FREE!
P-51D POSTER
Colour profiles and Airfix box art
Sep 2017 Issue 82
74
EXCLUSIVE
RIDING
LATEST PRODUCT REVIEWS
SHOTGUN Airfix’s new 1/48 P-51D Mustang
TUSK II TUSK
Academy’s 1/35 M1A2 Abrams
CUBAN FURY
1/72 Mi-24V Hind-E from Revell
£4.50
AMMO_FP.indd 1
29/06/2017 14:46
EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME
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WELCOME TO ISSUE 82
I
t’s with no small amount of glee that we present an airliner conversion project this month,
especially as it’s been built by an actual airline pilot! Massimo Santarossa takes a humble DC-8, makes very achievable structural changes and adds a dazzling livery. Akin to well-made cars, good airliners always impress me at model shows and the two genres demand similar skills, often involving a superb final finish. A handful of readers have highlighted our lack of coverage regarding passenger-carrying aviation in the past, but rest assured, I’m on the case and more builds have been commissioned. If you’re anything like me, having a huge love of colour, airliners can satisfy
like no other subject, and unsurprisingly, there is a healthy array of dedicated aftermarket decals and accessories. Watch this space for more civil action in the future. On that note, another build in this issue follows a similar vein, in that the tractor and tanker units from Airfix’s USAAF Bomber Re-supply Set receive beautiful non-military colours. The idea for this scenario first came about at last year’s Scale ModelWorld at Telford, where Mika from Arctic Decals provided AMW with a selection of superb markings for said vehicles. The seed was sown! Changing the identity of an
aircraft or vehicle from the accepted norm is often great fun, hugely refreshing, and can rejuvenate one’s enthusiasm for the hobby if the usual subjects are not proving particularly inspiring. Look at it as a step beneath ‘what-if’ modelling; considerably different from the standard, but still accurate… and a mother lode for the adventurous. I recommend you try it, as it could well be the shot in the arm your modelling needs.
Chris Clifford, Editor
[email protected]
FREE GIFT! Subscribe to AMW and claim your free 1/72 Hurricane Mk.I model kit or 5-piece diamond file set. See page 76. Editor: Chris Clifford Assistant Editor: Stu Fone Editor's Secretary: Tuesday-Maria Osborne Contributors this issue: Andy Davies, Massimo Santarossa, Kev Smith, Chris Jones, Alan Price, Jen Wright, Jakub Fotik, Glenn Sands, Steve Budd 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 UKP Worldwide, 3390 Rand Road, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Periodicals postage paid at Rahway, NJ and at 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 3390 Rand Road, South Plainfield NJ 07080.
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.
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
The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2016 was 12,730 print and digital copies monthly.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 3
CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?
REGULARS 06 News
BUILD P-51D MUSTANG 50 EXCLUSIVE
The latest happenings in the world of plastic modelling.
14 Show Scene At-a-glance model show calendar.
76 Free Gift! Subscribe to Airfix Model World and claim your free 1/72 Hawker Hurricane Mk.I model kit or five-piece diamond file set.
78 On the Shelf Fifteen pages of reviews highlight the latest modelling and reference products from around the world.
FREE! P-51D POSTER Colour profiles and Airfix box art
98 The Plastic Surgery Quiz AMW’s team of contributors, history writers and industry contacts regarding your own modelling mysteries.
SHOW SCENE 40 MAFVA Nationals
BUILD PETLYAKOV P Pe -2 Pe-2 42 INTERMEDIATE
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BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II 32 INTERMEDIATE
CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?
16
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR
FEATURES 16 Intermediate Build – Shark-Mouthed Snooper Trumpeter’s 1/72 Su-24MR receives corrective treatment and extra detail from Andy Davies.
24 Out and About – Marquee Menagerie Editor Chris Clifford heads east for IPMS Ipswich’s model show.
26 Intermediate Build – Orange is Beautiful Minicrafts’ 1/144 DC-8 airliner is converted into a Series 50 version by Massimo Santarossa.
32 Intermediate Build – TUSK II TUSK Having appraised Rye Field’s new 1/35 Abrams in July issue, Kev Smith now tackles Academy’s recent three-in-one M1A2 TUSK.
40 Out and About – Marvellous Militaria Chris Clifford and Stu Fone report on the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association’s annual gathering.
42 Intermediate Build – Peshka over Kursk Chris Jones is bowled over by the detail on Zvezda’s 1/48 Soviet Petlyakov Pe-2 ground-attacker.
50 Exclusive Build – Riding Shotgun Airfix’s all-new P-51D is arguably the best 1/48 version on the market, according to Alan Price.
58 Intermediate Build – Cuban Fury Jennifer Wright adds home-spun and aftermarket detail to Revell’s 1/72 Mi-24V Hind, and plumps for an eye-catching Caribbean colour scheme.
64 In Focus – The Devil’s Chariot Helicopter specialist Jakub Fotik examines the variants and weaponry of Mil’s Mi-24, and presents superb reference photos.
70 Out and About – Cockpits, Kits and More… Glenn Sands finds miniature and full-size treats in store at the Boscombe Down Aircraft Collection’s model event.
72 Intermediate Build – Big Red The tractor/tanker from Airfix’s 1/72 USAAF Bomber Re-supply set is converted to a civilian version by Steve Budd.
Your favourite magazine is available digitally. See airfixmodelworld.com for more details. You can also find us on:
BUILD Mi-24V HIND-E 58 INTERMEDIATE
Search ‘Airfix Model World’
www.airfixmodelworld.com 5
NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
BREAKING
NEWS
1/48 FAVOURITES
TWO KITS that were very popular on their initial release have made it back into Airfix’s range, but with different decals. The Defiant NF.1 (A05132) offers markings for two overall Night aircraft; N3328/DZ-Z, from 151 Squadron, RAF Wittering, in 1941, and 264 Squadron’s N3313/PS-P, flown by Sqn Ldr Philip James Saunders, from Debden and Biggin Hill, 1940-41. Quarter-scale fans can also look
forward to the fact that the P-40B now appears as a Tomahawk Mk.IIb, and the two RAF liveries from 1941 are: AH893/RM-D, 26 Squadron, Gatwick, UK (day fighter colours), and AK457/GA-O, flown by Sgt William Earl Houston, 112 Squadron, Libya in 1941 (Mediterranean ‘desert’ scheme). The plastic remains unchanged in both kits, and they are due this September. For further details visit: www.airfix.com
BETTER RECCE FOXBAT
THERE’S AN air of déja vu with Revell’s latest boxing, as it’s a re-issue of ICM's 1/48 MiG-25 RBT ...with new decals and tweaked parts. The latter’s Foxbat-B has been popular, but Revell’s release (03931) features changes to the nose halves, providing an accurate Doppler fairing. Additionally, the nose cone’s subtle curves are now replicated correctly, and several missing panel lines have been added. There’s still room for aftermarket, though, as not all the RBT’s ducts and panels have been incorporated. That said, it’s noticeable that all seven runners still retain the ICM logo, so it may be the
company has updated the moulds for this re-packaged kit…perhaps these will make an appearance under its own label in the future? Otherwise, the difference between ICM’s and Revell’s boxing is just the decals, and while there is a generous helping of airframe stencils and markings for the Russian Red 61 and Red 45 (from 1992 and 2012), it’s disappointing no unit information is supplied. One welcome move, given Revell’s usually frail boxes, is the inclusion of a robust corrugated card liner to protect the parts, with the wing runners separate to the remainder. Visit: www.revell.de/en
FANCY FRIEDRICH
GRIME AND EMBELLISHMENTS IT JUST goes to show how far the hobby has come in terms of weathering techniques, when a
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publication dedicated to the subject reaches its fourth edition, with every sign of continuing. AMMO MIG’S latest issue of ‘The Weathering Magazine’ is devoted to replicating stains, runs and splatters of oil and grease on figures and vehicles, as well as heat-marked effects on jet and rocket exhausts. Unsurprisingly, the best results are achieved with oil paints, and the photo-based, step-by-step guide should enable modellers of all skill levels to create their own weatherworn effects on armour, aircraft and figures…although practice will be the key to success. More details are at: www.migjimenez.com
EDUARD HAS released a profiPACK version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109F-2 in 1/48 scale. An extension of its most recent tooling of this iconic aircraft, kit 82115 offers sublime styrene parts, two photo-etched (PE) brass frets (and pre-coloured metal), tape masks and air-toground weaponry for one of the colour scheme options. Eastern
and Western Front aircraft are represented, and they were flown by the following pilots: Hans Philipp (JG 54), Siegfried ‘Wumm’ Schnell (JG 2), Horst Buddenhagen (JG 3), Hans Beisswenger, JG 54 and Wilhelm Hachfeld (JG 51). Philip’s ‘Grunherz’ aircraft is a whitewashed example, and that of Hachfeld is the ground-attacker with four-store ETC 50 bomb rack. www.eduard.com
PLUCKY LITTLE BIPLANE FOR ITS second foray into the realm of injection-moulded kits, Gas Patch has settled on Henschel’s doughty Hs 123. As with its previous Salmson 2A2, this biplane receives more than just a single release, with the A-1 (48095), to be joined by the B-1 (48096) and a Condor Legion packaging (48097). The six styrene runners supply parts for both A- and B-versions, but the clear CAD-style instructions make differentiation, and determining the respective components for spatted or unspatted sub-variants, easy. One widely misinterpreted Hs 123 element is its engine cowling; here, Gaspatch has included a 12-piece assembly to replicate the compound curves and cylinder-head bulges faithfully. Similarly,
MEDWAY IS BACK! AFTER A three-year absence, Medway Modelling Club has announced it will return to the Royal Engineers’ Museum in Kent on September 2-3, 2017. This event was regular until 2014, when the venue closed for refurbishment. Despite hosting shows at nearby locations, the club decided on a sabbatical for 2016, before receiving news it could return to the museum. The show will feature club and IPMS Special Interest Group displays, traders and a model competition, and will be open from 10am-5pm each day. Standard museum admission prices apply, but that will allow visitors to peruse the extensive exhibits covering this unit’s 900-plus years of history. Notable items include the world’s first useable guided torpedo, a section of Berlin Wall, and a Harrier GR.3; visitors are also brought up to date with how the Royal Engineers supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more details, see p.14 or: www.re-museum.co.uk
the BMW 132 radial engine is reproduced in all its glory, missing just ignition leads to finalise it. Thoughtfully, a threepart carboard jig is supplied to ensure perfect undercarriage alignment…supporting the weight of the model, while locking the wheels in place. A small photo-etched brass fret
provides refinements for the cockpit and airframe, while the splendid Cartograf-printed decal sheet offers Spanish Civil War, pre-war and late-war Luftwaffe, and Chinese Air Force airframes to round off a corking package. More on Gas Patch kits and accessories can be found at: www.gaspatchmodels.com
FEEL THE FORCE
A LONG time ago, in a…sorry we couldn’t resist it! Those immortal words are the first thing that comes into mind whenever a Star Wars kit hits our desks, and that’s exactly what happened with two limited-edition Model Sets from Revell. The first, 06051, is a TIE Fighter. It’s quoted as being 1/65 on the box, but Revell’s scaling seems to have gone haywire; judging by the very good pilot figure included,
it’s closer to 1/35 or 1/32. That aside, the moulding is pleasing, with impressive detail that begs to receive wash and dry-brush treatment. This Level 3 offering also has six pots of acrylic paint, a brush and Contacta Professional Mini adhesive. On the Rebel side is Level 3 kit 06050, the X-34 Landspeeder, which is a re-release from 2011. It too suffers from dodgy scaling, with Revell stating 1/14; the figures appear closer to 1/24…but what figures! Luke Skywalker and C-3PO are splendid in their execution and will benefit from careful painting. Other plus-points include well-rendered mesh in the fronts of the engine nacelles, and neat repulsor vent grilles. This kit comes with the same extras and each has a display stand, but for limitededition kudos, both come with a cool Star Wars movie poster. For further details, visit: www. revell.de/en
NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
‘FLAG’ FOLLOW UP
KITTY HAWK has created good company for its splendid 1/48 Dassault Super Étendard, courtesy of a same-scale Étendard IVP/IVM boxing. Many components are the same on kit KH80137, but to conform to the required formats, Kitty Hawk offers a new insert for the vertical stabiliser’s pitot tube and, most importantly, the two different noses; the IVP’s has the fixed refuelling boom and recce camera window, while that of the IVM attack version features the top-mounted extending probe and prominent under-nose blade antenna. The former variant’s underbelly camera pack is also included. A wealth of weaponry
is supplied, and the runners will be familiar to anyone who has the company’s Super Étendard or French Jaguar kit, although many stores are not applicable to either Étendard version here (excellent for other builds, though, such as the Mirage F.1/III/2000). Kitty Hawk offers five colour schemes; three aircraft wear the later two-tone grey, the other two early service dark grey over white. The colour guide data is erroneous, though, because Kitty Hawk states that the first three aircraft are IVMs, but they are IVPs; two special retirement liveries are included. Our sample was kindly provided by Brigade Models, e-mail:
[email protected]
LUFTWAFFE TRANSPORT
CZECH REPUBLIC-based Master-X has released a new resin conversion designed to fit the Revell/VEB Junkers G.24. Two whole fuselage sides are provided in set MX 7226.01, as well as replacement engine nacelles, wheels/undercarriage, propellers and vertical tail. Two vac-form glazing sections also feature (one is a spare, just in case!), and
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the decals are for a 1940 sand and green-camouflaged G.24he, U5+ZA, flown by the Luftwaffe in Greece. If a service scheme doesn’t excite you, Master-X also offers a civilian version via set MX 7226.02, which represents G.24he SX-ACD ‘Ioannina’, of the Hellenic Air Transport Company in 1931. For more details and other items in the range, visit: www.master-x.wz.cz
AUTO GLAMOUR Catch Me If You Can’ (MB24021) and brunette ‘Jackie – Hold On Tight’ (MB24022). Each comprises just a single runner, with between eight and 11 crisply moulded parts. Vallejo and Lifecolor colour quotes are supplied, but as with any figure painting, it will be the blending of the various shades that will make these appear more realistic. Two are posed standing (one leaning nonchalantly against a car), while the third is in the process of either entering or leaving a sports car. Further information is at: www.creativemodels.co.uk OFTEN DRAWING as much attention as the cars they are employed to promote, the glamorous young women at motor shows have now been replicated in styrene. Master Box is well known for its ability to produce unusual subjects, and these are intended to accompany any modern 1/24 supercar or vintage classic. The ‘Dangerous Curves’ collection joins previous ‘Pin-up’ and ‘World of Fantasy’ series, with three boxings available currently. These are blonde ‘Sloane – Vegas Baby’ (MN24020), red-headed ‘Claire –
WARGAMING TWO V TWO
ITALERI’S TIE-UP with the ‘World of Tanks’ online wargaming franchise has expanded to include the smaller 1/56 (28mm) scale. The first four releases comprise American, British and German subjects, with a Cromwell (56504) and M4 Sherman (56503) for the Allies and a Panther (56502) and Tiger (56501) for the Axis forces. Contents are remarkably similar, with two styrene runners for the kit (including at least one figure) and a common decal sheet. These are all newly tooled and feature a pleasing level of detail, with weld seams,
single-piece running gear and even representation of Zimmerit on the German tanks. Helpfully, tracks are supplied as either split upper/lower lengths or four-part items, with separate curves for the drive and idler wheels (for the Tiger). Assembly is simple and there are several generic paint schemes. Each boxing supplies World of Tanks invite and bonus codes for the online game, and a vehicle guide. Future releases will add a Soviet element, in the form of a JS-2 (56506) and KV-1/KV-2 (56505). More details are at: www. hobbyco.net or www.worldoftanks.eu
POLISHED DELTAS
PJ PRODUCTION has responded to modeller’s comments regarding its 1/72 Mirage kits by re-issuing them with improved panel line detail. It’s a common lament that manufacturers rarely respond to constructive criticism, so PJ’s re-working of its moulds (after concerns were expressed about the engraved panel lines on earlier iterations of its Mirage IIIs), is to be commended. Rest assured, the remaining contents are otherwise unchanged, which means one can build at least four different versions of this delta-winged fighter…and there’s plenty of spares too. More details are at: www.pj-production.be
If one has noted a similar series of re-issues from High Planes, this is because its Mirage IIIs use the same runners as PJ’s, although the
packaging, variants and decals are different. Its products are available in the UK via Freightdog models: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk
ROYAL AIRCRAFT CARRIER MARITIME MODELLERS will no doubt be pinching themselves over the recent announcement of a 1/700 scale HMS Ark Royal (R09) from Atlantic Models. Produced in association with Starling Models, and intended for release at Scale ModelWorld 2017, Telford, this
resin and photo-etched metal offering will depict the fourth vessel to bear the name as it appeared in 1978, with an angled flight deck and just the mid-ships and stern aircraft lifts. CAD-rendered aircraft will be available separately, allowing one to configure the
air wing as desired. In further maritime-related news, Starling Models is readying a 1/350 waterline version of its popular Algerineclass Fleet Minesweeper. For more information, see: www.atlanticmodels.net and www.starling-models.co.uk
LOZENGE MADE EASY GERMAN LOZENGE camouflage isn’t the easiest scheme to replicate, but thankfully Wingnut Wings has produced a range of decal sheets to aid modellers. Intended for its wonderful 1/32 kits, two sets have been released, containing Four-colour Upper Lozenge (30022) and Lower Lozenge (30021. Each comprises six 192 x 40mm
and one 12 x 35mm section, and should be sufficient for at least two small-sized or one medium/large size model. Both feature excellent colour register and definition, and have sufficient opacity to endure there is no bleed-through from underlying shades. Visit: www. wingnutwings.com
NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
PINT-SIZED CARP
HAVING DELIGHTED military builders for many years with high-quality 1/72 and 1/35 scale offerings, IBG Models is set to do the same for aviation modellers. The firm’s attention to detail has been brought to bear with two splendid 1/72 releases, a PZL.23A Karaś (72505) and PZL.42 (72509), with the latter being a development prototype of the former. Unsurprisingly, differences between the two are minimal, restricted to changes to two of the nine runners and the fuselage halves, reflecting the different styles of empennage, absence/lack of underfuselage gondola and bomb load. The styrene parts are all moulded crisply, with fine engraved panel lines on the exterior, and delicate raised relief to replicate the interior structures and fittings…and the
cockpit is an absolute gem. Just a single scheme is provided for each variant, although there is a choice between early and late national insignia and tail markings for the PZL.23. A small photo-etched brass fret adds a final touch of refinement, supplying trim wheels, seat and canopy frames, foot rests and gunsights. At just £10.40 each, yet including levels of interior detail usually associated with larger-scale offerings, these are excellent value. Visit: www.ibg.com.pl
LITTLE BOX, BIG SURPRISE
FLYHAWK IS renowned for its ship kits and accessories, but it has a splendid range of 1/72 armour, with equally mind-boggling detail. Its M1A2 SEP Abrams (FH 3300) is a case in point. It might be just 105mm long (not including barrel), but includes features that are omitted occasionally in largerscale offerings, such as anti-slip coating texture, hollow muzzle on the single-piece main barrel, and cooling vents on the .50 cal machine gun. Comprising ten styrene runners, with separate upper and lower hull and turret pieces, there is plenty to occupy
the modeller, but clever design means a restrained parts count. The tracks are supplied as vertically split inner and outer halves, easing painting and assembly, while bracing strips ensure the lower hull sides are parallel and fit snugly to the upper component. A PE fret provides stowage mesh, ID panels and engine grilles, raising the finesse considerably. Five schemes are included; one in standard NATO camouflage, and four Iraqi Freedom machines in overall desert sand. Check out: www.flyhawkmodel.com
MORE ‘MEATBOX’ ACTION
TRACKER, TRACER, TRADER
AERO RESEARCH’S photoreference CDs are absolute goldmines for whichever subject is featured, and this is notably the case with the Grumman S-2 Tracker, E-1 Tracer and C1 Trader. The 193 high-resolution colour and black and white shots of this classic ‘Ironworks’ design include military and civilian operators, and
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US and export airframes. At just USD $12.95 plus postage (USD $3.35 in the US, $12 overseas), this is a great-value package, regardless of which kit one has waiting to build. The majority of photographs are either sideon or front/rear three-quarter views, but for US Navy machines they highlight the variations in soft-edged demarcation between the Light Gull Gray uppers and white undersides, including wavy, scalloped and straight. Examples of Dutch, Japanese and Italian machines are supplied, while the civilian-owned aircraft add welcome colour highlights. More details are available at: www.aeroresearchcds.com
AIRFIX’S 1/48 Meteor F.8 is the recipient of a flurry of conversions from Alley Cat Models, following last year’s U.16/21 product. Front and centre is a basic 12-piece F.4 set (AC48060C), which supplies all one needs to backdate Airfix’s kit, with a replacement tail fin and horizontal stabilisers, and new forward fuselage. The next step is the U.15 (AC48059), which combines the F.4 package with the aerials, fuselage bumps and wingtip pods and (initially at least) decals from
set AC48009C (designed for Classic Airframes’ offering). Markings for six test aircraft are provided, including three Llanbedrbased Royal Air Force machines, two Royal Navy and one jet stationed at Woomera, in Australia. If that wasn’t enough, there are plans for two-seat conversions, which will include the T.7, followed by the night fighter variants and, to complete the collection, even a PR.10. Further details are available at: www.alleycatmodels.co.uk
1/48
Bf 109G-4/R6, W. Nr. 14997, Lt. E. Hartmann, 7./JG 52, Taman, Soviet Union, May 1943
Bf 109G-4 Bf 109G-4/R6, W. Nr. 14946, Maj. W. Ewald, Stab III./JG 3, Kertch, Soviet Union, April 1943
Bf 109G-4, Lt. Av. P. Protopopescu, Escadrila 57, Grupul 7 Vânătoare, Kirovograd, Soviet Union, June 1943
#82117
www.eduard.com
Bf 109G-4/trop, W. Nr. 15013, Lt. U. Seiffert, 8./JG 53, Tindja, Tunisia, April 1943
Bf 109G-4/R6, W. Nr. 19566, ten. G. Gianelli, 365a Squadriglia, 150o Gruppo Autonomo, Sciacca, Sicily, July 1943
IN-BOX PREVIEW F-4S PHANTOM II
nyone who saw Chris Jones’ build of ZoukeiMura’s 1/48 ‘Juliet’ Phantom, in April 2017’s AMW, will have been suitably impressed. The kit sported fine details not provided by other efforts in the same scale, along with superlative levels of refinement. Now, the firm includes new and re-worked parts so we can now build the F-4S. Notable features include this sub-type’s trademark leading-edge slats, upper and lower air intake ECM fairings, S-type instrument panels, and the underside strengthening plate that runs from each wing-fold, in front of the mainwheel bays. Modellers may think the provision
A
SIERRA SPOOK Zoukei-Mura delighted fans of the mighty Phantom with its all-new 1/48 F-4J last year. Now, though, it has re-worked the moulds to produce a later F-4S
Note that Zoukei-Mura’s F-4S boxing has the late-service underwing strengthening plate running ahead of the main undercarriage bays.
Defining the ‘S’ sub-type are the wing leading-edge slats…rendered well here, and with all the proper underside actuator fairings provided. The multi-part afterburner/exhaust units are impressive, and better than those on other same-scale offerings.
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of just one colour scheme a little miserly, but that said, it’s a corker; Bu No 153808/100/NF, the 1981 Commander Air Group aircraft of VF-161 ‘Chargers’ (USS Midway), with its showy black fuselage and tail trim, and white-edged red lightning bolt on the vertical tail. As with the company’s F-4J, entire J79 engines are present, as is the option of an extended refuelling probe, intake trunking, and obvious stores comprising AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and wing/centreline fuel tanks. No separate outboard wing pylons are offered, these being moulded with the wing tanks, but Hypersonic Models has cast individual pylons (see p.95 this issue). No air-to-ground ordnance is present, but alternative one- and four-piece glazing is supplied… and the afterburner/exhaust units are superb. For further details visit: www.zoukei-mura.co.jp or UK importer Tiger Hobbies: www.tigerhobbies.co.uk
Zoukei-Mura_FP.indd 1
06/07/2017 17:22
SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES
SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model and airshow calendar
St Ives Model Show Date:
September 24
Hosts:
Brampton IPMS
s re
hows on
e lin
Mo
Address: Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 6WU Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £1.50, concessions 50p
Email:
bramptonshow@hotmail. co.uk
Web:
www/sites.google.com/site/ ipmsbrampton
SEP 2-3
MEDWAY MODEL SHOW
SEP 3
EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE MODEL SHOW
SEP 10
SUTTON COLDFIELD MODEL SPECTACULAR 2017
SEP 16-17
EURO MINIATURE EXPO
Hosts:
Medway Modelling Club
Hosts:
Hosts:
Royal Engineers Museum, Prince Arthur Road, Brompton, Gillingham, ME4 4UG, Kent
Sutton Coldfield Model Makers’ Society
Hosts:
Address:
Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club
Messrs Kirtley, Wharton, Hopwood and Hopwood
Address:
Rix Pavilion, Kelleythorpe, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 9DN
Address:
Shire Oak Academy, St Marks Road Entrance, Walsall Wood, Walsall, WS8 7AQ
Address:
The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ
Times:
Sat 10am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm
Prices:
Adults £7 per day or £11 for both
Email:
eurominiatureexpo@gmail. com
Web:
Euro Miniature Expo (Facebook)
Times:
10am-5pm
Times:
9.30am-4pm
Times:
10am-4.30pm
Prices:
Adults £5.70, children and concessions £3.85, under5s free
Prices:
Adults £3, accompanied under-15s free
Prices:
Adults £3.50, OAPs and children £2.50
Email:
[email protected]
Email:
Email:
[email protected]
Web:
bridscalemodelclub.org.uk
andy-mike-keane@hotmail. co.uk
Web:
www.re-museum.co.uk
Web:
www.scmms.co.uk
SEP 3
IPMS CHILTERN SHOW
SEP 16
MODELFEST 2017
SEP 17
WINGS & THINGS 2017 MODEL SHOW
Hosts:
IPMS Chiltern/Beds MAFVA
Address:
The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Beds, SG18 8JH
Times:
10am-4.30pm
Prices:
Adults £3, OAPs £2, under16s £1
Email:
barrywood123@hotmail. co.uk
Web:
N/A
KEY
E MODEL DISPLAY
) MODEL COMPETITION J TRADE STANDS
SEP 9
SOUTH WEST CORNWALL SHOW 2017
Hosts:
South West Cornwall IPMS
Address:
Penhaligon Building, Cornwall College, Trevenson Lane, Pool, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3RD
Hosts:
IPMS Farnborough
Hosts:
Address:
Kings International College, Watchetts Drive, Camberley, GU15 2PQ
IPMS Fenland & Spalding Model Club
Address:
University Academy, Holbeach, Park Road, Holbeach, Spalding, PE12 7PU
Times:
10am-4.30pm
Times:
10am-4pm
Times:
10am-4pm
Prices:
Free
Prices:
Prices:
Adults £2, OAPs £1
Email:
info@cornishscale modellers.co.uk
Adults £4, concessions £2, under-16s free
Email:
ipms.fenlandandspalding@ gmail.com
Cornish Scale Modellers (Facebook)
[email protected]
Email:
Web:
ipms-farnborough.co.uk
Web:
www.fenlandandspalding. wixsite.com/ipms
Web:
m
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
MILITARY DISPLAY AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY
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
Pennine Models at Haworth
SOME OF OUR REVELL BARGAINS Roland C11 1/48 ................................................£8.00 Boeing 747 & space shuttle 1/144 ..................£14.50 Bell UH-1 1/24 .................................................£14.50 Apollo Saturn V 1/144 ...................................£14.50 DeHaviland Mosquito mkIV 1/32 ...................£15.00 Boeing B17f Memphis Belle 1/48 ..................£18.00 Mig 21F Fishbed C 1/72 ....................................£6.50 London Routemaster Bus 1/24 ........................£26.50 Peterbuilt 359 conventional 1/16 ....................£43.50 1/48 Tornado Tigermeet....................................£21.00 1/72 Halifax B mk2 ...........................................£14.50 1/72 DC4 Balair ................................................£27.50 Mercedes-Benz Actros ....................................£27.50 MAN TGX XLX 1/24 ........................................£27.50
Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm 33/35 Mill Hey, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8NQ Tel: 01535 642367
[email protected]
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E
Shark-Mouthed
Snooper Andy Davies adds extra detail to Trumpeter’s recent Su-24MR Fencer
S
ukhoi’s Su-24MR Fencer-E is a dedicated tactical reconnaissance variant, which entered service
in 1983. It lacked attack radar/avionics and cannon in favour of panoramic cameras, Side-Looking Airborne Radar and an infra-red reconnaissance system, as well as podded sensors…with data from the latter being relayed in realtime to ground stations. When production of the Su-24MR ceased in 1993, Ukraine inherited 12 of these aircraft from the former Soviet Union and continues
Eduard’s PE set added a great deal of extra detail to the cockpit area, with excellent renditions of the pilot’s instrument panels and side consoles, as well as comprehensive K-36DM ejection seat embellishment.
MODEL SPEC
operations with them today. With the Fencer high on jet builders’ wish-lists for many years, the available kits have been something of a mixed bag. From Dragon’s somewhat basic series
16
Su-24MR Fencer-E By:
Trumpeter
Stock Code:
01672
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£32.99
Available from: Pocketbond, www.pocketbond.co.uk
Airfix Model World
of 1/72 offerings (also sold under Italeri, Revell and Zvezda labels) and Streem’s rare and complex Su-24M, through to Trumpeter’s own troubled 1/48 version, modellers have waited patiently for a definitive version of this potent warplane. Was this it?
Office bloc The kit was supplied in a sturdy top-opening box; around 200 parts were carried by 26 styrene runners, there was a single clear frame, two decal sheets, instructions and a colour painting diagram. In common with most Trumpeter kits, the parts were well packed and bagged individually, with more delicate items wrapped in foam for added protection. Though the styrene parts had a lightly textured surface finish,
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E
The cockpit tub was attached to the top of the nose gear bay and the whole assembly fitted perfectly into the fuselage, though care was needed to avoid fouling the pilot’s instrument panel against the kit side-walls.
they exhibited excellent engraved surface detail, which was crisp and consistent. The only problem encountered was a slightly damaged windscreen (moulding flaw) which was promptly replaced. The Fencer’s cockpit was a
busy place and though this was well represented in the kit, it was decided to enhance this highly visible area with Eduard’s excellent photoetched (PE) metal set 73539, designed specifically for the MR version. The package comprised two frets; one contained prepainted instrument panels, sidewall details, head-up display (HUD), central seat divider panel, ejection seat harnesses and firing handles, while the other had undercarriage hydraulic lines, gear bay doors, chaff/flare dispensers, aerials, yaw vanes and static wicks.
Fencer cockpit was painted The Fencer’s a distinctive colour of its own and luckily, AKAN provided the exact shade with its 73068 Grey (faded) Cockpit Interior Su-24. Once airbrushed and weathered, the pre-painted PE parts were attached and washed lightly with thinned acrylics, as solvent-based products could react with the adhesive glue and loosen the components. Once the seats were painted with Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black and dry-brushed with XF-53 Neutral Grey, the seat harnesses were added and washed with thinned Burnt Umber oil. Great care was needed to avoid damage as the True Details resin seats (72401) fitted tightly, and the HUD pieces needed to be placed carefully, as the low curved edge of the windscreen would easily flatten the parts. Clear acetate screens were added, along with a 1mm reflective lens from LittleCars (www.modellingtools.co.uk). A prominent curtain screen was
Once the fuselage was mated, the instrument coaming and head-up display were added. A scratch-built curtain was fabricated from metal foil, painted and fitted across the coaming…a feature seen in most images of the Fencer cockpit.
Trumpeter did a sterling job on the undercarriage bay structure, which also served to strengthen the centre section of the fuselage. It was decided not to super-detail these interiors, as the doors were usually closed on operational Su-24s.
usually seen stowed along the top of the cockpit coaming, and this was replicated via a rolled length of Bare-Metal foil, painted Mr. Hobby H75 Dark Sea Grey.
Body parts Assembly of the fuselage began with the main undercarriage bay; a multi-part structure that also served to strengthen the
“Eduard’s PE set added a great deal of extra detail to the cockpit”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 17
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E
As with the cockpit, the main underrcarriage assembly fitted perfectly into the fuselage. Very little filler was needed throughout, the only areas requiring it being the radome join and main gear doors and airbrakes.
The afterburner detail was basic to say the least, and benefited from additional treatment. Raised detail was painted NATO Black, then dry-brushed with Mr. Metal Color Steel.
The appearance was improved by adapting the afterburner parts from a spare (and rare) Streem Su-24M kit, as these were of excellent quality and far more representative of the real thing; these simply fitted over the kit parts.
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model’s centre section. At this point it must be remembered to drill location holes for the external fuel tanks if chosen. The undercarriage itself was well realised, with five parts per side for the main units and nine for the nose, discounting the wheels. Eduard’s comprehensive PE set included all hydraulic lines fitted to the gear legs, as well as replacement undercarriage doors and inner facings. Unfortunately, it was only when the assembled parts were dry-fitted that it became apparent that the main gear geometry was incorrect, and the nose leg too long… which produced an exaggerated nose-high attitude. The simplest remedy was to cut back the triangular locating pegs at the top of each main leg, and reduce the length of the outer brace, (part D55) so the whole unit could be swung forward and fitted in a more accurate, vertical position. Great care was needed to ensure the wheels were level and pointing in the correct direction, and 20-second cyanoacrylate (CA) was used to achieve this. The nose gear leg length was reduced by 2mm, before it was re-glued into position, which gave the model a much more realistic stance. The undercarriage doors could be opened, but this was rarely seen on aircraft other than during the retraction/extension sequence (or during servicing), and in the same vein the airbrakes could be deployed, though again this was rarely seen on parked Fencers, so they were also closed. Afterburner and exhaust details were basic, with the latter’s nozzle edges needing to be thinned with a fresh scalpel blade and sanding stick, for realistic scale appearance.
These were airbrushed with AK Interactive’s Xtreme Metal AK669 Titanium, AK489 Dark Aluminium and AK486 Jet Exhaust, and weathered with Tamiya’s 87088 Weathering Master Set D pastel powders, which included hot metal effects. The nose pitot was suitably delicate but a little short, so was replaced with a more accurate metal item, AM-72-107 from Master Model. A pair of 2mm clear landing lights from LittleCars then replaced the moulded items on the undersides of the wing gloves.
Spread your wings There were odd features in the design of this kit, one of which included having extended wing flaps without the leading-edge slats being deployable; a sight seldom seen, except possibly when the aircraft was being serviced. The wings were well moulded, with fine rivet detail and lightly engraved panel lines, while separate anti-collision lights were also included and these fitted seamlessly into the wing tips. Of course, the wings could also be fitted in the swept configuration and retracted flaps were provided for this option, though extra weight in the nose would almost certainly be required. The fin and rudder were superb and featured all the requisite lumps and bumps in the right places, with the leading-edge cooling air intake being particularly well moulded.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E
Materials list AKAN paints (www.coastalcraftmodelsuk.com) Abteilung 502 (www.abteilung502.com) Eduard photo-etched metal (www.eduard.com) Alclad II (www.alclad2.com) Mr.Hobby paints (www.albionhobbies.com) Tamiya paints (www.hobbyco.net) AK Interactive (www.akinteractive.com) ZAP-A-GAP Medium Gel CA+ glue (www.supergluecorp) Zap ZipKicker accelerator (www.supergluecorp) Gator’s Grip Thin Blend PVA glue (www.gatorsmask.com) Milliput Superfine putty (www.milliput.com) Plastic rod and strip (www.evergreenscalemodels.com) Hold and fold PE bender tool (www.thesmallshop.com) Master (www.master-model.pl)
“ Trumpeter did a sterling job on the undercarriage bay structure” The stabilators, likewise, were very good with sturdy location stubs, which allowed the surfaces to be moved to any desired position (parked Su-24s often had these at high angles of deflection when powered-down, much like the F-111).
Odd contours While the overall shape was good, there were certain
areas that needed to be reworked to produce an accurate Fencer-E, particularly the radome, which appeared too shallow on its underside and of incorrect profile with the strange squared-off appearance of the upper surfaces. Much sanding was needed to re-contour the nose shape, but the plastic was sufficiently thick to withstand this treatment. Expectedly, though, some of the more delicate panel and rivet detail was obliterated in the process. The former was restored with an Olfa Cutter, and the latter via a small punch tool. The underside of the nose gained bulk from a small amount of Milliput Superfine putty, smoothed to shape with a finger dipped in warm water. Once any blemishes had been sanded with fine Micro-Mesh cloth, the nose area forward of the windscreen looked more representative of the Su-24’s slightly bulbous yet streamlined radome. The real machine’s engine intake lip profile was canted back slightly, while the kit parts were vertical… an apparently minor detail but noticeable on the finished model. The task of reshaping these
A subtle but noticeable detail error concerned the engine intake outer lip profile. On the real aircraft, the edges were angled back slightly, but on the model they were vertical – an easy fix that improved the finished look. The reworked intakes were added, but unfortunately the fit was not as good as anticipated. Upper surfaces were matched to the fuselage topsides, and the underside was filled and sanded to shape.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E
For some strange reason, Trumpeter did not include any of the parts needed to build the Fencer’s reconnaissance version, so the necessary equipment was plundered from a spare Zvezda MR kit. With the reconnaissance and ELINT parts fitted, the model looked much more like an Su-24MR. Wings, stabilators, flaps and undercarriage were fitted, though it wasn’t noticed at this time that the main undercarriage geometry was incorrect, and needed surgery to correct it.
parts was made easier with a flat file and Micro-Mesh pads, along with constant study of reference photos. For reasons best known to itself, Trumpeter omitted completely the parts required for the reconnaissance version
of the Fencer, namely the AFA AP-402M panoramic and AIST-M TV camera fairing and AFA A-100 oblique camera under the port engine air intake, several circular ground connection ports, the large centreline ELINT mission pod
and a single wing pylon-mounted Efir-1M ELINT pod. The parts provided in this boxing were suited to the Su-24M strike variant and included a wide range of totally unnecessary weapons, which made building an accurate Su-24MR more challenging (but were great for the spares box). Luckily, a Zvezda Su-24MR kit was at hand and provided all the required parts, but note that Amigo Models (www. amigomodels.ru) has produced a correction set (AMG 72020) to rectify this glaring error.
‘Interesting’ grey Even though operational Fencers usually appear in the standard Soviet airframe grey and white, there was still plenty of scope to add more life to the finish. Once treated with Alclad’s ALC-302 Primer and Microfiller, the model received several light coats of Akan 78001 Standard White Semi-matt acrylic paint. It was easier to mask the white areas and then apply the grey, than the other way around, due to the pattern of this scheme. A light pre-shade of XF-17 Sea Blue was applied to the whole airframe, as this added a subtle basis for the final overall grey/white scheme in comparison with a starker pure black. As the demarcation lines between the grey and white were soft, White Tack ‘worms’
were used in conjunction with 18mm Tamiya masking tape to cover the larger areas such as wings, stabilators and fuselage sides; tighter areas were masked with 0.7mm tape from the widely available AIZU range. Ukrainian Air Force Fencers had most of the white areas on the fin leading edge over-painted, which left a smaller section, but this appears to wear easily in service, leaving a mottled appearance. The inner sections of selected panels were treated to a lightened mix of the grey base colour, in accordance with photographic evidence, and this was repeated in ever-lightened ratios until the whole airframe attained the desired faded appearance. Dielectric panels along the sides of the nose were duly masked and Akan 63146 Radome/ Radio-transparent White were applied, to add tonal variation.
“ Oilbrusher 3515 Ochre was used to represent fluid stains” 20
Airfix Model World
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E Undercarriage detail was good but benefited greatly from Eduard PE refinement. The angle seen here was more representative of the stance of the real aircraft, but Trumpeter had them fitted at a sloped-back angle in line with the top location pieces. The simple answer was to cut back the latter, so the main leg was vertical.
A bit of bite Two decal sheets were provided, one larger for the aircraft itself and a smaller but comprehensive addition for the weapons (superfluous
for the recce version) so these remained in the box. The main sheet provided markings for two aircraft, ‘34 white/RF-33780’ of the Russian Navy and ‘33 Blue’ of the Ukrainian Air Force, and included many of the more prominent stencils and warning placards. For this build, though, Authentic Decals (www.olimpmodelsgroup. com) provided an alternative sheet, 7271 Ukrainian Shark Scouts, which had two styles of shark mouth and accurate Ukrainian national markings, along with several stencils missed on the kit sheet. Two different styles of national fin badge were also included, so photo references were essential in selecting the correct type for the period being represented. Originally, these sheets were
Soviet period aircraft often had radomes of differing colours and the Fencer was no exception. The panels were masked and sprayed with Akan’s Radio Transparent White, which gave them an off-white hue and broke up the stark appearance. The wings featured worthy flap detail, even if a little oversimplified. Trumpeter decided not to include separate leading-edge slats, though, so these had to remain retracted.
Once primed, the airframe received Tamiya Sea Blue pre-shading to invigorate the blanket of light grey and white, adding contrast and tone to the finish.
A certain degree of fettling was required to ensure all parts fitted where they should, which for the most part they did.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 21
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Su-24MR FENCER–E
In contrast with the rest of the airframe, the fin leading-edge area often had a hard demarcation line, so thin strips of blue 1mm ‘Dog Tape’ were applied to the white section. Most Ukrainian Fencers had this white area reduced in size, so this was done later in the build.
designed for the Dragon/Italeri/ Zvezda/Revell Fencers, and even though it was stated this set was designed specifically for Trumpeter’s kit, unfortunately it appeared they were of the same origin. The shark mouth decals did not conform easily to Trumpeter's nose contours, as the old Dragon kit had a noticeably wider nose cross-section. This was rectified by cutting the decal into two angles along its length, with the halves re-aligned carefully to ensure the teeth and black mouth outline matched; plenty of Micro Sol setting solution was needed to coax them into place. With no fewer than five airframes available, ‘Yellow 15’ was selected as it was adorned with interesting fuselage markings, and references for this particular aircraft were sought via the Internet. The resultant images indicated it had a heavily worn and faded appearance, so after the decals had been applied and sealed, the grey areas received a light mist of Akan
73059 Grey (Faded) to imply this effect. Finally, the entire model was misted lightly with ALC-312 Klear Kote Semi-Matte varnish.
A tough life Fencers have been particularly hard-worked, and are often seen in extremely weather-beaten condition which, along with faded paintwork, fluid leaks, soot and grim, give the aircraft a particularly tatty appearance ideal for modelling creativity. The Ukrainian aircraft appear to have been kept in better condition than their Russian counterparts, so weathering was a little more restrained here. The undersides
The kit’s long-range fuel tanks were discarded in favour of Zvezda's items, which appeared more accurate in shape and had more refined detail. The rear fins needed to be corrected for shape and the pylons involved a mix of the kit parts (upper) and Zvezda’s (lower).
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Airfix Model World
The process of adding accents to the grey paintwork began with lightened shades of the base colour, applied to various panels in accordance with reference photos. Certain panels were also darkened slightly, which gave the illusion of shadow and depth.
were particularly grubby, so it was decided to use Abteilung 502 oil paints (in this case ABT007 Raw Umber and ABT510 Starship Filth), along with that brand’s ABT112 Matt Effect Thinner. These products have very fine pigmentation, ideal for weathering panel lines, rivet detail and general grime, though being oil based the model needed to be set aside for around 48 hours to allow time for the
AMMO MIG Oilbrusher 3515 Ochre was used to represent fluid stains and leaks, while Abteilung 502’s Raw Umber and Starship Filth oil paint produced the stains and grime associated with these heavily worked aircraft.
paint to cure fully. AK Interactive AK2039 Kerosene Leaks & Stains was also applied to a few vents and exhausts on the undersides, which produced a suitably wet look, often associated with fluid leaks and spillages. The white nose cones on Ukrainian Su-24s have generally been kept in good condition and unlike the Russian aircraft, don’t sport patchy, discoloured and badly chipped paintwork.
Curate’s egg(plane) Trumpeter often provides interesting subjects, but has
The Oilbrusher applicator worked perfectly and, in conjunction with the Abteilung 502 paints and Matt Thinner, represented the characteristic staining beneath the engine bays.
something of a mixed reputation when it comes to accurate shapes and detail…and this release is no exception. The incorrect nose profile, undercarriage geometry, retracted leading-edge slats and missing recce gear made it more difficult than it needed to be. The fit was excellent throughout, as was the surface detail; ultimately, the kit would have really benefited from better research by Trumpeter. Overall, even with the additional work required, this was a highly enjoyable product and recommended and its’s recommended to all fans of former Soviet ‘heavy metal’.
By now, the undercarriage had been removed, the bottom end locating pegs reshaped and the units refitted so the aircraft sat correctly. The nose gear leg had also been shortened.
OUT AND ABOUT SUFFOLK MODEL SHOW
Ipswich club member Paul Casson’s 90mm Officier de Chasseurs de la Garde, by Andrea Miniatures, displayed an enviable standard of painting.
Renowned maritime scratch-builder (and Korean War veteran) Eric Dyke, of North Essex Model Club, worked his magic yet again on this 1/192 Trinity House Flagship Patricia.
Marquee Menagerie
I Dominic Stevenson, from the host club, achieved a convincing finish on his 1/72 Airfix Jet Provost T.3 and Vampire T.11...an eye-popping pair due to the Day-Glo.
PMS Ipswich’s event makes the most of its own and nearby talent, and was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all. Held in the marquee at the town’s Gresham’s Sports and Social Club, on June 25, clubs such as Ipswich itself, North East Essex,
Clacton, Mildenhall and Chelmsford displayed a wide range of models, while the Japanese Special Interest Group and Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association were on hand to offer more focused exhibits in different scales. Trade-wise, Brigade Models, Scograil and Jon Page’s ever useful Sphere Products had plenty to offer, and the extensive raffle kept Ipswich club chairman Mike Grzebien and yours truly calling out ticket numbers for some considerable time! Businesses that provided raffle prizes included Swann Morton, Mark 1 Models, Canfora Publishing and Airfix. This show is one of the friendliest in the southern half of the UK; the atmosphere is unfussy…and it’s always worth visiting. Chris Clifford
VIEW MORE ONLINE www.airfixmodelworld.com
Amazingly, more than 20 parts each went into the two Farman biplanes decorating Jim Smith’s excellent Niko 1/700 Imperial Japanese Navy seaplane carrier Wakamiya, as seen in 1917. Kev Baxter’s superb 1/72 Canberra T.19, converted from Airfix’s ancient B(i).6, was fitted with an equally old Reyhex aftermarket radome. It sported 100 Squadron colours.
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Airfix Model World
Online Mail order hobby shop Stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxonians User Name : Heepdrutt
Expected soon :1/72 Sword Shooting Stars 1/72 AZ Model Curtiss Hawks Re-Stock Eduard Zoom Sets Re-stock Pavla Resins
A Dedicated EBAY Model Shop
SPHERE PRODUCTS Stands to reason www.sphereproducts.co.uk
WORKSTATIONS, PAINT RACKS, TRANSIT CASES, STORAGE SYSTEMS. CUSTOM DESIGNS. FIGURE, AIRCRAFT & AFV PAINTING STANDS. XURON CUTTERS, WILDER TWEEZERS.
[email protected] +44 (0)7825 569434
INTERMEDIATE BUILD DOUGLAS DC-8
Orange is Beautiful Massimo Santarossa takes a short cut with Minicraft’s DC-8, creating a Series 50 Airliner
L The initial fuselage cuts were made with a razor saw, then completed with a saw blade manipulated by hand. A slow, careful motion with a fresh blade meant a clean cut was achieved.
MODEL SPEC
et’s be honest…if one builds Spitfires, Bf 109s or Sherman tanks, the choice of kits for each is legion. Pretty much any variant of these ubiquitous machines, like so many other military subjects, can be found already in the box. Even some one-off, oddball versions can be had in injectionmoulded plastic. The same cannot be said for the airliner modelling community, though, Douglas DC-8-63 Hawaiian Air By:
Minicraft
Stock Code:
14684
Scale:
1/144
Price:
US $46.99
Available from: www.minicraftmodels.com
and even if it’s the best we have ever seen, the selection still does not compete. The Douglas DC-8, along with the Boeing 707 and de Havilland Comet, helped to pioneer the era of jetliner transportation. A total of 556 DC-8s were produced starting in 1958, and they flew in all corners of the world. The type was modified and upgraded, and some are still flying today, including one with NASA. For the modeller, what is generally available are some older kits, re-boxed with different decals, and usually of the aircraft’s final, stretched version. If an earlier
variant is desired, one needs to resort to the aftermarket and ‘plastic surgery’.
A good place to begin The shortened fuselage with the forward and rear plugs removed. The inclusion of guides for cutting the fuselage made what could be a difficult task straightforward.
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Airfix Model World
The goal of this project was to build a standard-length DC-855, and Minicraft’s 1/144 DC-8-
INTERMEDIATE BUILD DOUGLAS DC-8
Ripe for conversion
To ensure a flush join, a home-made sanding stick squared each fuselage section. Even the smallest step or misalignment could lead to the need for putty and a potentially wonky airframe.
63 was chosen as a starting point. This is an outstanding kit, featuring engraved panel lines, well-detailed landing gear, not a hint of flash, and a clear cockpit section. It is quite possibly the best airliner kit the firm has produced. What’s more, just about any version of DC-8 can be made from this product, as it comes with
Minicraft created its DC-8 as the final, stretched version of this iconic airliner. However, making other shorter-fuselage versions could not be easier. On this inside of the fuselage were moulded guide lines to aid cutting, which will allow a modeller to build any series DC-8. All Series 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 aircraft - remove sections 1 and 2 DC-8-61 - leave intact DC-8-62 - remove section 2 DC-8-63 - leave intact Series 70 - leave intact
additional parts and allows for shortening of the fuselage. All that’s missing are the relevant engines for each. The first task was to cut the fuselage to the correct length. Even though moulded guide lines were provided inside the fuselage halves, no mention of them could be found in the instructions, so research was needed to calculate what to remove. The appropriate plugs were cut from the forward and aft airfame sections with a fine-toothed razor saw. Instead of re-assembling each left and right fuselage half as one might do traditionally, each of the three plug sections was glued together. This was done so the ends of each plug could be squared, thus when all three pieces were joined, a straight, gap-free fuselage would be the result. One of the great things about building airliners is that construction starts right away… no pesky interior to assemble. The shortened airframe sections were brought together, with the engraved panel lines employed as a guide, to ensure the correct longitudinal alignment. The mainplanes were also a snap to assemble, with the instructions’ long wingtips replaced by shorter items. A check of the
To provide additional gluing area and more structural strength, strips of styrene were attached to the inside surface of the fuselage plugs. Flaring them outwards also aided in achieving a snug fit.
The seam between the fuselage parts was made smooth with a Flex-I-File, instead of a sanding stick, thus avoiding a flat spot which, under gloss paint, would show through horribly.
“This is an outstanding kit, featuring engraved panel lines”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 27
INTERMEDIATE BUILD DOUGLAS DC-8
Priming a model will show any flaws, although another way to check seams was to run a silver marker or paint pen along them. Any problem areas were quickly revealed and dealt with.
seam lines revealed just the smallest of flaws, which were dispatched quickly with Mr. Surfacer. Once the necessary amount of nose weight was added, the one-piece, clear cockpit section was attached to finish the main assembly.
pylon for each engine wrapped around the leading edge of the wing, it was cast on two parts. The bottom piece matched to the wing perfectly, but the upper portion fitted too tightly for
“Circular wheel hub masks were created with a punch and die set”
Resin power The kit-supplied engines were applicable solely to two DC-8 versions, neither one of which was suitable for this build. The required Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3 nacelles used here came in the form of resin parts sourced from 26 Decals (www.26decals.com). Produced by Braz Models, these engines were cast beautifully, designed to fit this actual kit, and were specific to their location on each wing. Just a little neatening and minimal sanding was needed to marry the three intake parts, being careful the entire time to prevent floating resin dust (to protect one’s respiratory system), by wet sanding. As the Reinstating panel lines around leading edges with a scriber can be difficult, because of the tight curve. In this case, a few light passes with a fine-toothed razor ensured success.
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Airfix Model World
the leading-edge radius. So, a needle file was used to open the camber, and cyanoacrylate (CA) glue bonded the parts in place. A rather obvious gap was left, however, which was filled with a hint of putty. A striking orange and metal Canadian Pacific (CP) Air paint scheme was in the offing for this model. In preparation, the fuselage was painted in gloss white enamel, while the wings were finished in gloss black. Landing gear received Alclad ALC-101 Aluminium without any primer, contrary to normal practice…but with no ill effects. Even though the 1/144
Which nacelles? Another area which needed addressing was which powerplant to choose for this conversion. Three engine options are shown here…one kit and two aftermarket. At the top is a JT4 (from 26 Decals, but cast by Braz Model, www.brazmodels.com) and is found on the Series 20 and 30, but could easily double as a Rolls-Royce Conway for the -40 Series. The centre option is kit-provided and applicable to -62 and -63 Series aircraft, while the bottom item is a JT3D-3 (also from 26 Decals), and can be used for all Series 50 and -61 airframes. Other aftermarket engines are available, while Minicraft also produced a 70-Series boxing with CFM 56 powerplants.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD DOUGLAS DC-8
Just the longer-range -62 and -63 Series aircraft had extended wingtips. Minicraft thought to provide the shorter, standard wingtips in the kit for just such a conversion.
No tail bumper was needed on this build, thus lengths of stretched sprue were glued into the locating holes for this part. The excess was cut away cleanly, which resulted in a flush underside.
To prepare for the livery, the airframe was base coated with gloss white. Note the tail has been masked to prevent the orange paint showing through the subsequent white decal.
The basic airframe parts were assembled and then stood on makeshift landing gear, created from cocktail sticks. Enough ballast was then added until the airframe came to rest on ‘all three’.
undercarriage was small, the well-rendered parts benefited from a Paynes Grey oil pin wash.
Classic colours The markings used in this build also came from 26 Decals, and provided the red stripe that splits the livery in half. To ensure the correct colour separation, photocopies of the decals served as guides for masking. In the interest of full disclosure, here is where I made a mistake that will bother me for some time. When masking for the stripes, they were not placed far enough
forward; the red stripe should actually start just behind the cockpit ‘eyebrow’ windows, not farther back. This had the effect of throwing off the door frames somewhat. With the upper fuselage coated in Model Master 2202 International Orange, sections of the underside and nose were painted 2039 Canadian Voodoo Grey. The contrast of the grey and white panels would result in a subtle variation in the panels of the Airframe Aluminium. A total of six metallic shades of Alclad lacquer were used on the wings and engines, to achieve a pleasing patchwork appearance. The individual shades did not matter as much as the contrast between them. As for the wing inspar area, this was a homemade shade that combined Aluminium and Flint Grey (Model Master 2237). Application of the 26 Decals went without a hitch, as they adhered perfectly and reacted well to Microscale decal
International Orange was used successfully on previous CP Air projects, but was slightly dark when compared to the red decal stripe. Lightening of the paint will be in order next time.
Grey panels were added to the underside for two reasons. First, the radome needed to be grey, and second, the contrast between white and grey led to disparity in the metallic top coat.
It is usually easier to delay fitting the engines to ease painting and construction. However, the resin pylons did not fit perfectly, leaving gaps to be filled. Thus, they had to be mounted early on. www.airfixmodelworld.com 29
INTERMEDIATE BUILD DOUGLAS DC-8
The 26 Decals markings went on without a fuss and reacted well to decal solution, while Minicraft’s items were used for the small, generic details such as lights and placards.
Circular wheel hub masks were created with a punch and die set. Placing tape on a strip of styrene made it rigid enough to cut, and the leftover discs were retained, to detail other projects.
Airliner wings and engines tend to display a tapestry of metallic shades. Paint/lacquer brands such as Alclad provided several useful colours, while the hue for the inspar area was mixed from scratch.
Continued handling of the kit resulted in some of the metallic paint along the wing roots being worn away. This was re-sprayed with the decaled areas safely protected under Parafilm.
“Final assembly was simple as the fit of the wings and tailplanes was superb” solution. The itself kit comes with a set of well-printed decals, and portions of these were used to complete the aircraft.
Cleared for take-off Final assembly was simple, as the fit of the wings and tailplanes was superb. The parts locked into place positively, without so much as a drop of glue, and
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set the dihedral so well that the height of the wingtips was within 1.5mm of each other. The landing gear struts and drag links fitted positively into locating slots, which made for a strong supporting structure. Additional details in the form of blade aerials made from plastic card, and photo-etched metal pitot tubes from the spares box,
rounded out the project. From start to finish this was an enjoyable build. Moreover, it was an easy conversion…one which is not beyond the skills of most modellers. There is a plethora of DC-8 decals on the market, and along with the available resin powerplants, the build possibilities are numerous.
As for the Minicraft kit, it is brilliant. It would seem clear the makers had many more versions in mind when they started pressing plastic. It is frustrating Minicraft decided not to produce more versions in house, but that does mean we do get the ultimate satisfaction that comes from creating our own conversion projects.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II
Having tackled Rye Field Model’s recent 1/35 M1A1/2 TUSK in July issue, Kev Smith now assesses Academy’s new 1/35 multi-variant kit of the M1A2 Abrams
TUSK II TUSK W
ith the involvement of the Abrams in urban combat during the Afghanistan campaign, it became clear it was vulnerable, where the top of the tank was open to attack from small arms fire and rocketpropelled grenades. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried on roadsides or in buildings also took their toll, all of which led to the Tank Urban
Survival Kit (TUSK I/II) upgrade. To counter IEDs, an angled ‘keel’ was added to the underside to deflect blast away from the hull, reactive armour blocks were scabbed on the side skirts and turrets, and bullet resistant glass protection was mounted around the crew hatches on the turrets. A combat telephone was also installed on the rear of the tank to allow communication between accompanying infantry and the
The build started with the hull, as is the norm. Five pieces formed the tub, with a good parts breakdown for the suspension.
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tank commander, as well as slat armour to protect the exhaust for the gas turbine engine, the blast from which was directed upwards by a deflector panel (which could be attached to the grille to protect the infantry behind). Until recently, Tamiya and aftermarket conversion sets have been the only options for TUSK II. Now, though, there are dedicated kits on the market. Rye Field Model’s offering was featured in July’s Airfix Model World, but here, we present the new Academy release. This company is a long-standing South Korean concern and has produced many kits, of varying quality. This Abrams is one of its best products to date, with a reasonable price. The flip side is that this kit includes vinyl tracks, which are inferior to more expensive options. The weapons could be better but are more than adequate, and can be improved simply as shown in this feature. Fit-wise, the kit is superb; the
breakdown is well executed and approached in a sensible way. However, there are issues with annoying ejector pin marks in prominent areas. The model comes on nine sand-coloured runners, and a clear frame holds all the vision blocks and armoured glass. Photoetched metal, pre-cut masks for the shields and a large decal sheet are other blessings.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II
So, it begins
The instructions came via four manuals, and three different M1A2s can be made…SEP TUSK 1, TUSK II, and TUSK V2. Like all three-inone kits, the modeller must decide which variant is to be built before getting started. It’s recommended that time is taken to study the instructions, and relevant sections are highlighted accordingly. Our build is of the TUSK II.
Academy started the assembly traditionally, with the lower hull, but what bucked the trend was the approach. The hull comprised five separate parts, starting with attaching the side walls, then two strengthening sections. With these in place the swing arms were then applied directly onto the hull with no torsion bars to slow the progress. Seven pairs of road wheels were then built, along with two idler wheels and drive sprockets. There was an oversight with the instructions here; the drive sprockets that should be used were parts G2 and G11, and these sported the correct holes to prevent mud build-up. After the sprockets, the return rollers were then added to each side. Mounting brackets for the appliqué armour came next, but these are vulnerable and fragile. If one plans to defer fitting the armour for ease of painting and weathering the hull, I recommended also adding the brackets later, to eliminate any damage while handling the hull. The final item to be attached was the armoured slab to the hull underside (if building the TUSK). This part had a long, annoying burr between the lateral bolts, which was tedious to neaten, although it’s almost invisible once the wheels, tracks, and side armour are positioned. To finish the lower hull, the rear plate was assembled and featured beautifully moulded details on the rear grilles; this
Academy rendered the rubber mudflaps separately, and they could only be fitted one way. They did need to be thinned for a more in-scale appearance.
Generally, the fit was very good, although areas of rear deck required a small amount of filler to treat minor gaps. Academy and Rye Field approached the barrel breakdown in the same manner. This assembled gun from the former company is an example of slide moulding at its best.
"FIT-WISE, THE KIT IS SUPERB; THE BREAKDOWN IS WELL EXECUTED" Depending on which M1A1 is being modelled, constant referral to the instructions is needed to drill the correct location holes.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 33
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II
went together without issue and was added to the hull tub. Vallejo filler was then thinned with water and stippled onto areas at the rear to replicate dirt build-up, and this would be picked out later with the aid of washes and Pigments. Modellers who wish to have their M1s crewed (ie open hatches) will have to spend time removing prominent ejector pin marks.
Academy tackled the problem of joining ‘rubber band’ tracks uniquely; track ends were sandwiched between styrene sections.
The loader’s machine gun was moulded in one major piece including the sight. All the modeller must do is attach the handles…also a one-part item.
A cheaper option, certainly, but rubber tracks have the disadvantage of not sitting properly on the model, and can look toy-like. As a remedy, lengths of runner cut to fit between the hull underside and track removed the slack.
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Rollin’ on Academy's tracks were classic ‘rubber bands’ and these always present issues. The track pads had sunken areas in the centre of each pad, and there was a large burr that ran down the length of the track, affecting the track connectors. So, due to the type of material, rectifying these faults wasn’t attempted. One could substitute Academy's tracks for a higher-quality set of working versions (extra cost), but ultimately, by spending a little time and patience on painting and weathering, the kit tracks can be made presentable. Once the side armour was in place the tracks were barely visible anyway. The main issue was the way the tracks looked once they were fitted. The M1 as with most, if not all, modern tanks uses ‘live’ track, which requires constant tension to function correctly...a look not achieved easily with the provided rubber band tracks. To overcome this, lengths of runner were cut to size and inserted between the underside of the hull, and the top run of the tracks. These styrene rods pushed down on the tracks
and took up any slack. The tracks were then painted in the base sand colour, and weathered with MIG pigments. Track pads received Humbrol 32 Dark Grey.
Top stuff This stage involved construction of the driver’s hatch, which was fitted (but not glued) as the periscope glass was omitted, and painted, to be fitted later. Other components due for attachment were parts of the engine deck, along with several details on the hull side, while clear lenses for the light clusters were fitted and covered with Humbrol Maskol. At this stage, the PE parts that represented springs for the fenders were replaced with thin wire, which was easier, and more to scale. The deck was then married to the lower hull, and the side armour assembled. Large web
straps attached to some M1s were replicated by Tamiya tape cut to length, and added as per reference photos. The turret was certainly the busiest phase of the build, and opened Manual 2. Here, one needs to study the instructions carefully, as there were a number of holes that had to be drilled to receive the relevant armour and other fittings. Academy’s gun barrel was a fine example of slide moulding, and came in three
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II
MODEL SPEC
sections. Each part slotted into the next very neatly, this approach being so much better than the traditional way of supplying the barrel in halves, as it’s too easy to sand a flat spot down the length. The .50 cal machine gun could have been better as supplied, so this example was detailed with wire cabling and plastic card, and a minor fit issue marred the armoured cowling that ran along the length of the turret roof, but this was remedied easily with filler. Once the barrel was completed it was fitted to the breech assembly, then in turn added to the lower turret ring, and then the turret halves were mated to complete the main assembly. Care must be taken here when removing the turret halves from the runner, as large, thick gates meant damage could be caused to the turret edge. M1A2 Abrams SEP v2/TUSK I/ TUSK II By:
Academy
Stock Code:
13298
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£35.99
Available from: Pocketbond, www.pocketbond.co.uk
With the bulk of the turret in place, attention turned to the commander and loader cupolas, where a clean fit and simple parts breakdown ensured these coupled without issue. Improvement of the guns involved adding lengths of chain to the pins, which secured the weapon to the cradle. The ends of the barrels were also drilled to add realism. During construction, annoyingly, the ammunition box for the commander’s .50 cal gun went missing, so an empty cradle was fashioned from plastic card. Ejector pin marks were evident on the inside of the frames for the armoured glass, and these demanded considerable time and effort to remove. While the fit of the armoured glass was excellent, there were sunken lines in all the clear parts which, after much time spent trying to polish them away, proved impossible to remove. The interior of the commander’s hatch will also need work if to be posed open. All periscopes were painted separately to be fitted in place after the painting, except the two sighting systems, and these were painted and protected with Maskol. The final assembly stage dealt with the turret cage and, while this was well moulded, various seam lines had to be removed before adding the PE mesh. A bonus, though, was the spare road wheel and track provided to hang off the sides. Sadly, just two jerry cans were included for the
A very convincing turret cage involved a number of parts, but disappointingly, Academy didn’t include stowage.
A photo in Squadron-Signal’s M1 Abrams In Action book gave inspiration for the mounting of the barbed wire on the rear. The modern ‘razor wire’ was sourced from Plus Model (Barbed Wire Modern Type II PLU268), and secured with a length of brass rod. The addition of spare track links and a road wheel was pleasing, and mirrored operational M1s.
"THE MODERN ‘RAZOR WIRE’ WAS SOURCED FROM PLUS MODEL"
www.airfixmodelworld.com 35
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II Don’t throw anything away! The small pellets from a water filter have a multitude of uses, and are perfect for the ends of antennas.
stowage…a shame, as all photos of Abrams in theatre showed an abundance of stowage and cool boxes. Finally, two antennas were cut from plastic rod and attached.
Adding colour First, an undercoat of Tamiya Surface Primer was applied. Now...achieving an interesting version of overall sand, as with any other monotone finish, is hard to accomplish, so the model received a layer of Tamiya X-9 Brown; in effect, a dark undercoat, the idea being to work from dark to light in
RYE FIELD (see July issue)
Alhough colour modulation was useful for enlivening a monotone finish, oil paint was also used to great effect, to enhance the darker shadows.
Thin filter layers were built gradually to add depth to the front plate, while Tamiya tape replicated the large web straps often seen on M1s.
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thin airbrushed applications. The top colour began with A.MIG-025 from AMMO MIG’s US Modern Vehicles paint set, but first, a word on colour modulation… This is a controversial technique that divides military modellers, but I think it has a place in modelling, if executed correctly. When painting a single-toned model the technique comes into its own. Modulation is a great way of enlivening a monotone finish, and make a model pleasing to the eye. While relatively easy to carry out, though, it’s far from simple to do convincingly. The idea is to ensure the colour graduations are very subtle. Anything else and the model will look toy-like and the
realism will be lost. The large turret and engine decks were perfect for this technique. After the top coat of sand was sprayed lightly over the brown (allowing natural shadow to show through), the sand was lightened gradually with XF-57 Buff and sprayed onto selected areas of the large slab sections of the turret roof, and to the sloped frontal armour. This worked well and broke up the large area of the turret convincingly. The same approach was used on the rear decks and frontal areas, with similarly favourable results. Humbrol 148 Radome Tan was used to pick out selected raised details, such as grab handles
Staining heralded the final stages of the front plate's weathering; the non-slip surface detail is prominent.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II
ACADEMY
and bolt heads. All raised areas were then detailed with localised washes of MIG Productions ABT090 Industrial Earth oil paint. To soften the effect, and to harmonise the paintwork, colour washes of grey and earth tones followed. Stains and a little chipping were added, followed by another layer of washes. This was repeated to selected areas to add effect to the overall appearance. MIG pigments were applied liberally to the rear hull and tracks, then set with MIG pigment fixer. Via the same principle as the painting (working from dark to light) MIG Gulf War Sand PO37 pigment was dusted over the top of the dark layer of MIG Dark Mud PO33.
Korea or China? When the new Abrams from Academy was announced, this modeller expected the manufacturer would add parts to its existing M1, to achieve the
SEE THE LIGHT Using different tones in base coats to add depth is nothing new. Colour modulation takes that technique a step further.
3
1
Tamiya X-9 Brown was used as an ideal base for the modulation process.
2 The gradual and subtle tonal shift change, from dark brown to the finished sand, was a slow process, so don’t expect instant results.
The first stages of modulation can clearly be seen in this picture, with the gradual addition of Tamiya XF-57 Buff, to selected areas. The layout of the rear deck lends itself perfectly to modulation. Weathering would lessen the contrast between the panels, ensuring more subtlety.
4
www.airfixmodelworld.com 37
INTERMEDIATE BUILD ABRAMS M1A2 TUSK II Investing in aftermarket tracks isn’t always necessary. A cocktail of various MIG pigments was mixed into a paste and applied to the tracks and, when dry, the rubber track pads were exposed by removing the dry pigments with a file. The pads were then picked out with grey paint. A toothpick is a great implement for the inflicting scuffs and scrapes on a model. Simply sharpen the point with a modelling knife for finer scratches.
standard we expect today. It was a pleasant surprise, though, to learn this was entirely new tooling from the Korean firm. It’s an inexpensive kit that assembles quickly, with a number of build options and interesting decal choices. Constructed from the box or with extra detailing, there is something for everybody in this model. It’s a shame no crew
stowage was included, but there are plenty of aftermarket sets to fill the turret cage. But how does it compare with Rye Field’s version? Both are superb in their own way. Academy’s offers a reasonably quick, inexpensive build, although the tracks are questionable and
it will cost extra if the modeller wishes to upgrade to workable track. There are areas that are weak, such as the weapon systems. Both models suffer from annoying sink marks in prominent areas. But generally, the level of detail is excellent, especially the non-slip surfaces. The breakdown of parts, and the approach makes for an easier build than with Rye Field’s M1. The latter product, as with the Academy kit, has excellent detail,
and the high-quality moulding is slightly more refined, through first-class surface features and excellent texture on the non-slip surfaces. Rye Field’s engineering and breakdown could be consdidered somewhat excessive, and the presence of flash on small parts slowed my build. The tracks are another challenge, but as shown in the July issue’s feature, are a true representation of the real thing. The addition of stowage is also big bonus. Either way, experienced modellers can make both kits look splendid.
REFERENCE • M1A1/M1A2 SEP ABRAMS TUSK. No 3009 American Special, by Carle Shulze, (Tankograd) • M1A2 SEP V2 ABRAMS In Detail, Fast Track 01, by Ralph Zwilling, (Tankograd) • M1 Abrams In Action, by David Doyle (Squadron Signal), ISBN: 978-0-89747-734-5
"COLOUR MODULATION WAS USEFUL FOR ENLIVENING A MONOTONE FINISH" 38
Airfix Model World
OUT AND ABOUT MAFVA NATIONALS 2017 Traction engines are a rare sight at model shows, and Paul Badman’s scratch-built 1/35 McLaren Road Locomotive was the fitting recipient of the Best-in-show award. It featured a rain/ grime-streaked exterior and a superbly rendered tarpaulin cover.
for everyone, notwithstanding the event’s heavy military emphasis. The tombola and competition were both sponsored by Airfix Model World, with Paul Badman’s amazing scratch-built British Army 1914-18 McLaren Road Locomotive winning the coveted Best-in-Show award, along with kit prizes and a year’s free subscription to AMW AMW. Rather than mix clubs and traders with its ‘Bring and Buy’ tables and competition area, the latter two were located upstairs, but there was plenty of room on the balcony for further expansion, and we look forward to 2018’s show. Note MAFVA’s website is moving to a new and improved location: www.mafva.org Chris Clifford and Stu Fone
VIEW MORE ONLINE www.airfixmodelworld.com
Marvellous Militaria W
ith the sun blazing outside, modellers, traders and visitors alike were glad for the air-conditioned environment at the St Ivo Centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, for the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association’s 2017 Nationals. Compared to last year’s event, there appeared to be more space available around stands, easing public access, and it was great to see a broad range of traders present. Clubs provided varied displays, and there was something
S Ward’s impressive 1/72 Sherman Crab flail looks almost in motion, with the photo-etched metal chains posed as if in the process of clearing a path through a suspect minefield. Coupled with the realistic finish on the tank and the excellent groundwork, it thoroughly deserved a Silver award.
Highlighting just how prevalent ‘braille scale’ is in armour modelling, Mendip Modellers member Rich Hone’s careful weathering and meticulous painting produced a top-notch 1/72 Israeli Defense Force Nakpadon heavy armoured personnel carrier.
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Kit Form Services’ massive resin 1/24 Michigan L190 Shovel Loader received a ‘Rusty and Dusty’ appearance courtesy of Shepway’s Tony Thunder, highlighting how realistic these effects can be…but the cab looks as if it’s been left outside too long!
OUT AND ABOUT MAFVA NATIONALS 2017
Tony Thunder took Takom’s excellent 1/16 Renault FT-17 Char Canon with Giroud Turret and, thanks to judicious work with a razor saw, created this splendid cutaway build… finishing it with a well-used exterior and busy innards.
The scale might be small, but the scope can be big, as shown here by Dan Taylor’s painstakingly researched 1/72 Villers-Bocage ‘Engagement at the Mairie’ diorama. This depicted tanks from Michael Wittmann’s schwere SS-Panzer Abteilung 101 engaging elements of the British 7th Armoured Division. ‘Piggy-back FlaK’ was the delightful title for Nigel Norfolk’s 1/35 ‘what-if’ amalgamation of Dragon’s T-34 chassis and hull with Tamiya’s 8.8cm FlaK 36/37. The vehicle was then embellished with aftermarket photo-etched metal, tracks and barrel accessories, before receiving this weather-worn appearance.
Tasca’s 1/35 Sherman Firefly Vc was built almost straight from the box by Jeffery Adams, as a Netherlands-deployed machine during 194445, augmenting the basic components with Bronco track links, Royal Model figures and guitar string aerials. Posed in a typical exercise setting, Tim Neate’s Gold-winning Israeli M60 Armoured Vehicle-Launched Bridge layer (Tagash) with 11m tandem bridges (Tzemed) looks impressive at first glance. However, it’s even more so when one realises this is 1/72 scale and everything but the main hull is scratch-built!
Looking as if it had just left a muddy ticker-tape parade, D Papala created this heavily camouflaged (yet notional) Meng 1/35 Tortoise, with the aid of more than 2,500 strips of flattened solder, and individually cut oak leaves to adorn the hull, casemate and barrel. www.airfixmodelworld.com 41
INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
There’s a lot to do, but also a lot to love about Zvezda’s quarter-scale Pe-2, as Chris Jones discovers
peshka over ku D
esigned as a dive-bomber, Petlyakov’s Pe-2 surely deserves better coverage in the English-speaking aviation press.
For starters, the design is stunningly aesthetic, with its slender fuselage and gorgeous curves. More importantly, it was the most-produced Soviet twin-
This was an outstanding kit, but the interior was especially noteworthy. After filling a few ejector pin marks, building could proceed.
engined bomber of World War Two, with 11,247 leaving the production lines between 1940-45. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fast, versatile and highly effective. Nicknamed ‘Peshka’, meaning ‘Little Petlyakov’ or ‘Pawn’, the Pe-2 was the right design at the right time, and it made a significant contribution to the colossal battles on the Eastern Front. In terms of monumental actions, it is difficult to top the Battle of Kursk – the largest armoured engagement in history – and the aircraft represented in this build actually served during that titanic encounter.
Peshka in plastic
It was necessary to paint and assemble the intake ducts before sealing the wing halves.
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The Zvezda Pe-2 is a hugely welcome release, representing the first modern mainstream 1/48 injection-moulded kit of this significant and under-represented aircraft. MPM produced a range of limited-run Peshkas in this scale, but apparently these were challenging to say the least. During World War Two, and with such a long production run,
various improvements were incorporated into the Pe-2 family, through various ‘Series’. Although Zvezda doesn’t make it clear, this aircraft appears to represent a 205-Series airframe. The box itself housed a staggering amount of plastic, which initially looked rather overwhelming. However, the instructions were incredibly clear, which helped no end. There was an option to have one of the engines on display, but it was decided to keep it buttoned up.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
kit decal options Zvezda’s decal sheet caters for several aircraft, all painted with the same three-colour topside and AMT-7 Blue underside scheme • 12th Guards Dive Bomber Aviation Regiment, 1944 • 40th Bomber Regiment, 2nd Squadron, Black Sea Fleet, 1944 • 34th Guards Red Banner Regiment, 276th Bomb Group, 1945 The engine nacelles were a multi-part affair, but their overall fit was excellent.
ursk A comprehensive interior was provided, along with a detailed bomb bay and various stores to sling underneath. The real aircraft also had small bomb bays in the rear of each engine nacelle, but these weren’t catered for in the
kit. Recessed panel line and rivet detail was subtle and the fuselage halves were designed cleverly, so all runner gates were located underneath. On this sample, the fuselage halves did have a slight grainy texture in places, but this was treated easily with 1,000-grade Wet and Dry paper. A few tiny sink marks were evident on the fuselage, but being so slight were hardly worth mentioning. Overall, the detail was highly impressive. The brief for this build was to use as much Eduard photo-etched (PE) metal as practical, so an interior and exterior set was supplied, along with masks and Superfabric seatbelts. Montex masks were also sourced to produce the attractive Kursk scheme.
Cockpit detail was superlative, but some of it (including instrument panels and side consoles) had to be removed to make way for Eduard's photo-etched metal. Careful planning during assembly was of the essence and, after building as much of the interior as possible, Tamiya Sky Grey was applied.
"rivet detail was suBtle and the fuselage halves were designed cleverly"
www.airfixmodelworld.com 43
INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
Detail painting began after a gloss coat and a helping of wash. The next stage was to apply the coloured PE and a matt clear coat. Bomb bay detail was very good and benefited from a wash and careful dry-brushing.
The rear of the engines and associated plumbing was well rendered, but ultimately invisible on the finished model!
Interior decorating After cleaning up a few ejector pin marks inside the fuselage, construction began in earnest. Planning the internal painting and assembly was essential, thanks to
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The port window had to be attached before the control rods could be applied. The windows were masked before they were fixed in place, to avoid the risk of pushing them back into the fuselage after the halves were together.
the slightly complicated interior of the Pe-2; there were seats, frames, windows, control rods and assorted paraphernalia all over, so everything had to be assembled and painted in a sensible order. Windows were attached to the inside of the fuselage, but control rods obscured the large port-side
oval observation window, so clearly these had to be omitted until most of the interior was complete. Beyond this, the waist gun would likely have been knocked off or snapped, so the barrel was sliced away; and would be attached at the end of the build. Another issue was the
ventral gun and fuselage mounting panel, which would have caused masking and painting problems, so the assembly was simply left off until the end of the build. To ease painting, fitting of the seats and a few other items was also dealt with separately. Once the essential internal plastic was assembled, the bare metal PE pieces were fixed in place, before Tamiya XF-19 Sky Grey was sprayed to approximate the light grey (probably a shade of A-14 Steel Grey) seen inside many Pe-2s. The instructions called for a dark grey in the wheel wells and bomb bay, but I was
unable to establish the exact Soviet colour this represented. Tamiya XF-63 German Grey was pressed into service in these areas, and although it may well have been too dark, some reference photos do show Pe-2s with incredibly dark wheel hubs and undercarriage legs. Alclad Aqua Gloss followed the paint, to provide a smooth surface for the subsequent grey oil wash. With clean-up complete, the interior was coated with multiple light misted coats of Xtracolor XDFF Matt Varnish, and once dry, the coloured PE was applied before detail painting commenced. The interior PE went in without issue, but owing to the comprehensive and complex nature of the interior, its application took a while. Beyond this, the engineering of the kit really was superb; everything fitted where it was meant to, and due to the design’s complexities, Zvezda is to be congratulated on
INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2 Eduard’s Superfabric seatbelts were very delicate to work with, but looked great. Chipping was applied with 2B and Prismacolor Silver pencils.
"SuperfaBric seatbelts were very delicate to work with, But looked great" More chipping took place in the rear fuselage, and the waist machine gun was attached once the windows were in place. The barrel was removed and then attached at the end of the build, to avoid damage.
MODEL SPEC
a job well done. It did take ages to assemble and paint all the internal sub-assemblies though. The bomb bay was comprehensive, as were the rear of the engines and their associated pipe work. Various intakes had to be painted and assembled before the multi-part wings and cowlings could be built, but once again, the fit was great. Eduard’s Superfabric seatbelts were incredibly delicate, so great care was required, but once they Petlyakov Pe-2 By:
Zvezda
Stock Code:
4809
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£29.99
Available from: www.hobbyco.net
were fixed in place with thinned white glue, the results looked excellent. With the interior fully painted and detailed, the windows were masked and attached before all other items were added. Chipping was replicated courtesy of 2B and Prismacolor Metallic Silver pencils and, after a marathon effort, the fuselage halves were finally joined, engine rears then placed in the nacelles and the wings/nacelles assembled. Compared to the internals, airframe assembly was simplicity itself. The fit was a little tight on the underside of the fuselage, but overall, everything went together well. An entire Eduard exterior PE brass set was present for use on this project, and although the interior set was worth its weight in gold, the exterior package seemed completely unnecessary. In some areas, it sought to replace examples of kit detail that were already perfectly good, and in other regions it required surgery that in terms of the pay-off
The only real issue with construction concerned the wing root fairing. In reality, there was no join down the middle, so judicious filling, sanding and re-scribing was required. Miliput was also used to neaten various joins.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
A custom mix of AMT-7 was used to cover the undersides.
The same process was followed for the AMT-12 Dark Grey. An attractive scheme I’m sure you’ll agree!
White was sprayed over the fuselage halves, before the arrows from the Montex set were applied. It was easier to do it this way than mess around later in the build. The high contrasts in camouflage would have been bothersome to cover with white...
between risk/time spent/visual improvement, just didn’t compute. I’m a massive fan of Eduard and its products, but Zvezda did such a good job on the kit that the exterior set seemed unnecessary. Transparencies were tackled while the rest of the build was in progress, but in this sample, they were slightly greasy from mould release agent, so thorough cleaning was required to ensure the Johnson’s Klear adhered properly and consistently.
MonteX Mask Options
After a freehand application of AMT-1 Light Grey Brown on the top surfaces, AMT-7 Green was applied in the same manner. The key to this was extremely thin paint for the outlines… and patience. Don’t worry if it goes wrong, as one can always re-spray.
The eye-catching arrow scheme was produced courtesy of Montex's K48318. The sheet supplied a full set of masks for the stars, unit markings, canopies and wheels, while a small decal sheet featured items that would be impractical to mask. The two options were: • 12th GvBAP, Baltic Fleet Air Force, November 1944 • 511th RAR, 5th Air Army, Kursk, Summer 1943
Turret trouble After leaving the glue to harden for a few days, to avoid the chance of ‘ghost’ seams appearing after sanding, everything was neatened and the airframe was assembled. Regardless of excellent fit, it is normally possible to find a use for Miliput and in this case it was pressed into service in a number of areas, mainly to ensure panel line joins were perfectly neat, particularly around the engines. Be under no illusion though, the fit of this kit was superb. The only real issue concerned the wing root; its fit was great, but the join line went right down the middle of the wing root fairing, rather than falling on a real panel line. This required a fair amount of filling/sanding/priming/ re-scribing, but a vaguely passable result was achieved eventually. All joins and seams were primed with airbrushed acrylic grey paint, before any remedial work was completed and then re-primed. Before painting, it was decided to add the nose glazing, but due to the various gaps and overlapping nature of the dorsal turret/canopy assembly, these were left off, dealt with separately and attached at the end of the build. Annoyingly,
the nose glazing was the only item on the kit that didn’t seem to want to fit, so very careful sanding and trimming was required. After completing the outlines of the green, the remaining areas were covered with a slightly thicker mix of this shade.
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The correct colour? There seemed to be limited choices for this model in terms of liveries, as the kit decal options all involved
INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
Oil washes were applied after a gloss coat, and then as much final assembly took place as possible, before a matt coat was added.
the same three-colour upper surfaces and all had white propeller spinners. Something different was desired, yet no aftermarket decals appeared to be available…but help was at hand. For some reason, I’ve always loved the look of arrow/ lightning bolt designs on aircraft, so the discovery of a Montex mask set, which provided the option for a Pe-2 adorned with a gigantic white arrow, red spinners, and which served during the titanic Battle of Kursk meant the decision was made! After masking the various nooks and crannies, the fuselage sides were sprayed white and left to dry before the arrow masks were applied, taking great care to ensure they aligned on each side. It seems particularly difficult to pin down Soviet World War Two colours due to limited and sometimes contradictory English
language material, and although AKAN (a Russian-based company) produces a vast range of Soviet hues, there is just one source for this paint in the UK (Coastal Craft). In the end, and after studying numerous builds finished with AKAN paints, homemade batches of AMT-1 (Light Brown), AMT-4 (Green), AMT-7 (Blue) and AMT-12 (Dark Grey) were improvised from Tamiya colours. Hopefully the end result was vaguely reasonable, but any errors were solely the responsibility of the author! Painting began with AMT-7 on the undersides, with a mix of 20:1 X-2 White and X-14 Sky Blue. This was mottled with light and dark tones of the base coat, before work began on the upper surfaces. AMT-1 was mixed from a mix of 3:2:10 XF-20 Medium Grey, XF-59 Desert Yellow and White. This
Stars and numbers were applied over Alclad Aqua Gloss. Montex's masks were phenomenal, but be sure to burnish the edges with cocktail sticks to prevent paint-bleed.
Czech aftermarket A range of Eduard products were secured for use in this build: • ED49091 Petlyakov Pe-2 Super Fabric Seatbelts • ED49747 Petlyakov Pe-2 interior • ED48871 Petlyakov Pe-2 exterior
"panel lines were treated to a heavily diluted overspray"
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
"a scourer was carefully tapped repeatedly on the wing root"
References Although Soviet aircraft are underrepresented in the English-speaking aviation press, several books on the Pe-2 can still be sourced. These two are no longer in print, but can still be found relatively easily: Profile 216 Petlyakov Pe-2 By Malcom Passingham and Waclaw Klepacki (Profile Publications) Petlyakov Pe-2 in Action 181, by Hans Heiri Stapfer (Squadron/Signal), ISBN: 0-89747-439-2
was diluted heavily, and layered freehand in multiple passes to produce the demarcation with the blue, before heavier mixes of the same paint were applied for broader coverage. The next mix of AMT-4 Green was produced from the somewhat convoluted mix of 3:3:1:7:0.5 XF-67 NATO Green, XF-4 Yellow Green, XF-58 Olive Green, White and X-16 Purple. Such effort may seem to border on lunacy, but Tamiya paints are a personal favourite so it had to be done. Finally, AMT-12 Dark Grey was sprayed simply via XF-24 Dark Grey. With base
The turret and ventral guns were left off until as late as possible. Note the barrel for the waist gun on the right.
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colours firmly established, a few touch-ups took place before all upper surfaces were mottled with lightened and darkened mixes of the base coats. Although it only takes a few sentences to relay the painting process, it took far, far longer to negotiate in reality. They key factor with any kind of freehand airbrush scheme is to thin the paints enough that the edges are soft and not speckled, build the colour gradually, be patient and don’t panic. Lower pressures are also good to prevent overspray, but the best approach is to experiment and if you’re not
sure, try it on an old model, a test piece or scrap plastic card. Finally, mistakes can be re-sprayed, so don’t worry too much…it gets easier with practice. After removing the arrow bolt masks, light, protective layers of Alclad Aqua Gloss were applied in the areas receiving Soviet star and aircraft number masking. Montex’s products were superb once again, and after careful application, the edges were repeatedly burnished with a cocktail stick to avoid paint bleed. Afterwards, the rest of the airframe was protected with a combination of Tamiya Tape and
All panel lines were treated to a heavily diluted overspray of a 2:1 Tamiya Flat Black/Red Brown mix, to suggest grime accumulated around panels. Guns and glazing were then attached.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD PETLYAKOV PE-2
kitchen roll. Red doesn’t cover especially well over darker colours (it is arguably worse than white), and the contrast between the Dark Grey on the airframe and the other colours was particularly stark, which could pose problems. A white base coat was desirable, but if a lot of white is sprayed into a mask before another colour is added on top, an amount of white that has built up underneath can show as an outline. Spraying the white thinly can avoid this, but it was decided to spray a fair amount of XF-7 Flat Red first. White was then applied carefully to provide a uniform base coat, before more red went over the top. This was mottled with a pinkish mix, followed by XF-9 Hull Red.
Soviet scouring With painting completed, the undercarriage was assembled before the entire airframe was glossed in preparation for a panel line wash. Different colours of wash were mixed for the different colours of the airframe, and the trick was to make them slightly darker than the base coats – to be visible, but not so dark as to make them stark. As much final assembly took place as possible before the airframe was muted with multiple light coats of Xtracolor Matt Varnish. Next, all panel lines were treated to
an ultra-thin mix of 2:1 XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown, to suggest grime in and around panel lines. Following this, a sharp Prismacolor Silver pencil was used for subtle chipping effects, while AMMO MIG European Earth was worked into the wing roots and tyres, and secured with the company’s proprietory fixer. Sadly, the aerial mast was far too bendy for any kind of aerial wiring to be possible, so this was omitted. A few reference photos of Pe-2s revealed incredibly obvious chalky exhaust stains, so these were re-created with various thin sprays of XF-19 Sky Grey and XF-85 Rubber Black. Finally, scuffs on the airframe were considered… not actual chipping, but scuffs left by groundcrew walking and crawling over the wings during servicing. Goodness knows why, but the thought occurred to use an abrasive metal kitchen scourer to try and re-create this effect. With no small degree of trepidation, a scourer was carefully tapped repeatedly on the wing root, engine cowls and the area in between. The effect was fascinating and definitely something to be attempted again. Experimentation is key, and it brought the build happily to a close.
Grey/black oil paint was applied under the engines, streaked back with cotton buds and brushes moistened with white spirit, to represent staining. Before assembly, flat spots were sanded on the wheels, and the attachment points were modified to create a weighted effect.
Reference photos showed chalky exhaust stains, with faint black outlining. Care and time was taken to represent this, via Tamiya Sky Grey and Rubber Black. AMMO MIG European Earth Pigment was also stumped into the wing root and secured with pigment fixer.
To conclude... This is a superb kit. It was timeconsuming to build, but that was due to the number of parts and complexity of the real aircraft. Zvezda is to be commended for producing such a well-engineered model of this a vital type. There was a lot to it, but it all went together very well indeed. Can we now please have some more decal options from the aftermarket?
The glazing for the roof of the radio operator/rear gunner compartment was lost, so replacements were scratch-built from clear plastic; Montex’s Masks acted as a template.
Groundcrew walking over wings for refuelling and maintenance can cause all kinds of scuffing. To give a suggestion of this, a kitchen scourer was tapped gently where appropriate to create subtle marks in the paint.
The final effect of the scuffing executed with a kitchen scourer seemed to work well, without being overbearing. www.airfixmodelworld.com 49
EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
Airfix introduces its forthcoming new-tool 1/48 P-51D into a competitive arena. Here, Alan Price shows its quality with an exclusive test-shot build
N
The fuselage halves looked little odd with sections missing, but clever engineering soon ensured these gaps were filled appropriately.
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orth American’s P-51 Mustang is a muchloved subject, famous for its bomber escort, fighter sweep and ground-attack duties; as such, it is well catered for in scale form. Tamiya’s toolings have long been the mainstay in this arena and its Mustangs do take some beating, but Meng also recently entered the fray with its new ‘snap together’ offering, which has been lauded by modellers. To compete with such company, Airfix need something good…and my, has it done it with this kit!
MODEL SPEC
SHOTGUN
High quality Comprising four styrene runners and one clear frame for transparencies, the kit is moulded superbly; fine engraved panel lines adorn the components, but raised details feature where appropriate, including very delicate rivets on the wing underside. The kit features the late dorsal fillet, and flaps are provided for raised and lowered configurations. Both 75 US gal (330 lit) steel drop tanks and 110 US gal (484 lit) ‘paper’ versions are supplied, along with North American P-51D Mustang By:
Airfix
Stock Code:
A05131
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£20.99
Available from: www.airfix.com
EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
Kit Colour Schemes
Airfix’s supplied USAAF liveries are: • 24 ‘Little Indian’, 2nd Air Commando Group, 10th AF, Kalaikunda, India, 1945 • 44-15152 ‘Jersey Jerk’, Capt Don Strait, 361st FS, 356 FG, RAF Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, UK, 1945
The wheels came in two styles, and the diamond tread common on most Mustang tyres was well rendered.
The centre undercarriage doors could just be assembled open, but this was done by them being attached to the centre spar.
This shot shows the high degree of refinement on cockpit parts, notably the seat back and instrument panel, and exterior items such as the exhausts (two styles).
two Bazooka-style M10 triple rocket tubes and a pair of 500lb (226kg) bombs (not used in this build). Other parts remained unused but hinted at different future versions. A large and well-printed decal sheet was also provided, with markings for two interesting subjects.
Busy office The well-known 8th Air Force aircraft of Captain Donald Strait was chosen for this build. After studying the instructions and parts, it became clear this was an extremely detailed kit and
quite complex in areas…and care would need to be taken with assembly to avoid missing anything important. As such, construction began as indicated, with the cockpit. This area is very busy; the seat has belts moulded integrally, oxygen pipe is provided as a separate moulding and cockpit placards sit on the decal sheet. The assembled cockpit was painted with Mr. Hobby H58 Interior Green before a black wash was applied, followed by dry-brushing with a lightened shade of the cockpit green. Mustang cockpit floors The propeller was the standard wartime ‘cuffed’ unit; the undercarriage bay is seen to the right with the wing spar at the top, and the latter formed the rear wall of the undercarriage bay.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
Metal or Paper? "the kit is moulded superbly; fine engraved panel lines adorn the components"
were varnished plywood, so to replicate this, the kit floor was first painted with a light brown mixed from Humbrol enamels. Once dry, oil paints were used to create a wood grain effect. Having applied the required decals, the cockpit was given a coat of matt varnish, and then the seat back and floor received several coats of thin gloss varnish to impart a slight sheen.
Pivotal element There were several other things to tackle before the fuselage could be mated. Airfix’s cockpit acted as a support for the other structures that fitted into the fuselage. The tail undercarriage bay had to be built onto this and the interior for the radiator ducts. Airfix has solved one of the traditional problems with Mustangs – seams running
Work began by gluing the sidewalls to the fuselage halves. Ejector pin marks were present, yet all but the forwardmost on each side were invisible once the interior was built.
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through the radiator ducts – with a novel approach. Not only has the firm replicated accurately the interior trunking at the inlet side (even down to strengthening ribs pressed into the top of the tunnel) but it has moulded the outlet side with part of the fuselage exterior, thereby avoiding seams. This all fitted together perfectly and, after a coat of Alclad II ALC-101
The kit provides both common types of underwing fuel tanks used by the P-51D; steel 75gal and cellulose 110gal units. The pressed steel tank was used less and less as the war continued, in favour of the cheaper and larger-capacity paper tanks. Airfix’s steel versions were shaped accurately, however they lacked the distinctive clinch flange around the mid-line. This could be replicated by sandwiching the tank halves around a thin piece of plastic card, then sanding to shape. The paper tanks (which were resin-impregnated cardboard and plywood, painted silver) were also accurate in shape and more likely to have been seen on late-war Mustangs.
Aluminium, a thin black wash was applied to the radiator faces to accentuate the detail. The tail gear then had to be installed in the undercarriage bay at this point, so care was necessary to avoid damage with this later. With the interior completed, it was glued into the fuselage and the latter’s halves were closed. A little work was required on the underside, where the preproduction nature of the kit revealed itself, but overall the fit was very good.
Rapid assembly The wings came next and more clever engineering solutions revealed themselves. Airfix’s kit has a correctly rendered undercarriage bay, with the rear wall running straight across, as this was formed by the wing spar. At the front, an insert provided a smooth transition, free from
Considerable work was required to complete all interior parts, but this was well worth the time as the large, open cockpit would be easily visible once the model was finished.
EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
seams, where the wing mated to the nose. The undercarriage bay was painted aluminium, as was the case on most Mustangs. Note that generally, interior surfaces on Mustangs other than the cockpit were not painted. The wings were assembled quickly and mated to the fuselage, the join being mostly excellent, with just slight remedial treatment being required around the nose to the wing front insert seam. Horizontal tails were dealt with swiftly, but the rudder was left off since this could then be painted separately and attached at the end of the build. A test-fit of the flaps revealed that by shortening (just slightly) the attachment tabs on the ‘up’ flaps, ‘up’ and ‘down’ sets could be interchanged. As a result, it was decided to paint both sets so they could be swapped as required on the finished model and, with the airframe finished, the remaining parts were prepared. Both sets of tanks were cleaned up and assembled, as was the undercarriage, wheels, propeller and spinner.
Careful painting A decision needed to be made on how to deal with the Mustang’s famously filled and painted wing. Rather than eradicate some of the carefully crafted detail on the kit, it was decided to replicate the filled area by applying standard aluminium paint, and then treat the rest of the airframe with Alclad II lacquers. Previous experience with this method to differentiate fabric and metal areas on models showed it was effective. Alclad II lacquers are notoriously unforgiving of poor surface preparation, so careful neatening of seams was paramount. All seams were re-sanded with fine grades of Micro-Mesh and the entire model was wet-sanded with 4,000- and 6,000-grade Micro-Mesh, to ensure any marks in the plastic were removed. Next, the order of painting needed to be considered. The decision had already been made to build Don Strait’s aircraft; this was a P-51D-15-NA according to its serial number block,
The fin must be attached to the fuselage before gluing together the halves. As on the real aircraft, the fin was offset to port (to counter prop torque), so the step just forward of the fin was correct and should not be sanded flat.
Here, the completed interior is installed in the fuselage; this is how it needs to sit before closing the fuselage.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
"Cockpit detail was first class"
Extra Speed Cockpit detail was first class and warranted careful painting and weathering.
An insert fitted to the lower front of the wing provided a neat way of avoiding troublesome seams. This was held with tape while the glue set, to avoid gaps. Slight filling and sanding of the fuselage was required, though this may have been due to the pre-production nature of the kit.
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The Mustang sported a ‘laminar flow’ wing, the design of which was partly responsible for the type’s great range. However, achieving the smooth airflow over the wing surface wing was not an easy task, so groundcrews treated the wing surfaces to make them more aerodynamic. The forward 40% of the wing (by chord) was painted with several coats of Acme Grey Surfacer No. 53N5, then sanded smooth. Panel joins were then filled with Acme Red Vellunite glazing putty No. 58485, which was also sanded smooth. Over this, either camouflage paintwork was applied or for natural metal aircraft, the area was sprayed with aluminium lacquer. Sometimes, though, the whole wing was painted aluminium and not just the filled area. The wings on this Airfix build have been left untreated, so one can view the kit panel line detail.
built by North American at Inglewood, California in mid- to late-1944. There are several photographs of the aircraft available online and in books, which show it to be a fairly clean example with unpolished skin...polished examples are modern airshow warbirds! The nose was painted red, while black identification stripes appeared on the mainplanes, and horizontal/vertical stabilisers. No D-Day markings were visible in the reference images, and as the aircraft was delivered post D-Day this was to be expected. As Alclad II was being used, a black basecoat would be required (advised by the company), so this could also be masked to represent ID stripes. Painting began with the red nose. The area was first airbrushed with H11 White, then given a coat of H13 Red. After muting this with Micro-Mesh, a final coat was applied via Tamiya X-7 Gloss Red, which was set aside for 24 hours before being masked.
The model then received several coats of X-1 Gloss Black, which was then matted with 6,000-grade Micro-Mesh before identification stripes were masked. Alclad II ALC-101 Aluminium was then applied to the rear part of the wings… the area that would have been unpainted on the real aircraft. This was masked along the 40% demarcation and the forward parts of the wings were airbrushed with H8 Silver. This was protected with a coat of Microscale Gloss, as the acrylic finish is easily damaged. With the wings completed, they were masked to prevent overspray and the fuselage was airbrushed with ALC-101. To break up the areas of aluminium, several panels were over-sprayed with Mr. Paint MRP-9 White Aluminium. Finally, the panels round the exhaust were sprayed lightly with H18 Steel. Then, all the masking was removed and the model was given a protective coat of Microscale Gloss varnish.
EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
Once the model was primed with Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Surfacer, painting proper commenced with red on the upper cowling.
The cleverly designed windscreen has the instrument panel shroud glued to it via a tab, thus avoiding potential issues with glue creeping up the side of the shroud where it meets the windscreen. After masking the red nose, the entire model was airbrushed gloss black…the required basecoat for Alclad II lacquer.
The Jerk Decal’s for Don Strait’s aircraft were applied over three evenings and performed well with
Microscale setting solutions. It’s best to stagger decal application on a model such as this, where there are many stencils to
To replicate partly painted wings, the ‘metal’ areas were first airbrushed with Alclad II Aluminium. Note the black basecoat has been masked to produce black ID stripes.
apply, as the airframe becomes increasingly difficult to handle with wet decals all over it. The kit supplied items for the stripes
on the spinner, and these were tricky to apply, but allowing each to dry for ten minutes before adding the next allowed the
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
After masking the Alclad, the front part of the wing was airbrushed with Mr. Hobby Silver. The difference between these mediums is readily visible.
The fuselage was airbrushed with Alclad, and selective panels were masked and airbrushed with Mr. Paint White Aluminium to add contrast.
spinner to be completed neatly. Another coat of gloss was applied once the decals had dried, then the model received a pin wash of Flory Models Black. Exhaust staining was replicated via a thin dark grey mix in the airbrush, and the Flory Black wash was used to replicate oil staining on the rear fuselage.
over the entire model, to mute the finish. Though the rocket tubes were not used in this version, they were assembled and painted to see how they looked. These were beautifully rendered items and compared well to detailed photographs in the book Building the P-51 Mustang, by Michael
The wash and weathering were sealed with a light coat of gloss varnish and it was time to add the final parts. These had all been painted ready to assemble, so in quick succession the undercarriage, propeller, rudder and exhausts were attached. Mr. Paint MRP-126 Super Clear Semimatt varnish was airbrushed
O’Leary (ISBN: 978-1-58007-1529). This is an excellent reference for any modeller interested in building an accurate P-51. This aircraft would have had an aerial lead, which ran through the back of the canopy. A tiny hole was drilled in the small pip on top of the canopy and a length of Uschi van der Rosten
Materials
Mr. Hobby and Uschi van der Rosten (www.albionhobbies.com) Mr.Paint (www.mrpaint.sk) Micro-Mesh abrasives Alclad II lacquers (www.alclad2.com)
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD P-51D MUSTANG
After gloss varnish the decals were applied and, once dry, a further gloss coat was airbrushed, followed by a black pin wash.
Most of the remaining parts were attached before Mr. Paint Semimatt varnish was airbrushed over the whole model.
"beautifully rendered five part Bazooka rocket tubes were also supplied"
‘Rig That Thing’ elastic line (www.albionhobbies.com) was threaded through it. One end was secured to the seat back, and the other pulled tight and secured through a tiny copper wire loop, which was home-
made and attached to the fin. The canopy was then glued in place. Navigation lights were painted in the appropriate colours, then a set of flaps and drop tanks were put in place to complete the model.
Weathering was limited to exhaust stains, replicated with an airbrushed thin grey mix, and typical oil stains from the wing root area, common on many Mustangs.
Perfect pony It was a joy to build this kit; the detail was first class and it’s hard to believe, looking at the completed model, this was constructed straight from the box. Arguably, it’s Airfix’s best 1/48 scale kit so far.
If one was to be super-critical, the metal drop tanks could do with the clinch flange and the rivet detail on the wings is a little heavy, but this is being very picky indeed. Make no mistake, though…this is a fabulous kit.
Besides 500lb bombs, these beautifully rendered five-part Bazooka rocket tubes were also supplied…although neither were used on this build due to the colour scheme choice. www.airfixmodelworld.com 57
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Mi-24V HIND-E
Jen Wright adds extra detail and a dash of Caribbean style to a classic Soviet helicopter gunship
T
here are so many reasons for building a model, from enthusiasm for the subject to the need to build the latest wonder kit. This project came about after AMW’s Editor and I both fell in love with a photo of a Cuban
Air Force Mi-24V (Hind-E). Resplendent in four-tone camouflage, which was not just clean and glossy, but also strangely colourful–it was difficult to resist! With Revell’s re-boxing of Zvezda’s excellent kit to hand,
The photo that inspired this build, depicting a super-clean Cuban Mi-24V Hind-E, armed with two UB-16 rocket pods.
and having sourced decals from Aztec, the Editor then asked if extra detail could be applied to add extra spice…and project was born! Inside the typical end-opening Revell box was the same plastic as one would find in Zvezda’s offering, but with
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MODEL SPEC
Mi-24V HIND-E
Mil Mi-24V Hind-E By:
Revell
Stock Code:
04839
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£14.99
Available from: www.revell.de/en
different decals and the former’s typical instruction booklet. As with its re-boxed Hasegawa kits, this is in fact cheaper to buy than Zvezda’s example and as such represents superb value. The 268 parts were moulded crisply, with no flash to speak of, and thin, distortion-free clear parts. Optional weapons fits were catered for with four B-8V20A unguided rocket pods, UPK-23250 cannon pods, auxiliary fuel tanks and 9M114 (AT-6 Spiral) anti-tank guided missiles. There were also various optional aerial fits, wingtips, flare dispensers and exhaust suppression filters, making this a one-stop shop for almost any Hind-E variant. It’s also very accurate, being the only offering that has captured the asymmetric and off-centre shapes present in the forward fuselage and tail. Some key aftermarket extras were selected for use (as detailed in the panel) but all other detail was to be scratch-built.
The main troop cabin seats had their folding supports added from copper wire and plastic card. Note the relative blandness of the area behind the pilot’s seat supports.
Having filled several ejector pin marks, additions to the cabin walls were based closely on research material. The internal layout seems to vary between airframes, so if specifics are required, do make sure the correct references are employed.
Even straight from the box, the main internal components displayed excellent detail for such a small scale. Despite that, improvements were sought for a busier appearance.
Although it wasn’t planned to use PE accessories, the kit-supplied decals looked unimpressive after adding other detail. Eduard’s PE, however, gave the instrument panels and consoles a real lift for a relatively modest outlay.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD Mi-24V HIND-E
After adding paint, all that extra detail was even more obvious. The avionics racks behind the pilot were created with judicious scribing and several lead wire handles. Seatbelts from the Eduard PE set were twisted and left jumbled in the rear cabin.
Translating those basic parts into a finished and painted assembly took time, but the results looked impressive. Several shades of Alclad metallic lacquer were used to suggest heat-staining towards the rear of the engine, while the gearbox area was painted RLM 78. Fitting the engine and gearbox to the right-hand fuselage finished the interior work, and hopefully this photo conveys the complexity of the assembly.
Being 1/72 scale, fine wire was required, but as the thinnest commercially available lead wire is just 0.3mm, copper equivalents, stripped from computer cabling were pressed into service. Not being a fan of ‘gizmology’, all of this was replicated carefully from references.
"BEING 1/72 SCALE, FINE WIRE WAS REQUIRED"
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD Mi-24V HIND-E
References Mi-24D, V, DU, by J Bašny, J Brázda, M Ovčáčik, K Susa (4+ Publications), ISBN: 978-80-900708-2-5 Flight Craft: Russian Gunship Helicopters, by Gordon Yefin and Dmitriy Komissarov (Pen & Sword), ISBN: 978-178-15928-2-3 Aces high: Hind Special, by Maciej Goralczyk and Kristof Pulinckx (AK Interactive), ISBN: N/A World Airpower Journal Vol 18 Autumn/Fall 1994 (Aerospace), ISBN: 978-1-874023-45-6
With the remainder of the cockpit in place, this low-angle view highlights the two-tier assembly to advantage, along with the mandatory lead weight under the cabin floor to prevent tail sitting!
Once all the main seams were filled and sanded, the temporary masking was removed and the many smaller parts and sub-assemblies gathered. To avoid wasted time airbrushing, all were sorted so they could be sprayed along with the main model.
When it came to fitting the left side, all the slight misalignments present resulted in the gap between the upper and lower nose sections, which has been filled here. The tape was to protect internal areas from sanding debris.
The final part of the build before readying for paint involved the transparencies. This multi-part assembly was slightly worrying at first glance, but test-fits went well, with minimal fettling required.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 61
INTERMEDIATE BUILD Mi-24V HIND-E
Mr. Surfacer was used extensively to neaten joins on the model; here it can be seen on the canopy seams and the nose blister. Removal of any excess was with fine-grade Wet and Dry abrasive paper or a cotton bud moistened with Mr. Color thinner.
Masking was complex; note the kit’s separate panels were used to protect their respective areas. Humbrol’s Maskol was a great help, both to attach the temporarily closed panels, and to plug gaps in the masking.
Painting commenced with Tamiya XF-4 Yellow Green, which was airbrushed in large splotches, followed by Mr. Hobby H405 Olive Green, applied freehand; this approach was preferred as masking the four-colour camouflage would have been a major task.
The brown shade was represented by XF-9 Hull Red. Colour shades were quoted via Federal Standard numbers on Aztec’s decal sheet, but it was difficult to match these to any model paint brands, so these colours were chosen instead.
As always with freehand work, it was helpful in certain areas to apply small temporary masks to avoid unnecessary overspray. Here, Panzer Putty was employed to protect the top of the engine cowlings, while the APU intake area received XF-69 NATO Black.
Although the decal sheet provided markings in three different shades of blue, none matched photos of the real helicopter. This being so, masks were created to render the blue areas, while the decals were sliced to provide the red portions and stars.
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD Mi-24V HIND-E Once the model was airbrushed with all four shades, it received two light coats of X-22 Clear, to seal the colours and ready the surface for decals.
A white basecoat was employed for the blue areas, and this doubled as the white in the stripes…it also ensured the red areas would not appear dull.
"A WHITE BASECOAT WAS EMPLOYED FOR THE BLUE AREAS"
Aftermarket additions Aztec Decals (www.aztecdecals.com) • 72-049 Cuban Raiders II; decal sheet includes several MiGs, an L-39 Albatross, Mi-8, and two versions of Hind
The trickiest decal by far was the ‘Onacho’ (Danger) warning label at the rear of the tail boom. This was curved around the tail, but also covered small sections of the skid; note the completed fin flash.
Eduard (www.eduard.com) • SS368 Mi-24V Hind-E Interior; a small set of coloured photo-etched metal, including mainly instrument panels and seatbelts for the cockpit and cabin • 672102 UB-16 Rocket Pods; four beautifully detailed resin stores Quickboost (www.aires.cz) • 72316 Cannon Barrels; tiny resin gun barrels for both the quad- and double-barrelled nose guns/cannon Armory Models Group (www.armorymodels.com) • AR MA232 Mil Mi-24 pitot
Hindquarters Although not fully trouble-free, this was in many ways simpler to build than it looked. Given the necessarily complex parts
Although the kit contained rocket pods, they were flat-fronted B-8 units, whereas reference photos indicated the earlier UB-16 was fitted to Cuban aircraft. Luckily, Eduard has released a fabulous set of these in its Brassin range.
breakdown around the forward fuselage, and all the open panels, some fit issues were to be expected. As it turned out, though, the model just needed
filler in one area; everything else was dealt with by testing and trimming before committing to glue. Adding all the detail inevitably ensured a degree of
difficulty; this was 1/72 scale after all, but the challenge was enjoyable and resulted in a very eye-catching addition to the display shelf. www.airfixmodelworld.com 63
IN FOCUS Mi-24 HIND
Jakub Fojtík describes the development of the Mi-24 gunship variants and their most commonly carried weapons
THE DEVIL’S CH
W
hen unveiled in the 1970s, Mil’s Mi-24 (NATO reporting name Hind) presented an awe-inspiring sight... but even then, Soviet squadron commanders and pilots were aware of shortcomings in its design. Just six years after the arrival of the groundbreaking Mi-24A (Hind-A), a more formidable variant
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appeared; it and its derivatives would quickly become the main production variants. The results of Soviet Army trials and deployments of the Mi-24A in ‘hot-and-high’ locations were analysed thoroughly by technicians and experts, to isolate any potential ‘Achilles heels’ for the type. Although many units equipped with early Hind variants
were deployed in the Caucasus and USSR’s Central Asian territories, the main battlefield was Europe. Here, the Mi-24’s primary role was to destroy NATO tank forces. At the beginning of the 1970s just the Mi-8TV (Hip-C) and Mi-4AV (Hound-A/C) were available for such roles, but these lacked protection systems and engine power. A new tank-buster with
heavy firepower, increased armour and good flight characteristics was needed, but initial experience with Mi-24As revealed it was unsuited to this role.
Radical redesign Changes would be focussed on three areas — crew and systems protection, weaponry and flight performance. The first
IN FOCUS Mi-24 HIND
A Russian Air Force Mi-24P shows support for its country’s troops in Chechnya. Although this sub-type could arguably be branded obsolete compared with more modern helicopters, it participated in the latest Syrian deployment alongside Mi-35Ms.
Indeed, many pilots familiar with early variants stated they could see landing sites for the first time when flying in the new cockpit. To avoid a crash in the event of the pilot being incapacitated, both crew members had flying controls, although those in the WO station were basic (they were folded when not in use) and initial airframes lacked flight instruments. Later machines were equipped with an altimeter, airspeed indicator, main rotor/engines rpm monitors and artificial horizon, but the layout wasn’t ideal, as they were positioned on left-side panel. Systems were improved, with new air-conditioning gear and cockpit pressurisation, which allowed higher-altitude flights and the ability to operate in a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) environment. The engines, main gearbox and hydraulics were protected by additional armour, with powerplants more suitable for hot-and-high operations developed in parallel.
New version The intent was to equip the twincockpit Mi-24D (Hind-D) with
the 9M114 Shturm (AT-6 Spiral) anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system, but this wasn’t ready in time. Instead, a later version of the Mi-24A’s 9M17M Phalanga (AT-2 Swatter) was fitted, along with an improved guidance system, which comprised low-light optics and a radio-control array under the nose. Engineers also installed an electrically powered fourbarrelled 12.7mm 9A-624 gun in the extreme nose, replacing the Hind-A’s single 12.7mm machine gun. This combination decreased the WO’s workload significantly, replacing the Mi-24A’s manual gun and missile controls with semiautomated systems. The first Mi-24D prototype (a remanufactured Mi-24A), was introduced in 1972; serial production commenced in 1975, with 625 airframes built by 1985. Notably, this first machine had the tail rotor on the starboard side (all subsequent Hind-Ds would have this to port). It also featured improvements enabling deployment in dusty terrain, such as intake particle filters (unofficially called ‘mushrooms’). For operations in high-threat
ASO-2V flare dispensers (with uncovered cartridges) as seen on later Hinds.
CHARIOT was informed by experiences from border patrols, after two helicopters were destroyed when the canopy was hit with a single heavy-calibre round. In both cases pilot and weapon operator (WO) were seriously injured; engines were damaged on other machines due to poor ballistic protection on the cowlings, and the lack of a fire-proof bulkhead between
them. Mil Helicopter design bureau engineers evaluated several layouts, all of which reworked the nose section, before settling on a twin-cockpit configuration, but with just the frontal panes comprising armoured glass. The remainder of these Plexiglas ‘bubbles’ provided lesser protection, but the pilot now had much better visibility, being located above and behind the WO.
The 9A-624 12.7mm four-barreled gun became ideal for dealing with moving targets, including helicopters…but the penetration effect was insufficient and it was replaced eventually by more powerful weapons. www.airfixmodelworld.com 65
IN FOCUS Mi-24 HIND
A good comparison of the GUV universal gondola with the 9A-800 30mm grenade launcher (left) and with machine guns (two four-barreled 9A-622 7.62mm guns and one four-barreled 9A-624 12.7mm gun).
areas, helicopters would be equipped with a fuselagemounted L-166V-11E Ispanka infrared (IR) jammer and ASO-2V flare
type included a full set of flight instruments in the front cockpit for the instructor, while early examples lacked ATGM guidance
Shturm, further improving its antiarmour capability, as the missile was more accurate and faster than its predecessor. While the Shturm still required manual input, engagement times were shorter, and the semi-automatic command guidance system lessened the WO’s workload. Its associated optical guidance pod had two doors; one opened to enable target acquisition, with the second opened just before missile launch. A gun camera, relocated on the Mi-24D from the inner to the outer underwing pylon, was replaced by a new device installed in the pilot’s cockpit. At the same time, the helicopter’s identification friend or foe (IFF) system was upgraded, from the older SRO-2M Khrom (Odd Rods) to SRO-1P Parol. The Mi-24V’s ability to operation in hot-and-high conditions was also improved, with TV3-117V engines fitted; these could be distinguished by metal ‘ruffles’ on the outside
of the EVU exhaust suppression filters, which formed part of the helicopter’s IR countermeasures system, and were introduced following lessons learned in Afghanistan. There, Mi-24s were vulnerable to the Mujahedeen’s FIM-92 Stinger and SA-7 Grail IR-guided surface-to-air missiles. Mi-24Vs were the first Hinds to be equipped with ASO flare dispensers, initially located under the tail boom, but after continued losses, they were moved to a more effective location on the rear fuselage sides, with the number of cartridges increased to six (two sets of three). Further protection was afforded by an SPO-15/L-006 radar warning receiver (RWR). Serial production commenced in 1976, with more than 1,560 HindEs built, but initially just for the Soviet Army (foreign customers would have to wait several years). To fill the gap between Mi-24D and Mi-24V, a Mi-24D+ variant
An Mi-24VP serving with Russian Naval Aviation. It has been a major operator of the type till now, with more than a dozen in the inventory.
dispensers, attached under the tail boom. During the new type’s introduction, problems arose in training, due to the huge differences between it and the Mi-24A, and a special transition course was developed at the Syzran Higher Military Aviation School. Its technicians, working in cooperation with the Original Equipment Manufacturer, Mil, upgraded several D-models into training machines, known as Mi-24DU (uchebnyi – training). This removed the need for a transition course and new pilots were trained directly on the Mi-24DU. Major differences for this sub-
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sensors and the nose gun…later helicopters lacked just the latter.
Mountainous Hind The Mi-24D was the first Hind variant that could truly threaten NATO’s armoured forces. Until 1978, deliveries were restricted to Soviet aviation regiments, enabling the Mi-24As to be transferred to secondary and training roles, but eventually it was exported to most Warsaw Pact nations, and Middle Eastern customers. Meanwhile, in 1974 a new version, designated Mi-24V (Hind-E) was introduced (V for vysotnyi – mountainous). This finally introduced the 9M114
The front cockpit of the Mi-24V, with KPS-53AV gunsight station prominent in the centre.
IN FOCUS Mi-24 HIND
A Polish Mi-24V in the latest camouflage scheme. Although for export the type is known as Mi-35, due to little difference from the Soviet standard, all WarPac countries accepted the soviet designation and ‘Mi-35’ was used in Africa and Asia alone.
was developed, with TV3-117V engines (plus EVU suppressors if needed) and the L-006 RWR, and these machines were delivered to Hungary, Poland and East Germany. The Mi-24V model also served as the basis for the Mi-24RKhR NBC reconnaissance (Hind-G1) and Mi-24K artillery spotting (Hind-G2) variants.
damaged the cockpit glazing. Consequently, all production Mi-24Ps were fitted with long barrels (which improved accuracy), along with reinforced attachment points to prevent cracks and strengthening ribs under the pilot’s entrance hatch. The rear fairing for the ATGM optics was also modified to fit the ammunition feed.
Acceptance trials took more than five years to complete, and the first operational helicopters were introduced to the Soviet Army in 1981, with 635 examples built until construction ended in 1996. On introduction into Afghanistan, the Mi-24P appears to have performed well, with none of the weapon serviceability issues
associated with the Hind-E, and had similar flight characteristics. However, opinions on the Mi-24P are divided, with some pilots extremely satisfied with the cannon performance, yet others claim the four-barrelled 9A-624 was far superior at tracking moving targets, such as helicopters. Due to operator complaints
Bigger guns needed After successful evaluations of the Mi-24, Soviet engineers focused on improvement of the gun armament. In Afghanistan, its effectiveness had been reduced by dust ingestion (occasionally causing jams), overheating barrels and the lack of penetrating power afforded by the 12.7mm projectile. Mil technicians investigated fitting a 30mm cannon as a replacement, with the most suitable type being the GSh-2-30K (fitted to the Su-25 Frogfoot). Due to the twin-barrelled weapon’s weight and recoil, a turret installation was rejected, and it was mounted in a pod on the starboard fuselage. Unlike previous nose-mounted weapons, just the pilot could fire the cannon, as aiming was achieved by manoeuvring the helicopter to point at the target. The first Mi-24P (Hind-F) prototype (P for pushetchnyi – cannon) was converted from a Mi-24D and fitted with short barrels; however, the muzzle flash dazzled the crew and the blast
The Mi-24V rear cockpit. Its large display on the right is a paper map indicator, used frequently for multi-function display installation during upgrades. www.airfixmodelworld.com 67
IN FOCUS Mi-24 HIND
Czechoslovak Mi-24Ds were equipped with four-barrelled LR-122 FFAR launchers (right) derived from the famous Grad infantry system. On the right is an AT-2 Swatter missile.
equipped with locally designed LR-122 rocket pods, which carried four 122mm rockets (derived from the BM-21/Grad multiple rocket launch system). More commonly seen loads included UPK-23-250 gun pods, with twin-barrelled GSh23mm cannon. As with other large Soviet helicopter designs, the Hind could carry bombs on four of its underwing pylons, with the inner two stressed for a maximum of 1,102lb (500kg), and the outers 551lb (250kg). For training sorties, concrete practice bombs (CCP-10070) could be carried. The Hind-D’s anti-tank capability was provided by four 9M17P Phalanga, carried
The only exemptions to this are several initial Mi-24Vs, where this capability was added during general overhaul by the temporary attachment of fuel hoses outside the hardpoints. The same upgrade was visible on Nigerian Mi-24Vs delivered from Ukraine in 2010. After evaluation of combat in Afghanistan, deficiencies in the effectiveness of guns/cannons and rockets were noted. Mil therefore worked to integrate at least two types of the GUV-8700-series gun pod, with a choice of the 9A624 (two four-barrelled 7.62mm and a single four-barrelled machine gun) or the 9A669 (single 30mm
This heavily weathered Yemeni Air Force Mi-24V sports hand-painted camouflage over the original yellow-green scheme; the Mi-24 is so popular in Africa because the type can withstand almost any conditions.
about having to aim with the whole helicopter when firing the 30mm cannon, a new variant, the Mi-24VP (Hind-E Mod) was introduced in 1985. This matched the standard Mi-24V airframe with a turret-mounted twin-barrelled GSh-2-23L cannon. Installation problems meant that acceptance trials were completed four years late, and by the end of the following year, just 25 airframes had been delivered, mostly to the newly formed Russian Air Force, with three Mi-24VPs being noted in Ukrainian service. Although the gun performance is thought as excellent, some sources refer to overheating and ammunition feed failures, which is possibly why subsequent modernized Hind variants use GSh-2-23V watercooled cannon instead.
UB-32A-24 pods of S-5 57mm folding-fin aerial rockets (FFAR); although smaller UB-16 pods could be carried, this was rare and usually reserved for flight displays (as smoke dispensers). Another seldom-seen option was four S-24 heavy unguided air-to-ground rockets, but these were inaccurate. Czechoslovakian helicopters were
on the outermost stub pylons. Mi-24V, VP and P variants share the same basic weapon carriage capability as the Mi-24D, but are equipped with more modern ATGMs and rockets. All four large pylons are plumbed with fuel lines, and can carry a single PTB-450 external tank (for extended range on operations or ferry flights).
Weapon configurations All versions of the Hind can carry a heavy weapons load, on six wing pylons (the outermost being reserved for ATGMs). The Mi-24D was usually equipped with four
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A typical Mi-24V weapon array comprising (left to right) B-8V20 FFAR block with S-8 80mm rockets, UB-32A-24 FFAR block with S-5 57mm rockets and two tube launchers for 9M114 ATGMs.
automatic grenade launcher). The 57mm S-5 rockets were found to be ineffective against armoured or dug-in targets, and were replaced with the S-8 80mm projectile, carried in 20-round pods. Freefall weapons cleared for use on later Hinds include the KMGU-2 cluster bomb, which was designed originally for fast jets; this was not exported until the mid-1990s, when several units were noted on ex-Ukrainian Hinds in Africa. Perhaps the biggest increase in capability was the replacement of 9M17Ps with 9M114 Shturm missiles, as these can also be carried on the outer main pylons, increasing the total number carried to eight. Live missiles have frangible covers at both ends, but the ‘open’ version commonly observed on many Mi-24s is either a training store or empty munition. While other missiles have been noted at arms expositions, such as K-13 (AA-2 Atoll) or R-60 (AA-8 Aphid), these are merely for show and have not been cleared for operational use.
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OUT AND ABOUT BDAC
Trumpeter’s 1/48 F-100D received a natural metal finish and markings of the 185th TFG, Iowa Air National Guard. This unit flew Super Sabres from 1962 to 1977.
Part of the IPMS Air Cadets display included this flawless 1/48 Airfix Canberra B.2 in the Light Aircraft Grey and Day-Glo of 231 Operational Conversion Unit, during the mid-1970s.
Cockpits, Kits T and More…
he Boscombe Down Aircraft Collection (BDAC) at Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury, offers an enviable list of events for both the aviation enthusiast and aircraft modeller. Its unique collection of aircraft cockpits comprises many from former test aircraft, which flew from nearby RAE Boscombe Down. The museum also boasts complete airframes, too, including a Bristol Sycamore, Sepecat Jaguar, Jet Provost, Westland Scout and Wasp. For the aircraft modeller, May 13 was a great opportunity to visit the collection for the first of its Aerojumble events of 2017. With a mix of model displays by the local IPMS Air Training Corps Dorset and Wiltshire unit, trade stands piled high with second-hand books and aircraft parts including Tornado and Jaguar control columns, through to a Mach indicator for a Lightning…there
The instrument panel of XV784, a Harrier GR.3; the jet had served with 4(AC) Squadron at RAF Gutersloh, before ending its operational service with RAF Wittering’s 233 Operational Conversion Unit.
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was something for all. But the day is much more than an opportunity to purchase models and aviation-related bargains. Staffed by volunteers, many of whom previously worked within the British aircraft test environment during the ‘golden years’, a walk around the exhibits is often accompanied by unique inputs from the staff, relating a particular story regarding one of the aircraft cockpits or a piece of memorabilia on display. It is an atmosphere that’s unique to the BDAC, where nothing is too much trouble for the staff, so if one would like to sit in the cockpit of the Sea Vixen FAW.1 that served on the Martel missile test programme, a Harrier GR.3 or any variant of Jet Provost, they’re all there. Super-detailing an RAF jet from the 1950s or 60s any time soon, and in need of cockpit references? Then BDAC is well worth a visit. Glenn Sands
One of the restored full-size aircraft on display within the collection is this beautiful Hawker Hunter F.6, XF375, formerly of the Empire Test Pilots’ School. (All images Glenn Sands)
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18/07/2017 15:53
INTERMEDIATE BUILD U-7144-T & F-1 TANKER
d e R Big G
Steve Budd reacquaints himself with Airfix’s Autocar U-7144-T and F1 tanker, reproduced here in a very different guise
The tank portion’s moulded strapping was simple and straightforward to remove, and was later replaced with plastic strip with a third of the profile. The first photo-etched metal fitted to the cab was the non-slip plates and footsteps, secured with water-thin cyanoacrylate, allowed to flow via capillary action under the parts.
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reat Britain's all-out effort to defeat the Axis powers had crippled the nation economically, industrially and emotionally. It was a tired nation that nonetheless set about the long process of recovery; as 1945 morphed into May 1946, a positive note was the official opening of Heathrow Airport to commercial traffic. With the ‘mend and make do’ spirit still very much extant, Heathrow (along with several other airports) secured a selection of American Autocar refuellers at knock- down prices, leftover when the USAAF packed its bags and headed back Stateside. No domestically produced fuel tankers were in production at the time, so the Autocar was a welcome ‘off the peg’ solution for filling the capacious tanks of civilian aircraft, which came in ever greater numbers. Initial examples retained their canvas roof over the cab, but this later gave way The two-dimensional nature of the PE was demonstrated graphically in comparison to the brass wire gearshifts fitted here.
to alternatives manufactured in more durable metal. The biggest change, however, when Esso Aviation took delivery of its vehicles at Heathrow, was in the overall colour; weather-beaten Olive Drab disappeared under a beautiful bright gloss red livery, supplemented with bold logos.
Trailing behind Having already built the subjects in Airfix’s US Bomber Re-supply Set for AMW’s July 2016 issue, the opportunity to do something different with two of them couldn’t be missed. The F1 tanker was first under the knife and the long, onepiece chassis bore many signs of mould separation lines, which varied in depth but were relatively easy to resolve as the plastic was on the soft side. The 14 tyres and associated hubs were razorsawed free ready for clean-up, this repetitious process being helped along immensely via a thumping selection from my ‘Plastic Playtime’ music list on the iPhone!
INTERMEDIATE BUILD U-7144 & F-1A TANKER
MODEL SPEC
The tanker was straightforward, but the circumferential strapping in five positions looked too prominent for the white stripe decals, which would later have to negotiate them. All five evaporated under scalpel and abrasives and, once the strapping was removed, attacking the long seams was easy, although they later sank slightly as the ‘old’ Airfix plastic has been prone to do; Mr. Surfacer 500 subsequently sorted the problem. With that dealt with, plastic strip with the WWII USAAF Bomber Re-Supply Set By:
Airfix
Stock Code:
A06304
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£21.99
same width (but just a third of the thickness of the old strapping), was cemented carefully. Plenty of remedial filling was necessary with the fuel cell’s front plate, part E03 and rear door frame, E05 before it was decided that the twin hose reel unit would be better cut apart and re-built. The reels themselves had integrally moulded ‘hoses’ and guide plates, which were somewhat uneven in thickness. A compass cutter created the four reel side plates, and a 6mm punch from the superbly (and simply) designed UMM punch and die tool yielded enough discs to stack into a core tube and mount to the central control unit, itself augmented with a circular mesh piece from Eduard’s dedicated detail set. The result was a neat improvement over the kit item, and once fitted with coils of black wire from LittleCars (www.modellingtools.co.uk) it really looked the part. Remaining at the back of the trailer, the moulded lights were considered a distant second to coloured glass replacements, so were removed before new thin disc mounting plates were replicated via punch and die. The 2.5mm red lenses came from an old Tarmac pack found lurking in the spares box, while Little Cars' 1.5mm orange lenses were used here. These were later secured with gel-type cyanoacrylate
The opportunity to fill the indents for the plastic headlight guards, before securing the PE radiator grille was, regrettably, missed. Eduard’s dedicated PE was orientated towards the military version of the Autocar, so had to be adapted by removing the headlight guards.
Available from: www.airfix.com
The fire extinguisher bay inserts were marred by ejector pin marks; limited access made skinning with plastic card the preferred remedy.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 73
INTERMEDIATE BUILD U-7144-T & F-1 TANKER
The three-part PE rear mudguard assembly was a drop-fit replacement and added a real note of refinement and delicacy.
glue at the close, but PVA adhesive would also have been fine, having the benefit of more positioning time. The trailer also had the option of photo-etched rear doors, but these had less depth than the kit pieces and were relegated to the sub’s bench. Beyond that, the remaining tanker PE from Eduard’s ‘WWII USAAF Bomber Re-supply Set’ (72 632) was directed happily and successfully to its respective homes.
Sharper hose reel detail was easy to achieve with a compass cutter, UMM punch and die set and black enamelled wire.
Catching a cab If there’s a scale where PE really shines, it’s 1/72. Parts that simply can’t be rendered finely enough in plastic are entirely possible in brass/alloy. The challenge of course, then becomes removal from the fret, clean-up and fitting. Items for the Autocar included a finely crafted radiator grille, twopiece tow hooks, non-slip foot plates, rear mudguards, instrument dash, storage rack and driver and
Aftermarket transformation This delightful conversion was made possible by new markings from Arctic Decals (ARC72-V01), and Eduard’s photo-etched brass detail set 72632, which provided a wealth of refinement and replacement items. Besides the aforementioned decal sheet, Arctic also offers another set (ARC72-V02), which has a red and white livery for an Autocar Tractor/semi-trailer operated post-war by the Intava Irish-American Oil Co, at Ireland’s Shannon Airport: www.arcticdecals.com, www.eduard.com
passenger doors (supplemented with minuscule door handles perhaps a millimetre or less long). The tractor unit itself was a more involved item to bring together, with considerably more neatening and fitting of parts required than the tanker. The hefty front mudguards were thinned heavily by scraping and abrasive paper to better match the PE rear guards and the bulk of the construction, bar the cab roof, windshield and wheels, was completed prior to priming. The only area where the The rear door frame of the tanker was stripped of its moulded light fittings, and these were superseded by items from Tarmac and Little-Cars.
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It was only in hindsight that the erroneous decision to fit brass wire handles to the rear tanker doors before paint and decals was realised.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD U-7144 & F-1A TANKER
“If music be the food of love then…” it was also a great way of working through the laborious seams on the 14 tyres and their hubs.
As more and more PE was added to the Autocar and tanker, so the need to ensure careful finger placement when handling increased.
The author became increasingly proficient at replacing the PE eye bolts on the rear mudguard, after snapping the glue join time after time.
PE failed to stack up was with the triple gearshift levers located to the driver’s right. These were instead made from brass rod, with knobs rendered in gel-type CA left to ‘go off’ without the use of accelerator. As well moulded as the Autocar was, the tooling could only reproduce hand holds as solid items, so these were replaced with brass wire. Commercial formers are available to make grab handles, but mine were bodged with narrow-jawed pliers...another small but noticeable incremental improvement. The weakest part of the cab concerned the headlights and more particularly, the tiny and insecure connection with the mudguards. Consequently, the mounting stubs were removed and the lamp housing was drilled before being pinned with brass wire. The lights were, on completion of paint and decals, rounded out with 3mm clear lenses, again from the same supplier as the orange-coloured
items. A card disc, punched and fitted as a filler cap for the Autocar’s fuel tank, was the final addition before heading to the paint shop.
Colour me red Aside from being hosed with grey primer, followed by Humbrol 33 Matt Black on the exhaust, engine and parts of the transmission, it was Tamiya X-7 red, diluted with Mr. Hobby Mr.Leveling Thinner all the way. This gave a smooth, decalfriendly surface and the markings that were kindly supplied by Arctic Decals, via its set ARC72-V01, settled perfectly under Micro Sol setting solution. Arctic prints them on a UV-ink printer and describe their characteristics as “…tough and easy to handle…”. This was certainly the case here and they provided a welcome and highly attractive alternative to the Olive Drab otherwise destined to adorn the Autocar kit worldwide.
With the exception of the gear levers, the entire PE suite was perfectly conceived to lift the model in all the right places. The PE driver and passenger doors comprised a three-layer sandwich, folded easily, with the upper edges filled with water-thin cyanoacrylate.
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
DIGITAL FLYING BLADE
F-102 Delta Dagger By: Bert Kinzey and Rock Roszak ISBN: 978-0-9860677-7-8 Price: US $9.99 Format: e-book Web: www.detailandscale.com Those who haven’t seen the new digital Detail and Scale publications are in for a treat, particularly concerning the F-102 Delta Dagger. For less than a tenner, one gets almost 300 pages (more than four times the size of the original printed version) packed with information on Convair’s classic interceptor,
compiled by renowned authors Burt Kinzey and Rock Roszak. Existing chapters have been expanded considerably, and are joined by new sections on armament, flying the aircraft (incorporating Ken Lundquist’s fascinating pilot’s report, with five additional articles), drone Daggers and combat over Southeast Asia, in both air-to-air and air-toground roles. The original’s already impressive collection of photographs has been more than doubled (walk-round shots now cover every conceivable aspect of the F-102), augmented by colour digital artwork and profiles, and comprehensive line drawings. While modellers will undoubtedly appreciate all of this, the section dedicated to kits now incorporates Meng’s delightful 1/72 offerings, and provides concise guidance on how to build each into an accurate F-102...surprisingly, even the more modern kits require plenty of work. Notable areas that require change (on all kits) include the correct missile and antenna complements, and whether rocket tubes, infra-red sensor, arrestor hook and strobe beacons were fitted. SF
FIVE DECADES OF STEERING
MOMO Italy 50 Years By: Mario Donnini ISBN: 978-88-7911-607-7 Price: £50 Format: 293 x 270mm Web: www.giorgionadaeditore.it Italian firm MOMO has been integral to sports cars and motor racing, via its steering wheels and patented collapsible hub; the latter has been vital in protecting drivers from more serious injuries. MOMO is also renowned for its collaboration with Ferrari, which has used the
293 pages
199 pages
firm’s steering wheels on many of its famous and successful race cars. This lavish book celebrates 50 years of MOMO and details the company’s history through simply stunning photos. Some are arty studio shots of steering wheels, and MOMO’s other items such as seats, wheels and race clothing, but others show actual cars and among these there are real detail treats. Notable views include the rear end of the 1970 Ferrari 512 S, a Porsche 911 at Monza in the same year, and the March 82G IMSA. Other gems are Piquet’s 1981 Brabham, Senna’s 1987 Honda-Lotus, MOMO-sponsored vehicles in the US from 1978-98, and European events; Porsche 935, Ferrari 333 and Oreca 03 Judd are among vehicles from the latter. When one combines the charismatic shots of drivers with period race material, and detail close-ups of MOMO equipment, one is faced with a sublime reference work no serious auto modeller should be without. CC
72 pages
A CANAL TOO FAR Wings Over Sinai By: D Nicolle, T Cooper, AVM Gabr Ali Gabr ISBN: 978-1-911096-61-0 Price: £19.95 Format: A4 Web: www.casematepublishers.co.uk Much has been written on the 1956 Suez Crisis, but all too often this has been from either a Western or Israeli viewpoint. The Middle East at War’s eighth volume seeks to redress this imbalance, providing analysis from an Egyptian Air Force (EAF) perspective, with significant input from retired and serving EAF officers. This informative volume dispels many myths associated with the conflict, notably that events were triggered solely by the renationalisation of the canal, and the supposed immediate capitulation of the EAF. An in-depth overview of the political situation in the early 1950s leads neatly into an explanation of the EAF’s modernisation efforts, with a paradigm shift from British to Soviet hardware. Combat accounts illuminate the proceedings once the attention moves to the conflict, recounting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with
equal emphasis. Colour profiles by Tom Cooper provide valuable modelling references, as do the black and white photographs; unfortunately, several are of poor quality (being the only examples available), but should be sufficient to determine basic markings. This is by no means a one-sided narrative, and the authors are refreshingly dispassionate in their assessment of the EAF’s strengths and weaknesses…and how it failed to address them, with tragic consequences for Egypt just 11 years later. SF
SOVIET SHOOT AND SCOOT
112 pages
Su-76 on the Battlefield By: Neil Stokes ISBN: 978-615-5583-00-1 Price: £25.99 Format: 302 x 217mm Web: www.panzerwrecks.com Fans of Soviet World War Two armour will appreciate this magnificent photographic reference dedicated to the Su-76 self-propelled artillery vehicle. More than 100 highquality black and white shots chart the history of this prolific weapon (more than 11,000 were built) from initial prototypes to the conclusion of the Great Patriotic War in 1945. This is an indispensable guide to the type for modellers, and the author highlights distinguishing features between sub-variants, minor alterations during production runs, and differences introduced by factories to ease fabrication. The text is in both English and Hungarian, and provides a potted history of the Su-76, before the reader is immersed in the photography which, apart from the prototype vehicles, depicts frontline machines. While
there is an understandable focus on Soviet examples, four pages are dedicated to a captured vehicle operated by 5. SS-Panzer Division Wiking, which features an unusual style of Balkenkreuz. Notably, most Su-76s are festooned with stowage, either for the crew or troops being supported, and should provide plenty of inspiration for builders. For modellers who enjoy weathering their armour projects, this is manna from heaven, with vehicles spattered with mud, grime, dust and debris, and painted with varying degrees of camouflage over the usual 4BO Russian Green. SF
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
TRAINING AND MUD-MOVING
From Jet Provost to Strikemaster By: David Watkins ISBN: 978-1-910690-35-2 Price: £25 Format: 222 x 259mm Web: www.grubstreet.co.uk Known to its crews as the ‘JP’ or ‘constant thrust, variable noise’, Percival’s (then Hunting and BAC) trainer and counter-insurgency aircraft is described here in exhaustive detail. The development of both types is explained, including how the Strikemaster equipment fit was tailored individually for each
customer. Chapters are set aside for RAF service and its Flying Training Schools, with the latter’s display teams usually outfitted in attractive and colourful liveries. Mixed in with the serious business of flying and operating the jets are several humorous anecdotes, including how the Queen Mother decided (after a display in bad weather) the Central Flying School’s theme should be ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’. Unfortunately, this wonderful narrative is rather let down by the photos; many are of poor quality and several display characteristics of having been manipulated digitally, further affecting the appearance. The same can be said for the balance between colour and black and white shots, with more of the latter, which is a shame given the colourful liveries and markings applied to both trainers and ground-attack versions. Otherwise this is ideal for anyone considering the types’ history and operations…but modellers may find the lack of close-ups and walkrounds frustrating. SF
ARMOURED LONGEVITY
Centurion 1946 to present By: Simon Dunstan ISBN: 978-1-78521-057-0 Price: £22.99 Format: 276mm x 214mm Web: www.haynes.co.uk Emerging just 30 years after the tank’s first use in combat, and in a period when the useful lifetime of an armoured vehicle was measured in just years, Britain’s Centurion defied all expectations, and derivatives remain in service to this day. The type’s genesis is covered exhaustively, as its development into a staggering
224 pages
156 pages
24 variants (and those are just British vehicles), as armament, sensors and fuel capacity (the type was woefully short-ranged initially) were upgraded. This ability to be modified easily was a major strength for the Centurion, and in part explains its venerable service career, especially when engineering and recovery variants are considered… Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineer versions participated with the British Army during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Haynes’ in-depth walk-rounds and operating guides then follow, capped by a study of the Centurion’s role during the Cold War, with operational issues intermixed with humorous interludes, such as firing composite ration tins from Hohne simulators at other tanks! Perhaps tellingly, and highlighting the machine’s longevity, the Centurion’s finest hour in combat came in 1973 during the Yom Kippur War, when fewer than 100 Israeli Shot-Cal derivatives held out against a much larger Syrian force on the Golan Heights. SF
ZERSTÖRER REVEALED
239 pages
Messerschmitt Bf 110 By: Marek J Murawski ISBN: 978-83-65437-22-8 Price: £27.50 Format: 303 x 215mm Web: casematepublishing.co.uk As it did recently with the early Bf 109 and Me 262, Kagero now offers a thumping hardback volume on the ubiquitous BF 110. This work is different from its predecessors, though, in that it eschews the copious amounts of digital artwork afforded to the other books and instead, plays it straight with period photos and history text, and a large helping of colour profiles (with a handful of plan views). This approach makes the book look like one of Kagero’s popular softback Monographs, but this is no bad thing…they are renowned for a reason. Here, there is a splendid array of wartime imagery and many shots are useful for modellers in detail terms. Close-up views of cockpit features, the ZFR-1 telescopic gunsight, droppable
weaponry and onboard cannon complement the studies of whole/part aircraft perfectly. Night fighters are well served, and the inevitable end-ofwar scrapyard shots are also present…but are nonetheless helpful. Arkadiusz Wróbel’s artwork is a pleasing as ever, representing many sub-types of the Bf 110 and varying styles of camouflage, while the larger gatefold illustrations are particularly impressive. CC
HILTER’S GUARD IN NORMANDY
160 pages
SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 LAH By: Stephan Cazenave ISBN: 978-2-9552499-3-2 Price: €42 Format: 221mm x 306mm Web: www.panzerwrecks.com During World War Two, few units earned as much notoriety as the 1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH). While it garnered praise for its combat exploits, these pale into insignificance against its massacres of civilians and prisoners of war, for which its men and officers were prosecuted for war crimes. This French-language volume details the actions of the unit from April to August 1944, when it fought in Normandy against the Allied invasion forces, mixing what appear to be anecdotal accounts with the official operations diary. Notable individuals, including the unit’s most widely known officer, Joachim Peiper, receive separate profiles, and there is a broad collection of portrait-style personnel photographs. What makes this stand out from other books on the subject is the efforts undertaken
to match crew members to tanks, providing (where possible) a date and location for each, bolstered by colour profiles of six Panthers and Panzer IVs. Modellers will appreciate the lavish collection of photographs, operation maps and even copies of identification documents, and there’s plenty of inspiration for dioramas, notably with abandoned/damaged or destroyed LSSAH vehicles (many of which are posed with Allied soldiers). SF
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ON THE SHELF BOOKS
FAST AND FUNKY ARMOUR
American Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles By: Michael Green ISBN: 978-1-47385-436-9 Price: £14.99 Format: 247 x 190mm Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk By their nature, wheeled combat machines often endure more serious upgrade activity than tracked ‘heavies’. A perfect example sits bold on the cover of Pen & Sword’s new softback, in the shape of a Stryker that, due to much additional equipment, looks like a busy space
station surrounded by extensive garden fencing! Chapter one deals with pre-World War Two vehicles, and the fascinating photos reveal the somewhat ‘agricultural’ look of the period. M2 and M3 scout car fans will enjoy the various shots of these machines, and a real photographic rarity is the image of a field-converted armoured Jeep used during the Battle of the Bulge. The General Motors T17E1 Medium Armored Car also gets a look in; this is handy if one enjoys building British armour, as this vehicle was operated by UK forces as the Staghound. Other machines include the cool M8 Light Armored Car and T26 Armored Utility Vehicle, before the focus shifts to the Cold War, via the V-100 Commando, M706 and Vietnam Gun Trucks. The famous ‘Humvee’ has a section of its own and the photos reveal plenty of useful detail, and there’s also a decent examination of the LAV-25 (and more modern variants after it was renamed Stryker). Closing with Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, this is a handy and inexpensive reference. CC
VERSATILE SPOTTER
The Fieseler Fi 156 By: Richard A Franks ISBN: 978-0-9935345-6-0 Price: £17.95 Format: A4 Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk Valiant’s latest Airframe Album deals with Fieseler’s Fi 156 Storch (Stork) which, despite its ungainly appearance, was a highly effective platform. As described here, this high-winged monoplane operated in the reconnaissance, artillery spotting, liaison and VIP transport roles. As highlighted
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by the author, there will likely be disparities between this and other Storch references, mainly due to the extensive cross-checking of information and use of newly uncovered primary source material. The volume follows Valiant’s standard layout, with an overview of the type’s development and service life, a detailed technical description (doubling as a walkround feature, such is the quality of the photographs), how it was developed, a colours and markings section (with colour profiles) and finally, three builds. Highlights include isometric drawings depicting variant differences (including post-war and foreign-built examples) and how captured airframes were used by the Allies. The kits comprise offerings from Směr (re-boxed Heller) and Academy, with a quarter-scale build of Tamiya’s superlative Storch boxing. This informative and busy volume is rounded off by a comprehensive kit and accessories listing and is recommended for modellers and history buffs alike. SF
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
LUMPS, BUMPS AND GAS
384 pages
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker By: Robert S Hopkins III ISBN: 978-1-91080-901-3 Price: £27.95 Format: 284 x 226mm Web: www.crecy.co.uk The KC-135 has been the foundation of USAF air refuelling for more than 50 years, serving tactical and strategic aircraft alike. A less-publicised role, though, has been intelligence gathering, executed by RC/EC-135s, defined by their copious antennas and bulky fairings. Thankfully, and due to the many variants, the latter body of assets dominate this thumping hardback. The author knows his stuff, too, having flown 17 different types of EC/KC/RC-135, so the quality of information is assured. The birth of the ‘KC’ tanker and its operations are described, as well as overseas users. But it is the ‘sneaky-beaky’ machines that grab the real attention, and this is especially useful for modellers building the AMT/ Italeri 1/72 kit, resin/vac-form options or the 1/144 conversion from S&M Models. It’s mind-
bogging just how many recce versions were produced, even down to the fascinating Cobra Ball aircraft that fly abeam the Kamchatka Peninsula, tracking Russian ballistic missile launches and re-entry vehicles…but all are described. And the RAF’s new ‘Airseeker’ (an RC-135W Rivet Joint), is also explored. Detailed appendices offer airframe lists by block number, attrition, retirements, Strategic Air Command tail markings and records/achievements. A simply stunning book for any fan of the type, and excellent value. CC
SPLENDID STORES GUIDE
Russia’s Air-launched Weapons By: Piotr Butowski ISBN: 978-09973092-1-8 Price: £18.99 Format: 280 x 210mm Web: www.casematepublishing.co.uk If there’s one area in which modellers err consistently, it’s that of weaponry. Besides the painting and detail of the stores themselves, it’s also the lack of thought on which stations the items should sit. Harpia’s new softback, though, should go some way to educating aircraft builders on modern armament… at least from the Soviet/Russian
92 pages
perspective. The coverage is split by chapters devoted to subjects such as Strategic Weapons, Tactical Air-toSurface Missiles, Aircraft Bombs and Naval Weapons, and each focusses on individual stores, nominal/ specialist weights, user aircraft and statistics (the latter dealt with via handy tables). Some weapons, including the venerable B8 rocket pod, can be placed on aircraft/ helicopters across a wide time-span, but certain stores, the AA-2 Atoll for example, are not represented due to their age; the hint being the book’s subtitle, Russian-made Aircraft Ordnance Today. It’s not just droppable weaponry that’s shown, as gun pods and internal cannon also feature, but although the GeneralPurpose Bombs section offers much text and a useful Russian-English translation table, the lack of photos is frustrating, and will be so for anyone wishing to build aircraft seen before the advent of more modern bombs. However, there are excellent photos of current precision-guided munitions…this being highly topical given Russia’s activities in Syria, with its Su-34s and Su-24s. This is a worthy study, useful for any Russian aircraft modeller. CC
The de Havilland
AIRFRAME & MINIATURE
Mosquito
No.10
NEW
Tenth in series
The modelling map of the Mosquito has changed over recent years and more reference material is now available than ever before. This new title brings modellers and enthusiasts up to date with the type.
Part 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Technical information, camouflage and markings Walkaround images, technical diagrams and wartime photos
Colour side views and four-views by Richard Caruana
by Richard A. Franks 208+ pages packed with vital information that
no active aviation modeller should be without
3D isometric views of all variants by Wojciech Sankowski 1/72, 1/48 & 1/32 scale kit builds by L Jekl, SA Evans & D Zamarbide A full set of fold-out 1/48th scale plans
Pre-order your copy today for only £18.95! +p&p Also available AM08 www.valiant-wings.co.uk The de Havilland Mosquito +44 (0)1234 273434
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Part 1: Bomber & Photo-reconnaissance
11/07/2017 10:42:21
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
BLOOD-SUCKING ‘WEEKENDER’
Vampire F Mk.3 By: Revell Item no: 03934 Price: £12.99 Web: www.revell.de/en Special Hobby’s delightful Vampire has made it into Revell packaging, but with just two liveries (as opposed to four in the original), and one is repeated. This is definitely ‘new’ Special Hobby styrene, akin to its Mirage F.1, with proper locating pins and a more mainstream production appearance. Panel line engraving is exquisite, and it’s particularly
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neat how the engine front section is moulded. The wheels are of the correct three-spoke variety (with separate hubs), trailing edges are relatively thin and one receives underwing tanks and rockets. No photo-etched metal is present, although Special Hobby does offer a separate detail set. The two aluminium schemes, via well-printed decals, are for Royal Auxiliary Air Force machines: • VT821/L, 601 Sqn, North Weald, July 1952 • VF316/A, 608 Sqn, Thornaby, 1951
SURPRISE PERFORMER
1/48
RAISING THE BAR
Gloster Meteor Mk.4 World Speed Record By: Special Hobby Item no: SH72361 Price: €19 Web: www.cmkkits.com Special Hobby offers yet another Meteor, but this time representing speed record airframes. The styrene is pleasing, with fine panel lines and locating pins. Much detail is apparent on the undercarriage units, but note that no photoetched metal is offered for enlivening the cockpit…just plain brass air intake mesh screens. A bonus, though, is that paint masks
WARPAC ROTORS
Kawasaki Ki 100-I Koh Type 5 Fighter (Tony) ‘5th Flight Regiment’ By: Hasegawa Item no: 07415 Price: £33.49 Web: www.amerang.co.uk Hasegawa’s early Ki-100 hasn’t been available for more than ten years, so its re-release is most welcome. Converted from the Ki-61 but with a radial engine, the Ki-100 was a surprise package, with greater than expected performance. As far as can be determined, Hasegawa’s crisply moulded parts are unchanged, but that’s not an issue, as there is a pleasing amount of detail, with
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engraved panel lines and a 12-piece cockpit. There seems to be a trend developing with recent Hasegawa decals, as they have exceptionally matt carrier film, which may cause silvering. Note there is ongoing debate regarding the actual colours of 244th Sentai unit markings (in the kit they are white, with a yellow fuselage band), which may have been white, yellow or red, depending on to which chutai (squadron/flight) the aircraft was assigned. Three two-tone liveries are supplied: • White 88, 5th Sentai, 1945 • White 86, 5th Sentai, 1945 • White 32, 244th Sentai, 1945
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
Mil Mi-17TB Hip By: Mister Craft Item no: 060015 Price: £14.99 Web: www.amerang.co.uk This re-boxing of KP’s kit needs work, but experienced builders can make it a real showpiece. One will need to sand raised lines and re-scribe, and add more nuance via scratch-building and aftermarket items; the rocket pods are especially poor. Basic detail is supplied for the cockpit, and there are troop seats in the cabin, while a pleasing feature
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for the canopy/windscreen are given. The RAF High Speed Flight schemes are wonderful, with two camouflaged, one PRU Blue, and the dazzling ‘Yellow Peril’ in yellow and High Speed Silver: • EE455, Eric Greenwood OBE, November 7, 1945 (603mph/969km/h) • EE454, Wg Cdr HJ Wilson AFC, November 7, 1945 (606mph/975km/h) • EE549, Gp Capt EM Donaldson, September 7, 1946 (616mph/990km/h) • EE549, November 1946, ParisLondon (520mph/835km/h) 1/72
is that of drooped rotor blades. The Hip series is a complex subject, so with this unrefined kit it’s wise to consult references on structural features. Six colour schemes adorn the instructions, but actual decals for just five airframes are provided: • Mi-8T, White 605, Polish AF, 1960s • Mi-8T, Red 55, Soviet Air Force, Moscow, 1980s • Mi-8T, White 0826, Czechoslovakian AF, 1962 • Mi-8T, Black 0826, Slovakian Air Force, 1990s • Mi-17, Yellow 74, Ukrainian AF, 1990
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
AXIS ALTERNATIVE
1/32
LONG-RANGE TWIN
Airbus A350-900 By: Revell Item no: 03938 Price: £22.99 Web: www.revell.de/en IAR-81C Rumanian Defender By: Special Hobby Item no: SH32068 Price: €50 Web: www.cmkkits.com If one favours Axis subjects, but the usual German types are being exhausted, this interesting yet seldom-covered Rumanian fighter will be refreshing. This kit does not possess the greater refinement of recent Special Hobby, as the tooling is four years old, but it’s still a decent option for more experienced modellers. A real focal point is the well-appointed engine and its complete exhaust system, although
the cockpit is a busy affair too. Five resin components are supplied, as well as a photo-etched metal fret. While the panel line engraving and rivets are impressive, the wings, fuselage and empennage will all need treatment with very fine abrasive to smooth the slightly rough surface. The four liveries are: • White 429 ‘Lenuta’, Esc.67Vt./ Gr.2Vt, summer 1944 • White 329, Esc.61/Vt./Gr6Vt, May 1944 • White 345, Scoala Militara Aviatie, 1947 • White 399, Esc.58Vt./Gr.7Vt, 1944
AEROBATIC SCHOLAR
Bü 131D ‘In Fliegerschulen’ By: RS Models Item no: 92205 Price: €18 Web: www.rsmodels.cz RS Models’ Bücker Bü 131D has been re-boxed to depict airframes operated by several German (and one Hungarian) flight training schools. For a short-run offering, the parts are surprisingly refined, and the single styrene runner is complemented by a comprehensive photo-etched brass fret and pre-printed acetate sheet for the instrument dials and windscreens. While the decal
Revell’s A350 has now been released with a proper airline livery; unsurprisingly it’s that of German national carrier Lufthansa. Otherwise the contents are unchanged from the original 2013 offering, which means one receives a relatively well-detailed cockpit (for this scale), superb engines, and delicate engraved panel lines. Whatever issues Revell may have
SKI-GULL
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had with its injection process do not appear to have manifested themselves on this kit, as all parts are flash free. If there is a minor downside, it’s the excessive number of attachment points for the engine fans, with ten for each…but this has enabled Revell to produce commendably thin blades. Unlike other recent releases, there are clear styrene passenger windows, which then receive Revell’s typical window trim. The decals are of high quality, with perfect register and a choice of tail markings for those preferring to paint the dark blue. 1/72
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sheet’s plus points include good register and gloss carrier film, the white sections appear slightly translucent, which may lead to bleed-through from underlying tones. The five schemes are: • BX+AU, LKS 7, Luftwaffe, WienSeyring 1942 • CD+NQ, FFS A/B 14, Luftwaffe, Klagenfurt-Annabichi, 1941 • I.241, II. Tactical Recce Sqn, Hungarian AF, 1939 • KV+NS, 4.FFS A/B 52, Luftwaffe, Danzig-Langfuhr, summer 1944 • NM+AA, Sch/FAR 71, Luftwaffe, Prostejov, 1941
I-153 (Winter version) By: ICM Item no: 72075 Price: £9.20 Web: www.icm.com.ua If a company’s product being re-boxed under licence is a sign of success, then ICM is onto a winner with its I-153 ‘Chaika’ (seagull), as it has already been re-packaged by Revell and Hasegawa. One large styrene runner is common to all releases, but is joined on this occasion by a smaller frame, which supplies the ski-type undercarriage. A four-piece interior frame forms the basis for the well-detailed cockpit, and the engine comes with
a neat 18-arm push-rod assembly, despite most of this being hidden by the front cowling plate. Admittedly, the Finnish national insignia will be fiddly, as the Swastikas have separate ‘feet’ for each ‘leg’, meaning 30 decals just for these alone. Generously, four schemes are supplied (three Finnish and one Soviet): • Red 20, Red Army AF, winter 1939-40 • VH-101, LeLw 14, Finnish AF, April 1940 • VH-12/White 2, LeLv 14, March 1942 • IT-18/White 8, 3/LeLv 6, November 1942
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 83
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
GRUMMAN’S FINEST
F6F-3 Weekend edition By: Eduard Item no: 7441 Price: €12.75 Web: www.eduard.com Eduard’s Hellcats are the best in the scale (and equally as impressive as their 1/48 versions). This package presents the -3 variant in Weekend guise, so it’s just the basic styrene and decals for two aircraft. Still, it’s modelling bliss due to the impressively fine panel lines and rivets, and convincing overlapping skin sections on the fuselage. Other
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notable features include raised detail on the instrument panel and consoles, an excellent powerplant and wheels with separate hubs. Even the trademark ‘grin’ of the type’s lower-front engine cowling has been captured well. The decals are of good quality and provide for two Pacific theatre three-tone liveries: • White 35, Lt (jg) Arthur Singer, VF-15, USS Essex, October 24-25, 1944 • White 117, Lt Lochridge, VF-38, Guadalcanal, late 1943
CARRIER…LAUNCH!
Russian Su-33 Flanker-D By: Trumpeter Item no: 01678 Price: £35.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Having delighted modellers with its J-15 and carrier deck (see last issue), Trumpeter has taken the latter parts and combined them with its superb Su-33 to produce this great-value package (its just £5 more than the basic aircraft offering). The aircraft components are superb, with options for folded wings and horizontal stabilisers, and raised/lowered flaps (note these are addressed in the final
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JASDF T-33 Headquarters Flight Group 40th Anniversary 1997 By: Platz Item no: AC-20 Price: £16.24 Web: www.platz-hobby.com Platz’s pleasing T-33 was recently re-released in limited-edition format by Tanmodel, although the moulding is available again from the originator…but in new markings. These are eye-catching, as blue, yellow and red trim sits over bare metal, as part of the livery celebrating 40 years of the Japanese Air Self Defense
HUNTING OWL
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Force Headquarters Flight Group at Iruma Air Base. If one doesn’t fancy this complex scheme and it’s many decals, there’s always the alternative garb with just black codes and a neat tail marking over bare metal. The kit itself is good, despite slightly soft panel line engraving, and there is raised detail on both instrument panels and all side consoles. But the canopy is a one-piece affair moulded integrally with the windscreen, so a razor saw must be used for open glazing. Decal quality is superb. 1/72
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assembly stage and not when constructing the rest of the wing). When it comes to weapons, Trumpeter delivers in abundance, with 24 air-to-air/air-to-ground missiles of various types, although reference photos reveal just pairs of AA-10 Alamo and AA-11 Archer were carried routinely during recent Mediterranean operations. Unsurprisingly, both liveries are for aircraft from the 279th Naval Fighter Regiment, bearing tail numbers Red 80 and Red 67. The carrier deck and figures are a delight, supplying all one needs to create an instant launch diorama.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
NIPPONESE SHOOTING STAR
Fw 189A-1 WWII German Night Fighter By: ICM Item no: 72293 Price: £18.60 Web: www.icm.com.ua Usually, field-modified machines are among the most unusual variants of a given aircraft, and that is true of the Fw 189 nightfighter, which was based on the A-1 reconnaissance version. ICM has reproduced this sub-type faithfully, adding one small styrene runner to the original five frames; these provide the requisite shrouded exhausts, MG 151 20mm
cannon and nose-mounted FuG 212C Lichtenstein radar. ICM’s refinement shines through with the latter, as the dipoles are commendably slim and attach to an equally delicate central X-shaped hub, giving the aircraft a distinctly insect-like appearance. The oblique cannon is most impressive, and seems huge in the confines of the narrow cockpit. Thoughtfully, a two-stage colour guide is supplied for the single scheme, providing the basic splinter camouflage, over which the RLM 65 mottle is then applied: • W7+CB, Stab I./NJG 100, 1944
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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
RISING SUN HYBRID
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NOTIONAL MISSILE LAUNCHER
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Germany Rheintochter 1 Movable Missile Launcher with E100 Body By: Modelcollect Item no: UA72076 Price: US $29.99 Web: www.modelcollect.com
IJA Type 4 Light Tank ‘Ke-Nu’ By: Dragon Item no: 6854 Price: £59.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Never one to miss a cross-kitting opportunity, Dragon has cleverly mixed its Type 95 Ha-Go parts with new components to provide a neat Type 4 Ke-Nu; this involved early Chi-Ha turrets being mated with Ha-Go hulls. It’s hard to find fault with this release, as it offers the usual slide-moulding quality, photoetched brass details and one-piece
DS Styrene tracks. Sure, no interior detail apart from the gun breech and traversing gear (and machine gun) is present, but what’s outside is superb. Impressive bolt head replication decorates the lower hull, while there are also separate engine deck and turret hatches. Although the real Japanese tank was not that successful, mostly due to its extra weight, this scale version is sublime and has two suggested three-tone camouflage schemes from 1945. No unit data is given, though. 1/72
HEAVY HAULER
Soviet/Russian Army MAZ-7410 with CHMZAP-9990 Semi-Trailer By: Modelcollect Item no: UA72048 Price: US $59.99 Web: www.modelcollect.com Modelcollect pleased many military modellers who prefer small scales, with its MAZ chassis releases, which include air-defence missile launchers and a coastal defence gun. But the firm also now offers the same chassis as a heavy equipment transport
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combo, with large semi-trailer… perfect for the same firm’s Soviet/ Russian tank kits! This boxing is highly involved, via 11 busy styrene runners, two small photo-etched brass frets, well-printed decals and excellent rubber tyres for the MAZ tractor; styrene versions are provided for the trailer. Even in this small scale, there is an engine and full transmission/drivetrain, suspension units and cab glazing. The cab itself is well appointed, so the separate doors are a boon for showing the detail.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
The fascinating Rheintochter missile is much in vogue, what with 1/35 releases from Bronco and Custom-Scale, but here, Modelcollect satisfies those who favour smaller scales. Its pairing of said missile with the ‘project’ E-100 hull is inspired and offers great opportunities for ‘what-if’ colour schemes. This manufacturer ensures plenty of value for money, via seven runners chockful of styrene parts, plus a small photo-etched brass fret and imaginative decals. Even soft-styrene one-piece tracks are provided. The refinement even stretches to a convincing engine for the E-100, and the missile itself is only bettered
INTERIM PROTOTYPE
T29E3 By: Takom Item no: 2064 Price: £49.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Takom isn’t afraid to tackle unusual subjects, and the American T29E3 is a good example, reaching just prototype status before being superseded by more viable projects. Armed with a 105mm main gun, it would have been formidable, and is equally impressive in styrene, comprising seven busy runners, a separate upper turret and lower hull, and two lengths of braided wire for tow cables. Neat touches
by its associated launcher and armoured shields. An excellent, well-considered release with bags of diorama potential.
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abound, from casting texture and serial numbers on the turret, to the sharply defined engine grilles; options include sheeted or plain mantlet and open/closed crew viewfinders. Adding the linkand-length tracks (which feature accurate duckbill extensions) should be a breeze, thanks to the well-designed jig, which allows track, idler and drive wheels to be assembled as a single unit, to which the road wheels are then attached. Three notional schemes are provided, depicting the T29 in a variety of single- and multi-toned camouflage, at European locations in 1945 and 1946.
ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
LIGHTWEIGHT RECOVERY
German Bergepanzer Hetzer Late By: Thunder Model Item no: 35100 Price: £54.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Thunder Model impressed us greatly with its recent US Army Tractor, so it was with glee we received the first of the firm’s three new Hetzer kits. While the styrene isn’t quite as sharp as, say, Dragon's, these are still splendid offerings that sit well out of the box, but are also ripe for embellishment by more experienced modellers. This Limited
IMPROVED SOVIET
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Bonus Edition boxing replicates the late-format recovery version of the Hetzer, with its hefty rear dozer blade and interior control winch, and lifting jib fixed to the upper casemate (the crane can also be posed stowed). Much inner detail is provided, such as a complete engine and transmission, driver’s seat, and pulley box section. Two larger and very busy photo-etched metal frets, and a smaller brass item, provide a wealth of extra parts, and there’s also real metal chain, and tow cable twine with resin ends. Superb. 1/35
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JUST PASSING BY
Horch 108 Typ 40 with German Infantry By: ICM Item no: 35504 Price: £22.40 Web: www.icm.com.ua Always on the lookout for fresh approaches, ICM has combined its excellent Horch 108 (#35505) with its German Infantry figures (#35639), providing modellers with an instant diorama. The four main runners offer a wealth of detail, from the well-appointed engine to the superb vehicle interior, complete with rifle holders and sufficient Mauser K98s.
Schemes include three overall Dunkelgrau machines based in Russia between 1941 and 1942, and a Luftwaffe KG 51 Dunkelgelbtoned vehicle from 1943. The multi-part figures depict an MG 34 machine gun team on the move, no doubt enjoying the sight of a directionally challenged officer (with map) being guided by what appears to be an NCO. Individual and section weapons are included, as are ammunition belts for the gunner. This is a great-value package, particularly as it’s the same price as the basic vehicle… and is recommended highly.
IMAGINARY PREDATOR
T-54-2 Mod.1949 By: MiniArt Item no: 37012 Price: £43.99 Web: www.miniart-models.com MiniArt’s T-54 series continues with the basic version of the -2 sub-type, which featured a revised turret, secondary weapon provision and tracks. These are all reproduced faithfully, and the kit comprises 49 runners of varying sizes and a small photoetched metal fret. Notably, the individual-link tracks are of the correct width and tread, while the track guard-mounted machine
guns have been replaced with stowage boxes (auxiliary fuel tanks were also fitted in this position). The mould quality is superb, and MiniArt is to be commended for the restrained texture on the turret, replicating the real tank's cast unit. Although a full interior isn’t supplied, the turret is packed with detail, including the D-10T breech and co-axial 7.62mm SGMT machine gun, while the cupolamounted 12.7mm DShK is stunning. Six overall Russian Green schemes are supplied, depicting tanks in 1968, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Soviet Army.
German Jagdpanzer E-100 By: Trumpeter Item no: 07122 Price: £13.50 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Late-war German armour concepts are a fascinating subject and Trumpeter is the latest to dip its toes into ‘what-if’ waters, with its rendition of the imposing E-100 Jagdpanzer. It comprises four styrene runners (two are for the running gear), with separate upper and lower hull sections and singlelength vinyl tracks. Parts breakdown
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is logical, with the spring-based suspension simplified greatly (each side supplied as a single component). No interior is provided, and the exterior fittings are a mixed bag; the moulded detail appears rather basic in places, notably the prominent casemate and lower hull weld seams, yet the engine deck is sublime, with delicate raised mesh to represent engine grilles. Two notional schemes are supplied, both clad in late-war three-tone camouflage, and the decal sheet supplies just basic Balkenkreuze and hull numerals. www.airfixmodelworld.com 87
ON THE SHELF FIGURES
ROTARY FLIERS
1/35
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LAP-TANKERS Finnish Tank Crew By: MiniArt Item no: 35222 Price: £10.99 Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
UH-60 Blackhawk Crew By: PJ Production Item no: 721137 Price: €5.30 Web: www.pj-production.be If there’s one major shortcoming with many 1/72 helicopters, it’s the lack of a decent crew, and the UH-60 is no exception. Helpfully, PJ Production’s resin set is the perfect Blackhawk accompaniment, and the pleasing detail on the uniforms is matched by the rendition of the
AUSTRIAN CAMPAIGNERS
1/35
Italian Infantry By: Italeri Item no: 6532 Price: £11.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Italeri is the latest company to re-box ICM’s products, this time its delightful Italian infantry. The parts are moulded beautifully; the separate runner for weapons and equipment offers many spares, while also extending the period covered to the post-war years, thanks to later weaponry. Options extend to the headgear, with a choice of steel ridged helmet and berreto headgear, while the poses replicate a small section being urged into the advance by a pistol-wielding Tenente (First Lieutenant). There are two main issues with Italeri’s offering, though, namely the lack of a weapons guide and the price, which is more than 30% higher than the original.
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modern flying helmets. Three are single-piece items, while the fourth has a separate left arm. Two head styles are apparent (there is a pair of each); with or without the lower face mask, which is an identifying feature of helicopter crew chiefs (commonly seen as door gunners). One figure is definitely a pilot (posed as if operating a UH-60), while one of the two rear crew could be posed either operating a machine gun or about to have a brew!
SOLDIER BLUE
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Final Stand By: Master Box Item no: MB35191 Price: £14.99 Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk We featured two sets of native Americans from Master Box’s Indian Wars series in last month’s issue, but here is the opposition. This package supplies a US soldier in the trademark blue uniform, gauntlets and high boots, posed using his dead/dying horse for a modicum of cover while he takes aim with his rifle. The cavalryman, who comes with an alternative wide-brimmed hat to his Kepi cap, is accompanied by a civilian recruit in tasselled jacket and hide trousers, high boots and typical western Stetson. Enough for a great vignette, but experienced figure specialists will arguably add their own refinements.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
To date, most 1/35 armour products relating to Finland’s involvement in World War Two appear to have been decals, to enable captured Soviet or loaned German equipment to be reproduced. One glaring absence has been crew figures, until now. MiniArt’s excellent five-figure set redresses this oversight, with enough crewman to pose on even the largest tanks, while judicious use could equip two smaller armoured
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HELP FOR THE WOUNDED
WWI US Medical Personnel By: ICM Item no: 35694 Price: £8.50 Web: www.icm.com.ua Moulded to accompany ICM’s new Great War ambulance, this handy one-runner styrene package offers two wounded troops…one being helped into said vehicle by a nurse (also included) and the other sitting on a stretcher, with a medic taking notes on his condition. Keen detail points have been observed here, such as puttees around the lower legs of the wounded, and high lace-up boots on the medic. The nurse wears the typical uniform dress and headgear, and the moulding on all figures is admirably sharp.
vehicles. Two wear three-part Soviet-style ribbed headgear, while a pair are attired in coveralls, with the final cigarettetoting tanker (an officer?) combining a strange mix of leather jacket, jodhpur-style trousers and boots with a rolledover upper section. This is a great addition to MiniArt’s range, and will add a touch of realism to any Finnish armour scene.
ABRAMS LEATHERNECKS
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USMC Tank Crew By: MiniArt Item no: 37008 Price: £10.99 Web: www.miniart-models.com With the raft of 1/35 M1 Abrams kits now available, including recent Rye Field and Academy offerings (see this and July’s issue for builds of both), MiniArt’s set of US Marine tankers is most welcome. Five subjects are provided and all but one wear one-piece coveralls, DH-132 Combat Vehicle Crewman’s helmets and body armour. The anomaly is the soldier in more standard battledress and ‘Fritz’ helmet, posed speaking on the Abrams’ external ‘Grunt Phone’ (the figure is copied from an Internet photo). A thoughtful inclusion is the tanker looking through binoculars, and much of the moulding on all is pleasing for styrene.
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ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
TOPICAL BOMBERS
Sukhoi Su-24M from the Russian VKS in Syria By: Begemot Item no: 72-062 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk Perfect for Trumpeter’s new Su-24M (see the build on p.16,
1/72 this issue), Begemot’s collection of markings is a busy affair, not just with a packed carrier sheet, but also a set of vinyl masks for Bort numbers, and where some insignia and Russian titles were painted over before their missions over Syria. All 15 aircraft wear the standard grey over white livery, many carry mission tallies on the forward fuselage and the Bort numbers are in different colours and styles (white, white trimmed with red, and blue edged in white). Copious national insignia are provided, and there’s a full guide for the masks placement. Some of the aircraft, all based at Khmeimin Air Base, Syria, include: • RF-90942/White 05 • RF-93811/White 72 • RF-93800/Blue-White 53 • RF-90932/White-Red 26
YANKS IN THE FRAY
USAAF at War Pt:1 By: Blackbird Models Item no: BMD72036 Price: £5 Web: www.blackbirdmodels.co.uk This is varied offering for fans of the genre, but AMW’s sample was not without its issues. Three types are catered for – the B-17, Mosquito and Spitfire – and the camouflage is decidedly different with each. The markings for the Mosquito in PRU Blue over black are fine (Blackbird says it’s a B.XVI, yet all references state PR.XVI),
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but poor register spoils the yellow serials for the B-17, and the yellow-edged star insignia for the desert Spitfire. Markings for the latter also suffer because the codes and serials are inaccurate in shape and style (we checked a photo of the airframe in the book ‘Spitfires and Yellow Tail Mustangs. Note that while we’ve said ‘B-17’, the aircraft is, in fact, one of the USAAF’s first YB-40 gunships, for which Blackbird supplies a conversion. The three schemes are: • YB-40, 42-5734/UX-O, 92nd BG • Mosquito B.XVI (PR.XVI?), MM389/P, 654th BS, January 1945 • Spitfire Vb, ER120/VF-D, 5th FS, 52nd FG, Algeria, 1943
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
SPLENDID STAGGERWINGS
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Beechcraft 17 By: Iliad Design Item no: 48031 Price: US $12 Web: www.iliad-design.com A characterful aircraft in either civil or military guise, the Beech 17 has been kitted in 1/48 scale by Roden, across four separate boxings. These decals from Iliad, though, are the perfect accompaniment if one seeks alternative schemes. There are six in all, representing a wide range of operators, and it’ll be tough to choose a livery because all are attractive in their own way. Arguably, the standout option is the dazzling Antarctic D17A in Stearman Vermilion and Galatea Orange. The choices are: • D17S, PB1, Prince Bernhardt of the Netherlands (RAF camouflage) • UC-43, 895, unknown unit, USAAF, June 1943 • UC-43, 43-10826/26, USAAF, Wright Field, July 1944
PIRATE TESTERS Blackburn Buccaneers British Research and Development Establishments By: Kits-World Item no: KW172140 Price: £10.20 Web: www.kitsworld.co.uk Undoubtedly printed with Tanmodel’s forthcoming Buccaneer in mind, but equally useable for Airfix/ Matchbox/CMR kits, this gorgeous gaggle of test aircraft will have fans of the genre/type diehards quivering with excitement. These are fascinating liveries and a refreshing change from standard squadron examples. Day-Glo adorns three of the five machines in some form, and Royal Navy (RN) jets feature under testing control. This excellent collection also includes BAE’s jet fitted with a Tornado radome. Here are the choices: • S.2, XN974, RN Test Sqn, A&AEE,
• D-17A, NC 20778, US Antarctic Service Expedition, 1940 • D17R, Nationalist Government of China (air ambulance), 1937 • D17R, Chinese Nationalist Air Force 1/72 Boscombe Down, 1971 • NA.39, XK527 ‘Martel’, RN Test Sqn, RAF Holme-on-Spalding Moor, 1975 • S.2, XN975, Royal Radar Establishment, Pershore, 1976 (two variations) • S.2B, XW529, A&AEE/British Aerospace, RAF Scampton, 1979 • S.2A, XT272, A&AEE/British Aerospace, Bae Warton, 1977
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
SUPERMARINE EIGHTS
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Spitfire Mk.VIII Part 1 By: BarracudaCals Item no: BC48008 Price: US $12.95 Web: www.barracudacals.com Barracuda’s ode to the Mk.VIII begins with a quintet of Mediterranean Theatre and South East Asia Command subjects, with RAF, US Army Air Force (USAAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) machines. Notable inclusions are a pair of 152 Squadron Mk.VIIIs (including Paul ‘Gus’ Ardeline’s mount) with the unit’s black panther motif on the port fuselage and a white-tailed 79 Squadron RAAF aircraft with an elephant insignia (both grey and pink are offered). The decals are printed by Cartograf, so quality and register are assured, notably on the nose art and bomb markings. The schemes are: • JF476/QJ-D, 92 Sqn RAF, Taranto, Italy, September 1943 • JF835/UN-T, 152 Sqn RAF, Fg Off Paul Ardeline, Sinthe Airstrip, Burma, 1945
EXPORT ‘BLADES’
FROM THE PEOPLE
1/48
Presentation Spits Part II By: Foxbot Item no: 48-004 Price: £8.70 Web: www.foxbot.com.ua
• MT982/UM-C, 152 Sqn RAF, WO Eric Clegg, Sinthe Airstrip, Burma, 1945 • A58-517/UP-F, 79 Sqn RAAF, Flt Lt Norman Turnbull, Morotai, Indonesia, late spring 1945 • HL-K, 308th FS, 31st FG, 15th AF, USAAF, Lt Leland P Molland, Italy, February 1944 1/72
This second batch of presentation Spitfires from Foxbot deals with six Mk.Vs acquired for the RAF through either private or public donations. Clad in period day-fighter camouflage, five wear Dark Green/Ocean Grey/ Medium Sea Grey, while a single machine bears the earlier Dark Earth/Dark Green/Sky. Register and colour density are spot-on, notably on the ‘Manchester Civil Defender’ crest, but also the flying Pegasus motif adorning the ‘Spirit of Kent Cornwallis’. There are stencils for just one airframe, but correct roundel and fin flashes are supplied for the airframes. The choices are: • AD554/NX-Q ‘Bexley’, 131 (County of Kent) Sqn, Atcham, spring 1942 • W3450/JU-K ‘Dunottar Castle’, 111 Sqn, North Weald, summer 1941 • AD370/PJ-C ‘Endeavour’, 130
F-86 Sabre – Non-US/ Commonwealth operators By: Kits-World Item no: KW172143 Price: £10.20 Web: www.kitsworld.co.uk
CHARLIE AND PBJ
Here’s a refreshing collection of markings for F-86 Sabre fans, particularly because they all represent nonUS aircraft, with more interesting and varied markings. Eight aircraft are catered for, with all but two being in bare metal; the latter wear dark green over light grey. A notable inclusion is the Peruvian jet with large red and white tail stripes. The options are: • F-86F-30, 251-02/C-102, Grupo 1 de Caza Bombardero IV, Argentine AF, 1960s • Sabre Mk.2, 19241/241, 141 Filo, Turkish AF, 1960s • F-86F-25, 265, 1st FBS, Imperial Ethiopian AF, 1960s • F-86F, 132, Escuadron de Caza 12, Peruvian AF, late 1950s
With Airfix’s all-new 1/72 B-25 due late this year, Xtradecal has got in early with this superb gathering of ten alternative liveries. Airframes from the USAAF and USMC are accompanied by examples from the RAF and Royal Canadian Air Force, with plenty of colour variation among them. The liveries are: • B-25C, 30434/58 ‘Pink Petunia’, 83rd BS, 12th BG, USAAF, North Africa, 1942 • Mitchell Mk.II, N5-125/C, 681 Sqn RAF, Burma, 1943 • PBJ-1C, FT ‘Jonah’, USMC, 1943 • Mitchell Mk.II, MA/E, 681 Sqn, Burma, 1943 • Mitchell Mk.II, KL-154/LV, 111 OTU RAF, Bahamas, 1944 • B-25C, 41-12566/9B, 489th BS, 340th BG, Egypt, 1942 • B-25C, 41-13207, 5th Anti-Submarine BS,
(Punjab) Sqn, Perranporth, early 1942 • BM420/NX-A ‘Spirit of Kent Lord Cornwallis’, 131 (County of Kent) Sqn, Merston, summer 1942 • AA879/YQ-U ‘Manchester Civil Defender’, 616 (South Yorkshire) Sqn, Kirton-in-Lindsay, late 1941 • EE602/DV-V ‘Central Railways Uruguayan Staff’, 129 (Mysore) Sqn, Ibsley, early 1943 1/72
NA B-25C Mitchell Collection By: Xtradecal Item no: X72273 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk
• Sabre Mk.6, 1815/815, 18 Sqn, Pakistan AF, 1981 • F-86F-40, 54026/SA, Sqn Ldr M Mahmood Alam, 11th FS, Pakistan AF, 1965 • F-86F-30, 3-140/UN, Imperial Iranian AF (UN in the Congo), 1963 • Sabre Mk.27, FM-1909, 11 Sqn, Malaysian AF, 1970s
Massachusetts, 1942 • B-25C, 41-13207/I ‘OH 7’, 445th BS, 321st BG, French Morocco, 1943 • B-25C, 42-83472/7F, 487th BS, 340th BG, Tunisia, 1943 • B-25C, HO-891, 418 ‘City of Edmonton’ Sqn, Royal Canadian AF, 1950s
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 91
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
ARTY CANUCKS
RCAF Mosquitoes Canadians in Fighter Command #1 By: Aviaeology Item no: AOD24005m Price: Can $22.89 Web: www.aviaeology.com Modellers of a certain age will recognise ‘Black Rufe’ from Airfix’s classic 1970s 1/48 Mosquito boxing,
1/24 but Aviaeology presents this, along with three other nose art-adorned FB.VIs, for its larger 1/24 cousin. The set has been updated, and now offers an option on ‘Hairless Joe’; either the original grey hair or revised yellow locks and beard. To mitigate against colour bleed-through, white backgrounds are supplied for ‘Hairless Joe’ and ‘Moonbeam McSwine’…the reference to a 22a for ‘Amigo Panchito’ comes from the shared instructions with smaller scale offerings. As always, the colour definitions and demarcations are superb, and Aviaeology is to be commended for the way the nose art has been replicated. The four airframes are: • HJ719/TH-U ‘Moonbeam McSwine’, 418 Sqn RCAF, Holmsey South, early/mid-1944 • HR147/TH-Z ‘Hairless Joe’, 418 Sqn RCAF, Hunsdon, late-1944 • NS850/TH-M ‘Black Rufe’, 418 Sqn RCAF, Holmsey South, mid-1944 • SZ976/TH-V ‘Amigo Panchito’, 418 Sqn RCAF, RAF 2TAF, Coxyde, Belgium, spring 1945
EMILS TO GUSTAVS
1/48
Messerschmitt Bf 109 Stab Pt 1 By: Xtradecal Item no: X48169 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk Xtradecal delivers a big collection of Bf 109s in the first of its ‘Stab’ offerings, catering for 13 different airframes, but (when the accompanying notes are considered) a further three can be added. Subjects range from early 1940 Emils through to defence of the Reich latemodel Gustavs, with a motley selection of camouflage, including the basic RLM 65/70/71, via desert RLM 76/79 to heavily mottled RLM 75/76/83, with RLM 04 noses, tails, wingtips and fuselage bands adding dashes of colour. Among the schemes are: • Bf 109E-3, Black <–+–, JG 2, Geschwaderkommodore, Frankfurst-Redstock, winter 1939-40 • Bf 109F, Black <+–, II./JG 54 Gruppen Adjutant, Eastern
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LIBERATING ROCKETEERS
F-15E Strike Eagle Iraqi Freedom Part 2 By: LPS Hobby Item no: LPM72-38 Price: US $15 Web: www.lpshobby.com With this second batch of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) F-15Es, LPS supplies two more artwork-adorned SJ-tailcoded ‘mud hens’. As with its previous set (72-37), there are sufficient data stencils and national insignia for both airframes, including bomb tallies. Notably, 89-0474 displays symbols for 2,000lb GBU-10s, as well as 500lb GBU12s…for those requiring accurate bomb load information for OIF
IRON-CLAD MEDICS British FV 432 and M548 By: Star Decals Item no: 35-C 1065 Price: US $8 Web: www.star-decals.net
Front, summer 1941 • Bf 109F-4 trop, Black
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
Modellers seeking alternatives for their Takom or AFV Club M548s and FV432s need look no further than Star Decals' package, which supplies markings for four vehicles in total, three of which are ambulances, with the final option being an engineer vehicle. All machines are Operation Granby-associated and clad in British Army overall sand-tone camouflage. As usual, the extensive notes provide information on other vehicle markings and where research has been unable to fully identify registration plates. Note two types of saltire are supplied for one vehicle, but it is most likely the blue version was applied. The options are:
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F-15Es, a good place to start is www.F-15e.info. While the decals exhibit good register, the colour density (particularly for lighter tones) should prevent bleed through from the underlying Medium Gunship Gray. The gloss carrier film does appear slightly thick in places, similar to those from Hasegawa, but application issues should be minimal. The two schemes are for 336th FS ‘Rocketeers’ airframes, based at Al Udeid, Qatar, during MarchApril 2003: • 88-1682 ‘Mighty Mouse’, 336th FS, 4th FW • 89-0474 ‘A Cry for the Fallen’, 336th FS, 4th FW 1/35 • FV 432 Mk.2, 02ED54/‘Recon/ Umpire’, 32 Armd Eng Regt, 4th Armd Bde • M548 Medical Support Vehicle, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 7th Armd Bde • FV 432 Mk.2 Ambulance, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 7th Armd Bde • FV 432 Mk.2 Ambulance, ‘Clinger’, 4th Armd Bde
MAIL ORDER Forgotten Archives 1
Forgotten Archives 2 The second instalment in the ‘Forgotten Archives’ series has the author delving deeper into obscure and hitherto unknown archives, for rare and unpublished US Signal Corps photographs. This 240-page book features 252 clear, high-quality photographs of US and German fighting vehicles and is complemented by eight pages of specially commissioned colour artworks by Felipe Rodna, which bring the subjects to life.
The US Army Signal Corps photographs were the official standard for photo documentation of the American army during World War Two. The photos in this book are previously unpublished or have appeared solely in hard-to-find unit histories…and cover events in the ETO, from the Normandy breakout until the end of the war. Beautifully illustrated with 266 rare large-format photos over 240 pages.
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Code: B549
In Focus 1: Jagdpanzer 38
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Panzerwrecks 16: Bulge
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Which special Werfer unit was present in the ‘Bulge’? How do we know? Which unit fielded Tiger Is during the Offensive? How many vehicles were left destroyed at the crossing of the river Our? Who filled their Panzer with ladies’ clothes and handbags? The answers to these and other questions are to be found here in Panzerwrecks 16, with 150 rare and unpublished large-format photographs from around the globe.
Code: B555
£34.49
Code: B550
Panzerwrecks 8: Normandy 1
This book combines 20 years’ original research and gathering of materials to focus on the vehicle, via 117 rare large-format photographs across 112 pages. These are supplemented by specially commissioned artwork by Felipe Rodna. The author and artist have worked together closely and incorporated the latest findings, to offer the reader the most authentic colour plates of the Jagdpanzer 38 yet published.
Code: B551
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Panzerwrecks 13: Italy 2
Which vehicle did Canadian Intelligence misidentify, and why? How were the sides of a Möbelwagen constructed? Could Panthers and Tigers suffer ‘catastrophic turret separations?’ Why did a Panzerjäger have a four-digit tactical number? Which unusual vehicle was assigned to Abteilungsstabe of II./ and III./ Pz.Rgt.155? What was ‘tamed by the RAF’? Contains 123 rare and unpublished largeformat photographs sourced from around the world.
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Code: B552
Panzerwrecks 19: Yugoslavia
Code: B553
Panzerwrecks 20: Ostfront 3
How did partisans improve the firepower of the Somua S35?...and where did it end up? Who was ambushed at Vukov Klanac? Which vehicles did they lose? Why did a German Panzer unit pose as Allied tankers? The answers to these and other questions are to be found here in Panzerwrecks 19, with 151 rare and unpublished large-format photographs.
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What exploded in the centre of Soriano nel Cimino? Who captured Nashorn ‘214’, and when? What was a weak point of a StuG? Who used T34s in Italy? Why did ‘Schürzen’ go missing? What was described as ‘fruit salad’ in a British report? What drawback did ‘Zimmerit’ have? What odd gun was found on a Sd.Kfz.10/4? The answers to these and other questions are in Panzerwrecks 13, with 133 rare and unpublished large-format photographs.
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Code: B557
Nearly every photograph in Panzerwrecks 20 is from an album unearthed from the depths of a Russian archive, and was produced by the 17th Air Army during their evaluation of the effects of aircraft weapons on German (and Hungarian) tanks in the field. Contains photos and data as well as many of the accompanying sketches too. 98 rare and unpublished large-format photographs from Russian archives, 49 wartime sketches and stunning specially commissioned artwork by Felipe Rodna.
Code: B558
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19/07/2017 15:35
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
1/72 COASTAL COMMAND BOMBER
EIGHTYEIGHT RESIN
1/48
Junkers Ju 88 A-4 and Later/C6/G Late Main and Tail Wheels By: CMK Item no: Q48 279 Price: €6.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com Whitley GR Mk.VII By: Eduard Item no: 73577 Price: €18.95 Web: www.eduard.com Airfix’s Whitley is superb, but this detail set will turn the Coastal Command boxing into a true gem. Much activity is in the cockpit, with pre-coloured photo-etched metal for items such as instrument panels and radios, but plenty of brass is provided for the ‘office’ and other areas, including the tail turret, bombs and their racks. Even belted machine gun ammunition is offered.
CAVALRY TRIMMINGS
Special Hobby’s resin wheels, intended for Revell’s kit (actually ICM’s tooling) will make a real difference. These balloon-style units sport the trademark seams on the tyres, have a subtle weighted bulge at the bottom and fine brake line detail. The tailwheel is also a neat item, but will need careful parting from its casting block to avoid damage.
TWIN-STAGE MERLINS
1/48
1/35
VIETNAM STORE
1/72
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1/48
Sniper ATP for Harrier GR.9 By: Eduard Item no: 648 273 Price: €7.45 Web: www.eduard.com M117 bomb early By: Eduard Item no: 672057 Price: €9.95 Web: www.eduard.com The M117 was one of the most commonly dropped ‘dumb’ bombs in Vietnam, employed by all USAF jets of the era; F-4, F-100, F-104, F-105 and B-52. These six resin stores are well shaped, have detailed tail units with proper panels, and a choice of standard nose and extended fuzes. They must be sanded accurately once the casting blocks are removed, to keep the bombs straight along their length. Decals are included, for stencilling and yellow nose bands.
OPEN OUTHOUSE
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Ten resin parts (three of these being clear) go into Eduard’s superb Sniper laser designator, which has an adapter for Harrier GR.9 use…unsurprising given the company has released Hasegawa’s kit under its own label. Photo-etched metal details also feature, along with stencil decals for an accurate appearance. While billed by Eduard for Harrier use, this store is employed on many other aircraft, such as the F-15, F-16, A-10 and CF-188 to name a few, and used by various nations’ air arms, so is certainly versatile.
MAINTENANCE MAGIC
1/35
Hand Tools By: ResiCAST Item no: 35.2378 Price: €32.50 Web: www.resicast.com
Somua S35 By: Hauler Item no: HLU35089 Price: €13.31 Web: www.hauler.cz Tamiya’s Somua receives ample décor from Hauler’s brass and resin set, mainly to replace attachment bands, straps and mounting brackets, while the exhausts receive new fishtail nozzles. The minute bolt/rivet heads require careful placement, but a helpful diagram should aid work on the raised cupola, which has eight bolts and three twopiece hooks. The biggest change in refinement is with the resin ‘eyes’ for the forward hull grab rails, as they are far superior.
LASER POD
Two-stage Mosquito Nacelles By: Pangolin Models Item no: N/A Price: £19.50 Web: www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk
Shed By: Plus Model Item no: 4051 Price: €20.80 Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Tamiya’s quarter-scale Mossies are a delight, but are limited by being available solely as single-stage Merlin-powered versions. Thankfully, new company Pangolin Models has come to the rescue with this high-quality, yet easy-to-fit resin conversion. The lengthened nacelle sections are single resin pieces and the casting is superb, capturing the nuances of the twin-stage units accurately. Resin exhaust stubs add further refinement, while carburettor inlet grilles have thoughtfully been included as photo-etched brass items. Pangolin Models’ products are distributed via Sovereign Hobbies.
This laser-cut wood and resin open-sided shed from Plus Model exemplifies the firm’s meticulous approach to its products. Construction mirrors the real thing, with outer walls attached to wooden beams, before the floor, sides and roof are combined, and the pre-cut lengths of wood just require 45° cuts at the tips. That’s not all, though, as a resin barrel, wheel, jerrycans and a box are included, and a laser-cut cardboard sheet offers an optional ‘felt’ covering for the roof.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
ResiCAST’s new Hand Tools set is unbelievably useful and of high quality. Slated for World War One/ Two use by the manufacturer, there is a large photo-etched brass fret full of spanners, wrenches and grips of various styles, try squares, angle gauges, tool boxes and even hacksaws. In resin, one receives different sizes and shapes of hammer, oil cans, G-clamps and many other items. No instructions are offered but it’s all pretty obvious really, and this selection has myriad uses for 1/35 and 1/32 dioramas and vignettes.
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
PLEASING PACHYDERM
1/72
BUSH-PLANE GLAZING
1/72
DELTA OFFICE DETAIL
1/32
INTRICATE AIR WING
1/700
DHC-2 Beaver Pre-cut Flexible Mask Set By: Thunderbird Models Item no: TBM-009 Price: £2.95 Web: thunderbirdmodels.co.uk
WW2 RAF Mechanic in India + Elephant with Mahout By: CMK Item no: F72327 Price: €21.50 Web: www.cmkkits.com Many Spits and Hurricanes suffered heavy/belly landings while in India during World War Two, and had to be dragged out of the mud by elephants. This new package from CMK is genius and should delight diorama fans everywhere. The elephant has wonderful features, and the accompanying mahout rider is just as good. The RAF ‘erk’ also pleases, due to superb facial detail (amazing for this scale), and a fun hands-in-pockets pose. Note that CMK also offers just the pachyderm on its own.
SCOUT WHEELS
1/35
Thunderbird Models addresses two issues with Hobby Boss’ DHC-2 in one go, providing neat masks for the unusually shaped glazing, and items for the overhead windows noted on some airframes (check references for whether specific aircraft were configured with these), but which aren’t offered in the kit. Wheel masks are also supplied, as is a cover for the landing light, located on the port wing (although several variants were fitted with one on each leading edge).
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39M Csaba By: SBS Model Item no: 35026 Price: €14 Web: www.sbsmodel.com Hobby Boss’ Csaba benefits from this resin upgrade, replacing styrene and vinyl with better quality examples. In grey resin, these feature crisp bolt and wheel rim detail, the latter aiding painting somewhat, while the tyre tread is superior to the kit’s vinyl offering. Separate inner faces ease fitting the new items to the vehicle axles, while also allowing the wheels to be painted before being added to the model.
This small but effective photo-etched metal set is designed to fit the recent Italeri 1/32 Mirage IIIE, with almost all the components being pre-coloured for that extra bit of flair. Alternative head box and seat pan firing handles are provided, while the superbly printed instrument panel is a two-part affair that offers realistic depth. Parts for the side consoles, sidewalls, rear bulkhead and canopy also feature.
ON THE MOVE DIVE-BOMBER BLING
B5N1 Kate By: Eduard Item no: 73575 Price: €14.95 Web: www.eduard.com Designed to fit Airfix’s Nakajima B5N1s, this package comprises a prepainted PE fret and a separate brass item; the former supplies cockpit embellishment, while the latter adds external fittings and radial engine ignition cables. The level of detail contained in this set will make any Kate an eye-catching display, and the finer components add refinement to those parts of the kit that are challenging to mould in styrene. A simplified ‘Zoom’ set (SS575) supplies just the pre-painted fret.
WW2 Royal Navy Aircraft 1 By: Flyhawk Item no: FH 1129 Price: £9.50 Web: www.flyhawkmodel.com
Mirage IIIE By: Eduard Item no: 33166 Price: €14.95 Web: www.eduard.com
1/35
Trolleys By: ResiCAST Item no: 35.2387 Price: €8 Web: www.resicast.com This clever resin accessory from ResiCAST is ideal for any replenishment or re-supply diorama. Two styles are included, a large nine-part four-wheeled flatbed turntable and an eightpiece two-wheeled sack truck with curved upper arms. All components are well cast, and although no instructions are supplied, construction should be intuitive, although one may want to replace the resin truck axle with a length of styrene or metal rod.
Intended for Flyhawk’s excellent World War Two aircraft carriers, this air wing is applicable to any 1/700 period Royal Navy flat-top. Eight runners supply parts for eight Swordfish, six Fulmars and four Sea Hurricanes, with options for deployed/folded wings on the first two types. There are at least five pieces per aircraft, augmented by PE wing struts, rigging and a machine gun for the Swordfish, while optional propellers are included for all aircraft. A decal sheet provides roundels, fin flashes and fuselage ID bands for the Hurricanes.
RHINO HARDPOINTS
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F-4 Phantom Outer Wing Pylons, Navy By: Hypersonic models Item no: HMR 48028 Price: £6.50 Web: www.hypersonicmodels.co.uk Zoukei-Mura’s new 1/48 F-4J/S Phantoms are superb offerings, but one little failing is the lack of separate outboard wing pylons; they are moulded integrally with the fuel tanks. Cue Hypersonic models, which has cast these beautifully detailed pylons that come with very fine individual sway brace pins. They are easy to employ, and the instructions give sage advice on how to use these units with triple/multiple ejection racks. For a preview of Z-M’s F-4S, see p.12 of this issue.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 95
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
TINY WIGGLY-AMPS
1/350
US Navy Radar Antennas WWII By: Eduard Item no: 53179 Price: €22.45 Web: www.eduard.com One of the hardest aspects of a warship to replicate in styrene is the radar antenna, so Eduard’s set for US Navy World War Two vessels is a definite boon. All major types are catered for, from the larger CXAM and SC-1/2 surveillance units to the Mk.3 and Mk.4 systems associated with the Mark 33 and Mark 37 Gun Fire Control Systems; for the latter, there’s also a complete Mk.22 mount. These various radars could be found on battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers (notably the Mark 37 systems), but references will need to be checked for individual ship fits.
GALLIC STORES
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LRF 2 Rocket Launcher By: PJ Production Item no: 481218 Price: €9.70 Web: www.pjproduction.net Mirage fans everywhere can undoubtedly find use for PJ’s two neatly cast resin rocket pods, suitable for carriage on the delectable delta’s III and 5 sub-types. Nosecone detail is splendid, with rocket tips peeping out, and if one looks down the tail fairings the correct launch tube holes are cast in situ. Pylons and adapters are provided as onepiece items for ease of use.
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SAAB FIX
1/48
The canard foreplanes on Tarangus’ quarter-scale Viggen are not too accurate, so CMK has stepped in to remedy this with its resin replacements. Panel line detail is sharp and consistent, and there are separate control surfaces; a useful feature, as Viggen canard flaps droop to 30 ̊ when the undercarriage is down, either on the ground or while in the air. These units will, of course, also fit the Special Hobby boxings of this kit. 1/72
M983 HEMTT Tractor Detail-up Set By: Tetra Model Works Item no: ME-72006 Price: £10.53 Web: www.tetramodel.co.kr Modellers with Modelcollect or Aoshima 1/72 M983 HEMTT kits are in for a treat with Tetra’s stunning photo-etched brass upgrade set. While the styrene parts may be good, the PE adds an extra dimension, providing scalethickness mesh and grille components, mudguards, access steps, spare wheel and general stowage bins, and a replacement undercab panel, complete with ‘Oshkosh’ logo. This would be impressive in 1/35 scale, but in 1/72 it’s jaw-dropping in terms of additional detail.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
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'VICTORIOUS' OFFICE
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Hawker Tempest Mk.V By: HGW Models Item no: 132823 Price: €13.13 Web: www.hgwmodels.cz
JA-37 Viggen Canard correction set By: CMK Item no: 4362 Price: €12.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com
TACTICAL UPGRADES
BELT UP!
This great-value package from HGW combines its top-quality micro-textile fabric seatbelts with a canopy and wheel mask set. As with all HGW’s harnesses, patience is a must, given the way they are constructed, with fabric lengths fed into, and folded around, several photo-etched metal adjustment brackets, latches and fasteners. However, all efforts will be rewarded handsomely, as these items look incredibly lifelike once completed. Interior and exterior masks are supplied for the cockpit, and the mainwheels receive separate inner and outer covers.
STEPPING UP
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Ladder for Su-27 By: Plus Model Item no: AL4062 Price: €7 Web: www.plusmodel.cz Plus Model’s 15-piece styrene access ladder is perfect for any 1/48 land-based Flanker, and will certainly add interest. All parts are moulded crisply, and construction appears simple, although care is needed when aligning the steps with the separate sides. Colouring instructions are basic, as most are painted overall red, but there is scope for weathering to make this essential piece of aircraft equipment stand out even more.
Victor B Mk.2 (BS) interior By: Eduard Item no: 73 578 Price: €18.95 Web: www.eduard.com Little can be seen in the cockpit of Airfix’s Victor once it’s enshrouded by the fuselage halves, but for those who love to add extra detail anyway, this package will fit the bill perfectly. It offers beautifully printed instrument panels, ejection seat items such as straps and new head box top plates/firing handles (and handles for the seat pans). Also provided are a throttle quadrant and extra features to be placed on the cockpit floor and sidewalls.
V-BOMBER BOOST
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Victor B Mk.2 (BS) exterior By: Eduard Item no: 72 638 Price: €22.95 Web: www.eduard.com Add extra refinement to Airfix's glorious Victor with Eduard’s new collection of photo-etched brass. This is a large fret with undercarriage bay and door inserts, leg support components, various antennas and even an exhaust blanking plate for the kit’s Blue Steel nuclear missile.
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PLASTIC SURGERY ASK THE EXPERTS
Quiz AMW’s team of contributors, regarding your own modelling mysteries... BUTT-JOINS
Strength and accuracy
Q
“I was wondering if your team could help with a technique that eludes me please? When a kit uses a buttjoin for two mating surfaces, such as a wing or tailplane, what’s the best way to drill and align a pin or piece of rod between the two to strengthen said join? It’s something I can’t seem to get right and often end up with a step or misaligned piece.” Jonathan Dick, Wellington, New Zealand
AMW’s Mike Grant replies: “Butt joins are inherently weak so you’re right in trying to strengthen them, and brass rod offers the rigidity necessary, while being easy to cut and work with. The first step is to attach the wing temporarily (the same technique would apply to a tailplane of course) and correctly in position on the fuselage, with masking tape and Blu Tack. The wing’s top edge can then be traced onto the fuselage with a sharp pencil. Also make two pencil lines that intersect with and continue onto the wing top surface, then do the same below the wing. Remove the wing, join the two pencil marks on the fuselage side and do the same across the wing thickness. The holes for the pins can now be drilled in the wing,
centred on the two pencil lines, being careful to drill parallel to the leading edge. The brass pins are then inserted and secured with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. Usually, 3–5mm should be left protruding It’s then a case of holding the wing against the fuselage side, aligning the pins with the vertical pencil lines, and the top curvature of the wing visually with the pencil outline. Mark where the pins touch the vertical lines on the fuselage, and drill the second set of holes. These should be slightly larger than the rod diameter, which will allow for
Our ship-building wizard Andy Davies says: “In July’s issue I outlined how to create water dioramas via specialised modelling products, which can be expensive. However, a simple and effective way to reproduce water is to use household silicone sealant. It’s flexible, cures quickly and becomes clear when dry. For a base, I prefer MDF board… try to select an appropriately
sized piece as too much water can overwhelm a diorama. Decide where to position the model and outline it on the board (sometimes it’s better to angle the ship for dramatic effect). The board should be sealed with clear varnish and painted in appropriate acrylic colours, with a wide brush. Basically, the Pacific Ocean contains more blue tones and the Atlantic more greens and greys, so research when planning the scene and experiment with lighter and darker mixtures of the base colours. Apply the silicone with a flat tool – a wooden icecream/lolly stick is ideal – and manipulate it to create wave shapes, (study photographs). To represent real water, one needs to apply a high-gloss varnish. With the model fitted to the base, wakes can be created with modelling clay and any wave crests painted Titanium White with a fine brush.”
REPLICATING WATER
Maritime dioramas
Q
“I’m a 12-year-old modeller and have bought an Airfix RNLI Severn Class lifeboat. I have never made a water diorama, so could I ask for some advice on how to replicate these effects.” Franek Kalemba, Torun, Poland
minor adjustments to the wing position and dihedral. Again, use CA to attach the wings. I prefer to then repeat the procedure with the other wing, ensuring everything is aligned and symmetrical before running liquid styrene cement along the seams.”
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 Sponsored by
THE NEXT ISSUE 7, 2017 THE NEXT ISSUEISISON ONSALE: SALE:SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY 4, 2016** *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
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IPMS(UK) Tuesday09/05/2017 16:43
P-51D - MUSTANG IV UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCES
ROYAL AIR FORCE
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P-51D-5-NA, 44-13606/IV-I ‘Louisiana Heatwave’, Claude J Crenshaw, 369th FS/359th FG (8th AF), East Wretham, UK, November 1944
8
P-51D-15-NA, 44-15255/WR-F ‘Down for Double’, Lt Col Gordon Graham, 354th FS/355th FG (8th AF), April/May 1945
15
P-51D-10-NA, 44-15392/20 ‘Cheese Cake Chassie’, 1st Lt Mayer, 2nd FS/2nd Air Commando Group, Cox’s Bazar (India-Burma border), January 1945
22 P-51D-5-NA, 44-13410/E2-C ‘LOU IV’, Lt Col Thomas Christian, 375th FS/361st FG (8th AF), Bottisham, UK, summer 1944
2
P-51D-20-NA, 44-64124/10 ‘Little Girl’, Capt Leroy Grosshuesch, CO 39th FS/35th FG (5th AF), Okinawa, Japan, August 1945
9
P-51D-5-NA 44-13561 ‘Short-Fuse Sallee’, Capt Richard Turner, 356th FS/354th FG (9th AF), France, autumn 1944
16
P-51D, serial unknown ‘Little Freddie’, 1st Lt Freddie Hutchins, 302nd FS/332nd FG (15th AF), Ramitelli, Italy, 1944
23 P-51D, 44-14223/CL-M ‘Katydid’, Lt Col Elwyn Righetti, 338th FS/55th FG (8th AF), Wormingford, UK
3
P-51D-10-NA, 44-14822/LC-A ‘Sad Sack’, Maj Merle Gilbertson, 79th FS/20th FG (8th AF), Kings Cliffe, UK, 1944
10
P-51D/Mustang IV, KH716/CV-P, 3 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, Lavarino, Italy, 1945
17
P-51D-15-NA, 44-14532/B6-O ‘Ol Flak Joe’, 1st Lt Bill Fricker, 363rd FS/357th FG (8th AF), Leiston, UK, 1944
24 Mustang IV, KM375, Dum Dum airfield, Calcutta, India, 1945
4
P-51D-20-NA, 44-63423/15 ‘Squirt’, Col James Beckwith, CO 15th FG (7th AF), South Field, Iwo Jima, April 1945
11
P-51D-20-NA, 44-63620/HL-C ‘Small Boy Here’, Capt John Kirk, 83rd FS/78th FG (8th AF), Duxford, UK, May 1945
18
P-51D-15-NA, 44-14754/PI-E “Sweet’n Lowdown”, 360th FS/356th FG (8th AF), Martlesham Heath, UK, 1945
25 P-51D-5-NA, 44-13321/HO-P ‘Cripes A Mighty 3rd’, Capt George Preddy, 487th FS/352nd FG (8th AF), Bodney, UK, June 1944
5
P-51D-20-NA, 44-64055/P, 3rd Air Commando Group, Philippines, 1944-45
12
P-51D-15-NA, 44-15092/SX-B ‘Alabama Rammer Jammer’, 1st Lt Arthur Cundy, 352nd FS/353rd FG (8th AF), Raydon, UK, October 1944
19
P-51D-20-NA, 44-72505/602 ‘Meatball’, 2nd Lt Steve Treacy, 462nd FS/506th FG (20th AF), Iwo Jima, July 1945
26 P-51D, 44-14164/E2-D ‘Detroit Miss’, 1st Lt Urban Drew, 375th FS/361st FG (8th AF), Bottisham, UK, 1944
6
P-51D-20-NA, 44-13160/VF/V ‘Spare Parts/Doc Watson Rebel Taylor’, Maj Ralph Watson, 5th FS/52nd FG (15th AF), Madna, Italy, summer 1944
13
P-51D-20-NA, 44-72557/527 ‘HEL-ETER/LIL TODDIE’, 1st Lt J Winnen and 1st Lt P Alston, 457th FS/506th FG (20th AF), Iwo Jima, late May 1945
20 P-51D-20-NA, 44-72308/WD-A ‘Ridge Runner III’, Maj Pierce McKennon, 335th FS/4th FG (8th AF), Debden, UK, April 1945
7
P-51D-10-NA, 44-14249/CY-P ‘June Bug’, Capt C Manlove, 3rd Scouting Force (8th AF), Wormingford, UK, 1945
14
P-51D-20-NA, 44-72620/640 ‘The Shawnee Princess’, 1st Lt Charles Seale, 462nd FS/506th FG (20th AF)
21
P-51D-20-NA, 44-63483/67 ‘Stinger VII’, Maj Robert Moore, 45th FS/15th FG (7th AF), Iwo Jima, June 1945
27 P-51D-15-NA, 44-15093/77 ‘Belligerent Betts’, Lt Col Ernie Beverly, 319th FS/325th FG (15th AF), Rimini, Italy, March 1945 28 P-51D-5-NA, 44-13383/FT-T ‘Swede’s Steed III’, 1st Lt William Anderson, 353rd FS/354th FG (9th AF), Normandy, France, June 1944
P-51D - MUSTANG IV UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCES
ROYAL AIR FORCE
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(Andy Hay/www.flyingart.co.uk)
1
P-51D-5-NA, 44-13606/IV-I ‘Louisiana Heatwave’, Claude J Crenshaw, 369th FS/359th FG (8th AF), East Wretham, UK, November 1944
8
P-51D-15-NA, 44-15255/WR-F ‘Down for Double’, Lt Col Gordon Graham, 354th FS/355th FG (8th AF), April/May 1945
15
P-51D-10-NA, 44-15392/20 ‘Cheese Cake Chassie’, 1st Lt Mayer, 2nd FS/2nd Air Commando Group, Cox’s Bazar (India-Burma border), January 1945
22 P-51D-5-NA, 44-13410/E2-C ‘LOU IV’, Lt Col Thomas Christian, 375th FS/361st FG (8th AF), Bottisham, UK, summer 1944
2
P-51D-20-NA, 44-64124/10 ‘Little Girl’, Capt Leroy Grosshuesch, CO 39th FS/35th FG (5th AF), Okinawa, Japan, August 1945
9
P-51D-5-NA 44-13561 ‘Short-Fuse Sallee’, Capt Richard Turner, 356th FS/354th FG (9th AF), France, autumn 1944
16
P-51D, serial unknown ‘Little Freddie’, 1st Lt Freddie Hutchins, 302nd FS/332nd FG (15th AF), Ramitelli, Italy, 1944
23 P-51D, 44-14223/CL-M ‘Katydid’, Lt Col Elwyn Righetti, 338th FS/55th FG (8th AF), Wormingford, UK
3
P-51D-10-NA, 44-14822/LC-A ‘Sad Sack’, Maj Merle Gilbertson, 79th FS/20th FG (8th AF), Kings Cliffe, UK, 1944
10
P-51D/Mustang IV, KH716/CV-P, 3 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, Lavarino, Italy, 1945
17
P-51D-15-NA, 44-14532/B6-O ‘Ol Flak Joe’, 1st Lt Bill Fricker, 363rd FS/357th FG (8th AF), Leiston, UK, 1944
24 Mustang IV, KM375, Dum Dum airfield, Calcutta, India, 1945
4
P-51D-20-NA, 44-63423/15 ‘Squirt’, Col James Beckwith, CO 15th FG (7th AF), South Field, Iwo Jima, April 1945
11
P-51D-20-NA, 44-63620/HL-C ‘Small Boy Here’, Capt John Kirk, 83rd FS/78th FG (8th AF), Duxford, UK, May 1945
18
P-51D-15-NA, 44-14754/PI-E “Sweet’n Lowdown”, 360th FS/356th FG (8th AF), Martlesham Heath, UK, 1945
25 P-51D-5-NA, 44-13321/HO-P ‘Cripes A Mighty 3rd’, Capt George Preddy, 487th FS/352nd FG (8th AF), Bodney, UK, June 1944
5
P-51D-20-NA, 44-64055/P, 3rd Air Commando Group, Philippines, 1944-45
12
P-51D-15-NA, 44-15092/SX-B ‘Alabama Rammer Jammer’, 1st Lt Arthur Cundy, 352nd FS/353rd FG (8th AF), Raydon, UK, October 1944
19
P-51D-20-NA, 44-72505/602 ‘Meatball’, 2nd Lt Steve Treacy, 462nd FS/506th FG (20th AF), Iwo Jima, July 1945
26 P-51D, 44-14164/E2-D ‘Detroit Miss’, 1st Lt Urban Drew, 375th FS/361st FG (8th AF), Bottisham, UK, 1944
6
P-51D-20-NA, 44-13160/VF/V ‘Spare Parts/Doc Watson Rebel Taylor’, Maj Ralph Watson, 5th FS/52nd FG (15th AF), Madna, Italy, summer 1944
13
P-51D-20-NA, 44-72557/527 ‘HEL-ETER/LIL TODDIE’, 1st Lt J Winnen and 1st Lt P Alston, 457th FS/506th FG (20th AF), Iwo Jima, late May 1945
20 P-51D-20-NA, 44-72308/WD-A ‘Ridge Runner III’, Maj Pierce McKennon, 335th FS/4th FG (8th AF), Debden, UK, April 1945
7
P-51D-10-NA, 44-14249/CY-P ‘June Bug’, Capt C Manlove, 3rd Scouting Force (8th AF), Wormingford, UK, 1945
14
P-51D-20-NA, 44-72620/640 ‘The Shawnee Princess’, 1st Lt Charles Seale, 462nd FS/506th FG (20th AF)
21
P-51D-20-NA, 44-63483/67 ‘Stinger VII’, Maj Robert Moore, 45th FS/15th FG (7th AF), Iwo Jima, June 1945
27 P-51D-15-NA, 44-15093/77 ‘Belligerent Betts’, Lt Col Ernie Beverly, 319th FS/325th FG (15th AF), Rimini, Italy, March 1945 28 P-51D-5-NA, 44-13383/FT-T ‘Swede’s Steed III’, 1st Lt William Anderson, 353rd FS/354th FG (9th AF), Normandy, France, June 1944
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North American P-51D Mustang ( A05131)
Visit us www.airfix.com Like us facebook.com/officialairfix Follow us twitter.com/airfix Share us instagram.com/officialairfix
North American P-51D Mustang ( A05131)
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10/07/2017 11:33