Airfix Model World Issue 083 (October 2017)

FREE!

TIGER SUPPLEMENT

Three Tiger family builds Period reference photos

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LATEST PRODUCT REVIEWS

Oct 2017 Issue 83

We convert Airfix’s C-47 to a Basler BT-67 turboprop

MAPLE LEAF MAGIC 1/72 F-101B Voodoo from Revell

£4.50

PACHYDERM PUNCH Tamiya’s new 1/48 Elefant

AMMO_FP.indd 1

18/08/2017 10:32

EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME

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WELCOME TO ISSUE 83

I

hope you’ve had a great summer and found inspiration in AMW for your build projects. My own family holiday provided a pleasing and unexpected example of Airfix Model World’s reach in the market place. I’d seen AMW in a shop in Gozo’s capital Victoria, along with other

Key Publishing titles. But I didn’t think I’d also see it being sold aboard the ferry between Malta and Gozo. While I don’t exactly sit in the office, white cat on lap, planning world domination like a Bond villain, I am conscious of where around the globe AMW is sold because ultimately, the magazine is a business venture that must remain successful. We excel as Europe’s biggest-selling monthly, but I know we can’t get AMW in every retail outlet for various reasons. So, here’s a timely reminder that subscribing couldn’t be easier, reduces the cover price and ensures a gift if ordering a two-year sub’. What’s not to like about that? Visit www.airfixmodelworld.com for further details. Airfix Model World’s success has, though, meant that more

unscrupulous modellers have used it as a cover to obtain free product by masquerading as contributors with the promise of editorial. The upshot of this is that the supplier in question is out of pocket, and with no promotional coverage to show for it. By contacting various firms to offer more variety in our On the Shelf reviews, we’ve heard it’s not just AMW’s name that’s being used, but also those of our competitor titles. It’s a sorry affair, and I’d like to say to all manufacturers/retailers/importers that if you are approached by anyone other than Assistant Editor Stu Fone, or I myself (or an existing contributor under prior arrangement) regarding AMW, please let us know. Now, I’ve always been something of a luddite with social media (maybe it's my age!), but I do

recognise its considerable power for promotion and reach, and with that I’m delighted to announce that AMW’s Facebook page has now gained more than 10,000 ‘likes’. It’s a milestone for us, so thanks to all who take the time to respond to our posts. This month's expanded edition offers a special three-build Tiger supplement. The appeal of vehicles from this family is ever enduring, and it seems there’s always another avenue to take kit-wise...editing the builds has already given me new ideas. Enjoy the issue.

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 92. Editor: Chris Clifford Assistant Editor: Stu Fone Editor's Secretary: Melissa Smith Contributors this issue: Chris Jones, Anthony L Stachiw, Terry Higgins, Andy Davies, Alan Price, Tony Canfora, Bill Curtis, Steve Budd, Jan P Forsgren Designer: Tom Bagley Chief Designer: 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.

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CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?

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

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10 Show Scene At-a-glance model show calendar.

92 Free Gift! Subscribe to Airfix Model World and claim your free 1/72 Hawker Hurricane Mk.I model kit or 5-piece diamond file set.

94 On the Shelf Fifteen pages of reviews highlight the latest modelling and reference products from around the world.

114 The Plastic Surgery Quiz AMW’s team of contributors, history writers and industry contacts regarding your own modelling mysteries.

42 TOP TIPS 17 Salt chip metal technique 84

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Airfix Model World

CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?

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FEATURES 12 Intermediate Build – Maple Leaf Magic Chris Jones backdates Revell’s 1/72 F-101B Voodoo to replicate a Royal Canadian Air Force CF-101.

20 In Focus – Arrow Alternative The history of the Voodoo in Canadian service is explained by Anthony L Stachiw.

26 Scale Drawings – CF-101 Voodoo Aviaeology’s Terry Higgins provides excellent 1/72 scale plans of the CF-101B/F.

30 Out and About – Downham Delights Assistant Editor Stu Fone reports on this year’s West Norfolk Model Show.

32 Advanced Build – Saharan Turbo Andy Davies converts Airfix’s new-tool C-47 Dakota to a Basler BT-67 turboprop version.

FREE! 51 Tiger Family

supplement

Get your Tiger fix with builds of Tamiya’s new 1/48 Elefant, Dragon’s 1/35 Tiger I Ausf.E and AMMO-MIG’s boxing of the Takom 1/35 King Tiger… accompanied by period photos courtesy of The Tank Museum’s archive.

40 Out and About – Bank Holiday Battles A host of restored vehicles provided Glenn Sands with ample photo opportunities at Hampshire’s Overlord Show.

42 Intermediate Build – Crowdfunded Fighter Fine Molds’ 1/72 Nakajima A2N1 biplane is improved with scratch-building and aftermarket items by Vladimir Kafka.

78 In Focus – Risk Avoidance Health and safety issues presented by modelling should interest us all. Here, Steve Budd imparts vital advice.

82 Out and About – Hidden Gems 70

There was something to please every modeller at the recent Coventry and Warks model show, as Stu Fone found out.

84 Intermediate Build – Underwater Warrior Andy Davies adds his own scratch-built detail to Merit’s 1/35 British X-Craft miniature submarine.

Your favourite magazine is available digitally. See airfixmodelworld.com for more details. You can also find us on:

Search ‘Airfix Model World’

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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES

BREAKING

NEWS

BEGINNER KITS MAKEOVER

FOUR OF Airfix’s existing Quick Build toolings have received cool new colours. Besides the Red Arrows Hawk (J6018) gaining a fresh livery, the firm’s Lamborghini Aventador (J6019) is now available in white, the Bugatti Veyron (J6020) in red and the McLaren P1 (J6021)

in an eye-popping lime green. Quick Build kits are well-shaped replicas of famous aircraft and cars, but rely on Lego-style building/attachment…perfect for ‘apprentice’ modellers aged 5-plus making their first forays into construction fun. For further details visit: www.airfix.com

DOODLEBUG BONANZA

DESPITE ITS notoriety, there have been comparatively few 1/72 Fieseler Fi 103/V-1 kits, at least until Modelcollect’s stunning releases. Modellers are suddenly spoilt for choice, with four highly detailed and superbly moulded offerings available. There’s the classic launched version (UA72033), with sufficient parts for two complete ramps and missiles; two schemes supply overall Panzer Grey or camouflaged items. But Modelcollect is known for its ‘what-if’ subjects, and there are three vehicle-mounted launchers, employing the experimental E-50

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Airfix Model World

(UA72073), E-75 (UA72093) and E-100 (UA72071) chassis. Each option combines basic styrene hull and running gear components with a common photo-etched brass fret (carrying engine grilles), one runner from the V-1 (missile) and two from its Rheintochter 1 (launch rail and turntable assemblies). Best of all, there’s a spare surface-to-air missile in the latter, so one can attach either to the vehicle. There are two notional camouflage schemes per offering, and all three share a generic decal sheet. www.modelcollect.com

FUTURE-PROOFED ARMOUR

TAKOM’S recent 1/35 FV 432 Mk.2/1 armoured personnel carrier kit is surely pleasing military modellers, but the firm is not standing still by issuing the Mk.3 Bulldog version. This relies on many of the same components (including the interior), but has new parts to reflect the transformation into Bulldog format, which involves appliqué explosive reactive armour, Remote Controlled Weapon Station (optional armament included) and IED jammers. The components display a very high

degree of fidelity, and there’s also a handy jig for assembling the link-andlength/individual link tracks. Finely rendered bar armour is another pleasing feature. Mig Jimenez has designed the colour guide and selected the schemes, which reflect three British machines from the 1st Battalion Scots Guards Recce Platoon, during Operation Telic, Iraq, in January 2008. Takom kits are imported to the UK by Pocketbond. For further details visit:www.pocketbond.co.uk

GRIME, PRIME AND WASH THIS ISN’T a washing powder advert…rather the latest painting and weathering products from Italian firm True-Earth. All items are water-based and solvent-free, making for easy handling and clean-up, and provided in 19ml bottles. The grime is represented by the Usura/Wear range, with Oil & Fuel (TEWE 01) and Engine Grease (TEWE 02), and these can be used in isolation or as part of a larger process of dirtying a powerplant, fuel tank or associated pipework. There are three PRM (Plastic, Resin, Metal) Primers; Chromatic (TEPR 07), Preshading (TEPR 05) and Slick (TEPR 06). As the

brand name suggests, these have been formulated to adhere to any surface, and can be applied by brush or airbrush and should be thinned with water. The different primers cater for specific finishes or colours and guidance is supplied on the company website. True-Earth’s Dust Washes comprise Dust (TEDP 03) and Earth (TEPD 01), which can be applied straight from the bottle, or diluted with water to provide realistic dust effects, with heavier deposits created either by multiple coats or a weaker water/wash ratio. Further information, including tutorials for these and other products is available at: www.true-earth.com

BUILDING BACK TO HEALTH MANY MODELLERS enjoy the hobby as a means of relaxation, but several charities are now using it to provide valuable medical benefits. Here, modelling is employed as a therapeutic activity, which focusses the mind and can be used to cope with everyday stresses. Currently, therapists use the hobby as a means of supporting clinical treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and also to provide fine motorcontrol challenges for those with spinal injuries. Models for Heroes is a nonfor-profit organisation, which provides model kits and supplies military treatment centres and mental health charities across the UK. Created earlier this year, it has already organised and run three modelling sessions at Help for Heroes treatment centres (with

more planned), and has supplied kits to Combat Stress, Mind and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. To that end, Models for Heroes is seeking contributions of kits, paints or tools, which will go towards helping injured and wounded service personnel and veterans. It is also asking for donations of any unwanted Airfix Flying Hours to get basic kits through the Airfix Club

scheme. The organisation has appeared on British Forces Broadcasting Service radio, and in local news and now modelling magazines, so if there are kits clogging up the stash or paints/ brushes/tools no longer wanted, what better way to give support to those in need. For more details, or those wanting to donate, visit: www.modelsforheroes.co.uk

STUNNING P-40 PACKAGE

CZECH KIT and aftermarket wizard Eduard has added another product to its limitededition eduArt range. Kit 11104 offers Hasegawa’s excellent 1/32 P-40N Warhawk, but as fans of this series know, there are always sumptuous extras provided…and this release ups the ante. Besides the kit parts, packed in the box decorated with Romain Hugault’s impressive artwork, are Eduard photo-etched brass/ pre-coloured metal details,

superb multi-part resin wheels and exhaust stubs, and tape masks for the latter items and transparencies. Also along for the ride is a huge decal sheet and this is a fiesta of nose art, catering for three US Army Air Forces aircraft; these are Philip Adair’s 80th FG 42-105128/44 ‘Lulu Belle’, 328 ‘Ruth a’, flown by the 51st FG’s ‘Bud’ Watson, and the double nose art machine ‘Daddy Please/ Milk Wagon Express’, from the 49th FG. Supporting these are

two 18 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force Kittyhawk Mk.IVs – NZ3220 ‘Gloria Lyons’ and NZ3148 ‘Gloria’. There’s also a large box art print, but the same image is printed on a highly impressive pressedmetal plaque, measuring approximately 395 x 280mm, with pre-drilled mounting holes. This is arguably the company’s most ambitious eduArt release yet, but one will have to buy quickly due to the limited-edition status. www.eduard.com

NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES

{in brief}

AWESOME EMILY

GEARS UP! New additions to SAC’s (www. scaleaircraftconversions.com) white metal landing gear range are as follows: 1/144 14425 MiG-21 Fishbed (Eduard) 14426 IL-76 MD (Zvezda) 1/72 72139 Handley Page Victor (Airfix) 72140 Messerschmitt Me 262 (Revell) 72141 Su-34 Fullback (Trumpeter) 72142 MiG-29 Fulcrum (Trumpeter) 72143 Bristol Sycamore Gear and Rotor Head (S&M Models) 72144 Su-33 Flanker-D (Zvezda) 72145 B/RB-66B Destroyer (Italeri/Testors) 1/48 48326 Yak-28 Firebar (Bobcat) 48327 H-21C Shawnee (Italeri) 48328 Macchi C.202 Folgore (Hasegawa/ Eduard) 48329 Su-17 Fitter (Kitty Hawk) 48330 Su-34 Fullback (Hobby Boss) 48331 Su-27 Flanker-B (Hobby Boss) 48332 Su-30MKK Flanker-G (Hobby Boss) 48333 SE.5a Wolseley Viper (Eduard) 48334 AMX 1-1A/B, A-11A/B (Hobby Boss) 1/35 35004 Mil Mi-8/Mi-17 Hip (Trumpeter) 1/32 32116 Albatross B.II (Wingnut Wings) 32117 Sopwith Camel (Wingnut Wings) 32118 OS2U Kingfisher Beaching Gear (Kitty Hawk) 32119 OS2U Kingfisher (Kitty Hawk) 32120 F-35A Lightning II (Italeri) 32121 P-47D/N Thunderbolt (Hasegawa/Eduard) 32122 Yakovlev Yak-3 (Special Hobby) 32123 Rumpler C.IV (Wingnut Wings)

HASEGAWA’S FLAGSHIP aircraft release for this year, the 1/72 Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2, is now finally available. The Japanese firm can be justly proud of its efforts on this kit, as besides the hefty parts count, the detail is highly impressive too. There is a separate styrene runner holding components for each of

the four engines (with bombs, seats and aircrew also featuring), plus another eight frames and the fuselage halves. Internal ribbing is a feature of the latter, and a splendid feature is the rendering of the stretched fabric on the wing control surfaces. Double wing spar pieces add strength to the whole assembly, and the

LARGE-SCALE HALF TRIKE

72144

ANNUAL ORGANISER It Might not feel as if this year has been around for long, but we’re already well on the way to 2018, and Cross & Cockade International’s calendar is the perfect planner. Featuring World War One-themed artwork by renowned aviation artists, the proceeds go towards upkeep of the British Air Services memorial at St. Omer Airfield in northern France. www.crossandcockade.com

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Airfix Model World

ITALERI HAS dipped into Esci’s back-catalogue once more, and this time has re-released an absolute classic large-scale offering. The 1/9 Kettenkrad (7404) was one of the latter’s initial kits, first appearing in 1975, yet despite this the well-moulded parts are surprisingly flash free. Minor neatening will be required before assembly, but the results are worth it, with real springs for the suspension (both for the front forks and torsion bars) and there are working track links, which simply clip together. Its fourcylinder inline engine is replicated faithfully, and while vinyl tubes are supplied for fuel and electrical

lines, this is one area ripe for embellishment, as the cover is moveable (as are those for the stowage boxes). Perhaps the single oversight is the lack of a visible gearbox and transmission. Extra equipment is supplied in the form of helmets (with liners and chinstraps), water bottles, canteens and an MP 40 submachine gun, all of which will benefit from careful painting. The three schemes depict Wehrmacht and Fallschirmjäger machines, and there is scope for weathering and super-detailing this kit, although aftermarket accessories appear to be minimal. Visit: www.hobbyco.net for more details

cockpit and rear inner detail is admirable…great results can be gained straight from the box. Beaching units are also supplied (giving choices for base displays), self-adhesive masks for all transparencies will ease painting/ airbrushing, and the radar aerials and torpedo-bomb armament add extra authenticity. Hasegawa’s decal sheet provides markings for three airframes, from the Takuma Naval Flying Group, and 801st/802nd Naval Flying Groups, and a superb cutaway art print is also included. This builds into a large model, which will look superb given the right treatment, but for real detail-hounds, Eduard has already produced a host of photo-etched brass details and a full resin replacement engine package. The kit (no. 01575) is available in the UK from importer Amerang: www.amerang.co.uk

KEEP ON ROLLIN’

PLUS MODEL'S new 1/35 US Road Roller Hyster C-350 (467) is doubly welcome, as it offers military and civil options. With more than 100 finely cast resin parts, a small photo-etched brass fret and a length of copper wire, this is a complex offering for experienced modellers, but one that captures the robust nature of the real machine. As to be expected from Czech firm Plus Model, the detail is superb, with the Perkins diesel engine notable for its admirable refinement. Three liveries are included; two military (comprising an overall Olive Drab and a Four-tone TC 5-200 black, sand, Field Drab, Light Green machine) and one civilian yellow and black example. A small decal sheet supplies the necessary logos and brand names, and all items are in register, with strong colour density. Further information is at: www.plusmodel.cz

NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES

DISSIMILAR VIPERS

DIDDY DIESEL BOAT

tailfin leading edge, rudder band and upper fuselage panels for the ‘shark’ airframes are a clever addition, as they simplify the painting process greatly. As we have come to expect from Two Bobs, colour definition and register is spot on, while stencils are supplied for three airframes in 1/72, two in 1/48 and just a single machine in 1/32…but these do include full wing/fuselage walkway markings. For more information, visit: www.twobobs.net

AGGRESSOR AIRCRAFT are renowned for their attractive schemes, and this latest batch from Two Bobs is no exception. F-16 Baby Got Fullback Aggressors is available in 1/72 (72-104), 1/48 (48-256) and 1/32 (32-067) scales and depicts aircraft from the USAF’s 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis. These are adorned in either ‘splinter’ or ‘shark’ camouflage, the latter representing the two-tone livery worn currently by Russian Su-34 Fullbacks. Three options are supplied in the 1/72 and 1/32 sets, while there are just two in the quarter-scale package. Self-adhesive masks for the

BRITISH SUBMARINES don’t get much attention, compared to their international counterparts, and diesel-powered types receive even less. Starling Models’ new 1/700 waterline Oberon-class submarine (STC01) is a breath of fresh air, in terms of subject and construction, as there are just six parts (two being optional). The casting is of high quality, although one or two flooding holes may need to be re-drilled to remove any

flash. There is a choice of bow sonar domes, depicting the two styles fitted to the type during its British, Australian, Canadian and Chilean service…but references are a must to confirm which boat had a particular shape. A small photo-etched brass fret supplies the diving planes and anchor; all of this combines to offer a refreshing weekend project, involving a classic Cold War diesel submarine. See: www.starlingmodels.co.uk for more details.

EUROPEAN SKYDANCERS

ALL IN THE FINISH

IT’S HARD to believe that just a few years ago, modellers wanting to weather their tanks, ships, aircraft, dioramas and figures had to create their own materials. Now of course, there is a multitude of bespoke products, and Lifecolor’s latest acrylic box sets replicate White Wood (CS 38), Stone Grey (CS40) and Leaking Grime and Stains and Damp (CS 39). Each comprises six 22ml (4/5fl oz) bottles of paint and while the first two packages contain matt colours, those in the final set are a mixture of matt and satin. All can be applied by brush or airbrush (either straight from the bottle or

diluted), but note that no guidance is provided as to how to actually achieve the desired effects. Weathering processes are covered in several ‘how-to’ publications, yet it would have been useful for even basic hints to be provided on the box lid. More details are at: www.airbrushes.com

FANS OF the delightful Hawker Hunter will welcome a special re-boxing of Italeri’s 1/48 kit, featuring famous aerobatic team liveries. With product 2772, the Italian producer offers parts with which to build F.6 and FGA.9 airframes, and a dazzling array of decals. The kit plastic remains the same, so there’s still the undersized cockpit and seat, but less fussy modellers will overlook this and simply revel in the fine engraving…and then there are those colour schemes!

One can build a 1959 RAF 111 Squadron Black Arrow or 92 Squadron Blue Diamond from 1962, but the more exotic options are the 1991 Patrouille Swiss aircraft with its splendid underside artwork, and the fabulous red, black and yellow Les Diables Rouge jet from the Belgian aerobatic team in 1957. The anomaly is the non-aero team aircraft, but it’s nonetheless interesting; an RAF Hunter from RAF Wittering in 1975, sporting twin 45 and 58 Squadron badges. For further details, visit: www.hobbyco.net www.airfixmodelworld.com 9

SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE

E MODEL DISPLAY

) MODEL COMPETITION J TRADE STANDS

At-a-glance model show calendar

 REFRESHMENTS

m AIRCRAFT DISPLAY  MILITARY DISPLAY  AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY

FREE PARKING MAKE AND PAINT

E-Day 2017 Date:

September 23

Hosts:

Eduard

Address: Top Art Hotel and Congress Centre, Blažimská 1781/4, Praha 4 Chodov, Czech Republic

September 23 Aberdeen Scale Model Show Hosts: Aberdeen Modeller’s Society Address: Double Tree, by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops Hotel, 161 Springfield Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 7A Times: 10am-5pm Prices: Adults £4, concessions £2, under-16s free Email: [email protected] Web: www.aberdeenmodellers.co.uk

30 Abingdon IPMS Show 2017 Hosts: Abingdon IPMS Address: Larkmead School, Abingdon, OX14 1BB Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £3, OAPs £2 Email: [email protected] Web: abingdon-ipms.blogspot.co.uk

October 1 NOREX Hosts: North Essex Modellers Address: William Loveless Hall, 85-87 High Street, Wivenhoe, Essex, CO7 9AB Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £1, Children free Email: [email protected] Web: North Essex Modellers (Facebook)

7 Tank Mod Hosts: The Tank Museum Address: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG Times: 10am-5pm Prices: Adult £13, children £7.50, under-5s free Email: [email protected] Web: www.tankmuseum.org

8 Hosts:

7-8 Irish National Model Show Hosts: IPMS Ireland Address: Plaza Hotel, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Times: Sat 10am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm Prices: Adults €3, accompanied under-14s free Email: [email protected] Web: www.ipmsireland.com

14-15 Plastic and Steel Hosts: IPMS Belgium Address: Bellekouter Hall, 1790 Affligem, Belgium Times: Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm Prices: Adults €2, IMPS members and under-12s free Email: [email protected] Web: www.plasticandsteel.be

8 Hosts:

21 Glasgow Modelfest 2017 Hosts: IPMS Glasgow Address: Bellahouston Leisure Centre, Bellahouston Drive, Glasgow, G52 1HH Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £4, children/concessions £2 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ipmsglasgow.com

RAF Kenley Aerojumble Aviation Antiques  (Alistair White/Dave Sutton) Address: RAF Kenley, Caterham on the Hill, Surrey, CR8 5ES Times: 10.30am-3pm Prices: Adults £2.50 Email: [email protected] Web: N/A

North Shropshire Model Show IPMS Telford (Shropshire Scale Modellers) Address: Ellesmere Market Hall, Scotland Street, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0ED Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Free Email: [email protected] Web: www.shropmodels.org.uk

Times:

9am-6pm

Prices:

Adults CZK 100, children CZK 50, under-3s free

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

www.eday.cz

November 4-5 Switzerland Scale Model Show Hosts: Club Historia Address: Swiss Army Barracks, Salle Barbara, Switzerland Times: Sat 12am-7pm, Sun 9am-5pm Prices: Free Email: [email protected] Web: www.clubhistoria.ch

11-12 Hosts:

Scale Act 17 Australian Capital Territory Scale Modellers’ Society Address: UC High School Kaleen, 108 Baldwin Drive, Kaleen, Canberra Times: Sat 10.30am-4.30pm Sun 10am-3.30pm Prices: Adults AUS $5, children and seniors AUS $2 Email: [email protected] Web: www.actsms.asn.au

11-12 Scale ModelWorld 2017 Hosts: IPMS (UK) Address: Telford International Centre, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4JH Times: Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm Prices: Sat - Adults £12, concessions £8, Sun – Adults £10, concessions £7, (Children and IPMS members free) Email: [email protected] Web: ipmsuk.org/ipms-scale-modelworld

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

Model kits and Diecast collections always wanted! We pride ourselves on being fast... ...friendly... ...and above all fair Discretion assured

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(above L to R) BL21 Minuteman I, BL17 Minuteman II and BL18 Minuteman III

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22/08/2017 09:41

INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

MAPLE LEAF MAGIC Chris Jones backdates Revell’s F-101B Voodoo to a Royal Canadian Air Force CF-101

R

evell’s F-101B represents the later end of ‘B’ model Voodoo development, but the plan for this build was to produce an early configuration F-101B, known in Canadian service as the CF-101. This of course meant extra work was in order, to backdate the kit to an earlier manifestation of the

airframe. From the box emerged three dark grey plastic runners, a single transparent frame and decals for a pair of all-grey US Air National Guard machines. Detail was by way of fine recessed panel lines, which although a little shallow in places appeared more than presentable. Overall, the tooling has fared reasonably

The cockpit detail was adequate straight out of the box.

 As part of efforts to backdate the kit to an early F-101B/CF-101, the IR sensor and formation ‘slime’ lights had to be removed (arrowed).

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well over the years, especially considering its 1991 vintage, although the transparencies left a little to be desired. Before construction began, small imperfections on a few areas were taken care of with 1,000-grade Wet and Dry paper, and minor sinkand ejector-pin marks in various locations were filled with Milliput

Superfine White putty. Backdating began with the formation ‘slime’ lights moulded on the fuselage halves, and these had to be removed very carefully via scalpel slicing and sanding, before the recessed detail underneath was re-scribed. This was easier to say than do, considering the intended natural metal finish, especially

INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

when there were six such lights to contend with. Beyond this, the nose-mounted IR sensor was another late addition that had to be removed, along with the tiny blade aerial on the fuselage spine and larger example on the fairing behind the cockpit.

Build beginnings

MODEL SPEC

Although the instructions would have the modeller fit the nosewheel well, seal the fuselage halves and then add the cockpit through the gap where the weapons bay would later fit, the Mc Donnell F-101B Voodoo By:

Revell

Stock Code:

04854

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£13.50

Available from: Revell stockists

location of the instrument panels was vague, so it was decided to fully test-fit the cockpit hub and then add it conventionally, along with the wheel well as the fuselage halves went together. Thankfully, few builds demand that undercarriage bays are painted entirely, weathered and assembled before even the fuselage can come together, but this was one of them. What made matters worse was that the nose gear leg had to be added at this early stage, making it a prime target for damage at some stage, which inevitably came to pass... Moreover, the gear bay doors were moulded integrally to the wheel well walls, and since the interior colour was chromate green primer, while the door inner faces were bright red, early masking and spraying was in order. Once completed, the gear leg and strut assembly was added as the walls were assembled around it. This phase was slightly tricky, and the awkwardness was compounded by the instructions showing that a block on the end of the retraction strut should be trimmed. After doing this, though, the part wouldn’t actually touch the gear leg itself, so a plastic rod shim had to be added. While the glue set on the completed assembly, attention turned to the cockpit. After a coat of Tamiya XF-19 Sky Grey mixed with Tamiya Clear, and a dark grey oil wash on the cockpit floor, the side consoles were brush-painted in black, before 1,000-grade Wet and Dry removed the paint from the raised detail, to leave it showing against the surrounding black. Decals

 The nosewheel well, leg and struts all had to be painted, weathered and assembled before any fuselage assembly could occur.  The kit seats looked good, the only enhancements being lap belts and firing handles fashioned from Tamiya tape.  1,000-grade abrasive paper was rubbed over the side console raised detail, to allow it to show through the black top coat.

“DETAIL WAS BY WAY OF FINE RECESSED PANEL LINES”

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

“1,000-GRADE ABRASIVE PAPER WAS RUBBED OVER THE SIDE CONSOLE RAISED DETAIL”

DECAL OPTIONS Revell’s decals (bottom) provided two US Air National Guard F-101B schemes: • 80281, 123rd FIS, 142nd FG, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland Municipal Airport, Summer 1978 • 70308, 111th FIS, 147th FG, Texas Air National Guard, Houston Municipal Air Port, ‘William Tell Champions 1978’ But for this Canadian project, Belcher Bits produces a colourful decal sheet (#BD-10, right), which allows the modeller to produce just about any CF-101 in 1/72 scale. www.belcherbits.com

 Test-fitting revealed the instrument panels snagged, so much trimming ensued.

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were used for the instrument panels, but as forever seems to be the case, trimming was necessary to make them fit well. To finalise this phase, a black and redbrown paint mix added shadow and grime, before chipping was replicated with a silver pencil. Thankfully, the rear-seater’s panel wasn’t attached to the cockpit tub, because much trimming and test-fitting was required before the instrument panels would fit comfortably between the tub and fuselage assembly. It was also necessary for the rudder pedals to be removed, as they didn’t look right directly underneath the pilot’s instrument panel when compared to reference photos, but finally it seemed the tub would fit neatly in place. The nosewheel well and cockpit were then secured within the fuselage halves, although it did take effort and Super Glue to get everything aligned accurately. While the instructions suggested the fuselage halves could be

joined before the entire complete wing assembly was added, more test-fitting revealed this was troublesome due to the size of the locating tabs in question, so these were trimmed to avoid flexing the wings unnecessarily. Air intake trunking then had to be assembled and secured, before the wing halves were sealed around it, although it was necessary to avoid securing the top of the intakes to the inner faces of the upper wing halves. This pulled down the upper surfaces of the wing too much, which created a step where it met

 A plastic card shim prevented the rotary weapons bay assembly from sinking into the fuselage.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

hub to help prevent the bay from sinking into the fuselage halves. With this in place, the wings were attached to the fuselage and, thankfully, they met reasonably well across the wing roots.

Exhaust pipe interiors were painted prior to assembly. Thankfully, a seam was present on the real thing too!

Flapping about

the fuselage at the wing root. Because there was an obvious gap in the intakes between the splitter plates and trunking, FOD guards were later made from plastic card, to avoid awkward and tedious filling and sanding. Once the glue had set, the seams on the wing were sanded to save doing it later…and because wings are usually easier to handle before an attached fuselage gets in the way. Before the airframe could be united, the rotary weapons bay had to be fixed in place and to assist the fit, a plastic shim was inserted underneath the cockpit

For reasons that remain a mystery, it was then decided to pose the flaps raised, ostensibly to avoid spoiling the sleek lines of the aircraft. However, Revell clearly had other ideas because the flaps were obviously (and not unreasonably) intended to be extended as far as the kit’s designers were concerned. What followed was a somewhat traumatic bout of trimming, scraping, slicing and sanding to make the accursed surfaces fit in an acceptable manner. It even involved having to add plastic card to the exposed upper surfaces of the flaps, where the notch tucked into the wing trailing edge. A clean result was the outcome after much work, although in light of the effort involved, having the flaps down would have been more sensible. After sanding the seams on the fuselage, Milliput was used where necessary, although the overall airframe fit was quite good. Even when kits go together well, filler of some sort can often be useful, especially where joins are not necessarily ‘gappy’ but require some form of neatening.

After filling and adding a plastic card insert for the flaps, the airframe received a primer coat of Alclad Aqua Gloss Clear.

Canadian colours With any re-scribing completed, and the cockpit masked, the airframe was treated to several  After an undercoat of red, extra-thin tape was used to mask the pitot spiral, before a white overcoat was applied.

 Some of the darker metal panels were masked, before being sprayed lightly with Alclad Dark Aluminium…and being treated to more dry-brushing…

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

“SALT CHIPPING AND DRY-BRUSHING WERE USED TO PROVIDE A VARIEGATED NATURAL METAL EFFECT”

The result of this was to add yet more interest to the metal finish, as per reference photos.

 Certain areas on the real aircraft were coated with Aluminium paint, as opposed to being natural metal, so these panels were masked and sprayed with Alclad Aluminium. Areas including the flap skins and rotary bay were also painted Aluminium, so more masking and spraying took place on the underside too.

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applications of Alclad ALC-600 Aqua Gloss Clear to provide a smooth basecoat for the subsequent natural metal. After a basecoat of ALC-101 Aluminium, salt chipping and dry-brushing were used to provide a variegated natural metal effect (see panel), before it was sealed by more Aqua Gloss Clear to protect the finish. Once dry, reference photos were utilised to investigate which natural metal panels may have appeared darker than others on certain Voodoos. These panels were duly masked, and oversprayed very lightly with Alclad Dark Aluminium to hopefully allow some of the underlying tones and patterns to show through. If anything, the Dark Aluminium coat could have been thinner, so with the panel masks still in place, Flat Aluminium was dry-brushed over the top of the darker metal areas. More Aqua Gloss Clear sealed this work, before the white rudder and black radome were masked and sprayed. One of the fascinating facts imparted in this build’s accompanying history piece was that certain panels on real Voodoos were actually painted silver, so an attempt was made to replicate this in scale form. Now, the difference between these painted panels and the surrounding natural metal areas is not always immediately obvious in reference photos, but after much study, certain key panels often appeared to be subtly, but noticeably differentiated from

the metal airframe, so these were masked and sprayed with Alclad Aluminium. The intention was that the varied salt chipped/drybrushed areas of ‘natural metal’ on the model would contrast with the uniform ‘silver-painted’ panels. In fact, the effect echoed reality: the difference appears to be rather subtle unless one hunts for it! As well as selected fuselage panels, the flap skins, rotary bay and other areas were treated to the painted silver effort, as per reference material. With the metal and silver portions of the airframe covered, yet more rounds of masking took place; this was to ensure the Light Gull Gray fin cap, Olive Drab anti-glare panel (it could also theoretically have been black, but when it is an option Olive Drab is always the choice) turbine warning line and dark rear fuselage panels

and burnt ‘hot’ section of the tail were covered. As ever with modelling articles, a few sentences don’t necessarily do justice to the fact that several hours’ work were involved in masking and spraying just these few small areas. The turbine warning

INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

SALT CHIPPING AND DRY-BRUSHING NATURAL METAL 1

2  Next, a salt grinder was used to begin adding a uniform coverage of crystals to the model. In this image, the process is not yet complete, as some areas required more salt.

 An overall coat of Alclad Aluminium started the painting process. Once dry, a spray bottle was used to mist droplets of water over the airframe.

Once the salt had dried, light coats of Alclad ALC-102 Duraluminium were applied. When dry, the salt was carefully rinsed away to reveal a speckled coat.

The process was then repeated, but this time Alclad ALC-106 White Aluminium was applied sparingly.

3 4

5

The next stage was to dry-brush the airframe, and Tamiya XF-16 Flat Aluminium was used here. Less paint is more when dry-brushing, so experiment first!

 Further speckling was revealed once the salt was removed. While eradicating the salt, take care to ensure it is moistened thoroughly, as dry salt can potentially scratch the finish.

6

7  Although time-consuming, the end result was an interesting variegated finish.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-101B VOODOO

After several more rounds of masking and spraying, the painting process was completed.

line especially took considerable effort, with thin strips of Tamiya tape being used to conform to the CF-101’s curvaceous fuselage. Although it took time and effort, it was more preferable to mask and spray the line than face the virtually impossible task of getting red decal strips to conform to such

RECOMMENDED REFERENCE F-101 Voodoo, by Bert Kinzey (Detail & Scale), ISBN: 978-08306-8131-0 McDonnell F-101 Voodoo, by Robert F. Dorr (Osprey Air Combat) ISBN: 978-08504-5752-0 Wings of Fame Vol.1 – F-88/F-101 Voodoo Variant Briefing (Aerospace), ISBN: 978-18740-2368-5

“BLACK PASTEL ADDED DIFFERENT TONES TO THE HOT METAL SECTION”

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an undulating surface. With all this done, a final coat of Aqua Gloss Clear sealed the paintwork before a subtle grey oil wash was mixed from Titanium White and Lamp Black oil paint, applied to all panel lines and left to dry overnight before the excess was wiped away with kitchen paper and cotton buds. It was then possible to mask and spray the charred hot metal section of the tail, which was delayed until this stage because it was undesirable to get this area covered in gloss, or stained by grey oil washes. This was accomplished by over-spraying the area with a 2:1 mix of Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown and XF-1 Flat Black and, once dry, black/brown pastel was rubbed in to alternate panels to provide variety. On real Voodoos, the finish in this area could vary in appearance dramatically, from a charred black-brown, to subtle and alternating shades of natural metal. Retrospectively, extra effort in this area would have been good, because the

Belcher Bits kindly supplied the RCAF decals, while kit markings were used for the grey ‘No Step’ wing areas.

result was somewhat monotone and dark, but there is always another ‘next model’ on which to implement such thoughts.

gear leg, which had been snapped (predictably) earlier in the build, and using a degree of force to fit the combined mainwheel well

Decals and doors Belcher Bits was kind enough to supply a sample of its comprehensive CF-101 decal sheet, which allows the modeller to produce almost any Voodoo in Canadian service, in all their various schemes, from natural metal, painted silver, grey or even the all-black ECM trainer. The decals conformed wonderfully and were incredibly thin, but were fragile at times if left to soak for too long, or pushed around too vigorously. Careful trimming and touching up was required for the red rudder stripes and lightning bolt/cheat line, but once completed, the airframe looked splendid. After masking the radome and anti-glare panel and spraying them with Xtracolor Matt Varnish, final assembly included re-attaching the nose

inner wall/ gear door parts. Finally, XF-85 Rubber Black was employed via an extremely thin mix at low pressure, to build grime across the panel lines.

Whodoo?...Voodoo! Revell’s 1/72 F-101B incorporates good levels of detail and allows the modeller to build a late B-model Voodoo straight from the box, while an earlier ‘B’ is more than achievable, if one wants to spend the extra time and effort. Although challenging in places, it is a decent kit and well worth considering.

 A plastic card shim was added to the main gear leg locating tab, which was strangely ovular in shape and clashed with the undercarriage leg locating surface.

 Fiddly masking was necessary on the transparent parts, to represent sealant strips, which were sprayed with XF-60 Dark Yellow.

 Black pastel added different tones to the hot metal section of the tail.

IN FOCUS CANADIAN VOODOOS

ARROW ALTERN Anthony L Stachiw details the career of the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo while in Canadian Service

W

ith the cancellation of the CF-105 Arrow in 1959, the Canadian Government maintained that the existing CF-100 Canuck interceptors of Air Defence Command, along with the controversial Boeing CIM-10B Bomarc Missile, would be adequate to defend Canada against Soviet bombers. Unofficially, negotiations had

been underway before the formal cancellation of the Arrow to acquire a fleet of interceptors from the US. With the reduction of original orders for the F-101B Voodoo interceptors, the USAF was prepared to release 66 aircraft to Canada. Negotiations over acquisition costs and offsets, (which included the takeover and staffing by the RCAF of 11 Pinetree Line Radar Stations), as well as

One of the early-batch Canadian Voodoos in bare metal finish (see illustrations, pages 22 and 24 for certain specially finished panels) and circa 1962 RCAF markings. The red and white rudder stripes indicate an RCAF Uplands, Ontario-based-aircraft. (All profiles Terry Higgins)

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the debate over the acceptance of nuclear weapons systems for both Bomarc and Voodoo, delayed the deal for more than a year. An agreement for the aircraft was finally signed in June 1961.

Royal project The first two Voodoos were transferred to Canada in a ceremony held on July 24, 1961 at RCAF Station Uplands near

Ottawa, Ontario, in a programme designated Operation Queen’s Row. But the issue of nuclear weapons in Canada had not been resolved by June 1961. Consequently, the CF-101 fleet was armed with just its secondary AIM-4D Falcon missiles. In April 1963, the issue led to the collapse of the Conservative government. The succeeding Liberal government signed an agreement with the US concerning provision of nuclear arms for Canada on August 16, 1963. The agreement did not actually state that Canada was acquiring nuclear

IN FOCUS CANADIAN VOODOOS

 In full afterburner, CF-101B 101014, in service with 416 AW(F) Squadron, features the all-grey scheme. (Canadian Forces)

RNATIVE weapons; it stated specifically that the AIR-2A Genie rockets were the property of the US and would be released to Canada solely for actual use with the joint agreement of Canada and the US through North American Air Defense (NORAD). The stringent training requirements meant it took until

June 1965 for the Genies to become operational in Canada. The Genies were kept in the custody of the USAF, with detachments of the 425th Munitions Support Squadron at each Canadian bases. The first fleet of 56 F-101B and 10 F-101F dual control trainers was drawn from the final production

block, and included 25 F-101B-115MC, 31 F-101B-120-MC, four F-101F116-MC, and six F-101F-121-MC. The aircraft, delivered between July 1961 and May 1962, were ex-USAF machines rather than new-build airframes. These aircraft were equipped with a retractable refuelling probe ahead of the cockpit, on the starboard side of the nose, and an external scoop intake for the air conditioning system on the forward port fuselage side. This air-to-air refuelling capability was never utilised by the RCAF — since no tanker aircraft were then in service. The aircraft were re-serialled with the prefix 17 and the last three numbers of the original USAF serial number, for example 59-391, became 17391. Beginning In 1970, the surviving CF-101Bs and CF-101Fs from the first fleet were traded to the USAF for 56 refurbished and modernised F-101B interceptors and ten F-101F operational trainers under Operation Peace Wings. These ex-USAF Voodoos were from earlier production batches, but had been upgraded with infra-red (IR) sensors and improved fire control systems as part of Project Bold Journey. These included 11 F-101B85-MC, 12 F-101B-90-MC, 22 F-101B95-MC, 14 F-101B-100-MC, (and the single F-101B-105-MC as EF-101B), as well as one F-101F-61-MC, two F-101F-66-MC, one F-101F-71-MC, three F-101F-81-MC, two F-101F90-MC, and one F-101F-100-MC. In Canadian service, this new batch of 66 Voodoos were assigned consecutive serial numbers in the 101001 - 101066 range, with the ten CF-101Fs being given the numbers 101001 - 101007, 101022, 101024 and 101052. These modernised aircraft

remained in service with 409, 410, 416, and 425 Squadrons until replacement by McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornets in the early 1980s, and were distinguished by a flush NACA inlet on the port forward side fuselage, and the fitting of an IR seeker ahead of the windscreen. All F-model aircraft had a B-model scope fitted to the pilot’s cockpit, in place of the attack scope (and no reflector sight), a different rear instrument panel and flight and engine controls in the rear cockpit. Maintenance of the Voodoo fleet was undertaken by Bristol Aerospace at its facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The squadrons Introduction of the aircraft began with the reformation of 425 AW(F) ‘Alouette’ Squadron at RCAF Namao, Alberta on October 15, 1961. The squadron, previously equipped with the CF-100 Mk.5, became the RCAF Voodoo Conversion Training Unit before switching to operations, and transferring to Bagotville, Quebec. Four more squadrons were formed, and an Operational Training Unit, replacing nine squadrons in Air Defence Command previously flying CF-100 Mk.5s. Early in October 1961, 12 crews from 410 AW(F) ‘Cougar’ Squadron, at RCAF Uplands, Ottawa, began ground school and Voodoo simulator time. On November 13, 1961, the crews were flown to RCAF Namao, Alberta for five weeks’ training before becoming the first operational Voodoo squadron, on December 20. Two days later, the crews were back at Uplands where, on December 25, they resumed their operational alert commitment. Beginning in 1963,  CF-101B Voodoo 17102 (17440) in the original scheme during a cross-country demonstration tour. (Canadian Forces)

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IN FOCUS CANADIAN VOODOOS

the squadron also maintained a detachment at RCAF Val d’Or, Quebec. On March 31,1964, 410 Squadron was disbanded due to air force cutbacks. 416 AW(F) ‘Lynx’ Squadron, which had disbanded on September 30, 1961 was reformed on January 1, 1962 at RCAF Bagotville, Quebec. The squadron members spent that month at RCAF Namao, Alberta undergoing Voodoo conversion training …the crews returning to Bagotville on February 1, then spending the next five months at Uplands while Bagotville’s runways were rebuilt; operations resumed at the latter on July 5. In November 1962, the squadron was relocated to RCAF Chatham, New Brunswick, where it would  The first two Voodoo aircraft, with serial numbers 17101 (17410) and 17102 (17440) for the acceptance ceremony. (Canadian Forces)

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stay for the following 22 years. Deployments to Gander and Goose Bay were made to counter the appearance of Russian bombers off Canada’s east coast. The squadron disbanded on December 31, 1984, as the last Air Defence Command operational user of the Voodoo, but reformed later on the CF-188. 409 AW(F) ‘Nighthawk’ Squadron, based at RCAF Comox, was converted to the Voodoo next. In February 1962, the squadron completed conversion and returned to operations from its base at Comox. In 1984 the unit converted to the CF-188 at CFB Cold Lake and was then deployed to CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany, as part of Canada’s NATO commitment.

414 AW(F) ‘Black Knight’ Squadron, at RCAF North Bay, Ontario, was the last unit to convert to the Voodoo. Operations were flown on the type until June 30, 1964 when the squadron was disbanded in cutbacks. The unit was later reformed as 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron at North Bay, from the Electronic Warfare Unit (EWU). Once all five squadrons had completed Voodoo conversion, 3 AW(F) OTU, also based at Bagotville, assumed training for the fleet. In 1968, this unit was re-designated 410 AW(F) OTU, and was to carry on in this capacity until disbanding in December 1982. After transferring to Cold Lake, it reformed and took on the

role of operational training for the CF-188 Hornet. At each of the RCAF stations operating the Voodoo in Air Defence Command, a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) facility was positioned at the end of the main runway. Two aircraft and crews were always on fiveminute alert. Aircraft were often launched to intercept unidentified NORAD radar contacts, most often airliners flying off course. Occasionally, Soviet Tu-95 Bears were intercepted by Voodoos from both 416 and 425 Squadrons. The first aircraft of the intercepting pair would make an identifying pass, while the second held back in readiness to launch an AIM-4 missile if required. The Voodoos were also equipped with a searchlight, located on the port side of the aircraft (adjacent to the Navigator’s position), which was used to illuminate target aircraft during nocturnal intercepts. On occasion, the crew of the Bear would train a searchlight on the cockpit of the intercepting Voodoo in retaliation. After the stand-down of the Voodoo in Air Defence Command, two examples still remained in service; the unique EF-101B electronic jamming aircraft (also known as the Electric Voodoo) and a single CF-101F trainer, 101006, with 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron at North Bay, Ontario. The EF-101B was a conversion of a regular F-101B, incorporating the electronic jamming suite from an EB-57B Canberra. Just one aircraft was converted before the programme was cancelled and this sole example was leased to Canada. The last two Voodoos

IN FOCUS CANADIAN VOODOOS

 While the Voodo carried very little in terms of varied armament, it still required a considerable amount of support equipment. (Canadian Forces)

This second-batch CF-101, in the markings of No 409 ‘Nighthawk’ Squadron, is finished in the Alumigrip AA 92-A-312 grey (approximates to FS 16492), unique to later Canadian Voodoos. Note the late-batch features including the IR sensor head ahead of the windscreen, a NACA flush-style intake for the air conditioning system (low on the nose below the windscreen) and missing vent intake (high on the fin leading edge on earlier aircraft). The light blue applied temporarily to the wing upper surface is for visibility during air combat manoeuvring training.

continued to fly until April 1987, when retirement beckoned. The EF-101B was returned to the United States on April 7, 1987, while 101006 made the world’s last Voodoo flight on April 19, 1987, as it made a delivery flight to CFB Chatham for eventual display at CFB Cornwallis, Nova Scotia.

Colour schemes and markings The first Voodoos were unpainted, polished natural metal, except for certain panels (see illustrations,

p.**). These included the magnesium fuselage skins, chemically milled wing torque box and flap skins, magnesium alloy stabilator skins, the rotary armament door, fibreglass wing and stabilator tips, which were painted aluminium. The fin tip was finished in gloss Light Gull Gray, while the stabilator had a 2in (5cm)-wide black Corogard anti-erosion strip over the leading edge. The anti-glare panel on the nose was finished in matt black as specified on the marking drawing

from May 15, 1961 (although some aircraft retained the USAF Olive Drab-finished panel), and the radome cover in dull black erosion finish. These non-metallic components are identified in the second illustration. The titanium exhaust nozzles and underside of the rear fuselage were a darkened natural metal colour. The flap well, upper surface of the flap (exposed when the flap was in the down position), the airbrake well, inner surface of the airbrake, and inner surface of

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IN FOCUS CANADIAN VOODOOS

the undercarriage doors were all finished red. The undercarriage wells themselves were finished in green zinc chromate primer, and the inside of the armament bay was in gloss white.

Marking variations – first fleet Aircraft finished in the original scheme featured a 47in (1.19m) Red Ensign on both sides of the vertical stabiliser, with the aircraft serial number under the flag. The RCAF Silver Maple Leaf roundel was carried on each side of the aircraft’s nose, and the letters

 Aircraft 17445 wears the definitive colour scheme and markings. (Canadian Forces)

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RCAF forward of the roundel on both sides of the nose; the last three numbers of the serial number were carried aft of the roundel on both sides. A roundel was applied on top of each wing outboard of the wing fence, the letters RCAF applied under the starboard wing facing forward, and the last three numbers of the serial number under the port wing, facing forward. With the introduction of the definitive RCAF marking scheme, the distinctive RCAF ‘Flash’ was applied, while the rest of the livery was retained.

This scheme was modified, though, with the letters RCAF being removed from each side of the nose, the roundel increased in size, the last three numbers of the aircraft serial retained aft of the roundel, and ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE applied on each side of the middle fuselage above the flash. As of April 11, 1962, full-chord rudder markings were authorised, consisting of seven equal width horizontal stripes, beginning and ending with the darker colour. These colours identified the RCAF station from which the aircraft operated. These were as follows: As of July 3, 1963, the full chord rudder stripes were modified to include just the top three bands. All other markings remained unchanged. But from November 6, 1963, the rudder stripes were changed to 11 equal width horizontal stripes, reduced in length to approximately half the chord of the rudder. From February 1965, the new Canadian Flag was introduced, replacing the Red Ensign on the vertical stabilizer. All other markings remained unchanged. As part of the transition to the unified Canadian Armed Forces, aircraft markings were modified to reflect the new identity. The letters CAF were applied forward of the roundel on the port side of the aircraft, and the last three numbers of the serial behind the roundel. On the starboard side, they were applied in the reverse order. ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE above the flash was replaced by CANADIAN ARMED FORCES on the port side of the

aircraft and FORCES ARMEES CANADIENNES on the starboard side. On the underside of the starboard wing, the letters RCAF were replaced by CAF. Silver Maple roundels were replaced both on the fuselage and upper surface of the wing, by the new stylised Maple Leaf Roundel. Initially, the stylised leaf replaced the original leaf in the original roundel, but was replaced later by a completely new version. Some units displayed a squadron emblem in a circle ahead of the flag on the vertical stabiliser, with a diagonal stripe oriented up from the top forward edge of the flag, as in the case of 416 Squadron. All other markings stayed the same. Initially, aircraft in the second series were finished overall with aluminium lacquer. The titanium exhaust nozzles and underside of the rear fuselage remained natural metal. Otherwise the colours of flaps, airbrakes and undercarriage were unchanged, although the last three numbers of the aircraft serial were visible on the exposed inner flap surface when deployed.

Markings changes The finish scheme was the same as was displayed on the first fleet of Voodoos, except serial numbers were replaced by the series 101001 – 101066, applied in the same position under the flag on the vertical stabiliser. The letters CAF were applied forward of the roundel on the port side of the aircraft, and the last three numbers of the serial behind the roundel. On the starboard side, they were applied in reverse order. A unit emblem sat forward

IN FOCUS CANADIAN VOODOOS

 Non-standard rudder stripes decorate these CF-101Bs from 414 AW(F) Squadron at RCAF North Bay. (Canadian Forces)

of the flag on each side of the vertical tail. In 1973, the markings were revised by displaying CANADA on both sides of the aircraft above the flash, in place of CANADIAN ARMED FORCES on the port

previous all-aluminium lacquer finish. On some aircraft, 409 AW(F) Squadron displayed rudder stripes in black and blue, while 425 AW (F) Squadron chose red and white stripes. Near the end of the retirement

of the Voodoo fleet, the three operational squadrons applied a colour scheme unique to their identity. The ECM Voodoo 101067 from 414 EW had served in its all-black scheme, featuring the Knight’s Head on the vertical

stabiliser. Aircraft 101014 from 425 AW(F) was marked as an ‘Alouette Un Canada’ (Lark), while the 409 AW(F) jet 101057 received a ‘Hawk One’ livery. 101043 from 416 AW(F) sported a ‘Lynx Squadron’ scheme.

This overall gloss black aircraft came late to the Canadian Forces fleet (circa 1983) and was used for electronic countermeasures training by 414 Squadron. Leased from the USAF, it is similar to original-batch RCAF CF-101s with regard to the air conditioning and fin vent intakes, but also features formation ‘slime lights’…then standard on USAF Voodoo interceptors. Note the various ECM-related aerials and the miniature ‘Black Knight’ emblem on the tail.

side, and FORCES ARMEES CANADIENNES to starboard. The last three numbers of the serial were applied to the nose on each side, immediately aft of the radome. Large red or blue panels were painted on the wings of aircraft that participated in Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM) exercises. The final colour scheme applied to the Voodoo was an overall Alumigrip AA 92-A-312 gloss light grey. All markings were identical to those applied in the

 A stunning formation of the electronic warfare Voodoo, and three squadron aircraft finished in unique retirement schemes. (Canadian Forces)

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SCALE DRAWINGS CF-101B/CF-101F VOODOO

CF-101B/CF-101F Voodoo 1/72 scale (except where noted in detail views)

Primary AOA sensor vane on all aircraft (starboard only).

Early (first batch) RCAF CF-101 features • Angle of attack vane sensors, both sides • Retractable in-flight refuelling probe doors (IFR probe was not used in RCAF/CAF service)

F-101 intake geometry variations (1/48 scale) Straight slab splitter plate typical of most production F-101B/CF-101B examples.

Modified (slightly contoured lower leading edge and different construction) plate seen on later-service CF-101F (dual control) examples.

CF-101B had a single airflow vane inside the intake, while a second was added outboard to CF-101F conversions; the modified splitter plate illustrated may have been part of the same conversion programme.

Air conditioning system intake variations: • 'Scoop' type on early aircraft • NACA flush style on later aircraft

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SCALE DRAWINGS CF-101B/CF-101F VOODOO © Terry Higgins, Aviaeology Publishing 2016–2017

Horizontal stabilator in typical power-off trim (approximately 10 degrees nose-down pitch). Small rear compartment vent intake present on early (first batch) aircraft only.

'High scarf' fuel system pressure vent on this side was taller and more angled than the 'low scarf' counterpart mounted to starboard. TDDL data-link aerial assembly present from mid-1960s onwards.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 27

SCALE DRAWINGS CF-101B/CF-101F VOODOO

CF-101B/CF-101F Voodoo 1/72 scale (except where noted in detail views)

Armament Door – showing details of AIM-4 Falcon side (1/48 scale)

Armament Door – showing details of AIR-2 Genie side (1/48 scale)

Horizontal stabilator in typical flight trim.

450 US gal (1,703 lit) F-84F-style streamlined drop tank.

Original McDonnell 450 US gal streamlined drop tank

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SCALE DRAWINGS CF-101B/CF-101F VOODOO

AIM-4 Falcon side of rotating armament door usually exposed during cruise flight, when the aircraft was armed or unarmed. If carried, AIR-2 rockets would then be internal. Alpha air data sensor heads, both sides, on all later aircraft.

Alpha air data sensor heads, both sides, on all later aircraft.

Later (second batch) RCAF CF-101 features • Infra-red sensor head and fairing. • Alpha air data sensor heads, both sides.

Intake airflow protection strake production variations: The scrap view below shows a later style believed to be associated with the CF-101F (dual control) conversion programme.

© Terry Higgins, Aviaeology Publishing 2016–2017

www.airfixmodelworld.com 29

OUT AND ABOUT WEST NORFOLK SHOW

 IPMS Ipswich modeller Steve Turner turned Nuts Planet’s 1/10 William Wallace bust into an amazingly lifelike countenance of Mel Gibson’s Braveheart character; just acrylics were employed.

Downham Delights H

 Rob Pollock’s battle-weary M1A2 Abrams SEP Tusk II combined Academy’s 1/35 kit and Lion Roar’s comprehensive conversion package...displayed in a contemporary urban setting.

 Hats off to Alan Morris, from the West Norfolk Club, for this eye-catching 1/48 RevellMonogram ‘Lest we forget’ Dakota, which featured hand-painted poppy decals.

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osting a show at a small venue can be one of the most daunting prospects for a club. While there’s the need to allow access between stands, there’s an understandable desire to fit in as much as possible. Happily, West Norfolk IPMS hit on arguably the perfect balance earlier this year with its annual event at Downham Market’s Town Hall. Space was organised most efficiently, and the use of the balcony for the club’s own display, coupled with an Airfix ‘Make and Paint’ stall, was inspired. Visitors were encouraged to participate in the latter, and it was great to see so many family groups building Mitsubishi Zeros and having a great time doing so. In what was a busy weekend for shows, traders included Little Cars, S&M Models,

 Never one to shirk a challenge, Brampton Model Club’s Del Griffiths took Arii’s ageing Cessna 337 and converted it into this magnificent Kosovo-deployed surveillance asset.

Alley Cat and that seasoned traveller, MAN Models. Several displays were notable for the presence of those modelling precursors; Lego and Quick Fit, but several were definitely more complex than I remember from childhood! Fittingly, Best in Show went to one of the smaller exhibits on view, in the shape of Del Griffiths' extensively modified and detailed Aria 1/72 Airscan Cessna reconnaissance aircraft. Additionally, the show raised £500 for the club’s nominated charity, Remap, which makes custom-built equipment to enable disabled people to live more independently. Stu Fone

VIEW MORE ONLINE www.airfixmodelworld.com

 Zoukei-Mura’s 1/48 F-4J received a colourful USMC livery courtesy of Mildenhall Model Club’s Peter Fox, who used markings from Eduard’s Rocking Rhinos kit.

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24/08/2017 11:34

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

With the help of Alley Cat Models, Andy Davies converts Airfix’s Dakota into a Basler BT-67

SAHARAN TURBO N

 Twelve propeller blades were supplied (two extra), which had to be cut carefully from their pour stubs. The circular structure is the jig for aligning the prop blades.

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orth America’s Basler Turbo Conversions must have known it was onto a winner, when it developed a modernisation package for one of the world’s most venerable transport aircraft. Warren Basler was the brains behind the idea, and the conversions are still being made at the Wisconsin-based firm. While the BT-67 is basically a remanufactured Douglas DC-3/C-47, the modifications incorporated into the design extend the aircraft’s serviceable lifetime significantly. The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop engines, lengthening the fuselage, strengthening the airframe, upgrading the avionics, and making modifications to the

wings’ leading edges and tips for enhanced airfield performance. Several military air forces currently operate the aircraft in a variety of roles.

Old friend revisited Airfix’s Excellent C-47 was built from the box by AMW in June 2014 issue, so this article simply concentrates on Alley Cat’s recent conversion. The grey resin parts were of high quality, with finely engraved panel lines and crisp detail, comprising a single piece forward fuselage/nose, replacement control surfaces, overwing and forward engine nacelles, extended wing tips, exhaust fillets, spinners and propellers, plus a clear panoramic windscreen. Many parts had large resin attachment blocks, which were removed easily by a micro-saw and neatened

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

 Once the fuselage cut line was marked, a strip of 10mm masking tape was run along its length and a Trumpeter mini-saw separated the parts.

with a sanding stick. Also included was a circular resin template that allowed the propellers to be set into either the flat or feathered position…a pleasing touch that made alignment a breeze. Two A4-sized instruction sheets, a paint and decal guide, along with actual markings for the Mauritanian Air Force 5T-MAH-coded aircraft were also included.

Trial separation

MODEL SPEC

Surgery began with the removal of the kit forward fuselage to accommodate the longer replacement, a rough outline for Douglas Dakota Mk.III and Willys Jeep By:

Airfix

Stock Code:

A09008

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£36.99

Available from: www.airfix.com

this operation being given in the somewhat basic instructions. The easiest way to ensure accurate dissection was to measure the distance between two fuselage windows, and correspond this to the join line of the two sections when mated. Once positioning was determined a vertical line was drawn with a fine-tipped marker pen and masking tape run along its length. A Trumpeter mini-saw was perfect for cutting the plastic in slow, light strokes, checking constantly to ensure no deviation occurred along the marked line. Once separated, the replacement nose and kit fuselage mating surfaces were sanded lightly on a flat A4 sheet of medium-grade Wet and Dry paper, taped to a level work surface. With plenty of water, the parts were sanded in a circular motion to ensure an even edge to the mating surfaces. Due to the increased length of the forward fuselage, the floor was longer and a replacement part was included in the set, which also featured cutout sections allowing the forward end to slide into the one-piece nose and click into position. Alley Cat’s new forward floor section

 The one-piece forward fuselage was then offered to the kit airframe. There was a slight discrepancy between the parts, with the resin item being slightly narrower than the kit fuselage; these would require extensive sanding later in the build.

Once the engine nacelles were outlined with black marker pen, the original nacelles were removed using a Tamiya scribing tool.

Following removal, the replacement units were simply clipped into place. It was important at this point to ensure the nacelles faced forward and did not cant outwards.

"THE GREY RESIN PARTS WERE OF HIGH QUALITY"

www.airfixmodelworld.com 33

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

The new forward floor section (upper left) compared to the kit part. It was best to fit the replacement part into the resin nose section to ensure an accurate cut length, and a small metal rule was used as an aid.

 Ejector pin marks were evident on the inner fuselage walls and required filling. It was deemed better to line some ribbed areas with card to conceal the worst offenders.  The interior was painted with Mr. Hobby H311 Gray, and the roof lighting strip had 2mm lenses from the Little-Cars range fitted along its length. To strengthen the underside of the floor, it was necessary to add two sections of 1mm plastic card; care was needed to ensure this didn’t foul the wing.

was made longer than needed deliberately, which allowed for adjustment when cutting the kit part. As the new section joined in butt fashion, it was decided to add a strengthening brace beneath it to ensure it didn’t flex and break when being positioned in the forward fuselage. Care was needed to ensure the brace didn’t foul the lower wing, and so with constant checking, this was trimmed and shaped to fit. The ribbed interior of the real BT-67 is covered in vertical panels to produce smooth ‘walls’, but time precluded this option being attempted here; however, it would just need sections of 0.5mm plastic card stock to achieve the task. There were, however, several

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prominent ejector pin marks visible along the side walls and these were filled with either Deluxe Materials’ Perfect Plastic Putty or covered in short lengths of thin plastic card. The interior was painted in Mr. Hobby H311 Gray FS 36622 and weathered lightly with Abteilung502 ABT007 Raw Umber oil paint and that firm’s own ABT112 Matt Effect Thinner. At the same time, the overhead cabin lighting strip received the same colour and was adorned with 2mm reflective lenses (six clear and one red) from the Little-Cars range. Once the cargo floor had been airbrushed with Alclad ALC-111 Magnesium and lightened in areas with ALC-103 Dark Aluminium, the rear bulkhead

was glued into place and the cockpit/galley area fitted. Due to its extended length, the cockpit would be exposed and therefore easy to work on, so it was decided to go ahead with gluing the floor into position and joining the fuselage halves. No problems were encountered with the fit and the careful shaping of the under-floor brace certainly bore fruit here. Once the two rows of side seats were painted with Tamiya XF-27 Black Green, paired seat belts were added via 1mm-wide strips of Tamiya masking tape and small pieces of spare photo-etched metal for the buckles. Seat rows were fed gently into the fuselage with tweezers and anchored with 20-second cyanoacrylate (CA).

Alley Cat aftermarket Title: Basler BT-67 Turbo Dakota By: Alley Cat Models Stock Code: AC72032C Scale: 1/72 Price: £20 Available from: alleycatmodels.co.uk

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

The BT-67 received a substantially upgraded cockpit during conversion, which included glass instrumentation, new navigation aids and avionics, new control yokes and throttle quadrant, revised bulkhead walls/lockers and a forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) operator’s station. All these parts were scratch-built from scrap resin and plastic card (with the kit parts used as template) and suitable spare PE components. Once the cockpit was finished, the forward fuselage was slid into place and fixed with thin CA. This went smoothly, but it should be noted there was a prominent casting stub that protruded into the fuselage, which corresponded to where the DC-3/C-47 astrodome would have been fitted. This needed removing to ensure the new bulkheads didn’t foul the roof area, and was achieved courtesy of a sanding wheel fitted to a Dremel power tool. With the fuselage joined, a distinct step between the two parts became obvious, with the nose being slightly narrower than the kit parts, which led to more sanding and panel line re-scribing. While a clear resin panoramic windscreen was included, the four extra cabin windows in the replacement forward fuselage were not, and had to be added. These were

DC-3/C-47 Dakota set (M72076) were applied individually and burnished with a cocktail stick.

Mainplanes and empennage Basler’s conversion involves modifying the wings, having extended tips and wing leading edges (the former featured a new profile), new turboprop engine nacelles and metal ailerons, rudder and elevators…all these being

provided by Alley Cat. Starting with the new powerplants, the kit’s radial nacelles must be removed, so their outlines were marked with a pen and the styrene sliced away by a Tamiya cutting tool; the new resin parts simply clipped into place. This left small triangular gaps at the side of each nacelle (where the box sections joined the wing leading-edge), but it was decided to leave filling these until

after the wings were assembled. The replacement nacelles included all bulkheads, undercarriage tank detail, leg location points and exhaust cover blanks, which expedited construction considerably. Once the engines were in place, attention then turned to the wing tips. Via a mixture of scale drawings from the Internet and the instruction sheet for reference, the cut

The cargo floor received Alclad Magnesium before being glued into the right-hand fuselage half. Both halves were then dry-fitted to check for any clearance issues before being mated with Mr. Hobby Cement S liquid glue.

The cockpit of the BT-67 was quite different to the standard C-47/ DC-3, with glass instrumentation, relocated bulkheads and lockers, new seats and control yokes.

 Peewit’s masking set was used for the windscreen, side windows and landing light transparencies, but 3mm clear lenses were first fitted into the landing light reveals.

made from 2mm clear acetate sheet using the kit cabin windows for reference. Once all the clear parts were fitted and polished with 13,000-grade Micro-Mesh, window masks, in this case from Peewit’s www.airfixmodelworld.com 35

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

positions were again marked with a pen and removed with the minisaw and squared with a flat file. Once fitted flush to the upper side of the wing, though, there was a noticeable step along the join on the underside, which needed effort to re-contour. Images of real BT-67s indicate the tips were indeed tapered along the underside with

a subtle transition along its length. Judicious filing and sanding – something of a Sisyphean task – meant the panel lines were all but obliterated and needed to be reinstated with the Tamiya Plastic Scriber tool. The ailerons were direct replacements for the kit parts and simply slotted into place, but

With the kit’s entrance hatch and replacement resin wing tips added, the model took on the unique form of the BT-67 conversion.

 The interior was embellished further with the FLIR operator’s table and seat, control screen, floor-mounted winch and air conditioning conduit.

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again these parts were longer than required, which allowed them to be cut to perfect length. For added interest, they were both offset slightly. The wing was joined to the fuselage with Mr. Cement S thin liquid glue, while Roket 10-second CA was employed for the resin edge of the forward fuselage. The undersides of the BT-67’s

wings were adorned with various aerials and domes, along with prominent fuel dump pipes under the inner trailing edge, these being fabricated from scrap resin, lead wire and shaped 1mm plastic rod. This left just the tail feathers to be fitted, but before that was done there were several modifications to the fin unique to the BT-67. A

 The amount of sanding needed to ensure a perfectly smooth join between the new resin nose and the kit fuselage is evident here. Reducing the kit fuselage width beforehand would have resulted in other issues with upper and lower wing fit.

 The sanding process meant that some panel line detail was lost, so these were reinstated with an Olfa Cutter and SBS brass flexi-rule.

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

The rear end of the fuselage was fitted with a small shaped piece of 0.5mm card, to hide the prominent join line, and the tailwheel well was blended into the fuselage.

With the model primed, pre-shading was applied via Mr. Hobby H406 Chocolate Brown to give contrast to the light surface colours.  Fuel dump pipes were added to the inner underside wing surfaces, as were numerous ‘lumps and bumps’ seen in various images of the real aircraft.

After consulting reference charts, it was decided that Lifecolor UA 533 Desert Storm Sand matched the lighter colour, and was misted over the entire model.

small mast was fitted to the top of the leading edge, which had a red light attached, so this was fashioned from 2.5mm plastic rod and a 2mm clear red lens, while two small strakes were fitted either side of the fin, being cut from 1mm card stock. The long rudder hinges were removed from the kit’s fin as these were very thin strips on the real aircraft, almost invisible in this scale, and a missing rudder trim actuator was fitted to the left side of the lower fin. Turning to the rear, the BT-67 had the truncated end piece with

a flat plate and small dome fitted, so this was replicated with more 0.5mm card cut to shape. With the airframe completed, the model was treated with Alclad ALC-302 Gray Primer and Microfiller and the surfaces were given lightly misted panel line pre-shades of H406 Chocolate Brown.

Dangly bits The delicate undercarriage leg location points were rather small, and only just fitted into the corresponding holes in the rear bulkhead. This lead to the decision

to use quick-setting CA, which would ensure a solid bond and, as a back-up, the legs were also glued to the rear lip of the bay to prevent anything coming adrift later. Due to the lack of tyre tread pattern on the kit’s wheels, replacement resin items were obtained from the Aires range, these having much finer detail, and the accompanying wheel masks eased their painting considerably. Fitting the painted wheels to the legs was slightly fraught; due to the axle length, the gear had to be prised wide open to allow the wheel to be slipped into

place and thin strips of masking tape were used to protect the painted surfaces during this phase. Luckily, no damage occurred. With the drag brace and retraction struts fitted, the leg assemblies appeared robust and more than up to the job. Finally, brake lines were added to the rear drag struts and Chrome Bare-Metal foil replicated oleos on the retraction struts.

Desert storm Mauritania’s single BT-67 was painted in particularly attractive two-tone desert camouflage.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 37

ADVANCED BUILD BASLER BT-67

Federal Standard paint codes were provided with the painting guide, and the nearest matches sought via IPMS Stockholm’s colour reference charts. The hues selected were Lifecolor’s UA 533 Desert Storm Sand and AK Interactive Air Series AK-2053 Radome Tan, both of which corresponded to the indicated FS coding. However, while the lighter Desert Storm Sand matched available colour images, the Radome Tan appeared too light…in fact, it was hardly discernable from the Desert Sand. A more accurate shade was achieved by adding a small amount of Vallejo Model Air 71.077 Wood, which gave

the colour a more accurate tone, along the lines of yellow ochre. White Tack worms and 18mm Tamiya tape set and masked the camouflage demarcation lines and, once completed, the exposed areas

"BLACK PORTIONS OF THE ENGINE NACELLES WERE GIVEN A MIST OF ALC-313 KLEAR KOTE MATTE"

once again had a Chocolate Brown pre-shade applied. The revised tan shade was airbrushed in lightly misted coats, allowing a certain amount of pre-shade to show through, and several panels were lightened to give the effect of sun bleached areas, particularly along the upper surfaces of the fuselage and engine nacelles.

White Tack worms and 18mm masking tape set the camouflage pattern, and a further pre-shade of Chocolate Brown was applied to the exposed areas.  The five blade propellers were each painted Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black, and the tips were masked before having two thin white stripes applied. Alley Cat’s jig was used to assemble them in the feathered position.

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Good weather The decals were applied in concert with Johnson’s Klear floor polish, to ensure good adhesion and the elimination of any air bubbles that might lead to silvering. Other than the sun bleaching of the upper side colours, this aircraft didn’t suffer from excessive weathering mainly due to arid operational conditions. The airframe appears to have been kept in extremely good condition, although it does seem to have been repainted with a semi-gloss finish more recently. So, weathering was kept to a minimum and restricted to wheel well interiors, where tyre debris, oil and hydraulic fluid grime would have accumulated. With the undercarriage legs and engine nacelles masked, the airframe received several light coats of Alclad ALC-312 Klear Kote SemiMatte varnish, after which the masking was removed. Black portions of the engine nacelles were given a mist of ALC- 313 Klear Kote Matte.

Even though the AK Interactive Radome Tan paint matched the FS numbers, it was necessary to adjust the tone by adding a hint of Vallejo Model Air Wood to achieve the correct colour.

Materials at a glance Vallejo Paints www.vallejo.com Lifecolor paints www.airbrushes.com Mr. Hobby paints www.albionhobbies.com Tamiya paints www.hobbyco.net AK Interactive www.ak-interactive.com Abteilung502 paints www.abteilung.com Peewit Masks www.peewit.wixsite.com ZAP-A-GAP Medium Gel CA+ glue www.supergluecorp Gator’s Grip ‘Thin Blend’ PVA glue www.gatorsmask.com Plastic rod and strip www.evergreenscalemodels.com AMMO-MIG pigments www.migjimenez.com Uschi Van Der Rosten elastic rigging line www.albionhobbies.com Little-Cars lenses www.modellingtools.co.uk Bare-Metal Foil www.bare-metal.com

NATO Black was applied to the engine nacelles’ upper surfaces, with a small amount of black soot pastel powder used to replicate exhaust staining. Various avionics lumps and bumps were also added prior to a coat of satin varnish.

A classic transformed This was a very interesting conversion, taking the basic Airfix C-47 in a totally different direction. Alley Cat’s parts were of the expected high standard, although modelling experience and patience were vital in getting everything to fit correctly…particularly regarding the fuselage join. This conversion is one of several that Alley Cat produces for the Airfix C-47/DC-3 and these include oddities such as the Colombian AC-47T ‘Fantasma’ gunship and South African Air Force C-47TP ‘Dakleton’ maritime patrol aircraft. Good reason to buy even more Dakotas!

OUT AND ABOUT THE OVERLORD SHOW

In the show arena, a US Army M3 half-track led a reconnaissance unit in a mock battle scenario. There’s plenty of extra detail in this view.

Bank Holiday

Battles  Camouflaged and loaded with (decommissioned) weapons, ammunition and supplies to represent an SAS desert patrol vehicle from ‘A’ Squadron, 22 SAS during Desert Storm in 1991. This Land Rover 110 replicates the vehicle driven by SAS soldier Cameron Spence, as described in his book Sabre Squadron. Each Land Rover carried enough supplies for a four-man team to operate behind Iraqi lines for up to two weeks.

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Airfix Model World

T

he Overlord Show has established itself firmly as one of the main vintage military vehicle events on the South Coast. It involved a host of Allied softskins, German armoured cars, self-propelled guns and US Special Forces vehicles from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, participating at The Lawns near Denmead, Hampshire, during the late May Bank Holiday weekend. Organised by the Solent Overlord Executive Military Collectors Club (SOE), the show is much more than a display of static military vehicles. Spread across three fields, there are living dioramas comprising re-enactors and their vehicles simulating camps, checkpoints or even repair yards. The arena had a host of exhibits demonstrating typical Cold Warera vehicles, through to those used in the Allied drive into France following the Normandy landings. Various battle scenes are fought across the three-day event, with a US Army reconnaissance column led by M3 half-tracks fighting off German SS troops in an ambush scenario, in an arena that allows spectacular photography. These shows provide a wealth

OUT AND ABOUT THE OVERLORD SHOW

of detail for armour modellers, and owners are only too happy to allow close inspection of their wellmaintained prized possessions. Along with AFV displays were trade stands selling model kits, period clothes, full-size vehicle parts and reference books. It was interesting to watch modellers alongside vehicle owners, pouring over reference books prior to parting with their cash; one doesn’t see that at an air show! As a long-time fan of World War Two US soft-skins, it was great to inspect a CCKW-353, or to use its familiar nickname, ‘Deuceand-a-half' in a typical Red Ball Express fit. From there I wondered around the Willys Jeeps, noting how various stowage kits were presented, and chatted with the owners about the unit markings they’d painted.

 This Jeep wore pre-D-Day British Mickey Mouse camouflage. Note the mud on the vehicle, which adds a pleasing hint of ‘weathering’.

 This Daimler Ferret Mk.1 Scout Car Liaison was painted in the colours it wore in Jordan, when serving with the 10th Royal Hussars between 1956-57.

 There were various Wehrmacht motorcycle combinations, with one of the best being this BMW R12. It was produced from 1935-41 but served until the end of the war.

 Allied heavy metal was provided by this Diamond T 969 6x6 wrecker, one of the first to be equipped with an enclosed cab. Twin booms swing out to brace the vehicle, and it could then pull a battle-damaged tank out of a ditch if necessary. (All photos Glenn Sands)

The mystique of the Special Forces, be it the Special Air Service or US Navy SEALs, meant some vehicle owners created stunning replicas of SAS Land Rovers, such as those used in the First Gulf War. Recent conflicts were represented, via machines modified to depict a SEAL Team, complete with two pick-ups and a heavy weapons support Mazda. The sumptuous level of detail, which included advice and assistance from ex-SEALs in the US meant these vehicles (and the owners, dressed in combat uniforms) were the stars of the show. While my stash has mostly involved 1/72 aircraft, there’s a small number of AFVs in there somewhere. Suitably inspired, along with references and copious notes, it won’t be long before there’s a Willys JEEP on my cutting matt. Glenn Sands www.airfixmodelworld.com 41

INTERMEDIATE BUILD NAKAJIMA A2N1-2

Crowdfunded

Fighter Vladimir Kafka improves Fine Molds’ 1/72 Nakajima A2N1-2 biplane with simple scratch-building and a little aftermarket help

I

n 1931, the Japanese Empire’s invasion of north eastern China began with the Mukden or Manchurian incident. To help provide matériel, the Imperial government launched a

series of nationwide fundraising campaigns and Nakajima’s A2N-1, at the time a state-of-the-art naval biplane fighter, was a subject of these collections almost from the very start.

 While this kit was released in 2001, the moulding was more akin to that from the late-1980s, with integrally moulded wheels and spats; note the prominent seams.

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There were separate named numbering series for the army (Aikoku) and navy (Houkoku)…both words can be translated roughly as ‘patriotism’. These series continued until 1945 and generated

funds for several thousand aircraft; an incomplete Houkoku list included items up to No. 5,987. As for ‘Houkoku No.12’, the subject of this build (which was funded by the people of Yokusoka), two photos of the handover ceremony were uncovered. One is a closeup, while the other is panoramic, showing the decorations and welldressed crowds. These interesting memorabilia made choice between the kit schemes a no-brainer.

What’s in the box Fine Molds’ A2N1 first appeared in 2001, but the parts resemble those from a late-1980s offering. Detail was simplified and almost toylike in places, notably the engine and cockpit, while several parts (including the propeller, exhausts and seat) were cast roughly in white metal. Most smaller plastic

 The inclusion of white metal parts was a surprise, and they comprised a tubular gunsight, exhaust stubs, propeller, cockpit seat and control stick, although not all were used.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD NAKAJIMA A2N1-2

 A consequence of the basic parts design was the engine, which was moulded integrally with a crankcase fairing. Although presentable, it was replaced with an aftermarket item.

components suffered from a slightly misaligned tool…with prominent, difficult-to-remove mould seams. Despite this, it’s still the only available 1/72 A2N1, and compared with kits of similar obscure, interwar biplanes, it’s one of the few relatively modern mainstream offerings. There were plenty of positives, though; the styrene was hard (but not brittle), with a gloss finish and smooth surface,

Rising-sun liveries Just more than 100 Type 90s were built, and Fine Molds’ decal choices depicted one of the carrier-based airframes, along with a publicly funded example: • A2N1-2, Kaga carrier fighter group, pilot Hitoshi Sato, March 1936 • A2N1-2, Houkoku No.12, Yokosuka-Go

there was very little flash, and panels were represented with finely engraved lines. Best of all, the overall shape and outline appeared reasonably accurate when compared to photos. In the end, the main negative was the unrealistic fabric effect on the wings, which resembled a corrugated iron fence or heating radiator. Curiously, on the lower surfaces of both upper and lower wings, the effect was much less overdone, and it was convincing on the horizontal stabilisers.

Similarly, the horizontal stabilisers were moulded with a section of incorrectly shaped rear fuselage. These were separated and the latter’s cross-section amended.

Corrugated ironing Before starting the main build, it was decided to tackle the overscale fabric effect on the wings. The initial plan was to fill the depressions with Mr. Hobby’s Mr. White Putty and reshape the surface with abrasive paper. While everything proceeded smoothly at first, several applications of putty were required, as bubbles that formed during the drying process were noted. Any remaining optimism dissipated when the wings were sanded; the dried putty began to crack and disintegrate. After stripping the putty with Purisol (www.agama-model.cz), the decision was made to continue with a more familiar method. At that point, it was noticed the problem was not just the depth of the depressions, but also the length, as they ran the full width of the wing. On the real aircraft, strengthening was provided by small nose ribs, but those would be very hard to model; however, the wing surface was notably smoother at the edges. Therefore, at least a solid edge was required, and the depressions were filled

 Perhaps the most challenging issue to rectify, the over-scale fabric effect on the upper wing surfaces would have been amplified by the silver finish. Note the deep depressions between the ribs, and how this extended to the full width of the mainplane. Wing grab handles were made easily, first a recess was cut into the edge, before the capillary properties of viscous CA were employed to fashion the correct rounded holes.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 43

INTERMEDIATE BUILD NAKAJIMA A2N1-2  As furnished, the kit’s white metal seat (right) was too thick, with a rough texture, and it lacked the typical lightening holes. A new item was created with Evergreen styrene and, after a generous coat of Mr. Surfacer, it looked like a one-piece item.

with viscous cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive. After much sanding, interspersed with touch-ups of CA and Mr. Surfacer, a seamless transition was created along the leading edges. Attention then returned to the ribbing, whereby all raised details received a deeply scribed outline, to prevent them being lost during sanding. Thick coats of Mr. Surfacer were then applied repeatedly, interposed by sanding sessions with 800- and 1,200-grade abrasive paper, until the ribs looked more realistic. This was done in stages throughout the build, to

prevent the task from becoming overly tedious.

You’ve been framed Other than retaining the kit instrument panel and two side consoles, the cockpit was largely scratch-built from Evergreen styrene rod and sheet, as this was deemed easier than attempting to neaten, adjust and fit the original parts. Lightening holes, typical for Japanese aircraft of the time, were drilled into a new plastic seat, the layout being copied from a scanned photo-etched brass fret. Everything was painted according

 The first (unsuccessful) attempt to fix the wing fabric effect utilised thinned Mr. Hobby Mr. White putty, but this cracked and broke when sanded.

44

Airfix Model World

to advice from the ‘Aviation of Japan’ website’s Nick Millman (www. aviationofjapan.com), with silver for all internal metal parts and black for the tubular framework and instrument panel. Fit of the fuselage halves was good, although the front deck section needed work to render it flush. Raised details on the sides, which were lost during sanding, and resembled small ‘equal’ signs, were renewed from stretched sprue. All panel lines

were then re-scribed, with a new fuselage step added below the cockpit and a double-lined saddle shape immediately aft. Curiously, these were present on the scheme profiles in the instructions, but not on the styrene. Conversely, location holes for a tubular

 Most of the cockpit was scratch-built; this was an enjoyable challenge, and arguably quicker and simpler than neatening and correcting the kit parts.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD NAKAJIMA A2N1-2

 While much of the construction proceeded smoothly, the undercarriage (with its complex struts) was rather fiddly.

gunsight were deleted (this wasn’t installed at the time of the handover), and the arrester hook was cut away, as just later versions of the A2N were so equipped. The lower wings and undercarriage were then attached without any major issues, although the latter required patience to align properly.

Flying surface trials As with the cockpit framework, the fuselage-to-upper wing struts were scratch-built from Evergreen styrene, to avoid potential fit issues with the original parts, and ease the subsequent attachment of the upper wing. First, the large wing struts were attached to the lower mainplane with liquid glue, and while the joins were still soft, they were aligned with the upper wing. No cement was necessary on the upper ends during this phase, thanks to the large location holes. Once the main struts had dried fully, the kit was upended and, while pinning the centre section gently with fingers (so the upper ends of the wing struts wouldn’t fall out), lengths of pre-cut plastic rod were secured with CA. For ease of assembly, the vertical sections were added first, followed

by the angled pieces after the upper wing had been removed. A notable feature of the A2N was the adjustable angle of incidence for the horizontal stabilisers. In the kit, these were moulded integrally with a piece of the upper fuselage, and this was separated into three parts. At the same time, the elevators were removed, and then reconnected in the deflected position with copper wires. All these changes added interest to the finished model for relatively little work. The separate fuselage component was reshaped to a more accurate rectangular crosssection, with visible horizontal panel lines. An arch-shaped hole was drilled, to represent the gap in which the variable-incidence control rod would fit. The horizontal stabilisers were then reattached, deliberately leaving a visible gap, but having decided not to add securing pins, the join was weak and broke repeatedly during the rest of the build.

 The interior was airbrushed with silver, while the tubular framework was picked out with black. Seat belts were fashioned from painted strips of masking tape, with spare PE buckles.  After the fuselage parts were joined, and the resulting seams sanded, any missing panel lines were re-scribed. A coat of Mr. Surfacer was applied to check for errors.

Radial fun Due to the basic kit offering, Vector Resin’s Wright Cyclone (www. neomega-resin.com) was chosen to represent Nakajima’s Kotobuki radial powerplant. While there are differences between the American and Japanese engines, these aren’t overly noticeable in 1/72 scale… crucially both had twin pushrods per cylinder. Minor alterations were required though; the crankcase was sanded to fit inside the front fairing, and the rocker arm covers were thinned slightly, otherwise they fouled against the Townend ring, while the latter was extended with a tiny shim. Vector’s

"Seat belts were fashioned from painted strips of masking tape" www.airfixmodelworld.com 45

INTERMEDIATE BUILD NAKAJIMA A2N1-2

"rigging was created with 0.12 mm fishing line"

the exhaust stubs, as they were slightly too long. Once trimmed suitably, they were attached per the instructions. In hindsight, the powerplant and ancillaries probably consumed more time than the rest of the kit combined, although when complete it formed a focal point on an otherwise plain aircraft.

All in a lacquer

resin parts were a work of art, so destroying elements of the detail and then covering most of it with a fairing felt almost sacrilegious! Ignition cables and pushrods were fashioned from copper wire

and stretched sprue respectively. While ostensibly simple, this phase required patience and a positive attitude, especially when a stack of pre-cut rods was scattered accidentally by a blast from an airbrush, in a modeller’s Gone with the Wind moment. The front fairing was sourced from an ICM Polikarpov I-15 as, based on photos, it appeared a close match. Six depressions were located around the fuselage front; after

a moment’s head scratching, it was realised these represented locations for fuel pipes. Unfortunately, none were included, and there should be nine (one for each cylinder), and these were made from 0.75mm rod, bent to shape. To ensure proper alignment and prevent fouling on the white metal exhausts, the engine sub-assembly was attached temporarily, and corrections were made as required. Remedial work was needed on

After preparation with primer and sanding with increasingly fine abrasive papers, the lacquered silver coat was replicated with Mr. Hobby Super Metallic SM01 Super Fine Silver. While expensive, this metallic tone is worth every penny, as it’s easy to use and provides a beautiful and durable finish, superior (in this modeller’s view) to Alclad II. To avoid tedious masking, the struts and tyres were brushpainted with Vallejo Model Air 71.055 Black Grey. The Townend ring and forward fuselage were The incorrect shape was one reason scratchbuilt replacements were made, the other being the mould seams. Note the copper wire detail, comprising pitot tube and fuel pipes; the latter led to the upper wing tank.

Unfortunately, the kit’s fuselage-to-wing struts were moulded with an odd shape to the oblique section, and didn’t resemble the straight ‘N’ profile of the real items.

46

Airfix Model World

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MODEL SPEC

NAKAJIMA A2N1-2

Nakajima A2N1-2 Type 90 By:

Fine Molds

Stock Code:

FP-21

Scale:

1/72

Price:

US $13.22

Available from: Fine Molds, www.finemolds.co.jp

then masked and treated with Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black. Rather than use the decals, the Hinomaru were airbrushed, with masks cut from Kabuki tape using an Olfa cutting tool. Unfortunately, it was realised too late that the blade probably needed replacing, as numerous touch-ups were needed subsequently on the disc edges. Tamiya’s XF-7 Flat Red was employed here, but not before a time-consuming ‘there and back again’ paint alchemy session. At first glance, the Hinomaru appeared too bright, so black was added to the mix, resulting in a tone then considered too brown. Yellow and white were added until a satisfactory shade was reached… being not too dissimilar to the base hue. In hindsight, perhaps the decals were a better idea!

Presentation markings Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the chosen scheme was the large emblem, on each side, identifying it as ‘Patriot No.12’, donated by the citizens of Yokosuka. Unfortunately, a comparison of the decals with a reference photo revealed the script

The kit’s basic engine was replaced by this beautiful Vector Resin Wright Cyclone, which represented Nakajima’s Kotobuki powerplant more accurately. A front fairing was acquired from a Polikarpov I-15.

font was incorrect, with rounded corners and segmented lines, as if they’d been created with stencils. In reality, the Kanji characters featured unbroken lines, with sharp corners. New decals were drawn with Inkscape software and then custom laser-printed by a local company. These had the bonus of possessing extremely thin carrier film, rendering it flexible and virtually invisible, even on a silver background. On the downside, the black wasn’t a true tone, being more of a half-translucent blackgrey with a violet hue. Thankfully, this wasn’t too apparent on the finished model. Once the decals had dried, limited weathering was added, principally a dark grey panel line wash and exhaust staining with ground chalk pastels. The bright lustre of the Super Fine Silver was muted with several coats of Mr. Color matt varnish, after referral to a photograph, which highlighted a dull surface…almost light grey rather than silver. Only then was the upper wing, which had the underside airbrushed with Super Fine Silver (the upper surfaces wore just primer), attached carefully to the fuselage and mainplane struts.

 Mr. Hobby Super Metallic SM01 Super Fine Silver provided the replica lacquered metal finish; this was airbrushed in several light coats.

 Holes for fishing line rigging were opened with a 0.37mm drill; while a thinner bit would have been ideal, this modeller’s last available item was broken just prior to the build.

Wing wires Attention then turned to the rigging, which was created with 0.12mm fishing line, sprayed in advance with Agama Red Line 32Me Gunmetal acrylic (www. agama-color.cz). Lines were glued into the fuselage and lower wings and threaded through pre-drilled holes in the upper wing. This method might appear slightly awkward, as all the sanding, painting, decaling and

 After a period of trial and error with the red shade, Hinomarus were airbrushed through Kabuki tape masks…an old blade on the Olfa cutter resulted in tatty edges, and the markings required subsequent touch-ups for neatness.

With styrene push-rods, front fairing and Townend ring fitted, the completed and painted engine was finally married to the fuselage.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 47

INTERMEDIATE BUILD NAKAJIMA A2N1-2

 The laser-printed decals were extremely thin and showed virtually no evidence of carrier film. One first-hand observer even mistook them for dry transfers. Rigging lines were threaded through the upper wing and fixed with thin CA; an oldschool safety razor blade was found best for trimming the loose ends.

weathering of the upper wing must be done separately to the rest of the airframe. However, the main advantage (which outweighed other factors in this modeller’s view) was all the glue work was conducted in open sight, instead of attempting to manoeuvre thread, tweezers and glue applicator in the

"a windshield was cut from acetate" 48

Airfix Model World

cramped space between the wings. After the primed and sanded upper mainplane had received an airbrushed coat of Super Fine Silver, followed by weathering as per the rest of the airframe, fragile items were added, such as the pitot tube and fuel tank breather pipes, which were

 Panel lines were accentuated with dark grey artist’s oil paint, diluted with white spirit, but otherwise weathering was kept to a minimum. Once trimmed, dabs of Mr. Surfacer, followed by sanding and polishing, concealed the holes completely with no trace visible…even under the usually unforgiving metallic paint.

made from copper wire. Finally, a windshield was cut from acetate foil to replace the kit item, which was mislaid during the build.

All’s well that ends well Despite minor criticisms, this build was mostly enjoyable, providing an opportunity to practice different

modelling skills. While several complications were self-imposed, the remainder were necessary to produce a better detailed and more realistic model. Fine Molds’ A2N1 will appeal to modellers of all standards, with the level of embellishment being a personal choice.

Pennine Models at Haworth

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22/08/2017 09:48

D UE TH I S S E PT E M B E R ! The second volume in Key Publishing’s Combat Machines series explores the legendary B-25 Mitchell light bomber, which also excelled in various other roles. Following the high-quality design and format of last year’s Combat Machines 1: B-17G,Volume 2 offers period photos with informative captions, and extensive history text to tell the Mitchell’s story. The type’s development is studied, ahead of chapters covering many facets of the B-25’s wartime genesis…from the famous Doolittle raid on Japan, and the USAAF unit’s efforts that inspired Joseph Heller’s novel Catch 22, to strafing in the Pacific and US Marine Corps operations, export users and a very personal focus on the Pacific Theatre B-25 ‘Dirty Dora’. This is an all-encompassing view of the Mitchell, across 84 pages, which also provides many colour profiles and extensive model kit, decal, accessory and book listings. It’s the ideal reference to accompany Airfix’s new-tool 1/72 B-25 kit later this year. 84 PAGES, SOFTBACK

www.keypublishing.com/shop

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

TIGER TRIO • 1/35 DRAGON TIGER I • 1/48 TAMIYA ELEFANT • 1/35 AMMO-MIG KING TIGER

Artwork: Antonis Karidis

WEATHERING

PERIOD REFERENCE

AFTERMARKET

Model Build

Alan Price adds aftermarket accessories to a 1/35 Dragon Tiger I, and experiments with weathering techniques

Bocage Brawler D

ragon is renowned for its modular approach and its Tiger Is make full use of this approach; so many runners were crammed inside the box, they practically leapt out. Considering the tracks were one-piece DS Styrene items (with open guide horns and integrally moulded end pins), the parts count was impressive, with approximately 400 items, and this gave a good impression of the

overall detail. As is often the case with Dragon there were many unused components, including duplicate hull and turret sections, and those with/without moulded Zimmerit texture. The instructions must be studied carefully, though, as the layout was occasionally confusing due to the numerous iterations of Tiger possible from this release. The quality of the parts was beyond reproach, and slidemoulding allowed for complex,

 Kaizen’s individual-link tracks came well packed in a sturdy box. Each runner contained parts for four links, with the small sections of brass rod forming the link pins.

52 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

highly refined mouldings. All components featured crisp detail, with no flash, and seam lines were so fine they could be ignored on all but the largest items. A small photo-etched (PE) brass fret and a pre-shaped wire (for the front headlamp) completed the contents. Two aftermarket PE sets from Eduard were added to the mix; its Tiger I Mid Production Fenders (36276) and Tiger I Mid-Production (36273), which

supplied replacement tool clamps, straps and locks. An RB Model turned-aluminium barrel (35B01) provided a superb upgrade to the styrene armament, and the type’s allimportant tracks (and their distinctive sag) were reproduced with Kaizen’s Tiger Ausf.E Late product (30956), available from J-Pak Workshop (e-mail:j. [email protected]). Dragon supplied a veritable feast of colour schemes, with several

 The build moved swiftly at first, and the fit was superb, though careful attention must be paid to the instructions even at this early stage, to ensure components are attached correctly.

Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E Tiger I

Eduard’s PE products provided excellent detail for the fuel tanks and radiators; alas, most of this was virtually invisible once the upper hull was added.

MODEL SPEC

offering multiple turret numbers, further increasing the choice. Fortuitously, during research for the build a photograph was found in ‘Tigers at the Front’ (see References) of a schwere SS-Panzer Abteilung 101 Tiger I. This was turret number Blue 331 (one of the kit options), Sd.Kfz.181 Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E Tiger I Mid-Production with Zimmerit By:

Dragon

Stock Code:

6700

Scale:

1/35

Price:

£49.99

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

commanded by Untersturmführer Thomas Amselgruner, when the unit was based in Normandy, during June 1944.

 The upper hull required careful taping to hold all components in place, and ensure there was a negligible join line with the lower half.

Wheel fiesta Tiger tanks are arguably defined by the running gear, with 26 interleaved wheels, plus idler and drive sprocket on each side. Possibly the worst aspect (for a modeller) of early to mid-war Tigers was the separate tyre on each wheel (later machines had a steel wheel with internal rubber cushion). To ease painting, a Quick Mask (basically a thick card template) was purchased. With these, one merely paints the tyre black, then once dry they are fitted in batches of six into the card apertures, before Dark Yellow was airbrushed onto the wheel. There were separate masks for the outside and inside of each wheel, which had slightly different diameters, so care

While Dragon’s styrene barrel and muzzle brake was acceptable, it was felt that an aftermarket product, in this case RB Models’ turned-metal barrel, was far superior.

“The quality of the parts was beyond reproach”

www.airfixmodelworld.com 53

Model Build

“Dragon’s engineering was superb, with everything fitting perfectly” was needed to fit each correctly. Though quicker than other methods, with 52 wheels in total (and two sides to each) it still took

four evenings’ painting. With the running gear set aside, it was time for good, honest modelling. Thankfully the hull

While the rest of the innards were bare, the turret interior was enlivened by a well-appointed breech mechanism and shell case catcher, although little would be visible.

 With most of the main hull construction completed, work began on adding the detail parts. Here the engine grille meshes have been attached, along with many smaller styrene and PE components at the rear.

54 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

was straightforward, but the sheer number of parts and many options offered demanded careful attention to the instructions. Several mistakes were noted, namely minor parts being either not identified or numbered incorrectly, further complicating assembly. Eduard’s PE sets provided many new parts for the radiators and fuel tanks; while several would be visible under the engine deck grilles, many were not…which was a shame after all the effort to shape and install them. Dragon’s engineering was superb, with everything fitting perfectly, but there were several tricky mould seams on Zimmerit-

covered areas, which required careful scraping, followed by sanding to repair any damage. In addition, the reference photo revealed the track cable was not fitted on the left-hand side, so the locating holes were filled and the Zimmerit restored.

Tricky metalwork The kit’s styrene mudguards were replaced with Eduard’s PE items; a complex task, as each section must be folded carefully to achieve a straight edge. To ensure correct angles, the kit parts were retained as a guide, before the end caps and support frames were secured with Delux Materials’ Rocket Odourless

 Eduard’s PE mudguards required precise folding, and Mission Models’ Etch Mate folding jig was a vital tool. The styrene parts served as a valuable guide when checking for the correct angle.

Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E Tiger I Cyanoacrylate. This glue was also used when adding the mudguard sections to the hull, which was also adorned with PE mounts and locks for the pioneer tools…these were painted separately and attached at the end of the build. Eduard also provided interior parts for the turret, but as none would be visible once the planned figure was installed in the cupola, they were omitted. The turret components were merely painted off-white before assembly, which proceeded as per the instructions, apart from the addition of the turned-metal barrel. This was longer than the styrene item, as it was glued into the recoil sleeve on the mantlet front – the correct extension being determined from the kit parts. Dragon’s mountings for the spare track links (with casting

numbers moulded on the upper units) were combined with spare Kaizen items, as the reference photograph confirmed their presence on Blue 331. With the main hull almost completed, it was time to face the daunting prospect of track assembly.

All about the sag Dragon supplied lengths of its DS-Styrene for the tracks, and while they have merit, they lack the ability to sag readily onto the running gear (see panel). Having decided to use an aftermarket alternative, it was realised construction was never going to be simple or quick, as there were more than 90 links per side. While Kaizen’s tracks were moulded superbly and a test-build showed they fitted together easily, they were

 The completed mudguards were more refined than the styrene parts, enabling features such as the slight misalignment between sections, caused when they were knocked and bent by obstacles, to be created.

Track comparison Dragon’s DS-styrene tracks were well detailed, but being single ‘rubber band-style’ lengths, they lacked the flexibility of individual-link alternatives, compromising the overall appearance. Most importantly, they didn’t sit correctly on the wheels or allow for the characteristic sag between the drive sprocket and road wheels, an effect which would be difficult, if not impossible to achieve. The choice of which aftermarket product to use is personal, my preferred option being Friulmodel’s, as they are easy to build, and the weight of the white metal parts aids the ‘sit and sag’ of the completed track. In comparison, Kaizen’s links were accurate, and the detail more refined, albeit at the expense of each being a three-piece construction, making it a more demanding build. While the styrene does have weight, it is obviously less than that of metal, and the tracks required manual adjustment to get the right look.

With the mudguards attached, yet more components were added to the hull and turret, including tow cables, stowage box latches, a fire extinguisher and barrel cleaning rods.

The last task prior to painting was to add spare track links to the turret, and Eduard’s PE tool clamps.

Mr. Surfacer acted as a primer; being solvent based, this covered metal and plastic equally well.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 55

Model Build After an airbrushed base coat of XF-60 Dark Yellow, areas to receive chipping effects were treated with Humbrol 98 Chocolate enamel.

 Camouflage, comprising AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG002 Olivgrun and A.MIG-015 Schokobraun MIG-015, was airbrushed over a coat of AK Interactive’s Worn Effects chipping solution.

A water-dampened brush was used to remove paint over the brown-painted areas, revealing the darker, rust-affected hull tones beneath.

To minimise handling damage to the lower hull paintwork, a variety of pigments were added around the running gear axles at this stage, and secured with MIG Productions’ Fixer.

multi-piece items, with each link requiring a separate guide horn to be added before further assembly could begin. To join the links, 19mm lengths of brass tube were cut, with a simple template marked on the bench aiding the process…each section was snapped from the remainder after scoring the tube with a knife. These were then inserted into a hole in each link, before the troublesome and fiddly end cap was glued onto the inside edge of the track. Several of these

“Various tones were then used to create rain and rust streaks” 56 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

tiny components were lost, either during assembly or handling, and there were barely enough to complete the tracks (even when items from spare links were appropriated).

Tiger stripes Recreating a wartime finish adds to the overall challenge of applying camouflage to an armoured fighting vehicle, as getting the correct look is crucial. As this modeller had built just four armour models

previously, advice was sought from publications by Mig Jimenez and Mike Rinaldi (see References), both authors being experts in their fields. These books are highly recommended to all and, having read and inwardly digested several techniques, work resumed in earnest. The model was primed with Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Surfacer 500, sprayed from an aerosol can, followed (when dry) by a coat of Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow, which was the basic German armour

colour during the latter part of the war. Weathering was then applied behind the wheels, to prevent unnecessary handling of the hull later. This comprised a selection of mud/dirt/sand pigments from Flory Models and MIG Productions, these being sprinkled liberally around the running gear, then secured with the latter’s Pigment Fixer. In preparation for later chipping effects, areas on the hull were treated with Humbrol 98 Chocolate. AK Interactive’s

Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E Tiger I The human element The crew figures came from Dragon’s Tiger Aces (Normandy 1944) set (6028) and were painted by Paul Inman. They were designed for an earlier Tiger variant, so the commander figure was modified to fit the later-style cupola. Just four of the five figures were used for this build, with Citadel acrylic colours employed throughout.

1

differences. Here filters are ideal, as they can be applied by brush or airbrush, and the latter option was employed, spraying highly diluted mixes of acrylics. The first hue applied was Mr. Hobby H66 RLM 79 Sandy Brown, over which XF-64 Red Brown was added. Gloss varnish sealed these filters, readying the model for a pin wash of A.MIG-1000 Brown Wash for German Dark Yellow, to highlight surface details…after 24 hours’ drying, Micro Flat varnish provided a suitably dull finish. Small amounts of Winsor & Newton’s Lamp Black, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Primary Red, Primary

Yellow, Sap Green, Viridian Green, Cadmium Yellow Deep Hue and Zinc White were then squeezed onto a piece of card. After half an hour, the card had absorbed the linseed oil from the paint, decreasing the drying time and ensuring a matt finish. The various tones were then used to create rain and rust streaks, as well as general dirt and fading/ discoloration to the camouflage. Tiny quantities of paint were added at a time, with a brush dampened in odourless thinner, then dried on kitchen paper. This process took several hours, spread over many sessions, with small areas worked tackled,

2  A dark grey base layer, comprising a mix of Abaddon Black & Mechanicus Standard Grey in a 3:1 ratio was applied first, with the face and hands receiving Ratskin Flesh.

4

 Highlights were added to the uniforms by applying more Mechanicus Standard Grey to the dark grey mix, but not beyond an approximately 1:1 ratio. A similar process was used on the flesh areas, with lightened tones of Ratskin Flesh.

3  After a gloss coat to seal the paintwork, the kit’s decals were applied; these settled superbly onto the Zimmerit, with the aid of Microscale setting solutions. Filters were applied by airbrush, and these began to mute the contrast between camouflage colours.

 Smaller details were picked out next, including hair, epaulettes and medals. Unfortunately, moulding limitations meant several such features were indistinct, which complicated painting. Finally, pigments used in weathering the tank were brushed around the boots and lower trousers, and sealed with a dusting of matt varnish.

Worn Effects chipping fluid (AK088) was then airbrushed and, as soon as this was dry, a further layer of Dark Yellow was applied, this time utilising AMMO-MIG’s product (A.MIG010). Next the green and brown camouflage was applied, with A.MIG-002 Olivgrun and A.MIG015 Schokobraun respectively. The areas previously painted with Humbrol enamel were then moistened with clean water, and the overlying acrylic layers

 A Nuln Oil wash reduced the contrast and accentuated details on the uniform and headgear, with a diluted Reikland Flesh and Lahmian Medium combination for the skin tones.

 A brown pin wash then helped to accentuate surface detail; note this was not applied to the Zimmerit as it would have darkened it excessively.

rubbed gently, replicating chipped and abraded camouflage. This process took time to achieve, after which the model was set aside to dry. It then received Microscale’s Micro Gloss varnish, to seal the work in preparation for further weathering.

Muted hues Although the basic camouflage was complete, the colours contrasted starkly, and efforts turned to reducing the tonal www.airfixmodelworld.com 57

Model Build

until the desired war-weary appearance had been reached. Spare track links were painted with a palette of acrylic rusty colours and washes, and any remaining exterior details were dealt with at the same time. Diluted brown acrylic was then flicked onto the hull from a large brush, to replicate mud splashes.

Muddy paws The tank had reached the point where the wheels and tracks could be added. A base coat of dark brown was applied to the latter, over which several layers of Desert Yellow were airbrushed lightly. Once dry, they received a heavy wash of AK Interactive’s AK075 Wash for NATO Camo

 Here the combination of the effects of chipping, filters and washes can be seen, making the tank appear more used and worn.

Vehicles. Unfortunately, this resulted in a slightly shiny finish, requiring treatment with airbrushed Micro Flat varnish. Pigments were then applied liberally to both sides of the tracks, via the same colours and methods as the hull. The finished units were then positioned on the tank body along with the drive

sprocket and idler gear…not easy, as there was little clearance under the mudguards. First, the drive sprocket was fitted onto the track, and then the whole assembly was slid onto the former’s locating pin. Only then could the idler wheel be attached, after which the tracks were wrapped around the wheels and the ends connected.

 A speckling of mud splashed over the paintwork further helped to age the paintwork. Pigments were used to dirty areas suffering from crew footfall.  Acrylics were used to paint the spare track links, with oil colours employed for fading and streaking effects over the hull. The tracks were initially painted brown, before receiving a dark brown wash, which was applied in a heavy coat to generate contrast.

58 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E Tiger I As with the hull, pigments were worked onto the tracks, with attention paid to any recesses where mud and dirt would accumulate.

 Adding the wheels and tracks was a complicated process, due to minimal clearance between the latter and the mudguards, as well as being time consuming with 26 wheels per side.

Lastly, the outer two rows of running gear were added. Attention then returned to the tank hull, with more pigments applied, to create dust effects on the vehicle’s upper surfaces, notably at the rear (where dirt would have been thrown by the tracks, and drawn onto it by the airflow). Pigments were scattered onto the surface, then brushed

References Tigers at the Front, by Thomas L Jentz (Schiffer), ISBN: 978-0-76431339-4 Tankart Vol.4: German Armor, by Michael Rinaldi (Rinaldi Studio Press), ISBN: 978-0-9883363-4-8 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About AFV Painting Techniques, by Miguel Jimenez (Andrea), ISBN: 978-84-96527-62-1 FAQ2: Frequently Asked Questions About AFV Painting Techniques, by Miguel Jimenez (AK Interactive), ISBN: 978-8461548-14-9

around to disrupt them, before fixer secured them to the surface. More dust and grime was added to the outer wheels and lower parts of the front and rear hull, after which marks in the paintwork (caused by the pigment fixer) were noted, but this was removed by airbrushing the afflicted area with a light coat of matt varnish. The final job was to add an aerial, made from a nylon sweeping brush bristle, and the build was complete.

Imposing armour Dragon’s Tiger kits are superb, and this finished example certainly looks the part. The addition of aftermarket products, while not a necessity, certainly added character to the build. Although Kaizen’s aftermarket tracks allowed for an accurate ‘sit and sag’, they were challenging

to assemble, and Friulmodel’s examples are still preferred by this modeller. This was a complex and testing build, not least because of the work involved in creating a realistic worn finish to the camouflage, but the result was well worth it.

 The wheels were also treated with pigments, to tie them in with the rest of the running gear weathering.

This was a complex and testing build

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Model Build

Toni Canfora tackles Tamiya’s all-new 1/48 Elefant tank destroyer, and adds an aftermarket Zimmerit coating

Pachyderm

Punch W hen studying the development of armour and antitank weaponry during World War Two, it’s hard not to be amazed at the speed in which it took place. What was considered a heavy

The casemate comprised several interlocking plates, rather than being moulded in one piece; all parts fitted perfectly.

60 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

weapon in 1939 would qualify as a ‘peashooter’ in 1945. The same goes for armour protection, which developed from tin canlike structures to true steel boxes with inches of metal. When Germany launched Operation Barbarossa against the

Soviets, it was arguably better equipped and superior in every way. But the longer the offensive in 1941 progressed, the tougher the resistance became. One factor was the Red Army’s medium and heavy tanks, such as the KVs and increasing numbers of the

new T-34. The Germans failed to appreciate the production runs and strength of these tanks, and initially they had few weapons that could tackle the enemy head on. Instead, skilful tactics and the support of anti-tank guns helped them gain ground. The response in Germany was immediate; a new tank was needed…and quickly. The result was the Tiger I which, despite its many technical problems, could match any Soviet vehicle when it was introduced in 1942. Its powerful 8.8cm gun had greater range than any other tank weapon at the time, and thick armour made it virtually impregnable to Allied fire.

The upper hull with its engine deck. Main hatches were moulded separately and could be posed open.

Panzerjager Tiger (P) Elefant Aftermarket Zimmerit

Besides building Tamiya’s new tooling, the focus of this article was to incorporate an innovative product for reproducing the Zimmerit coating. This patterned paste was applied by German tank factories from December 1943 to September 1944, to prevent magnetic mine attachment. Reproduction of this paste in scale form has vexed many modellers over the years; it must be rendered realistically or it will ruin the look of the recipient model. The paste can be applied freehand with various types of putty, and then the pattern pressed into it with custom or home-made tools, and there are also thin resin sheets available. Laser-cut paper is a relatively new medium, but new products are being released more frequently as the machinery becomes cheaper. Extremely fine detail can be replicated and, depending on the thickness of the paper, there is a wide range of applications for modellers. In this case, a new item from California-based Monroe Perdu was employed. It has produced several laser-cut examples of furniture, signs, window frames and the like, and it’s now quickly expanding its range of Zimmerit sheets. The precision is amazing, with very realistic detail, and a variety of patterns and depths. www.monroeperdu.com

 Upper and lower hull sections have been mated, and the delicate fenders are in place. Stowage boxes were left off for easier application of the Zimmerit.

Tamiya always includes weights to be installed in the lower hull. This has no real function apart from providing the finished model with more heft.

MODEL SPEC

The Tiger I was developed by the Henschel factory, but the other contester for the contract was Porsche, which also created a chassis and hull for the turret designed by Krupp. When the Porsche chassis was rejected, the firm instead developed a Panzerjäger, incorporating the new Krupp PaK 43 8.8cm gun and this design was named Sd.Kfz.184 Panzerjäger Tiger (P), nicknamed Ferdinand. A total of 91 examples were finished German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant By:

Tamiya

Stock Code:

32589

Scale:

1/48

Price:

£24.99

Available from: www.hobbyco.net

between May and June 1943, almost all being rushed to the battle of Kursk – where lessons were learned the hard way. Although the gun was very effective, giving the Ferdinand a very high actual kill ratio, it was vulnerable at close range when it could be hit from the side. This was exploited quickly by the

Soviets, who deliberately let the Ferdinands move in close before they hit them. On top of this, mechanical failures were many and it was difficult to conduct field repairs or towing of such a heavy vehicle. After Kursk, the Ferdinands were modified and renamed Elefant. The most significant new

features included a ball-mounted machine gun in the front, Zimmerit anti-magnetic paste, thicker frontal armour and a new commander’s cupola. Elefants were sent to Italy where again, mobility proved a problem on the muddy and narrow roads and they were therefore rarely used to their full potential. www.airfixmodelworld.com 61

Model Build

Size isn’t everything! While in a smaller scale than the favoured-by-many 1/35, Tamiya’s kit displays the characteristics we’ve come to appreciate from this firm. Impeccable moulding, easy assembly, clever part breakdown and clear instructions. Surely, there is room for superdetailing with these kits, but out

of the box they will still look great with well-considered/executed painting and finishing. Construction of the model was quick (and the fit superb), despite the hull and casemate comprising several interlocking plates, rather than being moulded in one piece as with most new kits. All suspension parts and

Each section of Monroe Purdu Zimmerit was cut out and test-fitted before applying any glue.

 Regular white glue was brushed on lightly and the Zimmerit pressed into place. Note that the model received Tamiya Surface Primer (Gray) beforehand.

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road wheels were prepared and set aside for painting while work with the Zimmerit commenced. With Monroe Perdu’s photos as guide (see panel), one piece of Zimmerit at a time was cut out and dry-fitted…but a light coat of surface primer was applied first to help them adhere. Then, a thin layer of white glue was brushed onto the model’s surface and the Zimmerit fixed into position. The paper lifted slightly in some areas, but this was remedied easily by working the paper with a moist brush to release the tension; note that care should be taken to avoid damaging the paper’s structure. Ultimately, very little trimming was needed and the entire coating was applied in just two evenings. When all sections were attached, a small amount of white glue and water-based putty helped to fill the seams between the Zimmerit segments, and around bolts and rivets.

 Zimmerit portions were applied to smaller parts in the same manner, but required more careful handling not to break them.

Painting and markings Since the surface of the Zimmerit was very delicate, I skipped the usual routine of applying primer, particularly since the bare plastic areas had already received one coat earlier. Instead, Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow (blended with white for scale effect), and a

 Several minor gaps needed to be filled with white glue and water putty, but this was a simple exercise.

Panzerjager Tiger (P) Elefant After a base coat of Tamiya XF-60, the camouflage was applied with great care, via a thin paint mix and low airbrush pressure.

 Dark brown and black washes helped accentuate the surface detail and imparted a grimy look.  Small scratches on the camouflage were added with a fine brush and sponge.

 Heavier wear was simulated through paint chips, applied carefully with fine sponge.

generous amount of clear varnish was mixed and applied in thin layers. Luckily the paint didn’t build up or obscure the detail and, after several subsequently lighter layers, it was time for the camouflage colours. Tamiya XF-10 Flat Brown was chosen first, while the green was mixed from XF-26 Deep Green and XF-58 Olive Green. These nuances were applied at low airbrush pressure, around 1psi (0.06 bar), at close range to avoid overspray and dusting…and the mixes were kept very thin. This is important in small scales, were almost slightly transparent camouflage often looks better than when solid. With the disruptive pattern in place, the model was sealed with clear varnish. The wheels and gun barrel, as well as hatches and other small parts, were painted separately to be installed at a later stage. The markings of this vehicle were for the German 1st Company, 653rd Panzerjäger battalion in Italy. It had the code numbers ‘102’ in white on the sides, and a ‘U’ for the commander’s name, Ulbricht, on the rear plate of the casemate. This vehicle was captured by

Tamiya’s decals performed well with the aid of setting solutions, and when dry they were sealed with gloss varnish.

the Americans in Italy and shipped to the US. Until recently, it was housed at the US Army Training and Heritage Center, but it now forms part of a stunning Tiger family exhibit at The Tank Museum, Bovington, UK.

A deft touch It was decided early on that this model should be weathered in a similar manner to a 1/35 subject,

incorporating chipped paint, stains and rain marks, mud and dust. This can be quite a challenge in quarter-scale, with extra finesse and care being vital. First, the entire model received a thin overall wash of dark brown oils, which effectively ensured a less factory-fresh appearance and blended the different colours. Stronger washes then helped accentuate the finer details even further. When the washes had dried, the delicate work of recreating scratches and chips began. A

“The tracks were painted dark brown” www.airfixmodelworld.com 63

Model Build

 Careful work was required to achieve the correct shape of the tracks, which were of the link-and-length/individual link type. After applying the base colour and camouflage, the outer surface was given a semi-shiny coat of graphite grey straight from a pencil.

 The full set of suspension, road wheels and drive sprockets were painted separately.

The tracks were painted dark brown, then given washes of Humbrol enamels and Vallejo pigments.

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variety of Vallejo acrylics were mixed into brown, green and yellow nuances, lighter than the camouflage colours that had been applied via airbrush. Then, with both a fine sponge and an 00 brush, the scratches were applied randomly over the surface, but mainly on areas were the crew would access the vehicle. The procedure was then repeated with dark brown and dark grey to simulate chipping down to bare metal. This step was done entirely with sponge, and with very little paint as the effect can easily look exaggerated. The effect was also repeated on the teeth of the drive sprockets, and as a final touch, a graphite pen created a slight shine on the most exposed areas. Dots of oils and Humbrol enamels were then placed randomly over the surface, before being blended

with a downward motion to create streaks, but also stippled to add variety to the surface. The real Zimmerit paste was light grey, and study of photos revealed it was often exposed when the paint was chipped, and this was simulated with Vallejo’ s Deck Tan. As mentioned previously, the Elefant often became bogged down due to its considerable weight, and accumulated mud can be seen on the hull and running gear in most period photos. Vallejo offers a range of ready-to-use mud in different thicknesses, and I decided to try 73.807 European Thick Mud. It could be stippled with a brush and shaped while still wet. Once the mud was dry, a mixture of Vallejo pigments and Humbrol enamels in earth tones were mixed with thinner

Panzerjager Tiger (P) Elefant to a milky consistency, then squirted onto the lower hull, wheels and suspension.

On the right track Tamiya supplies link-and-length tracks in its 1/48 kits, which means some links are individual and others are sections of links moulded in one piece. This may save time compared to individual-link tracks, and probably look more realistic than most vinyl versions. However, if one could wish, separate links all around would grant the modeller the option to portray a knocked off track, for instance. Assembly went smoothly, though, with the separate links forming the sections around the drive sprockets. I decided to glue these links together and shape them to conform to the sprocket teeth while the cement was still setting, and removed them. The sections were then painted dark brown, and received pigments and washes, followed by graphite powder to simulate shiny steel on exposed areas. The tracks were then glued onto the model; an affair that was less than trouble free, but ultimately it all looked fine. Fabric for the tow cables was replaced with copper wire from a Eureka XXL aftermarket set.

“This was an inspiring project” Hand tools, the jack and hatches were painted and weathered separately, and attached at the final stage to avoid damage. The twine ‘wire’ for the tow cables was replaced by real brass wire from a Eureka XXL (www.eurekaxxl.com) set designed for the Tiger I tank, as I felt this looked more realistic than painting the fibre cord supplied by Tamiya. The wire was painted black, highlighted with graphite powder and installed on the tank. With the tools and other

small accoutrements in place, a final wash of earth-toned oils helped to harmonise the finish. Finally, an antenna was shaped from thin brass wire and attached to its mounting ‘foot’. Now, a word on colour guidance; Tamiya often suggests the modeller paints German jacks, tow cable ends, antennas and the like in black, but the real equipment almost exclusively received the vehicle’s base colour, in this case dark yellow.

Behemoth in miniature This was an inspiring project, mainly because it proved (to me at least) that Zimmerit doesn’t have to deter modellers, or make them avoid certain subjects…not even in 1/48 scale. While Tamiya’s Elefant deserves praise, Monroe Perdu's set was surprisingly easy to use and looked right when painted. It was also a fun project in terms of weathering, where techniques usually employed on 1/35 models ensured realistic effects.

A generally solid coat of mud was applied to the lower hull, in this case via European Thick Mud from Vallejo.

 The ends were chipped heavily, as seen in reference photos…the result of 65 tons being towed!

 The antenna was cut from a length of brass wire, and the end brought to a point on a piece of abrasive paper.

 Oil and fuel stains added further realism, and were simulated with Tamiya Smoke, applied with a small brush.

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Photo Focus

 An asset of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, this Tiger I sports very fine Zimmerit on the turret, and a FuG 5 star antenna just visible far right. The crewman is possibly Hptm Clemens-Heinrich Graf von Kageneck.

Legend Through the Lens

 Porsche’s turret for the Tiger II (or King Tiger), differed from Henschel’s in that the former had a rounded front, as seen here. Compare it with the Henschel example at bottom-right on p.68. (All photos, The Tank Museum)

Pick out finer details of the Tiger family with our period reference photographs, courtesy of The Tank Museum

 The badge of the 653rd Panzerjäger Battalion is evident on the front-left casemate of this Elefant. Changes from its Ferdinand forerunner comprised a cupola on top of the casemate, a defensive machine gun ball mount at the front of the hull, thicker front armour and Zimmerit paste.

66 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Tiger Family The Tiger’s Lair

 A misty Budapest, Hungary, in October 1944 was where this King Tiger ‘233’ was captured by the lens. Note the Zimmerit coating and full array of towing and track-changing cables.

Our Tiger Trio supplement was inspired by The Tank Museum’s new exhibit, which was opened earlier this year. Star of the show is the Panzerjäger Tiger (P) Elefant, on loan from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, USA. Also included is Bovington’s famous Tiger ‘131’, and Porsche and Henschel-designed King Tigers. The Tank Museum offers myriad examples of real armour, displayed in a superb setting. Along with the museum’s Tankfest and model show events, it’s a must for any military modelling enthusiast. The Tank Museum Bovington, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6JG Tel: 01929 405096 www.tankmuseum.org

 A useful detail shown by this shot of an Elefant is how the Zimmerit was applied just two-thirds up the side of the vehicle.  Photographed in Morigny, Normandy, in early June 1944, this Tiger I was commanded by Walter Hahn of 3.Zug, 1.Kompanie schwere SS PanzerAbteilung 101. It is fitted with the defensive machine gun mount on the turret cupola.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 67

Photo Focus

 Detail-hounds planning interior embellishment on their Tiger I models will value this excellent study of the cylindrical air cleaner units, atop the type’s Maybach engine.

 This is the driver’s compartment in the Tiger I; the high level of paint wear around the viewing port is clear.

 This three-tone camouflaged King Tiger, with Henschel turret, was on strength with 3. Kompanie (stab), schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, and is seen while in Ohrdruf, Germany, during June 1944. The vehicle’s commander was Lt Richard Freiherr von Rosen.

 Henschel King Tiger in Hungary, October 1944. An obvious trait is the thinner spacing of Zimmerit pattern on the turret sides, while it opens considerably on the front. The opening just above the crewman is for the monocular gunsight.

68 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

 Differing styles of camouflage are apparent in this well-known still from a cine film at Mailly de Camp, France, showing King Tigers of schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, post-September 1944 after refit activity.

Tiger Family

 General Heinz Guderian (second from right) consults with other personnel around the turret of Tiger I ‘100’, from schwere Panzer-Abteilung 507. Note the two holes for the binocular sights in the mantlet.

 Useful details in this rear view of an Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant include the Notek convoy light above the left-hand track, and the circular shell-loading hatch in the middle of the casemate, halfcovered with Zimmerit.  The large outlined turret numbers on this Tiger I almost certainly pinpoint its location to North Africa, and the unit may have been schwere PanzerAbteilung 501. Damage from shell strikes is evident on the frontal armour.

Walk-round For walk-round photos of the Elefant and Henschel King Tiger, visit: www.airfixmodelworld.com

 While the Tiger had a fearsome reputation, it could still be knocked out by lighter tanks. A British 3 RTR Comet disabled this Kompanie Ferhmann Tiger I in April, 1945 (note shell hole in the side armour, underneath the turret rear), at Ostenholz, Germany.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 69

Model Build

Last of the

Breed The upper hull with the inner front plate attached, and machine fitted in its ball mount.

Bill Curtis builds AMMO-MIG’s late-war and ‘what-if’ re-boxing of Takom’s King Tiger…almost straight from the box

G  Swinging arms and the wheels were fitted to the lower hull with masking tape, to hold everything in the correct position while drying.

70 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

ermany’s Tiger II, also known as the King Tiger, was finally designated the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B, having been ordered in January 1943 with a specification to incorporate the 8.8cm L/71 gun not fitted to the Tiger I. A full wooden mock-up, VK4502(P), was displayed on October 20, 1943, which demonstrated its immense size; the chosen turret was the rounded-front Porsche unit, with a shot trap, but the latter was eliminated on December 6.

The turret was redesigned with smaller frontal armour (seen eventually on the production variant) although the first 50 vehicles were delivered with the Porsche-manufactured turret. The Tiger II had a hull similar to the Panther, with sloped armour to increased protection. The first King Tigers were issued to training units in February and May 1944, while deliveries to combat units began in June 1944, these being issued to independent schwere (heavy) Panzer detachments of the Wehrmacht and SS, five months after production started. The total number produced was 569 from an order of 1,500, and this small percentage was due to the effects of Allied bombing.

The Tiger II eliminated its opposition with relative ease on both Eastern and Western fronts, but could not affect the outcome of the conflict due, in part, to the limited production figures and lack of fuel as the war progressed.

How to proceed? Here, AMMO-MIG offers a real late-war King Tiger option through Takom’s recent mouldings, but also a notional tank equipped with infra-red (IR) gear for ‘what-if’ fans; the latter presents myriad choice

Pz.Kpfw.VI King Tiger

 Individual track links were assembled with Tamiya Extra Thin cement (green cap) then fitted to the lower hull section.

 The rear plate was assembled with its exhausts and tow clevise hooks; unwanted holes were filled at this point.

MODEL SPEC

in camouflage, allowing the imagination to run wild. The box was packed with 13 runners and a scattering of single components, a small 1945 King Tiger 2 in 1 March 1945 last version and July 1945 Project By:

AMMO MIG

Stock Code:

A.MIG-8500

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€62.20

Available from: www.migjimenez.com

photo-etched (PE) metal fret for the engine grille, a clear runner for the optics, a decal sheet, instructions and eight colour drawings. It was decided to build this kit almost completely out of the box (save for the infra-red unit being detailed with wiring) but with one complete fender left off. The first task was to open eight holes on the upper hull with a 0.8mm drill, as indicated in Stage 1. This was followed by adding an interior supplement to the upper hull’s existing sloped frontal armour. Next, the machine gun housing was attached, before the weapon itself was fixed in the gimbal mount. At this stage, both side skirts were left off…one to be added later. Next, all the wheels were assembled and fitted to the axles, and the rear plate was built

 Upper and lower hull sections were joined after being clamped and held with masking tape while they dried.  Sadly, the turret was damaged during its postal trip from AMW’s office; note the twisted and broken appearance.

“AMMO-MIG offers a real late-war King Tiger option”

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Model Build

“The kit was a joy to build”

and attached with liquid cement (this being used throughout the build), while held in place with masking tape. Ancillary items were added before a test-fit of the hull halves was carried out; these were then glued and secured temporarily with masking tape. Two styles of engine deck were supplied, and the appropriate July 1945 project version was selected.

Gun house

 Remedial work was carried out by clamping sections of the turret to the roof in sections, then the front plate was clamped and tape held everything in place.  The rear door, track hangers and rangefinders were duly attached to the fully dried turret.

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Frustratingly, the turret came out of the box broken and twisted, due to the latter sustaining damage during delivery. After much deliberation, it was decided to glue the front plate and roof to the turret, secure these with clamps and masking tape, and set them aside to dry. The base was then fitted to the turret, and again, clamps and tape were employed for security. The back plate was then dry-fitted but there was an unsightly gap. Out came the files to flatten the surface, then filler was added, smoothed and the back plate installed. Hatches came next, along with several other small pieces, and the rear door comprised several parts but the detail for the inside was omitted. The cupola had seven periscopes and shields, although just the covers were fitted, and

track hangers were mounted but the tracks were left off until later. Assembly of the barrel took place next, with the inevitable join lines being neatened when dry. Closing build touches included the tools, PE screens, and the link-and-length tracks, which left just the infra-red unit to be assembled but not fitted.

Notional warpaint Via Mr. Surfacer 1200 Grey Primer, the model was sprayed with light layers until a solid coat was obtained on all surfaces. Having heard positive reports about Mission Models’ recently released paints, it was decided to trial some of these shades. The two colours selected were MMP-013 Red Oxide and MMP019 Dunkelgelb Late 1944. A coat of the latter was misted by airbrush and, as with most spraying, gradual build-up is best. The lower hull and wheels also received the Red Oxide, which had been loaded into a Badger Sotar 20/20 airbrush, which produced a fine spray pattern. Then, just the right-hand mudguard was sprayed with a base coat of the same shade. Lurking in the back of the paint store was a tin of untried MXpression Intelligent Panzer Putty, so experiments to secure paper masks with this medium

Pz.Kpfw.VI King Tiger One certainly got an appreciation of the model’s size (and in turn that of the real vehicle), when it was assembled in its entirety and awaited paint.

were undertaken, but it was found easier to use the masking product just by itself. Once the hull and turret were covered, the Red Oxide was sprayed as described previously, the masking being removed after the appropriate period. The barrel was painted with Vallejo acrylic…a mix of Model Color 70.994 Dark Grey and a hint of 70.926 Red and when dry, the barrel section was masked before the mantlet end was sprayed Red Oxide, while the muzzle brake received AMMO-MIG A.MIG-011 Dunkelgelb aus’44, with a small

spot of 70.858 Ice Yellow added to lighten it. Tracks were next on the list, and 70.814 Cadmium Umber Red (with a touch of black) was

sprayed onto the tracks with the Sotar set fine. Post-it notes provided masking where this was necessary. Metal portions of the tow

ropes and tools were painted matt black, while the wooden handles received AK Interactive AK-779 Wood Base. After drying, the same firm’s AK-780 Dark

Camouflage patterns/demarcations were set with Panzer Putty alone, after trials with paper masks failed to give the desired results.

 Painting started with Mr. Surfacer 1200 Primer Grey, and then Mission Models’ new MMP-013 Red Oxide German WWII RAL 3009. The hull and turret received coats of MMP-019 Dunkelgelb Late 1944 RAL 7028.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 73

Model Build

 The Panzer Putty was removed gently (as it was applied over tools) and came off without incident.

 Hard-edge camouflage was applied to the turret but it looked stark at this stage.

Wood Grain was applied with a very fine pointed brush to simulate grain pattern. The wire cutters’ handles on the real tank were made from either wood or Bakelite, and the latter was decided upon so a dark red was needed. So, a mix of Model Color 70.926 Red and 70.950 Black was created and applied to the handles in thin coats. Metal parts were coated with 70.863 Gunmetal paint and AK Interactive AK-086 Dark Steel pigment, while tow cables were

airbrushed over the turret.

metalised sparingly with this pigment on an artist’s shaper. Gloss varnish was applied to the turret and when dry, the black open crosses and white numbers were fixed with decal solution. Satin varnish was then

More realism The model looked very stark, so a set of three filters was selected, being Sin Industries’ P400 Grey for Dark Yellow, P242 Tan for

 The barrel was painted to emulate factory-applied grey primer, while the muzzle break received Dunkelgelb as if delivered from a separate production facility.

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Tri-colour and P241 Brown for Dark Yellow Base; these were applied to different panels after being diluted. Once dry, these were applied again to enhance the colour and reduce the tonal difference.

Usually, the pin wash for these colours would be mid-tone brown, but dark brown was trialled on this occasion. MIG Productions P220 Dark Wash is a very dark colour and it was a little on the thick side for a pin wash, so with the addition of thinner for washes it was diluted by approximately 25% initially. A No.2 round brush was used to deposit this around raised detail and along panel lines and, in some places, it was drawn down the panels to emulate streaks. These were allowed to dry somewhat, then with a flat brush,

Pz.Kpfw.VI King Tiger

 Detail painting of tools, tow ropes and exhausts was finished before hull weathering began. Washes and filters were applied in several layers and helped to mute the stark paintwork.

manipulated to make them less obvious. The wheels were also treated to this dark wash, having placed the hull on its side so the wash sat on a horizontal surface; excess was wicked away with a damp clean brush. When the pin wash was completed it was allowed to dry, checked for incomplete coverage, and remedial work with a slightly lighter colour was carried out to add extra interest. This process was done several times to build layers, instead of one single overall effect. AMMO-MIG Oilbrushers were then employed to add small spots of oil to selected locations.

Once dry, these were worked over the surface with a damp clean brush…but note that a very small amount went a long way. Additionally, small streaks were made on the vertical plates, again being allowed to dry and treated in the same manner till almost non-existent. Vallejo 70.822 German Cam Black Brown was thinned, and then a sponge was dipped into it and tapped on paper towel (which removed most of the paint) and used on places of wear on the vehicle. A round No.2 brush was employed to paint more chips on various edges and flat areas where wear would occur. To check if this was overdone, the model was viewed from around 2-3ft feet (24-36cm) away, and if no chips were visible, then the technique would, ultimately, be deemed successful.

 Mudguards have been fitted and the exhausts were given more coats of Lifecolor rust paints (Base Rust UA702, Rust Light Shadow 1 UA703, Rust Light Shade 2 UA704 and Rust Dark Shadow UA701) applied ‘wet on wet’, which produced an effective finish.

 More weathering was carried out with various MIG-AMMO Oilbrushers used to fade paintwork; afterwards pigments were carefully scrubbed into the surface on both hull and turret.

Dust and dirt Having placed the hull on its side, pigment mixes were deposited under the sponsons in varying

shades from dark to light, to give the impression of real earth tones. This was set in place with Tamiya X-20A thinner, blown

“A set of three filters was selected”

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Pz.Kpfw.VI King Tiger

Model Build

 More pigment on the tracks was fixed with Tamiya X-20A thinner, sprayed at low pressure, while more dust was applied to the hull and turret…and into any recesses.

 The splendid IR set with the addition of copper wire for power cables, seen painted and weathered ready for installation.

onto the pigment from 8-10in (20-25cm) away, with a pressure of 5psi (0.3 bar)…letting the thinner drop onto the pigment, which would set it. Once both sides had been done, the tracks received the same treatment on all visible surfaces before a damp brush was used to clean the surfaces in contact with the ground. These were then drybrushed with dark grey paint and highlighted with steel pigment on an artist’s shaper. Once satisfied with the results, the side skirt was attached, and 70.976 Buff was thinned heavily and airbrushed over flat surfaces, and in vertical streaks on the sides,

 Final weathering involved more dust and dried mud splashes on the hull and fenders. Note the IR unit in situ.

front, and fenders. Pigments were then scrubbed gently into horizontal surfaces, before extra was added around raised detail to portray dust accumulation. A final pigment mix was made, having used the mid-tone from the ready mixed item with the addition of MIG Productions’ Rubble Dust P234, as the finished model would eventually be mounted in an urban setting. The vision blocks received A.MIG-096 Crystal Periscope Green, then the surrounds and backs were coloured in dark grey. These were fixed in place with Formula 560 Canopy Glue, which dried clear and quickly.

Our final sub-assembly was the IR scope, which was painted Dunkelgelb aus’44 with an added touch of white to lighten it. A serial number was painted on the scope, the lenses were painted 70.950 Black (followed by Vallejo 70.510 gloss varnish) and dark wash outlined the detail, before the unit was attached to the cupola. The last job was to mix a ‘slurry’ of mud in light tones and this mixture was blown gently onto the lower surfaces of the model via airbrush pressure set at around 15psi (1.03 bar).

Earns its stripes! The kit was a joy to build and had absolutely no adverse points. Reflecting on the actual vehicle, and having stood next to a real example, the sheer size is impressive and one could understand the effect this vehicle had on its opponents. AMMOMIG is to be congratulated for providing Takom’s kit in a thoughtful and fun package.

76 TIGER | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

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22/08/2017 10:03

IN FOCUS HEALTH AND SAFETY

RISK AVOIDANCE Steve Budd surveys the modelling landscape from the summit of 'Mt Safety'…and takes in the modern view

 S

tood mesmerised in the hobby store by shelves of kits, paints, tools, PE, resin, adhesives and other peripherals, modelling exerts an irresistible pull on everyone involved in this miniature world. Whether one is a card-carrying ‘plastaholic’ or 78

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a youngster/novice tentatively starting out, the huge excitement, satisfaction and occasional frustrations that permeate our minds are common to all. Magazines, clubs and forums popularise and host endless dialogue on new releases, scale, weathering, accuracy, after-

market, construction, finishing and many other diverse modelling topics. Of all these however, the subject of safety is truly ‘the love that dare not speak its name’. Yet its undeniable importance possesses a profound potential to affect everyone engaging in the hobby. Some decades ago, in another publication, the monthly musings of ‘Icarus’ entertained, informed and illuminated as he chewed the modelling fat, until the author made a sudden shock disclosure

– he’d contracted terminal cancer and was unlikely to continue much longer. Although no copy of this column was to hand on writing this overview of safety, the clear recollection remained of the expressed regret that Icarus enunciated, that he’d exposed himself freely to dry-sanded, airborne resin dust entirely unprotected, for a protracted time and this (in his view) was probably the culprit that had given rise to his illness. The message hit home with me in the form of a broad,

IN FOCUS HEALTH AND SAFETY

 Bladed instruments include chisels, as well as the commonplace scalpels. Knife handles mount blades either fixed or retracting and feet everywhere have reason to be grateful for the latter when dropped.

hard and ongoing critical re-think of personal modelling practices.

The big three So, with that in mind, while we grasp the horns of safety firmly with both hands, let’s answer the question…how can modelling harm us, potentially? Toxins first. There are three principle pathways through which foreign substances can enter the body - ingestion, inhalation and absorption. Ingestion simply means ‘by mouth’ and refers to any way modelling materials can enter the body orally. Eating and drinking at the bench is perhaps the most common hazard - you take a bite from a sandwich every so often, as components are sprayed or resin and other materials are dry-

 The author’s battle-weary twin cartridge, half-face respirator, equipped with filters appropriate to organic solvents. The cartridges were marked with the date in permanent marker when fitted, to track future replacement.

sanded. Airborne paint, solvent particles and dust settle unseen on food and drink, or alternatively paint or dust on fingers transfers on contact with your lunch but either way, they’re both heading where you really don’t want them…inside you. So, to maximise one’s chances of becoming a grumpy old modeller, keep the nosebag and sprue bags separate. In tandem with that, tea, coffee and other beverages are better employed as breaks away from the project in hand, but if you must sup at the bench, use an insulated travel mug with a sliding ‘sip’ cover and put it away from the spray booth or where sanding/ abrading is taking place. Inhalation through nose and mouth, into the upper and lower respiratory tract to the lungs,

 HDPE 2 containers, labelled for lacquers and used for airbrush cleaning and paint thinning. The wide bases guard against spills, while the equally spacious mouths give easy access to the contents via long eye droppers. www.airfixmodelworld.com 79

IN FOCUS HEALTH AND SAFETY

 Beading tools are a wonderful way to create or replacing Dzus fasteners or rivets on one’s latest project. As the author can attest, they are also capable of producing minor injuries which generate intense pain if they slip.

is next in line and refers to all airborne contaminants, fumes, vapours, particles, et al that can find their way inside the artist at work. Look at it this way; lungs evolved over eons to process air, not cellulose, resin dust and all their party-pooping friends that do great work on the model, but bad things to internal organs. A double cartridge respirator, with filters appropriate to the work in hand (that one changes and replaces when required), can be a moderately uncomfortable thing to wear but necessary if your preference is to later avoid news from your doctor, which leaves you more than moderately uncomfortable. Using water when sanding resin is also advisable, to keep particles out of the air. Last of the three, absorption, concerns itself principally with the body’s largest organ, which contrary to what most men would have their significant other (as well as themselves) believe, is instead, their skin. Paint, solvents

and glue components can enter the body, not just through the skin but also through the eyes (mainly through ‘blow back’ from an airbrush, in which paint spray deflects off kit surfaces in the direction of the eyes). Latexfree gloves and eye shields are applicable to each, and anything more than a minor spill over gloves should be followed by removing and changing them immediately, rather than assume their ability to continue to defend the skin has been undiminished.

Cut ’n thrust Beyond the big three lie other mechanisms with the capability to disrupt our modelling happiness, usually within seconds. Let’s start with bladed instruments. Here it’s a case of ‘the sharper the better’, which sounds counterintuitive but sharp knives (such as scalpels) cut more surely and reliably when new or nearly so. When an edge dulls and force has to be employed, comes the point where

 Power tools, particularly mini-drills are useful time-savers and can execute tasks impossible by other means…but are also capable of inflicting telling injuries unless handled with appropriate care and thought.

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A & E is most likely to beckon, especially as flesh is what that the scalpel was designed to slice in the first place! So, don’t be overly economical in blade replacement and always ensure there are no fleshy bits deployed in the path of a blade that slips suddenly. Think about what you are seeking to achieve. Think again, then cut. Motorised aids such as mini-drills are very affordable these days but require a certain discipline in handling, akin to knives, to keep

the drilling, cutting and abrading attachments from inadvertently ‘modifying’ fingers and other body parts, if the drill slips or falls. A speed controller is a great asset here, in enabling the slowest speed to be employed that meets the task. Eye shields are also mandatory. With drill speeds running to some thousands of revolutions per minute, detritus can easily be propelled at you, shrapnel-like, with serious consequences for your eyes, so

 Disposable gloves really should be available at the bench in quantity and provide an essential barrier to solvents, paints and adhesives. These are available in a number of different materials in case of latex sensitivity.

from volatile thinners, cleaners, paint and of course, your skin, is obvious and paramount. On a related note, if like me you prefer to buy your favourite paint thinners in bulk for reasons of economy, don’t keep them in the original metal cans that are vulnerable to rust, subsequent leaks and are difficult to pour from; transfer the contents to labgrade high-density polyethylene plastic containers marked ‘2 HDPE’, with properly sealing caps. again, before you pick up the minidrill, put on those safety glasses and plan your work carefully. Anything requiring mains electricity also needs connecting through a residual current device (RCD), which will kill the power and protect against fatal electric shock and fire. When it comes to heat – candles for sprue stretching, soldering irons, pyrogravures and so forth – the need to keep them separate

Wrapping up Safety is an intrinsic part of this great hobby and this thumbnail round-up is by no means exhaustive, so keep that lithe and agile modelling brain engaged. Follow product safety advice, take that modicum of care with tools and avoid the hazards linked to the big three…and you’ll be rewarded with bench time that lasts a lifetime.

 Waterproof abrasives such as these perform more effectively when doused with water or immersed in a shallow tray, remain free from clogging and most importantly, don’t release sanded particles into the air.         A spray booth is a vital tool when airbrushing, as it extracts overspray from the air and filters it, before venting to the outside. This example is available from The Airbrush Company (www.airbrushes.com).

 Modellers are well known for regarding kit instructions as optional, but those that pertain to safety really must be heeded, irrespective of whether the hazards are obvious as illustrated here or less so.

OUT AND ABOUT COVENTRY & WARWICKS

Hidden Gems  Chris Simmons’ Best-in-Show Kotobukiya X-Wing fighter pilot highlighted just how effective subtle tonal variations can be in bringing a figure to life, notably on the orange flight suit.

 Andy Walker’s Hasegawa 1/48 Hurricane Mk.I was mounted on a simple, yet effective display, and commemorated the achievements of Polish ace Flight Sergeant Witold Urbanowicz.

the latter charting the Midlands’ role in aviation development. Amid the aircraft, armour, ships, sci-fi and figure models on display, perhaps the most emotive was a memorial vignette to the pioneers of aviation, by Stoke -on-Trent’s Paul Millward and Heather Burton, while at the other end of the spectrum, Lee Russell’s ‘Tunnocks Chieftain’ gave

N

estled alongside Coventry Airport, the Midlands Air Museum is a corking venue…it might not look much from the outside, but inside there are many full-sized exhibits for air enthusiasts to enjoy. In June, once again it played host to the Coventry and Warwicks Model Show, and the new layout was a boon to all, with more space for traders and clubs. Its laid-back atmosphere was mirrored by the show organisers; this was a great place to just chat and catch up

with modellers, and the ‘if it’s here, it’s in the competition’ approach meant several builders received unexpected, yet well-deserved accolades and awards. With clubs and traders in separate buildings, visitors had plenty of incentive to wander around the museum’s Soviet, US and British fixed- and rotarywinged exhibits. However, the main hangar contains several delights, including the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre and the Wings over Coventry display,

 This superb Italeri 1/48 Avenger Mk.I, by Coventry and Warwickshire’s Ivor Mohammed, depicted a Royal Navy 846 Naval Air Squadron aircraft, as it appeared in June 1944.

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a humorous nod to the Leicester club’s favourite snack. For the second year running, a figure won Best in Show, in the form of Chris Simmons’ superbly painted Kotobukiya Manga-style Jaina Solo X-Wing fighter pilot. Stu Fone

VIEW MORE ONLINE www.airfixmodelworld.com

 ‘Pioneers of Aviation’ featured a realistic Guy Gibson statue by Paul Millward, and handmade poppies by Heather Burton; the grass comprised more than 400 individual tufts.

 Paul Brandt enlivened his Panda Hobby 1/35 BTR Kurganets-25 armoured personnel carrier with a lightly weathered three-tone camouflage, instead of just basic Russian Green.

SPHERE PRODUCTS Stands to reason www.sphereproducts.co.uk

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08/08/2017 15:58

22/08/2017 10:08

INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

Andy Davies dips his toes into the clandestine world of midget submarines, with Merit’s splendid X-Craft

ritain’s X-Craft-series of midget submarines was designed specifically to penetrate heavily protected harbours, and place explosive charges against the hulls of enemy vessels. In operation, they were first manned by a passage crew while in tow and, when near the target the regular crew of captain, first lieutenant, engineer and diver would take over. The diver used a ‘Wet and Dry’ (W and D) chamber, which allowed him to swim from the craft and clear obstructions, such as anti-submarine nets, and attach limpet mines to vessel

hulls. Large curved ‘side-cargos’ were fitted to the submersible’s sides, each containing approximately two tons of Amatol high explosive, sufficient to cause serious damage to most enemy shipping. During wartime operations, many X-Craft crews received decorations for valour, including the Victoria Cross.

What lies beneath Inside the attractive top-opening box were five medium grey styrene runners that contained 131 parts, a small photo-etch (PE) brass fret, an instruction sheet, a full-colour painting guide and a decal sheet, which comprised two (oversized) White Ensigns…one ‘waving’ and the other static. A big surprise was

 The hull sides were moulded beautifully and included a detailed deck, all vents and (most) of the flooding holes.

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the sheer size of the model, with the hull being 17¾in (448.5mm) long and 3in (77.2mm) wide. The mouldings were of high quality with no evidence of sink marks or flash, although many smaller parts had ejector pin ‘pips’, which needed to be removed carefully with a fresh scalpel blade. Flooding holes and ballast tank vents lined

 Unfortunately, the kit’s propeller was undersized and the blades were replaced with photo-etched brass items from Eduard, which improved its appearance dramatically.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

While flooding holes along the hull sides were well depicted, those on the fins were represented as small stubs, which had to be sanded and then drilled.

the hull sides and decks, and there were realistic vertical weld seams on the hull sides at appropriate places. Unusually, the upper decking was moulded into one-half of the hull, which resulted in less effort to achieve a near seamless fit. One runner was duplicated, and this produced several unused parts that would prove useful later in the build. The easy-to-follow instructions were laid out clearly, with a logical build sequence.

Inner sanctum Work began with the fitting of the two entrance hatch linings into the underside of the deck. Two opening hatches were included, complete with separate hinges, outer locking handles and PE grab handles. While the hatch entrances were present, there was no interior detail to portray the W and D chamber used by the diver, so although photographic

information was difficult to obtain, it was decided to scratch-build the forward room, its watertight doors, sealed illumination light and hand-operated lavatory. The best reference for this was found while watching the 1955 film Above Us the Waves, which was a story based on Operation Source and the attack on Tirpitz, and contained many scenes taken inside an X-Craft (XE-8 in this case, which although a slightly different and improved class, had the same W and D chamber). Two bulkheads (both the same diameter as the hull) were fashioned from 2mm thick plastic card, and a floor and walls were added to make a complete unit. Two circular hatches were then made from 1mm thick styrene sheet and glued into the centre of each main bulkhead wall. Hinges and opening cradles were added around these, via 2mm square-

 All flooding holes were opened with a 1mm micro-drill, while the large side charges were push-fitted onto the hull sides to check alignment and fit.

 A study of reference photos revealed the flooding hole pattern on the hydroplane was incorrect, so the new layout was marked and drilled; at the same time the rudder/hydroplane location hole was enlarged to accommodate a new scratch-built mechanism.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

ended plastic stock, while at the same time the viewing windows, handle and locking bar details were added. The hand-pumped toilet unit was more difficult to research, but an image was duly found and used to replicate this item. Appropriately, the non-slip floor covering was added from 800grade Wet and Dry abrasive paper. With constant referral to photos of the hatchways, appropriately sized white plastic tubing was added, and the lower edges sanded to shape. The interior was an off-white colour with brass fittings and the hand operated library was satin black, so after painting the interior with AKAN 73146 Radiotransparent White, all parts received a light wash of Abteilung502’s ABT-007 Raw Umber oil paint, blended with its proprietary ABT112 Matt Effect Thinner. The inner-face of the entrance hatch also needed to be detailed and painted, and again photos and video footage

were used for reference. As the kit part was a simple, undersized disc, a scratchbuilt item complete with lightening holes, handles and locking lever mechanism was used in its place.

All in the details Following extensive research on the subject, it was found that several details on the kit were either incorrect or not present, so the lengthy business of improvement began. The first task was to drill all the myriad flood holes along the length of the hull and rear fins…tedious, but it added greatly to the finished model. With the hull halves mated, attention turned to the rear fins, which were inaccurate as the trailing edges should have been tapered, rather than square as represented in the kit. These needed to be filed and sanded

 No interior detail was included, so it was decided to scratch-build the W and D compartment (used by the diver to exit the craft, to cut nets and lay mines). Two watertight doors and hatches were also fabricated, along with their detail parts.

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to shape, but as time was short, this correction wasn’t made. However, a notable error became apparent at this stage, as Merit had the hydroplane control rods and linkages on both sides of the rear hull, whereas these were just fitted to starboard on X-Craft. This wasn’t too difficult to rectify, as it just required the location slots on the port side of the hydroplane plane and hull. Another slight inaccuracy was the arrangement of flooding holes on the hydroplane itself; fortunately, these were represented as raised details and therefore easy to remove. Photographs provided the correct pattern, which was first traced onto paper as a guide,

before new holes were created with a 1mm micro-drill. A further issue with the hydroplane concerned the central control mechanism, which allowed the plane to move vertically, while still allowing the rudders to move from side to side. Basically, this was omitted from the kit, as the rudder ends located simply into a central hole on the hydroplane. Here, the solution was to enlarge this hole with a 5mm drill bit and needle file, to which a scratch-built mechanism (which comprised a large hollow, tubular core surrounded by six smaller cylinders) was fashioned from one 5mm and seven 2mm diameter plastic rods cut to length. The two

 With the doors in place, ‘C’ frames, hinges and pins were fashioned and fitted around them. Interior detail was built from strips of 4mm plastic card, with supply ducts and conduits added as required.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

 A small-hand pumped lavatory was made from scrap resin and plastic and fitted to the compartment floor…details of its design were found online. Additionally, a vent valve and control box were fitted to the rear bulkhead.

stub ends of the vertical rudders were fitted into the centre of the finished unit, but only after it had been press-fitted into the enlarged hole in the hydroplane. Control rods and linkages were then dryfitted and clipped into place, as they were to move freely as per the real craft, allowing the model to be fully poseable.

Prop forward A well-reported problem with the kit concerned the size of the propeller, which appeared to be significantly undersized. Thankfully, Eduard produced a dedicated PE set (ED53153), which included new propeller blades and, although not quite accurate, were a substantial improvement on the styrene parts. The PE blades had to be rolled into shape and, following the removal of Merit’s components, fitted to the hub, which required time and patience to align perfectly. The finished unit was then primed and sprayed with a mix of Humbrol 55 Bronze, to which a few drops of 120 Light Green was added, before the blade edges were sanded lightly to reveal the bare brass underneath… replicating real weathering on the actual prop. This was left off the model until the end of the build to

 The opposing side of the W and D compartment, with the hatch and diver’s illumination light added. An entrance hatch tube was secured to the upper decking and sanded to conform to the inner hull roof.

minimise the likelihood of damage to the delicate blades.

Fixtures and fittings Many details were fitted to the exterior of the hull, including hoisting horns, ballast grilles, sidecargo release points and protective frames. The kit provided a PE fret with the four ballast tank vents fitted along the keel sides; however, these were rather basic when compared to Eduard’s offerings, so weren’t used. Other missing

details included the prominent pipe fairings on either side of the forward hull sides, just beneath the forward entrance hatch. Location holes, but not the actual fairings, were present and these were fabricated from shaped pieces of scrap resin. A complicated tow cable fitting arrangement at the bow, located beneath the large towing eye, was well represented given the scale, but no actual cable was included. A suitable rope material, in this

MODEL SPEC

 Deck flood holes were also drilled at this stage, and a pair of PE access hatch hinges fitted. The new interior was easily visible through the opening, making the extra work worthwhile.

X-Craft submarine By:

Merit International

Stock Code:

63504

Scale:

1/35

Price:

£49.99

Available from: Pocketbond, www.pocketbond.co.uk

www.airfixmodelworld.com 87

INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

 Although Merit provided a small PE set, which included ballast tank vents, Eduard’s alternatives were far more refined, so were used instead.

 A reconfigured base was made for the attack and night periscopes, and a PE porthole and lens added for the upward-looking observation window. With new PE blades, the upgraded propeller was a big improvement over the styrene component. The central rudder mechanism was first slotted into the enlarged hydroplane hole, then the rudder ends were added.

 With the stern parts added, the new propeller was attached temporarily to check for clearance.

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case 0.63mm linen rigging line, was sourced from a ship modelling website and weathered with Lifecolor’s LC-CS28 ‘Hemp Ropes and Tarps’ set. The attack periscope and ACO Mk.XX magnetic compass were both rather basic and, in the case of the former, was inaccurate, so both were discarded in favour of scratch-built items made from plastic stock and brass tubing. A long, thin upper section (fashioned from stretched sprue) was added to the attack periscope, before the night periscope lens was drilled and Humbrol Clearfix added to represent the glazing. The small domed part seen in some photographs (function unknown), was added to the port side next to the attack periscope base, and then a small central lens from the Little-Cars range was added to the housing. The kit’s simplified snorkel mast was enhanced with Eduard’s PE; scratch-built details such as the speaking tube were then added, along with lead wire to represent the missing end of the Hezlet

safety rail. This ran from the top of the mast and into the hull side…the spacers for this were painted matt white. A prominent triangular base plate with six large rivets was then added to the hull side, into which the mast attachment/swivel point was located. As this model was to represent X24, the lower triangular periscope ‘shield’ was discarded in favour of a simple tube and rear brace, as seen in several photos of the craft, these being fabricated from brass tubing and plastic stock. To the rear of this, a cable was secured, which ran to the rear of the craft; its complex attachment fittings were made from a mixture of spare kit parts, lead wire and scrap plastic rod, while the cable was twisted beige cotton, courtesy of my wife’s sewing basket! Two separate plastic stand pieces and an embossed name plate were included, though these looked somewhat clumsy when used with the finished model. A more appropriate solution would be polished brass finials

 Eduard’s accessories fitted perfectly, but it was decided not to use the deck plates as the kit parts were more than adequate.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

Lifecolor’s Admiralty Dark Grey was airbrushed in lightly misted coats, before the deck areas were masked in preparation for the next colour.

or lamp ‘risers’, and a varnished wooden base with an etched metal nameplate.

Extra luggage The two large side cargo charges were well represented and

 Merit’s entrance hatch inner faces were portrayed as simple discs devoid of detail, so scratch-built items were added in accordance with wartime photographs.

Abteilung502 (www.abteilung502.com) Tamiya acrylic paint (www.hobbyco.net) Alclad II Metallic paint (www.alclad2.com) Lifecolor: (www.airbrushes.com) AMMO MIG (www.migjimenez.com) Humbrol paints (www.humbrol.com) Eduard (www.eduard.com) Evergreen plastic rod and strip (www.evergreenscalemodels.com) Mr. Hobby Mr. Cement S (www.albionhobbies.com) AKAN paints (www.coastalcraftmodelsuk.com) Micro-Mesh cloth (www.sylmasta.com) Brass tubing (www.albionalloys.co.uk)

included the seven separate filling caps, and four release mechanism attachment points. Merit’s attempts at the latter were interesting in that they appeared somewhat fictitious, having short cables (which must be made by the modeller) instead of the tubular metal brackets of the real thing. These parts had long protective adjustment sleeves with U-shaped attachment fittings at either end, which connected directly to location eyes along the tops of the charges. To replicate these correctly, the styrene U-fittings were cut and fitted directly to the ends of pre-cut lengths of plastic rod (taken from the unused hydroplane connecting rods), with 0.5mm brass pins and spare U parts taken from the same runner. Unfortunately, another four were needed so these were made from scrap plastic. Small release rings were fabricated from 1mm lead wire rings and attached to each release point, and the newly made ‘U’ added. Several photographs showed handling ‘eyes’ between the splayed lower ends of the release points, which were apparently used for manoeuvring the side cargos while in dry dock; these were fitted via the small entrance hatch hinge components that weren’t used in this build. These joined neatly, with a narrow (and accurate) gap present along their length, while the forward

 NATO Black from Tamiya was sprayed in light mists over the deck areas; a small amount of its Medium Sea Grey was then added to the darker tone to provide contrast.

 The kit’s inaccurate side cargo release rods were cut to a shorter length, drilled and had brass pins fitted. These were then glued into pre-cut lengths of unused plastic rod from spare kit parts, with an additional four items made from plastic stock.

 Small holding rings were fabricated from 0.75mm lead wire and fitted to the release stubs in the hull walls, into which the U-shaped ends of the rods were located. The opposing ends were secured to attachment eyes on the side cargo’s upper surfaces.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD BRITISH X-CRAFT

A prominent triangular plate was missing on the upper hull, where the induction mast was located so this, a speaking tube and an extension to the lower end of the Hezlet safety rail were added.

 Finally, A.MIG-3008 Track Rust and 1203 Streaking Grime pastel powders were applied to appropriate areas with a soft brush, before being blended carefully into the paintwork with a dry cotton bud.

and rear ends were snug against the hull sides.

Any shade of grey There appeared to be some controversy regarding the colour of wartime X-Craft; the painting guide gave the colour as Medium

Gunship Grey overall. However, Admiralty Dark Grey (ADG) seemed more accurate and in keeping with the World War Two time period. From photographic evidence, it would appear the craft’s deck was painted satin black with the rest of the craft

in ADG, so that was the scheme chosen here. Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black was used for the deck areas and Lifecolor provided the correct shade for the hull with its UA 631 Admiralty Dark Grey (507A). Initially the model received Alclad’s ADC-302 Grey Primer and Microfiller, followed by a light preshade of XF-17 Sea Blue. ADG was then misted over the entire model, ensuring patches of the primer and pre-shading showed through in certain areas, particularly on the upper surfaces, bow, fin leading edges and keel. Selected grey panels were lightened or darkened by adding a few drops of white or black respectively; the former on the upper decking, the latter on the underside. ALC-312 Klear Kote Semi-Matte provided a realistic sheen to the finish, before weathering was applied with Abteilung502 ABT007 Raw Umber, ABT015 Shadow Brown and ABT070 Dark Rust oil paints, each blended with proprietary thinner. Lifecolor LPW 17 Surfaces Shadower and LPW 20 Dried Salt enhanced the decks and tops of the side cargos, and AK Interactive’s AK-2039 Kerosene Leaks and Stains was applied in faint streaks beneath each filling port, and around the induction mast location point. Finally, AMMO MIG A.MIG-1203 Streaking Grime and A.MIG-3008 Track Rust were both added to certain areas of the hull, vents and decking with a flat 00 brush and gently worked into

the paintwork with a dry cotton bud, to complete the weathering. The kit’s White Ensigns weren’t used as they seemed oversized according to contemporary photographs, though they would be suitable for an appropriate wooden base. One particularly well-known photograph depicts X24 with a black ‘Jolly Roger’ flying from the induction mast, following a successful raid at Bergen, Norway and this would have made an interesting addition to the decal sheet.

Fitting tribute This project offered something truly different. Merit has done an excellent job with the subject matter, even considering several errors and omissions. True, there’s work needed to make it wholely accurate, but it provided the perfect basis to achieve just that and looked imposing when finished. A straightforward build, it should appeal to many maritime modeller, particularly considering the cancellation of Italeri’s planned X-Craft. Merit’s offering is highly recommended, notably to those builders seeking an esoteric and historically important subject.

Underwater Warriors, by Paul Kemp (Caxton), ISBN: 978-1-860199-91-2

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ON THE SHELF BOOKS

A REGAL WALK-ROUND

King Tiger By: Enrique Caldéron ISBN: 978-84-945543-7-7 Price: €12.50 Format: 297 x 210mm Web: www.migjimenez.com Military modellers are currently enjoying a glut of King Tiger kits in 1/35 scale, so AMMO MIG’s publication is likely to be popular on many bookshelves. As with the subject, it’s an interesting beast, combining the best of a walk-round study with 32 well-researched colour profiles. Both versions of King Tiger

are featured, with the Henschel variant predominant, as this was the major production type. Despite its slim page count, it’s packed with gems, such as whether to paint shell casings brass or steel, and the small hemispherical cut-out on the rear of the hull (missing from every kit). Museum exhibits in the US, UK and France have been photographed, and the level of interior detail is staggering, with every aspect included. The exterior shots are equally informative, with much attention paid to the numerous weld seams and torch cut marks, and how the former were created from multiple, rather than single welds. In addition, the extreme close-ups (focussing on a single clasp, vision block or antenna mount) enable the author to highlight how the surface was affected by rust and how the paint was chipped, all of which is mana to those wanting to weather their models. SF

ALMOST A SUPERFIGHTER

The Avro Arrow By: Lawrence Miller ISBN: 978-1-4594-0727-5 Price: £19.95 Format: 254 x 203mm Web: casematepublishers.co.uk The beleagured Avro Arrow was to Canada’s aviation industry what the TSR.2 was to its British equivalent...a world-leading design, but cancelled amid great controversy and subsequently the subject of conspiracy and ‘what-if’ theories. This is a fair attempt to tell the complex birth, gestation and ultimately sudden death of this Cold War design, which relies heavily

56 pages

112 pages

on period photographs (the majority in colour), rather than just text. With nine chapters, not all of which are dedicated to the CF-105 (three chart the early years of jet aircraft, Canadian airliner designs and the CF-100), the pace is brisk, but not overwhelming. Modellers will appreciate the varied shots of the aircraft, but given the nature of the type’s demise, there isn’t a full walk-round. Instead there are tantalising views of the powerplant, airbrakes and undercarriage bays; unfortunately, there is nothing of the cockpit and clamshell canopies, which is disappointing. Perhaps the most sobering aspect is kept to the end, with the photos of the surviving CF-105 nose section, which highlights just how rough-andready the cutting of the airframe was (all other CF-105s were destroyed completely)…part of it looks like it’s been hit with axes. Thankfully, those parts of the programme that did survive have now been gathered in two museums, although one of the three remaining engines is undergoing refurbishment. SF

RUSSIA’S MULTI-ROLE ASSET

172 pages

Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum By: David Baker ISBN: 978-0-85733-397-1 Price: £22.99 Format: 276mm x 214mm Web: www.haynes.co.uk Haynes’ latest Owners’ Workshop Manual, on the Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum, takes a slightly different approach to other volumes in this series, providing a highly technical overview of this multi-role type, with just a single operator’s viewpoint included (but that’s an absolute classic). This means that, after a brief introduction to the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau itself, and an outline of that company’s other jet fighter aircraft (from MiG-15 to MiG-31), one is launched directly into the MiG-29’s development. Here, the author’s engineering background comes to the fore, as the various prototypes and production variants are explained, along with their distinguishing characteristics. However, it’s the Anatomy section (which takes up more than half of the pages) that modellers will find the most informative, as it combines an exhaustive

description of the Fulcrum’s systems with superb colour closeup and walk-round photographs. Weathering aficionados aren’t left out, as there are plenty of exterior and in-flight views, depicting airframes in various states, including several rather tired Luftwaffe examples, with heavy staining and worn paint finish. The final section supplies one of the most entertaining personal views on an aircraft type, provided by ‘Mr. Harrier’ himself, test pilot John Farley, based on when he flew in the back seat of a MiG-29UB at Farnborough in 1990. Highly recommended. SF

WRECKS, COMBAT AND RECOVERY

240 pages

Forgotten Archives 2 By: Darren Neely ISBN: 978-1-908032-15-7 Price: £34.99 Format: 216 x 278mm Web: www.panzerwrecks.com In this second volume of US Army Signal Corps photographs, the author unearths yet more stunning wartime images of US and German armour, many of which have never previously been published. In some cases, family members supplied undeveloped film; in others, the shots have been taken by a nonsignaller, but all are of exceptional quality. As well as including the original captions, often scribbled hurriedly by the photographer, the author has researched each shot, providing much-needed context, including missing location, date or unit information and correcting mistakes in equipment identification. The latter is particularly notable, with Panthers regularly labelled ‘Tiger’ by photographic teams. There are 252 black and white photos in all, with

colour digital artwork of eight notable subjects, including a Mickey Mouseadorned Sd.Kfz.251, captured RSO, sandbag- and jerrycan-armoured M4A3 Sherman, and a battered s.Pz. Abt.506 King Tiger. From a modelling perspective, this is a veritable gold mine, showing vehicles adorned with stowage, equipment and ammunition, but also in varying states of damage/destruction. Almost every photograph could inspire a diorama, and there’s plenty of wider views depicting rubble-laden streets, or anti-tank or anti-aircraft equipment stored in a garden or next to a building, adding further interest. SF

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ON THE SHELF BOOKS AND DVDS

FLAT-SCREEN MOSSIES

The de Havilland Mosquito Part 2 By: Richard A Franks ISBN: 978-0-9935345-8-4 Price: £18.95 Format: A4 Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk Valiant’s second instalment on the Mossie analyses the various fightercanopy (flat windscreen) fitted subtypes, including the Fleet Air Arm’s Sea Mosquito. As before, the volume has two main sections, the first describing the type's development

and lineage, before the second deals with modelling aspects. The Airframe Chapters are further divided into the main fighter (including night fighter), fighter-bomber (with photoreconnaissance derivatives) and Sea Mosquito (along with trainers and target tugs). A fourth chapter deals with camouflage and markings, and 1/72 scale drawings are supplied, depicting stencil sizes and locations. The modelling section opens with an overview of the available fightercanopy kits, before moving to builds/ conversions of Hasegawa’s 1/72 FB.XVIII, Tamiya’s 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 FB.VIs, and Airfix’s 1/48 FB.VI. The final two sections are modelling gold dust; a guide on how to build each and every fighter-canopy Mossie variant (backed by excellent threequarter view line drawings), followed by what is basically a combination walk-round and close-up photostudy of FB, NF and PR Mosquitos. As with Part 1, the big bonus is the gatefold containing 1/48 scale plans, and three appendices provide comprehensive kit and aftermarket accessories listings. SF

HISTORY-MAKING HEAVY

Short Stirling The First of The RAF Heavy Bombers By: Pino Lombardi ISBN: 978-1-78155-473-9 Price: £50 Format: 254 x 178 mm Web: www.fonthillmedia.com This fascinating book is the culmination of some 30 years of research into the RAF’s first fourengined heavy bomber by author and Stirling aficionado Pino Lombardi. Included are interviews with aircrew, factory workers and ground staff, along with official

208 pages

416 pages

RAF records and accounts taken from log books. Every aspect of Stirling operation is covered, from the uncertain genesis of the type to the inevitable scrapyard. The men and women who designed and built the aircraft have their say and RAF aircrew give personal accounts of operating, managing and flying the aircraft. Crew training is covered in detail, along with the work of the ‘erks’ who fought daily to keep their charges airworthy…often in sub-zero conditions where injuries due to falling from the high wings were commonplace. Many previously unpublished wartime photographs are presented, including a detailed walk-through taking the reader from the rear entrance door to the bomb aimer’s position. Also covered are glider tug, parachute/ supply dropping and Special Operation Executive sorties. The final chapters are dedicated to disposal and scrapping, wreck recovery and the ongoing work of The Stirling Aircraft Project in reconstructing the complete front fuselage of a Stirling, complete with working systems. AD

FLYING FORTRESS TRIBUTE

205 mins

Memphis Belle By: Graham M Simons ISBN: 0-247-62029-7 Price: £14.99 Format: DVD Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Pen & Sword’s double-DVD on Boeing’s B-17F Flying Fortress, serial number 41-42285 ‘Memphis Belle’, makes for superb viewing. It combines the original 1943 45-minute film (first released in 1944) with more than an hour of outtakes, an introductory slideshow and a 90-page study of the documentary. From an aviation history perspective, this is a fascinating compilation, stripping away the Hollywood glamour to reveal the true hardships of high-altitude operations. The ‘matter-of-fact’ intercom speech reflects the need to pass information quickly and concisely, enabling gunners, pilots and bombardiers alike to take necessary action, and in the post-mission debrief, there is palpable relief at having survived yet another sortie. Modellers will appreciate the many close-up shots of artwork, airframes and

BENT-WING BONANZA

crew, and the weary appearance of many B-17s is immediately noticeable. Thanks to the colour footage, one can discern discoloured panels, streaked cowlings and fuselage, and several jury-rigged gun mounts, intended to boost the aircraft’s defensive firepower against German fighters. The 90-page document, which is downloadable, provides additional context, identifying where and when each piece of footage was taken, along with the airframes depicted. SF 42 pages

F4U Corsair in World War 2 By: Zbigniew Kolacha ISBN: 978-83-65281-17-3 Price: £19 Format: 303 x 217mm Web: www.mmpbooks.biz With profile books, the reader must rely on the author’s diligence in compiling accurate source material; thankfully, MMP’s collection of World War Two F4U Corsairs has benefited from excellent research. After a brief introduction to the type, one is treated to a spirited discussion on US Navy markings, and notably those infamous red outlines on the national insignia; when they were introduced, when they were over-painted, and when they were removed. The 50 profiles that follow are superb renditions, featuring all the different camouflage styles employed during the war, with plenty of extra notes that should satisfy the most fastidious of modellers. Unsurprisingly, US Navy and Marine Corps Corsairs receive most attention, including several famous VF-17 airframes, but examples of Royal Navy (RN) and Royal New Zealand Air Force machines are also

included. Highlights include 17-F12 of VF-17, with the red surround to the ‘star and bar’, JT603 from 1830 Naval Air Squadron, with an unusually small fuselage roundel, and a cannon-armed VMF-451 airframe. It’s a shame there wasn’t room for photographs of some of the real aircraft, as these would provide extra information with regards to weathering, notably on those with overpainted nose bands, commonly used as identification features on Pacific Theatre Corsairs. SF

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 95

ON THE SHELF BOOKS

HATFIELD’S MULTI-ROLE GEM

The Original Multirole Aircraft By: Philip Birtles ISBN: 978-1-78155-494-4 Price: £30.00 Format: 247 x 172mm Web: www.fonthillmedia.com The Mosquito is hardly unknown, nor is there a lack of books dedicated to it…on the contrary! Philip Birtles has had three previous works on the type published; two of which emphasised illustrations and photographs of the aircraft, while the other covered

fighter squadrons. This new book has 90 pages of Design, Development and Production, and 170 pages examining the different marks and their operations during World War Two. This publication is smaller in size than most for modellers, but it’s essential for those seeking to study this iconic British aircraft, featuring the experiences of Mosquito designers, construction workers and aircrew...and the stories told by the latter are thrilling. It also contains many original, contemporary and previously unpublished photographs, but don’t expect the usual walkround treatment. In terms of reference, there are detailed appendices describing production, specifications of each variant, RAF and RN units, as well as other air arms equipped with the type, and details of Mosquitos that survive today. This offering is for the genuine Mosquito lover, who already has all the modelling books with line drawings and colour profiles, but needs the extra inspiration this package delivers. JPF

UNDER THE WAVES

U-Boot in Focus Edition 14 By: Luftfahrtverlag-Start ISBN: 978-3-941437-33-3 Price: €20 Format: A4 Web: www.luftfahrtverlag-start.de This is the 14th issue of Luftfahrtverlag-Start’s sumptuous guide to German U-Boats, and while each is a mere 57 pages, they are crammed to the brim with black and white photographs (many from archives and family collections, and published for the first time), backed by high-quality

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57 pages

digital artwork. The reader is launched into the regular studies of U-Boats, starting with Type II B vessels U-9, U-19 and U-24, photographed during Baltic operations in 1942, offering a glimpse of life at sea, along with details of the submarines. Type VII C hulls U-97, U-81, U-423, U-270 and U-429 receive similar treatment, the highlight being a series of torpedo reloading shots, along with Type IXs U-68 and U-107. The in-focus section is always a veritable gold mine of information, and the examination of U-481’s operations in the Gulf of Finland is no exception. Close-up photos of the vessel’s splinterstyle camouflage offer inspiration for modellers, while providing the basis for a superb three-page gatefold colour profile, complete with U-481’s conspicuous conning tower emblem of Stalin being hit with a hammer! Patrol report extracts serve to enliven the text, documenting torpedo, surface gunnery and even ramming tactics (the latter being against woodenhulled ships). SF

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MORE VERTICAL TALES

Harrier Boys Volume Two By: Bob Marston ISBN: 978-1-910690-17-8 Price: £20 Format: 234 x 156mm Web: www.grubstreet.com I had already reviewed Harrier Boys 1 and enjoyed it immensely, particularly as some of the text was written by AVM Peter Dodworth…a neighbour and friend in my village. Peter was one of the first Harrier instructors at Wittering and wrote an excellent history feature for AMW's December 2013 issue. Volume 2

221 pages

promised much in covering the Harrier's evolution from 1990 to 2010. Late GR.3 missions at home and abroad blend into the introduction of the new-age GR.5, whereby personnel had to adjust to new technologies…which wasn’t without its difficulties. A pleasing account comes from Marc ‘Rambo’ Frith, a USAF exchange pilot, and Andy Sephton’s tales of test-flying the Harrier GR.5 with its new Pegasus 11-61 engine for the US Marine Corps are revealing. Personally, my favourite story is from Mike Harwood, who flew development sorties to help secure nocturnal operability for the Harrier, with night vision goggles; his account is sobering in the extreme, regarding the stresses of low-level flying in the dark. There's much to say about the Harrier in this book, but oddly, just five pages are afforded to the capability of the Harrier in Afghanistan; surely this deserved much more coverage? Still, it’s a splendid read throughout and even die-hard fans of the type will learn something new from the interesting, and often amusing narratives from different pilots and engineers. CC

RAYDON JUGS AND PONIES

216 pages

Slybirds A Photographic Odyssey of the 353rd Fighter Group During the Second World War By: Graham Cross ISBN: 978-0-9934152-6-5 Price: £29.95 Format: 216 x 283mm Web: www.casematepublishing.co.uk Any 8th Air Force fan who’s read (or even just seen) Graham Cross’ thumping work ‘Jonah’s Feet Are Dry’, will recognise he's not intimidated by research. So, it’s pleasing to see the same author penning this useful hardback photographic examination of the 353rd FG. It follows a previous work in the same Fighting High series, on the 56th FG…but is just as good. The format and design are very similar, whereby excellent black and white (and a handful of colour) photos are accompanied by wellwritten captions, and punctuated by longer narratives. There’s a very human element to these books, due to the many images of pilots,

groundcrew and other support staff (such as American Red Cross ‘Donut Dollies’), but still, ample detail is on offer in the photos of actual aircraft. The colour study of a P-47D-25-RE named ‘Soubrette’, on page 72, is a standout example as it shows the trademark black and yellow cowling diamonds to good effect, but also the soft-edged, weathered camouflage. A real boon for modellers is the Markings, Nose Art and Famous Aircraft section, with its splendid views of various P-47s and P-51s. This is a classy book indeed. CC

The Boys are sTill flying N o w AvA i l A b l e Only £20 each From all good bookshops For signed copies contact [email protected] t. 0207 924 3966

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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS

PERFECT PUG

I-16 Type 24 By: ICM Item no: 48097 Price: £11.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua ICM’s 1/72 I-153s have delighted modellers, and its quarter-scale I-16s are destined to do the same. Its kit of this pugnacious fighter comprises just two runners, and the highquality styrene components feature a combination of delicate engraved panel lines and crisp raised details. Neat touches abound, from the clear rear instrument panel part to represent the dial faces, to the busy

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cockpit. The highlight is the 16-piece engine but it’s just a shame most is hidden when the cowling is added. Four schemes, three with standard Russian green/light blue camouflage and one in overall white, are offered: • 13th Sqn, Baltic Fleet Aviation, summer 1940 • White 72, 67th Fighter Regt, South Front, summer 1941 • White 11, 72nd Mixed Regt, Northern Fleet Aviation, summer 1941 • Red 21, 4th Guards Fighter Regt, Baltic Fleet Aviation, winter-spring 1942

GORGEOUS NIPPONESE LINES

Kawasaki Ki-61-Id Hien (Tony) By: Tamiya Item no: 61115 Price: £39.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net While other firms have tended towards complexity in their kits, Tamiya’s Ki-61 is a refreshing break. Comprising just five styrene runners (with most parts on two of them) it follows the company’s twin mantras of engineering excellence and ease of assembly. Given that one frame supplies a frosted transparent fuselage half, there’s no concern over the internal detail, and the cockpit is superb, while

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MC.202 Folgore By: Italeri Item no: 1222 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Given the type’s popularity and aesthetic lines, it’s curious there aren’t more 1/72 kits of Macchi’s Folgore (Thunderbolt) fighter, but Italeri’s re-release is welcome. While the mouldings aren’t to modern standards, the recessed panel lines are crisp and delicate and there is acceptable detail in the cockpit and wheel

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wells. Options include an open/ closed canopy, and two styles of horizontal stabiliser. Italeri usually excels with its decals, although on this example they were slightly out of register, but they provide national/unit insignia, stencils and instrument panel dials: • Red 6/Blue 0, 374 Squadriglia, 51° Stormo • Red 2, 85a Squadriglia, 3° Stormo • White 1, 356a Squadriglia, 21° Stormo

HUNTING AFTER DARK

1/72

1/48

the seven-piece engine is a sound basis for super-detailing. Options are limited to a solid/clear fuselage side and an open/closed canopy, but while it lacks features such as poseable flaps or removable engine side panels, one can revel in the gorgeous exterior, with its delicate engraved panel lines and rivets, which cry out for a panel line wash. Two schemes are supplied, one in overall aluminium, the other with green mottle: • 2nd Lt Shunzo Takashima, 244th Air Group, Chofu, May 1945 • Capt Teruhiko Kobayashi, 244th Air Group, Chofu, February 1945

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UNDERRATED ITALIAN

Junkers Ju 88G-6 By: Zvezda Item no: 7269 Price: £19.99 Web: www.www.hobbyco.net Zvezda launched its Ju 88 series with the G-6 night fighter, so hopefully this re-release heralds the return of its A-4 and A-17/A-5 offerings. The contents are identical to the original boxing, so one receives two styrene runners of crisply moulded components, with a separate transparent frame for the cockpit glazing and direction-finding aerial. The presentable eight-piece

cockpit is enlivened by Zvezda’s inclusion of three splendid crew figures, with the pilot having a choice of a head with either flying helmet or peaked cap. However, the undersized fin and rudder has not been corrected, although this should be within the ability of most modellers. There should be no issues with radar antenna alignment, as the central X-hub is supplied as a single item, to which the dipoles are then attached. Decals for three aircraft are included, but no unit data; the fuselage codes are 9W+EL, W7+LK and 3C+DB, with examples of ‘scribble’ and mottle.

ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS

DESERT STORM

Hurricane Mk.I Trop By: Italeri Item no: 2768 Price: £34.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Italeri’s Hurricane gets another outing, this time as a Tropical version, but with new parts and decals. The most notable transformation is via the Vokes filter, which looks well shaped, but this tooling does suffer from a few bloopers; three-spoke wheels, and the odd incorrect panel line/surface panel. The cockpit is reasonable, although Italeri does not offer a floorless ‘office’…instead it gives the

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impression of depth by raising the pilot's footrails. The detail is good in general, although the control column handle is squashed, and the spinner also appears misshapen. PE seatbelts and an instrument panel overlay are provided, as are six colour schemes but some of the unit aircraft/unit information is erroneous. Some of the liveries are: • W9266, Flt Lt Dudley Honor, 274 Sqn RAF, Egypt, 1941 • Z4189/L, 74 Sqn RAF, 1942 • Z2402/GL-P, Hal Far, Malta, 1941 • V7524/TP-S, 73 Sqn, Libya, 1941

MUD-MOVING HUNCHBACK

MiG-29SMT By: Zvezda Item no: 7309 Price: £20.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Zvezda’s MiG-29SMT continues its magnificent line of modern Russian fighters. While it shares six runners of finely moulded parts with the MiG-29S, a fresh item supplies a new upper fuselage half and nose (with the extended dorsal spine replicated faithfully), along with updated wingtips, instrument

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panel and coaming, and a centreline fuel tank. The remaining four runners supply a full air-toground suite of bombs, rockets and missiles. There are choices of raised/lowered undercarriage, open/closed canopy and intake and exhaust blanks, along with a standing pilot figure and wheel chocks for a parked machine: • Red 22, 14th Fighter Regt, Russian AF • Red 22, Main Flight Research Center, Russian AF

NAVAL FIGHTER-RECCE

Fairey Fulmar Mk.II/NF Mk.II By: Special Hobby Item no: SH 72368 Price: €16.70 Web: www.cmkkits.com Based on its 2009 tooling, Special Hobby’s Fulmar now has new parts so one can build the Mk.II variants. First, this is not up to the current standard of product from this manufacturer, but experienced modellers will relish the limitedrun challenge…and the detail is good. Delicate engraving gives a quality feel, there are resin wheels and antenna posts, and a PE fret

carries seatbelts, radar aerials, oleo scissors and more. Special Hobby is generous, with four Fleet Air Arm options being supplied, and the decal quality is superb: • BP791/BOJ, 784 NAS, RAF Drem, Scotland, 1943-44 • BP782/OR, 806 NAS, HMS Illustrious, Indian Ocean, summer 1942 • X8812/6F, 809 NAS, HMS Victorious, Operational Pedestal, summer 1942 • DR641/6B, 809 NAS, HMS Victorious, Operation Torch, November 1942

SO NEAR, YET SO, SO FAR

Boulton Paul Defiant F1 By: Trumpeter Item no: 02899 Price: £31.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk When Trumpeter announced a Defiant modellers held their breath, unsure of whether its British-subject jinx would strike again…and it has. Engraved panel lines and rivets are well executed and there is pleasing detail, but much is spurious, an affliction shared by the cockpit sidewalls. Many Defiant kits suffer from inaccurate fuselage crosssections/profiles and Trumpeter’s

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duly joins their number; both the nose and rear sections are incorrect. Highlights include the rear turret structure, but modellers wanting this traversed must lower the rear decking, and generally there's an air of simplification. The decals are disappointing, repeating available aftermarket products, while the colours are too bright and the roundels over-sized/wrongly proportioned. The two liveries are: • 3328/DZ-Z, 151 Squadron RAF, Wittering, 1940-1941 • L7009/TW-H, 141 Squadron RAF, Turnhouse, 1940

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 99

ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS

ANGELIC FAR-EASTERN BOMBER

Aichi B7A2 Attack Bomber Ryusei Kai (Grace) ‘Rollout’ By: Hasegawa Item no: 07410 Price: £32.99 Web: www.amerang.co.uk Aichi’s gull-winged torpedo/ dive-bomber returns in 1/48 scale courtesy of Hasegawa, this time depicting aircraft as they appeared shortly after being manufactured, and before they were assigned to units. All this makes it a rather odd release, unless one is particularly interested in pre-squadron Japanese World War Two subjects. The parts, supplied on 18 runners of

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varying sizes, are unchanged from previous iterations, and provide a wealth of interior detail, notably the very busy cockpit, which comes complete with oxygen cylinders, bombsight, and full structural ribbing. There are options for open/ closed cowling flaps and a choice of torpedo or bomb armament; the latter benefits from an accurate rendition of the attachment cradle. Both B7A2 schemes are in green/ grey camouflage, with markings for the 10th and 44th aircraft. Hinomarus and basic stencilling are supplied on the decal sheet, but the airframes are otherwise bare. 1/32

NIMBLE ATTACKER

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ROTARY RESCUER

BK117 ADAC By: Revell Item no: 04953 Price: £9.50 Web: www.revell.de/en It’s hard to believe there’s been just one 1/72 scale offering of the BK-117, admittedly re-boxed over the years, and Matchbox’s gem of a kit is back in Revell packaging. As one of the former company’s later products, it lacks the notorious ‘trench-digger’ panel lines, although some may still regard them as heavy compared to modern offerings. This is a great basic-level package,

supplying a reasonably wellappointed interior (albeit lacking the medical apparatus), which will be visible through the crystal-clear transparencies. Moulded in garish yellow styrene, it offers the option of being assembled without painting, and captures the type’s distinctive outline accurately. The single overall yellow scheme is for D-HDAC, one of motoring organisation ADAC’s helicopters based at München-Harching in 1986; basic stencils are included on the decal sheet, but the black trim must be painted.

INVASION MARK NINES

Yakovlev Yak-3 By: Special Hobby Item no: SH 32011 Price: €40 Web: www.cmkkits.com Special Hobby has re-issued its lovely Yak-3 in basic guise, following the hi-tech NormandieNiemen boxing (SH 32067). Although a modern offering, it lacks alignment tabs and locating pins, and in terms of detail is not to the same standard as the firm’s Tempests, but the cockpit is a delight, with internal framing, and well-appointed side consoles and instrument panel. The wing

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fuel tank gauges are a neat touch, with decals for the dials, while the rather complex wheel bays are accurate and involved replicas. A trio of colourful threetone camouflage schemes, all for aircraft involved intimately in the Soviet advance to Berlin (all the assigned pilots were aces), are: • White 15, 64 Guards Fighter Regt, 4 Guards Fighter Div, 2nd Baltic Front, autumn 1944 • White 114, 402 Fighter Regt, 265 Fighter Div, 1st Belorussian Front, spring 1945 • White 10, 6 Guards Fighter Div, 2nd Ukrainian Front, spring 1945

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

Spitfire Mk.IXc late version By: Eduard Item no: 7431 Price: €12.75 Web: www.eduard.com From a personal perspective, Eduard’s choices of liveries for its Weekend Mk.IXc is inspired, featuring Czech and Polish squadrons that served with the RAF. There are six runners in all…three common items to all of the firm’s Spitfires (including transparencies) and then three specific to a standard-style

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Spitfire fuselage and C-type wing, and rest assured, there are plenty of spares for other projects! Eduard has surpassed itself in terms of exterior detail refinement, and for those unsatisfied with the splendid styrene interior, there are a host of photo-etched brass and resin accessories available separately. The liveries are: • MH819/NN-M, 310 (Czech) Sqn RAF, Appledram, mid-June, 1944 • MK984/ZF-R, 308 (Polish) Sqn RAF, Westrem, Belgium, late 1944

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100% MILITARY Machines of the 20th Century

Issue 189

Issue 196

War and Peace The world’s largest military vehicle rally is back at the Hop Farm

Dodge Ambulance 1942 WC 54 Restored £4.50

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Dennis, Thornycroft and Wolseley

Grandfather’s Bike

A Tribute WD/CO Royal Enfield

Wheels and Tracks

Armour: Csaba to Challenger

September 2017

World War One Lorries

Classic Military Vehicle magazine covers a comprehensive range of military vehicles from the beginning of mechanisation at the start of the 20th century and continues up to the recent Gulf and Afghanistan conflicts. It concentrates on wheeled and tracked military hardware that featured in conflicts around the world. Such vehicles are featured extensively with in-depth profiles each month in the form of readers’ restorations and historical features as well as regular news, event reports, book reviews and archive photo sections including the centre spread.

SEPTEMBER ISSUE FEATURES: WAR AND PEACE REVIVAL The War and Peace Revival returned to the Hop Farm venue in Kent and the Classic Military Magazine team were there CONFRONTING CHALLENGER

* NEW CONTENT * NEW FEATURES * NEW LOOK

Face to face with possibly the only complete up-and-running Challenger 1 MBT in private ownership SON OF ATILLA Eric Bryan recounts the history of the Csaba armoured car A FITTING TRIBUTE A Royal Enfield WD/CO 350cc is restored to honour a grandfather’s World War Two achievements

and much more!

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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS

DESERT CRUISER

Crusader Mk.III By: Tamiya Item no: 37025 Price: £35.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Tamiya’s announcement of an upgraded Italeri Crusader Mk.III had many modellers hoping for re-worked exterior detail, and perhaps a modicum for the innards. However, the new components are merely two figures from Tamiya’s Churchill Mk.VII (35210) and weapons/tools and equipment

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from its British Infantry on Patrol set (35223). The remaining runners appear unchanged from previous Italeri offerings and, despite being four-plus decades old, feature a pleasing level of detail, with no flash or sink marks. Single lengths of ‘rubber-band’-style vinyl tracks are supplied, along with four blocks of spare links. Two olive green machines are offered, both from the British Army’s 6th Armoured Division in Tunisia, during late 1942 and early 1943.

CAPTURED UPGRADES

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WARGAMING DELIGHT

M10 Tank Destroyer By: Italeri Item no: 15758 Price: £20.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Crossovers between wargaming and modelling are on the rise, and with this newly tooled offering from Italeri, it’s easy to see why. There are two styrene runners, and the style mixes the simplicity of smaller scale kits, with a busy open turret interior that wouldn’t be amiss in a 1/35 product. Six partial figures are included, three of each in US and British-style battle dress, one of which is depicted holding a round for the main gun. Tracks

are supplied as four-piece items, and seem rather basic–painting and weathering effects will be necessary for a more realistic appearance. The decals are a joy to behold; there may be schemes for vehicles from just three units, but there’s a choice of 12 machines (five American, five British and two South African): • A21/A22/A23/A24/A25, 702nd Tank Destroyer Bn, US Army, France, 1944 • D1/D2/D3/D4/D5, 72nd AntiTank Regt, 6th Armd Div, British Royal Artillery, Italy, 1944 • ‘Venture’/’Vagabond’, 1st/11th Anti-Tank Regt, 6th South African Armd Div, Italy, 1944

STEEL-CLAD ENGINEER

Tiran 4 By: Takom Item no: 2051 Price: £55.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Having produced top-quality T-54s and T-55s, it’s inevitable Takom would tackle Israel’s Tiran series. It’s Tiran-4 (based on the T-54) combines parts from earlier releases with three new runners, supplying mudguard changes, glacis plate and engine decking, along with specific Israeli-fitted equipment, such as .50 cal gun, radio antennas, additional stowage and jerrycans. There

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is an option in the instructions for an up-gunned Tiran-4Sh (with 105mm barrel), but not the colour schemes, so research is essential. All components are moulded superbly, notably the individual-link tracks, while the textured relief on the cast turret, fabric-covered mantlet and rubber mudguards endplates is replicated faithfully. Three schemes for South Lebanese Army machines offer various camouflage: • 130734, Negev Desert, 1980s • 175843, Jezzine, 1985 • Operation Peace for Galilee, southern Lebanon, 1982

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

Churchill Mk.III AVRE By: Dragon Item no: 7327 Price: £19.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Dragon’s ‘mix-and-match’ approach to kits is perfect for lesser-known types, such as this Churchill Mk.III Assault Vehicle Royal Engineers. The existing Mk.III/IV parts are augmented by Runner G, which supplies new side plates/track skirts, turret front and a delightful rendition of the type’s 290mm Petard spigot mortar. All parts are moulded

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sharply, notably the engine deck and track guards. The tracks are single lengths of DS-Styrene, and while these aren’t universally popular, they are ideal for this subject, as the upper section is hidden, allowing any slack to be taken up. Markings are provided for two overall SCC15 Olive Drab northwest Europe-deployed machines from the 82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armoured Division during 1944; T68286 ‘Lynx’ and T17242 ‘Legionnaire’.

ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS

REWORKED ‘CRICKET’

Geschutzwagen 38 H fur s.IG.33/1 initial production w/Gun Crew By: Dragon Item no: 6857 Price: £64.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net With its roots in Kirin's tooling, the Grille (Cricket), has been knocked about in various ways by Dragon over the years. This boxing appears to offer a mix of existing runners and new components. The latter include new armour plates under Dragon’s ‘Razor Edge’ branding, and these are commendably thin. Any open-topped vehicle that carries the s.IG.33 gun is a tantalising proposition, due to

MINI-TANK FAMILY

British Churchill Tank By: Plastic Soldier Item no: WW2V15023 Price: £19.95 Web: www.theplasticsoldier company.co.uk This well-engineered set is yet another case of wargaming/ modelling crossover, and while 15mm (approximately 1/108) might not be a standard armour kit scale, this package offers plenty of potential. There are five styrene runners, each of which will build one of a Mk.III, Mk.IV, Mk.IV (with

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so much detail being visible, but here, Dragon offers it in spades. A full engine and transmission feature, along with radios, ammunition, small arms and more…and then there’s the beautifully rendered gun. Magic Track individual links are also supplied, but the bonus addition is that of Dragon’s Self-Propelled Gun Crew set, with four useful figures. Photo-etched brass details and a turned-aluminium barrel complete an excellent kit. The two schemes are: • Unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1943 • Test run, BMM factory, 1943 15mm

75mm gun), Mk V or a Mk.III AVRE, and the colour-coded instructions make choosing a particular variant a simple effort. The side skirts are marred by sink marks, but otherwise the moulding is firstrate, with pleasing detail including engineering tools, spare track links and options for an open/ closed commander’s cupola and different external stowage. Tracks and running gear are provided as a single item per side, and need little preparation. No decals are supplied, though.

BRITISH BATTLER RETURNS

Matilda Mk.III/IV By: Tamiya Item no: 35300 Price: £32.50 Web: www.hobbyco.net This re-release was Tamiya’s 300th item when issued in 2009. One does not receive the photographic reference booklet this time, but no matter…what’s in the box will please many armour fans. The hull is particularly well reproduced, and has fine bolt detail and impressive, crisp moulding. Link-and-length tracks are provided, as well as ‘rubber band’ examples. The two stowage

BIJOU ARMOUR

Type 94 Japanese Tankette Late Production Type By: IBG Models Item no: 72044 Price: €8.50 Web: www.ibg.com.pl This is the first injection kit of the Type 94 in this scale, and depicts the late production variant with large idler wheel. All parts are moulded beautifully, and the detail is magnificent for the size, incorporating separate tools, bogie suspension arms and towing eyes.

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bundles are convincing, while hollow muzzles make the machine gun and two different main gun barrels worthy inclusions. Especially pleasing is the texture on the asbestos tape-wrapped exhausts. Livery-wise, an Englandbased machine accompanies two Caunter scheme examples from North Africa, but it’s wise to research the shades for the latter: • T6968 ‘Phantom’, 42nd RTR, North Africa, 1941 • T6949/4 ‘Defiance’, 32nd Army Tank Brigade, Libya, 1941 • T6943 ‘Filibuster’, 35th Army Tank Brigade, 1942 1/72

This delightful subject is reproduced faithfully, capturing the type’s noseup attitude. No interior is supplied, but the commander/gunner hatch is separate. The distinctive exhaust grille is in photo-etched brass, along with track guard supports and small rear hull plate. There are markings for two vehicles, one of which wears four-tone camouflage: • Imperial Japanese Navy Land Forces unit, 1941 • White 917, Imperial Japanese Army unit, 1942

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 103

ON THE SHELF AUTO AND BIKE KITS

OFF-ROAD HATCHBACK

Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2015 By: Belkits Item no: BEL-010 Price: £49.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Compared to its Golf cousin, VW’s Polo has been neglected almost completely by kit firms, with just four releases (of rally versions) available… three of which are by Belkits. Thankfully, the firm’s comprehensive approach is reflected here, with five white, one transparent and one chrome-plated styrene runner, two photo-etched metal frets, vinyl tyres and splashguards, and a length of

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fabric for the seatbelts. Neat touches include options for self-adhesive chromed logos, with/without night lights, while the interior is reproduced faithfully, even down to the straps for the spare wheel. As a ‘curbside’ machine, a full engine isn’t supplied, but the suspension and lower powerplant sections are replicated accurately, even if these are hidden by the undertray. The scheme is of VW Motorsport, much of which can be completed with just the decals, with a choice of #1 crewed by Ogier/Ingrassia, and the #2 vehicle of Latvala/Anttila.

RALLYING CLASSIC

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CHARACTERFUL RACER

Lancia D20 By: Profil24 Models Item no: P24104 Price: €165 Web: www.profil24-models.com Profil24’s multi-media Lancia D20 is not for the faint-hearted, with most parts in resin, combined with turned-metal wheel rims and axles, vac-formed windows and windshield, and four photoetched metal frets. It represents the final Lancia design to compete at Le Mans, and unsurprisingly, the interior is spartan, but what detail there is, has been replicated faithfully…the 13-piece radiator grille is superb, along with the

ENERGISED VEE-DUB

Ford Escort RS1800 Mk II By: Italeri Item no: 3655 Price: £25.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Italeri’s RS1800 has been available in Revell, Humbrol and (originally) Esci boxings, but despite its age is pleasantly detailed. Compared to more modern offerings, the fittings are relatively basic, notably the single-piece cut-pyramidstyle windscreen/windows transparency. It comprises just four styrene runners, and the parts are well moulded...although

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flash appears on smaller items and in many apertures. There’s a busy interior and engine, while seatbelts are via decals, as are the instrument dials. Curiously, the vinyl tyres have an almost slick tread, and while there are brand logos on the sidewalls, there was notable flash on these examples, and ideally they should be replaced. The single scheme depicts car #5, driven by Hannu Mikkola (with Arne Hertz as his co-driver), as it appeared in the 1979 Monte Carlo Rally, with its overall white livery and three-tone blue racing trim.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2016 By: Belkits Item no: BEL-011 Price: £49.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Volkswagen’s 2016 Polo R was to be the last of its entries into the World Rally Championship, which was a shame as the type had dominated the sport for several years. Belkits, in its seemingly single-handed attempt to bring this rallying supermini to modellers, has capitalised on its 2015 machine (externally the cars appear identical), combining it with a new decal sheet that

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dashboard and wheels. However, none of the resin or turned metal components are labelled, so care will be needed during assembly. Markings are supplied for the following cars: • TO 14 5294, #63, José Froilán González, Clemente Biondette, Le Mans, 1953 • TO 14 5295, #31, Robert Manzon, Louis Chiron, Le Mans, 1953 • TO 14 5296, #32, Felice Bonetto, Luigi Valenzano, Le Mans, 1953 • TO 14 5297, #30, Piero Taruffi, Umberto Maglioli, Le Mans, 1953 • TO 14 5297, #76, Umberto Maglioli, Targa Florio, 1953

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reflects changes in sponsorship. Unsurprisingly the parts are the same, and all are crisply moulded with nary a glimpse of flash present. Belkit’s extensive research is exemplified in the assembly sequence for the interior, with the complex roll cage rendered as five components to ensure accuracy. The single-piece body shell is a delight, capturing the type’s beefy lines and rally styling. A greater selection of cars are provided on the decal sheet, as VW Motorsport II’s #9 (Andreas Mikkelson and Anders Jæger) is supplied, in addition to the primeteam crews (Ogier and Latvala).

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ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS

GORGEOUS GRIZZLYS

A400M By: Babibi Model Item no: 01020 Price: €15.48 Web: www.babibimodel.com

1/72 They all wear Airbus’ standard overall grey scheme, which appears close to FS 26173 Neutral Gray: • 13-0009/14-0013/0028, 221 Filo, Turkish Air Force, Kayseri AB • M54-01/02, 22 Skn, Malaysian AF, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah AB • 54+01/02/03, LTG 62, German Luftwaffe, Wunstorf AB • F-RBAA/RBAB/RBAC/RBAD/ RBAE, French Air Force, Orléans/ Bricy • ZM401/402/403/404/405/406/ 407, 70 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton

Revell’s A400Ms (regardless of scale) are in for a facelift, thanks to this delightful collection of schemes for the type, which is also available in 1/144. Airframes for five nationalities (Turkey, Malaysia, Luftwaffe, France and UK) are included, but what makes this product stand out is the provision of multiple options for each, along with commemorative artwork for four of the country’s machines and serials for all Turkish A-400Ms that entered service in 2017. Register and colour density are spot-on, and the rich tones (notably white and yellow) will enliven the appearance of these transports.

'CRANBERRY' COLLECTION Canberra B.2/TT.18 By: Shelf Oddity Item no: SO314416 Price: £6.55 Web: coastalcraftmodelsuk.com Whether one has kits by A-Model or OzMods, these visually appealing markings will brighten any model. Rather than choosing commemorative or unit schemes, Shelf Oddity has opted for the most eye-catching, with overall

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white, white/PRU Blue/Dark Sea Grey/Medium Sea Grey, red/ white/Light Aircraft Grey to the fore, along with ‘bee-like’ black/ yellow target-towing stripes for the single TT.18 airframe. The decals are well printed, although the density did appear to be lacking, notably on the yellow chequers for the 100 Squadron airframe. For those seeking more detail, stencils (SO314417) are also available. The five liveries are: • B.2, WH962, 76 Squadron RAF, South Pacific • B.2, WF890, ‘Swifter Flight’, early 1960s • B.2, WJ753, 100 Squadron, early 1970s • TT.18, WJ717/841, Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit, Yeovilton, 1973 • B.2, WJ608, ‘Swifter Flight’, El Adem, Libya, mid-1960s

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

MARINE REFUELLING USMC KC-130J Hercules By: Flying Leathernecks Models Item no: FL48011 Price: US $20 Web: www.flyingleathernecks models.com Italeri’s 1/48 second-generation Herks receive the ‘Oo-Rah!’ treatment courtesy of Flying Leathernecks, with markings for three USMC KC-130J tankers, one of which is bedecked in markings to commemorate 100 years of Marine Aviation. While unit, national and airframespecific insignias are supplied, those for general stencils and formation lights will need to come from the kit. Note walkway stripes are not included, but their outlines are shown on the plan view, along with the correct colour (FS 36495) and width (1/64in [0.4mm]); aftermarket products are needed for the

GUARD DAKOTAS ANG C-47s By: Iliad Design Item no: 72018 Price: US $12 Web: www.iliad-design.com Modellers seeking something different for their DC-3s/C47s should consider this delightful offering from Iliad, which provides for US Air National Guard (AG) airframes from four states. Colour schemes vary from natural metal, to doped and lacquered aluminium, and a single white/aluminium Dakota. While not the most exciting liveries, several include either state symbols or logos; Nebraska’s corn on the cob device is arguably one of the most unusual. There are sufficient extra walkways and national insignia for just one airframe, although stencils must be sourced from the kit’s markings. The four Guard units represented are: • 0-92079, Puerto Rico ANG

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underwing refuelling pods. All three KC-130Js are attired in standard Tactical Paint Scheme hues of FS 35237 Gray Blue, FS 36320 Dark Compass Ghost Gray and FS 36495 Light Gray: • 166765/QB/6765/765, VMGR-352 ‘Raiders’, September 2007 • 166472/BH/6472/472, VMGR-252 ‘Otis’, August 2015 • 166511/BH/6511/511, VMGR-252 ‘Otis’, April 2008

1/72 • 315568/VA NG ‘The Old Dominion’, Virginia ANG, 1948 • 315555/NEBR NG, Nebraska ANG, 1947-48 • 330691, NMEX NG, New Mexico ANG, 1947-48

ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS

WHIZZY TWIN-BOOM

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North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco By: Kits-World Item no: KW172141 Price: £10.20 Web: www.kitsworld.co.uk Kits-World is to be congratulated for its decision to offer markings for the Bronco…a type that’s begging to be reproduced to high quality in 1/72 scale. The best of the crop is from Academy, but all others (Airfix, Hasegawa etc) will need much more work. Here, one receives decals for ten Broncos, but note these are all the ‘short-nose’ version…no D-models are represented. The schemes are all colourful, though, and export users are rife. Options include: • OV-10F, S-101, Skadron Udara 21, Indonesian AF • OV-10A, 55392, US Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, Aluquerque, NM, 1980s • OV-10E, 2641, Escuadron 40,

RUSSIAN STEALTH

UNCLE SAM IN THE HEAT

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USAAF at War Pt:2 By: Blackbird Models Item no: BMD72037 Price: £5 Web: www.blackbirdmodels.co.uk Blackbird’s second dip into USAAF waters offers three different subjects from the Pacific theatre; two being in natural metal, the other in seriously interesting camouflage. This is a B-17E in the attractive Hawaiian Air Depot four-tone livery over Neutral Gray. The decals themselves are printed very well, with sharp outlines, and excellent register and depth of colour. The choices are:

Venezuelan AF, 1980s • AV-10A, 55456/17/EW, US Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, mid1970s • OV10A, 55462, Royal Moroccan AF, 1981 • OV-10B, Schießplatzstaffel, German Luftwaffe, Lubeck, 1985

• Boeing B-29, 23/Z, 500th BG • Boeing B-17E, 41-02409 ‘Old Maid’, 11th BG, Guadalcanal • Curtiss P-40N, ‘7’, Maj Johnson, 7th FS, 49th FG, New Guinea, 1944

THREE-CROWN ROTORS

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1/72 A 204 & 204B, HKP 3A, B & C By: Moose Republic Item no: 72022 Price: 165kr/£15.49 Web: www.mooserepublic.se

Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA By: Begemot Item no: 72-065 Price: £8.30 Web: www.begemotdecals.ru Sukhoi’s T-50 might be just a development aircraft, but this hasn’t prevented model companies, and now Begemot, from providing eager fans of Russian aviation with kits and decals respectively. The latter’s comprehensive sheet deals with the first six flight prototypes; the major differences are the initial use of a three-tone splinter camouflage, with later machines wearing the so-called ‘shark’ pattern, of which there are at least two variations. While

the instructions depict nine options, careful reading of the accompanying notes yields at least five other choices. Despite none of the current kits supplying weapons, Begemot kindly offers a host of stencils for air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and free-fall bombs. The prototype schemes include: • T-50-1, Blue 51, MAKS-11 Air Salon, August 2011 • T-50-2, Blue 53, December 2012 • T-50-4, Blue 054, Zhukovskiy AB, 2013 • T-50-5, Blue 055, Zhukovskiy AB, October 2013-Jun 2014 • T-50-6, Blue 056, Zhukovskiy AB, 2016 • T-50-5P, Blue 055, October 2015

Moose Republic is a relatively new name in the decal market, and here is the first of various samples received by AMW. The firm specialises in Swedish subjects, and this sheet offers a wealth of markings for Swedish Army and Air Force AB 204 helicopters…the civilianised Bell UH-1. Sweden flew these machines in Olive Green, and that’s represented here, but so too is the famous ‘splinter’ scheme akin to that of the Viggen. Both liveries are enlivened by Day-Glo panels, and there’s also an overall white UN helo, as seen in Thailand in 1980. A generous 15 liveries are provided, but so too is a feast of information on appropriate UH-1 kits from Italeri and Hobby Boss. Proprietor Robert Bergwall has really done his homework. Examples include: • HKP 3C, Yellow 55, Army, AF1 Boden, to 2001

• HKP 3B, Yellow 81, Air Force, F4 Frösösn/Ostersund, to 1999 • Yellow 93, Air Force, F16 Uppsala • Yellow 96, Air Force, F10 Ängelsholm • White 46, Army

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 107

ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS

OILY BIPLANE

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FOREIGN FIGHTERS

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North American Bubbletop P-51 Mustang Collection Pt 2 By: Xtradecal Item no: X48177 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk

Fokker D.VII By: Arctic Decals Item no: ARC72-069 Price: €10 Web: www.arcticdecals.com Of the schemes worn by Fokker D.VIIs, perhaps the least expected is that of Texaco Oil, but despite its rarity, this is now available from Arctic Decals in 1/72, 1/48 (ARC48016) and 1/32 (ARC32-001). The aircraft, which bore registration OO-AMH, is a twin-seater, so 1/72 offerings from Revell or Roden will need converting, but a twoplace Omega Models resin kit is

also available. Due to doubts over the airframe and wing colour, two profiles are supplied, one red, the other dark blue, although given the brand, the former is the more likely. Humbrol and Xtracolor paint codes are supplied, as are two black and white reference photographs. The decals are printed onto solid carrier film, so must be cut individually from the backing sheet; note there is no sealing coat over the UV-ink printed markings, so more care than usual is needed when handling them.

INTRUDERS AND SNOOPERS

Junkers Ju 88C-4/D-2 By: Xtradecal Item no: X48180 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk Reconnaissance and early night fighter Ju 88s haven’t received much attention, so Xtradecal’s sheet depicting eight aircraft (four of each type), and national insignia for two (one German and

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one Hungarian) is most welcome. The 1.(F)/122 machine will require the cameras to be repositioned; however a possible ninth option is for a machine with the same serial, but with this equipment in the bomb bay (as in the kit). Note there is an ongoing debate over the fuselage serial colours for the Hungarian machine (which is also in the Special Hobby boxing). The schemes are: • Ju 88C-4, R4+BL, 3./ NJG 2, Gilze-Rijen, The Netherlands, 1941 • Ju 88C-4 R4+HK, 2./NJG 2, Kastelli, Crete, July 27, 1942 • Ju 88C-4. R4+WK, Derna, North Africa • Ju 88D-2/A5-F, F9+CN, Eastern Front, winter 1942-43 • Ju 88D-2/A5-F, 7A+MM, 4.(F)/121, Balkans, April 1941 • Ju 88D-2, 7A+FH, 1.(F)/122, Fuka, Libya, August 1942 • Ju 88D-2, F9+15, 1/1 Long Range Reconnaissance Sqn, Royal Hungarian AF, Eastern Front, 1943

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

Xtradecal takes a second plunge in readiness for Airfix’s new 1/48 P-51, with this superb grouping of foreign-operated airframes, along with a single wartime USAAF machine. Modellers seeking slightly unusual subjects will enjoy this sheet, with its Italian, Swiss, South African, Haitian, Swedish and Somalian machines, mixing bare metal with Light Aircraft Grey and green/light blue camouflage. Curiously, the final option is for an F-6K, which needs at least one camera port to be drilled, and possible replacement of the canopy with the ‘Dallas’ version. The liveries are: • F-51D, MM4236/4-28, 10° Gruppo/4° Stormo, AMI, Italy, 1952 • P-51D, J-2113, Fliegerstaffel 21, Swiss AF, Dubendorf, Switzerland, 1951 • F-51D, 335, 2 (Flying Cheetahs)

GALLIC BUBBLETOPS

French Air Force Thunderbolts Part 1 By: LPS Hobby Item no: LPM72-35 Price: US $15 Web: www.lpshobby.com Tamiya’s 1/72 P-47Ds are arguably the best in this scale, but with just one release, additional decal options are always welcome. LPS’s first foray into French-operated Thunderbolts covers both wartime and post-war machines, the former in standard Olive Drab and Neutral Gray camouflage, and the latter in overall metallic. There are sufficient

Sqn, South African AF, Pyongyang, Korea, 1952 • F-51D, 916, Corps d’Aviation d’Haiti, Republic of Haiti, 1963 • J 26, 26031/16, F16, Flygvapnet, Uppsala, Sweden, 1945-46 • P-51D, 2, Somali AF, Somalia, 1955-60 • F-6K, 44-12527/QLL-L, 22nd TRS, 69th TRG, USAAF, Ochay, France, 1945 1/72

national insignia and stencils for both airframes, and walkway areas and wing/fuselage stripes are supplied as decals, although anti-glare panels will need to be painted. Note if one has the Tamiya, Academy or Hasegawa kit, then an aftermarket or scratchbuilt dorsal fillet is required for the D-30; Revell’s offering includes this item. The two aircraft are: • P-47D-28-RE, 44-20030/74, Groupe de Chasse 3/3 ‘Ardennes’, February 1945 • P-47D-30-RA, 44-89823/R, Groupe de Chasse 2/2 ‘Alsace’, July 1948

MOSQUITO

The Mosquito was one of the most famous and capable aircraft of World War Two. This 100-page special from the team behind Airfix Model World magazine celebrates that fact with five full model builds, type histories, kit/decal/accessory listings and exclusive scale drawings. Learn about the real Mosquito, and receive great instruction and advice on assembly, scratch-building, detailing and more. History features are provided by the renowned authors Dana Bell, Malcolm V Lowe and Terry Higgins, and all are accompanied by superb period images and colour profiles. The five in-depth Mosquito build projects are: AIRFIX 1/24 FB.VI COASTAL COMMAND TAMIYA 1/32 FB.VI SEAC HASEGAWA 1/72 FB.XVIII ‘TSETSE’ HK MODELS 1/32 B.IV AIRFIX 1/48 USAAF F-8 CONVERSION

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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

FLATTENED AERIALS

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Whitley GR Mk.VII Radar Antennas By: Eduard Item no: 72637 Price: €14.95 Web: www.eduard.com Perhaps the key feature of the Whitley GR Mk.VII was its extensive array of dipole antennas, which were the visible component of its air-to-surface vessel radar equipment. Airfix’s rendition earned much praise, but the components are arguably over-scale…step forward Eduard with its photoetched (PE) brass replacements. While undeniably thinner than the styrene, the major downside is the inability of 2D PE items to replicate the aerofoil and circular crosssections of the support masts and dipoles respectively.

COMPRESSED GASSES

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FITTING BOOTS

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Bristol Blenheim Mk.I-V Mainwheels By: BarracudaCast Item no: BR48058 Price: US $7.95 Web: www.barracudacast.com There aren’t many 1/48 Blenheims out there, and offerings from both Classic Airframes and Jaguar suffer from under-sized mainwheels (among other issues). Barracuda’s superbly cast resin replacements are the correct diameter, and far superior to the styrene parts, notably with the hub detail. These are smooth tread examples, and are unweighted.

BUCKLE UP

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LIGHTNING BOOST

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P-38F Turbochargers and Air Intakes By: Eduard Item no: 648285 Price: €7.45 Web: www.eduard.com Designed to fit Academy’s P-38 kits, Eduard’s 12-piece resin upgrade includes a small photo-etched brass fret for the exhaust shielding and inboard cowling strakes. For the most part, these are drop-in replacements, although both intake fairings on the upper cowlings will need to be removed, along with the styrene strakes. Two styles of turbocharger intercooler inlet are supplied, and the instructions are slightly confusing, as it is implied these are on both sides of each nacelle…instead they are just on the outer.

LIQUID COVER

V-BOMBER GEAR

Victor Wheels By: Eduard Item no: 672143 Price: €9.95 Web: www.eduard.com Airfix’s Victor has earned many plaudits, but due to moulding constraints one less than stellar area has been the wheels. Thankfully, Eduard’s beautifully cast resin replacements for the kit’s nose and main gears more than address this issue. The brake housings are beyond reproach, and all wheels have sharp rim and spoke detail…the ‘Dunlop’ logo is even included on the sidewalls. Even better, Eduard’s items are weighted, with bulged lower tyres, and the nosewheel mudguard is much thinner than Airfix’s styrene. Completing this superb package, there is a full wheel mask set and a small decal sheet for the mudguard ‘no step’ symbols.

PIRATE’S BLADES US Pressure Bottles - Modern By: Plus Model Item no: 478 Price: €14.70 Web: www.plusmodel.cz Plus Model’s latest diorama accessory is ideal for any workshop scene, comprising nine standard-sized highpressure gas bottles, with transit caps, regulators, a hand trolley and a small transport pallet. Cast crisply in resin, the bottles are single-piece items, devoid of flash or sink marks, although the former is present on the pallet and trolley handle/ support. A small photo-etched brass fret supplies chain, straps and buckles for the trolley, and markings for acetylene, air, argon, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide are supplied.

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Sutton QK Harness By: RB Productions Item no: RB-P32016 Price: €6 Web: www.radubstore.com Aircraft seatbelts have come a long way from home-cut strips of masking tape, and RB Productions’ items are among the most intricate and realistic offerings currently available. This Sutton harness is no exception, combining photoetched brass and metal grommets, buckles and clasps with pre-cut paper/textile straps. All that needs to be added is a small length of wire to connect the completed item to the seat…and the result will be stunning.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

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Quick Mask Red By: Wilder Models Item no: QM02 Price: US $5.60 Web: www.airbrushes.com Liquid masks are a common sight on modellers’ desks nowadays, and Adam Wilder’s spin on this has adopted a slightly different approach. These 50ml bottles come in a variety of colours (also clear, green, yellow and blue) and the aim is to provide a masking solution that contrasts to the surrounding tones, making it easier to see where it has been applied. As with other such products, it is best applied by brush and can be removed by rubbing the dried surface gently.

F4U-1 Corsair Spinner and Propeller Set By: HAD Model Item no: 13201 Price: €7.74 Web: www.hadmodels.eu Trumpeter’s F4U-1 gets a propeller makeover from HAD Models, with this neat four-piece resin assembly replacing the kit’s single item. While the styrene parts are accurate in terms of overall dimensions, the resin blades are much finer in crosssection, and the spinner detail is far crisper, notably the bolt heads on the cap and hub.

ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

IT’S A DRAG

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STAFF CAR TRIM

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HORSE BEFORE THE…

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Farmer Cart By: Hauler Item no: HLU35101 Price: €8.30 Web: www.hauler.cz US Navy Tow Bar (Modern) By: Brengun Item no: BRL48064 Price: €10.19 Web: www.brengun.cz This is the perfect accessory for any US Navy deck diorama, as tow bars are often seen attached to aircraft in preparation for being moved to/from the hangar. Brengun’s splendid resin and photo-etched (PE) brass item should be easy to construct, once the main bars have been separated from their casting blocks and neatened. Just a small section of styrene rod is required for the hinge/towing eye, and while no painting guidance is supplied, the main bars are usually white, with a red towing eye and aircraft attachment points.

SWATTER QUARTET

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Horch 4x4 Type 1a By: Hauler Item no: HLX48370 Price: €11.47 Web: www.hauler.cz Modellers wanting to make their Tamiya Horch 4x4 staff cars models into show-stoppers should seriously consider adding Hauler’s high-quality photo-etched metal update set. The interior receives all-new rifle racks, windscreen and dashboard, while the exterior benefits from improvements to the wing mirrors, tool clasps, numerous fittings and replacement mud flaps.

GETTING IN A FLAP

APACHE BLING

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Bf 109F Engine and Fuselage Guns By: Eduard Item no: 648300 Price: €29.95 Web: www.eduard.com Eduard’s new-tool Bf 109Fs are superb straight from the box, but how about this wonderful resin and PE upgrade for that extra pizazz? Once the various resin parts (which include cowling panels) have been removed from their casting blocks, just four styrene parts (both fuselage halves, instrument panel and bulkhead) require cutting for this sumptuous detail to be viewed. All cables and wires have been incorporated, meaning they just need painting, and the result will certainly be worth it!

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SAY ‘CHEESE’!

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M230 Chain Gun Barrel, Pitot Tubes and Tail Antenna By: Master Model Item no: AM-48-125 Price: £8.99 Web: www.master-model.pl

Falanga 9M17P Missiles By: Eduard Item no: 672144 Price: €7.45 Web: www.eduard.com Also known by the NATO reporting name of AT-2 Swatter, the Falanga was a firstgeneration helicopter-launched anti-tank missile, and was carried by early variants of Mi-24 Hind and Mi-8 Hip. Eduard’s stunning single-piece resin missiles come with photo-etched brass launch rails and full stencilling, and will improve the look of any Warpac/ Soviet Bloc gunship. One minor issue concerns the missile designation; Eduard’s are the flatnosed 9M17; which was named Skorpion, for a Falanga (3M11), the radome should be rounded.

The simplest additions can be the most eye-catching, and this is true for Hauler’s eight-piece resin 1/35 farmer’s cart, which is also available in 1/48 (HLX48218). With crisply cast components, minimal preparation is needed, and assembly will be straightforward. Indeed, the hardest task will be the painting and weathering, necessary to recreate a suitably weary and well-used appearance…has anyone ever seen a clean and shiny farmer’s cart?

FRIEDRICH POWER

Blenheim Mk.I Control Surfaces Set By: CMK Item no: 7337 Price: €13.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com Airfix made a notable effort to replicate the ribbed control surfaces on its Blenheim, but CMK’s resin replacements are far superior. Designed as drop-in items, there are nine parts; a rudder, ailerons, wing flaps (four) and horizontal stabilisers, all featuring superb surface detail (interior and exterior). The standout aspect has to be the rib fasteners, which are notable for their refinement…similarly, the flap structure is closer to scale thickness.

Master Model’s magnificent turned brass, PE and resin gun barrel is designed to fit any 1/48 AH-64, replacing the entire forward section of the underfuselage 30mm chain gun mount. Care will be need when bending the PE, but the effort will be worth it. Also included are a turned brass pitot tube and antenna, for the port stub wingtip and top of the vertical fin respectively. These require a hole to be drilled after the styrene part has been removed, before being attached with cyanoacrylate glue.

RF-84F Thunderflash Camera Bay By: CMK Item no: 4333 Price: €12.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com Tanmodel’s RF-84F is a great kit but, despite the quality mouldings, it’s lacking in certain areas, namely the camera bay. CMK’s response is to supply new upper fuselage hatches, with ‘quilted’ fabric-lined interiors, and a full set of six vertical and oblique resin camera units, with separate film magazines. Once assembled, these are direct replacements for the styrene items, and will improve the camera bay’s appearance greatly.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 111

ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

DORNIER LIFT

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Do 17Z-2 landing flaps By: Eduard Item no: 48897 Price: €22.45 Web: www.eduard.com Despite ‘rivet-counting’ gripes from some modellers who know the subject well, ICM’s Do 17s still look like ‘17s and offer pleasing detail in some quarters. This new flap set, though, will add a whole new dimension in terms of extra embellishment. A single large plain brass fret is provided, and due to the size of the parts, a dedicated folding tool is advisable. Minor surgery on the kit plastic is also required…but it’ll be well worth the effort.

LATER BANG SEAT

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Mirage F.1CR/CT MB Mk.10 Ejection Seat By: CMK Item no: Q72 254 Price: €5.30 Web: www.cmkkits.com While Mirage F.1Cs and F.1C.200s were fitted with Martin-Baker Mk.4 seats, the later CT/CR variants carried M-B Mk.10 units. This resin and photo-etched (PE) brass version of the latter is designed for Special Hobby’s recent kits, but could just as well be employed in Heller or ESCI kits. The main seat is in resin, while the PE caters for harnesses, firing handles and other details.

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PRECISION TANK-SMACKER

While dubbed an anti-armour weapon, the GPS-guided CBU105 is also adept at anti-radar work. Eduard’s renditions, in resin and with a busy decal sheet, are cast beautifully and will enliven one’s 1/72 USAF F-15s, F-16s and A-10s, but note that countries such as India, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey have also ordered this store. Each of the six main body parts comes with a separate tail unit, which is very well detailed. 1/72

Victor B Mk.2 (BS) air brakes By: Eduard Item no: 72644 Price: €9.95 Web: www.eduard.com Airfix did a great job with the airbrake assembly on its recent Victor kit…a standout feature of the real aircraft. But here, Eduard offers extra refinement for the styrene components, and these include photo-etched brass overlays for the hinge plates, a more detailed replacement portion for the hydraulic ram, and details for the inner faces of the airbrakes.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SHELL STORAGE

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JRS-1 upgrade set By: Eduard Item no: 72642 Price: €14.95 Web: www.eduard.com

CBU-105 By: Eduard Item no: 672129 Price: €9.95 Web: www.eduard.com

V-BOMBER DRAG

FLYING BOAT FINERY

Eduard recently repackaged Special Hobby’s JRS-1 flying boat (itself moulded originally by Sword). The kit is typical limited run fare and needs help in the detail department, despite Eduard providing a modicum of brass already; cue the firm’s bespoke photo-etched brass collection for this kit. Included is a new seat and rear cockpit bulkhead pieces, engine ignition cabling and surface panels, as well as parts for the main undercarriage bays, trim for the outer surrounds of these and more. A great set.

EXTENDED RANGE

US ammo boxes 75mm By: Hauler Item no: HLU35082 Price: €8.30 Web: www.hauler.cz Hauler’s neat resin ammo box set is ideal for enlivening any number of Sherman builds. Standard and ‘double’-sized boxes are provided, with closed and open options possible (with separate lids and handles). A simple, but very effective addition…particularly due to the realistic wood grain pattern.

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50 gal Drop Tank British By: Brengun Item no: BRL32019 Price: €8.86 Web: www.brengun.cz Kits of later-mark 1/32 Spitfires, such as those from Tamiya and the new item from Revell, would benefit from this neatly cast resin fuel tank, which comes with photo-etched brass details. The latter items build into a busy-looking mounting frame and, when combined with the main twopart store, one has a splendid aftermarket item, which will ensure extra refinement.

THUNDERBOLT FIX

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AJ-37/SF-37/SH-37 Viggen Canard correction set By: CMK Item no: 4361 Price: €12.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com Last issue we reviewed CMK’s replacement canard foreplanes for Tarangus’ JA-37 Viggen. Here, CMK now offers corrected canards for AJ-37, SF-37 and SH-37 kits, produced by Tarangus and Special Hobby. Thankfully, the attachment points (and fill-in flash on the main units) are very slight, so removal from the casting blocks will be easy. The control surfaces are cast separately, but all components are crisp and sport good detail.

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PLASTIC SURGERY ASK THE EXPERTS

Quiz AMW’s team of contributors, regarding your own modelling mysteries... wool but this just makes it look unrealistic. Please help!” Josh Hickman, Stafford, UK

COMBAT EFFECTS

Where there’s smoke…

Q

“I am a 13-year-old modeller and was wondering how to make my dogfight diorama look like my Bf 109 was being shot down? I’ve tried to shape

CLEAR COATS

Cloudy finish

Q

“Having tried several gloss varnishes on my models, I decided after watching the Humbrol tutorial to try the firm’s Clear. On my first attempt I brushed it, but once dry I found white opaque areas on the underlying paint. After re-painting, I tried again yet used several thinner coats… but with the same result. On the next project, I sprayed several light layers and again the white areas showed. I tried to remove it with water and then white spirit, but once they dried the

cotton wool by stretching it (while hoping it doesn’t break in two) and then either glued it to the model or stuffed it into a crack, wheel bay etc. I have tried painting the

white was still there! Can you tell me what I am doing wrong?” Simon Firth, Peterborough, UK Humbrol’s Darrell Burge says: “I think this points toward not leaving enough time to let the Decalfix dry completely. Sometimes in a warm room it looks as though products such as this are dry, but the problem is that it’s only the top layer that’s cured and the warmth in the room has in fact created a ‘skin’ across the top. When another product is then put over the top of this it can break this skin, and allow an interaction between the two. The best

AMW’s Toni Canfora replies: “Creating fire or smoke on a model (or in a diorama) is perhaps the greatest challenge of all, and along with making water it’s a frequently discussed subject. The main reason is that real smoke doesn’t really have a surface, as opposed to, say, mud. So, what the modeller basically needs to mimic is something semi-transparent. Cotton, or steel wool to some extent are usually utilised for this, as well as foam filler. Cotton is the most widely used material so let’s examine this. When using cotton, the key element is to stretch the fine threads to let light shine through it. It can be strengthened with a quick dash of hairspray from an aerosol can, or if larger sections are used, thin wire can be inserted. Paint is crucial to make

advice is to leave between 48 and 72 hours in an ambient temperature to be completely sure. If the problem arises again, do let us know!”

the smoke look less cotton-like. Thin layers of grey and black should be applied via airbrush, with a more concentrated mix near the source of the fire, and more transparent at the end of the smoke trail. It’s all down to trial and error to get the look one’s aiming for. If a thick smoke billow or an explosion is simulated, the cotton can be clad onto chicken wire to create volume without adding too much weight. A small lamp can be placed inside to simulate live fire, and with the correct painting and strength of light, amazing results can be achieved (see Plastic Surgery January 2017). There are several tutorials on the internet, and here is one that really sets off the inspiration, as well as providing great tips: www. dioramas-and-models.com” 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 SALE: FEBRUARY OCTOBER 5,4,2017 THENEXT NEXTISSUE ISSUE IS IS ON SALE: 2016 *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.

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AUTO MODELLING:

THE ULTIMATE BUILD GUIDE

Scale Modelling Road and Track presents nine build projects for all levels, from experienced car and bike modellers, to those considering entering this genre for the very first time. The build articles involve road-going supercars, Formula 1, Group C and vintage subjects from various manufacturers, with many techniques, hints and tips imparted by auto modelling specialists. This 100-page special publication from the team behind Airfix Model World is unmissable for any car modeller, no matter what the skill level. FEATURING: F1 CLOSE-UP Ian Grainger offers stunning walk-round images of McLaren’s MP4-30, as displayed at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. JÄGER BOMB Hasegawa’s 1/24 Porsche 962 is finished as the 1986 Spa-winning car raced by Brun Motorsport, in dazzling Jägermeister colours. John Paulding does the business. KANDY SHOPPE The intricacies of reproducing ‘candy’ finishes are demonstrated in detail by Dr James Whalen, along with more general painting advice.

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ONE-FIVE-EIGHT Toni Canfora employs aftermarket and scratchbuilding techniques to breathe life into Smer’s vintage 1/24 Alfa Romeo 158 Alfetta.

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