80 REVIEWS
DIE FLEDERMAUS Zoukei-Mura’s 1/32 Horten Ho 229
ROBOT WARS
RX-93 Gundam
Feb 2017 Issue 75
r e p o Sno r e v l i S s ' Te d
FIRST LOOK...
STRIPES A’MIGHTY Special Hobby’s 1/72 Northrop Nomad Mk. I
Extra detail for Airfix’s re-issued 1/72 Spitfire PR.XIX
IWO JIMA SARA Tamiya’s 1/700 USS Saratoga CV-3
£4.40
SOVIET LASER
1/35 1K17 Szhatie from Trumpeter
EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME
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WELCOME TO ISSUE 75
W
ith 2017 now upon us, I’m wondering just how our hobby will develop. It’s already bewildering in terms of the shear amount of product
available (not that that’s a bad thing), but it’s impossible to keep up with everything that’s released. Assistant Editor Stu and I are seeing an ever-growing array of kits, accessories and the like, and many new brands have graced Airfix Model World’s pages in the past year. One can say with certainty that modelling never stands still! We still seem to be in the thick of the weathering trend, whereby AMMO MIG, AK Interactive and the like lead the charge with products designed to make our builds look increasingly realistic… but what will be the next big thing? I predict that 3D printing will grow exponentially. This
production method has been quietly smouldering away, and the results working their way into some kits and accessory sets, but I feel there is much more room for expansion and adventure. I was impressed with the company Modelu at last year’s Scale ModelWorld, as it scans live human models with the correct clothing and equipment, to produce accurate figures for the railway and military markets. But there are also small items such as lanterns and streetlamps, and who knows how this concern (and others) will learn, adapt and issue fresh accessories for us all to enjoy. AMW will study 3D printing in the coming months, so keep an
eye on forthcoming issues to see who’s who in this rapidly blossoming world. This year will also bring previously announced kits and there are certain offerings I can’t wait to see…AMK’s 1/48 F-14D Bombcat for one. I do hope you all have plenty of build-based fun going forward, and thanks so much for continuing to keep AMW at the top of the pile. Happy New Year!
Chris Clifford, Editor
[email protected]
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE! Subscribe to Airfix Model World and make great savings on cover price! See pages 72-73 for details. Editor: Chris Clifford Assistant Editor: Stu Fone Editor's Secretary: Tuesday-Maria Osborne Contributors this issue: Peter Johnson, Dave Oliver, Andy Davies, Malcolm V Lowe, Andy Hay, Massimo Santarossa, Cristian Lupu Art Editor: Tom Bagley Group Art Editor: Steve Donovan Group Editor: Nigel Price Production Manager: Janet Watkins Commercial Director: Ann Saundry Group Advertising Manager: Brodie Baxter Advertising Manager: Sarah Jarman Advertising Sales Executive: Elizabeth Ridge Classified Sales Executive: Hollie Keeling Ad Production Manager: Debi McGowan Group Marketing Manager: Martin Steele Marketing Manager: Shaun Binnington Subscriptions and Mail Order: Liz Ward Managing Director: Adrian Cox Executive Chairman: 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 800-428-3003 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 2015 was 12,524 print and digital copies monthly.
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CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?
REGULARS 06 News
12
INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN HO 229
The latest happenings in the world of plastic modelling.
10 Show Scene At-a-glance model show calendar.
72 Beat the price increase Subscribe to Airfix Model World and make great savings on cover price! See pages 72-73 for details.
74 On the Shelf Seventeen pages of reviews highlight the latest modelling and reference products from around the world.
98 The Plastic Surgery Quiz AMW’s team of contributors, history writers and industry contacts regarding your own modelling mysteries.
SHOW SCENE 36 Scale ModelWorld BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3 24 ADVANCED
BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM 54 INTERMEDIATE
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CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?
INTERMEDIATE BUILD NOMAD MK.I
AND ABOUT FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM 22 OUT
40
FEATURES 12 Intermediate Build – Die Fledermaus Peter Johnson enjoys a true detail-fest with Zoukei-Mura’s 1/32 Ho 229 Horten flying wing.
22 Out and About – Senior Service Wings Dave Oliver finds a wealth of full-sized reference gems at Somerset's Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton.
24 Advanced Build – Iwo Jima Sara Tamiya’s 1/700 USS Saratoga is improved with after-market accessories, by Andy Davies.
32 In Focus – Fighting Flat Top Malcolm V Lowe investigates the travails of the USS Saratoga in World War Two. Colour profiles come courtesy of Andy Hay/Flying Art.
36 Out and About – Scale ModelWorld 2016 Chris Clifford and Stu Fone report on last November’s Telford extravaganza.
40 Intermediate Build – Stripes A’Mighty Massimo Santarossa makes his AMW debut with Special Hobby’s 1/72 Northrop Nomad.
48 Intermediate Build – Ted’s Silver Snooper Assistant Editor Stu Fone uses after-market products and scratch-building to improve Airfix’s re-released 1/72 Spitfire PR.XIX.
BUILD 1K17 SZHATIE 64 INTERMEDIATE
54 Intermediate Build – Robot Wars Bandai’s Gundam ‘mecha’ suit kits have gained cult status with sci-fi modellers. Andy Davies discovers that the hype is justified.
64 Intermediate Build – Soviet Laser A decidedly different armour subject – Trumpeter’s 1/35 1K17 Szhatie laser tank – is Cristian Lupu’s first AMW build.
Your favourite magazine is available digitally. See airfixmodelworld.com for more details. You can also find us on:
Search ‘Airfix Model World’
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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
BREAKING
NEWS
WILD HORSE AND FAMOUS TWIN
AIRFIX HAS re-introduced its 1/72 P-51D tooling with new markings for this year. The kit (A01004A), features decals for one of Bodney's famous bluenosed Mustangs of the 352nd Fighter Group, namely ‘Rose Marie/ The Kelly Kid 2’ (44-014207) flown by Lt Eugene W James. For those who have not seen this styrene before, it comes with relatively fine engraved panel lines, treaded tyres and convincing wheel hubs, wing tanks and raised/recessed cockpit sidewall detail, and separate flaps and rudder. A decal is provided
for the instrument panel, and at just £6.59 it’s excellent value. For further details on this Skill Level 1 item, visit: www.airfix.com THE LAST of Airfix’s new tooling for this year will be a 1/72 B-25 Mitchell, with parts for B/C/D variants. Judging from the CAD renderings, it will offer a wealth of detail inside and out, via a finely rendered cockpit, bomb-aimer/ gunner station, bomb bay, fuselage top and underside turrets…and separate crew access doors and control surfaces!
NIGHT FIGHTER REPRISE
THE ORIGINAL MPM/Special Hobby P-70 Nighthawk is now available once again under Revell branding. For those unfamiliar with the type, the P-70 was a converted A-20 Havoc, resulting from the need for long-range night fighters within the US Army Air Corps. Here, the 1/72 kit (03939) echoes the real subject, in being a development of Special Hobby’s A-20s. This offering sports the correct accoutrements, such as the underbelly cannon tray, and
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there are alternative noses; one is a plain unit, while the other represents painted glazing with an SCR-540 radar aerial. Although this moulding isn’t quite on par with current Special Hobby releases, it’s still a good product, with fine engraving, decent cockpit/radar operator station detail and multi-part radial engines. Two overall black colour schemes with nose art are offered, although the decals do have Revell’s trademark matt carrier film. www.revell.de/en
GUN-TOTING FAIRMILE
MARITIME MODELLERS will have their hands full with Coastal Craft’s latest 1/72 kit. Compared to the firm's previous Fairmile D, the MTB 730 (72012) carries twice the number of torpedo tubes and 6pdr guns, while retaining the various Vickers and Oerlikon armament. This is comprehensive multi-media; the instructions supply type history, weapon fits and colour schemes. The crisply cast hull and deck are separate single-piece components, with other resin parts provided in protective boxes, as are all ten of
the smaller photo-etched (PE) brass frets (the four larger items are in the main container). Detail is excellent throughout, with PE enhancing any cast features and supplying the delicate guard rails and antennas. A 1/72 scale three-view colour plan is the icing on the cake, providing clear colour information and displaying the overall layout…it can also double as a poster once the model is finished. While its £175 price tag may be daunting, but this is a stunning kit. For more details, visit: www.coastalcraftmodelsuk.com
FORTRESS FACELIFTS AIRFIX’S NEW B-17G certainly scores on its overall shape and detail (see Dec 2016 issue) but Eduard has released a gamut of accessories to improve on the basic styrene. Almost every aspect of the kit receives embellishment in one form or another. Separate photo-etched (PE) metal products for the nose (73570) and cockpit (73567) will transform these areas, as will that for the bomb bay (72630). However, the most impressive internal changes will be wrought in the rear fuselage (73569), which caters for the radio, waist- and rear gunner’s compartments, including PE equipment racks for the former, and ammunition chutes and an Elsan toilet for the latter. Moving to the exterior, and a dedicated product (72631) enhances the wheel wells and engines, while the latter can
be replaced by a stunning Brassin set (672131), which supplies new powerplants and cowlings. Replacement resin turbochargers (672133) and wheels (672130) complete the major upgrades, but there are steel seatbelts (73568) and a glazing/wheel mask set (CX464). While PE cooling jackets for the .50 cal machine
guns are supplied on at least two frets, modellers not enthused about rolling these delicate items can relax, as Eduard also provides 13 superb resin weapons separately (672132). Already impressive, Airfix’s Flying Fortress will be elevated to a whole new level by these after-market accessories. www.eduard.com
BABY EAGLE HUNGARY’S SBS Model now has a Caudron C.600 Aiglon (eaglet) in its range of /72 resin aircraft kits. The French-built 1930s training/sport/touring design has been reproduced faithfully via kit SBS7012, which offers more than 30 resin components, a scattering of photo-etched (PE) brass details and decals for two versions. Notable is the exquisite cockpit floor, which has rudder bars, throttle and other features cast in situ, and there are also alternative engine cowling sections and vertical tails, to echo traits
of the individual subjects offered. Even ribbing detail is cast on the fuselage half interiors, PE seatbelts and instrument panels are present, as are clear resin windscreens.
The decals are splendid, offering the following liveries: 7038 (ex-F-ANSN), Luftwaffe, France, 1940 and I1+43 ‘Kati’, of the Hungarian Air Force in 1943-45. www.sbsmodel.com
TINY ORDNANCE A NEW range of 1/144th scale turned/photo-etched brass weaponry is being imported by UK firm Coastal Craft. The brand is called Shelf Oddity, from Poland, and the quality of the products is superb. Our sample, four AGM-65 Maverick missiles, are mini-kits in themselves, with CNC-machined brass bodies by Master Model, PE fins
and other details, and stencil decals. Further ordnance in the scale includes Sidewinders, and Soviet/Russian stores such as the AA-10 Alamo. Shelf Oddity also produces airframe details; pitot tubes and alpha probes, and even gun barrels for types such as the Stuka. There are also gems for ship modellers, in 1/700 scale. For further details visit: www.shelfoddity.com
NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
BETTER ITALIAN LIGHTNING
MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE aficionados have plenty to look forward to with Eduard’s re-boxed Hasegawa 1/48 C.202 Folgore, which is packed with extra goodies. In limited-edition format, this Profi-PACK equivalent (1132) features two photo-etched metal frets, superb resin wheels (there are two tailwheel units), supercharger air intakes (with/ without sand filters) and a direction-finding loop. These are the perfect accompaniment to Hasegawa’s excellent styrene, with its crisp moulding and fine engraved panel lines. Unsurprisingly, the cockpit receives the most attention, but
the wheel wells and radiator also receive improvements. One of the major attractions when Eduard re-packages a kit is the decal sheet, and it’s no different here, with six schemes supplied. These depict a variety of green/tan/light grey camouflage, including both ‘worm’ and ‘smoke ring’ patterns, an unusual threetone mottle airframe from 155˚ Gruppo and an early war 17˚ Gruppo machine with green upper and light grey undersides. Canopy and wheel masks will ease painting and the well-designed instructions should enable most modellers to negotiate construction with minimal difficulty. www.eduard.com
HEBREW HURRICANE
ISRAEL'S IsraCast has produced a 1/48 resin kit of Dassault's Ouragan. With around 70 cast components, 20-plus photo-etched (PE) brass parts, clear resin fuel tank fronts and two vac-form canopies, there is much to enjoy. The mastering and casting are sublime, and although this is not for beginners, the kit is ideal for modellers used to mixedmedia products. Cockpit detail is cast integrally into the fuselage halves (and embellished with PE items), and
there are alignment pips/recesses on the outer mainplanes and centrewing section to avoid mismatch. Isra presents eight colour profiles for the Ouragan (hurricane) schemes, but more are possible with the generic collection of code numbers; baremetal airframes accompany those in the early camouflage of brown and blue, along with the later three-tone livery. Jets from the Suez Crisis and the Six-Day War are included. For more details visit: www.isradecal.com
AIRFIELD WORKHORSE
SHACK' MARKINGS
ALLEY CAT has released a slew of 8 Squadron RAF decals to complement Revell and Airfix 1/72 Avro Shackletons. Four cater for the AEW.2 and cover airframes adorned with artwork from The Magic Roundabout, also supplying wing and fuselage serials and codes. The sheets depict ‘Dougal’ (ACD72019-WR960), ‘Paul’ (ACD72019-WL754), ‘Brian’ (ACD72019-WL757) and ‘Ermintrude’ (ACD72019-WR963). The single MR.2
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Airfix Model World
offering is for WL801 (ACD72019WL801), the crew training airframe. A photo-etched brass fret is supplied with each, providing replacement airframe and wing aerials. As an added bonus for Airfix’s kit, ACD72WR963SPT enables modellers to portray MR.2 WR963 as displayed at Coventry Airport by the Shackleton Preservation Trust, providing correctly styled fuselage codes. For more details, visit: www.alleycatmodels.co.uk
THUNDER MODEL is a new Chinese manufacturer, and has released four 1/35 scale World War Two kits, two each of US and German equipment. The first offering, US Army Tractor (TM 35001), is a Case VAI machine, a common sight on wartime US military installations, towing either ammunition/equipment or fighter aircraft. Thunder’s kit is a little gem, comprising two styrene runners, one small photo-etched (PE) brass fret and four vinyl tyres. The wellmoulded parts are flash free and feature excellent detail, notably
the engine/transmission halves and rear wheel hubs. Assembly is simple and, given the intuitive use of PE on the footrests and seat supports, this would be an ideal first kit for modellers seeking to gain experience with this material. Two schemes are supplied; an overall Olive Drab military machine and post-war red civilian vehicle. Thunder Model’s other releases are the US Army Loader (TM 35002), Bergepanzer Hetzer Late (TM35101) and German Gedeckter Guterwagen (TM 35901). For further information, see: www.thundermodel.com
NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
SOUPED-UP DOODLEBUG
CAPTURED GERMAN technology, and notably the Fieseler Fi 103 (V-1), formed the basis of Soviet air-launched missile testing. Initial efforts produced the 10Kh, from which the experimental 16Kh Priboy (Surf) was derived, with initial versions equipped with one pulse-jet engine, but the KhA was fitted with two in ‘V’ configuration. This is the subject of Brengun’s first 1/48 scale styrene kit (BRP48001) and
(given the missile’s design), it’s relatively simple. A single styrene runner provides parts for one missile and its transport dolly, with exterior panels represented by fine engraved lines. The stub wing/fuselage join will need care to ensure the wings are aligned correctly, but this is a great project for novice modellers wanting to attempt a limited-run subject. Further information is at: www.brengun.cz
GREY WOLF IMPROVEMENT
TINY TESTBEDS
A NEW company specialising in small-scale aircraft subjects unveiled its initial products at Telford’s Scale ModelWorld show. 144th.co.uk is a venture started by Brian Keates, and it’s dedicated to, unsurprisingly, 1/144th subjects, with early focus on British experimental types. The two samples received by AMW are the Bolton paul P.111/P.111A (airframe VT935), which comes with three colour schemes, and the Avro 707A ‘straight wing’ with four liveries; these are pink and red for airframe WD280, but yellow
and orange for WZ736. The resin kits offer pleasing detail for the scale, engraved panel lines and glazing portrayed by decal over a solid part…so anyone that dreads vac-form canopies can breathe a sigh of relief. The decals overall are of very good quality, and the next subjects will be Meteor night fighters. A website is being built at present, but in the meantime one can contact Brian via e-mail at:
[email protected] See our Telford report on p.39 for a photo of built Avro 707 kits from this producer.
in the piPeline...} • Just when you thought there were enough 1/35 Chieftains, AFV Club has teased box art for its Mk.6, although close inspection reveals characteristics of several variants NAVAL MODELLERS, or those who specifically favour German wartime submarines, will welcome Eduard’s Big Ed set for Revell’s imposing 1/72 Type IX U-Boat. It’s a very busy package with three large photo-etched brass frets (available separately). They are (53158) Type IX C/40 hull pt.1, which mostly offers surface panels and flooding slits, (53159) hull pt.2, and this is a comprehensive collection that provides items such as torpedo
tube front sections, door surrounds and the doors themselves, internal ribbing for the conning tower, and more surface plating. The final fret (53160) is for the conn and its surrounding armament. Here, gun shields and elevation/azimuth wheels, mount details, floor features and a wealth of other parts are given. This is a stunning array of PE, which will help turn Revell’s kit into a museum-quality exhibit. www.eduard.com
• AvantGarde Model Kits has released further test photos of its 1/72 Kfir, showing various weapon fits, which include Griffin laser-guided bombs, Python 3 missiles, 500lb bombs, tripleand multiple-ejector racks, and at least two sizes of fuel tank • Meng Model is creating an intriguing range of ‘World War Toons’…superdeformed/egg-style vehicles and figures, in collaboration with TV Company Studio Roqovan. Initial kits will include M4 Sherman and Tiger I tanks
• British armour fans will be delighted with Takom’s next project, an FV 432 Mk.1/2 ‘battle taxi’ with full interior (2066) • Trumpeter has whetted the appetites of many with previews of its 2017/18 catalogue, which includes a 1/35 SA-4 Ganef surface-to-air-missile launcher, Russian and Ukrainian T-80s, Sd.Kfz.8 Half-track and a KZKT-7428 Rusich Tank Transporter. There was also a teaser photograph from the film Battle of the Bulge, depicting a ‘Tiger’ tank, so could this be either a Spanish M-47 (used in the film as the bad guys) or a kit dedicated to the movie? • Finally, modellers of smaller scales will no doubt be eagerly awaiting spring 2017, which will bring the launch of Zvezda’s 1/144 Il-76 Candid transport aircraft
www.airfixmodelworld.com 9
SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES
s re
hows on
e lin
Mo
SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model and airshow calendar
Universal Model Show Date:
February 26
Hosts:
South Cheshire Military Modelling Club
Address: Malbank 6th Form College, Welsh Row, Nantwich, CW5 5HD
FEB 11
NORTH SURREY MILITARY MODELLING GROUP OPEN DAY
FEB 12
HUDDERSFIELD SCALE MODEL SHOW
FEB 25
ON-TRACK MILITARY MODELLING SHOW
Hosts:
North Surrey Military Modelling Group
Hosts:
IPMS Wakefield and District Branch
Hosts:
On Track Shows
Address:
Address:
Banstead Community Hall, Park Road, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 3AJ
Address:
Huddersfield Leisure Centre, Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4BP
The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ
Times:
10am-5pm
Prices:
Adults £5, accompanied under-16s free
Times:
10am-4.30pm
Prices:
Adults £3, seniors and children £1
Tel:
07764 196615
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.nsmmg.org.uk
FEB 11
TANK MUSEUM MODEL EXPO
Hosts:
The Tank Museum
Address:
The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Times:
10.30am-4.30pm
Tel:
N/A
Prices:
Adults £4, concessions £2
Email:
[email protected]
Tel:
01132 893152
Web:
www.ontrackshow.co.uk
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.huddersfieldscale modelshow.co.uk
FEB 19
SHUTTLEWORTH SCALE MODEL EXHIBITION
Hosts:
Shuttleworth Collection
Address:
Old Warden Aerodrome, Biggleswade, SG18 9E
Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £12
Times:
10am-5pm
Prices:
Adult £13, children £7.50, under-5s free
Tel:
01929 405096
Tel:
01767 627927
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
[email protected]
www.tankmuseum.org
Web:
www.shuttleworth.org
Web:
KEY
E MODEL DISPLAY
) MODEL COMPETITION J TRADE STANDS
m
Times:
10am-5pm
Prices:
Adults £3.50, children and concessions £1.50
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
www.scmmc.co.uk
MAR 4 Hosts: Address:
ALDINGBOURNE MODELEX
Times: Prices: Tel: Email: Web:
FEB 26
NORTH DEVON MODEL SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW 2017
Hosts:
North Devon Model Society
Address:
Fremington Parish Hall, 12 Higher Rd, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 3BG
Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £3, concessions £1.50, under-14s free
Tel:
N/A
Email:
details@northdevonmodel society.co.uk
Web:
www.northdevonmodel society.co.uk
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
MILITARY DISPLAY AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY
MAR 5 Hosts: Address:
Times: Prices: Tel: Email: Web:
Aldingbourne Modellers IPMS Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre, Olivers Meadow, Westergate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 3YA 10am-4pm Adults £2.50, under-16s free N/A aldingbournemodellers@ gmail.com Aldingbourne Modelex (Facebook)
EAST OF ENGLAND MODEL SHOW 2017 Peterborough Scale Model Club The Voyager Academy, Mountsteven Avenue, Walton, PE4 6HX 10am-4pm Adults £3, under-15s free 01733 321617 peterboroughscalemodel
[email protected] www.peterboroughscale modelclub.co.uk
REFRESHMENTS FREE PARKING MAKE AND PAINT
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
INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
Fledermaus Die
Peter Johnson builds ZoukeiMura’s impressive Ho 229 with a plausible ‘what-if’ colour scheme
The first engine was built with full compressor section detail. While impressive, it was quite fiddly and just the front rotor and stator were visible after assembly.
The second engine’s compressor blades were installed as spacers, but were cropped to avoid fouling the case…and just the front stator sections were used.
Aft portions of the engine casings were divided, to allow the exit bullet and turbine rotor to be inserted after assembly and painting.
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Airfix Model World
orten’s decidedly bat-like Ho 229 was one of many cutting-edge weapons Germany developed late in World War Two; the culmination of more than ten years’ flying wing research by Walter and Reimar Horten. Zoukei-Mura’s kit was equally cutting-edge, featuring a complete interior that resulted in a complex build. Good planning and testfitting are needed to ensure trouble-free construction, but the kit’s superb engineering and clear instructions made the task easier. Its engines were tackled first, and these comprised a jaw-dropping 63 parts each. Each powerplant featured detailed compressor and exhaust sections, but no combustion chamber innards (available separately as a detail set), so it was decided to assemble them and mount both in the airframe, rather than leaving one out for display. Since most of the rotor and stator details would be invisible, many of the compressor details were omitted or modified. The rotor blade sections were
assembled to locate and stiffen the turbine shaft, but the ends of the second and subsequent rows’ blades were clipped short to avoid fouling on the casing, and just the first stator row was used. All engine parts were airbrushed with various shades of Alclad before being added to the assembly, starting with Pale Burnt Metal for the rotor and stator blades, and Aluminium on the insides of the compressor casings. After assembling the compression section casings, the outsides were sprayed with Dull Aluminium.
Minor surgery It was discovered that exhaust port depressions in part A-47 were too large, so a small hole was drilled
in the centre of each dimple, and the moulded starter rings at the tips of the bullets were carved off carefully. The intakes were sprayed Aluminium with Pale Burnt Metal
INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
A variety of Alcald II shades were used to paint the engine components, following online photos of unrestored Jumo engines.
guide vanes, and assembled to the front of the compressors. New starter rings were then fashioned from fine silver fly-tying wire wrapped around a #60 drill shank, and flattened with smooth pliers. These were then set aside to add at the very end of the build. The combustion chamber halves A-44/45 were cut apart along the line of the turbine rotor, and the locating tabs on part A-39 were sawn off, so the turbine bodies could be assembled, painted and slid into the finished combustion chamber. The blades were sprayed Pale Burnt Metal, and the remainder of the turbine bodies
and turbine section interior were airbrushed with Jet Exhaust. In a departure from the all-Alclad theme, the forward section of the combustion chambers (and heat shields) were painted in PollyScale Steam Power Black. Weathering accentuated the detail, via washes of Payne’s Grey, Raw Umber and
Burnt Umber acrylics but it was kept restrained, befitting engines with a limited life…they didn’t last long enough to get grimy! With the basic engines assembled, attention turned to the myriad of piping and details covering the outside. Here, both the kit’s engineering and the instructions shone, but care was needed to ensure that everything aligned properly; test-fitting was essential. After fitting and fettling, the details were mainly painted with various Alclad shades, then Superglued in place. Finally, the heat shields were added to the engines. The upper edges of the former were thinned to represent sheet metal, and the shields were fitted around the powerplants. Just the seams were glued, leaving the shields free to move slightly on the engines. If the bottom skin is to be painted, neatening the seams is unnecessary as they can’t be seen from above.
The plethora of external piping and details were painted with black, grey and Alclad colours, before being added to the engines. Dry-fitting and adherence to the instructions were vital.
A small cutting mat was used as a jig for the first portions of the fuselage framework assembly; this allowed the pieces to be aligned and trued, which was vital later.
Busy body The bulk of the kit involved the fuselage. Once again, studying the instructions, test-fitting and thinking several (sometimes many) steps ahead was key for
Every step was planned in advance, and all parts were test-fitted multiple times. Thinking at least two or three steps ahead ensured surprises were kept to a minimum. Holding fixtures such as the plastic card were used where third or fourth hands were necessary.
“Engine parts were airbrushed with various shades of Alclad”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 13
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MODEL SPEC
HORTEN Ho 229
Horten Ho 229 By:
Zoukei-Mura
Stock Code:
SWS No. 8
Scale:
1/32
Price:
£131.99
Available from: www.tigerhobbies.co.uk
The silver pushrods snake through the centre framework, so the upper frame was dryfitted to ensure there was no interference before Supergluing them in place.
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success. For instance, parts D-5 and D-17 didn’t have well-defined attachment points, and it was 27 pages later that the centre main gear door was attached to them. To ensure the centre framework came out straight and true, part B-3 was Blu-Tacked to a small cutting mat, and the assembly was built on the mat until step 3-2G. Where needed, bespoke fixtures were created to hold parts… a pet octopus would have been handy! Many joins were glued with liquid cement first, to allow fettling, then reinforced with thin Superglue for strength. Both Z-M’s Concept Note book and the Old Man Blog on the company’s website provided helpful information to clarify the instructions. As a rule of thumb, the basic framework was left unpainted for as long as possible, with details such as the bottle on D-18 being painted and masked before assembly. That seemed the easier method than painting each piece entirely, cleaning the mating surfaces, assembling the parts then repainting all the joins…but it did cause interesting contortions while removing the masking later. Since much of the interior was coloured RLM 02, slightly different shades by PollyScale, Model Master Acryl and Lifecolor were
used to provide interest. Most of the framework was assembled with few surprises, but there were areas where care was necessary. In step 3-2.A, frame parts D-18 and D-25 were tacked to the lower framework, and a jig was made to properly space the pins on the tops of each, before cementing them together. The rear main frame was glued to the framework before D-21 and D-30 were added to it. When assembling the wing fastening ribs in step 3-2.F, care was necessary to ensure the short support ribs were aligned from the sides, so the nose skin would fit over them properly; the main ribs must be glued securely to the framework, to support the wings later. At step 3-2.I, the actuator was omitted until the gear doors were installed late in the build; the upper framework was also used as a jig. Insulated wire was then threaded through wing attachment points to hold the framework in place, while the parts in steps 3-2.I and J were added to the lower framework.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
With the basic structure completed, the framework was already surprisingly rigid, and the cutting mat jig was no longer needed…but many details still had to be added.
At this point, the framework was airbrushed with PollyScale 505075 RLM 02. After a coat of Alclad Aqua Gloss Clear, a wash of Payne’s Grey artist’s acrylic was used to accentuate the detail, and Citadel Chainmail was dry-brushed on exposed bolts.
A delicate touch The control linkages in step 3-2.J needed dexterity and patience to weasel into the framework. Engines, cockpit sides and upper skin were dry-fitted to ensure the linkages were fitted properly, and parts D-8 and D-10 were glued in place, with D-4 being left out until the engines were installed. Cannons and ammo boxes were assembled next, and the muzzle brakes could be added to the barrels at this point, making them much easier to align, as long as the holes in the nose skin are elongated slightly; the nose skin was also used to align the cannons while attaching them to the framework. Ammunition
boxes and chutes were then added to complete the armament, with the underside skin employed to ensure the chutes were aligned, and the long slots in the skin under the cannons were filled, leaving just the shorter shell chute openings. The engines were coaxed into place very carefully, to avoid snagging any of the piping on the framework… and then one part that did snag was re-attached. They were not glued in place, to allow fine adjustment later. Before starting to attach the upper framework, though, all 39 attachment points were stripped with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner and a micro-brush, and then the upper framework was tied onto the wing ribs at the forward attachment points, and solvent cement was used to give a strong but flexible bond. With the upper framework in place, it appears that the ammo boxes can’t be opened without disassembling the framework… surely something the groundcrew would not have appreciated!
Well-detailed cannons and ammunition boxes butted against the wing root ribs. Care was needed to align the barrels, since the attachment points allowed some play.
The engines, upper framework and fuselage skin panels were dry-fitted repeatedly to ensure everything fitted properly before committing glue to the joints. Extra care at this point would pay dividends later! To enhance the back of the instrument panel, major instruments were drilled and model car ignition wire was installed to represent wiring. The wires were then bundled and shaped to extend along the sides of the cockpit framework.
“Model car ignition wire was installed to represent wiring” www.airfixmodelworld.com 15
INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
Office agenda The Horten’s cockpit was next to be addressed, and Z-M produces a separate interior set that includes cockpit panels and seatbelts, and the kit conveniently provides two seat pans, one plain and
another with moulded seatbelts. The pre-coloured PE instrument panels were enhanced by adding a clear acetate layer between the instruments and bezels, and after attaching the sandwiches to the kit parts, the edges were blended in. The rear face of the instrument panel was visible, so major instruments were drilled, and yellow 1/24 scale auto ignition wiring added, with enough length to wrap around the sides of the cockpit framework out of sight. Although Z-M’s belts were excellent, this modeller had always wanted to try fabric versions, so Eduard’s set was pressed into service. The shoulder harnesses seemed much too long…so the model was measured and the belts were
shortened appropriately. After gluing the belts to the seat attachment points with thin Superglue, the belts were draped into realistic positions and secured with gel Superglue. Undercarriage parts came next, starting with the very prominent nose gear, and my ‘think ahead’ strategy failed here. A test-fit of the nose gear strut showed the mounting lugs below the cockpit were too wide, so they were filed. It would have been much easier if I’d noticed that before assembling the fuselage. Main gear forks were drilled to accept a brass rod, so the gear could be assembled and painted without the tyre in place. When assembling the mainwheels, do pay attention to the part numbers, since they are handed. Once assembled, the gear legs were painted Model Master
Materials + after-market Zoukei-Mura Super Wing Options SWS08-M04 Ho 229 Photo-etched Parts Interior & Air Brake Set Eduard 32773 Seatbelts Luftwaffe WWII Fighter FABRIC Model Master Acryl 4786 RLM 76 Lichtblau PollyScale F505070 RLM 81 Brown Violet 505302 RLM 62 Green Alclad ALC-101 Aluminium ALC-120 Gunmetal ALC-113 Jet Exhaust ALC-104 Pale Burnt Metal ALC-111 Magnesium ALC-600 Aqua Gloss Clear
Attaching the engines and upper frame was a milestone, but raised the question of how the ammunition boxes could be opened to refill them! The engines were not glued in place, so they could be tweaked slightly to fit the skin panels perfectly.
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Test-fitting of the nose gear strut showed the mounting lugs below the cockpit were too wide, so they were filed. It would have been much easier if this was noticed before assembling the fuselage.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
The ejection seat was fitted with Eduard fabric seat belts. Thirty-five PE and fabric parts made assembly quite fiddly, but the end result was worthwhile.
Acryl RLM 02, the wheels in Alclad Gunmetal and the tyres PollyScale Grimy Black; the latter were also weathered lightly with washes of Payne’s Grey and Umber, and ground pastels. With the fuselage completed, the wings followed. After the complex body, the wings’ structures were simplicity itself and each side comprised a mere dozen pieces. Wing-to-fuselage mounting frames were attached to their respective wing structures with liquid cement, then reinforced with thin Superglue, since they would bear the weight of the wings. The bottoms of the wing tanks, and the entire outboard leading edge tanks, were not needed, as they
would not be visible with the lower skins and leading edges attached. If one does use the bottoms, Z-M provides corrected part numbers for the R runner on its website. Fuel tanks were then painted Lifecolor UA732 Vulcanized Rubber to represent self-sealing units, with Alclad Aluminium fill ports, yellow fuel lines and RLM 02 straps. Turning to the skin panels, the plan was to paint the entire skin, but leave as many removable elements as possible, to show the interior detail. Radu Brinzan’s build in the Z-M Concept Note
book showed an ingenious way to attach the wing skins without a seam on the leading edge, so it was borrowed quite shamelessly. Upper wing skins were sawed apart along the panel line at the leading edge, with a PE saw taped to a metal ruler for support… but be gentle, since the clear plastic is very hard and brittle. The separate leading edges were then glued to the lower skins, the internal structure being used to ensure the correct position, and
the seam was neatened. Don’t worry; the wings’ internal structures really will fit into the skin afterwards, albeit with much coaxing! All skin panels, gear doors and control surfaces were primed with Alclad Grey Primer/Microfiller, and their interiors were sprayed with one of the RLM 02 shades.
From the outside in When was the last time you painted the exterior of a model
before assembling it? Well, this was one of those times. To reduce handling the delicate structure, the entire fuselage skin and control surfaces were painted, decaled and weathered before being attached to the
Authentic glazing The windscreen and canopy were constructed in similar fashion to that of the Ar 234, with frames on the inside surface, so it was decided to paint these to match the Blitz. Z-M provided interior canopy masks, which adhered tightly to the compound curves. After a dip in Future/Klear, the inside frames were masked and sprayed with PollyScale Steam Power Black. Screw dimples on the outside had poor definition, so a drill bit was used to emphasize them and roughen the surface. Prismacolor Silver pencil coloured the screws, and a dry Q-tip removed the excess.
The nose wheel fork was drilled through, and brass rod formed the axle so the wheel could be fitted after the gear was painted and weathered.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
References + decals Kagero Mini Topcolors 37: Last Hope of the Luftwaffe Me 163, He 162, Me 262 Zoukei-Mura Concept Note SWS No.VII Ho 229 Zoukei-Mura Errata http://www. zoukeimura.co.jp/en/sentiment/ oyajiblog_060.html Horten Ho 229 Spirit of Thuringia: The Horten All-Wing Jet Fighter, by Andrei Shepelev and Huib Ottens (Classic Publications), ISBN: 978-1-90322-36-6
framework. Since the Ho 229’s exterior was unpainted when captured, the colour scheme
was an exercise in plausibility. Many ideas were considered, from solid RLM 02 to wild mottles and other patterns, but a conservative approach prevailed. Upper surface camouflage echoed that worn by the Me 262, with colours matching the shades found on the Ar 234
at the National Air and Space Museum. Markings consistent with 1945 standards were used, and the Reich Defence Band was selected purely for its bright colours. Details such as the Werk Nummer and swastika were educated guesses, since no Ho 229 prototype wore
them, but they surely would have featured on squadron aircraft. Camouflage colours were Model Master Acryl 4786 RLM 76 Lichtblau for the undersides, and PollyScale F505070 RLM 81 Brown Violet and 505302 RLM 62 Green (representing RLM 83)
The completed cockpit, showing instrument wiring and PE panels; the knobs on the left side have been sawn in two to better represent pairs of engine controls.
Leaving the wing structure attached to the runners facilitated neatening, by protecting the leading edge ribs and stiffening the entire part. The gates were not cut until necessary.
In welcome contrast to the highly complex fuselage, each wing structure comprised just two parts, which needed careful detail painting. Here the torque tubes have been painted silver, with tape protecting adjacent areas from clumsy brushwork.
The upper wing skins’ leading edges were sawn along the existing panel line, with a PE saw blade taped to a steel ruler to provide rigidity. The wings were supported along the cut line, and multiple low-pressure passes avoid shattering the brittle clear plastic.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
for the splinter pattern. After spraying the camouflage, Reich Defence Bands were masked and sprayed, each band being 9.5mm
wide, then a light coat of Alclad Aqua Gloss Clear sealed the surface for decaling. Kit decals were used for the national markings and stencils, with staffel numbers and Werk Nummers from the decal sheet in Kagero’s Mini Topcolors 37 book, and a Payne’s Grey wash accentuated fasteners and removable panel lines. The actual aircraft’s panel lines were filled and smoothed, so non-opening panels were not accentuated. Redbrown pastels were ground with coarse sandpaper, and brushed onto the bottom to represent grime from the landing gear. Faint powder stains were also added
around the muzzle brakes and behind the shell chutes via the same technique, and Model Master Acryl Clear Flat was sprayed overall to finish the camouflage. Attachment points on the bottom skins, and their corresponding framework points, were stripped with Tamiya Lacquer Thinner, and the skins were attached with Gator’s Grip glue and taped in place. Once they’d dried, the landing gear was installed but the nose gear retraction strut needed coaxing into place (see separate panel), although the rest of the installation was easy. Once the gear doors were added, silver sewing thread replicated actuator cables to the main gear.
Completed left wing structure and skin. The leading-edge skin would cover everything forward of the spar, so extra ribs were removed and the outboard fuel tank omitted, so the structure would slide easily onto the leading edge.
Mainplane work The wing structures were slid into place on the bottom skins; this required some coaxing, and several leading-edge ribs needed removing to avoid snagging. Once in place, the wing root rib was glued to the skin, and Superglue was run between the main spar and skin. A new pitot tube was
Frontal gear challenge Installing the nose gear was an exercise in dexterity (and some adult language)! The retraction ram was clipped onto the drag strut, and the end of the drag strut was coaxed into the fuselage carefully, ensuring the top of the extension ram was properly seated behind the silver oil tank on the fuselage spine. After snapping the fuselage end of the drag strut into place, the landing gear strut was added. Once everything was in its proper place, Gator’s Grip secured the strut to the fuselage, and Superglue was applied to the smaller joints.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD HORTEN Ho 229
All skin panels were painted, decaled and weathered before being attached to the inner structures. The splinter was adapted from the Me 262’s pattern, and Ar 234's colours.
Bare metal panels were added aft of the engines’ exhausts, via Alclad Magnesium, Pale Burnt Metal and Aluminium.
The main gear actuation cables were added between the legs and extension ram, replicated by silver metallic thread. The latter was painted with thinned Citadel Chainmail to mute the shine.
The bottom of the fuselage was weathered with ground pastels applied by micro-brush, while fasteners received a Payne’s Grey pin wash to accentuate them.
constructed of 0.9 and 0.7mm Albion Alloys tubing, also attached with Superglue. Control surfaces were fixed with gel Superglue, and the flaperons were dropped slightly to match photos of earlier Ho 229 prototypes. Z-M’s detail set included eight three-piece drag rudders, which were delicate improvements over the solid kit parts. After painting with RLM 02 and the appropriate
place and Superglued. Cover plates were then thinned and glued to their respective fuselage skins. The gunsight was installed above the instrument panel, and the finished transparencies (see separate panel) were glued to their frames with thin Gator’s Grip. All that remained was to attach the engine starter rings and upper and lower antennas, and the Horten was complete.
exterior colours, decals were added and the rudders were Superglued in their open positions. It was finally time to join the wings to the fuselage, and the former were pinned temporarily with pieces of Evergreen rod. The wing pins were moulded with their cover plates attached, so they were clipped off, and one by one the temporary pins were pulled and the permanent pins dropped in
“The end result will surely turn heads”
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Careful planning from the start meant that the ‘Bat-wing’ could be displayed fully skinned, nearly naked, or anything in between. Although complex construction meant that planning and dry-fitting were essential throughout, the kit’s excellent engineering, flawless moulding and clear instructions made the build enjoyable, and the end result will surely turn heads ❚ wherever it’s displayed.
Pennine Models at Haworth
Large stock of rare items (enquire for details) Broad range of plastic kits available including: • Aircraft both military & civilian • Cars & trucks • Military, armour & softskin • Railways: rolling stock, buildings and people • Scenics and paint • Boats from over the ages • People (including soldiers from romans, vikings to modern day)
Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm 33/35 Mill Hey, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8NQ Tel: 01535 642367
[email protected]
OUT AND ABOUT FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM
The collection’s Sopwith Baby takes pride of place in Hall 1; its wing-mounted rockets were designed to counter the Zeppelin threat during the Great War.
Senior Service Wings Dave Oliver takes a long-overdue trip to Europe’s largest naval aviation collection
Housing four halls of naval aircraft and related exhibits, a visit to the FAA museum should be top of the list for any carrier aviation fan.
Dwarfing many of the other exhibits, Supermarine Walrus L2301 was supplied initially to the Irish Army Air Corps in 1939. With Airfix releasing a 1/48 kit of the type this year, Yeovilton’s exhibit is the ideal reference.
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T
he Fleet Air Arm Museum offers a unique insight into the men and machines who served in the pioneering and equally dangerous realm of naval aviation. Its four main halls contain a plethora of 1/1 scale reference material for the aircraft modeller, with an ample amount of space around most exhibits to inspect many of their finer details. The third hall, containing the awardwinning Ark Royal Flight Deck Experience, was a personal favourite; it offers a simulated ride in a Wessex Helicopter onto the busy flight deck of HMS Ark Royal as she would have appeared in the 1970s, complete with Buccaneer and Phantom aircraft being prepared for takeoff, before a tour around the
The Ark Royal deck display, complete with simulated Phantom catapult sequence, is a real highlight of the collection. Wessex HAS.3 XP142, or Humphrey as it was named affectionately by its crew, performed valiantly during the Falklands War; the aircraft still bears battle scars from this conflict.
various stations in the carrier’s ‘island’ completed the exhibit. As well as the obvious naval aircraft (of which there are many from across the ages), the museum also contains a restoration workshop, which is currently working on a Fairey Barracuda (but sadly, not to an airworthy condition). The collection has also just secured many of the medals, photographs and log books of the late, great test pilot Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, kindly donated by an anonymous benefactor–another worthy addition to this already impressive and well-curated museum, which should be visited by any modeller keen on naval ❚ aviation subjects.
Information Fleet Air Arm Museum Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Ilchester, BA22 8HT Telephone: 01935 840565 E-mail:
[email protected] Web: www.fleetairarm.com Winter Opening Hours: From Tuesday November 1, 2016 until Friday March 31, 2017 Open Wed to Sun only, 10am to 4.30pm Summer Opening Hours: From April 1, 2017, Open every day, 10am to 5.30pm Adults £16, Children £12 (online discounts available)
There is plenty of room around the Hawker Sea Fury to get those all-important reference shots, as well as a freestanding Bristol Centaurus Engine…perfect, considering Airfix’s Sea Fury is also due later this year.
ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
The same went for the dinghy revetments and these received similar treatment, only this time the sheeting had fine grooves scribed on it.
Several deck parts had circular ejector-pin marks, which would prove very difficult to fill or remove, so thin plastic sheets were fitted over the worst offenders.
IWO JIMA SARA Andy Davies adds extra detail to Tamiya’s 1/700 USS Saratoga ’flat top’
W
hen the keel of the USS Saratoga was laid down in September 1920, she along with sister ships Lexington, Constellation, Ranger, Constitution, and United States, and the Dakotaclass battleships, offered a vision of a powerful US Navy fleet. The signing of the Washington Naval Agreement in 1922 (between the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, France, and Italy) effectively put paid to the construction of any further capital ships, but allowed each signatory to use two existing hulls as the basis for aircraft carriers.
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As Lexington (CC-1) and Saratoga (CC-3) were both part-built, they were selected for conversion, while the others were scrapped on the slipways. Many designs were put forward and in 1923, both conversions were approved and construction commenced, with their designations changed to CV-1 and CV-3 respectively.
Dry dock The beautiful box art hinted at the quality of
what lay inside, with typical Tamiya excellence throughout. There were five grey styrene runners and one of these, containing the aircraft, gun barrels and life rafts, was duplicated. The high parts count was less daunting when one considered that most of these were life rafts (72) and anti-aircraft guns, of which there were 53 mounts comprising 5in,
40mm and 20mm guns, with 128 barrels in all. The 11-stage instructions (featuring 22 subassemblies) were printed front and back on one sheet and a glossy high-quality colour and decal placement guide was also offered.
ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
MODEL SPEC
All parts were crisply moulded and devoid of sink marks, flash or distortion, and the breakdown of the components was logical. The deck moulding was outstanding, with delicately raised plank detail, arrestor cables, palisade, elevators and catapults. Adequate detail adorned the superstructure, but this area was ripe for further enhancement via a mixture of Eduard’s earlier Saratoga photoetched (PE) metal set (17025) and parts from the spares box. It would be unsurprising if an after-market company eventually released one or more dedicated sets for this particular model. CV-3 USS Saratoga By:
Tamiya
Stock Code:
31713
Scale:
1/700
Price:
£34.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Construction began with the two-piece base, which included a location trough for a metal weight strip and this was duly added with cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive to ensure secure placement. Three bulkheads were also included and this factor resulted in a tight vertical fit, which prevented any warping of the completed structure. The hull sides were added carefully to the base with Mr. Cement S liquid glue…an indispensable method of fixing parts after they’ve been put into position. Tamiya suggested fitting the long single-piece deck section to the hull at this point, but it was decided to delay the task until the end of the build, as it was easier to work on this away from the model; it virtually snapped into place anyway. The many gun sponsons and director cupolas were fitted to the hull sides and allowed to dry thoroughly, before any weathering commenced. Impressive moulding was evident on the superstructure components (given the scale), though PE railings, rigging, ladders and doors added greatly to the overall effect. Good surface rendering was visible on the life rafts and
A large smoke stack, forward island and turrets for the 5in guns formed the major superstructure components. PE railings and stays were added to the funnel cap, before this area was painted XF-69 NATO Black. Once fitted, it would be treated with MIG Productions P023 Black Smoke pigment.
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ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
After the delicate railings and SK aerial array had been fitted, the island was weathered lightly with various MIG Productions’ pigments, along with a light wash of thinned Burnt Umber oil paint.
Eduard’s USN Extra Ladders (99060) was used to add missing detail, and 1.5mm Little-cars clear lenses replicated the prominent searchlights.
these were stacked atop each other in groups before being fitted to the hull and turret sides. This model depicted Saratoga in her final 1945 guise; extra quadruple 40mm Bofors positions (23 in all) and two twin 40mm Bofors, along
The delicate process of rigging began with the mainmast. Here, the Navy Blue had been weathered and dry-brushed lightly with XF-53 Neutral Grey to accentuate the detail.
PE doors were fitted to the superstructure, before everything received a thin burnt umber wash.
with the associated Mk.51 gun director sponsons, were added during a refit in December 1943. This meant considerably more opportunity for refinement and allowed for creative dry-brushing and weathering. The guns
themselves were well detailed, and more than adequate in this scale, although would arguably have benefited from hollow (and better shaped) muzzles.
Ace antennas With the 1944 refit at Washington State’s Puget Sound came new radar and antenna equipment, but this was represented within the obvious restrictions of injection
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moulding, so PE alternatives were the only way to go in replicating these more realistically. Luckily, a Chinese after-market company, Five Star Model (www.5starmodel. com) came to the rescue with its stunning WWII USN Radar Set (FS700029), which supplied the correct SK, SM, SM-1 and SC-3 types. These were PE works of art, superbly detailed and added much to the final model… but required a very steady hand, a powerful magnification lamp and fine tweezers (not to
ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
“PE RAILINGS, RIGGING, LADDERS AND DOORS ADDED GREATLY TO THE OVERALL EFFECT ”
mention patience!) for accurate attachment. Once glued with Gator’s Grip Thin Blend PVA, they were misted with Tamiya AS-8 Navy Blue (decanted from an aerosol can). A word of caution: it was imperative to use low pressure while airbrushing, otherwise all that hard work could have been blown into oblivion… approximately 10psi (0.7bar) worked well here. These parts were then highlighted with heavily thinned Mr. Hobby H-314 Blue, which prevented clogging of the intricate latticework and allowed the detail to ‘pop out’.
Navy uniform By 1945, US Navy warships were painted overall in the subdued Navy Blue 5N colour scheme, also known as Measure 21, which was thought to hamper aerial observation. Sadly, this didn’t prevent Saratoga from being targeted during a determined attack by five Japanese aircraft on February 21, 1945, when supporting the US invasion of Iwo Jima (see pages 32-35). The easiest way to depict Measure 21 accurately was to again use decanted Tamiya’s AS-8 Navy Blue, which was then
Johnson’s Klear floor polish, along with Microscale’s Micro Set and Sol decal solutions, ensured good adhesion of the long sections of decal striping. Once applied, they were bedded-down with a moist cotton bud.
airbrushed onto the hull. Once this had dried fully, it was realised that while accurate, the result was rather bland, so a fair amount of weathering would be required to enliven this monotone livery. Ships at sea, and particularly those on task for a considerable time, show obvious signs of wear and tear, and Saratoga was no exception. Period photographs reveal evidence of worn panels, rust, salt discolouration and generally faded hull tones. Weathering of the flight deck was achieved with Burnt Umber/Sienna oil paints, thinned with white spirit, while AMMO
MIG’s Streaking Grime Wash (A. MIG-1203) was applied with a moist cotton bud and smeared along the deck. This had previously been airbrushed with XF-50 Field Blue, which approximated closely to US Navy Deck Blue; lightened variations of this base colour were then applied randomly over the length of the surface. Once completed, it’s appearance was enhanced with a Burnt Umber oil wash and a darkened version of Field Blue sprayed into shadowed areas, over arrestor cables and around the many Bofors gun emplacements. All this was
After the decal solutions had done their work, small incisions along the length of each strip were made with a fresh scalpel blade, before it was flooded with Klear…this reduced the chances of silvering around areas of raised detail. www.airfixmodelworld.com 27
ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
then sealed with misted coats of Alclad’s ALC-313 Klear Kote Matte to harmonise the shades and protect the surface from any accidental damage.
Raison d’être Just eight aircraft were supplied in the box, four F6F-5N Hellcat night fighters and a quartet of TBM-3D Avengers. Considering Saratoga’s full air component comprised 75 aircraft of varying types, eight alone seemed rather derisory, so help was sought from two Trumpeter sets. These provided extra Avengers, moulded in clear styrene (for good representation of the glazing). Tamiya’s aircraft were reasonable,
although they suffered from solid canopies, overly thick propellers, and undercarriage, but this was remedied with Gold Medal Models’ excellent WW2 Carrier Aircraft Parts Set (700-18), which included examples of both items, and even arrestor hooks (should one wish to replicate an aircraft either on-approach or post landing). The only modification required on the Hellcats was to cut slots in the right-hand wings and add the night fighter’s prominent radar fairings, scratch-built from Evergreen styrene rod…a tedious, but necessary alteration. Propellers were painted black, and each blade then received yellow tip; spinners were fashioned from stretched
sprue, and aerials were added to the top of every fuselage. After painting the basic camouflage colours with AS-8 Navy Blue (uppersurfaces) and XF-69 NATO Black (undersides), details were highlighted with AMMO MIG’s A.MIG 7417 WWII Pacific US Navy Airplanes Weathering Set, and then dry-brushed with XF-19 Sky Grey to accentuate the panels. With the resulting 24 aircraft, this gave the model a much busier appearance, and one more suited to a war-weary vessel at the height of its Pacific operations.
Deck the halls The decals presented a minor dilemma, as the light grey Once decaling and basic weathering was completed, the entire deck was treated to several misted coats of ALC-313 Klear Kote Matte varnish, which blended everything together.
The kit’s crane was rather basic, so it was duly replaced with a PE item that featured intricate detail. Burnt Umber and Sienna washes accentuated the moulded deck accoutrements.
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markings seemed to almost match the deck shade itself, raising the fear that they would all but disappear when applied. However, after much fruitless searching for suitable decals online, it was decided to proceed with the kit offerings and see what transpired. Thankfully, any concerns were unfounded, as the decals appeared more of an offwhite when applied to the deck, and looked suitable for the scale. The only other markings required were those for the air wing and those from Trumpeter’s sets were applied to all aircraft to maintain uniformity. Strangely, Tamiya omitted the large ‘3’ numerals for the ship’s identification
ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
A surprising omission on the decal sheet was the large numbers (which were an identification aid for returning pilots) that adorned the foreand after-decks. The easiest way to replicate these was to make them from paper masks, traced from scale plans.
Reference Squadron at Sea: USS Saratoga, by David Doyle (Squadron Signal), ISBN: 978-0-89747-712-3
numbers, which were applied at the bow and stern areas of the flight deck, and these were added from scratch. Paper masks were used, with the characters then airbrushed with a mix of XF-50 Field Blue and a hint of XF-69 NATO Black to give a darker hue. No proprietary PE detail sets were supplied with the model, so a generic USN railing set was duly acquired, along with extra ladders (to replace the kit’s
While fitted temporarily to the forward and rear sections of the deck, the masks were held in place with thin slivers of Blu-Tack and strips of Tamiya tape, to prevent any paint bleeds.
moulded items). On Saratoga, the railings were restricted to specific areas of the deck and superstructure, and this is where photographic evidence provide by David Doyle’s book on the vessel proved invaluable. Cylindrical sections (such as those around the radar antennas and searchlights), were formed around a cocktail stick before being cut to length, with all other parts shaped with the aid of a Small Shop’s Hold and Fold Tool. These were then applied with needle-nosed forceps, Gator’s Grip Thin Blend PVA and a steady hand. Once positioned, the railings received a light coat of XF-50 Field Blue (applied with an 000 brush), and were dry-brushed with XF-23 Light Blue.
Cable guy With the basic model constructed, it was time to start the process that usually consumes the most amount of time on any ship build, namely the dreaded rigging. Luckily, Saratoga was not festooned in wires, cables and aerials, which eased the task. This modeller’s preferred product, in the form of Uschi van der Rosten’s Ultra Fine Line, was used as it allowed for much manhandling… and looked realistic when fitted. Because secure attachment was vital, slow-curing CA ensured that the wires didn’t fuse to the plastic
immediately, as this would have proved extremely difficult to deal with in such a small scale—not to mention with such delicate parts. It was easier to fit the rigging to the bridge island and smoke stack separately, so these were then completed away from the main model. Eighteen lengths of elastic were cut, a little shorter than required, so they could be stretched into place without imposing too
“DAVID DOYLE ’S BOOK ON THE VESSEL PROVED INVALUABLE ” www.airfixmodelworld.com 29
ADVANCED BUILD USS SARATOGA CV-3
On the real carrier, the numbers were painted over the centreline strip locations, which were removed first, this being replicated by blending the base colour with the decal strip.
Once the undercarriage and propellers were fitted, and the clear canopies masked, all 24 aircraft were painted with Tamiya AS-8 Navy Blue aerosol, straight from the can.
After the decaling had been completed, XF-69 NATO Black was used to detail the wheels and propellers on each aircraft, with the tips given a dash of XF-3 Yellow. The radar pods were fashioned from styrene rod and the radomes painted white.
Several misted coats of Alclad’s Klear Kote Matte were applied before the finished aircraft were set aside. Once dry, each was buffed lightly with a cotton bud.
much tension on the delicate styrene parts. The ends were then attached to the island base in their relevant positions, and again, Doyle’s reference book proved a great asset. Needle-nose tweezers were used to stretch the lines gently to reach the yard arms, before they were folded over and secured with a tiny drop of instant CA, applied with the tip of a used scalpel blade. A magnifying lamp fitted with a daylight bulb eased this process greatly, and ensured neat attachment points. Once dry, the loose ends of the
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wires were trimmed with micro scissors; this was arguably the hardest part of the process, as it would have been easy to deform or accidentally snip through the plastic components. Three prominent stays featured between the rear of the island and the front of the smoke stack, and these were attached after the larger sub-assemblies were glued to the main deck. Uschi’s standard line was used here, as these cables were thicker than the aerial lines.
Wash and brush-up Saratoga was busy at sea during the late-war phase of its career, so the ravages of the Pacific Ocean would have played havoc with the paint finish; the combination of sun, salt, wind and battle damage would also take their toll. Aside from lightened tones of the basic Navy Blue paintwork, thinned oil and enamel washes were applied,
along with weathering powders worked into the hull panels and around the anchors, while staining from the portholes and gun positions was also added. A combination of MIG AMMO and Tamiya products added grime and shadow to certain areas, notably around the tops of the funnel cap. Flory Models’ Light Dirt Wash was used to stain various panels, to replicate heavily worn, saltstained areas along the hull sides, and once dry these were rubbed gently with a moist cotton bud for blending. With a final varnish coat
of ALC-313 Klear Cote Matte, the model was complete.
Weathering of the hull sides followed, via a mix of MIG Productions’ P027 Light Dust and P024 Light Rust, applied in accordance with period photographs. It was important not to overdo it, and to keep everything to scale.
Flat-top fun This was an enjoyable project, aided greatly by the superb Squadron At Sea book by David Doyle, which covered every aspect of this mighty vessel; from the laying of the keel in September 1920 to its sinking in the Bikini Atoll nuclear bomb tests in July 1946. The kit is all we’ve come to expect from Tamiya in terms of quality and detail, and it’s a great product for those interested in modelling ‘Sister Sara’ in this small scale. Tamiya also offers another version of the model, which includes many extra detail parts produced by South Korea’s Pontos Models. These include just about everything mentioned in this article but at a premium price. ❚ Like the look of the replica water base? Advice and guidance on how to achieve this will be provided in a forthcoming Skills School feature.
Finally, Flory Models’ Light Dirt was applied in random patches along the length of several hull panels, and blended gently with a moist cotton bud. The wash dried a realistic light grey, which replicated salt staining and general wear and tear on the paintwork.
MATERIALS AT A GLANCE Alclad lacquers (www.alclad2.com) AMMO of MIG Jimenez (www.migjimenez.com) Daler-Rowney oil paint (www.daler-rowney.com) Deluxe Materials Perfect Plastic Putty (www.deluxematerials.co.uk) Eduard (www.eduard.com) Flory Models wash (www.florymodels.co.uk) Gator’s Grip Thin Blend PVA (www.gatorsmask.com) Gold Medal Models PE (www.goldmm.com) Little-Cars lenses (www.modellingtools.co.uk) Mr. Hobby paint (www.albionhobbies.com) Plastic sheet and strip (www.evergreenscalemodels.com) Tamiya paint (www.hobbyco.net) Uschi van der Rosten rigging line (www.albionhobbies.com) ZAP-A-GAP Gel CA+ glue (www.supergluecorp)
IN FOCUS USS SARATOGA CV-3
FIGHTING FLAT TOP One of the US Navy’s great assets during World War Two was the aircraft carrier Saratoga. Malcolm V Lowe tells the story of this famous warship
Saratoga moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, during 1942. She was affectionately known as ‘Sister Sara’ to many who served in her. Photographed in Puget Sound on May 15, 1945, Saratoga displays her late-war configuration. Note the large ‘3’ on her flight deck.
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aval heritage is cherished in many countries, with the USA being no exception. Several warships of the US Navy have been named Saratoga, in memory of the famous and important battles in September and October 1777 during the American War of Independence. One of these ships was a significant aircraft carrier that played a major part in the war against the Japanese during World War Two in the Pacific, and served throughout the US involvement during that conflict. The warship that became the USS Saratoga in fact started life as a very different vessel. Originally ordered during World War One and laid down in September 1920, the primary intention was for her to be built as a battle cruiser. However, in the years following the war, major international attempts were made to reduce the number and capability of military vessels. This took its most obvious form in the Washington Naval Conference of late 1921 - early 1922 which resulted in a number of agreements usually referred to generically as the Washington Naval Treaty. A significant result of the Washington talks was the scrapping of several capital ships under construction. However, to avoid such developments, a loophole was found to save
IN FOCUS USS SARATOGA CV-3 Saratoga in her early World War Two colour scheme, comprising Measure 11 (MS 11) camouflage of Sea Blue 5-S, subsequently changed to Measure 21 (MS 21) Deck Blue 20-B. (All colour profiles by Andy Hay/Flying Art)
several existing projects. Aircraft carriers were in their infancy during the early 1920s and were not covered to any great extent in the Washington agreements; the result was the conversion of several capital ships under construction into aircraft carrier configuration. Thus, Saratoga ceased to be a battle cruiser while still being built and was reclassified on July 1, 1922 as an aircraft carrier, changing her designation from CC-3 to CV-3. She was constructed by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation of Camden, New Jersey, and was one of the two new aircraft carriers in the Lexington Class, her sister aircraft carrier being the USS Lexington (CV-2). Along with the USS Langley (CV-1), Saratoga was therefore one of the first three aircraft carriers ever completed for the US Navy. She was launched in April 1925, and was officially commissioned during November 1927. As initially built, Saratoga was 888ft (270.66m) long, with a beam of 106ft (32.31m), and her flight deck was originally 866ft 2in (264.01m) in length. She had a very creditable top speed announced in official documents of the time as being 33.25 knots (38.26mph, 61.58km/h). Power was provided by turbo-electric propulsion, the four propeller shafts being driven by several electric motors, powered by four General Electric turbogenerators each of 47,200hp (35,211 kilowatts). Steam for these generators was provided by 16 Yarrow water-tube boilers. In addition to her principal armament of aircraft (which were all biplanes of various types at the time of launch, her complement being some 80 aircraft), Saratoga also mounted various guns, the largest of which
being eight 8in (20.32cm) battle cruiser guns and their associated turrets. Saratoga was fitted with two hydraulically powered elevators on her centreline, for moving aircraft up to and down from the flight deck to the large hangar below. The hangar itself was recorded at the time as being 424ft (129.24m) long. She had a system of arresting wires which underwent revision during the operational life of the ship, and was initially fitted with a single aircraft catapult. This was later removed, but during a 1944 refit two Type H hydraulic catapults were installed, mounted in her forward flight deck.
Growing strength Both Saratoga and Lexington represented a massive leap forward in the US Navy’s operational capabilities when they entered service in the later 1920s. During the peacetime years prior to World War Two, the carriers were involved in several significant training exercises and ‘flying the flag’ deployments. Various fleet exercises were held to assist in the development of fast carrier tactics. On occasion this included mock ‘attacks’ against Pearl Harbor in Hawaii – in several cases the Saratoga’s biplanes successfully performed their air strikes undetected; an unheeded warning of what was to come for real in
December 1941. During the 1930s and the start of the 1940s, the US Navy gradually heightened its aircraft carrier capability, with several new ships entering service such as Yorktown and Ranger to operate alongside Saratoga and Lexington. In early 1941, Saratoga was taken out of frontline service for a lengthy modernisation programme at the Navy Yard Puget Sound (Bremerton Navy Yard) at Bremerton, Washington in the northwestern US. This included a significant widening of her flight deck at the bow end, which effectively made the runway parallel along its length. This programme was followed by a refit which continued into November 1941, and proved to be of considerable good fortune. In early December 1941 Saratoga was therefore not at sea on active duty. When the Japanese struck at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 (and prompted the US declaration of war and involvement in World War Two), Saratoga was at San Diego to embark her air group. She was therefore nowhere near the infamous attack on Hawaii.
In an image dated early November 1942, Saratoga is seen entering Pearl Harbor gingerly after repair, following the torpedo strike by Japanese submarine I-26 during the Solomon Islands operations. (All photos US Navy)
Having joined Saratoga’s complement of aircraft during the summer of 1943, F6F Hellcat fighters are seen here parked forward together with Avenger torpedo bombers and Dauntless dive bombers on her crowded flight deck.
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IN FOCUS USS SARATOGA CV-3
her port side amidships…but rapid work by the crew saved the ship. Saratoga was forced to sail to Pearl Harbor for temporary repairs, and thence back to Bremerton for more permanent work. While in Hawaii, her heavy 8in battle cruiser guns and turrets were removed for shore defence, and were later replaced with more practical 5in (12.7cm) weapons. Further changes were made to her armament and radar fit, and the funnel stack was revised and shortened.
Guadalcanal diary Due to her repairs and modifications, Saratoga was not present at the pivotal Battle of Midway in early June 1942. Her old torpedo squadron, VT-3 with its obsolete TBD Devastators, was tragically all but wiped out during the battle while flying from the aircraft carrier Yorktown. Instead, Saratoga sailed on a mission to another area of conflict, the Solomon Islands.
Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters replaced F4F Wildcats aboard Saratoga during 1943, one of VF-12’s aircraft is seen here on deck with everyone keeping well away from its spinning propeller.
Early battles As one of the US Navy’s major warships, especially bearing in mind the crippling losses that were suffered at Pearl Harbor, Saratoga was soon in action. Her air group included ‘Fighting Three’ (VF-3) with new Grumman F4F Wildcats (having just converted from the hopeless Brewster F2A Buffalo), ‘Bombing Three’ (VB-3) and ‘Scouting Three’ (VS-3) with the new Douglas SBD Dauntless (which had just entered service with these squadrons in the summer of 1941), and Torpedo Squadron Three (VT-3) with Douglas TBD
Saratoga shows off her eye-catching three-colour camouflage scheme of 1944 in Puget Sound, Washington.
Devastators. Sailing on December 8 for Pearl Harbor, Saratoga also had aboard replacement aircraft including Buffalos of the US Marine Corps’ fighter squadron VMF221. According to contemporary accounts, she carried no fewer than 103 aircraft on this first wartime deployment. Events initially went very badly. Saratoga was detailed to be part
The impressive three-colour camouflage applied to Saratoga during 1944 was Measure 32 Design 11A (MS 32/11A); Light Gray 5-L, Ocean Gray 5-O, and Dull Black.
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of a reinforcement and relief force to defend Wake Island, which was in imminent danger of Japanese capture, but the US ships were later controversially recalled. Wake Island fell to the Japanese on December 23. Worse still, on January 11, 1942, Saratoga was at sea when the Japanese submarine I-6 found her and successfully put a torpedo into
During summer 1942, the Allies planned to seize bases in the southern Solomon Islands to deny their strategic use by the Japanese. This led to the well-known and hard-fought Guadalcanal campaign, which included fighting on both land and at sea. Saratoga was in the thick of the action, with Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers
IN FOCUS USS SARATOGA CV-3
having by then replaced the TBD Devastators. On August 24, her aircraft achieved a major victory, when a combined strike force of Avengers and SBD Dauntlesses sank the Japanese light aircraft carrier Ryujo during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Shortly after, Saratoga was hit by a torpedo on her starboard side from the Japanese submarine I-26. Lengthy repairs were duly undertaken before the ship returned to action in the same area later in the year. During 1943 Saratoga was involved in further combat in the Solomons, and spent a short detachment with the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Victorious
Navy, based at Trincomalee in Ceylon. Her air group attacked Sabang during April in concert with Fleet Air Arm aircraft. A lengthy overhaul at Bremerton followed, after which Saratoga was tasked with night fighter training operations. After further repairs, having been rammed accidentally by the destroyer USS Clark (DD-361) during October, she was returned to combat in January 1945. This time she embarked Grumman F6F Hellcats and some Avengers of Carrier Air Group (Night) 53 (CVG(N)53). Again, sailing for the Pacific battleground, she was tasked with night fighter coverage of the Iwo Jima operations. But on February
A starboard side detail view of Saratoga while moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, during mid-1945, while assigned to training duties.
Saratoga ended her wartime service during 1945 wearing Measure 21 (MS 21) Deck Blue 20-B colouring.
between May and July, to provide air cover for intended landings on New Georgia. Later in the year her aircraft were committed to combat over the Treasury Islands and Bougainville, followed by attacks on Rabaul and the Gilbert Islands. A further refit in the US continued into 1944, followed by involvement in the Marshall Islands campaign. Saratoga then deployed to the Indian Ocean to work again with Britain’s Royal
21 disaster struck. Saratoga was the target for a concerted ‘Kamikaze’ attack, and was struck by several bombs and aircraft. More than 120 crew were killed, the ship was badly damaged and 30-plus aircraft were destroyed. Saved once more by her sailors, Saratoga returned to Bremerton for major repairs. At that time the US had more than enough available aircraft carriers, so she was subsequently taken out of
frontline service permanently, and converted into a training ship…in that way she saw out the war. Saratoga was then one of the main warships involved in Operation ‘Magic Carpet’, returning American troops to the US following the cessation of hostilities in the Far East and Pacific.
Unhappy ending Saratoga, in concert with her fellow US aircraft carriers, had
been instrumental in the final victory against Japan in the Pacific. Sadly, there was little sentiment in the immediate post-war world to preserve or cherish war machines in the Allied arsenal. Saratoga met her end ingloriously on July 25, 1946, at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, with the underwater test detonation of an atomic bomb as a part of Operation ‘Crossroads’.
❚
With her flight deck teeming with personnel, Saratoga was one of the main warships involved in Operation ‘Magic Carpet’, bringing American troops back to the US following the cessation of hostilities in the Far East and Pacific.
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OUT AND ABOUT SCALE MODELWORLD 2016
Better Than Ever Chris Clifford and Stu Fone present photographic highlights from last November’s Scale ModelWorld event at Telford
Italy’s Stefano Marchetti has won Best in Show before at Telford, and this year he did it again with this amazing scratch-built ‘Steampunk’ version of a Ferrari 330, in 1/8 scale. Instead of having wheels, Massimo gave it a gas turbine engine with rotating Harrier-style exhaust nozzles. The level of detail was inspiring, and the materials used included styrene, resin, aluminium and wood.
Joël Ducasse’s 1/48 Fonderie Miniatures Breguet 693 benefited from a huge amount of scratch-built detail, and won Gold in the process. Gasoline’s lovely little Fiat Topolino helped to add interest to the scene, which also secured the IPMS France Trophy.
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Airfix Model World contributor Dave Oliver won two trophies and a Commended for his excellent 1/35 First Gulf War Gun Truck diorama. One can learn how he did it in a future issue of AMW.
OUT AND ABOUT SCALE MODELWORLD 2016
One could almost feel the cold with Gary Pincher’s 1/35 Tiger I (plus Alpine figures), rendered in a s.Pz.Abt.502 winter scheme to depict a vehicle in Russia during January 1943.
AZ Model’s 1/72 Let L200 Morava won Gold for its builder Ladislav Hancar, who scratchbuilt the interior and engine detail.
Stormtroopers Miniatures’ 90mm Iroquois Indian, dressed as in British service during the American War of Independence, was painted very well by Geoff Woods. The Best Aircraft accolade went to this stunning 1/48 Azur Loire 130, built and mounted on a catapult base by Juan Pedro Pujalte Sanchez. Its exemplary detail and finish secured seven trophies in all.
Andres Montiel Marin employed an Aires resin cockpit and exhausts, and Linden Hill decals, on his 1/32 Trumpeter Su-27. It’s best feature, though, was the beautifully reproduced splinter camouflage.
VIEW MORE ONLINE www.airfixmodelworld.com
Typical extensive stowage added much character to this trio of SAS Jeeps, built by Corrado Bragonzi. His desert setting, entitled ‘Stirling’s Men’, depicted a North African scene from January 1943 and the well-painted figures did much to ensure authenticity. www.airfixmodelworld.com 37
OUT AND ABOUT SCALE MODELWORLD 2016
Dariusz Jakubczak won the IPMS Poland award for this splendid servicing vignette, involving a much-modified 1/48 TS-11 Iskra in Polish AF markings, which featured scratchbuilt detail in the nose bay, cockpit and engine. Telford is always the better for a new Airfix kit announcement, and this year we were told of a fresh 1/72 Royal Navy F-4K for 2017 (bottom left). Other recently trumpeted products were also on display; from top left, clockwise, are the 1/48 Sea Fury and Supermarine Walrus, 1/72 Me 262 and 1/48 P-51D.
Replicating an aircraft during take-off is a challenge, and Markus Wuellner is to be commended for his rendition of a 1/48 Flight Systems A-4N shortly after rotate, with its undercarriage beginning to retract. The model won the Aviation Hobby Shop Trophy, with its novel pose and flawless finish. The Steampunk genre is growing in popularity, and this exquisite Coastal Submarine is a fine example. Maurizio Barbalucca was the modeller, who re-worked an Alliance Models kit and applied superb filigree tail-fins and 3D-printed extras. Trumpeter’s 1/35 BRDM-2 RKh received scratch-built poles and flags, mine tape ‘wrapping’ and a rather weather-worn appearance for Ian Barraclough’s post-1991 Gulf War vignette, depicting the Iraqi Army machine at a vehicle collection point.
John Cope’s Gold Medal-winning Airfix 1/32 Aston Martin DBR 9, from Le Mans, was a sight to behold. It had a massive amount of scratch-building and a top-notch body finish.
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Big was certainly beautiful for John Wilkes’ lovely Kinetic 1/32 Hawk CT-155, finished in the colours of the Canadian Air Force Flying Training School. The kit was built from the box, with the exception of the nose pitot tube. James Green’s 1/24 Porsche 356A Carrera coupé was a worthy Gold Medal winner in its class, with well-painted detail and a flawless orange gloss finish…arguably one of the best cars at Telford this year. This smart Meng Model 1/72 F-102 was finished in spectacular 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron markings, by Massimo Cestaro, with a fine panel line wash highlighting the moulded detail.
New firm 144th.co.uk was a welcome addition to the trader list, and displayed its new Avro 707 in various schemes alongside Great Wall Hobby Vulcan models for added scale. See News this issue for a story on the company.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD NORTHROP NOMAD MK.I
Special Hobby’s Northrop Nomad gets a Canadian scheme courtesy of AMW newcomer Massimo Santarossa
Stripes A’Mighty
Although the interior detail was adequate, a combination of scratch-building, decals, highcontrast paints, washes and dry-brushing yielded a more visually appealing cockpit.
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orthrop’s A-17 was an all-metal monoplane based on the company’s successful Gamma transport aircraft. Developed for the US Army Air Corps (USAAC) as an attack bomber, with retractable landing gear and more powerful engine, it entered production in 1935, and 129 were built eventually. However, by 1938 the USAAC had decided its bombers should be multi-engined, leaving the Northrop aircraft out of frontline service. France then purchased 93 former Army Air Corps machines, but with the German invasion in 1940, these aircraft were re-directed under the auspices of the British Purchasing Commission and renamed ‘Nomad’. The type was evaluated by the RAF, where it was once again deemed unfit for frontline duties, and most airframes were transferred to South African Air Force (SAAF) training units, while 32 found their way into the hands of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). There they would serve primarily as target tugs, assigned
to No.3 Training Command, but also as advanced trainers.
Czech offering There were just 51 styrene and resin parts in this kit, but what was there exuded a degree of quality, as there was minimal flash, the panel lines were engraved finely, and the wing trailing edges were commendably thin. However, as this was a limited-run offering, there was a notable absence of locating pins, and interior detail
MODEL SPEC
Moulded flap perforations were opened with a pin vice and a fine needle file, improving this area markedly.
Northrop Nomad Mk. I By:
Special Hobby
Stock Code:
72292
Scale:
1/72
Price:
€17.50
Available from: Special Hobby, www.cmkkits.com
INTERMEDIATE BUILD NORTHROP NOMAD MK.I
Decal Options
Despite having an acceptable appearance for 1/72 scale, the engine diameter had to be reduced to fit the cowling, removing the cylinder tops in the process.
The five-part wings were assembled out of sequence, starting with the centre, then followed by the upper sections. This enabled the dihedral to be set correctly, and in the event of misalignment, it was easier to trim the tips than work on the wing-fuselage join. Special Hobby provides markings for six aircraft, with options for UK, Canada and South Africa-based machines: • 3496/53/11, No.9 Bombing and Gunnery School, No.3 Trg Cmd, RCAF, Mt Joli, Québec, Canada, 1943 • 3513/59, No.9 Bombing and Gunnery School, No.3 Trg Cmd, RCAF, Mt Joli, Québec, 1943 • AS441, Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, RAF Boscombe Down, 1940 • AS974, No.48 Maintenance Unit, RAF Hawarden, 1940 • 1246, SAAF, 1941 • 1262/D17, No.42 Air School, Port Elizabeth, 1941
was minimal. The decal sheet offered markings for six aircraft, but after closer inspection, there were doubts regarding the accuracy of the colours. Photographs of the Nomad’s interior proved difficult to find, so any added interior detail was essentially an educated guess. Improvements such as oxygen bottles, levers, gauges and radios were scratch-built, while the seat was enhanced with a set of Kamizukuri paper belts (www. kamizukuri.jp). To ensure all this could be seen through the extensive canopy glazing, high-
contrast colours (followed by a pin wash and dry-brushing) was employed. The instrument panel featured just basic moulded detail, so a spare decal was used, adding a finishing touch to the cockpit. A degree of fettling was needed to achieve a snug fit for the interior parts and when mating the fuselage halves, but judicious filing on several items resulted in a satisfactory join. However, due to the lack of locating pins, slow and cautious application of glue was necessary to ensure the airframe aligned correctly, without forming any steps between the halves.
“the panel lines were engraved finely”
Attaching the square wing root/fillets was more difficult than expected; however, the fit was spoton and (once secured) required no filler.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD NORTHROP NOMAD MK.I
“it was decided to add rivet detail to the whole airframe”
A similar issue was experienced with the radial engine, which was reasonably detailed, but this was reduced in diameter to fit into the cowling, which had overly thick sides, removing the cylinder tops in the process. While the fuselage was drying, attention turned to the exterior, notably the lower wing flaps. These were moulded integrally to the mainplane components, with the circular perforations represented by depressions in the styrene; while this would appear acceptable after a pin wash, it was decided to drill them for greater realism. To that end, a pin-vice and round needle file were employed, with an immediate improvement in appearance. Any panel lines lost during construction were re-scribed at this juncture, as were
several poorly moulded sections of engraving. As RCAF aircraft were fitted with lengthened exhaust pipes, a heat shield (formed from scrap plastic card) was added to the right-hand fuselage.
Mainplane focus The wings were supplied as five pieces; a centre section (attached first as this created a more rigid fuselage structure), and upper and lower panels. In a deviation from the instructions, just the upper parts were attached initially, as this allowed the dihedral to be set equally on both sides of the airframe, and meant there would be no gap between fuselage and wing. This also meant a stronger join, and any misalignment could be corrected easily at the wingtips, with a
Masking the greenhouse canopy was tedious and time-consuming, but made easier by the use of Bare Metal Foil…as no dedicated after-market products were available.
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sanding stick and scribing tool. As it turned out, Special Hobby’s engineers did a top-notch job and the remainder of the wing assembly proved almost hassle free, apart from the leading-edge wing fillets, which were tricky to position but fitted perfectly. The single-piece canopy was commendably clear, if a tad thick, and as no after-market masks were available at the time of this
build, Bare Metal Foil (www.baremetal.com) was used instead. Once a section of canopy was covered and the foil burnished to highlight the framework, each frame section was cut with a new #11 blade. Care was needed as a slip of the knife would result in an unsightly gash on the glazing, which would be difficult to repair. Once completed, the canopy was installed with PVA white glue.
Copies of the decals (enlarged to match the kit) were used as guides to ensure the aircraft’s stripes were of the correct width and spaced properly.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD NORTHROP NOMAD MK.I
Right riveting improvements Moulding constraints often mean that kit manufacturers avoid adding rivet detail, as it’s easy to arrive at over-scale representations. However, adding these to a model shouldn’t be looked upon with much trepidation, because if a few basic rules are followed, the result will add much to its appearance. With a good set of drawings as a reference, straight edges such as a ruler and draughtsman’s pencil were used to draw guidelines on the model’s primed surface.
A riveting wheel was the tool of choice, as it could be fitted with different serrated blades. Straight lines can be created freehand, although a tape guide can also be used and was very handy when conforming to curved surfaces.
As each section was completed, the guidelines were removed with an eraser. This action also smoothed the surface and removed any lingering styrene burrs.
Surface preparation If white is regarded as one of the worst shades of paint to work with, then yellow must be a close second. Both require a solid base coat, otherwise any underlying tonal variations will show through, and here, Tamiya’s Fine Surface Primer White was used, decanted from the aerosol and then airbrushed over the airframe. As well as providing a suitable surface for subsequent
paint layers, it also highlighted any construction or moulding flaws, which were addressed with filler and then sanded. Exterior refinements can have a major impact on the final look of a model, and a small amount of effort at this stage can yield impressive results. So, it was decided to add rivet detail to the whole airframe with a proprietary riveting wheel, which simplified this task greatly (see panel). The whole
To get into tight spots such as the wing roots, where the tool’s wheel was too large to reach, a pin-vice fitted with a sewing needle was used instead.
process was not overly difficult, and if applied to a larger scale kit, the greater surface area would make application even easier. It certainly isn’t a skill that modellers with a few builds under their belts should avoid, but practising on a scrap model beforehand is a must!
Yellow peril At last some colour could be sprayed on the model; Model Master 2063 RAF Trainer Yellow
sufficed for this purpose, and it performed admirably. This modeller hadn’t expected the paint to dry with a gloss finish, as usually military colours are matt. However, after about two seconds of contemplation, the reality of this situation became very clear… no gloss coat would be needed for decal application. By spraying the accompanying stripes with gloss black, one step in the modelling process was eliminated, even
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD NORTHROP NOMAD MK.I
Continuous checking with a metal straight edge was needed when applying the masking tape for the black stripes.
Though well printed, earlier suspicions about the decals’ opacity were proven correct, as the black stripes were visible through the white airframe code number. Once the tape was removed, the airframe looked very much like a bumble bee, but at this stage was ready for decal application. Note the white areas, which had been masked previously for the national markings and aluminium exhaust shield.
With decals applied, all of the hard work involved in positioning the stripes paid off; however, it was noted that yellow in the kit markings was overly pale in comparison.
if they proved to be a challenge, as they had to be parallel, of consistent width, and their spacing had to match the underwing black and yellow aircraft serials. Copies of the decals and painting instructions were used as a guide, along with a metal straight edge, which enabled strips of masking tape to be positioned correctly over the yellow areas of the airframe. Unfortunately, this wasn’t just a case of measuring twice and cutting once; repeated checks were made, with many adjustments, until all appeared in order. By comparison, decaling was comparatively simple, as there were just 12 items. The overall quality of the decals was reasonable, although they were not
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100% opaque, especially the white fuselage identification numbers. More care than usual was needed during application as the markings were difficult to handle (due to being very thin), and tended to fold at the edges. Once on the model, they adhered quickly, and although they settled well
on their own, this was improved further with Microscale’s setting solutions. A final observation was that the yellow shade in the decals was much paler than the overall airframe colour, but this was noticed too late to correct it. After being set aside for a day to dry fully, the airframe was brush-
painted with a layer of Johnson’s Future/Klear floor treatment in preparation for weathering.
Washing to make dirty Resplendent in its trainer stripes, and looking much like a bumble bee, the model appeared slightly two-dimensional and rather too
INTERMEDIATE BUILD NORTHROP NOMAD MK.I
“the airframe was coated liberally with Flory Models’ Grime wash” clean. To emphasise the surface detail, and especially all those rivets, the airframe was coated liberally with Flory Models’ Grime wash (www.florymodels.co.uk), while areas deemed subsequently as still too pristine received another treatment. Once dry, any excess was removed with a damp cloth, following the direction of the airflow. One of the Nomad’s unusual features was the rearwards rake to the undercarriage legs; to replicate this, a template (based on scale drawings of the aircraft) was cut from plastic card. This then acted as a jig/support to align each leg, while slow-setting cyanoacrylate (CA) dried. With the landing gear attached solidly, final small parts (which would have otherwise been
at risk of damage) were added, including the propeller and several wire antennas. Finishing touches, such as weathering the wing walkway strips, and re-touching any glossy or glue attachment points with satin varnish, completed the build.
Final thoughts Despite what some may think of limited-run models, this offering from Special Hobby proved to be not just a relatively painless affair, but was also hugely enjoyable. Anyone with a modicum of experience at the model bench should have no difficulty in mastering this project. As for adding a splash of colour to the display case, the various training ❚ schemes are ideal.
Replicating the rearward rake of the Nomad’s landing gear was simplified with a plastic card template, which acted as a jig to position and support the legs while the CA glue dried. Light weathering around the walkways with pigments, along with exhaust stains on the fuselage, created minor wear and tear effects…and added greater visual interest.
To highlight the engraved panel line and rivet detail, a liberal coating of Flory Models’ Grime wash was applied, with any excess removed with a damp cloth once dry, always in the direction of the airflow. The model was then sealed with satin varnish.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SPITFIRE PR.XIX
Assistant Editor Stu Fone is let loose on Airfix’s re-released 1/72 Spitfire PR.XIX, improving it with after-market and scratch-built details
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onsidering the Spitfire’s success in the photoreconnaissance (PR) role, it’s surprising there was just a single dedicated Griffonpowered variant, although several fighter/bomber marks were fitted with one or more cameras.
The PR.XIX was used during the later stages of World War Two and the immediate post-conflict period, finally bowing out of RAF service in 1954. Airfix’s 1/72 PR.XIX has made a welcome return; its parts are unchanged, with six styrene runners (including one for clear parts), but there is a new decal sheet (see panel). As the new release was unavailable for this build, a previous offering was employed, along with after-market accessories from Pavla and decals from Xtradecal (see panel). Choosing a scheme was difficult, but when it was discovered the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) Spitfire PR.XIX (PS915) had recently emerged from servicing in the markings of PS852, the decision was made. This was the airframe in which Flt Lt Ted Powles set two world records on February 2, 1952: the highest altitude (51,550ft/15,712m) and airspeed (approximately 600kts/691mph/Mach 0.94), by a piston-engined aircraft.
Kit Colour Schemes
Two markings options are provided with Airfix’s re-released Spitfire: • PS852, Flt Lt Edward ‘Ted’ Powles, 81 Squadron RAF, Kai Tak, Hong Kong, January 1951 • Yellow 60/11, 3 Division Flottilj 11, Swedish Air Force, Nyköping, Sweden, 1949
Construction began in an unorthodox fashion, by removing all moulded detail from the cockpit sidewalls, to facilitate Pavla’s resin liners. The camera bay received scratch-built framework (based upon reference photos), as part of it was visible through the open hatch.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SPITFIRE PR.XIX
Resin Refreshments Pavla’s (www.pavlamodels.cz) busy resin sets transformed the kit; the interior (C72085) supplied detailed cockpit sidewalls and a superb rear bulkhead. As this was a PR Spitfire, it was churlish not to include cameras, and U72-112 provided a full complement of two F.52s and one F.24, although just the former were used. Finally, the exterior benefited from a host of improvements, courtesy of U72-111, notably the exhausts, propeller and underwing radiators. The aforementioned after-market items are available from www.hannants.co.uk
The wheel wells were an issue as they lacked sidewalls. These were formed from scrap styrene, before being sanded to allow the upper and lower wing halves to join. Interior features were limited to two pairs of reinforcement strips, along with a section of wing former across the ‘neck’ of each bay.
The fuselage camera apertures were different sizes; this was corrected by creating plastic card collars and adding them to the larger hole with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. These were then sanded and recessed flat camera windows (replacing the kit’s curved items) were created with a punch-and-die set, and secured with Johnson’s Klear.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SPITFIRE PR.XIX
MODEL SPEC
Scandinavian Recce Spitfire PR.XIX By:
Airfix
Stock Code:
A02017A
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£9.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
Written to commemorate the first flight of the type in 1936, Mikael Forslund’s delightful Spitfire in Sweden (ISBN: 978-91-977677-8-1) provides insight on that country’s involvement with the aircraft. Beginning inauspiciously with a British PR.IV crashing in Sweden on August 4, 1942 it chronicles the eventual arrival of PR.XIX’s into Swedish service, where they were known as S 31s. Walk-rounds, technical diagrams and pilots’ accounts enliven the narrative, and there is a wealth of material for modellers, notably the line diagrams and an airframe restoration project. While this is obviously invaluable for Swedish Air Force fans, this is a superb reference on the PR.XIX in general, and is available from: www.mmpbooks.biz
Cockpit and camera bay parts received Alclad’s ALCE012 British Interior Grey-Green, before being detailed with Vallejo acrylics, and weathered with lead pencil and AK Interactive’s AK 088 Worn Effects. Instrument dials were simulated by scratching each with a pin and ‘glazed’ with Deluxe Materials' Glue ’n’ Glaze.
Wing and fuselage assembly was straightforward, although a shim was required at the front. Further resin embellishments were added, including radiators and fuel pump bulges, and the oil cooler intake. Vallejo’s 401 Acrylic Plastic Putty dealt with any slight gaps around these parts. Note the camera lenses are visible through the fuselage windows.
Once assembled, the cameras were painted satin black and dry-brushed with aluminium to replicate worn casings, with lenses fashioned in the same way as the fuselage windows. They were dry-fitted repeatedly to ensure the fuselage halves mated neatly, which necessitated removal of small sections of ribbing.
With the main structure assembled, minor filling was needed at the wingtips - all other joins were tight enough to resemble panel lines. At this point, it was noted that blemishes along the upper wing surface were actually sink marks, demanding careful puttying and sanding with Micro-Mesh.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SPITFIRE PR.XIX
Prior to any sanding, the camera windows were covered with Humbrol’s Maskol (AC5217); this protective coating would be applied repeatedly during the build. Foam offcuts masked the wheel wells, cockpit and camera bay apertures, with tape employed for the cockpit rear bulkhead. Once the surface had been smoothed to an acceptable level, smaller parts at risk of damage from repeated sanding were added. Due to their shape, tweezers were impractical, so a ‘sticky’ was made from a cocktail stick and a small blob of Blu Tack, and the components attached with CA.
Recommended Reference • On Target Profiles 8: Photo-Reconnaissance Spitfires in Worldwide Service, by Jon Freeman (Aviation Workshop), ISBN: 978-19-046431-5-9 • The Superman Spitfire Part 2: Griffon-Powered, by Robert Humphrey’s (SAM Publications), ISBN: 978-09-533465-4-7 • Spitfire The History, by Eric B Morgan and Edward Shacklady (Key Publishing), ISBN: 978-09-462191-0-0 • Spitfire PR Mk.XIX in Detail (www.ipmsstockholm.org) • Guided Tour of the Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX - The Pressurised Cockpit - Variants & Technology (www.spitfiresite.com) With the upper wing bulges in place, the wingtip fuel pressure equalisation pipes were fashioned from lead wire and styrene, ensuring this linked the fuel cap to the tank, with the structure faired into the wing.
“ Prior to any sanding, the camera windows were covered with Humbrol’s Maskol” www.airfixmodelworld.com 51
INTERMEDIATE BUILD SPITFIRE PR.XIX
“ An opaque, but not totally solid, lustre was built from misted applications”
Far Eastern Exploits
Decal delights Lacking Airfix’s markings, Xtradecal’s X72-105 was sourced instead, as it provided 11 options, with RAF airframes in PRU Blue, Medium Sea Grey or High-Speed Silver regalia, and Turkish AF machines in either PRU Blue or an attractive green/light blue. This sheet is available from www.hannants.co.uk
Efforts then turned to finalising the surface for metallic paint, which entailed polishing the styrene, before an application of Mr. Surfacer 1000 primer. Once cured, this was also polished, then Alclad’s ALC 305 Gloss Black Base was airbrushed in several thin coats to produce a mirror-like surface.
Edward ‘Ted’ Powles trained as a PR pilot during World War Two, but is more widely known for his postwar endeavours. After converting to the Spitfire in early 1950, he was posted to Singapore later that year and flew missions in support of Operation Firedog (Malaysia), before a detachment to Kai Tak, where he accumulated (despite just a handful of official tasks) more than 100 operational sorties. It was during a meteorological flight that he achieved his two world records, when his cockpit began to depressurise, requiring a hasty descent from more than 51,000ft. A broader description of Powles’ exploits and a full account of BBMF’s PS815 restoration, is included in Flypast’s December 2016 issue (www.shop.keypublishing.com).
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Having not used ALC-106 White Aluminium previously, and wanting to avoid a toy-like appearance, an old kit was used as a test bed before paint was committed to the PR.XIX. An opaque, but not totally solid, lustre was built from misted applications; this was timeconsuming as the upper and lower surfaces were airbrushed separately.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD SPITFIRE PR.XIX
Decals for the spinner and propeller came from Eduard’s Spitfire Mk.IX Stencils (D72008). The exhausts were base-coated with Humbrol 113 Matt Rust, then dry-brushed with 53 Gunmetal, before 73.115 Natural Iron Oxide pigment was dusted around the openings. As the undercarriage legs were moulded integrally with the doors, they received a heavy wash to simulate the cylindrical strut after being painted with grey-green and aluminium enamels. After 24hrs, the airframe was wiped with a damp cloth to remove excess decal adhesive and airbrushed with a further layer of ALC 600 Aqua Gloss Clear. Panel lines were enhanced with a Burnt Umber and Lamp Black oil wash, which was left on slightly longer than usual in places, such that it stained neighbouring panels. Minimal weathering was applied, as these airframes were kept comparatively clean, with slight oil smears and exhaust staining. Due to the unavailability of Airfix’s markings, Xtradecal’s X72-105 Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk.XIX was used, as it included Powles’ PS852. However, notable omissions included walkway lines and propeller markings, so these were either sourced from the spares box or ‘borrowed’ from other kits. Most were applied without issue, although Microscale’s Micro Sol and Set solutions were used as a pro-active measure, especially on the underwing serials.
Into the sunset After working out which parts of the airframe would be gloss, satin or matt in finish, the final components were added and a thoroughly enjoyable project came to a close. Airfix’s PR.XIX is a great
little kit, and with a little care and attention can be built into an eyecatching model. With hindsight, several elements could have been tackled differently, notably surface preparation, but this serves as an ❚ incentive for another Spitfire!
Stynylrez white primer (SNL-201) provided a superb base for the primary colours of the spinner and propeller tips. Painting the former, with its red/white scheme was child’s play, thanks to Tamiya’s 2mm Masking Tape for Curves (87177), which conformed without buckling or tearing. After burnishing the tape to prevent paint bleed, the spinner was airbrushed with misted layers of 71.003 Scarlet until a rich tone was achieved. www.airfixmodelworld.com 53
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA
ROBOT
WARS Andy Davies tries Bandai’s fantastic RX-93 Mobile Suit for size…and is mightily impressed
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MODEL SPEC
undam or Gunpla (GUNdam PLAstic models) have been around since the 1980s and are extremely popular in Japan and Asia – with interest in the genre also growing in Europe. The vast range of models includes mobile suits, heavy weapons, transforming vehicles and aircraft. This particular model, the RX-93 Nu Gundam Ver Ka, (Ver Ka simply refers to the designer Hajime Katoki ie Version Katoki) is regarded as one of the genre’s finest efforts. Bandai’s Gundam models could be ranked into grades and scales, starting with the High Grade (1/144), Real Grade (1/144), Master Grade (1/100) and the premier Perfect Grade (1/60). These simply denote the amount of detail parts, articulation, inner frame, gimmicks (LED lighting sets and transformation for example), and of course price. This example, being a Master Grade kit, included all the extra details and technology expected at this level. RX-93 Nu Gundam Ver.Ka (MG) By:
Bandai
Stock Code:
MG78604
Scale:
1/100
Price:
£76.99
Available from: Japan cool, www.japan-cool.co.uk
“THE PARTS WERE EXTREMELY WELL MOULDED” 54
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA
Work began on the pilot Amuro Ray and his seat. The figure was painted in various colours thought appropriate to the design, which included an orange-tinted visor. The seat, though basic, was well detailed. The shoulders were fully articulated and could slide out to increase movement of the arms. Decals for the instrument panels were sourced from the spares box.
Pre-cut chrome foil pieces were used as backing for the inner transparent green ‘psychoframe’; these sections fitted perfectly and added a great deal.
Each clear green piece had two or three chrome foil sections applied, which proved a lengthy but worthwhile job. The parts fitted splendidly and no trimming was necessary.
Just open the Gundam box!
included a seat, instrument panels and ‘pilot’ figure and, while much of this would never be seen it was still finished with as much detail as possible given the scale. The pilot, known as Amuro Ray, was painted
No fewer than 18 coloured runners filled the box and these included dark grey, dark blue, light grey, red, clear green, white, translucent pink, yellow plus a separate runner that contained poly-caps for the articulation of the limbs. Also included was a comprehensive decal sheet, full colour instructions, a commendably thin self-adhesive chrome parts sheet and another for coloured panels, which came in the form of adhesive coloured ‘stickers’, although the latter were promptly discarded. The parts were extremely well moulded, with finely recessed panel lines and details that imparted an air of quality. Much thought seemed to have gone into the design and engineering of this model, which included thoughtful features such as under-gated runner attachment points, and joints that were concealed neatly once assembled. The instructions,
though written in Japanese, were easily understandable and well executed, with assembly of each area presented in stages; separate descriptions of more complex assemblies were provided, and the decal/self-adhesive positions were explained clearly. This was going to be a complex build, with constant referral to the instructions being important throughout. Incredibly, the entire kit was to be constructed without the use of any glue, as it was intended to be a ‘snap together’ affair…more on that later.
with Tamiya XF-2 Flat White, XF-55 Deck Tan, XF-3 Flat Yellow, and X-26 Clear Orange for the visor. Once he and the seat were completed, they were slotted into the rear half of the clear green
Body beautiful Construction began with the chest and shoulder area, which included articulated arm attachment points. Care must be taken to ensure the inclusion of the important polycaps when assembling these parts, as they are vital for movement if the model is to be posed in different positions. The cockpit was next and this
An excellent decal sheet included all stencils, logos and warning placards in both white for the dark blue parts, and black for lighter areas. These were applied with Microscale’s Micro Set and Sol setting solutions and settled perfectly into, and over, recessed and raised detail. www.airfixmodelworld.com 55
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA
flight globe. Instrument decals were sourced from the spares box and applied to the panels, which then were slid into the pilot’s seat before the front of the green globe was attached. Sharpie metallic permanent markers were used to replicate various parts of the inner frame; copper, gold and silver were used extensively to add tonal variety. One interesting feature of this particular kit was the ability to transform and expose sections of what was described as a ‘Psycho Frame’…a metallic green structure replicated here by the clever use of transparent green plastic, and a chrome foil piece added beneath each part. The overall look was very effective, with the parts seemingly glowing when exposed to light. These were fitted in strategic locations across the model, and could be exposed by sliding various panels apart. But fun as it was, once the model was painted and weathered, it became a chore to try and open all these areas again without incurring damage, so the gimmick wasn't employed often.
Seams easy enough While the model was intended to be snap-fit, it was necessary to glue and sand the limb swivel ball parts to remove unsightly seams. Each component was pushed together, before Mr. Hobby-S Ultra Thin poly glue was applied to each. The best method to add the adhesive was to pull apart the pieces briefly, apply the glue and push back together. This formed a small bead along the seam and acted as a filler, and once dry they were wet-sanded to remove all trace of the seams. As these portions were quite visible (and were to be painted in metallic) the finish needed to be as smooth as possible. The next piece of the jigsaw was the head, which came in seven parts: four white, one grey, one red and one clear green. Again, pre-cut chrome foil sections were applied to the rear of the eyes and a black band, reminiscent of Zorro, was applied over the front so just the green eyes were visible. An LED lighting kit was available as an option for this this kit, and this
MULTI POSITION PARTS Twenty clear components were provided for the stand, which enabled the RX-93 to be positioned in any number of poses and appear to be flying with the fin funnel array deployed. The fit was good initially, but over time it’s possible the joints may well loosen. Each arm is articulated, which allows them to be displayed either in line or angled. Once the stand was slotted into the stylized black base, the model seemed sturdy given its sheer weight.
Once assembled and painted, all white areas were treated to a wash of A.MIG-1408 Fresh Engine Oil, which gave depth and shadow to the edges of the armour.
Various Alclad metallic lacquers were used to paint areas such as the swivel joints, and inner mechanisms that became visible once the limbs were moved into new positions.
The parts count for the limbs was impressive, and each component push-fitted with a satisfying click. The completed assembly seen at the top could be articulated in many ways.
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While the inner frame could have been left in the basic grey plastic colour, it was decided to employ various shades of grey Mr.Color acrylic paints.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA
The outer armour was sprayed matt white and then pre-shaded with Mr.Color H-305 Extra Dark Sea Grey. This reduced the starkness of the white and added further depth to the individual plates, once the lightly misted top coat of satin white had been applied.
Gradually the leg assemblies came together, with the outer armour sections being clipped into place.
simply slotted into the rear of the head to add extra effect. Note that a poly-cap must be inserted to articulate the neck, which had a full range of movement in all axes. Clever engineering once again ensured that no seams or gaps were visible once the parts were assembled.
Call to arms Assembly continued with the arms. This being a Master Grade kit, the range of articulation and movement was greater, so consequently more parts were employed; the arms swivelled at the elbows and wrists. At this point, the complex hands were left off to be fitted later in the build. The legs were the largest components, as each contained multiple parts for the upper leg, knees, lower legs and feet, and to add to the complexity, moveable thrusters were added to the backs of the lower legs. Green ‘Psychoframe’ parts were added to the inner structure, these being visible when certain panels were pulled apart on the finished The hands were fully articulated and complex…both needed to be twisted into shape carefully once cut from the runner. These pieces were extremely well engineered and responded well to manhandling.
“AN INTERESTING ARRAY OF WEAPONS WAS ALSO PROVIDED” www.airfixmodelworld.com 57
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA
AMMO MIG’s Engine Grime was applied around areas of the faceplate and helmet to pick out the details, then the whole head was dry-brushed with Mr.Color H-51 Light Gull Grey.
the shoulder or in position on the back pack, while the large detailed shield was fitted with a beam cannon and several red missiles. This could be simply clipped into position on the left arm. The Beam Rifle was well moulded in a mixture of dark blue and white, and as a bonus, a reflective green sticker for the rangefinder on top of the weapon was included. Incorporated into the rifle’s grip was a small movable piece that slotted neatly into the Ver Ka’s hand, which ensured a tight connection once assembled. Fingers could then be wrapped around the grip in a realistic manner.
model. This was without doubt the most challenging part of the build, especially regarding the deployable thrusters. An interesting array of weapons was also provided, and these included a Hyper Bazooka, Beam Sabre, Beam Rifle, shield and fin funnels. The bazooka could either be fired hand-held from
While the model could be left in its basic coloured parts, it was felt this was too simplistic and that a full paint covering and heavy weathering would look better. The basic colour scheme would be adhered to, but with tonal variation and various weathering techniques such as chipping,
War paint The upper body and arms ready for washes and highlights. The full range of movement was impressive, with just about any position possible. At this point the back-pack had also been added to the ensemble.
washes, streaking and filters. The external skins of the arms, legs, torso and lower body were given lightly misted coats of Halfords acrylic white auto primer, which
served to highlight any blemishes and sanding marks that could have affected the final finish. This was then sanded with 4,000-grade Micro-Mesh cloth to a smooth
Pre-shading was applied to the weapons, which included the shield, Beam Rifle and Hyper Bazooka; these would receive heavy weathering and damage, befitting a battle-hardened suit.
All blue areas, such as the upper body armour and lower sections of the fin funnels, were sprayed in various lightened shades of Tamiya XF-17 Sea Blue to add tonal variation.
Many parts went into the fin funnel weapons used by the RX-93. Each of the six pieces were fully articulated and could be posed in either flying mode or stowed on the back of the suit.
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Thrusters were airbrushed with Tamiya X-1 Gloss Black before being coated with Alclad’s Chrome, which gave a realistic finish. The parts were then buffed with 13,000-grade Micro-Mesh.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA The completed fin funnels once decalled, weathered, chipped and filtered could be clipped together ready for installation on the rear of the mobile suit or positioned in flight mode before being fitted to the clear stand provided.
“THIS KIT WAS A HIGHLY ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE”
satin finish, ready for an XF-2 Flat white top coat, applied in several light layers to avoid flooding the detail. Dark blue parts were given misted coats of Halfords grey acrylic auto primer and the process was repeated with XF-17 Sea Blue applied as a base colour. The red tongue, shield missiles and body sliding doors were treated to Mr. Hobby H3 Red, and the yellow of various intake slots, chest intakes, fin funnel joints and head ‘horns’ was applied via Humbrol 154 Insignia Yellow. These bright primary colours would be muted considerably once the weathering was applied. No fewer than eight rocket thrusters were included, and while the instructions suggest leaving the bells dark blue with yellow interiors, it was decided to paint them chrome metal, with the inner areas in burnt metal. Alclad metallic lacquers were used for this task, specifically ALC-107 Chrome, ALC-121 Burnt Metal and ALC-120 Gunmetal, over a Tamiya X-1 Gloss Black base coat. The thruster bell interiors received several misted coats of ALC-417 Hot Metal Violet and ALC-413 Hot Metal Blue, before being overcoated with Alclad ALC-312 Klear Kote Semi Matte varnish. The Sea Blue parts of the upper body were lightened with a few drops of matt white to act as a subtle highlight, this being repeated on the primary weapons, feet and leg sections. www.airfixmodelworld.com 59
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA Scratches were added to the blue parts with A.MIG-119 Cold Grey, imparted a more authentic look than more traditional pure silver. Scuff marks were also added with a cocktail stick and sponge…heavier weathering would be applied later.
Extensive weathering comprised Heavy Chipping Effects and Streaking Grime. Chipping fluid was applied first and allowed to dry, then overcoated with Streaking Grime. Once almost dry, it was scraped gently with a sable brush for a streaked/chipped effect.
Hands and armour areas were also treated to the chipping fluid and when dry, coated further with Scratches Effect. Streaking Grime was also flicked onto the surfaces via a brush and cocktail stick, to add yet more dirt.
“BANDAI HAS CERTAINLY RAISED THE BAR FOR HIGH-QUALITY MOULDING AND INNOVATION”
Decals Comprehensive markings were supplied, mostly in the form of red and white warning stencils and information placards, as well as large logos for the legs, skirt plates and shield. These were of good quality, though the carrier film was a little thick…disguised easily with Johnson’s Klear floor polish and a few applications of Microscale’s Micro Set and Micro Sol setting solutions. Along with the highly informative instruction booklet, a full-colour reference guide provided all the information needed for their placement, along with several photographs of a finished model. It was imagined these mobile suits would have worn heavily in use, so specialised weathering products would be used. Firstly, chipping was applied to areas that would scuff the most, such as edges, rims and joints. Several AMMO
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MIG sets were employed, including A.MIG-7127 Mechas and Robots Colours, A.MIG7428 Chipping Set for Mechas 1 and A.MIG-7429 Weathering Set for Mechas 2. Basic chipping was achieved via A.MIG-119 Cold Grey applied with a 000 brush in a random, asymmetric fashion; repetition was avoided wherever possible and scratches were applied with a cocktail stick while the paint was still tacky. Patience and restraint were key here, as it took some time to apply and was very easily overdone. Weathering of these parts followed a logical progression in that most of the heavy scratching, marks, accumulated dirt and damage would have occurred at the lower levels, reducing nearer to the top of the model, which meant the feet naturally received
the most attention but the head was relatively unscathed. Next it was time to apply a wash of Burnt Umber oil paint thinned with quality white spirit, to add shadow and depth to the inner parts. Weathering proper began with narrow shadow line bands of A.MIG-1407 Engine Grime applied to the inner edges of panels, particularly on the legs and torso. After a few minutes these bands were blended by brush with MIG’s-2019 Odourless Thinner to soften the effect, and add depth and definition to the areas treated. Heavy staining and streaks of grime were replicated on the upper legs and torso with A.MIG-2011 Heavy Chipping Fluid and A.MIG1203 Streaking Grime. The clear Chipping Fluid was airbrushed and allowed to dry for ten minutes before being over-sprayed lightly with Streaking Grime. After a further five minutes, a flat sable brush moistened with MIG’s enamel thinner was used to streak the paint downwards, which exposed the underlying colours and ensured a heavily worn appearance. This procedure echoed the more traditional ‘hairdryer technique’, though the results seemed quicker and more controllable. Other parts treated in this manner were the feet and shoulder ‘pads’. Finally, A.MIG3008 Track Rust was splattered onto certain areas with a cocktail stick and flat brush, the latter’s tip simply being flicked against the stick to produce a fine spray of grime. Hydraulic fluid and oil stains were added with A.MIG-
The white areas were treated in a similar fashion, but this time A.MIG043 Shadow Rust was applied, which gave a more realistic look to the worn outer casing.
Three main weapons, the shield, Hyper Bazooka and Beam Rifle, were dealt with in the same way; scratching, chipping and dirt accumulation were all added gradually and logically. Restraint was important, as more could be applied later if needed.
MATERIALS REFERENCE Tamiya acrylic paint (www.hobbyco.net) Mr. Hobby acrylic paint (www.albionhobbies.com) Gator’s Grip ‘Thin Blend’ glue (www.gatorsmask.com) Alclad II lacquer (www.alclad2.com) Daler-Rowney products (www.daler-rowney.com) AMMO of MIG Jimenez (www.migjimenez.com) Microscale Industries (www.microscale.com) IN COMBAT Painting Mechas (AMMO of MIG Jemenez) ISBN: 978-84-943198-9-1
Streaking Grime was also added to the large legs, after being combined with AMMO MIG’s own odourless enamel thinner…which produced a more graduated look to the weathering. Any mistakes could be rectified by applying more thinner and the area being reworked.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RX-93 GUNDAM VER.KA
To mute the white areas further, A.MIG-1500 Brown for White Filter was applied. This was run along the edges of each section, much like a shadow line, and allowed to dry for several minutes before being drawn back over the part, and blended with a fine sable brush.
Finally, the shield was given several coats of Streaking Grime, splattered with Track Rust and treated with Brown for White filter to diffuse the colours. A small amount of Tamiya Orange was added to some of the rust marks, to indicate more recent damage and flaking.
1408 Fresh Engine Oil and A.MIG1407 Engine Grime again applied with MIG’s own Odourless Thinner. This completed assembly, painting and weathering of the model. A clear stand was included to display the subject in flight mode and with the fin funnels deployed around the mobile suit. Alternatively, the funnels could be stowed on the back-pack and the model left free standing. The beam sabre had ‘beams’ reproduced in clear pink plastic but these were felt to be a little too toy-like so were omitted. The lower body area was given a heavier wash and enhanced further with Heavy Chipping fluid, before being receiving Cold Grey and AMMO MIG A.3008 Track Rust.
“A CLEAR STAND WAS INCLUDED TO DISPLAY THE SUBJECT IN FLIGHT MODE”
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Gundam style! This kit was a highly enjoyable experience, in no small part down to the superb engineering, excellent fit and sheer quality. If built straight from the box without being painted, a few issues arose regarding the looseness of some parts, particularly the fin funnels and wrist joints. However, once painted everything seemed to have tightened, which resulted in assemblies staying put, even after much moving around. For fans of the genre, Gundam doesn’t get much better than this. The range of articulation allowed endless poses, with the possibilities of intricate dioramas being virtually endless. Bandai has certainly raised the bar for high-quality moulding and innovation. ❚
Unparalleled quality at a price you can afford modelling the RESIN2detail way!
Please visit us at www.resin2detail.com to stay abreast of new release announcements for the B-17 and other kits! Please reach out to me anytime with comments, questions, etc. - happy to assist.
Brian Watkins - President, Owner RESIN2detail Premium Model Accessories
www.resin2detail.com Email:
[email protected]
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
Cristian Lupu completes Trumpeter’s fascinating 1K17 Szahtie for his AMW debut
SOviet Laser t
he Soviet Szhatie was a self-propelled laser weapon, based on the 2S19's Msta-S chassis (itself derived from that on the T-80 tank). Szhatie translates loosely as ‘compression’ (but was nicknamed Stiletto by western intelligence agencies). Its main laser armament was designed to disable optical devices on enemy vehicles, aircraft and missiles. However, high production costs halted the project after just two prototypes.
A plethora of parts Despite the apparently plain shape
of the vehicle, opening the sturdy box revealed an unexpectedly high number of components. The 1,000-plus part count was due not just to the single-link tracks (with two parts per link), but also to common elements shared with Trumpeter’s 2S19 kit (05574). Work started with the wheels and sprockets; each comprised several parts, which ensured greater detail. Runner H contained most of the delicate parts and its size alone hinted that fiddly work was to be expected. While certain items could have been moulded as one piece, most of the tiny sub-
Road wheels, drive sprockets and idlers all exhibited pleasing detail. A dark wash applied on top of the base green colour would really accentuate the moulding.
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assemblies worked very well in replicating the features of the real vehicle…the rear formation lights and unditching beam brackets being good examples. Trumpeter’s lower hull tub came as one piece, with several details moulded integrally and this helped to expedite construction, but Stage 2 of the instructions raised a question mark regarding assembly. The rear plate had a noticeable step between it and the lower hull which, in combination with slight fit issues, could lead the modeller to fill and level the two plates. Studying reference
Patience was necessary when dealing with the rear lights, which were tiny.
material for correct positioning was highly recommended here. When assembling the suspension, the next dilemma required a pragmatic response. While the sole surviving prototype shown in most reference photos had its side skirts removed, leaving these off the model would have revealed a positioning problem with the suspension; an issue already reported by many who’ve tackled the firm’s 2S19 kit. Additionally, the rear segment of the mudguards didn't replicate the rubber used on most Soviet tanks all that well. Considering the vehicle operated for a very limited time, employing the newishlooking skirts as seen was a good alternative to displaying incorrect suspension. The upper structure of the lower hull was a good facsimile of that on the real vehicle. Visors were provided as clear parts, so these were masked with tape (before assembly), cut to shape with a sharp blade after being placed over the front of the glazing.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
The clear periscope parts were assembled and the armoured glass was masked with painter’s tape cut to size.
The step between the rear armour plate and lower hull was not depicted in the instructions, but reference material clearly showed it on the real vehicle.
Simplistic would be the best way to describe the suspension, but the units on the real vehicle displayed a similar trait. Reference images revealed certain differences, but these would be hidden by side skirts. The stowage boxes to be placed on top of the fenders sported excellent detail.
Tricky, but worth it
MODEL SPEC
Undoubtedly, the fiddliest part of the construction involved the headlights. Not only was the subassembly built from six tiny parts, but marrying the light and guard required Zen-like calmness. Unlike the rest of the vehicle, the track guards were busy with many well-detailed boxes. The photo-etched (PE) metal parts were especially welcome, as they replicated retaining strap buckles; even if placing up to six of these tiny parts on each of the boxes was a test of one’s patience. Mating the upper structure and lower tub was easy, due to the clean way in which these parts went together,
while test-fitting the track guards showed, in a good way, how wide and bulky the vehicle would be. At this stage, the wheels, lower hull and fenders were kept separate until after the painting phase, to allow easier access to the more intricate details.
Moving to the tracks, one piece for the guide tooth and one for the link itself was provided for each section. Despite these being separate parts, they had to be glued together, making the track stiff and unworkable. The assembly jig provided in the
kit was of great help, though, to hold the links in position while they dried. Making lengths of five to ten links would later ease final assembly, especially around the sprockets and idler wheels. Considering the guards and side skirts would hide the upper
"Clear parts for the lasers looked splendid"
Russian 1K17 Szhatie By:
Trumpeter
Stock Code:
05542
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£55.99
Available from: www.pocketbond.co.uk
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
The assembled fenders looked busy with all the boxes in situ. Unfortunately, the specific appearance of the rubber skirts had not been captured too well.
A jig for track link assembly was provided in the kit, but note the links must be glued, therefore would not be workable.
Mating of the upper and lower hull components was easy, as the fit was excellent.
The upper track run would be hidden completely by the fenders, so effort can be avoided here.
track run, tedious assembly work can be saved for this section. Regarding the track links, Russian armour modelling experts have already highlighted minor accuracy problems, caused mainly by the face alignment of the links. But for those that wish to correct this barely noticeable problem (and to appease those looking for workable track), Trumpeter offers a separate bundle of T-80 links (02063), which can be used to replace the in-box links.
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The unditching beam had convincing detail, but a twig from the garden ensured unbeatable realism; scratching it with a knife blade added variation in colour and texture, accentuated later with a dark wash.
The business end Clear plastic parts given for the laser lenses replicated the real components very well. The central
array of lenses was modelled closed on this build, though, as it lacked the rubber sealing rings seen in reference photos. Unfortunately, the prominent laser lens housing suffered from a major accuracy issue, with the outside protection rim being too thick. As shown by reference images, the rim appeared to be made of thin metal sheet, and was damaged easily. The turret's side armour was provided as separate components; hatches were all
moulded in situ but could only be represented in the closed position…acceptable given the lack of interior embellishment. Conversely, the machine gun on the turret top was a jewel of an assembly, with well-replicated features (PE parts used where necessary). Even the muzzle was hollow and suitably thin for a styrene replica. Spending time with the tiny parts, and working around the occasional mystifying section in the instructions, was time well invested.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
"the weathering process started with the oil dot technique"
Assembly of what seemed to be a million small handles rounded off build process and paved the way for painting.
Convincing colour The kit provided just one paint scheme – three-colour camouflage in sand, green and black replicating the only surviving
prototype, while decals were given for separate turret numbers. Study of the painting guide, though, revealed an obvious misalignment of the camouflage scheme across different views. The side and top patterns were
inconsistent, and failed to show the correct transitions from one drawing to the other. But this wasn’t a dealbreaker and the problem could be tackled simply with imagination. The colours used for the camouflage were all from the Revell range; 89 Beige, 39 Dark Green and 06 Tar Black.
Since Blu- or White Tack ‘worms’ could have produced hard demarcation to the camouflage in places, it was decided to airbrush the colours freehand, for better reproduction of soft edges between shades. Road wheel rubber was replicated via Revell 09 Anthracite, then the metallic parts were masked
Tow cables were painted with AMMO MIG A.MIG-044 Chipping, while the hooks received Revell 65 Bronze Green. Sub-assemblies were built and kept separate until later, to ease the painting.
Laser glazing looked splendid, but the surrounding metal sheet was not replicated well. Photos revealed this was bent and damaged, despite the machine’s limited operating life.
The machine gun was a kit in its own right, and while fiddly, the detail meant it was worth the effort.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
Accumulated mud was replicated with plaster of Paris mixed with Revell 82 Dark Earth enamel, thinned heavily with water. Before the track guards were assembled, the area above them was painted with the sand camouflage colour…in this case Revell 89 Beige.
After painting the rubber parts with Revell 09 Anthracite, the metallic portions were masked with a template ruler before they received Bronze Green. A.MIG-044 Chipping was used as a primer, and then the rubber pads were painted with Anthracite. Finally, exposed teeth were rubbed with A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal to achieve a realistic shine.
with a template ruler and painted a darker shade of green (Revell 65 Bronze Green). The pre-assembled tracks were primed with AMMO MIG's A.MIG044 Chipping colour, then the rubber pads were painted with Anthracite. Exposed metallic parts on the outside and the guide teeth were rubbed with A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal to achieve a realistic shine. Plaster of Paris was then mixed with Revell 82 Dark Earth and a
"the machine gun was a kit in its own right"
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Airfix Model World
dab of hobby glue, and thinned heavily with tap water to a creamy consistency. Including the adhesive increased the stickiness of the mix to the surface. After this had dried for several hours, most of it was removed, leaving concentrations in areas not normally affected by every-day use, such as behind suspension units and wheel attachment points. More colour variation was achieved with a dark oil wash, added sparingly, around details and more protected corners. After attaching the tracks and fenders to the lower hull, the rest of the vehicle received the basic sand camouflage colour. Once this was touch-dry, dark green patches were applied… aiming for a slightly uneven, cloudy coverage to provide colour variation. Since there was no clear guide to the application of the pattern, the green and beige areas were kept equal in size. Last, but not least, the black patches were applied to approximately 10% of the vehicle’s surface. Special attention was paid to ensuring the demarcations were aligned between the lower hull and turret. Revell's matt 330 Fiery Red was applied to the rear of the laser lens glazing which, in combination with the dark inside of the housing, resulted in a deep red tone, which was very close to the colour seen in various reference photos.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
Basic markings Decals were limited to turret numbers, but this was by no means equivalent to a quick stage in the proceedings. While the decal on the left side was applied on a flat area, the righthand marking was supposed to go over the uneven detail of the crew door hinges. To ease application, the three-figure number was separated into three pieces, which would allow for the first and last cypher to be applied to a flat surface, while the middle piece was itself cut into three sections, and then applied around the hinges. Overlapping parts were duly hand painted with matt white enamel. Decals and the base coat received protection, ahead of the forthcoming weathering, via a generous layer of Revell Clear Gloss.
The weathering process started with the oil dot technique, aimed at replicating a dark filter and rain streaking in one. Small dabs of Winsor & Newton Lamp Black, Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue Hue and Zinc White oil paints were placed on a piece of cardboard, which absorbed most of the unwanted oil from the paint. Then, with a small, stiff brush, dots of the prepared colours were applied randomly... working small areas at a time. These were blended with a large, soft brush moistened in lighter fuel, to remove almost all the paint with up-down movements towards the base of the vehicle. This left a translucent dark layer with slight vertical streaking lines, and light accumulations in the various recesses.
Remaining parts of the upper hull were covered in Revell 89 Beige.
Revell 39 Dark Green was used for the first camouflage colour. The patches were airbrushed freehand at low pressure, to achieve soft transitions between hues.
Vallejo 70.605 German Red Brown was applied as a primer to the PE parts, to improve paint adhesion.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE
Revell 09 Anthracite was used for the black patches. Decals on the right side of the vehicle had to be placed on a somewhat more complex background, so the numbers were separated into three pieces, and parts of the middle number painted with a small brush.
Small dots of Winsor & Newton Lamp Black, Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Blue Hue and Zinc White oil paint were applied to the model and left to dry for a few minutes…
The vehicle's exhaust (on the rear-left side) was treated with a mix of Vallejo 73106 Burnt Sienna and 73115 Natural Iron Oxide pigments, while exhaust staining was replicated with highly diluted Revell 09 Anthracite and Vallejo's Iron Oxide pigments. For dust and mud accumulations on the side and bottom areas of the vehicle, a highly thinned layer of AMMO MIG A.MIG-029 Desert Sand was applied, followed by random splotches of Vallejo 73103 Dark Yellow Ochre, 73105 Natural Sienna and A.MIG-3007 Dark Earth pigments, the latter being diluted with a 50:50 blend of tap water and isopropyl alcohol. Once the pigment splotches had dried, these were blended with a cotton swab and a large, soft brush moistened with tap water. After removing the masking from the clear visors, the specific translucent green armoured glass was painted with a mix of Revell Clear Gloss and 364 Leaf Green. Finally, the whole vehicle was covered with a generous layer of Revell 02 Clear Matt.
See the light Despite the inconsistencies with the turret laser box and tracks, the finished vehicle was something to place proudly on the display shelf. Due to its somewhat bizarre look, not to mention its …before being removed almost completely and blended with the base colour via a large brush, moistened in lighter fuel.
interesting background, it will surely draw plenty of attention and questioning looks from friends and show visitors alike. The engineering of the kit was just about right, as it provided much modelling fun, with the right balance of challenges and satisfying fit. There was also the great camouflage pattern for airbrush aficionados, and the vehicle is an expansive playground for weathering techniques. A must-have vehicle, but not just for Soviet/Russian armour fans! ❚
Materials at a glance Paints Revell 01 Clear Gloss 02 Clear Matt 05 White 06 Tar Black 09 Anthracite 39 Dark Green 65 Bronze Green 82 Dark Earth 89 Beige 90 Silver 330 Fiery Red 364 Leaf Green Vallejo 70.605 German Red Brown AMMO MIG AMMO MIG A.MIG-029 Desert Sand AMMO MIG A.MIG-044 Chipping Pigments and washes Vallejo 73103 Dark Yellow Ocre 73105 Natural Sienna 73106 Burnt Sienna 73115 Natural Iron Oxide AMMO MIG A.MIG-3007 Dark Earth A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal A.MIG-1408 Fresh Engine Oil
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Airfix Model World
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
MOTHER RUSSIA’S DESIGNS
Soviet Cold War Fighters By: Alexander Mladenov ISBN: 978-1-78155-496-8 Price: £40 Format: 258 x 180mm Web: www.fonthillmedia.com In fighter development terms, technology and design is measured in generations, and this summary of Soviet Cold War platforms covers the first through to the fourth, neatly encapsulating more than 40 years
of frenetic advances in technology. This highly engaging study mixes descriptions of aircraft types, with operational histories, and accounts of combat missions. Within each generation, a design bureau’s machines (Mikoyan-Gurevich, Tupolev, Yakovlev and Sukhoi) are described in chronological order. Refreshingly, both successes and failures are covered with equal emphasis, and the losses of early aircraft and their test pilots highlight just how close to the edge they were when first developed. While the book is text heavy, there are plenty of black and white photographs throughout, and these include closeup/cockpit images as well as the usual in-flight and ground shots. A similar variation is provided for the collection of colour photographs, with notable emphasis on the older designs, particularly the MiG-21 Fishbed and MiG-23 Flogger. Frustratingly though, there isn’t an index or glossary of terms, but anyone with an interest in Cold War fighter aircraft will find this an engrossing read. SF
RE-ARMOURED PROTECTOR
Merkava 2/Siman 2D in IDF Service – Part 2 By: Michael Mass and Adam O’Brien ISBN: 978-965-7700-03-7 Price: £25.99 Format: 278 x 216mm Web: www.aviationbookcentre.com Once again, Desert Eagle has produced an indispensable guide to an Israeli vehicle, in this case the Merkava 2 (also known as the Siman), of which the 2D version is the focus. After the history on the type’s lineage (shared with all
318 pages
US HEAVY CRUISER BUILDS
Modelling Full Ahead 2 New Orleans By: Fran Romero ISBN: 8-436535-578950 Price: €17.95 Format: A4 Web: www.ak-interactive.com Last month I reviewed AK’s book on Marijn Van Gils’ Lexington diorama. The second softback naval publication from this publisher focuses on New OrleansClass vessels, via four separate builds, all from Trumpeter kits:
100 pages
1/700 San Francisco CA-38 1944; the same vessel but in 1942 format and 1/350; 1/700 Quincy CA-39; 1/350 USS Tuscaloosa. While the Lexington book was good in modelling terms, its photography did suffer somewhat from poor depth of field. This trait is much less evident with the New Orleans-Class projects, as there are many more in-progress photos that are sharp; fewer images are given to finished models, therefore dodging the out-of-focus problem. Serious ship modellers will love the after-market activity (Tom’s Modelworks, L’Arsenal, Lion Roar), and scratch-building also comes into play. Inevitably, AK products are employed throughout but it’s all useful instruction with stepby-step narrative, and the results are excellent, while the scenic modelling (wet/dry-dock settings, imitation water) is truly inspiring. If ships are your thing, this is a splendid work that also offers a scattering of period photos and history on the real vessels. The 1/700 modelling is particularly impressive. CC
83 pages
other Merkava volumes), there is a brief overview of its development. This wasn’t a smooth process; the original design was rejected due to weight concerns, but operational vulnerabilities of in-service Merkava 2Bs prompted a rethink, creating the 2D. Curiously, this designation belongs to the prototype, with production machines more commonly known as Batash (routine security). While the full colour photographs of the prototypes will be of use to modellers, it’s those from the In Action, Man and Machine, and Detail chapters that are most praiseworthy, as they cover all aspects of the vehicle, and in all weathers. For once, these are just exterior shots, but there is plenty of inspiration for dioramas and vignettes. The usual end section on tactical signage will enable any model to be completed with authentic markings. As with other products in this range, this pictorial examination of the Merkava 2D is highly recommended. SF
TRANSPORT, REFUELLER, ICON
196 pages
Owner’s Workshop Manual: Vickers/ BAC VC10 By: Keith Wilson ISBN: 978-0-85733-799-3 Price: £22.99 Format: 276mm x 214mm Web: www.haynes.co.uk Vickers’ famous airliner gets the Owners’ Workshop Manual treatment, in this informative and entertaining volume. One is treated to the standard format of development, anatomy, operations (military and civilian) and how the aircraft was flown and maintained. While not the most glamorous airframe, the VC10 was a vital element of UK military operations until its eventual retirement in 2013, including Aden, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans and Libya. The photographs throughout the narrative are superb, and although the walk-round isn't as comprehensive as in other manuals, modellers will find plenty of inspiration for their 1/144 or 1/72 projects. Also, ‘what-if’ enthusiasts will be delighted, thanks to the ‘Almost, but not quite’ chapter, which
describes the many ‘paper’ variants, such as missile-carrying and multirole machines that never advanced further than the planning stage. Finally, an overview of surviving airframes (including those in groundrunning condition) is provided and the manual closes with a description of the VC10 KC.4 ZD241 Preservation Group. As ever, Haynes’ packs a wealth of detail into the 196 pages, and this serves as a fitting tribute to an aircraft that provided more than 50 years’ service to the UK. SF
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
CLASHES IN COLD CLIMES
The Continuation War By: Valiant Wings ISBN: 978-0-9935345-4-6 Price: £9.95 Format: A4 Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk Hitler’s announcement that Finland would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Germany during Operation Barbarossa (invasion of the Soviet Union), prompted immediate Soviet air attacks on strategic Finnish assets. This became known as The Continuation War, and the ongoing
82 pages
conflict is the latest subject covered by Valiant’s Airframe Extra series, which is splendid for modellers builing on a theme. The usual splash of history opens this softback publication, with clear black and white imagery of aircraft, although the emphasis falls mainly on Finnish subjects, due to a lack of available documentation on Soviet equipment and actions. There then follows a collection of Richard J Caruana colour profiles/ plan views, presenting protagonists from both sides, in the form of the Blenheim and Bulldog, Anson, Gladiator, LaGG-3, I-16, Hurricane, Lysander, Do 17, Ju 88, Curtiss Hawk and other types. These all have extended captions, which offer colour and markings information. Actual modelling comes next, via seven step-by-step builds: Hasegawa 1/72 Brewster B-239, Revell Hurricane Mk.IIb, Azur 1/72 MS.410, Zvezda 1/72 Il-4, 1/32 Special Hobby B-239, 1/72 ICM I-153 and 1/48 Gavia Gladiator. The modelling is as good as usual, with after-market products and excellent finishing, and there’s also a handy colour reference chart for enamel and acrylic paints. CC
AMMUNITION ENCYCLOPAEDIA
136 pages
Green Series: Firing Now By: Dick Taylor ISBN: 978-83-63678-91-3 Price: £25 Format: 297 x 210mm Web: www.mmpbooks.biz For all the books on British and American wartime armour,, there’s one glaring gap…ammunition. Thankfully MMP has come to the rescue with this wonderful guide to the various shells used in tanks, howitzers, anti-tank and field guns. It begins with a technical explanation of shell types, effectively supplying a glossary and enabling one to know the difference between a bore (internal of a barrel) and a blind (a shell that fails to behave as intended). After discussing accuracy (hitting the target), consistency (grouping of shots) and penetration (the ability to get the shell into the innards of an enemy vehicle/building) are achieved, and the calculations involved, there is an overview of how ammunition is packaged, stored and transported. The
IT’S HAMMER TIME!
66 pages
The Hammers Squadron F-4E Phantom II 1969-1994 By: Ra’anan Weiss ISBN: 978-965-7220-19-1 Price: US $29 Format: A4 Web: www.isradecal.com Released in concert with IsraDecal’s 1/72 Israeli F-4E/RF-4 Kurnass decals (see p.91, this issue), this softback book from the same company offers superb reference on the ‘Echo’ Phantom’s service with Israel’s The Hammers Squadron. Apart from the first two pages’ unit history and operations, the remaining coverage consists of photographs with extended captions, ten colour profiles on the inside-front and inside-back covers, and a page listing kills and losses. The photos are in colour and black and white, and almost all are very good indeed. Noticeable immediately is the heavy emphasis on weaponry; the Israelis have always been masters at innovation, and have employed a wide variety of offthe-shelf and adapted stores. Particularly interesting is the special Sidewinder missile pylon
fitted to either of the forward Sparrow missile recesses, but in general there is much to study in terms of armament, and this is most welcome as many modellers fail with weapons accuracy… despite pouring quality work into the airframe itself. Stores such as early and late M117 bombs, AGM-12 Bullpup, AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-142 Popeye missiles, RAFAEL ‘Brown Fist’ glide bomb, LAU-10 rocket pods and ALQ101/-119 ECM pods are just some present on the pages. CC
RECCE RHINOS AND LEGACY ECHOS
96 pages
Phantom Under the Skin Vol 2: RF-4E & F-4E Phantom II By: Ioannis Lekkas, Ilias Gkonis ISBN: 978-618-81376-7-7 Price: €28 Format: 220 x 241mm Web: www.eagleaviation.gr
majority of the volume is then devoted to British and American Natures (ammunition types), their appearance, shape, colours and stencils. Profiles of the differing types are interspersed with period photos, extracts from operator’s manuals and sketches/illustrations of the varied liveries. With this to hand, no armour modeller should ever get their high-explosive confused with armour piercing or illumination rounds ever again! SF
Eagle Aviation’s first book on the Phantom in Greek service offered a bumper crop of walk-round photos, focused purely on the F-4E in Avionics Upgrade Program format. This new volume presents photographic reference on ‘legacy’ F-4Es before the update – but not before roughly two-thirds of the book provides myriad detail imagery of the reconnaissance RF-4E. Ioannis Lekkas’s lensmanship is of the highest standard, so one gets excellent views of the aircraft, inside and out, with cockpits, camera bays and other areas laid open for super-detailers. The first three spreads in this softback publication are stunning, as they have two full (and one partial) shots of the RF-4E in all its glory, so one can appreciate nuances of weathering and structural details all at once. It’s
also useful that the authors show the differences between aircraft from USAF stocks, and those from the Luftwaffe (alternative camera window layouts). Legacy F-4Es also get the close-up treatment, with cockpit, radar and weapons shots provided. The latter are particularly useful, not just in showing the range of stores employed, but also the finer details and markings; Mk.20 Rockeye, GBU-8 HOBOS, AIM-9 Sidewinder and the ASTAC electronic intelligence pod all make an appearance. With its bonus colour profiles poster, this is a splendid book for any Greek Air Force enthusiast, and for those that adore the F-4 in all its forms. CC
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 75
ON THE SHELF BOOKS
‘CRANBERRY’ ACCOUNTS
The Canberra Experience By: Steven Beeny ISBN: 978-0-692-78094-7 Price: US $33 Format: 280 x 216mm Web: canberraexperience.com With such a long and distinguished career, there is much to be said about the legendary Canberra… especially as it served with so many air arms around the world. Here, life-long type enthusiast Steven Beeny, who lived near Canberra base RAF Wyton for many years before moving to the USA, has mined a rich vein of source material for this weighty softback. The Canberra story is told through an impressive collection of personal accounts, not just from RAF air and groundcrew, but from those who operated and maintained different variants globally. This approach provides a refreshing study, rather than being yet another technical examination that’s been done many times before. Fascinating examples of the narratives include the experience of Ethiopian pilot Maj Afeworki Mekonnen, who trained in the UK and, initially, was unimpressed
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with the aircraft’s ageing and unergonomic layout…but for him and his fellow aircrew, this was counterbalanced by the type’s ability to outclimb his country’s existing F-86s and F-5s, thus securing bragging rights. Other stories include that of William Reeves, back-seater in NASA’s big-wing WB-57Fs, and of course, the ultimate irony comes with the words of Argentine crews who employed the Canberra against British forces during the Falklands War; even at the time of purchase, there was angst among British politicians regarding possible Argentine force projection involving the Falklands. Home-grown tales offer much colour, too, with ‘Thursday War’ missions flown by Canberras of the Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit, as well as narrative from RAF Germany strike Canberra personnel. Pleasingly, though, US airmen also describe sorties with USAF and Air National Guard aircraft, and the former tell of hazardous missions in the Vietnam War (Australian crews also impart their experience of this conflict, also having flown the type there). But it’s not just the text that’s absorbing, as the many colour and black and white photos serve to provide context, atmosphere and great modelling reference, and 23 colour profiles also give an appreciation of how the type’s liveries varied. There is a glaring omission, and that’s the Canberra’s career in the Indian Air Force, but this could not be included due to a lack of space; seldom-covered users took precedence. Regardless, this hugely entertaining book should be on every Canberra fan’s shelf. CC
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
GUNS AND PAGODAS
Japanese Battleships Fuso and Ise Classes By: Robert Brown ISBN: 978-1-4738-8337-6 Price: £14.99 Format: A4 Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Pagoda-style bridge structures were a distinguishing feature of Imperial Japanese Navy battleships, and none were as extravagant as those on the Fusoand Ise-class vessels. Originally planned during World War One
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as a single rank of four hulls, the first two (Fuso and Yamashiro) differed from the final pair (Ise and Hyuga), regarded as a separate class. Their development, careers and fates are described, combined with good contemporary images, intermingled with artist’s impressions to highlight differing configurations. Notably, as US Navy airpower devastated Japan’s carriers, both Ise-class units would be converted into hybrid carrier battleships, although this was merely a prelude to further modification. Kits and accessory reviews are provided for both classes, from 1/1250 to 1/144 scales (although the latter is just a main twin-gun turret). Almost a third of the book is then devoted to modelling, with examples from a variety of renowned maritime builders, in full hull and waterline configurations, all adorned with scratch-built or after-market detail. Finally, the upgrades and modifications carried out on each vessel during their careers are described in depth, supplemented by superb scale drawings. SF 144 pages
The Dornier Do 335 Pfeil By: Richard A Franks ISBN: 978-0-993534505-3 Price: £18.95 Format: A4 Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk The latest in Valiant Wings’ Airframe and Miniature series examines Dornier’s extraordinary Do 335 Pfeil (Arrow), and documents its all-too-brief foray into operations during the latter stages of World War Two. A concise description of the type’s protracted development includes the fate of those airframes captured and tested by the French, British and Americans, before all prototype, A- and B-series variants and hypothetical ‘paper’ designs are chronicled. Short sections then examine the type’s camouflage and markings, before attention turns to modelling, with all kits available at the time of publication reviewed, after which three builds are featured, one each in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale. The variant précis chapter builds on the preceding narrative and provides a listing of all variants (including pre-production and aforementioned paper airframes),
and culminates in a striking Ju 635 Zwilling configuration. A complete walkaround is supplied, mixing archive and colour photographs (the latter are of the sole surviving Do 335 airframe, currently on display at the Stephen F Udvar-Hazy Centre in Virginia, USA), and extracts from pilots’ and technicians’ handbooks. These should provide even the most avid super-detailer with all the necessary information, and the gate-fold 1/48 scale plans are an added bonus. SF
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
KING OF THE DESERT SKIES
F-15C Eagle By: Italeri Item no: 2763 Price: £29.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Italeri’s moulding appeared as an F-15A/C in the 1990s, then an F-15E, but it’s re-released as part of the Gulf War 25th Anniversary series. As Eagles go, it’s not bad for budget-conscious or less fussy modellers, who will overlook the lack of moulded cockpit instruments (decal only) and poor F100 exhaust nozzles. But the generally fine panel engraving and vents/grilles, fair ejection seat and stab at a complete
radar make this a pleasing product… which can be improved by more experienced builders. One must make minor changes to eradicate F-15E features, such as enlarged tail ECM blisters and Italeri’s paint callouts are incorrect, but a plus-point is the outstanding decal sheet, with three USAF aircraft, and a Saudi jet: • 85-0102/EG ‘Gulf Spirit’, 33rd TFW, Tabuk AB, S Arabia, March 1991 • 83-0017/FF, 1st TFW, Dharan AB, S Arabia, January 1991 • 79-0048/BT, 36th TFW, Incirlik AB, January 1991 • '605', Saudi AF 1/72
ROCKET FLYER
Messerschmitt Me 163A By: Special Hobby Item no: SH 72334 Price: €12 Web: www.cmkkits.com Special Hobby has dusted off its basic Komet and repackaged it with resin and photo-etched (PE) metal from its Me 163A and scheuch-schlepper. This basic offering is elevated mightily, thanks to the gorgeous cast detail in the single-piece resin cockpit insert, combined with the PE. Note the alignment pin and socket
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may need to be removed from the fuselage halves to enable the ‘office’ to fit properly. An added bonus is the acetate sheet with pre-printed instrument dials, which is sandwiched between the PE panel and styrene backplate. Three liveries (for unarmed pre-production prototypes) are supplied: • AV5, GG+EA, Augsberg, 1941 • AV6, CD+IK, EKdo 16, Peenemünde, 1942 • AV10, CD+IO, EKdo 16, Peenemünde, 1943
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DESERT TRAINER
Hawker ‘Baghdad Fury’ By: AMG Item no: 48602 Price: £34 Web: www.alleycatmodels.co.uk AMG announced its arrival with a series of 1/48 Bf 109 and (as reviewed here) Hawker Sea Fury kits, including this delightful trainer with early style canopy. It has chosen a combination of resin and photo-etched (PE) metal components for interior furnishings, of which the singlepiece mainwheel bay is the highlight, featuring well-defined
rib and cabling. Other resin items include horizontal stabilisers, rudder, cannon barrels, drop tanks and rudder pedals, while PE embellishments focus on the cockpit and undercarriage. Canopy masks are provided, but the two longest items are stencils for removing styrene from the F.10 fuselage to create the T.61 trainer. Just a single Dark Earth/ Mid Stone/Azure Blue scheme is included, but there are markings for two airframes, 261 and 263, both based at Habbaniyah Airfield in Iraq, in 1955-56.
BEECHCRAFT’S FLYING CLASSROOM
AT-7C/SNB-2C Navigator By: ICM Item no: 48183 Price: £22.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua Having addressed the military light passenger and cargo versions of the Model 18, ICM has turned its attention to USAF and USN navigation trainers. Essentially the only difference between this and previous releases is just five of the seven seats are used, as the parts are identical…just the markings have changed. This isn’t to be knocked, as this means a well-appointed
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cockpit and passenger area (lacking just interior lining), and most C-45/ Model 18 accessories are applicable here. The parts are well moulded and flash free, and while some may wish to replace the engines, the undercarriage is splendid, with full engine bearer assemblies. Four natural metal machines are featured: • SNB-2C, 23825/327, US Navy, 1944 • SNB-2C, 23790/25, Naval Air Technical Training Centre, Texas, 1945 • AT-7C, 333450, USAF, 1945 • AT-7C, G-13, Royal Netherlands AF, 1950
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
FAMOUS COURIER’S JET
DC-9-40 By: Fly Item no: 14412 Price: €13.31 Web: www.fly814.cz Fly’s splendid DC-9 is towed out of the hangar yet again, this time in the colours of well-known courier firm DHL. The fuselage (lengthened -40 body supplied as well as the firm’s -30) come without windows moulded in any way, thus leaving representation to the excellent window decals provided. Panel line engraving is delicate,
there are compressor faces and exhaust sections for inside the nacelles, and smaller items such as antennas come via crisp resin cast by Artillery Models. The DHL scheme, with the famous red and yellow colours, will look superb here and the appropriate branding is all on the decal sheet…along with windscreen glazing, doors, wing walkways, red fuselage striping and codes for the following jets in the fleet: N971AX, N952AX, N966AX and N975AX. A great option for airliner/freighter enthusiasts.
RARE SUB-HUNTERS
Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber (Kate) Model 3 ‘Air Operations over Okinawa’ By: Hasegawa Item no: 07399 Price: £34.99 Web: www.amerang.co.uk Despite the descriptive title, it’s only when the box is opened that one realises this is the B5N2's little-known anti-sub variant. Compared to previous releases, the basic parts are identical, with a new Runner S for subtype specifics, notably the radar antenna, as the magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment was internal. A well-detailed cockpit
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and engine, coupled with the unusual accoutrements make this an eye-catching model. Options include an open/closed canopy, raised/lowered flaps, stowed/ deployed machine gun and torpedoes or bombs, although references indicate external weapons may not have been carried...these Kates usually acted as spotters for other aircraft/ ships. The three schemes are: • KEB 303, 931st Naval Flying Group, Kushira AB, April 1945 • -303, 951st Naval Flying Group, Okinawa, 1945 • KEB 325, 931st Naval Flying Group, Saiki AB, early 1945
EASTERN FRONT TWIN-BOOM
Fw 189A-1 By: ICM Item no: 72291 Price: £18.99 Web: www.icm.co.ua For those used to Airfix’s ancient offering, ICM’s Fw 189A-1 is a revelation, with a wealth of interior detail and delicate exterior panel lines. The type’s extensive glazing is reproduced in crystal-clear styrene (notably the unusual tail-gunner position), but would benefit greatly from a mask set as preparing these for painting will be time-consuming. A
RISING SUN ITALIAN
Ki-61I Ko By: RS Models Item no: 92200 Price: €18 Web: www.rsmodels.cz RS Models’ approach to its Ki-61 ‘Tony’ has been to work backwards, so it’s just now we have the Ko… the first production version. Parts come on three styrene runners, with a separate canopy and three resin items for the retractable tailwheel and associated doors. Exterior panels are represented by
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full SC 50 bomb load is provided, along with faithful replicas of the stalky undercarriage and even spare ammunition drums for the cockpit’s MG 15 machine guns. Markings are provided for three Eastern Front machines, although swastikas must be sourced elsewhere: • H1+EN, 5.(H)/12, Poltava, June 1942 • +AH, 11.(H)/12, Russia, summer 1942 • V7+1H, 1.(H)/32, Finland, March 1943 1/72
fine engraving; detail is superior to Hasegawa’s, but not quite to those from Aoshima or Fine Molds. The single-piece canopy is crystal clear, and with careful cutting it should be possible to pose it open. The decals feature sharp boundaries, good opacity, and supply markings for three schemes: • Akeno Fighter School, Japan, 1943 • 2nd Chutai, 68th Sentai, New Guinea, 1944 • Red 16, 5th Shinten Seiku-tai, 244th Sentai, Chofu, February 1945
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 79
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
FABLOUS FREIDRICH
Bf 109F-4 By: Eduard Item no: 82114 Price: €37.45 Web: www.eduard.com This ProfiPACK feels light due to the lack of resin parts, but one still receives pre-coloured photoetched (PE) metal (and plain brass) along with canopy/wheel masks. The result of these goodies, when matched with the styrene, will be the best ‘Friedrich’ on the market. Refinement comes via beautifully detailed separate mainwheel hubs, a worthy cockpit, ETC500 rack and bomb, and a tropical filter. The
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colour schemes represent some of the Luftwaffe’s most attractive and famous F-models, along with notable ‘Experten’. The six liveries are: • W.Nr.7183 White double chevron, ‘Assi’ Hahn, III./JG 2, France, 1941 • Yellow 10, Hans Döbrich, 6./JG 5, Petsamo, Finland, 1942 • W.Nr. 7243 Green – + –, Otto Kath, Stab./JG 54, Soviet Union, 1941 • W.Nr.8693 Yellow 14, H-J Marseille, 3./JG 27, North Africa, 1942 • W.Nr.7629 Blue 1 + < –, F Liesendahl, 10.(Jabo)/JG 2, France, 1942 • W.Nr.13325 Yellow 7 + I ‘Ellen’, V Bauer, 9./JG 3, Soviet Union, 1942
GALLIC VOLUNTEERS
Yakovlev Yak-3 NormandieNiemen By: Special Hobby Item no: SH32067 Price: €55 Web: www.cmkkits.com Special Hobby’s new Yak-3 comes in ‘Hi-Tech’ format, which means the pleasing styrene comes with resin and photo-etched (PE) brass, and pre-cut vinyl masks. The resin items include excellent wheels, a radio, exhausts, gun muzzles/ charging handle, while the PE offers mostly seat items. A great touch is that individual instrument decals are provided, and much of
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the plastic is moulded beautifully, with exquisite components for the undercarriage bays and cockpit The colour schemes reflect aircraft flown by French volunteer pilots in the famous Soviet AF Normandie-Niemen unit, during World War Two. These are: • White 6, Lt Marcel Albert, 1944 • White Double-Zero, Cdt Louis Delfino, 1944-45 • White 24, Roland de la Poype, Autumn 1944 • White 22, Asp Pierre Douarre, June 1945 • White 4, Lt Riger (Robert) Marchi, summer 1944
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
DIMINUTIVE BIPLANE
Gloster Gladiator Mk.II By: Mark I Models Item no: MKM14453 Price: €14.95 Web: www.4pluspublications.com Tiny it may be, but Mark I’s Gladiator is a delight, containing detail equal or better to 1/72 offerings, and comprises a single well-moulded runner with sufficient parts for one model. There is a five-piece cockpit (complete with instrument panel decal), while the engine cowling is provided as three parts, capturing its curvature accurately…although it may be fiddly to assemble. Both
two- and three-bladed propellers are included, the former as a wellcast resin item. For those with the necessary skill and steady hands, a full rigging and antenna diagram is available on the Mark I webpage. Four schemes are supplied: • N5641/HE-G, 263 Sqn RAF, Norwegian Campaign, June 1940 • N2309/B, 1401(Met) Flt, RAF Bircham Newton, 1943 • 459, No.2 Expeditionary Fighter Sqn, Portuguese AF, 1941 • 8-48, 1.Div., Wing F8, Swedish AF, Barkarby, summer 1939
DELTAS OVER THE ALPS
Swiss Mirage IIIS/RS By: Kinetic Item no: K48058 Price: US $39.99 Web: www.luckymodel.com Kinetic’s superb Mirage III returns with new Swiss Air Force decals; two ‘Mirage Swiss Farewell’ recce retirement schemes and a standard pre-low-vis IIIRS, along with a lateservice IIIS. This is a great kit all round, with fine detail not just in the cockpit. Highlights are alternative instrument panels, a well-rendered camera nose for the recce jets, intake trunking and a flaps up/down option. Generic stores runners are
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present, but just the supersonic wing tanks are appropriate for Swiss aircraft and the AIM-9Bs supplied are too old and need replacing by AIM9J/P versions for the schemes given. Note that the ‘S’ variant represents an Improved Swiss Mirage Aircraft upgrade, with canards on the air intakes. The liveries in question comprise the following: • IIIRS, R-2110, Staffel 10, Buochs, 2003 • IIIRS, R-2116, Staffel 10, Buochs, 2003 • IIIRS, R-2111, Staffel 10, Buochs, 2002 • IIIS, J2327, Staffel 16, Sion AB, 1998
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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
LATE-WAR PANZER KILLER
JSU-122S/152 Tank Destroyer By: Dragon Item no: 6047 Price: £44.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net While the moulding isn’t quite up to modern standards, Dragon’s re-released JSU-122 (with an option for an up-gunned JSU-152) is still a good kit, with sufficient detail to satisfy most modellers. The parts are unchanged, which means it’s still 1.5mm too low in height. Differences between the 122mm and 152mm guns are reproduced
faithfully, with correct muzzle brakes and corresponding mantlets. Individual-link Magic Tracks are supplied and, while time-consuming to assemble, they will replicate track sag accurately. The main bonus is the choice of schemes, offering one JSU-122S (although decals for two other vehicles are supplied) and five JSU-152s, including: • JSU-122S, white 23, Soviet Army, Poland, 1944 • JSU-152, white 1151, Soviet Heavy Assault Gun Bde, Berlin, 1945 • JSU-152, white 330, Polish LWP
EASTERN ARMOUR
Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Type 61 Tank Upgraded By: Fine Molds Item no: FM46 Price: €34 Web: www.finemolds.co.jp Fine Molds’ latest release is a 2-in1 offering, with parts for the Type 61 upgraded and night-combat variants. It comprises eight styrene runners of exquisitely moulded parts, with realistic weld seams, cast texture on the turret and fabric-effect mantlet cover. Compared to the original boxing, there are extra components for new idler wheels, an infra-red
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searchlight, updated mantlet and lower turret half. Engine exhaust grilles are supplied as photo-etched brass items. Tracks are provided as link-andlength items, with an authentic sag incorporated into the upper sections. Four JGSDF liveries, with different colours, are supplied: • Type 61 upgraded, 12th Tk Bn, Camp Soumagahara • Type 61 upgraded, 167, 13th Tk Bn, Camp Nihonbara • Type 61 night combat, 146, 1st Armd Trg Unit, Camp Komakado • Type 61 night combat, 10th Tk Bn, Camp Imazu
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
VIETNAM CAVALRY
M113 ACAV By: Italeri Item no: 6533 Price: £29.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net There are few kits of the M113 ACAV currently available, so Italeri’s re-release (combining its hull with Academy’s machine gun turrets) is most welcome, with just the decals being changed. There is minimal flash, although modellers may wish to employ several unused Academy parts to add refinement. Curiously, this
release doesn’t include an option for an open trim vane although the necessary part (83B) is included, and no interior is provided. The link-and-length tracks will need the prominent ejector pin markings removing from each pad, but are otherwise reasonable replicas. Two of the four Vietnamera machines are: • ‘To the Alps’, A Coy, 22nd Inf Regt, 25th Inf Div, 1968 • ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club’, B Coy, 1/5th Inf Regt ‘Bobcats’, 25th Inf Div, 1968
LIGHTNING REFUELLER
Opel Blitz Tankwagen (Kfz.385) By: Roden Item no: 730 Price: £14.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Roden’s collection of Blitz derivatives, now includes the aircraftrefueller; a common sight on German airfields. It has reverted to the shorter chassis of the basic truck, and it shares the suspension and wheels of these previous offerings. Runner B has been modified extensively, with panel sections
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replaced by a new cab, fuel tank and associated fittings. Reassuringly, the splendid in-line engine and transmission is included, along with a well-appointed interior for the cab. As with other Roden releases, the windows are provided on an acetate sheet, rather than as styrene items. The four schemes include: • WL-157059, Odessa, November 1943–April 1944 • WL-183675, Sicily, 1942 • Leningrad Front, Hostkino airfield, February 1942
ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
SIX-DAY BATTLER
IDF Magach 1 & 2 By: Dragon Item no: 3565 Price: £49.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net To mark the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War, Dragon has re-worked its M48 tooling to offer a 2 in 1 kit of the Israeli Magach 1 and 2. This mostly involves an alternative lower hull and rear engine screen, but there are other smaller differences, such as a new gun muzzle brake. Besides the DS Styrene tracks, other items in this medium are two styles of mantlet cover. Minor surgery is also necessary to depict the Magach
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2, involving separation of the track covers, but the proceedings should provide a model equally as good as Dragon’s M48 variants, on which this boxing is based. The clear parts runner includes an entire cupola, so all one needs to do is mask the vision port sections for speedier building/ painting. There’s also a photo-etched brass fret, metal cable and decals for four vehicles in the Six-Day War: • 2nd Pl commander, 3rd Coy, IDF • 1st Pl commander, 2nd Coy, IDF • 4th Pl commander, 4th Coy, 79th Bn, IDF • A Coy, 2nd Bn, 4th AR, 40th AB, Royal Jordanian Army, West Bank
STUNNING ARMOUR
Russian T-90MS MBT By: Tiger Model Item no: 4612 Price: US $95 Web: www.tiger-model.com Modellers who feel spoiled by recent armour offerings might reconsider, if Tiger Model’s T-90MS is anything to go by. It comprises 18 styrene runners (six for the individual-link tracks), 384 poly cap track connectors, 12 turned metal smoke dischargers, wire towing cables, two photo-etched brass frets, and a vinyl mantlet cover. All the crisply moulded parts feature superb detail, and
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considerable thought has gone into helping the modeller, with a styrene former for the PE mesh stowage rack, and alphabetised stickers for runner identification. Track assembly is simplified by horns being sandwiched between links, with connector pins then added. It then becomes child’s play via the three-part jig also included with the parts, enabling five linksections to be constructed with ease. Two schemes are provided, for machines with three-tone camouflage as displayed at the 2011 Arms and 2012 Defense Expositions respectively.
HEAVY-DUTY PORCUPINE
IDF Nagmachon Early Heavy APC By: Tiger Model Item no: 4615 Price: US $86 Web: www.tiger-model.com Having already released the late version of Israel’s Nagmachon with the raised ‘doghouse’ structure (4616), Tiger Model now provides the early style vehicle with shielded machine gun mounts. All components are to the company’s exacting standards, with the weapons and upper hull/engine deck notable for their refinement, and the driver’s and fighting compartments are fully detailed.
THE BEAST RETURNS
Tiger I Middle Production By: Rye Field Model Item no: RM-5010 Price: £69.99 Web: www.tigerhobbies.co.uk Rye Field has tweaked its previous Tiger tooling to provide this MidProduction version with a full interior. Three colour schemes are given, including that of renowned Panzer ace and Knight’s Cross holder Otto Carius. This is a deep box and it’s crammed to the top with more than 20 runners (including clear parts), many photo-etched brass details, individual track links (with assembly jig) and real copper tow
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Lengths of braided wire and chain emulate tow cable and side skirt armour respectively, and there’s also a sheet of labelled runner tags for quick identification. The individual-link tracks are accurate replicas and will be quick and easy to assemble, and vinyl pads are supplied for the road wheels. Extras include a photo-etched metal fret, with registration plates and inverted cone aerial, and there is a choice of clear, turquoise- or magenta-tinted styrene for the optics/viewports. The single scheme depicts an overall IDF Green vehicle, based in Southern Lebanon during 1999. 1/35
cables. The interior is superb, with comprehensive renditions of the driver/machine gunner stations, turret basket and main gun breech, ammunition and engine. Do note, though, that the liveries are for Zimmerit-covered vehicles, but none is moulded on the body parts (Rye Field gives a useful guide to where it should be applied). This is a stunning kit, which should provide months of enjoyment. The individual options are: • Black 217, s.Pz.Abt.502, Eastern Front, February 1944 • White 342, Belgium, spring 1944 • Blue/Yellow 321, France, June 1944
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 83
ON THE SHELF SCI-FI KITS
BOUNTY HUNTER’S RIDE
Boba Fett’s Slave I By: Revell Item no: 03610 Price: £5.99 Web: www.revell.de/en This kit costs the same as Revell’s Naboo Starfighter also reviewed on this page, but due to its larger size and quality of moulding, it actually offers much better value. The detail is impressive for the money, and one can have heaps of fun accentuating the extensive raised and recessed features with washes and dry-brushing. The cockpit can be posed in flying
or landing format to echo the cinematic equivalent, and the wings/Repulsorlifts rotate, as they are sandwiched between body parts without glue. Super-clear hinged glazing is provided, so one can enjoy the cockpit detail with the canopy open or closed, and other items, such as the high-power rectenna and twin blaster cannons are also reproduced faithfully. This is a smashing kit, which will offer much more build and finishing enjoyment than many might consider, due to the quality moulding. It also comes with a display stand.
MARS MISSION TAXI
Retriever Rocket By: Glencoe Models Item no: 06002 Price: £19.99 Web: www.amerang.co.uk Make no mistake, this very old plastic…but pretty good plastic in parts. Experienced modellers will certainly add more refinement to the subject, re-released by Glencoe Models. The 'Retriever' in question was part of Wernher von Braun’s drawing-board efforts to produce spacecraft that could eventually reach, and orbit
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Mars. The model is sizable in 1/72 scale, although the astronaut figure looks more like a Japanese Kamikaze pilot and is best replaced. All parts are in white styrene, the main fuselage fits very well and there is decent detail in places. The Scalemaster decals are superb, being admirably thin and these will adhere brilliantly to a gloss surface. If the requisite care and attention is paid, with scratchbuilding thrown in, this model will look splendid once posed on its display stand. One could also be adventurous with painting.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
SINO-ORBITER
Chinese Spaceship No.10 By: Trumpeter Item no: 01671 Price: £29.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk There’s surprisingly very little in the way of Internet reference on this spacecraft, but if one is prepared to make a leap withits accuracy, Trumpeter’s kit will be rather good fun. It’s a prepainted affair, which will please younger builders, but more experienced modellers may want to add paint and go further with weathering. Actually, due to the way many parts are moulded, no filling or sanding
AMIDALA’S ESCORT
Naboo Starfighter By: Revell Item no: 03611 Price: £5.99 Web: www.revell.de/en The N-1 Starfighter, developed by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, first appeared in The Phantom Menace movie. In tune with Revell’s policy of choosing the scale to fit a standard box size in this range, the model is small...but it has pleasing features and is great for younger modellers,
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is necessary so one could simply add clear gloss varnish and use washes to accentuate the detail. In the box is what’s presumed to be the Shenzou 10 spacecraft, along with its Tiangong science lab/service module section. Both entities have solar panels and there is the choice accompanying waterslide decals or selfadhesive transfers with which to detail these. The pre-painting is of good quality, and once the smaller parts are added this will all look impressive. A large black display stand is offered, as well as rather toy-like and grossly over-scale astronaut figures. 1/109
or adults seeking a cheap, quick and easy Star Wars fix. The rattailed finials on the nacelles aren’t as sharp as the ‘real’ units, most likely due to moulding limitations, but on the plus side there is a basic cockpit and pilot figure. Other features include moulded ports for the laser cannons and underside torpedo launcher, and the top section of an R2 droid to be placed behind the cockpit. A display stand is also provided, along with a small decal sheet for stencils and R2 embellishment.
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ON THE SHELF MARITIME KITS
WE ARE TRAINING
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KITTY AFLOAT
HMS Lynx Type 41-Class Frigate By: MT Miniatures Item no: MTM041 Price: £22.45 Web: www.mtminiatures.com
Gorch Fock By: Revell Item no: 05417 Price: £49.99 Web: www.revell.de/en Sailing ships might not be the most modern subjects, but they are eyecatching, and it’s great that Revell has re-released its German Navy training vessel Gorch Fock. Eight styrene runners, two vac-form sheets (for the sails), hull halves and a separate base make for a busy kit; there’s also plenty of knot practice when attaching the rigging! The standout item is the three-part deck,
with its lovely moulded wood grain, although the hull is commendably smooth…this is of great help in obtaining a glossy finish on the paintwork. Revell has outdone itself with the ratlines and rigging, as four different types of thread and six pages of instructions are devoted to their addition, including guidance on where to place the knots. A small decal sheet is supplied, primarily for hull name plates, along with paper national and signalling flags. The single attractive white/green scheme depicts Gorch Fock in its current training vessel livery.
NIPPON CONVOY ASSET
Imperial Japanese Navy Escort Type Hei (Late) By: Pit-Road Item no: WB-04 Price: €25 Web: www.gsieurope.de Generally, capital ships, famous cruisers and destroyers are the usual 1/350 scale maritime subjects, so it’s refreshing to see a re-release of Pit-Road’s C-Type ‘Hei’-class escort vessel. It’s a full-hull offering, with a smart five-part stand (the name plate must be cut from the box), and the three runners provide a wealth of detail. The correct style of gun shield for the main 12cm guns is included, as is the radar
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BRAVE AT SEA
and mast-tops. While not as detailed as other offerings in this scale (as many fittings are cast integrally with the hull), it’s an accurate replica of this Cold War anti-aircraft ship, which served with the Royal Navy until 1982, and then the Bangladesh Navy for a further 21 years. One scheme is offered, for HMS Lynx (F27), but there is no colour guide; for modellers wishing to portray other ships in the class, there is a separate RN Pennant Number decal set (MTM034). It would make an ideal first foray for budding ship modelers, due to its simple construction and low parts count.
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room common to late Hei ships. Moulding is excellent throughout, with a refined representation of cross-hatch deck relief on the gun platforms, forecastle and stern; there are also individual depthcharge launchers on the latter, although there are no reloads. Most of the weapons, sensors and minor ship fittings are supplied on a generic Runner D, which also offers a wealth of spares for other Japanese Navy projects. In typical Pit-Road style, the colour and marking guide, offering a single basic overall grey scheme in this instance, is on the bottom of the box, along with technical data for the vessel type.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
Modellers seeking 1/700 Cold War Royal Navy waterline subjects need look no further than MT Miniatures, which is addressing this gap in the market. Its new-tool Type 41 Leopard-class frigate, HMS Lynx, is a mixed-media release and comprises a single-piece resin hull and superstructure, with photo-etched metal lattice masts and antenna stays, and white metal guns, boats, radars
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Algerine-Class Fleet Minesweeper By: Starling Models Item no: STK01 Price: £32 Web: www.starling-models.co.uk Starling Models’ first foray into producing waterline kits, a World War Two Royal Navy Algerine-class minesweeper, is stunning. With more than 120 resin and photo-etched (PE) brass components, it features meticulous detail, despite being just 3 7/8in (99mm) long. The highlight is the crisply cast one-piece hull, which includes bitts, hatch covers and breakwater supports, and it receives a full set of PE railings, ladders, cable
reels, davits and depth-charge racks. CAD-style full-colour instructions provide logical construction steps, and modellers comfortable with using PE should be able to attempt this kit without too many issues. There is also a choice between open or enclosed 4in (10.1cm) main armament and 20mm Oerlikon or 40mm Bofors guns (with correct sponsons and support ribs for each). Three schemes are supplied, for HMS Brave (J305), HMS Sylvia (J382) and HMS Arcturus (J283), but there are sufficient numerals (in black and white) for all Royal Navy ships in the class.
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ON THE SHELF AUTO KITS
LEGENDARY MUSCLE CAR
’65 Corvette Stingray By: Revell Item no: 07534 Price: £89.99 Web: www.revell.de/en It’s seldom one encounters a kit as old as the real subject, nor one that’s 50 years-plus in existence, but that’s Revell’s re-box of Monogram’s classic 1965 Corvette Stingray. Despite its age, the parts are surprisingly well moulded and the body shell is magnificent; however, purists may want to strip the chrome and
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re-spray with Alclad, as the coating is uneven in places. Vinyl items include hollow tyres, radiator pipes and there’s even a cam-belt to attach to the 6.5lit engine, which begs to be super-detailed. While the doors are moulded closed, the windows are open (revealing the interior) and the bonnet can be positioned open/closed. Unsurprisingly, the decal sheet is large and filled with placards, instrument dials, company logos and many US and European registration numbers. 1/24
VEE-DUB CLASSIC
POST-WAR WORKHORSE
Magirus S330 (S3000) By: ICM Item no: 35452 Price: £26.99 Web: icm.com.ua ICM has already produced an S3000 truck in Wehrmacht guise, but here, the post-war Magirus S330 variant is offered…with all the little details reproduced splendidly. A new-style front grille is offered for starters, along with the refined engine cover vents and more standard mudguardmounted lamps rather than the wartime blackout variety. A full powerplant features, as do alternative engine covers that
are split along the piano hinge, so one should be able to display (and detail further) this area if desired. Complete drivetrain and suspension units are present to give extra authenticity, and there are even separate inner door cards and handles. No real wood grain is reproduced on the cargo compartment, but this is not to everyone’s taste in this scale anyway…and can always be added by the more serious modeller. Rubber tyres and decals for two vehicles in Germany (1948/49) complete a pleasing kit, ripe for diorama/vignette settings.
FRONT-LOADING BUBBLE
VW 1303S Beetle By: Italeri Item no: 3708 Price: £24.99 Web: hobbyco.net Italeri’s Beetle is a product of its time; first released in the 1970s, with various changes via assorted boxings. This item offers a standard 1303S and some of the detail is fair for its age. There’s deft moulding of the steering wheel, while grilles/vents on the body shell are reasonably convincing. However, there are mould seams across the front and rear mudguards, and flash along the top of the door window
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trim. A metal axle is given for the rear wheels, and the front wheels are attached with rivets, also ensuring movement. Rubber tyres are present, but these have heavy seams. Dashboard detail is reasonable but no foot pedals are included, and the chrome plating on one of the runners (bumpers, lamp cases, wing mirrors, etc) is rather garish. This is less so with the wheel runner, and these look great. Registration decals allow the depiction of cars in different countries, although for the US version, one must fashion new plates from plastic card.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
BMW Isetta 250 By: Revell Item no: 07030 Price: £34.99 Web: www.revell.de/en Revell has taken a trip down memory lane with its Isetta, which is sure to invoke more than a little nostalgia. Unsurprisingly, there is a comparatively low parts count, with just ten runners (two for clear parts) and a separate body shell. There are chrome-plated components, but thankfully the coating is thin and mirror-smooth. As supplied, this builds into a left-hand drive vehicle, but judicious cutting should enable a
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right-hand version to be assembled. As per the real machine, the engine and interior are basic, yet Revell has replicated the door’s fabric inner lining, and the elasticated pocket on the passenger’s sidewall, very well. Options include open/closed main door and sunroof, and there’s even a 1950s-style hard suitcase (with the correct corner reinforcements) to place in the luggage rack. The single scheme supplied is for the smart white/blue livery as depicted on the box top, and Revell has been generous with the registration plates, as there are 11 to choose from.
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A19003 HAWKER TYPHOON Mk.IB ‘CAR DOOR’
HAWKER TYPHOON Mk.IB ‘CAR DOOR’
Introduced into service in 1941, the Hawker Typhoon was designed to be the RAF’s new ultimate interceptor fighter. Superseding the Hawker Hurricane it was hoped that the Typhoon, together with the Spitfire, would be a powerful and effective opponent of the Luftwaffe. However it was not to be. Initially plagued by mechanical woes from the engine and suffering from a deficit in performance at high altitude, the Typhoon instead found fame as a low level attack aircraft, a role to which it was both well suited, and hugely effective. n Fully detailed cockpit interior and pilot n Complete exposed engine option n Fully detailed gun bays n Fully detailed undercarriage n Landing flaps up or down options
Fuselage length 404mm Wingspan 528mm Pieces 520
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ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
CIVILIAN BUGS
BOAC Mosquito PR Mk.IV By: Fündekals :) Item no: N/A Price: US $15 Web: www.fundekals.com Modellers wanting an unusual scheme on their 1/32 Mosquito PR.IVs need look no further than this wonderful set from Fündekals, which details the single airframe (DZ411/G-
1/32 AGFV) operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) during World War Two. Three schemes are provided, and these depict the Mosquito in Dark Earth/Dark Green/Aluminium, Dark Earth/Dark Green/Sky and Dark Slate Grey/Extra Dark Sea Grey/ Night camouflage. The instructions must be downloaded from the company website; these also supply a brief overview of Mosquito operations with BOAC, and impart the ‘speed mods’ carried out on the aircraft’s engine cowlings. As usual, the company’s decal quality is superb, with good register and clear demarcations. All variations of the registration codes are supplied, including the aluminium-edged letters for the upper wings. Although research indicates this Mosquito was not marked with BOAC’s ‘Speedbird’ logo, examples in black and dark blue are included, as are spare lengths of Medium Sea Grey and red/white/blue stripes.
INTERNATIONAL REFUELLERS
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Singapore Stratotankers By: Miliverse Item no: MV-72011 Price: US $19 Web: www.miliverse.com Owners of AMT/Ertl’s (or Italeri’s re-boxing) or Heller’s 1/72 KC-135s can now replicate a broader range of subjects, courtesy of this lovely product from Miliverse. In addition to Singaporean KC-135R airframes, one can also portray Chilean or Turkish machines, although Chile’s are KC-135E variants (with smaller diameter TF33 engines). It comprises three decal sheets, and these are divided predominantly into unit/ national markings, airframe lettering/numerals and stencilling respectively, although the latter also contains several unit and nationality items. Of note, the rudder on Chilean aircraft is painted gloss dark blue. There are sufficient markings to build three KC-135s from this set, although two will require kit stencils. Any of the 14 airframes in
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FLOGGER FINESSE MiG-23ML/MLD/P Airframe Stencils By: Linden Hill Decals Item no: LHD32018 Price: US $21.99 Web: lindenhillimports.com While Trumpeter’s large-scale Floggers spoil modellers with extensive weapons stencils, the same isn’t true for the airframe. Thankfully, Linden Hill has come to the rescue with this two-sheet set, which provides not just the missing data (literally), but also offers options for Soviet and export airframes. Almost a quarter of the markings are duplicated, as the white versions are intended for the MLD variant, with the blue for the ML. A bonus is the inclusion of annotations for the MiG-23P, a specialised interceptor that utilised the same airframe as the ML. When combined with Linden Hill’s other Flogger offerings, it supplies a marking option not available otherwise. Internal and pylon details aren’t neglected, with stencils for all types of the latter
(dependant on which missiles/ weapons are carried) and there are even items for the KM-1 ejection seat. As ever, guidance is offered on particular nuances, but modellers are advised to check references regarding whether all stencils were present on a particular airframe.
PTERODACTYL OPTIONS
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Tupolev SB-2/Avia B.71 By: Xtradecal Item no: X72245 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk
service with these three nations can be built, including: • KC-135R, 751, 22 ARW, Royal Singaporean AF, McConnell AFB, Kansas, 1998-2001 • KC-135R, 753, 112 Sqn, Royal Singaporean AF, 2006-2007 • KC-135R, 58-0110, 101 Filo, Turkish AF, Incirlik • KC-135E, 981, Grupo de Aviación No 10, Chilean AF, Santiago, 2013-present
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
This busy sheet from Xtradecal supplies basic markings for ten examples of the SB-2-M-100series/B.71 (nicknamed pterodactyl by Russian crews) as operated by eight different air forces. ICM’s and MPM’s 1/72 offerings will benefit from the range of subjects and their attractive liveries, with the risk that more than one model may have to be built! It’s notable how many of these schemes can be paired, at least in terms of opposing forces, with Soviet/ Finnish and Spanish Republican/ Nationalist combinations, all of which makes for an appealing display. Schemes include: • SB-2-M-100A, Red 1, 13th SBAP, Soviet AF, 1941 • SB-2-M-100A, Chinese Nationalist AF, 1939 • SB-2-M-100A, White 2, Spanish Republican AF, 1936-37 • SB-2-M-100A, 20W-10, Spanish Nationalist AF, 1939
• SB-2-M-103A, SB-13, 2/LeLv 6, Finnish AF, 1942 • Avia B.71, SE+DP, KG 200, Luftwaffe, Rangsdorf, 1944 • Avia B.71, K10, 73rd Flight, III Sqn, 6 LP, Czechoslovak Army AF, 1938 • Avia B.71, V3, Vzdusne zbrane, Slovak AF, 1943
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
HEBREW RHINOS
Israeli Air Force F-4E / RF-4 Kurnass By: IsraDecal Item no: IAF-98 Price: US $30 Web: www.isradecal.com As Phantoms go, Israeli examples really do take some beating for colour, and variety of stores. With this in mind, F-4 fans will love IsraDecals’s new collection of
1/72 markings for F-4Es and RF-4s. In a refreshing move, the colour schemes are shown via annotated photos of real aircraft, rather than simple profiles/plan views. A wealth of serials is provided, so one is not confined to portraying the examples on the instructions alone, and pleasingly, both short and long 20mmm cannon fairings are represented on the F-4Es, which all wear the standard three-tone upper camouflage; the recce jets are in low-vis grey. Limited stencilling is supplied, along with a splendid shark mouth option and colourful squadron badges. The units given are: The Hammers Sqn, The One Sqn, The Bat Sqn, Orange Tail Sqn, The Scorpion Sqn. The first of these units is explored in a superb new book by IsraDecal, reviewed on p.74 of this issue.
SNOOPING WILD HORSES
67th TRG Mustangs By: Kits World Item no: 172139 Price: £10.20 Web: www.kitsworld.co.uk Modellers looking for a different guise in which to portray their 1/72 Mustangs should consider this interesting sheet, which offers two Ninth AF recce P-51s from the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, based at Middle Wallop, Hampshire, late in World War Two. The printing
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is good and the rendering of the nose art even better, and conversion to camera-toting Mustangs is a simple affair on any kit, but note that the F-6C is a Malcolm-hooded aircraft, so one must select the correct P-51B/C boxing. National insignia is included and the two choices are: • F-6D, 44-14699/VX-W ‘Shady Lady’, Lt Slonneger, 109th TRS • F-6C, 43-25081/VX-L ‘Oh Jonnie’, Lt Sherman Childers, 109th TRS
NORDIC LIFESAVER
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Norwegian Air Ambulance Eurocopter EC145 By: Lima November Decals Item no: LN72-536 Price: €6.61 Web: www.lndecals.com If civilian subjects are your bag, and emergency services in particular, then Lima November’s new sheet for Revell’s EC145 helicopter should be just the ticket. This dazzling machine, coded LN-OOM and in Day-Glo yellow and red, is operated by Stiftelsen Norsk Luftanbulanse, a non-profit foundation contracted by the Norwegian state for aero-medical duties. LM’s instructions offer painting notes for the interior, but it’s
NAVAL EXTREMES Vought F-8E(FN) and de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth By: Model Art Item no: 72/065 Price: £8 Web: www.modartdec.com Model Art’s combinations always offer fascinating subjects. In this instance, two naval aircraft are represented but both are very different; one being the old muscle of the French fleet, the Crusader, and the other is the humble Tiger Moth in Royal Navy service. For the F-8E(FN), one receives initial Light Gull Gray FS 36440 over white (and overall 36440) liveries, and generic codes enable any aircraft from the fleet to be modelled (12F and 14F). Also provided are two special scheme aircraft in late-service bluegrey. The Tiger Moths are mostly from station flights and wear doped aluminium with DayGlo orange/trainer yellow portions. The Day-Glo areas come on a smaller sheet not shown here, and these
left to the modeller to ascertain the correct colour matches for the exterior shades; a large photograph of said aircraft is supplied to help with this. As for the decals themselves, one receives the black window trim, red body striping and all lettering and badges.
1/72 are well-printed, suitably bright items; seven Moths are supplied. Examples of both aircraft include: • F-8E(FN), No.3, D-Day anniversary, 1994 • F-8E(FN), No.35, aircraft carrier Foch retirement, 2000 • Tiger Moth, T8191/E, Britannia Royal Naval College, 1965 • Tiger Moth, XL714, HMS Heron Station Flight, 1967 • Tiger Moth, T8191/CU, HMS Seahawk Station Flight, Culdrose, 1971
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 91
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
BOB-TAILED BEAUTY
1/48 the components of the stunning Lynx artwork, and the instructions provide a set application sequence as there are important overlaps to consider. The printing is excellent, and besides the obvious cat motif, there are the aircraft’s serials and codes, stencilling and Royal Navy logos, along with spare colour patch decals of each shade used on the feline illustration. Two aircraft from the Black Cats aerobatic team are provided: XZ692/641 and XZ722/645.
Westland Lynx HMA.8 Black Cat By: Freightdog Models Item no: RCD48001 Price: £8.50 Web: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk Freightdog has re-released its superb Rotor Craft label Royal Navy Black Cats livery for the Lynx HMA.8. Designed to fit Airfix’s kit, three separate sheets carry all
With the recent spate of 1/35 AMX-13 releases, this set from Star Decals is perfect for providing greater markings variety. As well as regular armoured units, there are at least two machines assigned to the French Foreign Legion, including one example that participated in the 1956 Suez Crisis. All decals have crisp colour delineation, and the opacity (notably on the white
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markings and numerals) is sufficient to prevent bleedthrough of underlying shades. As usual, one must refer to a diagram on the instructions to identify items, but this is made easier due to the decals being grouped. The five machines (in either French Olive Drab or sand yellow camouflage) are: • White 22 ‘Suez 1956’ • ‘Anjou’, 9eme Régiment de Hussards, 1961 • White 75 ‘Dung Hoi’ • ‘Menez – Hom’, 1er Régiment Etrangér de Cavalerie • 831638, 2e Régiment Etrangér de Cavalerie, Port Fouad, Egypt, Op Musketeer, 1956
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
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Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Hawker Hurricane Mk.I By: Xtradecal Item no: X48144 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk Having already provided many of these schemes in 1/72 scale, Xtradecal also offers them in 1/48…perfect for hanging on Airfix’s new-tool Hurricane Mk.I. All five options represent aircraft flown during JuneSeptember 1940, and wear the standard day fighter colours of Dark Earth and Dark Green; but the undersides vary between Eau-de-Nil and Sky Type S. Different styles of roundel also feature to add interest. The liveries are: • P2798/LK-A, Ian Gleed, 87 Sqn RAF, Exeter • SO-E, 145 Sqn RAF, Croydon • V6665/RF-J, JE Kent, 303 (Warsaw-Kosciusco) Polish
Sqn, Northolt • V7467/LE-D, Douglas Bader, 242 (Canadian) Sqn RAF, Coltishall • P3148/NN-Q, 310 (Czech) Sqn RAF, Duxford
MED AND ASIAN THEATRE SPITS
UPGUNNED MINI-TANK
AMX-13/75 By: Star Decals Item no: 35-C1007 Price: US $5 Web: www.star-decals.net
TRIBUTE TO THE FEW
Spitfire Mk.VIII Part 1 By: BarracudaCals Item no: BC72227 Price: US $10.95 Web: www.barracudacals.com When it comes to Spitfire subtypes, the Mk.VIII hasn’t attracted as much attention as Mk.Vs or Mk.IXs, but thankfully Barracuda has begun to address the shortfall again with this re-released sheet. There are plenty of options, dictated in part due to a lack of available photographs of one or more aspects of a particular airframe (all replicated on the decals) but also due to doubts over the colour of specific artwork or unit codes. Helpfully, two full sets of stencils are provided. The six schemes (just five are depicted in the instructions, but the sixth is as per the 1/48 release) are: • JF4786/QJ-D,
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92 Sqn RAF, Desert Air Force, Taranto, September 1943 • JF835/UM-T, 152 Sqn RAF, SEAC, Sinthe Airstrip, Burma, 1945 • MT982/UM-C, 152 Sqn RAF, SEAC, Sinthe Airstrip, Burma, 1945 • A58-517/UP-F ‘Hava Go-Jo’, 79 Sqn RAAF, Morotai, Indonesia, late spring 1945 • HL-K ‘Fargo Express’, 208th FS, 31st FG, USAAF, Castel Volturno, Italy, February 1944 • JG183/RD-S, 67 Sqn RAF, Alipore, India, February 29, 1944
HISTORY • REFERENCE PHOTOS • COLOUR PROFILES Key Publishing’s first reference book in the new Combat Machines series is a detailed 84-page study of the famous B-17G bomber, timed perfectly for the release of Airfix’s new 1/72 kit of the type. Written by Malcolm V Lowe, the development and history of the B-17G, including its post-war service are covered in full with rare black and white (and colour) photos, more than 30 specially commissioned colour profiles, a two-page cutaway drawing and walk-round images of a restored aircraft. This is a vital research and reference tool for modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike, and seeks to correct erroneous information published in other books. Besides offering useful material about the aircraft itself, Combat Machines B-17G also explores the flight crews, their clothing and Medal of Honor awards, as well as missions flown by
NEW SERIES
the RAF and USAAF’s numbered air forces.
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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
HAWKER SPRUCE-UP
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GUSTAV THRONE
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WARHAWK ADDITIONS
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Bf 109G-2 thru G-10 Seat – No Belts By: BarracudaCast Item no: BR32223 Price: US $7.95 Web: www.barracudacals.com Tempest Mk.V By: Eduard Item no: 32880 Price: €18.95 Web: www.eduard.com Special Hobby’s new-tool Tempest was packaged as a ‘Hi-Tech’ version on initial release, but this sold out quickly. If one still wants to add further detail to the company’s plain all-styrene kit, though, look no further than Eduard’s cockpit set. This supplies a beautifully detailed seat and rudder pedals in brass, along with full pre-coloured instrumentation and other gear for the ‘office', such as a compass rose. No seatbelts are provided, but there are also canopy sills and extras for the tail undercarriage leg.
ATTILA’S OFSPRING
BarracudaCast’s lovely cast resin seat and rear cockpit bulkhead is designed to fit Revell’s Bf 109G-6 and G-10 kits. Unlike the previously reviewed item (BR32224, see Nov 2016 issue), this is not fitted with seatbelts, enabling modellers to either fit a pilot figure or metal/fabric aftermarket straps. A drop-in item, the seat is far superior to the styrene offering, with commendably thin sides and pre-opened holes for cockpit pipes and cables.
ROYAL TRACKS
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Spike Missiles By: IsraCast Item no: IC-48044 Price: US $24 Web: www.isradecal.com
P-40B By: Eduard Item no: 49786 Price: €17.25 Web: www.eduard.com A mix of pre-coloured alloy and plane brass makes this set comprehensive, and it’s ideal for anyone wanting to embellish Airfix’s new-tool P-40B. A full array of pilot area details is supplied, with instrument panels, sidewall equipment, a throttle and much more, while the brass parts involve a new seat , exhaust cowling panels, grilles, a radio compartment hatch, gear doors, undercarriage bay linings and trim tab actuators, among other additions.
EAGLE ACCESS
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Israel’s AH-1 Cobras are known collectively as Tzefa (viper), and while there have been 1/48 kits and after-market decals depicting Israeli F and S variants, these have lacked indigenous weapons. IsraCast’s superb set of four Rafael Spike anti-tank guided missiles, complete with two twin-store carriers, has now addressed this glaring gap. Thanks to the crisp casting, all of the detail is well rendered... notably on the racks and guidance antenna assembly. Full stencilling is supplied, with alternative labels for training (black) stores and operational (white) missiles.
LIGHTNING UPGRADE
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Ladder for F-15 By: Plus Model Item no: AL4060 Price: €7 Web: www.plusmodel.cz
39M Csaba wheel set Firestone By: SBS Model Item no: 35027 Price: €14 Web: www.sbsmodel.com As long as Hobby Boss releases unusual subjects such as the Hungarian 39M Csaba armoured car, it seems SBS will offer useful additions. This set provides four resin wheels with Firestone tyre patterns for the Csaba (named after Attila the Hun’s son), and the casting is very good. Convincing bolt head detail, wellrendered tread and separate rear hubs all make this package a worthy option to add more realism.
VIPER’S FANGS
Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.B Tiger II Mid. By: MasterClub Item no: MTL35095 Price: £29.99 Web: www.masterclub.ru MasterClub’s gorgeous white metal track sets are a work of art, and this package for the Tiger II Midproduction versions is no exception. There are 210 track links and 420 resin track pins; the former are of two types, one with the track cleats and one without, and these are alternated to produce fully working tracks. Quick and easy to assemble, just minor preparation will be needed, to remove any minor flash on the links and the result will be most realistic, featuring the correct sag over the roadwheels.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
One can add an instant touch of authenticity to an F-15 build with Plus Model’s neat ladder. Moulded crisply in grey styrene, the eight-part unit has all the necessary features, such as the protection pad, cross-brace and sill hooks. Build instructions are printed on the back of the box, and all one should then do is consult reference photos for the correct paint colours. ‘Mudhen’ or plain air-defence variant, this will look great once attached.
P-38F Cockpit By: Eduard Item no: 648277 Price: €29.95 Web: www.eduard.com Academy’s 1/48 P-38F Lightning gets a serious revamp in the shape of Eduard’s stunning cockpit detail set, courtesy of 14 crisply cast resin items and a photo-etched (PE) metal fret. Just two of the original kit parts are retained after this stunning upgrade, the much-modified coaming and the windscreen. Resin components provide the basic structure, controls, seat, radios and other fittings, with PE instrument panel, seatbelts, throttle quadrants, and canopy frame. Equipment placards are supplied as decals.
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
‘FRIGHTNING’ DELIGHTS
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BAC Lightning F.2A/F.6 Cockpit Set By: BarracudaCast Item no: BR72212 Price: $12.50 Web: www.barracudacals.com This was an early production sample, so the title isn’t quite correct–it’s just the F.6 cockpit, and is designed to fit Airfix’s newly tooled 1/72 scale Lightning. The 14 well-cast resin components will transform the area, with the main tub being the standout item, featuring accurate representation of the myriad pipes and cables in the rear cockpit. Similarly, the coaming is festooned with the boxes and displays that were added to the Lightning’s 'office' during its long service career. A small decal sheet supplies instrument panels, with a neat two-part combination for the main console.
BIPLANE UPGRADE
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Avia B-534 (all variants) By: Brengun Item no: BRL 144122 Price: €7.08 Web: www.brengun.cz Eduard pleased many smallscale modelling fans by reducing in size its neat Avia. One can now make a real showpiece of it, though, by employing Brengun’s beautifully etched metal details. The fret is small (so is its intended subject), but it carries great replacements/ improvements; cockpit framing, alternative instrument panels for each variant, air intake grilles, a control column, gunsight, bomb racks, a tail skid and more.
GLAZING DETAILS
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De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide masks and window frames By: Arctic Decals Item no: ARC72-FR01 Price: €5 Web: www.arcticdecals.com Finland’s Arctic Decals now has a splendid detailing and finishing set for anyone with the venerable Heller/Airfix Dragon Rapide kit. The content is simple…precut vinyl window masks, with which to protect the glazing while airbrushing. But the really neat addition is that of the self-adhesive chrome window frames, which also cater for the windscreen. With the latter, it’s advisable to run over the existing cuts with a fresh scalpel blade, to ensure clean separation.
HOVERING BRASS
TRANSPORT METAL-FEST
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Caudron C-445 Goéland By: Brengun Item no: BRL 144122 Price: €11.11 Web: www.brengun.cz RS Models’ C-445 is a decent kit, but it can be made better with the fine photo-etched metal details in Brengun’s dedicated set. It offers many different items, such as new backs for the cockpit seats, rudder pedals, control yokes, fuselage doors, engine nacelle grilles, an instrument panel with acetate dials, window frames and windscreen wipers. Brengun’s etching is as good as ever, and this package will certainly make the most of the base kit.
RACING LEGEND
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TADPOLE SURGERY
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A-6 Intruder Fin Tip By: Hypersonic Models Item no: HMR 48026 Price: £4.50 Web: hypersonicmodels.co.uk Hypersonic’s replacement fin tip is designed for the 1/48 Hobby Boss Intruder, which is misshapen at the top of the vertical tail. This item can be fitted after removing the tip from the kit fuselage halves, and the task should be simple as the cut is along a panel line. One might also have to reduce the plastic slightly on the inner faces of the kit vertical tails, but as this new fin top also sports corrected surface detail, the upgrade is worth the effort.
INCENDIARY ADDITIONS
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1/48
Harrier GR Mk.7/9 upgrade set By: Eduard Item no: 49784 Price: €14.95 Web: www.eduard.com Eduard recently re-issued Hasegawa’s respectable 1/48 Harrier as a limited edition, but the extras were limited to a resin seat and wheels, masks and a small pre-coloured photoetched (PE) metal fret. This larger brass package provides welcome airframe details, such as exhaust nozzle deflection plates, cockpit floor and rear bulkhead plate, true-toscale vanes for the exhaust nozzles themselves, undercarriage doors, missile rail improvements, a head-up display frame and formation ‘slime’ light panels.
Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower masks By: Thunderbird Models Item no: TBM-005 Price: £2.95 Web: thunderbirdmodels.co.uk If one has always wanted to build a model of the iconic Bentley ‘Blower’, but the Airfix 1/12 offering is just too big, the smaller Heller/Revell 1/24 moulding is a good alternative. Here, Thunderbird thoughtfully provides a pre-cut vinyl set, which offers masks for the ‘8’ race numbers and Union Jack flags. Care must be taken with the latter items to ensure neat results, as the separate masking elements are thin and delicate. A fresh scalpel blade and needlenosed tweezers are advised.
Mk.77 Bombs By: Eduard Item no: 672116 Price: €7.45 Web: www.eduard.com The silver slim-barrel-shaped Mk.77 has been a common sight on US aircraft since Vietnam, but is now used mainly by just the US Navy and Marine Corps. Eduard’s splendid resin two-piece renditions feature arming lanyards, carriage lugs and refill caps for this 500lb-class napalm munition. The nose fuses (the shorter body section is to the front of the canister) are provided as separate items, and will cover where the pour stub is attached, while there are sufficient stencils for three fire bombs.
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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
FLOWERCLASS FUN
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HMCS Snowberry pt.1 armament By: Eduard Item no: 53175 Price: €37.45 Web: www.eduard.com Revell’s HMCS Snowberry corvette is good, but serious ship modellers will want after-market help to represent the finer details. Enter the first of three Eduard photo-etched (PE) brass sets now available, and this package deals with accoutrements for the vessel’s weaponry. The kit’s depth charges are given endplates and entire launching racks, there are magazines, sights and shields for Lewis guns, much the same for Pom-Poms and Oerlikons, and an impressive mount and other fine features for the 4in gun. Also included are racks for hedgehog antisubmarine rockets.
MORE CORVETTE GOODIES
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HMCS Snowberry pt.2 superstructure By: Eduard Item no: 53176 Price: €37.45 Web: www.eduard.com Besides Eduard’s extensive Snowberry weaponry PE, the firm’s second set caters for the vessel’s superstructure. This large fret is the same size and packed with stanchions, ladders, portholes, vents, hatches and life-raft/dinghy embellishment, but there are also refinements for the direction finder and its platform, cable reels, stowage boxes, davits, mast and other assemblies. The total outlay for all three sets is certainly substantial, but a show-stopping build will be the result.
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1/48
HIGHCALIBRE GUNS
Browning Cal .50 Fixed By: GasPatch Models Item no: 48081 Price: €7 Web: www.gaspatchmodels.com GasPatch’s splendid three-piece resin .50 cal fixed machine guns will improve any 1/48 World War Two fighter’s appearance greatly. As always, the standard of casting is excellent, notably on the main body, and there is a choice between circular and slotted cooling jackets for the barrel. Thanks to the parts breakdown, these can even be posed in a re-arming diorama, as the cover plate is supplied as a separate item…a ten-round section of ammunition belt is also included.
HAIL OF LEAD
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USN 40mm Bofors Quad Mount Ver.3 By: Master Model Item no: SM-350-095 Price: ¤17.90 Web: www.master-model.pl Jaws will drop at the detail incorporated into Master Model’s six quad 40mm Bofors units, which will undoubtedly replace styrene units on numerous US, French and British 1/350 ship models. The gun mounts/ loader’s platforms, gun breeches, case guide ramps and separate Mk.51 directors are supplied as resin items, while the guard rails, pointers’ seats and aiming reticles and gun shield are included on a photo-etched brass fret. Finally, each of the 24 barrels is provided as a turned brass barrel, complete with hollow muzzle.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
VEHICLE TREATS
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WWII USAAF Bomber Re-supply Set By: Eduard Item no: 648153 Price: €27.75 Web: www.eduard.com
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British Missile Beaufighter By: Plus Model Item no: AL7017 Price: €6.80 Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Airfix’s Bomber Re-supply set is a gem in its own right, but for those seeking extra refinement, Eduard’s photo-etched metal upgrade is just the ticket. Each of the five vehicles receives a number of embellishments, with the largest single item being the container on the Cushman Package Car, while the M5 Bomb Trailer receives new racks, and engine grilles are supplied for the Chevrolet Truck and Autocar U-7144-T. As a bonus, there are replacement fins for all six bombs.
BETTER BEAVER
'ROCKBEAU' MUNITIONS
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Modellers desiring superdetailed 60lb rockets for their Airfix 1/72 Beaufighters will welcome this delightful product from Plus Model, which supplies eight munitions, their associated launch rails and metal underwing blast-plates. The casting is first-rate, but there was considerable flash on the rockets in AMW’s sample, although the protective ‘arms’ on each casting block is a neat touch. Cleverly, the blastplates are designed as direct replacements for the kit parts, and if desired, the rockets can be attached to them before the whole assembly is added to the wing.
SOVIET LIGHT ARMAMENT
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Leopard I Bridgelayer ‘Biber’ By: Hauler Item no: HLH72053 Price: €12.81 Web: www.hauler.cz Whether one has the original release or updated 2012 version of Revell’s 1/72 Leopard I Biber (beaver) armoured vehicle-launched bridgelayer, Hauler’s intricate update will change its appearance greatly. The single photo-etched metal fret (which is larger than the model chassis) is packed with refinements, from equipment and tools, to engine intake/ exhaust grilles and dozer blade edge. The bridge section isn’t neglected, with replacement lugs, hinge plates and locking mechanisms.
BA-10, T-26 (late) Set By: Magic Models Item no: MM3555 Price: US $18 Web: www.magicmodels.ru Although probably designed for either Zvezda’s or Hobby Boss’ 1/35 offerings, this smart gun barrel set could easily be adapted for any other BA-10 or T-26 kit (these types had the same armament). It comprises six turned brass components, including the 45mm main gun and two examples each of the DT-29 machine gun barrels and recoil cylinders. Also included is a turned metal vehicle horn, of the style used on early Soviet tanks.
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PLASTIC SURGERY ASK THE EXPERTS
Flawless finish
Q
“I want to learn about the joining of an aircraft fuselage; how to cement them together, fill gaps, polish or burnish the edges properly and re-scribe panel lines and/or rivets
so the result is flawless.” Martin Graeff, via e-mail AMW’s Assistant Editor, Stu Fone, says: “This is the holy grail for many modellers, and
it’s probably best answered by obtaining one of the many step-by-step guides currently in publication, such as AMW’s Scale Modelling Specials (www. shop.keypublishing.com). Basic principles would be to ensure the halves are aligned, either with the kit’s own locating pins (if present), plastic card tabs and/or masking tape, before any glue is applied, and then work slowly from one end to the other, checking for any steps between the parts as you progress. There are a multitude of filling products, and what to use is a matter of personal taste; for myself Vallejo’s Plastic Putty is ideal for small gaps, then Squadron Green Stuff and Milliput for larger corrections. To produce a smooth finish, it’s a matter of employing increasingly finer grades of abrasive paper, before turning to polishing cloths/pads (various brands are available…
Truck branding
Q
“I'm a semi-retired lorry driver getting back into modelling and tend to favour 1/32, 1/35 and 1/24 scales. I am looking for decals in the latter scale for an Emhar Bedford tanker. Having seen several photos of Shell/ BP tankers of 1950s vintage in historic vehicle magazines, I decided to paint the model with a red tank and green cab. Now I need Shell/BP decals to finish it. Any ideas please?” Bob Ellis, via e-mail
such as Code Models (visit: www. scale-vehicle-model-makers. co.uk or phone Lindsay on 01792 797007). Another custom provider is Chris’s Bespoke Transfers at: www.cbtransfers. co.uk. Thinking laterally, you could also take a ‘cross-hobby’ approach and explore decals designed for
railway subjects, as Shell and BP logos/branding appeared on tanker rolling stock. The right item may be available, but you’d need to find the right scale. On a slight tangent, if you are looking for truck modelling accessories as well as decals, try Kit Form Services: www.kitformservices.com”
AMW’s Editor, Chris Clifford, says: “Great choice of genre Bob…vintage trucks ooze character but are not always well catered for with after-market products. There are various options, though. Firstly, if you have access to the Internet, you could try www.dmc-decals. dk, or a custom decal service,
the higher the number, the finer the grade). Burnishing can mean either the final polishing stage of sanding as just described, or the pressing of adhesive tape/ foil into an object’s nooks and crannies to prevent any paint from seeping under, due to capillary action. Re-scribing, whether to produce panel lines or rivets is no less diverse a subject, and one which it’s best to practice on an old kit wherever possible. As with many techniques, there are bespoke tools available, but this can be achieved with a steel rule, pin vice and either a headless pin or a needle. All these products can be bought online, and many are available at model shows. Hopefully these suggestions will enable you to embark on your own path to achieving these results.”
Contact us Do you have a modelling conundrum regarding techniques or references? If so, why not quiz our band of contributors, history writers and industry contacts? Simply send your query via e-mail (with The Plastic Surgery in the subject line), to:
[email protected], or a typed letter by post to: The Plastic Surgery, Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, United Kingdom. Please provide your postal address. Each question printed will receive a selection of Ultimate Modelling’s sanding sticks worth approximately £15. For further details on Ultimate Modelling Products, please visit www.umpretail.com
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