqn, Fairford, June 1944 • Mk.IV, LJ850/QS-Y ‘Yorkshire Rose’, 620 Sqn, Fairford, May 1944 Short Stirling Mk.III/IV By:
Xtradecal
Item no: X72219 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£7.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
• Mk.IV, LJ566/D4-N ‘Yorkshire Rose II’, 620 Sqn, Westcott, April 1945 • Mk.IV, LK171/WES ‘Shooting Stars’, 295 Sqn, Rivenhall, November 1944 • Mk.IV, LJ865/D4-D ‘Get in!’, 620 Sqn, Great Dunmow, 1944 • Mk.III, EF411/OJ-K, 149 Sqn, Mildenhall, April 1942 • Mk.III, LK516/WB-J, 90 Sqn, Tuddenham, 1944 • Mk.III, LJ516/EX-B, 199 Sqn, Lakenheath, 1944
PRODUCT SPEC
SAAB AJ/JA-37 Viggen
Aviaeology has moved from World War Two to post-war coverage with this Ventura sheet, which explores Bombing and Gunnery/Target-Towing machines. If one favours out-ofthe-ordinary liveries, there is much to enjoy here, as there are aircraft with black and yellow stripes, and in bare metal with red high-vis panels. As usual, Aviaeology offers a plethora of information on colours and airframe structural features, the instructions being reference gems in their own right. Four subjects feature on the two Venturas in Canada 4 Post WWII RCAF Venturas – B&G & Target Tugs By:
Aviaeology
Item no: AOD72035 Scale:
1/72
Price:
Can $11.79
Available from: Aviaeology, www.aviaeology.com
sheets provided. They are: • GR.V (B>), 2195/GM-N, Air Armaments School, Trenton, early 1950s • GR.V (TT), 2222, Trenton, detached to Sea Island, BC, from Feb 1948 • GR.V (TT),2254/DK-Q, AAS, Trenton, late 1940s-early 1950s • GR.V (B>), 2263/DK-R, AAS, Trenton, late 1940s-early 1950s
CLASSIC RAF JET Two-seat RAF Hunters have always offered much in terms of interesting colour schemes, and the fact is exemplified here by Fantasy Printshop, which has packaged 27 exquisite T.7 liveries, and all with great printing. If one is in the mood to convert Academy’s 1/48 kit, this decal collection is a must as there’s a high number of colourful squadron bars/badges with which to represent twin-stick Hunters throughout the Cold War period. There’s High-Speed Silver with Trainer Yellow bands, Red, White and Light Aircraft Grey, Day-glo stripes and the later camouflage. One sheet carries the colourful unit markings, while the other has the black codes and RAF roundels.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
With the appearance last year of Tarangus' 1/48 JA 37 Viggen, and Special Hobby’s just-released AJ 37 kit, this sheet from TwoBobs is timed perfectly. It provides four liveries in the splinter pattern, and three in low-vis grey, and among these there is a specialtail aircraft from each camp. From the latter, there is the F16 Wing jet 16/ P10, with red tail and large Indianon-horseback badge rendered for the type’s retirement, while the splinter special is the purple-tailed 21/01 from F17 Wing, with 'cheeky'
WEAPONS TRAINING
Hawker Hunter in UK Service Pt.2 Twin-Seat variants By:
Fantasy Printshop/ AIRfile
Item no:
FPAF 48-002
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£19.95
Available from: Fantasy Printshop, www.fantasyprintshop.co.uk
Options include: • XL620, 216 Sqn, Lossiemouth, 1980 • XL692/93, 229 OCU/ 145 Sqn, Chivenor, 1961 • XL583/84, 229 OCU/234 Sqn, Chivenor, late 1960s • XL573, 237 OCU, Honington, 1983 • XL573/WC, 237 OCU, Honington, July 1987 • XL620/Z, 74 Sqn, Acklington, September 1961 • XL566/TW, 1417 Flt, Khormaksar, Aden, 1967 • XL619/77, 45 Sqn, Wittering, 1974 • XL600, 65 (East India) Sqn, Duxford, October 1960 Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
RESCUE BIRD
COMMEMORATIVE STRIPES
By:
Caracal Models
Item no:
CD48047
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $15.99
Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com
• SA-16A, 51-7184, USAF, 1955 • SA-16A, 51-0471, 74th ARS, Ladd AFB, Alaska, 1957 • SA-16A, 51-024, K-3 AB, Korea, 1953 • SA-16A, 51-061, 3rd ARG, Japan, 1953 • SA-16A 51-5296, 135th Air Commando Squadron, Maryland ANG, 1963 • UF-1G, 1261, USCG, 1953
CANUCK FLOATERS
PRODUCT SPEC
Yet another Canadian postwar propeller-driven aircraft is covered by Thunderbird, this time in the shape of the ubiquitous de Havilland Beaver floatplane, in this case the machines operated by B.C. Air Lines. Two liveries are offered and would look great applied to Hobbycraft’s kit, or the old Airfix offering with B.C. Air Lines de Havilland Beaver By:
Thunderbird Models
Item no: 72-007 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£4.50
Available from: Thunderbird Models, www.thunderbirdmodels.co.uk
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upgrade work and extra detail; the colours are red, white and light grey, with a black antiglare panel. One of the options has amphibious floats, and so modifications would have to be made to the kit parts to depict the appropriate wheel units. The aircraft are CF-IUY and CF-HGZ, which differ enough to make it worthwhile building both.
PRODUCT SPEC
USAF/US Coast Guard Albatross
Anyone who has seen photos of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day scheme applied to an RAF 29 Squadron Typhoon FGR.4, will be delighted to hear that Two Bobs has released this commemorative livery in 1/48 scale. Intended for Revell’s Eurofighter and printed by Microscale, this two-sheet package contains a complete set of black/ white wing and fuselage identification stripes, which are in perfect register and look sufficiently opaque to make an undercoat unnecessary. In addition Typhoon D-Day 70th Anniversary By:
Two Bobs
Item no:
48-244
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $14
Available from: Two Bobs, www.twobobs.net
to the modern and wartime serial numbers (ZK308 and TP-V respectively) this sheet also includes all the necessary airframe stencils. Colours are listed as a combination of British Standard BS381 and Federal Standard tones, along with Testors, Humbrol, Gunze and Xtracrylix equivalents.
CAMM’S EXPORTS This sheet was released previously with the code X72063, but has now been re-numbered and had its Rhodesia/Zimbabwe Hunter schemes revised and corrected, which is praiseworthy. Never has Hawker’s classic jet been more attractive and interesting than when in overseas markings, and there’s plenty to enjoy here. The package is great value, too, when one considers that there are 15 schemes and a riot of colour among them. All choices are for single-seaters and users include Kuwait, Qatar, Kenya, Oman and Singapore. Some of the options are: • FGA.74B, 101, 141 Sqn, Republic of Singapore AF, 1996
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Designed for Trumpeter’s 1/48 scale SA-16A, this three-sheet set from Caracal is great value and provides markings for US Air Force (USAF), Air National Guard (ANG) and Coast Guard (USCG) airframes. Printed by Cartograf and Microscale, the register and colour look spot-on, and the glossy carrier film should result in a flawless finish. Helpfully, Caracal has provided the wing walkway markings, which are a prominent feature on the real aircraft...and a detail that Trumpeter didn’t capture accurately. There are six options in total:
Foreign Hawker Hunters By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X72214
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£8.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
• GFA.78, QA-12, Qatar AF, 1981 • F.56, BA312A, The Banners Target Tug Flight, Indian AF, 2001 • F.6, 60-602, Royal Saudi AF, late 1960s • FR.71A, 734 of 8 Grupo, Chilean AF, 1976 • FGA.9, R1821, Rhodesian AF, early 1970s
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
Kinetic’s SH-2F Seasprite, commonly referred to in US Navy service as the ‘Seapig’, gets the Caracal treatment with this collection of squadron markings and artwork. It comprises three decal sheets of varying size, packed with stencils, warning markings, walkway lines and serial numbers. This set also addresses two errors in Kinetic’s kit, with correctly sized tail rotor flashes, and the correct FS 16081 Engine Grey colour for the airframe. Nine schemes, with sufficient stencils for one complete airframe, are offered: • 151313, 035/HT, HSL-30, 1986 • 150155, 08/TD, HSL-31, 1988 • 151321 ‘Invader Zulu’, 135/HV,
Anyone interested in the role of the Dutch in the air war over Europe during World War Two will enjoy this set from Dutch Decal. It includes Dutch crews who served in RAF squadrons as well as Royal Dutch Naval Air Service (RDNAS) units (which served in aircraft with RAF markings). Almost half of the schemes are for RDNAS Mitchells, notable for their excellent nose artwork, and the package also provides serial numbers, RAF roundels and fin-flashes and bomb tallies. Thirteen schemes are provided, and these include: • Spitfire Mk.Vb, AA866/
By:
Caracal Models
Item no:
CD48053
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $14.99
Available from: Caracal Models, www.caracalmodels.com
HSL-32, 1990 • 151912, 14/TF, HSL-33, 1989 • 150156, 233/HX, HSL-34, 1986 • 150152 ‘Ned Kelly’s Starship’, 32/ TG, HSL-35, 1979 • 151658, 331/HY, HSL-36, 1989 • 150143 ‘Bet One’, 47/NW, HSL-74, 1988 • 149017 ‘Blood, Guts, and Butts’, 02/ NW, HSL-84, 1987
CANUCK AIRLINERS
PRODUCT SPEC
Thunderbird's latest decals coincide with the re-issue of Airfix’s classic Vickers Vanguard. These screen-printed markings depict Trans-Canada Air Lines aircraft in their 1960s livery, Vickers Vanguard TransCanada Air Lines By:
Thunderbird Models
Item no: 144-002 Scale:
1/144
Price:
£5.50
Available from: Thunderbird Models, www.thunderbirdmodels.co.uk
with red and white cheatlines that run the entire length of the fuselage. Considerable thought has gone into the instructions and design, with helpful hints on where to cut the nose decals to allow them to conform to the contours, and small black crosses on the cheatlines to enable the window decals to be aligned correctly. Full colour guidelines are provided, along with detail notes such as the de-icing boots on the propeller blades. Three airframes are represented: • CF-TKA, 901 • CF-TKD, 904 • CF-TKW, 923
Dutchies in the RAF By:
Dutch Decal
Item no:
DD48047
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€14.95
Available from: Dutch Decal, www.dutchdecal.nl
YO-R, 401 Sqn RCAF, Biggin Hill, 1941-42 • Typhoon F Mk.1b, MP126/ZY-Y, 247 Sqn RAF, Eindoven, 1944 • Mosquito FB Mk.VI, MM408/SY-F, 613 Sqn RAF, Lasham, 1944 • Mitchell II, FR207/NO-U, 320 Sqn RDNAS, Dunsfold, 1944-45 • Mitchell III, KJ596/NO-Z ‘Margriet’, 320 Sqn RDNAS, Melsbroek/Achmer, 1945
GREAT WAR RECCE Pheon has gained a reputation for excellence and its latest release, for Wingnut Wings’ Salmson 2A2, is no exception. It provides markings for US and Polish Air Service aircraft, and offers a potted history for each airframe, along with colour profiles, notes on camouflage and squadron markings, and a bibliography of reference documents. The stunning decals are on three sheets, which exhibit perfect register and represent seven schemes: • 24th Aero Sqn, November 1918 • 88th Aero Sqn, Trier,
PRODUCT SPEC
US Navy SH-2F Seasprite
PRODUCT SPEC
NETHERLANDS WARRIORS
PRODUCT SPEC
GREY SEAPIGS
Salmson 2A2 in US and Polish Service By:
Pheon Decals
Item no:
32050
Scale:
1/32
Price:
£14
Available from: Pheon Decals, www.pheondecals.com
Germany, December 1918 • 90th Aero Sqn, October 1918 • 986, 99th Aero Sqn, September 1918 • 5247, 104th Aero Sqn, November 11, 1918 • 258th Aero Sqn, Germany, May 1919 • ‘Winius’, 1 Eskadra Wywiadowcze, Polish Air Service Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
48838
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€18.95
PRODUCT SPEC
Designed for HPM Model’s MiG15, this comprehensive detail set could easily be reworked to fit the Trumpeter offering, as it contains a complete rear fuselage and beautiful Klimov KV-1 engine. Make no mistake, this is an intricate and complex set. The level of detail is staggering, and includes interior ribbing, engine mountings, PE airbrakes and their associated bays.
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MiG-15 Engine By:
Profimodeller
Item no:
32219
Scale:
1/32
Price:
€58.10
Available from: www.profimodeller.com
Item no:
FDR48S06
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£4
Available from: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk
Available from: www.eduard.com
SOVIET NENE
Freightdog Models
FAGOT SUPPORT
Either HPM’s or Trumpeter’s MiG15 can benefit from this resin and photo-etched metal (PE) set by Profimodeller, which provides a rear fuselage support structure for the MiG-15. With more than 30 finely cast resin parts, this builds into a faithful replica of a common sight at Fagot bases, and also includes two PE drip trays. This set could be combined with Profimodeller’s engine set (32219) to produce an impressive engine-change diorama. MiG-15 Tail Section Platform By:
Profimodeller
Item no:
32220
Scale:
1/32
Price:
€20.10
Available from: www.profimodeller.com
Transylvanian Gate By:
Limes Model
Item no:
72103
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€19.29
Available from: www.limesmodel.hu
Confusion reigned when this set crossed the review desk, as it hadn’t been realised that there was an issue with the Italeri/Revell 1/72 Wessex kits, but it turns out that they are 6mm short. Thankfully, Rotorcraft has come to the rescue, with this neat set that rectifies the fuselage length, and provides white-metal replacements for the kit’s fragile undercarriage legs. The resin fuselage plug is well cast and, after two cuts to the kit fuselage halves, will just drop into place.
PRODUCT SPEC
Item no:
By:
CORRECTING HUMPHREY
Wessex fuselage correction and undercarriage set By:
Rotorcraft
Item no:
RC7225
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£8.50
Available from: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk
TRAINER ACCESSORIES
EARLY AWACS
Modellers who want more for their Fly 1/48 Jet Provosts need look no further than this photoetched metal set from Brengun. The instrument panel and throttle assembly replace the kit details and will improve the cockpit considerably, but the majority of components are for the exterior. Plenty of research has gone into this set, and there is a myriad of actuators, aerials, and small panels that will satisfy the most ardent of detailers.
For any modellers who would like to try an easy ‘whatif’ project, S and M’s recent release of the AEW 707 Conway conversion is a good place to start. Based on an early proposal for a Boeing 707-mounted airborne early warning project, this has everything one needs to transform Airfix’s kit, and includes radome, supports, replacement wingtips, refuelling probe and wing aerials. The parts are well cast in dark resin, and although there is sporadic flash along seams, particularly the saucer-shaped radome, this will be easy to remove.
Jet Provost T.3/4 By:
Brengun
Item no: BRL48062 Scale:
1/48
Price:
€9.64
Available from: www.brengun.cz
PRODUCT SPEC
Eduard
Hungarian Limes Model has added another subject to its line of lasercut wooden accessories. Its Transylvanian gate is a work of art, from individually shaped posts to wafer-thin engraved doors and fret work...the miniscule hinges have to be seen to be believed! Although the single-piece gate is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with laser-cut wood, the standout feature is the intricate rendition of the roof structure, complete with faux-terracotta tiles.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
Spitfire Mk.II LR asymmetric fuel tank
INTRICATE DOORWAY
PRODUCT SPEC
F-4J exterior
This new release from Freightdog Models is designed to fit Airfix’s recent 1/48 Spitfire Mk.I (05126), and in conjunction with the kit’s spare spinner, will convert it to the long-range Mk.II. The single resin part is cast cleanly, and features delicately engraved panel lines. Lucid instructions will make this conversion very easy to achieve, although alternative markings will need to be sourced from elsewhere.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Academy did F-4 fans a favour with its new ‘Juliet’ version, but any kit can stand extra detail. Eduard's photo-etched brass set provides masses of extra refinement, for areas such as the undercarriage bays, engines and fuel tanks. Even the kit’s Mk.82 bombs and AIM-9 Sidewinders/AIM-7 Sparrows have not escaped, with engine nozzle seals for the missiles, and fuze details for the bombs.
LOP-SIDED LOAD
PRODUCT SPEC
JAZZED JULIET
AEW 707 Conway By:
S and M Models
Item no:
N/A
Scale:
1/144
Price:
£16
Available from: www.sandmmodels.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
BRL72084
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€7.94
Available from: www.brengun.cz
DUST, MUD AND GRIME
PRODUCT SPEC
Many firms in the industry have jumped onto the weathering product bandwagon, and Revell is no exception. Its new set comprises six 8ml tubs of pigment in white, green, dark brown, black, sand yellow and rust tones. Helpfully, a guide is included and provides examples of how the pigments can be used either straight from the pot or as a wash on cars, armoured vehicles and ships, as well as to depict faded colours. Weathering Set By:
Revell
Item no:
39066
Scale:
N/A
Price:
€9.99
Available from: www.revell.de/en
Hasegawa
Item no:
62008
Scale:
1/12
Price:
£9.99
Available from: www.amerang.co.uk
By:
Eduard
Item no:
48844
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€22.95
Available from: www.eduard.com
MERLIN MAGIC
One of the most ubiquitous items for military and civilian use, a wooden pallet has now been released by Matho Models as a 1/35 resin accessory. Each pallet comprises four parts and has been cast with a very restrained wood pattern, although each component will require a small amount of neatening prior to assembly. Simple to build, these will no doubt find their way onto many 1/35 scale dioramas.
PRODUCT SPEC
Item no:
By:
F-4C Upgrade Set (Eduard)
STORAGE TIMBER
Wooden Pallets By:
Matho Models
Item no:
35007
Scale:
1/35
Price:
€6.95
Available from: www.mathomodels.com
TUBBY HIGH-EX
ALL THE GREYS
Eduard has released the ‘late’ version of the US M117 750lb bomb, which entered service in the mid-1970s. The casting is excellent, with crisp lug and bomb vane detail. However, the only US military aircraft to carry the M117 since the mid-1970s has been the B-52. Fear not, though, as this bomb was exported to Israel, and F-4Es and F-16Ds employed them during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and 2006 Lebanon conflicts respectively.
Since the 1980s the US Navy’s combat and support aircraft have worn the Tactical Paint Scheme, a combination of several shades of grey. This neat set from MIG AMMO comprises four 17ml jars of acrylic paint that provide the primary hues used, namely FS 36375 Light Compass Ghost Grey, FS 36320 Dark Compass Ghost Grey, FS 36495 Light Grey and FS 35237 Grey Blue. These colours will cater for the majority of aircraft operated from US Navy and Marine Corps carriers in the past 30 years.
M117 Bomb Late By:
Eduard
Item no:
648189
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€14.95
Available from: www.eduard.com
Designed for Airfix’s new-tool Hurricane Mk.I, CMK’s engine set will make a huge difference as it provides a complete Rolls-Royce Merlin, with all the necessary bearers and framing. Cast in grey resin, the parts feature exceptional detail, particularly the stunning main engine block. The set also includes early exhausts, and a full set of forward fuselage panels, which enables one to display the engine fully or partially exposed. Hurricane Mk.I Engine Set By:
CMK
Item no:
7318
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€15.80
Available from: www.cmkkits.com
PRODUCT SPEC
Brengun
Although designed for Eduard's F-4C ‘Good Evening Da Nang’ kit, this photo-etched brass upgrade is equally applicable to Academy’s F-4C (same mould). It updates the external features of the kit, from wheel well interiors to fuel tank caps and bomb fuze vanes, but also provides full details for the canopies and cockpit sills. The clear and concise instructions will make incorporating this set very simple.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
Security Equipment for Construction
PERKED-UP PHANTOM
PRODUCT SPEC
B-29 Antennas and AN/APQ-13 radar
Hasegawa has produced a rather unusual set in 1/12 scale, that of construction site bollards, barricade and ‘men at work’ signs. Moulded in a combination of white and bright orange styrene, this is a ‘snap-together’ kit that does not require either glue or paint to complete. The one drawback is that all of the text on the selfadhesive markings, which include black stripes for the bar and barricade, are in Japanese and will have to be cut from the main sheet before they are applied.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Any modeller looking to portray their 1/72 B-29 a little differently, need look no further than Brengun’s excellent resin and photoetched metal set. It provides all that is needed to convert a standard B-29 into the radar-equipped, high-altitude bombing version, and provides a number of antennas as a bonus; concise instructions will ease construction greatly. The quality of casting is first class and just one of the two resin parts will require removal from its casting block.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
PRODUCT SPEC
SUPERFORTRESS RADOME
US Navy Colors By:
MIG AMMO
Item no:
A.MIG 7201
Scale:
N/A
Price:
€9.20
Available from: www.migjimenez.com/en
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
Item no:
35L-142
Scale:
1/35
Price:
€11.40
Available from: www.aber.net.pl
'RHINO' BLANKS
Fighter Blast Pen By:
Amera Plastic Mouldings
Item no:
E201
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£11.99
Available from: www.amera.co.uk
ISRAELI CAMOUFLAGE
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F-4C FOD By:
Eduard
Item no:
48843
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€7.45
Available from: www.eduard.com
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Designed for Eduard’s limited edition F-4C, but also applicable to Academy's (same mould), this neat set provides foreign object damage covers, also known as engine or intake blanks, for the air intakes. Each comprises three parts and can be assembled quickly, before they are fitted flush with the intake lips. While perfect for a parked aircraft diorama, this will also be popular with modellers who struggle to make intakes ‘seamless’.
Anyone who has built Israeli aircraft will know that obtaining the correct shades can occasionally be an issue. AMMO MIG has come to the rescue with this set of four 17ml bottles, which contain appropriate acrylic shades for the ‘standard’ Israeli Air Force camouflage scheme as used from the 1950s through to the late 1980s. This package will be applicable to F-4 Phantoms, A-4 Skyhawks, Vautours, Super Mystére IVs and Kfirs. IAF Desert Colours By:
AMMO MIG
Item no:
A.MIG 7200
Scale:
N/A
Price:
€9.20
Available from: www.migjimenez.com
By:
CMK
Item no:
7314
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€10.30
Available from: www.cmkkits.com
ABRAMS GRILLES
Designed for Eduard’s 1/72 Weekend Avia B-534 IV.serie kit, this neat photo-etched metal (PE) set replaces most of the cockpit components. There are two examples of alternative instrument dials with which to dress the PE panel, before it is attached to the kit part, and care will be needed to select the correct item (presumably the unused item is for the III.serie). It also provides new radiator vanes and grille, as well as a simple but effective aiming reticle.
PRODUCT SPEC
Aber
Bf 109E-7/Trop Control Surfaces
BIPLANE 'PIT
Avia B-534 IV.Serie By:
Brengun
Item no:
BRL 72089
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€5.74
Available from: www.brengun.cz
REPTILIAN UPGRADE
Limes Model has taken laser cutting technology to new levels and produced stunning accessories...this latest release is actually cut from thick card. Suitable for any 1/35 M1A1, it comprises three very fine grilles on two sheets of differing thicknesses of card. Careful surgery to remove the kit styrene will be necessary. M1A1 Abrams Back Exhaust Grille By:
Limes Model
Item no: 35032 Scale:
1/35
Price:
€5.86
Available from: www.limesmodel.hu
While Special Hobby's 1/72 AH-1s are excellent, but there’s always something extra to be added, and MPM has released the perfect accompaniment with this photoetched metal set. It contains new instrument panels, cockpit sidewalls and seatbelts to improve the interior, and numerous exterior fittings. The most visible improvement is the fine mesh cover for the engine intakes.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
Designed to fit Airfix’s new Bf 109E-7/Trop kit, this great resin set from CMK should also be compatible with the majority of 1/72 kits of that variant. This is great value for money as it includes flaps and ailerons, as well as a rudder and two-piece horizontal stabilisers, and will enable one to lower/deflect the control surfaces as desired. Cast in grey resin, the components feature delicately engraved panel lines and rivet detail...and commendably thin cross sections and trailing edges.
PRODUCT SPEC
Barrels for M693 Autocannon and F1 Machine Gun
Amera’s latest vacformed diorama base provides the sidewalls for half of a standard World War Two, RAF E-shaped, earth-bunded fighter revetment. Moulded in white styrene, the parts will need to be removed from the surrounding plastic, but this can be assembled quickly into an impressive structure. Of note, the concrete ridge commonly located on top of the middle earthen revetment ‘leg’ is premoulded. All that’s needed to complete the structure is a suitable base and grass effects on the bunds.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Designed to fit either Heller’s or Meng’s AMX-30, this set provides barrels for the coaxial 20mm autocannon and the cupola-mounted 7.62mm F1 machine gun. Each barrel is fashioned from a single piece of turned brass and the level of detail is outstanding. Additional features such as barrel clamps on the autocannon and iron sights for the machine gun are provided as photoetched metal items.
MESSERSCHMITT FLAPS
SPITFIRE ROOST
PRODUCT SPEC
AMX-30 WEAPONS
AH-1Q/S Cobra By:
MPM
Item no:
K 72030
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€8.50
Available from: www.cmkkits.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
By:
AMMO MIG
Item no:
7419
Scale:
N/A
Price:
€10.80
Available from: www.migjimenez.com/en
JAS-39 wheels By:
Eduard
Item no:
672 067
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€5.95
Available from: www.eduard.com
FUEL TRANSFER
TADPOLE EFFLUX
THREE-WHEELED FUN
Many modellers do great work on their builds but allow weaponry to be an afterthought. Anyone with Trumpeter’s MiG23MLD can banish that scenario, though, with Eduard’s photo-etched brass weapons details. One sizeable fret carries pylon underside and missile rail features but, best of all, there is a wealth of embellishment for the kit’s many R-60, R-27R/T, R-13M and R-3R missiles. Superb. MiG-23MLD Weapons By:
Eduard
Item no:
48 841
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€18.95
Available from: www.eduard.com
EXTRA FIREPOWER
Quarter-scale military builds can be as good as those in 1/35, especially with details such as these for Tamiya’s kit. Hauler’s PE and resin offers convincing wheels in the latter medium, but the PE ups the ante with spokes for the wheels, and deft features for the bike and sidecar, such as floor strips, machine gun mounts, mudguard registration plates, brake levers and more.
PRODUCT SPEC
US Navy Grey Jets Weathering Set
Along with their own tape masks, these crisp resin main and nosewheels for Revell’s newly tooled Gripen will ensure extra refinement for what is already a pretty decent kit. Mastered and detailed beautifully, they only need their slight casting blocks removing and a quick wash in detergent to make them ready for painting. The masks will make for a much neater finish, too.
FLOGGER UPGRADE
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
To complement its US Navy aircraft paints reviewed on p.111 of this issue, AMMO MIG also has this handy weathering set for those who really want to go all out in creating that classic filthy carrier fighter appearance. This package comprises three 35ml bottles of enamel panel line washes (Deep/ Medium/Light Grey), to get that weathered look just right on, say, a late-service F-4S, F/A-18, F-14 and other appropriate types.
GRIPEN GEAR
PRODUCT SPEC
FLAT-TOP FIGHTERS
German Motorcycle & Sidecar By:
Hauler
Item no:
HLX48358
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€15.02
Available from: www.hauler.cz
METALWORKING
Hypersonic Models
Item no:
HMR 48017
Scale:
1/481
Price:
£8
Available from: hypersonicmodels.co.uk
By:
Scale Aircraft Conversions
Item no:
32095
Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $24.95
Available from: scaleaircraftconversions.com
Remote Controlled Weapon Station By:
Live Resin
Item no:
LRE35181
Scale:
1/35
Price:
US $39.99
Available from: www.luckymodel.com
Any number of workshop/repair dioramas would be better off with this wonderful welding unit. It’s generic, so could be used by various arms of service or civilians. Cast in well-detailed resin, the product comprises 12 parts, which include a two-pin power plug but one needs to fashion its lead from soft wire. Waterslide decals are also supplied.
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
D-704 Buddy Pod Refuelling Store
This bulging box of well-rendered, yet slightly intimidating parts builds into a spectacular Remote Controlled Weapon Station, for Abrams tanks and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. With more than 50 resin parts, this item packs a 40mm grenadelauncher and M3D .50 cal gun (both staggeringly detailed), and their associated ammo containers. Optional smoke grenade launchers and vinyl ammo feed are also included.
PRODUCT SPEC
A-6 Intruder Exhaust set
Got a 1/32 Skyraider, Skyhawk, Intruder or Corsair II and want a different load for it? SAC’s whacking great lump of resin is the answer, as once it’s mated with the white metal nose turbine, painted and decaled, it will result in a splendid buddy refuelling pod as used by the US Navy. Our sample displayed slight imperfections along one side of the resin unit (simple sanding will cure it), but the actual detail is good and the decals are well printed.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Hobby Boss’ recent 1/48 A-6s are a leap ahead compared to Monogram's old kit, but where they do suffer is with the exhausts. Hypersonic has remedied this with superb resin and photo-etched brass replacements. With full-length trunking, interior detail and locating tabs, they add a touch of class. Sawing and sanding is necessary, and preparatory work on the kit parts, and one must deviate from Hobby Boss' stated build sequence.
Welder Set (WWII) By:
Royal Model
Item no:
707
Scale:
1/35
Price:
€16
Available from: www.royalmodel.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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KIT COURT
FAIRCHILD REPUBLIC A-10 THUNDERBOLT II
Stu Fone argues the case for an accurate 1/72 A-10A/C
(Key Collection)
EXHIBIT 1 Hasegawa’s original release is now more than 30 years old, and although the latest version reflects the LASTE updates, it still retains raised panel lines and an arbitrary weapons load.
C
ommonly known as the ‘Warthog’ or just ‘Hog’, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been in service for almost 40 years. Considered ugly and slow, it has no equal when it comes to delivering ordnance in support of ground units, unleashing everything from 30mm cannon fire to GPS-guided bombs. It came as a surprise to me that there hasn’t been a truly accurate 1/72 scale representation of the A-10 in all that time. All of the kits have been based on the early/ pre-production airframes and just Hasegawa has made any attempt to update its moulds. The differences are due to the LowAltitude Safety And Targeting Enhancement modification (LASTE), which added a series of lumps, bumps, and antennas, and the upgrade to the A-10C, which introduced a completely new instrument panel, coaming and
even more aerials. When considering airframe accuracy, Hasegawa/Academy’s, Monogram’s and Hobby Boss’ are probably the nearest, but Italeri’s (re-boxed by Revell, Testors and Tamiya) suffers from a flat nose profile. The big issue with the Hasegawa kit, as with Monogram’s and Airfix’s, is that it
features raised panel lines...the Hobby Boss, Italeri and Academy (a re-worked Hasegawa mould) offerings provide engraved lines. But even Hobby Boss’ product has basic faults, such as the lack of rear sections to the landing gear sponsons and any weapons. Concerning stores, just Italeri has produced a representative warload for an in-service aircraft. All of the others were preproduction/trials fits, particularly the large laser- and TV-guided bombs as provided by Hasegawa, Academy and Airfix. It would mean that for any kit, one would need to buy up to four Hasegawa weapons sets, which is quite an outlay, and even this wouldn’t include the ever-present LAU-69 seven-shot rocket pods. So what is it I’m calling for? It’s a kit which features engraved panel lines, with a choice of lumps, bumps, vents, antennas, instrument panels and gun
EXHIBIT 2 Based on the Hasegawa kit, but with engraved panel lines, Academy’s A-10 depicts the early versions of the aircraft and would need considerable work to update.
muzzles to allow any variant to be built. Weapons would need to cover early and modern configurations and include such rarities as LAU-69 rocket pods, dual AIM-9 launchers, GBU-12 laser-guided and GBU-38 GPSguided bombs. Now that’s what I’d ❚ call Hog-Heaven!
EXHIBIT 3 One of the later offerings, Italeri’s kit features engraved panel lines, and provides a correct Desert Storm weapons load, but suffers from a flat nose profile and again represents a pre-LASTE airframe.
FAREWELL KIT COURT! This is AMW’s final Kit Court, which will be replaced from next month’s issue with The Plastic Surgery...an 'ask the experts' page. If you have a modelling conundrum, whether it’s with a technique, colour scheme or other subject, why not consult our contributors and industry contacts? E-mail your query (Plastic Surgery in the subject line) to the Editor:
[email protected], or send a letter (see News this issue for the postal address).
THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE AUGUST 6* *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
{114}
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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12/06/2015 09:39
N EW ! SPECIAL The Post-Operation Desert Storm years were bleak ones for the US Navy’s fighter community. However, just when it looked like the F-14’s ocean-going days were numbered, a reprieve came. Thanks to the aircraft’s awesome load-carrying capacity, legendary long range and the advent of a bolton targeting sensor pod for precision bombing, the Tomcat evolved into the ‘Bombcat’. With first-hand accounts from the crews involved, as well as in-action photographs from both private and official sources. This 100page special magazine from the team behind AirForces Monthly magazine covers all of the major ‘Bombcat’ milestones. INCLUDING: Combat debut over the Balkans during Operation Allied Force in September 1995 Attacks on al-Qaeda and Taliban forces during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2001 to 2004 Final Tomcat combat cruise to Operation Iraqi Freedom, with an account of very last bombdrop mission flown by the F-14 in US Navy service AND MUCH MORE!
Available NOW from
and all other leading newsagents
ALTERNATIVELY, ORDER DIRECT
JUST £5.99 FREE P&P* *Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply.
Free P&P* when you order online at www.keypublishing.com/shop
OR
Call UK: 01780 480404 Overseas: +44 1780 480404 Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
S U B S C R I B E R S C A L L F O R Y O U R £ 1. 0 0 D I S C O U N T !
614/15
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