Airfix Model World 2014 09 [46]

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ISSUE 46

14 EXPO EUROPE'S BEST-SELLING MODELLING MAGAZINE 0 2 L A S E ODE R ST LD M R WO

SEP 2014 £4.20

8 MODEL BUILDS

EXCLUSIVE BUILD!

SWIFTLY D O E S IT

MARINE CORPS MUSCLE Academy's F-4B Phantom II Airfix SEPT UK.indd 1

FIRST BUILD OF THE 1/72 AIRFIX SWIFT FR .5

ON THE PROWL Revell's LKW GL Leicht 'Wolf'

AMERICAN PIONEER Encore's Albatros 'Cooper' 22/07/2014 16:59

Zoukei Mura F_p.indd 1

17/07/2014 11:16

EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME

I

’ve had some interesting correspondence since my last editorial, which highlighted the strengthening strips on the upper wings of the Spitfire. The subject was ripe for discussion due to Steve Budd’s build of Airfix’s new Spitfire Mk.Vb in the same issue, especially because Steve removed the strips on his rendition. One particular reader exclaimed that Steve had “ruined” the model by omitting the strips. Overly harsh I felt, especially as the aircraft in question modelled by Steve, ‘Buck’ McNair’s AB264/GN-H, couldn’t have had the strips fitted at the time of the scheme depicted, because Airfix’s decals are for March 1942. This mod, it seems, was indeed a wartime addition but wasn’t fitted until July 1942 and, as it was deemed ‘Class 4 and on repair’, this precluded user units from carrying it out in the field...it would have been done on the production line or during lengthy repairs. Regardless, the subject will undoubtedly confound modellers due to the huge lack of photos of Spitfires actually fitted with the strips. Tamiya’s old 1/48 Spitfire Mk.Vb has the strips moulded on its wings, but the instructions in my boxing demand that they be removed. Ultimately, a period photo of the aircraft to be modelled is the Holy Grail. Turn to page 64 in this issue and one will see a report on the World

Advertising Commercial Director: Group Manager: Advertising Manager: Production Manager: Production Assistant:

Editorial

Editor: Assistant Editor: Editor's Secretary:

Chris Clifford Stu Fone Julie Lawson

Contributors in this issue Eric Larson, Garry Tobiss, Peter Fearis, Alan Price, Malcolm V. Lowe, Mark Stanton, Peter Johnson, Ian Hartup

Design

Art Editor: Group Art Editor:

Production Sub Editor: Production Manager:

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Expo show. It was my first time at this event, but it certainly won’t be the last because I encountered the best modelling I’d ever seen. All modellers respect good figure painting, but the brush work on display was on a whole other level and immensely inspiring, and the aircraft and armour builds were just as special. More photos from the event are on the AMW website. This month I welcome AMW’s new Assistant Editor, Stu Fone, who has already contributed to the magazine with excellent appraisals of Airfix’s 1/72 Gnat, Harrier GR.1 and Lightning F.2A. In this issue he presents Airfix’s British Forces Quad Bikes, which by all accounts were great fun. Stu comes with bags of enthusiasm, a keen eye and plenty of ideas for forthcoming content, so watch this space! Chris Clifford Editor

Subscriptions Please refer to main advertisement within the magazine. All applications stating name, address, date to commence and remittance to: Subscriptions Department, Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK. Telephone/9.00-5.30 Monday-Friday GMT +44 (0) 1780 480404 Fax: +44 (0) 1780 757812 E-Mail: [email protected] Airfix Model World (ISSN: 1471-0587) is published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK and distributed in the USA by Mail Right Int., 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Periodicals Postage Paid at Piscataway, NJ and additional mailing offices.

All items submitted for publication are subject to our terms and conditions. These are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely available from Key Publishing Ltd or downloadable from www.keypublishing.com The entire contents of Airfix Model World is ©copyright, and no part of it may be reproduced in any form or stored on any form of retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher. “AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby Hobbies Limited and is used under licence. We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value, including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisements within this publication.

Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling toll free 800-676-4049 or fax 757-428-6253 or by writing to Airfix Model World, 3330 Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA23451-9828. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, c/o Mail Right International Inc.,1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway NJ 08854.

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

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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{03} 22/07/2014 16:41

CONTENTS INSIDE

12

INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

68

INTERMEDIATE BUILD 599 GTO & SA APERTA

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

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

42 Subscribe and save! Make great savings by subscribing to Airfix Model World.

82 On the shelf Twelve pages of reviews bring you the latest kits, books and modelling products.

98 Kit Court Put forward your case to AMW AMW,, as to why a particular ‘missing’ kit subject should be made available.

44

EXCLUSIVE BUILD SWIFT FR.5

64

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OUT AND ABOUT WORLD EXPO, ITALY

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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24/07/2014 10:11

CONTENTS

INSIDE

36

ADVANCED BUILD ALBATROS 'COOPER'

FEATURES 12 Intermediate build – F-4B Phantom II Eric Larson offers a stunning rendition of Academy’s 1/48 F-4B, as a US Marine Corps ‘ground-pounder’.

24 Basic build – British Forces Quad Bikes and Crew Assistant Editor Stu Fone adds embellishment to Airfix’s 1/48 Afghanistan workhorse.

30 Intermediate build – LKW GL Leicht ‘Wolf’ Garry Tobiss converts Revell’s 1/35 Wolf to a German Special Forces ‘sandbox’ runabout.

36 Advanced build – Kosciuszko Albatros ‘Cooper’ Peter Fearis achieves great results with Encore’s recent 1/72 scale Albatros, in stunning Polish colours.

44 Exclusive build – Supermarine Swift FR.5 Airfix’s forthcoming 1/72 Swift is appraised by Alan Price in a test-shot build, and Malcolm V. Lowe presents an In Focus history article.

56 Intermediate build – Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 Eduard’s new 1/48 Bf 109 has drawn criticism, but AMW newcomer Mark Stanton reckons that with just minor surgery, one can have a splendid rendition of this Luftwaffe legend.

30

INTERMEDIATE BUILD LKW GL LEICHT 'WOLF'

64 Out and About – World Expo, Italy Editor Chris Clifford discovered jaw-dropping modelling at the World Expo show, in northern Italy’s picturesque Lakeland region.

68 Intermediate build – Ferrari 599 GTO & SA Aperta Revell’s latest 1/24 road-going Ferrari kits are built by AMW’s car expert Ian Hartup.

76 Intermediate build – USS Los Angeles Submarine fan Peter Johnson takes a novel approach to finishing with Riich Models’ 1/350 US Navy fast-attack specialist.

80 Out and About – Salisbury Model Show Malcolm V. Lowe has a blast at Wiltshire’s top annual modelling event. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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{05} 21/07/2014 14:37

NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

UNIQUE CARRIER MODEL

Expert ship modeller Dave Coventry combined scratch-building with existing Airfix parts to produce this impressive official commission.

AIRFIX HAS commissioned a 1/350 scratch-built model of the Royal Navy’s new carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to be displayed on the real ship. The model, which is more than 800mm long and weighs 13lb (6kg) on its base, is currently on show to visitors aboard the ship and is unique; it has been created from parts gleaned from other Airfix kits, as well as other raw materials, expertly assembled by Dave Coventry. Darrell Burge, Airfix Selector, was delighted when he was approached by the Royal Navy to create the one-off piece. “We were very pleased to be asked

by Lieutenant Commander Lee Davies to create the model. Airfix has an excellent tradition of making accurate scale models of military vehicles and this involves a lot of collaboration with the Armed Forces, so I suppose we were the obvious choice for the aircraft carrier.” The build was a challenge for experienced ship modeller Dave Coventry, who said: “Obviously the ship is so new, there isn’t a boxed kit. I had to create the hull from different models to provide structure and strength, using plans lent to me by the ship builders themselves.”

OVERLORD IN PLASTIC

AIRFIX HAS released two new D-Day sets that will appeal to modellers of all ages. For those who want to portray action on the beaches, D-Day Sea Assault (A50156) offers two

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complete 1/72 Higgins LCVP landing craft (see June 2014 issue for a full build), a Jeep, trailer and 75mm Airborne Pack Howitzer. One also receives 44 US Infantry figures with a dinghy, and a textured vacformed display base which, given careful painting, will provide a convincing setting (scenic products could add extra realism, though). Aircraft fans may be more interested in the 1/72 D-Day Air Assault package (A50157), which provides a new-tool Hawker Typhoon, Bedford MWC/MWD Light Truck, Standard Utility Vehicle, BSA motorcycle and 37 RAF personnel figures. A vac-formed revetment base is supplied, but both sets offer extra value with 12 acrylic paints, two brushes and a tube of Poly Cement.

A NEW LOOK

AIRFIX HAS brought us some thoughtful re-releases in the aircraft and auto arenas. Firstly, the recent and splendid 1/72 Avro Lancaster Mk.III returns as the centrepiece of the firm’s BBMF Collection set (A50158), which also offers two Supermarine Spitfires (Mk.IIa and PR.XIX). The colour schemes all reflect the current markings of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Lancaster B.III ‘Thumper Mk.III’, PA474/KC A (formerly DV385), Spitfire Mk.IIa, P7350/EB-G and Spitfre PR.XIX, PM631. A threepoint display stand comes in the box, as do 12 paints, two brushes and glue. A real classic also comes in the shape of Airfix’s 1/48 de Havilland Mosquito PR.XVI, which utilises parts from two earlier releases but offers

new decals for World War Two aircraft; a Benson-based 544 Squadron machine in PRU Blue and a painted aluminium 684 Squadron SEAC aircraft, from Dum Dum, India, in 1945. Car enthusiasts, though, will welcome the return of the 1/32 Jaguar XKR GT3 in Starter Set guise (A55306), with markings for the #33 car driven by the Gentilozzi/Goosens pairing in the FIA GT3 Championship. But a more sedate ride comes in the form of the Volkswagen Beetle Starter Set (A55207) in the same scale. For further details on this and all Airfix releases on this page, visit: www.airfix.com

TUDOR GEM FANS OF naval history won’t want to miss Airfix’s all-new 1/400 kit of the Mary Rose in Starter Set format (A55114). While the real vessel now sits in a purpose-built museum, this scaled-down version comes on three styrene runners, with super-thin moulded plastic sails, great hull detail and colourful decals for the elaborate decoration around the upper decks. Cannons are

moulded integrally on the main deck, a smart display base is also included and there are four acrylic paints, a brush and glue.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

06-07 News.CC.indd 6

22/07/2014 14:09

NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

NEW ASIAN BRAND IN THE UK followed soon after by two brand-new 1/35 scale World War One tanks – the Mk.IV Male and Female versions. These are highly detailed, with workable tracks, metal gun barrels for the Male, and a scale figure with the Female. Markings for a captured tank are included. These could be serious competition for Tamiya’s new 1/35 Mk.IV Male, already highlighted in August's issue (News, p.7). MAJOR IMPORTER Pocketbond now has exclusive UK rights to bring in Takom kits from China. Takom is a newly formed company, which specialises in injection moulding, and was established in 2013. Two new models will be available by the time these words are read...a German Civilian Car with Gas Rockets, and a KV-5 Soviet Super Heavy Tank with metal barrel. These will be

LARK ASCENDING MORE COMMONLY known for its range of decals covering Danish aircraft and vehicles, Stoppel Hobby has now expanded its range to include injection-moulded kits. Its maiden release (No. 697217) is a 1/72 Kramme & Zeuthen KZ-VII Laerke (Lark), of which 36 were manufactured between 1947 and 1954. The Lark was in Royal Danish Air Force service for 29 years, but subsequently most were transferred to the civil register and 20 were reported to be flying in 2012. Exterior detail is represented

by fine recessed panel lines; all parts are crisply moulded and, thankfully, free of flash, with a well-appointed interior provided, which includes a choice of instrument panels. The two schemes are attractive and offer a natural metal and Dayglo orange RDAF observer plane, and an all-red air ambulance. This is an unusual subject and Stoppel plans to release further versions of this aircraft, including a floatplane. For further details visit: www.stoppel.dk

KEY WEST CORKERS RESIDENTS OF Florida’s Key West have for some years branded their home ‘The Conch Republic’. In celebration of the tonguein-cheek cessation from the rest of the USA, Two Bobs has released a superb decal set (48-242) for resident F-5F/N aggressors of VFC111, at Naval Air Station Key West. There are four lowvis grey jets, two in earthy desert-style tones, and a 70th anniversary machine that wears World War Twolike camouflage in tribute to the fighters of the period. For further details visit: www.twobobs.net

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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{07} 24/07/2014 16:10

NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

{in brief}

TOMMY’S THORNY FLAK WAGON Tommy’s War has continued to expand its range of World War One resin kits and its latest is the anti-aircraft version of the Thornycraft Type J truck (item TW54E06); however, a general service variant is also available. Researched extensively, the kit really captures the essence of this vehicle, and although several parts will need to have flash removed, in general the castings are excellent... particularly the cabin roof, which is rendered impressively in thin resin. Instead of colour call-outs throughout, the instruction booklet contains painting notes at the end, along with colour photos of the model at various stages. An excellent decal sheet by Fantasy Printshop offers up to six schemes, although modellers will need to check references as to which are relevant for the anti-aircraft variant. Several future versions of the Type J are expected from Tommy’s War, and include a canvascovered cargo-mover/ambulance and a late-war 18 pdr anti-aircraft truck. For more details visit: www.tommyswar.co.uk

WASP WITH BIG STYX

THE OSA-I (Wasp) class corvette, which was equipped with four SS-N-2 Styx anti-shipping missiles, served with more than a dozen Warsaw Pact and Middle Eastern navies before it was superseded by more modern designs. Trumpeter spin-off brand Merit now offers this handsome machine in 1/72 scale, and the kit is packed with 21 styrene runners, a single-piece full hull and a separate box that contains photo-etched metal parts, aluminium tubing and a

length of chain. Detail is excellent throughout, particularly on the Styx missiles, associated launch mechanisms and the Bass Tilt radar for the twin AK-230 anti-aircraft guns. Decals for just one scheme are included, for the Russian Navy, although there are sufficient numbers on the decal sheet to portray any pennant number in service. The kit is available in the UK via Pocketbond. For further details visit: www.pocketbond.co.uk and www.merit-intl.com

SCI-FI TV STAR

RESIN MIXED BAG Freightdog Models has four useful new 1/72 scale resin items for aircraft modellers. Modern RAF enthusiasts can now fit Litening III targeting and RAPTOR recce pods (72054 and 72058 respectively) to their Tornado models, while those who favour older types have the option of bulged bomb bay doors for the Lancaster B.Mk.I/X (72067), tailored to fit Airfix’s recent kit. Lastly, fans of the magnificent ‘Mossie’ can now buy extended single-stage tropical intakes (72072), for Tamiya’s kit of the DH Mosquito. For further details visit: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk

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SPACE: 1999 was one of the last in a long series of science-fiction TV programmes produced by Gerry Anderson, and although it only lasted for two series, the show introduced an iconic spacecraft design…the Eagle transporter. Looking akin to the unfortunate aftermath of a collision between a rocketpropelled tortoise and a gantry crane, it nevertheless assumed cult status very quickly. Oldschool brand MPC originally issued this kit in 1975 and, considering the almost 40-year pedigree, the parts in this re-release by Round 2 (kit no.

PFALZ FROM BOOK AND FILM RE-RELEASE specialist Encore Models has taken a ‘novel’ approach with its latest product. The Squadron offshoot has repackaged Roden’s 1/32 Pfalz D.III kit on a theme of The Blue Max, the famous 1964 book by Jack D. Hunter, and Hollywood film of the same name from two years later. The movie follows the exploits of ruthless pilot Bruno Stachel, in his bid to win the coveted Prussian award the Pour le Mérite, otherwise known as the Blue Max. Stachel is played by George Peppard, while the role of the film’s other main character, Grafin von Klugermann, was filled by Ursula Andress. In Encore’s boxing, not only does one receive literary and cinematic colour scheme versions for Stachel’s Pfalz, but also 1/32 resin figures in the likenesses of Peppard and Andress, and excellent resin detail parts for the aircraft. The figures are sculpted beautifully, and the whole package certainly presents the chance to take a different approach on Great War modelling, with a fictional subject rooted in reality. For further details visit: www.squadron.com

MPC791/12) are remarkably flash free. The main change, other than the price hike to £29.99, is a fantastic decal sheet that is ostensibly for Eagle 1; all of the awkward triangular markings are included, along with bulkhead, cargo pod and landing pod stencils. An added bonus is a mini-print of Eagle 1 and its pilot, Alan Carter (100 of these have been signed by the actor, Nick Tate). This is a simple kit which, combined with the decal sheet, will be fun to build, and will no doubt be a trip down memory lane for modellers of a certain age. For further details visit: www.amerang.co.uk

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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22/07/2014 11:30

NEWS BULLETIN

LATEST UPDATES

GREAT WAR DUO

THERE HAS already been a rush of new World War Oneassociated kits in this, the Centenary year, and Master Box has released two updated versions of its diminutive 1/72 Mk.1 Male and Female tanks with ‘Gaza Strip’ modifications (MB72003 and MB72004 respectively). Changes to the real tanks included the removal of the cumbersome tail-wheel steering mechanism, and replacement of the antigrenade screen with two

large steel beams positioned across the hull - and extending over the tracks. The parts are crisp and well-detailed, with the new components rendered accurately on an additional runner. All schemes are for tanks that fought at the Second Battle of Gaza in January 1917, with four named vehicles in the Male kit and three in the Female. Future releases from Master Box will be in the form of Mk.2 Male and Female tanks. For further details visit: www.mbltd.info

MONSTER JUG

EVERYTHING ABOUT the 1/24 P-47D Thunderbolt release from Kinetic is big, from the size of the box and the amount of plastic crammed inside, to the A4-sized decal sheet. This is actually a re-boxing of the Vintage Fighter Series kit, though, with a well-detailed interior, particularly the cockpit, and a fantastic Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine. Transparent panels for the gun-bays are a neat touch, which allows one to show off the interior detail without them ending up as a dust trap. More

variants are likely as there are four propeller types and a full range of external fuel tanks included; the rear upper fuselage is separate, which alludes to at least a late P-47D or even P-47M/N. The huge decal sheet is by UK firm Kits World and includes two natural metal schemes: • P-47D-25, 42-26947/6B4 ‘Buzzin Cuzzin’, 350th FG • P-47-D-30, 44-20437/2Z-J ‘Phyl Darlin’, 405th FG. For further details visit: www.luckymodel.com

HOT CONTEST THE EARLEY Risers club has held its summer competition, which produced 29 worthy entries. A relatively small outfit, Earley Risers is an IPMS group that meets every month for a day’s modelling. Although based just south of Reading, the club can boast a membership that stretches from Orkney to Cornwall and from Woodley to Los Angeles! This year the competition was scrutinised intensely and voted on by all members present. After ties in two classes, last year’s winners were asked to adjudicate. The class winners were then compared with each other in a second ballot to choose overall winners of the Challenge Cup, awarded to the best modified/detailed model, and the Risers Award, given to the best model made straight from the box…and the adjudicators were called in to split another tie. After gaining no awards last year, Branch Secretary and AMW contributor Steve Abbey managed to win both the Challenge Cup and The Earley Risers Plate! It was however, a close call.

The ERs will be celebrating 20 years of existence, in one form or another, at IPMS Scale ModelWorld in November this year. Results Challenge Cup First (Sea) – ‘Off to Market’ by Steve Abbey Second (Air) – B-17E by Andrew Johnson Third (Land) - Sd.Kfz.223 by Sean Clarke Risers Award First (Land) - Skaven Screaming Bell by Steve Abbey Second (Air) - North American X-15 by Liz Craig-Abbey Other Awards Naval Cup: RN Sea King by George Clark Best of America: B-17E Fortress by Andrew Johnson Diorama Cup: Lancaster Dispersal by Andrew Johnson Dressed in Civvies: Iron Man by Liz Craig-Abbey Branch Secretary’s Whimsey: Napier Heston J5 by Hugh Beyts

Let AMW know what your club has been to, whether it’s a competition, local display or change of personnel, venue or contact details. Simply e-mail the editor, [email protected], and include any good quality photos of 1Mb or larger.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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SHOW SCENE

DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE

UKGK Model Show 2014

28 SEPT, 2014 RAMADA ENCORE HOTEL

Hosts:

FANTASTIC PLASTIC 2014

SEP 20-21

EUROMILITAIRE

SEP 21

WINGS AND THINGS

Hosts:

Aero Space & Vehicle Club - IPMS Wombourne

Hosts:

Euromilitaire

Hosts:

IPMS Fenland & Spalding

Times:

10am-4pm

Prices:

Adult £3, Concessions £2, accompanied under-16s free

Address: Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ

£2

Tel:

01993 709545

Tel:

01775 710465

Tel:

N/A

Email:

david.holden@ myhobbystore.com

Email:

fenlandandspaldingmodel [email protected]

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

Web:

www.ipmsfenlandand spalding.moonfruit.com

www.facebook.com/pages/ North-Surrey-MilitaryModelling-Group/1792 32455456933?fref=ts

SEP 28

ST IVES MODEL SHOW

OCT 11

TANK MOD 2014

Hosts:

Brampton Scale Model Club, IPMS Brampton

Hosts:

The Tank Museum

MODELFEST 2014

IPMS Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club

Hosts:

IPMS Farnborough

Address: Kings International College, Watchetts Drive, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2PQ

bridscalemodelclub.org.uk

KEY

E MODEL DISPLAY

)

m

MODEL COMPETITION AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

Address: Thomas Wall Centre, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4DP 10am-5pm

SEP 20

Web:

North Surrey Military Modelling Group

Prices:

EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE MODEL SHOW 2014

modeldriffshow@ btinternet.com

Hosts:

Address: Spalding High School, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 2PJ

Times:

SEP 7

Email:

NORTH SURREY MILITARY MODELLERS ANNUAL SHOW

Adults £2, children and OAPs £1

www.euromilitaire.co.uk

07818 821604

OCT 4

10am-4pm

Web:

Tel:

N/A

Prices:

www.asvc.org.uk

Adult £2.50, accompanied under-15s free

[email protected]

Web:

Times:

Web:

Prices:

01606 883825

Email:

Advance tickets from £8 adults and £5 children. For offers visit the website

[email protected]

9.30am-4pm

N/A

Tel:

Prices:

Email:

Times:

10am-4.30pm

Prices:

Sat 10.am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm

N/A

Address: The Showground, Kellythorpe, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 9DN

Times:

Times:

Tel:

Hosts:

UK Garage Kit Group

Address: Ramada Encore Hotel, Emperor Way, Crewe, CW1 6BD

SEP 7

Address: The Community Centre, Church Road, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ

At-a-glance model and airshow calendar

Times:

10am-4pm

Prices:

Adults £4, concessions £2, accompanied under-16s free

Address: Burgess Civic Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 6WU Times:

10am-4pm

Prices:

£1.50, concessions 50p

Address: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG Times:

Times: 10am-4pm

Prices:

Adults £12.50, concessions £9, accompanied 5-16yrs £7.50, family (2 adults, 2 children) £33

Tel:

N/A

Tel:

01480 896949

Email:

[email protected]

Email:

bramptonshow@hotmail. co.uk

Tel:

N/A

www.ipms-farnborough. co.uk

Web:

sites.google.com/site/ ipmsbrampton

Email:

N/A

Web:

www.tankmuseum.org

Web:

 

J

MILITARY DISPLAY



REFRESHMENTS

AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY

FREE PARKING

TRADE STANDS

AIRFIX ROADSHOW ATTENDING

IMPORTANT: It is worth noting that ALL events are subject to change or cancellation. This information has been collated from a variety of sources and was believed to be correct at the time of going to press. To advertise your event here, email: [email protected]

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Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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23/07/2014 09:43

INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

Eric Larson portrays Academy’s recent F-4B as an early Vietnam-era US Marines ‘Rhino’

DEATH RATTLER Black lines mark the seat alignment guides, which were filed off to accommodate after-market seats. Also removed from the rear cockpit were the rudder pedals and black-coloured floor plate, as these were not found in USN/USMC F-4s.

 Crisply moulded in black, the instrument panels featured fine detail but lacked dial faces. To add these, each dial was painted white, followed by a drop of black India ink. When dry, a sharp sewing needle was used to carefully scratch the ink which exposed the underlying white paint.

A

n aircraft that requires no introduction, the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 has been well represented in all popular scales, with Hasegawa’s 1/48 Phantom family the reigning champions in that scale for more than three decades. Last year that position was challenged after Academy introduced the first of what promised to be an entire series of newly tooled 1/48 scale Phantom kits, with its brilliant F-4B. In what was likely an attempt to attract novice modellers, the kit’s one-piece upper fuselage and 13 coloured runners were moulded in white, grey, and black plastic which, if left unpainted resulted in a fair approximation of a US Navy Commander Air Group (CAG) F-4B from VF-111 ‘Sundowners’. The decal sheet, beautifully printed by Cartograf, comprised all necessary markings and a comprehensive selection of data stencils and walkways.

Decisions, decisions In spite of providing just one scheme it was obvious from

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the plethora of extra parts that Academy planned for other versions in the future; the F-4C has already been released. Four different vertical fin tips, an equal number of radome chin pods, two radome styles (F-4B/N and F-4J), both long and short afterburner nozzles, slotted and unslotted stabilators, two AIM-7 Sparrow types, and no less than five AIM-9 Sidewinder versions were examples of the items included. Needless to say, there were plenty of goodies left for the spare parts box! For this model, something other than the kit scheme was desired. Furball Aero-Design’s 1/48 USMC Rhinos decal set (48-012) offered 18 Vietnam-era Marine F-4B/J aircraft, from which a VMFA-323 Death Rattlers F-4B, stationed at Da Nang AB in 1966, was selected. Thorough research was required to determine the correct parts to use or omit, as in 1966 Phantoms had not yet acquired all the various lumps, bumps, and antennae seen in 1975, the year represented by the kit options and markings. Use

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

All cockpit detail was painted except the pilot’s Horizontal Situation Indicator, which was represented by a Mike Grant jet instrument decal. Two scratch-built enhancements were the pilot’s throttles and RIO’s radar control stick shelf.

of after-market and scratch-built enhancements was limited for time’s sake and to show what could be done with the kit parts…but there were exceptions.

Rhino office

MODEL SPEC

The cockpit comprised a single unit for front and rear, with individual inserts for the side consoles. All interior surfaces were painted Mr. Color MC317 (FS36231) Dark MCDONNELL DOUGLAS F-4B PHANTOM II By:

Academy

Stock Code: 12232 Scale:

1/48

Price:

£36.99

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

Gull Gray. Visual interest was added by painting individual panels in various shades of black and dark grey, with raised detail picked out with the appropriate shades. Finally, dry-brushed light grey enamel brought the crisply moulded consoles and instrument panels to life. As the instrument faces lacked dial detail and no decals were provided, each dial was first painted white, followed by a drop of black India ink. Once dried, a small sewing needle chucked in a pin vice was used to scratch away the black, to reveal the underlying white. Johnson’s Klear placed in each dial represented glass. The only exception was a decal from Mike Grant’s Jet Cockpit set (CKJ 048), used for the pilot’s Horizontal Situation Indicator. Several minor cockpit corrections and additions were made at this point. The instructions indicated rudder pedals and a floor plate in the rear tub, which were not present in US Navy and USMC Phantoms so were omitted. The radar control stick in the rear cockpit was shown

Outer and inner sections comprised the intake trunking which, when joined, left an unsightly seam and ultimately resulted in the use of intake covers.

The only ejector pin marks that required attention were found on the intakes’ inner surfaces. Disks punched from plastic card, and Mr. Surfacer 1000, did the trick.

 More intake woes arose from the gaps where the trunk sections met the lower wing. Their location at the front made them easily filled and neatened though.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW Comparison with the venerable Hasegawa 1/48 F-4B/N was inevitable and revealed the advances made in moulding technology. Though not shown here, two major criticisms of Hasegawa’s rendering were the lack of intake trunks and an incorrect air force-style rear cockpit. As stated in the main text, Academy’s kit featured full trunking and a correct navy cockpit.

Exquisitely moulded engine components seen painted, weathered and ready for assembly.  After the intake and engine assemblies were installed in the lower wing unit, the forward and main underside sections were joined with two short lengths of styrene strip, added for reinforcement.  One of Hasegawa’s first Phantom family members, its F-4B/N featured fine raised panel lines and traditional vertically split fuselage, which incorporated the radome and full tail fin. Academy, though, provided an impressive single-piece upper fuselage with separate radome and multi-piece tail fin.

 Hasegawa’s upper wing sections (left), combined all flaps and full outer panel into a single part, while Academy offered separate ailerons and outer panels, though no provision was made to display the latter raised.

 Hasegawa’s lower wing and fuselage underside (left), featured integrally moulded undercarriage bays, speed brake wells, and auxiliary air doors whereas Academy utilised separate parts and assemblies for those items.

sticking straight out from the instrument panel, when in reality it was mounted on a shelf, which retracted upon ejection to prevent the Radar Intercept Officer’s right knee from striking it. An opening was made in the panel, and the shelf unit made from Evergreen styrene strip was inserted; onto this the stick was mounted. Finally, throttle handles made from styrene strip and wire, were added to the pilot’s left console. Early F-4s were equipped with

Martin Baker Mk.H5 ejection seats, as the Mk.H7 version commonly associated with Phantoms did not appear until the late 1960s. As this model would represent an aircraft from 1966 it was probably equipped with the H5. Only simplistic H7 seats were provided in the kit, so resin H5s by Hypersonic Models, designed specifically for Academy’s kit, were used. The two beautifully cast seats featured belts and harnesses

 The engine nozzles provided a prime example of moulding advances between the two kits. Hasesgawa’s shallow one-piece unit (far right), was merely a smooth cylinder internally, although with moulded rear engine detail. Academy’s version featured brilliant internal detail in separate nozzle and afterburner sections, and a rear engine face piece not seen here completed the assembly.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

Light the burners

set in different positions for a more candid appearance. But the seats were not installed until later. At this point the main and nose undercarriage bays were assembled with two departures from the instructions. The cockpit tub, the underside of which formed the nose gear roof, was left off until just prior to attachment of the upper fuselage. Also, the main landing gear legs were to be installed before the

upper wings were attached, but as they would be in the way and almost certainly would be broken during handling, the decision was made to attach them later. The nose gear bay was cemented to the forward belly section, while the main bays and speed brake interiors were fitted to the one-piece lower wing. These areas then received a light coat of Alclad White Primer followed by Mr. Color MC316

(FS17875) Gloss White, after which the upper wings were attached. The forward belly section was then mated to the lower wing and the join reinforced internally with styrene strip. Next, the intake trunks were assembled and after the interior seams were neatened, they were painted satin white. The compressor face was given a coat of Mr. Color MC213 Stainless Steel and attached to the trunks, which were then mounted in the lower wing section. Finally, the cockpit tub was cemented to the nose gear bay.

The afterburner and nozzle sections featured beautifully moulded interior and exterior detail. Replication of the dirty hot metal appearance was accomplished with various paints, washes, and pigments applied in several steps. The flame holder and nozzles were first given a coat of Alclad steel, followed by lightly misted Model Master Burnt Iron. The nozzle and afterburner interiors then received a mix of Alclad Jet Exhaust and Pale Burnt Metal, while the nozzle petals were painted Model Master Jet Exhaust and Humbrol Polished Steel. A wash of acrylic khaki paint, water, and liquid dishwashing soap gave the afterburner interior a dirty light tan appearance. Dark brown and black washes, followed by black and grey pigments applied to the nozzle interior, completed the realistic effect. The afterburner assemblies were then added to the underside section.

Airframe assembly Although the one-piece upper fuselage minimised join seams, fine ridges from the moulding

 Once all other internal fuselage work was completed, the cockpit tub was cemented into place on the nose gear bay.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

process ran the length of the part and required removal. A single locating hole for a small antenna was then drilled in the upper fuselage spine. Thorough research was important as due to the early version being modelled, other holes to be drilled per the instructions were not needed. The upper fuselage was then joined to the lower wing assembly and clamped. Seams forward of the intakes and behind the wing were cleaned-up and lost rivet detail replaced with a riveting tool. An extended refuelling probe was provided, but as it was seldom seen in that position on

the ground the closed option was chosen. Care was required with attachment of the probe hatch inserts, to ensure a flush fit with the fuselage surface. The forward intakes suffered several ejector pin marks on their interior, which were filled with disks punched from plastic card and sanded

flush. Solidly moulded vents in the intake ramps’ rear edges were hollowed out and styrene strip sections were inserted to portray

separator plates. After dry-fitting and sanding sections of the internal trunks to ensure a proper fit, the intakes and ramps were assembled and attached to the fuselage. It was then seen that a neat, seamless intake trunk was not to be had. Not only were there unsightly gaps where the front edge of the trunk met the wing assembly, a large overlap occurred inside between the trunk and forward intake section. The forward

The fit between the air intake and lower wing was near perfect….result!  Black marks drawn on the intake trunk exterior indicated areas that required filing and sanding, to ensure a proper fit of the forward intake parts.

 Abrasive paper wrapped around a craft stick allowed sanding of the intake interiors, but efforts made to reduce or eliminate the trunk’s unsightly overlap were, ultimately, in vain.

Gaps between the intake trunk forward edge and lower wing were easily filled, neatened, and repainted.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

HEAVY SMOKER!

Early General Electric J79 engines were notorious for producing significant smoke, particularly at mid-range throttle settings. Replicating the effects of heat and smoke was done in several stages and, though time consuming, the final outcome was a properly grubby Phantom tail.

A base of Alclad Aluminium was applied over a final primer coat and when dry, areas not to be ‘heat treated’ were masked…a job made easier by the exhaust nozzles’ removal.

 After an initial coat of Alclad Grey Primer, additional putty work was required to fill indents just above the stabilator attachment slots. It was during this work that one of the exhaust nozzles, seen still attached here, was knocked loose.

 Discolouration caused by heat and the underlying structure was simulated with graphite powder, and blue chalk pastel dust applied with a paper blending stump.

 Guided by reference photos, various shades of light and dark Alclad were mixed and applied to select panels. Alclad Pale Burnt Metal, mixed with other colours and lightly misted over the aft sections, added to the heated metal effect.  With the stabilators in place and nozzle re-attached, it was time to get dirty! A dark brown oil wash was applied to panel lines and sealed with Tamiya Smoke. Next, MIG Productions’ Black Smoke pigment and black-brown pastel dust was brushed or rubbed on all areas exposed to the exhaust.

 Areas to remain white on the horizontal stabilisers were masked, and then bare metal sections were painted Alclad Stainless Steel - followed by a mix of Steel and Dark Aluminium for the darker centre panels.

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gaps were filled easily, but little could be done about the overlap. Much time was spent attempting to improve the appearance, but eventually the decision was made to use intake covers. The tail extension comprised three pieces, which were assembled and attached to the fuselage. Their fit in this case was excellent, even though other modellers have reported using a spreader to eliminate a step at the join. Putty was employed to build a slight indent in the plates, to which the horizontal stabilisers attached. Attention returned to the front,

where the instrument panel coaming was thinned from the underside to improve appearance and allow a proper fit over the instrument panel. The small air-conditioning vents were attached to either side of the nose and blended into the fuselage with filler. Determined from reference photos, the correct early radome chin pod and vertical tail tips were selected and used in place of those indicated in the instructions. Tailsitting was prevented by 1oz (28g) of lead shot placed in the radome and secured with five-minute

 The forward coaming, seen here in its unaltered state, was overly thick and would not settle over the instrument panel. Thinning the part from the inside with a Dremel tool resulted in a proper fit.

In total, 1oz (28g) of lead shot epoxied into the radome prevented tail-sitting. Short lengths of strip styrene cemented around the edges ensured alignment and reinforced the join with the fuselage.

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epoxy. Finally, the radome, fuel dump vent, outer wing panels, and vertical tail were attached.

Colours and markings The prominent tail extension’s underside was exposed to the full fury of the twin General Electric J79s, and replicating the heat and smoke effect has been a challenge faced by all Phantom modellers. The process used here is detailed in the accompanying panel. Once a satisfactory finish was achieved in this area it was masked, and painting of the rest

of the airframe commenced. All underside surfaces and tail planes received gloss white, while MC325 (FS26440) Semi-gloss Gull Gray was used on the upper fuselage and wings except for the flaps and ailerons, which were also white. Masking between the white and grey was accomplished with BluTack ‘worms’ and Tamiya tape. Though not indicated in the instructions, Navy and Marine F-4s had a substance called Corogard applied to the leading edges of wings, intake lips, vertical tail, pylons, and some drop tank noses. A mix of clear

 Three after-market 1/48 F-4B/N wheel sets compared to the kit units, from left: Eduard, kit, Royale Resin, and True Details. The Eduard set, designed for Academy’s kit, was used for this model.

Spare kit parts Q27, though unidentified in the instructions, were used as fuses for the Mk.77 napalm tanks.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

Following mould seam removal and polishing, the windscreen/canopy transparencies were prepped for painting, with Eduard pre-cut masks and Tamiya tape.

 Kit MER and TERs (white) were replaced with those from a Hasegawa weapons set, which required modification to fit the kit pylons. Replacement cables were made from 0.012in (0.3mm) wire.  Alclad Armoured Glass, lightly misted on the windscreen’s centre panel, produced a subtle tint that was characteristic of the thick laminated material on the real unit.

 Fragile resin firing handles for the Hypersonic seats were replaced with those made from soft wire, slipped through short lengths of stainless tubing, and formed to shape.

epoxy and aluminium powder, Corogard provided protection from corrosion. To replicate this, once the grey and white paint had dried, the appropriate areas were masked and airbrushed with Alclad Semi-Matte Aluminium. Once all airframe painting was completed, the model was given a coat of Alclad Gloss Klear Kote prior to decal application. National insignia and other scheme-specific markings were from the Furball USMC Rhino set mentioned earlier, while Furball’s 1/48 F-4B/N Stencils & Data set

(48-013) provided the plethora of airframe stencils. What first appeared as an overwhelming number of stencils on the kit decal sheet paled in comparison to the comprehensive Furball set, which included access door, instructional, service and wing pylon markings replicated from factory specifications. Applying the decals was daunting, but well worth the effort as the end result was spectacular. Printed by Cartograf, all decals responded well to Micro Set and Sol. A second coat of Alclad Gloss

Hypersonic Models’ Martin Baker Mk.H5 seats, appropriate for an early F-4, were a significant improvement over the crude kit seats.

Klear then sealed the decals in preparation for weathering. A sludge wash made from MIG Productions’ Vietnam Earth pigment, mixed with distilled water and a hint of dishwashing liquid, was applied to all underside and other white surfaces. A darker mix made by adding Black Smoke pigment was applied to the grey surfaces. Once dry, a lightly moistened cloth and cotton buds removed the excess. What appeared in photos to be some kind of sealant or paint

around selected panels, slightly darker than the surrounding colour, was rendered a light grey India ink artist pen. A final coat of satin varnish sealed the weathering and produced an even, subtle sheen.

Gear down, flaps down It was decided to seek aftermarket replacement wheels as the kit’s main units had undersized hubs. There was no lack of available Phantom wheels, with those from Royale

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

Short styrene rods inserted into holes drilled in the True Details Mk.77 bombs fitted matching holes made in the Hasegawa MER, which in turn was attached to the kit-provided centre pylon.

Painted and weathered, Eduard’s excellent resin wheels could be mistaken for the real items.

Resin, True Details, and Eduard considered. The latter’s (648114 F-4B/N Wheels) were chosen as they were designed specifically for the Academy kit’s square mounting pegs, and properly captured the subtly bulged hub centre. The wheels were painted and set aside until the rest of the undercarriage was installed. Not attaching the main gear legs earlier as directed produced a complication, though, as the strut end cross pieces would not fit past the wing openings. This was remedied by removing the segments forward of the main struts with a razor saw, cementing the legs in place, and the separated piece put into position. All doors and actuators were attached as per the instructions, with alignment checked often throughout the process. Test-fitting of the open speed brakes revealed they hung down too far, so the actuators were shortened, which resulted in a more acute angle with the wing. The nose gear was assembled and installed as indicated, with no difficulties. Separate ailerons were provided which, though shown to be installed raised, were easily mounted lowered for a more interesting appearance. Finally, the wheels were attached, with care taken to ensure alignment between the two nose wheels and mains.

REFERENCES Uncovering the US Navy F-4 B/J/N/S/Q Phantom II, by Danny Coremans (DACO Publications), ISBN: 9789080674790 The Modern Phantom Guide – The F-4 Phantom Exposed, by Jake Melampy (Reid Air Publications), ISBN: 978-09795064-5-1 US Marine Corps F-4 Phantom II Units of the Vietnam War, by Peter E. Davies (Osprey Publishing), ISBN: 978-1-84908751-3 F-4 Phantom II in Detail & Scale Part 3 – USN & USMC Versions, by Bert Kinzey (Aero Publishers, Inc), USA ISBN: 0-8168-5022-4, UK ISBN: 0-85368-588-6 F-4 Phantom II in Action #65, by Larry Davis (Squadron/Signal Publications), ISBN: 0-89747-154-7 USMC Phantoms in Combat, by Lou Drendel (Squadron/Signal Publications), ISBN: 0-89747-235-7

Loaded for bear! The choice of weapons took into consideration the air-to-ground missions usually flown by USMC Phantoms. While AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles were occasionally carried for air-to-air protection, they were seldom used.  Visual interest was added to the speed brakes and main undercarriage doors with placard decals from Furball’s stencil set. The two on the primary nose gear door were Mike Grant cockpit placard decals, which matched closely those seen in reference photos.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

It was therefore not uncommon to see USMC Phantoms loaded with nothing but ‘mud-moving’ ordnance. None of the kit weapons fitted the desired configuration, which was based on several reference photos, so they were obtained from other sources. Three True Details Mk.77 napalm tanks were mounted on the

centreline Multiple Ejector Rack (MER) and six Eduard Mk.82 500lb Snakeyes were split between the two Triple Ejector Racks (TERs) mounted on the inboard pylons. The twin Zuni tubes came courtesy of a Hasegawa 1/48 F-8E Crusader kit and were fitted to the inboard AIM-9 rails. The MER and TERs were sourced

The speed brake actuators where shortened, which allowed them to be displayed open at a more realistic angle.

 The sheer number of decals provided in Furball’s stencil set was overwhelming, but once applied greatly enhanced the model’s appearance.

from Hasegawa’s ‘Aircraft Weapons: A - U.S. Bombs & Tow Target System’ set as they looked better than those in the kit, but oversized rear cables were replaced with 0.012in (0.3mm) metal wire. Unused kit parts Q27 looked exactly like the fuzes True Details indicated should be scratch-built for the

napalm bombs, so were employed for that purpose.

Finishing touches Fine mould lines found on both canopies were carefully sanded and polished with Micromesh abrasive cloth and Novus liquid polish. The canopies received Eduard pre-cut canopy masks Eduard Mk.82 Snakeyes were drilled, pinned, and attached to the Hasegawa TERs, which mounted under the inboard pylons. The Zuni tubes from a Hasegawa F-8E kit fitted the Academy AIM-9 rails as if they were designed to do so.

 The final finishing step was an overall coat of Alclad Semi-Matte Klear, which sealed the pigment wash and gave the decals a painted-on appearance.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD F-4B PHANTOM II

and Tamiya tape before paint was applied. A common misconception regarding Phantom windscreens is that they were tinted, when in reality, reflections caused by the laminated armoured glass gave that effect. Light coats of Alclad Armoured Glass paint airbrushed on the model’s windscreen provided subtle shading that looked the part. Two Eduard 1/48 photo-etched mirror sets (48 409) provided suitable items for both canopies and were attached with tiny drops of thick cyanoacrylate (CA). At this time, the seats were

completed; the fragile resin firing handles being replaced with alternatives made from appropriately sized stainless tubing and wire, and attached with CA. Seat frames were airbrushed Testors Interior Black enamel, with different shades of khaki and grey-green acrylic paints used on the cushions and parachute packs. Seat belts and harnesses, firing handles and other details were picked out with the necessary paints. A thin, brown oil paint wash on the cushions, and light grey enamel dry-brushing over the black frames, highlighted the The canopy actuators were attached prior to the seats being installed, as there was little room to spare between them…particularly in the front cockpit.

Even without additional detailing, the nose undercarriage was convincingly busy. Numerous vents and grilles around the intakes benefitted from weathering washes.

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details. After the seats and canopy actuators were installed, Gator’s Grip Hobby Glue was used to secure both canopies in the open position. Dissatisfaction with the intake interiors led to the installation of AMS Resin’s F-4 FOD Protection Covers (48014). After being trimmed to fit, the covers were painted gloss red and a decal from Fightertown Decals’ Remove Before Flight Tags set was cut in half and applied to each cover. Besides hiding the unsightly intake trunk overlaps, they added a pleasing splash of colour.

Fully Loaded Rhino The completed model left no doubt that Academy has successfully developed the next generation of 1/48 F-4 kits. In spite of a few shortcomings, an out-of-thebox build would produce a fine replica of the mighty Phantom, by any modeller with average skills. Thanks to the subject’s immense popularity, a steady flow of after-market products to further enhance this excellent kit was always guaranteed, and employment of said items by an experienced modeller could ❚ produce a true show-stopper. Most weathering and panel line highlighting relied on MIG Productions’ pigments, both as a wash and dry, and a medium grey Faber Castell India ink artist pen.

 Installing the main gear struts later in the build required the small horizontal peg forward of the strut end to be removed, then re-attached once the strut was in place. Also seen here are the open speed brakes and lowered aileron.

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BASIC BUILD

QUAD BIKES AND CREW

Stu Fone explores the recent British Forces Quad Bikes and Crew set from Airfix

 All parts received matt black primer; the majority of the underside was this colour, and the clever parts breakdown subsequently made for easier paint demarcation. The single-piece underside captured the detail of the real thing well.

San dBox

 The quality of moulding was excellent…here on the forward mudguard/ fuel tank part the instrument panel at centre could clearly be made out, even with just a primer coat.

Speedster Y

 The complex, almost face-like front fairing/grille was beautifully replicated. Careful painting was needed to ensure a clean delineation between black and chassis-coloured sections. The difference in ease of painting was clear from this photo – at top, the singlepiece wheels, and at bottom, the twopiece wheels in their individual elements and then assembled.

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 The wheels were crisply rendered, however the majority were single mouldings, which necessitated careful painting to produce a neat wheel/tyre boundary.

amaha’s Grizzly Quad Bike and associated trailer were introduced into British Army service in Afghanistan during 2008, in response to a requirement for a highly manoeuvrable vehicle to provide all-purpose support for deployed units. Since then the quad bike has truly become something of a jackof-all trades, acting as a patrol support vehicle carrying spare equipment, ammunition and water, by serving as a makeshift ambulance and even assisting Santa (see Reference panel).

Initial response

On opening the box, first impressions were pleasing. Three pale grey styrene runners were present, one for the four figures and two identical frames for the bikes and trailers. The parts were crisply moulded but care was needed when removing them from the frame as the plastic was rather brittle. Curiously, only a single set of markings was included, despite there being two quad bikes. Having conducted research before the build began, it became apparent that the figures did not appear quite

 Airfix’s attention to detail was highlighted by the engineering of one of the main chassis parts, represented here are part of the fuel tank fairing, engine and exhaust.

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BASIC BUILD

QUAD BIKES AND CREW

Tiny troops

The main chassis and engine mount was built from just two parts, but care was needed during assembly. If they are not properly aligned one will end up with a wonky quad bike! Reference images indicated that the centre of the engine fairing was the same colour as the main bike.  The single-piece rear axle and suspension, shown here in primer, needed to be fitted carefully to sit correctly on the chassis.

Although well detailed, the figures appeared to depict uniform and equipment that has not been used in Afghanistan since 2011, therefore inappropriate for 2013 and beyond. Since late 2010, all UK Armed Forces personnel deployed to Afghanistan were equipped with a new design of combat clothing, which incorporated a new camouflage scheme known as Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP), and this has a predominantly green colour base. The cut of the clothing was also amended, with angled pockets in the sleeves and changes to the design of Osprey body armour, to make the overall uniform very different to those depicted in the box. One final observation on the figures was that, as seen in the set, they would be more suitable for an in-base diorama as three of them lacked a personal weapon – all service personnel would carry armament if outside a base location.

 The Quad Bike was quick to assemble. Here, the mudguards, fuel tank and seat have been added – all that was needed for a basic bike were the wheels and panniers.

 The four figures in the set were crisply moulded and depicted a variety of poses, two loading/unloading, one driver and one directing the vehicles. However, they did appear to be in an earlier form of uniform and equipment and would not be accurate for a 2013-onwards scenario.

MODEL SPEC

correct for a 2013 onwards timeframe (see panel). The colour of the quad bike also came under close scrutiny, as the majority of reference photographs studied indicated a distinct mid-stone shade, rather than desert sand colour. It was therefore decided to build one bike almost straight out of the box, while the second would incorporate details highlighted by research, as well as an after-market resin accessory set. BRITISH FORCES QUAD BIKES AND CREW By:

Airfix

Stock Code: A04701 Scale:

1/48

Price:

£14.99

Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com

Assembly Due to the very pale colour of the plastic and the intent to weather the vehicles, the two vehicle frames received a primer coat of matt black. As each of the main parts was readied for assembly, it was then painted in the relevant chassis colour, either Humbrol 237 Matt Desert Tan as per the instructions, or Humbrol 187 Matt Sand/Dark Stone. Quad Bike assembly began with the rear of the vehicle and central chassis. Care was needed to ensure that the chassis was fitted correctly, as any misalignment would result in a wonky vehicle at the end. With the assembly of the fuel tank, seat and front forks the basic elements were assembled quickly; the 3D instructions clearly showed how the parts fitted in and around each other. On the mid-stone-coloured bike, the seat was painted in the chassis colour as per references, and then Tamiya masking tape was painted black and cut into thin strips to replicate the ubiquitous ‘bodge tape’ Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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BASIC BUILD

QUAD BIKES AND CREW

Aftermarket products

 With the addition of panniers and ammo boxes, this really began to look like the box art. Note that the ammo boxes should be brown, and not green as depicted in the instructions.

 A three-quarter view of the completed chassis…just touching-up of the paint, and the addition of wheels and a trailer, were the remaining tasks.

frequently used for repairs. The rounded end of a scalpel handle was used to roughen the edges of the tape and rub away some of the black, to replicate the worn appearance seen in reference photos. The wheels were something of a mixed bag, with the rear tyres in two parts; the remainder, single parts. While the latter may have been easier with regard to parts count and moulding, the former enabled a much neater wheel/ tyre boundary to be achieved. The tyres were painted with Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black and all wheel hubs Humbrol 237 – references show that wheel hubs were always painted in this colour. Step 13 dealt with the addition of the accessories, such as ammunition boxes on the front pannier and what appeared to be a radio rack on the rear pannier. The steering handles were also added at this time – if one intends to have the wheels turned to the left or right, remember to do the same with the handles! Note that British small arms ammunition

Although only released recently, the Quad Bike kit is already the focus of at least one after-market set. Red Zebra offers a storage set for the Airfix kit, which includes sufficient equipment for both bikes and trailers. The finely sculpted set comprises two rolled tarpaulins, one with an SA80, for the front panniers, two other rolls for the rear panniers and two different trailer loads. Once the parts were cleaned-up and painted they fitted neatly onto the bikes. The trailer loads in particular just dropped into place and really improved the look of the models.

 Although the quad bike kit is relatively new, Red Zebra has already produced an excellent resin accessory set, with sufficient pieces to detail both bikes and trailers. To order these and other items, e-mail Paul, at: [email protected]

boxes are painted in a dark brown colour, not green as indicated in the instructions – Humbrol 98 Chocolate Brown was spot-on. The kit-supplied accessories were only added to the first quad bike, while the second was to receive resin accessories.

Load-hauling Attention then turned to the trailers, although painting was

 This trailer underside photo shows the detail of the single axle, as well as the towing arm. Most of this embellishment would be obscured in the weathering process.

All of the trailer parts were also given a black primer coat. Initial assembly added the sidewalls to the base of the trailer.

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BASIC BUILD

QUAD BIKES AND CREW

 With the end-plates fitted, the basic construction of the trailer was complete; all that remained was to airbrush the trailer with Humbrol 237 Matt Desert Tan. All trailers are painted in this colour, regardless of the colour of the bike.

simplified in that all trailers are Desert Sand; Humbrol 237 was again used for both. A minor modification made to the second trailer was to remove the prongs for the gap-crossing ramps. Not

Reference Material Changeover in uniforms – two references used: Emery, Daniel (2009-1220). “British Army to get new camouflage uniform”, BBC News Online, retrieved February 26, 2014 Copping, Jasper (2009-1220). “British Army to get new uniforms – turned down by the US and made in China”, The Daily Telegraph (London), retrieved February 26, 2014 Background history of quad bikes and trailer and has comparison photos of desert camouflage and MTP: www.army.mod.uk/ equipment/23272.aspx# Walkaround photos from MoD sales website clearly shows the mid-stone colour variation and the use of ‘bodge tape’ on the seat: http://www.mod-sales.com/auction/ vehicle/home/51813/Yamaha_ Grizzly_450_ATV_Quad_Bike_.htm

all trailers carried the ladders, and given that the ramps were only introduced in 2011, anyone looking to use the figures included in the set would need to do the same. As with the Quad Bike, trailer assembly was easy, although the single-piece wheels needed careful painting. It was decided to load one trailer with equipment boxes and a single stretcher, along with the gap-crossing ramps. The boxes were painted as per the instructions. However the stretcher, which appeared to replicate an older design with wooden, rather than metal handles, was painted differently. The fabric received Humbrol 86 Matt Light Olive and when dry was given a wash with Humbrol 102 Matt Army Green, before the handles and under frame were painted in Humbrol 26 Matt Khaki. With everything set aside to dry, attention turned to the weathering and a combination of MIG Productions’ P232 Dry Mud Earth, and Vallejo 73102 Light Yellow Ochre pigments were used to simulate a combination of mud and dust on the bikes and trailers, with some of the mix worked into the interior of the trailer and accessories to represent build-up caused by

 The top colour took two airbrushing sessions to produce a satisfactory finish; with the base colour applied, the gap-crossing equipment was added to each side of the trailer. The second trailer would not be fitted with this equipment. Here the stretcher was being trial-fitted…a crucial step to ensure that the mounting brackets were positioned correctly, as there were no guide pins on the trailer or stretcher. Note the colour of the latter, which appeared to be an older wooden model and not the modern aluminium version.  Hook the trailer to the Quad Bike and hey presto! One finished model, albeit in need of touch-up work on the paint and weathering.

exposure to the generally dusty environment in Afghanistan. Despite there only being four decals per bike, these were some of the best yet from Airfix; they bedded down easily and with almost no carrier film visible. Application was quick and the decals dried without silvering. The inclusion of just a single set of decals may have been an oversight in this case.

About time! This kit took less than six hours, and if acrylics were used both vehicles could easily be built in a day. The decision to weather the models meant that more time was given to that than construction, if drying time was included. This was a fun, topical kit that fills a gap in models of the equipment used by British ❚ Forces in Afghanistan.

Second image on this page shows patrol with Quad Bike; one of the best pictures seen to date of how the trailer is used to carry spare or heavy equipment: http://www.nam.ac.uk/microsites/ unseen-enemy/stories/blown-intoa-ditch Quad bike at Christmas: http://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:Soldiers_Delivering_ Christmas_Mail_in_Afghanistan_ MOD_45154772.jpg

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’ mean that the vehicle has been adapted to a number of police and military roles, such as a freight carrier, ambulance and Special Forces wagon. Multiple versions of the G Class have been produced, including short wheelbase two-door and long wheelbase four-door types. One vehicle was even used by the Vatican City and converted into the so-called ‘Popemobile’. The standard ‘G’ Class for military use is not armoured but options are available for adding armour to protect against rifle fire and grenade shrapnel. More than 60 armies worldwide operate the type, but in German service it is known as the ‘Wolf’.

The mission begins

Garry Tobiss builds Revell’s Mercedes Wolf and adds a weighty amount of Black Dog resin to create a rugged Afghanistan version aimler Benz and Steyr Daimler Puch started to develop what became the Mercedes G Class in 1972. G stands for

‘Geländewagen’ or cross-country truck. The resultant vehicle had a distinctive utilitarian look but remains very popular and is still being made; Mercedes has

guaranteed that the standard ‘G’ class for NATO use will remain in production until 2025. The offroad capabilities and reputation for ruggedness and reliability

Revell’s Wolf is currently out of production, but is still relatively easy to find. Opening the box revealed one clear and four dark green styrene parts runners, together with five rubber tyres, a small sheet of decals and a metal aerial. The detail was adequate although most of the parts with simplified mouldings were eventually substituted with resin replacements. Revell's kit represented a short wheelbase version of the Wolf and allowed the option of an open or enclosed rear cabin. German, Dutch or Austrian versions were provided, but this only involved minor differences with the use of a limited number of optional parts. The Black Dog resin upgrade was designed to convert the Wolf into a German

 The floorpan and chassis pieces formed a firm foundation for the build.  Parts for the driver and front passenger positions displayed adequate detail.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’

 The rear wheel drive was similar to the front – the wheel centres are also shown.

There was a small decal sheet with instrument details and four markings options. • Bundeswehr, 1. Kompanie Panzerartilleriebataillon 215, Augustdorf: green/ black/ brown camouflage • Bundeswehr GECONISAF, Afghanistan: green/black/brown camouflage • Österreichisches Bundesheer KFOR MNTF South: green finish • Niederländische Aremee 2005: green/black/brown camouflage

MODEL SPEC

Special Forces version as used by International Stabilisation and Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The first task was to remove all of the resin parts from their casting blocks. This was done with a razor saw and care was taken to minimise the amount of resin dust generated. All parts were then washed in warm water to remove any casting release agent and residual dust. Construction of the Revell kit then began with the driver and passenger positions. All parts were assembled quickly and easily, base coated with white primer and then painted with either Lifecolor UA806 Black or Lifecolor UA051 Black Green (RLM 70). Decals were provided

for the dashboard dials and Mercedes logo for the steering wheel, so these were applied and sealed with gloss varnish. Black Dog supplied four replacement seats; these were infinitely better than the kit versions although the bases were deeper so the steering wheel position had to be adjusted slightly. The only issue was that three of the four seats were damaged so had to be repaired by matching the broken pieces found in the box to the source parts or, if missing, repaired with plastic card. Lifecolor UA506 Olivegrun was used to paint the seats after study of images on the Internet. All seats were then put aside until the end of the build. Chassis assembly

Everything except the exhaust pipe and one drive shaft has been added to the chassis.

These components were supplied to construct a completely enclosed vehicle, but they were not used in this project.

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’ SHORT WHEELBASE By:

Revell

Stock Code: 3069 Scale:

1/35

Price:

£15.00

Available from: Second-hand market

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’ filler and the missing strap was fashioned from lead foil. Surgery was needed to get the roof to sit properly on the kit frame, before all of the remaining parts such as the wheels, bumpers and door handles were fixed in place to largely complete the main parts of the vehicle.

Afghan colours

followed, which included the use of a soldering iron to melt the ends of the steering bar connectors – a real blast from the model making past. The completed unit was painted Black Green, weathered with pigments to get an even coverage over areas that would be difficult

to access after assembly, and then fixed to the bottom of the vehicle. Attention then switched to the body panels. The rear panel had ejector pin marks that needed filling but, apart from this minor problem, the bodywork mated very easily. The windscreen and frame was

 All of the main body panels exhibited reasonable moulded detail.  Black Dog’s resin seats had much more detail than the basic parts supplied in the kit.  Pigments were used to weather the interior of the cabin, prior to it being partly enclosed by the roof and windscreen.

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provided as a large clear part so this was masked, primed with black and fixed in place with canopy glue. Two frames from the kit plus Black Dog support bars were added to the cargo area, followed by a scratch-built webbing frame. The replacement resin roof was repaired with

There are various images on the Internet of the Wolf being used in Afghanistan by Special Forces from several countries. The Black Dog machine guns represented German types so this limited the choice of camouflage. An interesting photo was finally spotted, which showed a German vehicle from 2008 with a standard three-tone scheme, over-sprayed with what looked like field-applied desert colours. Step one in replicating this finish was to use a coat of white primer, followed by the Black Green. Masks cut from low-tack tape were then used to create

 Black and rust-coloured acrylics and pigments were employed for chipping on the chassis, before it was joined to the bottom of the vehicle.  Black primer was applied to the clear plastic part that formed the windscreen and frame, so that a black windscreen seal would show through.

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21/07/2014 09:37

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’

Black Dog provided a hefty array of resin in the upgrade kit and all of it came with very fine detailing. The parts split down roughly into baggage, seats, armament and structural additions:

 The resin part for the rear frame was broken in several places, so a replacement was scratch-built from plastic card, thick fuse wire and netting.  A coat of white primer was applied to unify the finish on the different materials.

 There was a range of rucksacks, mats, boxes and bags that were designed to be strewn around the cramped cargo area.

 Two machine guns and fittings were supplied, together with ammunition boxes plus two excellent flak jackets.

 The kit had two replacement pieces for the rear sides of the vehicle, to depict webbing with extra stowage and equipment.

the standard German threetone hard-edged camouflage. Sections of the bodywork were then masked and Lifecolor UA202 Sandgrau was applied. The picture showed the areas left in the original state broken up with blobs of the sand colour; the original idea was to copy this by airbrushing the spots freehand but they looked too neat. Drilling holes through masking tape and then applying the paint with an airbrush provided reasonably uniform spots, but with a ragged look that was a closer match to the photo. The last stage was to create small circular masks for the driver and passenger doors, where the ISAF decals were placed. Each circle was painted with Vallejo 969 Park Green. Weathering the bodywork consisted mainly of carefully scraping away the sand colour to reveal the darker colours underneath. This was done on any surface likely to be rubbed during operations. The result was quite subtle but probably

more representative than dabbing darker colours over the desert scheme.

Final touches

 There were resin replacements for all seats but just one of the seat bases was found to be undamaged (far left).

 The replacement cabin roof had some casting imperfections as shown here. The frame was also broken in several places.

Attention then turned to the resin accessories. These were all finished with various colours, after using images from the Internet as a guide. Most of the highlighting was done by mixing slightly different shades of the basic colour for each piece, although dark brown oil

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{33} 21/07/2014 09:38

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’

 A coat of Black Green was airbrushed to provide the base for the camouflage scheme.

 Lifecolor UA806 Black and Vallejo 70871 Leather Brown completed the basic camouflage.

 Another Lifecolor shade, UA202 Sandgrau, was then added over the base camouflage but some areas were left in the original state.

 The last painting step was to add the disruptive spot pattern. Note the green circle background prepared for the ISAF decal; this ensured good colour density.

washes were also employed in some areas to accentuate the cast detail. The final part of the finish was to apply the limited number of decals. Luckily some of those in the kit matched the items used on the vehicle being built. Colour registration was not perfect so the German flags had to be trimmed

{34}

carefully. There was also an initial concern with the ISAF markings because the decals seemed to have a thick carrier film, but this proved to be unfounded. Each decal settled perfectly with encouragement provided by softening fluid. The resin accessories were now added to the vehicle. There were many more than could realistically be put into the cargo space and, in reality, the crew would need access to man the weapons and move about so not all of the various rucksacks, bags and bedrolls were used. This approach was confirmed by checking pictures of the vehicle in service, which showed a busy but not overloaded condition. Final touches were to add the two machine guns plus the metal wire for the radio aerial. The Wolf was ready to go on the prowl!

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

LKW GL LEICHT ‘WOLF’ Worth the drive? The Revell Wolf was a budget kit that allowed the vehicle to be represented adequately without too much effort. A low parts count meant an uncomplicated but still enjoyable build and all pieces fitted very well. Black Dog had created an excellent upgrade set for what would otherwise have been quite an ordinary truck. But the issues with broken resin parts were annoying and all due to a lack of proper packaging. Repairing the damage consumed quite a lot of the overall build time, simply because the Revell kit was so straightforward to assemble. In summary, the kit plus the upgrade resulted in an interesting model…helped by the ❚ unusual colour scheme.

Black Dog www.blackdog.cz 1/35 Mercedes Wolf Afghanistan accessories set (T35058) Lifecolor www.airbrushes.com UA051 Black Green (RLM 70) UA202 Sandgrau UA506 Olivegrun UA806 Black Vallejo www.creativemodels.co.uk 969 Park Green 70871 Leather Brown

 Adding the repaired cabin roof completed the main part of the vehicle body. Note the slight overspray on the windscreen…eventually removed by careful scraping with a wooden spatula. A selection of the finished resin parts ready for final assembly.

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{35} 23/07/2014 17:31

ADVANCED BUILD

KOSCIUSZKO ALBATROS ‘COOPER’

Cooper’s Peter Fearis achieves great results with Encore’s recent Albatros, in stunning Polish colours

 Roden’s moulds showed a little wear and some flash was present. This was easy to remove but care was taken not to spoil any of the fine detail.  The interior had minimal sidewall detail that was adequate for the scale, but ejector pin marks needed to be eradicated.

{36}

A familiar friend Upon opening the box, modellers who favour this particular period of aviation will recognise the plastic components, as they are from Roden. The tooling has been around for some time and these parts showed signs of flash

MODEL SPEC

E

ncore Models has provided the modeller with a fascinating boxing of the Oeffag S.253 Albatros. So what makes this version so interesting? The pilot Merian C. Cooper, who was born in 1893. He was an American bomber pilot during World War One, who became instrumental in the establishment of the Polish and American-staffed Kościuszko Fighter Squadron. Additionally, Cooper touched many people’s lives (probably without their knowing) in other areas, too. He was not only one of the founding members of Pan American Airways, but he also championed many new technologies within the film industry, which we now take for granted…including Technicolor’ and ‘Cinerama’. Involved for many years in the movie business, his most remembered directorial work was the classic King Kong from 1933.

KOŚCIUSZKO ALBATROS ‘COOPER’ By:

Encore Models

Stock Code: EC72103 Scale:

1/72

Price:

US $24.00

Available from: Squadron Products, www.squadron.com

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ADVANCED BUILD

KOSCIUSZKO ALBATROS ‘COOPER’

 The fuselage interior was Painted Tamiya XF-6O Dark Yellow prior to detailing. A prominent feature of the engine compartment not included was the oil tank. Fabricated from plastic rod of suitable size and painted a brass shade, the area was given an instant lift. The lower engine bay was masked and painted grey-green prior to the remainder of the fuselage being treated to a wood grain effect with oils.

in certain areas; this however did not detract from the fact that the kit itself was an excellent representation of the original aircraft. Within the stunning box was also a photo-etched (PE) metal fret, which carried items for the interior and exterior, and there was also a well-cast resin forward bulkhead and machine gun receivers. To complete Encore’s upgrade, an excellent decal sheet was present. The company also enclosed a glossy instruction booklet divided into eight assembly stages and an additional page of rigging

 Another addition to the fuselage interior was a scratch-built fuel tank. This was manufactured from 80 thou plastic card and plastic rod.

 The resin forward bulkhead required a small amount of sanding to obtain a satisfactory fit. Once painted it was secured in place with five-minute epoxy.

 Stage 1 of the instructions dealt with the engine and this was a fine representation of the original; additional features could be added if desired. It was suggested at this stage to add the resin exhaust ports, but to avoid damage these were left off until further along in the construction.

 The intricate array of swirls in the aircraft’s camouflage pattern was rendered impressively in decal form. Imagine trying to replicate it with paint!

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ADVANCED BUILD

KOSCIUSZKO ALBATROS ‘COOPER’

 The seat was quite a basic affair and benefitted from a home-made posterior pad from putty. Once the seat was painted, the supplied PE harness could be added.

 With the engine, fuel tank and bulkhead in place, the interior started to look busy, and once the resin gun breaches and control column had been added the fuselage halves could be joined. Filler was required around the rear fuselage to alleviate a slight gap, and the seat was added later.

 Surgery on the engine cover was required prior to attachment, and an area of plastic needed to be removed (denoted by the red hatching). The original cut-out was not deep enough and would obstruct the exhaust.

 Once the upper decking was in place, filler was applied to eradicate any unsightly gaps. Although much of the engine was covered by the decking, the delicate cylinder heads and rocker covers were still visible.

 Prior to attachment of the lower wings to the fuselage, the tail planes, fin and cabane struts were added, and once this was done the airframe received a coat of Gunze Mr. Surfacer 500 to reveal any blemishes.

diagrams. To illustrate the positioning of the PE and resin components, Encore used a set of photographic references; however, these fell short of what

With the added enhancements and the complexity of the kit, time was set aside to study the instructions and parts

{38}

was required, as they were either vague or too dark. Among the resin items was a useful tool that was required to form the shape of the spoke wheels.

To task

thoroughly. Once familiar with the components, clean-up and construction commenced. When all the main assembly and rigging was completed, all that remained

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ADVANCED BUILD

ALBATROS ‘COOPER’

was to tidy the upper wing before applying the decals. The best way to achieve a satisfactory result was to cut the single piece into halves and work from the centre. While the remaining decals dried, attention turned to the final components, the spoke wheels. The supplied resin former enabled the PE pieces to be shaped to the correct contour; the process was simple but the resultant wheels were very delicate. Said wheels were then

attached to the resin tyres, but this was where it became tricky! The tyres had recesses to accept the PE wheels, but the inner and outer faces of the latter were of a slightly different size, and so great care was taken to attach the correct wheel half to the appropriate side. Encore also provided resin replacement axial stubs on which to attach the wheels, but these can be left off and the plastic originals used if desired.

 After painting to represent the doped linen covering on the tail plane, attention turned to masking these areas before the fuselage was airbrushed with Tamiya X-5 Green.

 As the upper surface of the lower wings was covered completely by a decal, the components were first painted with Tamiya XF-55 Deck Tan and given a gloss finish. The decals were very slightly oversized but they were trimmed easily once dry.

 The nose area of the Albatros was masked carefully with tape cut into thin strips, to follow the contours, before Tamiya XF-7 Red was applied.  Before further assembly, the fuselage received two coats of Humbrol Clear to facilitate the application of the fuselage and empennage decals. These were very well printed and conformed perfectly to the complex shapes, with just a little help from setting solutions.

Looking resplendent with the lower wings attached, the model progressed at quite a pace.

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{39} 21/07/2014 09:48

ADVANCED BUILD

KOSCIUSZKO ALBATROS ‘COOPER’

Journey’s end This was quite a challenging build! The original Roden kit, while being very accurate, was not easy to assemble. During

construction, the photographic references were, on occasion, confusing and did little to help. Certain PE items were better replaced with plastic card, while

others were so small they were difficult to use. The finished model, however, was certainly striking, the history of its 'colourful' pilot fascinating and

the overall package supplied by Encore was scintillating for a small subject...but this kit should only be tackled by experienced ❚ modellers.

 Made up of five components, the upper wing was a tricky sub-assembly, which demanded care to ensure the correct centre section and ailerons were selected. It was paramount that construction of the wing was carried out accurately, so there would be no alignment issues later in the build.

 Attachment of the upper wing was a delicate task and was approached with great care. A jig was also employed to ensure everything was set at the correct angle.

 Tamiya XF-55 was airbrushed on the lower surface of the assembled wing, as a base for the fabric effect. Once the ribs were masked, various shades of XF-55 were applied to achieve a weathered look and the holes were drilled for the rigging.

 For this build, Uschi van der Rosten Superfine rigging thread was used. This was excellent, but being so fine, if any was dropped during the rigging work it soon became apparent that looking for it was futile!

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21/07/2014 09:49

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22/07/2014 15:18

EXCLUSIVE BUILD SWIFT FR.5

SWIFTLY D O E S IT Alan Price delivers a ‘swift’ build of Airfix’s latest kit...not a replacement for an old product but a completely new offering

upermarine’s Swift has been a muchneglected subject by kit manufacturers, which is a pity. It’s a splendid-looking aircraft and filled an important role in post-war jet aviation with the Royal Air Force. The kit built here was a pre-production sample and as a result, there may be

S

some minor changes made before it reaches the shops; but the final version should be produced in a grey plastic similar to that seen here. No decals were available at the time of the build, but fortunately there was a suitable option available on Hannants' Xtradecal set 72150 RAF No.2 Squadron History 1920 -2002.

 Airfix’s fuselage halves exhibited an impressive mix of engraved and raised detail, which responded well to wash application later in the build.

{44}

The markings were for Swift FR.Mk.5 XD962 ‘L, based at Jever, Germany in 1960.

Construction time The build began conventionally with the cockpit assembly and, as with most post-war RAF aircraft, the interior needed to be black; the components were airbrushed

with Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black and then dry-brushed with light grey to accentuate the raised detail. The ejection seat was painted as per the colour guide, with a cream colour for the seat pad and blue seat belts; dark brown wash was used to weather the seat area. The parts for the inlet ducting and exhaust pipe had to

 Engraved features can be seen to good effect here. Note the well-detailed undercarriage bay and the structural ribs inside the flaps.

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22/07/2014 14:26

EXCLUSIVE BUILD SWIFT FR.5

KIT COLOUR SCHEMES Two liveries are on offer for Airfix’s Swift, both being RAF Cold War options:

Plenty of embellishment filled the nose gear bay, even though this was difficult to see after construction.

• WK281/S, Flt Lt Nigel Walpole, 79 Squadron, Gütersloh, RAF Germany • XD972, II (AC) Squadron, Jever, RAF Germany

be painted at this point, with inlet components all being rendered in white and the jet pipe black. Aluminium paint was applied to the face of the engine compressor. Certain portions of the fuselage halves received white around the intakes, and test-fitting of the ducting revealed where paint was required. The nose gear bay had to be painted aluminium and, after some details were highlighted in black, the halves of the bay were glued together. Care was needed to align all the interior parts; this was a little fiddly and the ensemble fitted better if the nose gear bay and cockpit innards were glued in place separately, rather than

being fixed to each other first as the instructions demanded. Once all the interior parts were aligned the fuselage mated well, but it did need to be taped while the glue dried to ensure the seams aligned properly. The main section of the inlet ducting dropped in from underneath the fuselage, after the latter was assembled, and this fitted perfectly.

Main planes The wings came next and just a little work was required to get all to fit properly; tabs and slots that aligned the fuselage-to-wing join were somewhat tight. These needed to be neatened and

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EXCLUSIVE BUILD

MODEL SPEC

SWIFT FR.5

SUPERMARINE SWIFT FR.5 By:

Airfix

Stock Code: A04003 Scale:

1/72

Price:

£14.99

Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com

The Airfix ejection seat was a fair attempt; here it is on the right next to a Pavla resin replacement. Pavla’s item would not fit the Airfix Swift, so do take note before thinking about buying one!

 Intake ducting was well represented and all the parts needed to be painted before assembly.

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the square edges were removed to allow the wing to bed properly into the fuselage recess. The inlet ducting required a fraction to be removed at the front edge, to allow the wing to fit into the fuselage at the front. Airfix provided the large centreline fuel tank as an option and the holes for this must be cleared before the wing is glued in place. It was the author’s preference to omit the tank, as it covered a lot of detail. The resulting wing join was excellent, though, with almost no clean-up at all required at the

wing roots...and just a little at either end of the fuselage. A hint of Gunze Mr. Surfacer was all that was required to deal with any of the seams, followed by light sanding. The control surfaces were all positioned and, once again, the fit was excellent. Finally, the windscreen was attached but this needed much care as there was no frame around the bottom edges. This meant that whatever glue was used would be visible through the plastic. Another thing to consider is that the attachment point for the windscreen on the

 The cockpit parts all received Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black before they were mated, and light grey dry-brushing helped to define the details.

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EXCLUSIVE BUILD SWIFT FR.5

The inlet and exhaust components were all assembled prior to installation in the fuselage.

READY FOR INSPECTION This modeller has had the good fortune to have built quite a few of Airfix’s new kits over the last few years, and each has been an improvement over the last. Recent examples have been of an extremely high standard, and fit and detail arguably now rival the best around. This new kit is another step up the ladder. Its parts on the runners were well spaced out, which made them easy to access and remove, while the components themselves displayed superb panel line detail...very fine and not too deep. Trailing edges on the flight controls were all commendably thin. The level of detail in general is excellent with full inlet ducting and an engine compressor fan provided. This has been designed cleverly to hide seams and ejector pin marks. A full- length exhaust pipe is also provided, with engine detail at the far end. A multi-part cockpit tub fits beautifully into the sides of the fuselage and is graced by a great representation of the Martin Baker Mk.1 ejection seat. For the first time Airfix has offered integrally moulded belts for the seat and, pleasingly, the cushion is also provided without belts for those who wish to fashion their own or rely on after-market replacements. Another feature is the wing assembly, which is formed from a full-span lower section and separate upper halves; this interlocks with the aircraft’s underside, to ensure the wings form a tight join to the fuselage.

 Here the fit of the splitter plate in the fuselage is visible...this must be fitted accurately to avoid problems later. Note the inside of the camera window has been painted black to avoid seeing into the fuselage.

 The interior proved a little difficult to fit but this is how it looked once fitted. ‘Liquid Gravity’ metal weights filled all the gaps in the nose, to avoid ‘tail-sitting’.

runner is probably best dealt with by way of a razor saw, to avoid stressing the part. Ultimately, the windscreen was tacked on with drops of Superglue at the front and rear, and then a small amount of Microscale Kristal Klear was used along the edges to blend the glazing into the fuselage.

A smoother skin In common with almost all of Airfix’s recent releases, the finish of the kit parts was ever-soslightly rough. This apparently aids removal from the moulds. To obtain a better finish, this rough surface was sanded gently with 2,400-grade Micromesh (with

 A snug fit defined the kit’s air intake ducting, which also offered extra opportunity to add more weight.

water) over the whole airframe, followed by 3,600-grade. This left an impressively smooth finish ready for paint. Little masking was required, with just the inlets, nose gear bay and cockpit to protect, and these were all filled with foam blocks, which made the job quick and easy. The canopy

was masked with Tamiya tape, cut carefully around the raised frames. In terms of painting, the initial task was to prime the airframe with Gunze Mr. Surfacer from a spray can; this dried in

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EXCLUSIVE BUILD SWIFT FR.5

When the wing was glued in place, front and rear sections were taped to the fuselage to achieve the best possible join.

The underside was airbrushed with Alclad II lacquer for a superb aluminium result.

minutes and was then cut back with 4,000-grade Micromesh to ensure a very smooth surface.

Colour coats Swifts were painted mostly in the stock post-war RAF colours of High-Speed Silver undersides and Dark Green/Dark Grey camouflage on the upper surfaces. Alclad II was used for the underside silver finish, via the colour Aluminium 101. Alclad lacquers deliver a superb finish but can be slightly temperamental for the inexperienced to apply. The lacquer forms a very thin layer and the underlying basecoat must be perfect to avoid imperfections in the finish. Mr. Surfacer is ideal for this as it can be polished with Micromesh to give a glossy finish (which is recommended for some Alclad finishes). It will also protect the plastic from the Alclad, which can damage the surface of the plastic if applied to it directly. As the undercarriage and flaps were also finished in Aluminium, these were all prepared and painted with Microscale Gloss varnish to protect the plastic. Alclad is

solvent-based and the fumes are not pleasant. It is definitely not ‘family-friendly’ and a spray booth with fume extraction is required if airbrushing indoors. Used correctly, a spray booth will remove almost all the fumes, to make airbrushing much safer, although a respirator should be used in conjunction with the booth for maximum protection. Alclad recommends airbrushing at a lower pressure than normal, because the paint is very thin and high pressures can actually blow the paint off the surface. Following the advice, the compressor was set to deliver 17psi (1.1 bar) and the lower surfaces were covered quickly. The undercarriage components and the flaps were also painted at the same time. To protect the Alclad from the masking and handling, a coat of Microscale Gloss varnish was applied the following day. The underside was then masked in preparation for the camouflage scheme. Panel lines were preshaded with black and then Gunze Sangyo H331 Dark Grey was airbrushed where required. This

 The first colour to be applied was the Dark Grey which, after drying, was over-laid with Blu-Tack to set the camouflage demarcation.

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EXCLUSIVE BUILD SWIFT FR.5

 Application of the Dark Green completed the camouflage and the result looked stunning; gloss varnish followed.

 Decaling was a straightforward job. Ejection seat warning triangles were sourced from an Airfix Canberra decal sheet, in the absence of stencilling on Xtradecal’s offering.

 The panel lines received a wash from Flory Models, which was speedy to use and gave a superb result.

 With the addition of the pitot tube and final coat of varnish, the build was complete. All that awaited was attachment of the canopy.

was left to dry for 24 hours before Blu-Tack set the camouflage, as per Xtradecal's guide. Gunze H330 was then airbrushed to complete the ‘war paint’. After the Blu-Tack was removed, several touch-ups were required, but once completed the underside masking was removed and the whole model was gloss varnished.

Finishing touches Xtradecal’s markings were excellent as always and settled down perfectly into all the details with help from Microscale setting solutions. When the decals had dried, the model was cleaned to remove any residue from the decal process and another coat of gloss was applied. Panel lines were accentuated via Flory Models’ Black Wash and, once this job was finished, the final

coat of gloss was applied to impart the lustre associated with post-war RAF jets. As the remaining parts had already been painted there was just the task of attaching them. The undercarriage fitted easily into the locations within the wings, while the inboard wing doors also seated in a positive manner. But the nose gear door was slightly difficult to attach and the locating pins needed to be neatened near the door edge. In

addition, the flaps fixed perfectly into their locations and Airfix provided a diagram to help achieve the right angle for these.

Swift but sure Airfix has produced a superb kit which builds easily and looks great when finished. A good rendition of the Swift has been the desire of many modellers for years, and this version is everything that one could have hoped for...and more. ❚

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 The Supermarine Swift may not have been successful as a fighter, but it looked good and served well in the reconnaissance role. Here, Flt Lt Nigel Walpole of 79 Squadron RAF, in WK281, keeps company with his wingman while on a sortie from Gütersloh, Germany, in 1956.

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IN FOCUS

SUPERMARINE SWIFT

COLD WAR

PHOTOGRAPHER Malcolm V. Lowe recounts the brief but noteworthy RAF career of the dedicated reconnaissance derivative of Supermarine’s Swift jet fighter

Development work for the Swift FR.5 was carried out with this former Swift F.1, serial number WK200, which particularly tested the shape of the enlarged nose unique to the Swift FR.5. (Supermarine Division, Vickers-Armstrongs)

amous for its legendary Spitfire, well-known and long-standing firm Supermarine successfully continued as a major British manufacturer following the end of the war in 1945. Eventually a part of the VickersArmstrongs (Aviation) Ltd grouping, Supermarine became involved in the creation of a new jet fighter for the RAF during the late 1940s and early 1950s. At that time the company was performing much research and testing into the optimum configurations for modern jetpowered combat aircraft, which was a new and evolving science at that time. Some of this design

F

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work was intended for the creation of a newgeneration jet fighter for Britain’s Royal Navy, but the major research effort that Supermarine put into finding the right aerodynamics for future fighter design also aroused interest from the RAF – which had its own requirements for new fighters, especially caused by the commencement of the Cold War, and the lessons that were learned from the Korean War. Supermarine’s design work and prototype testing eventually led to the Supermarine Type 535, which flew initially in August

 Swift FR.5 XD907 was coded ‘F’ with 79 Squadron. This image ably shows the type’s sleek lines. (Supermarine Division, Vickers-Armstrongs)

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IN FOCUS

SUPERMARINE SWIFT

SWIFT SERVICE

Three Swift FR.5s of II(AC) Squadron in flight over West Germany, with XD916/E nearest the camera. (John Batchelor Collection)

1950. A sleek, swept-wing aircraft powered by the RollsRoyce Nene turbojet, further development led to the RollsRoyce Avon-engined Type 541 that flew a year later. Eventually bearing the name Swift, the RAF fighter that grew directly from this design work first flew in its initial F.Mk.1 form in August 1952. This was, by then, a major new fighter programme for the RAF, but the type encountered many difficulties, with control problems and general aerodynamic issues, which showed how difficult it was at that time to perfect a viable, swept-wing front-line fighter layout. It proved hard for Supermarine to iron out all the ‘bugs’ that the Swift experienced, especially regarding the type’s high-altitude performance and handling. The Avon turbojet also caused problems, although some of these were traced to poor workmanship by a subcontractor. The Swift F.1 interceptor entered service in 1954 with the RAF’s 56 Squadron at RAF Waterbeach, but the type was only in service for around one year and was never really combat-ready. Nevertheless, a

specially prepared former Swift Mk.1 (actually the Swift Mk.4 prototype, serial number WK198), became famous by breaking the world speed record in September 1953, while piloted by test pilot Mike Lithgow.

The Swift FR.5 served successfully in the front-line, but for only five years. Three RAF squadrons flew the type; the most famous was No.2 Squadron (sometimes written as II (AC) Squadron, reflecting the long history of this prestigious unit and its former role of Army Co-operation). There was also 79 Squadron, which was later re-numbered as 4 Squadron. These units flew as a part of the British Forces in West Germany within Second Tactical Air Force (from January 1959, RAF Germany). The exact total of Swift FR.5 production is complicated by some of the FR.5s that eventually existed not being started as such, while others at the end of the production were cancelled. Approximately 90 FR.Mk.5s were actually completed (possibly as many as 94). Most were built as FR.5 airframes, but some were converted on the production line from intended Mk.4 fighters, or re-built from completed or near-complete F.4 airframes. Positively identified serial numbers were WK277, WK280-WK281, WK287-WK315, WN124, XD903-XD930, XD948XD977. Also included, according to some sources, were WK274, WK276 and WK278. All these Swifts were built at Supermarine’s South Marston factory on the outskirts of Swindon in Wiltshire. This facility was actually the Supermarine branch within the Vickers-Armstrongs (Aviation) Ltd conglomerate, which Supermarine was, by then, a part. A number of further intended Mk.5 airframes after XD977 were cancelled, and there is some doubt whether or not all of the Mk.4s that were believed by some writers to have been completed as Mk.5 airframes were actually finished as such. A further, planned reconnaissance Swift, the PR.6, did not enter production.

Reconnaissance success The one and only version of the Swift that can be said to have been a success was the FR.Mk.5. Standing for Fighter Reconnaissance, this derivative’s role was low-level photo-reconnaissance. With no need for high-altitude flying, the Swift’s engine problems and controllability issues at high altitude were not present for the FR.5, which performed well at low level. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon RA.7R/114 re-heated turbojet of 9,450lbst (42.0kN), the FR.5 had a top speed of around 713mph (1,147km/h) at sea level – although straight-line speed was not a vital component of the type’s specifications. Instead, low-level manoeuvreability and airframe strength were most important for the tactical reconnaissance photographic role that the

A posed but nonetheless interesting line-up of RAF Swift FR.5s in West Germany. Note the boarding ladder attached to each aircraft. (John Batchelor Collection)

 A Swift FR.5, WK303/H, dives vertically in this impressive publicity photograph. The aircraft wears the colours of 79 Squadron, which flew the Swift FR.5 from 1956 onwards in West Germany. (John Batchelor Collection)

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IN FOCUS

SUPERMARINE SWIFT

A Swift FR.5 displays the upper surface camouflage of Dark Green and Dark Grey worn by these low-level reconnaissance derivatives of the series. The first production FR.5 flew in May 1955. (Supermarine Division, Vickers-Armstrongs)

The Swift FR.5 in this publicity shot belonged to 79 Squadron, and was fitted with the FR.5’s prominent belly-mounted fuel tank. (Malcolm V. Lowe Collection)  Several Swift FR.5s such as WK303/H seen here, were featured in 'glamour' photographs that gave the impression of speed and agility. The type was armed with two 30mm cannon for self-defence. (John Batchelor Collection)

Swift FR.5 performed. For its reconnaissance flying, the FR.5 featured an enlarged nose, compared to the fighter versions of the Swift, and this was fitted with three F.95 cameras. One was installed in the extreme nose looking forwards, the other two were fitted to face outwards obliquely through a camera window on each side of the nose. Each used standard (for their time) roll film. In order to increase the range of the reconnaissance Swift, which could be reduced greatly if the engine’s re-heat was used, a large fairing could be fitted beneath the fuselage to carry up to 220 gal (1,000 lit) of fuel. To compensate for this large fuel tank, the Mk.5 featured the enlarged vertical tail surfaces as pioneered for the Mk.4 fighter, which itself had not entered operational service.

Known as the Supermarine Type 549, the Swift FR.5 was built on Supermarine’s South Marston production line from serial numbers WN124 and XD903 onwards, but a number of Swift F.4 fighters were finished as FR.5 airframes or converted into that mark after manufacture. The Swift FR.5 entered RAF service in 1956, and initial examples reached II (AC) Squadron in early 1956. Later that year 79 Squadron received its first FR.5. These two units were based in West Germany, and became successful exponents of the type...exemplified by their winning of the annual NATO reconnaissance competition ‘Royal Flush’ in 1957 and 1959. The Swift FR.5 was replaced entirely during 1961 by a reconnaissance version of the superb Hawker Hunter jet fighter, ❚ the Hunter FR.10.

In flight the Swift FR.5 looked sleek and purposeful, as illustrated here by XD904. The type’s reconnaissance operations were carried out at low altitude. (Supermarine Division, Vickers-Armstrongs)

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21/07/2014 10:04

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6

Achtung, Gustav! Mark Stanton makes his AMW debut with a controversial release… Eduard’s new Bf 109G-6 riginal designs for the now legendary Messerschmitt Bf 109 were conceived in 1933. Discussions within Germany’s technical department of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM - Reich Aviation Ministry), pinpointed the need for a singleseat fighter aircraft. Just two years later, in May 1935, the first Bf 109 made its maiden flight powered by, ironically, a Rolls Royce Kestrel VI engine. The service history of this type has been very well documented over the years and is beyond the scope of this article. However, it is important to note that the aircraft series served throughout the Spanish Civil War and World War Two, until the arrival of the early jet fighters, and flew in almost all theatres. With more than 35,000 airframes built, it remains the most produced fighter aircraft of all time.

O  After construction and initial painting and weathering, the detail was still obvious underneath a coat of RLM 66.

priorities regarding that product are important to them personally. Many look towards the final finish and colour scheme, others at the historical importance of the original aircraft. Some modellers look for a fun build of a particular subject and others seek an accurate replica. No one is wrong; everyone is allowed freedom within their own hobby to concentrate on the areas important to them… and they’re entitled to their

MODEL SPEC

The number of cockpit parts was high for a 1/48 kit and they created a superb representation of the original machine.

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6 By:

Eduard

Stock Code: 8268 Scale:

1/48

Price:

€27.23

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

Different strokes For every aircraft kit released there will be a modeller whose

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6

Luftwaffe personalities Let’s face it…with so many interesting G-6 schemes to choose from, Eduard must have struggled to select those it thought would have the widest appeal. The options are: • W.Nr. 27169, Red 13+, Fw Heinrich Bartels, 11./JG 27, Kalamaki airfield, November 1943 • W.Nr. 440141, Yellow 1+, Oblt Wilhelm Schilling, 9./JG 54, Ludwigslust, February 1944 • W.Nr. 18807, Yellow 6+, Ofw Alfred Surau, 9./JG 3, Bad Wörishofen, September 1943 • White 10, Oblt Alfred Griswlawski, 1./JGr.50, Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, September 1943 • Maj Ludwig Franzisket, I./JG 27, early 1943  The prominent cockpit fuel line with its clear inspection tube was, thoughtfully, moulded from transparent plastic.  Magnified by the macro lens, the detail on the PE instrument panel was evident. Although the blue-grey colour did not match the painted cockpit parts, it was not really visible after the fuselage halves were closed.

personal thoughts on any product. When a new release of any of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 series is announced, though, a fully stirred and kicked hornet’s nest of opinion and vitriol must be expected. The majority of comments regarding Eduard’s kit have been concerned with outline accuracy, but many of the major shape errors were deemed easily correctable and would make a huge difference to the model’s final appearance. Leaving the accuracy debate

aside, the box contained some of the most detailed and perfectly moulded parts. The styrene components totalled 175, of which nine were on the transparent runner. Further inspection revealed a pre-coloured photo-etched (PE) metal fret, die-cut masks and decals for five aircraft. The colour schemes appeared to be well considered by Eduard, and comprised aircraft flown by prominent aces, or ‘Experten.’ Surface detail was exceptionally  Three separate components completed the main landing gear bays, and the canvas areas of the sidewalls were moulded beautifully.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6

 Eduard’s solid navigation lights were rubbed down and replaced with coloured resin bulbs, and covered with cyanoacrylate, which was also sanded and polished.

well reproduced, with subtle rivets and very fine panel lines. The transparent parts were impressively clear and even included the prominent cockpit fuel line, while the instructions included the usual colour profiles, with paint codes referring to the Gunze Sangyo range. Study of the instructions revealed that more than 61 pieces were superfluous to this specific model, but it was obvious from the start that this kit would be the first of a series.

Straight to the point

 The main plane surfaces were compared to the Zvezda kit wings, which revealed that they were just 2mm too long at each end. This was marked with masking tape… …before each end was removed carefully with a razor saw.

Eduard’s Bf 109G-6 has been the subject of much on-line criticism, almost all of which has been directed at the basic shape and concern that the model was overscaled. The most apparent errors included the prominent bumps on the wing root fairing, which were not present on the real Bf 109G. The wingspan is a little too long and there has been debate regarding the accuracy of the

 The propeller and spinner, seen after painting, were shaped much better than in previous releases of the Bf 109G series.

fuselage length. Very minor shape errors have also been mentioned, surrounding the supercharger intake backing plate on the port side of the engine cowling. It has been interesting to read many of the comments but very rarely was any advice given in order to fix these mistakes. None of the included schemes represented a tropical variant and yet just below the port side of the canopy sill there were two small bumps that represented sunshade holders fitted to tropical F-models.

Due praise Ignoring the criticism, where Eduard got things right it did so with finesse. Starting with that prominent spinner, this was very well proportioned. The exhausts and gun barrels all had hollow openings and the very fine weld seams could just be seen on the exhaust stacks. An obvious feature of the late model Bf 109 series was the MG131 magazine covers, the ‘Beule’, on the sides of the upper nose cowling. These were reproduced perfectly for the G-6. No fewer than three propellers, four different types of main wheels, four different tail wheel struts and two variations of tail wheels were included, as well as two styles of windscreen glazing, which sported different air vent configurations. A variety of armament was also included with alternative gun fitment and underbelly bomb racks and bombs. All this indicated that different sub-type kits would be forthcoming.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6 These were not applicable to European theatre aircraft, and it took just two swipes of a scalpel to remove the two holders. A very fine grade sanding stick finished the job and no one would know they’d been there. The small fairings on the wing roots were removed with round sanding sticks. Five minutes per side was all it took to eradicate the incorrect bulges, and the area was finished with fine abrasive paper. It is generally accepted among modellers who know their Bf 109s, that the most accurate late-model 1/48 Bf 109 is the ‘F’ produced by Zvezda. Comparison of the lower wing part of Eduard’s kit, with that of Zvezda’s, showed that the Eduard wings were 2mm longer at the end of each wing, before the addition of wing tip parts

I52 and I54. With the upper and lower surfaces taped together and the 2mm section to be removed marked with masking tape, the ends were cut away with a razor saw. Total time to conduct this operation was less than ten minutes. The questionable fuselage length could not be verified accurately and even if incorrect, the error was deemed too small to really show. It is thought that Eduard made an uncharacteristic

mathematical error, but it is reasonable to suggest that in less than 30 minutes, the main areas of concern can be corrected with little skill and simple tools.

To ensure a tight and secure fit at the wing root, masking tape was used to secure the join, prior to thin plastic cement being run along the surface at the root itself.

Surprise, surprise… Eduard provided a respectable representation of the pilot’s working space though. More than 47 plastic and PE parts were used in the construction of the cockpit and the final result was truly delightful. The base colour was RLM 66, available as H416 from Gunze Sangyo, and this acrylic paint was diluted with cellulose

 Tamiya grey Fine Surface Primer was used as a base coat, but was decanted first into a paint jar before it was applied via airbrush.

 Not wanting to overdo it, the pre-shading was completed with Gunze Sangyo H416 rather than black, as just a subtle variation in colour was sought. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6

Alfred Grislawski

Born just after the end of World War One, on November 2, 1919 to Gustav and Henriette Grislawski, the young Alfred did not have a particularly easy time growing up in the Ruhr district of Germany, amid the high-inflationary period following the Great War. After being employed as a farm worker, Alfred sought to join the military but was rejected by the German Navy, but the Naval Aviation Service gave him a home and after initial training, he was very soon tasked with recruiting other candidates. During the early stages of World War Two, Grislawski was based in Romania, where he provided training for that country’s pilots, but after the German invasion of Russia in June 1941 he was ordered to relocate to Tserkov, Ukraine. On September 1, 1941 he gained his first aerial victory by shooting down a Russian Polikarpov I-16. Grislawski was ultimately credited with a total of 133 victories and rose to the rank of Hauptman; His highest decoration was the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Grislawski suffered many wartime injuries and as a result of cracking two vertebrae in a belly-landing incident in September 1944, spent the remainder of the war in an Austrian military hospital. He returned to Germany at the cessation of hostilities, and remained in his homeland until his death at the age of 83, on September 19, 2003.

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thinner prior to its application with an Iwata airbrush. Detail painting was completed with fine brushes and once the initial rendering was completed, the entire cockpit area received a sprayed coat of Xtracolor gloss varnish. The gloss finish gave a much smoother surface for oil paint washes, which were applied carefully with a fine

brush. Burnt Umber and Grey Black oils were used for this after being thinned heavily. The whole assembly was then left to dry (which should be at least three days when oil paint has been used). Dry-brushed H416, lightened slightly, highlighted the edges and a very subtle wash was applied to increase shadow effect around the

The desired effect was achieved after the RLM 76 colour was applied… subtle variations in tone rather than harsh contrasts.  The fuselage was masked prior to the wings being airbrushed, and the distinctive white tail of Alfred Grislawski’s aircraft was added.

cockpit sidewalls. A suitable drying period was necessary before the whole assembly received a coat of Xtracolor matt varnish. The final details were attached, such as the colour PE seatbelts and instrument panel. Of special note was part J1 on the transparent runner; this represented the trademark fuel line, which ran along the starboard side of the cockpit. In the original aircraft, a glass tubular section allowed the pilot to view the fuel and, as the kit part was moulded in clear plastic, the ‘glass’ section could be masked prior to painting the fuel line. The cockpit was then dry-fitted to the fuselage side to check for any fit problems before ultra-thin liquid cement was brushed around the joining edges. This modeller’s one negative opinion regarded this stage, was that it seemed such a shame to hide all of this detail!

Taking shape Following almost a week’s work on the cockpit and interior detail, the rest of the airframe went together extremely quickly. No locating pins were moulded onto the fuselage parts, but with the correct placement of the cockpit tub, as well as the inclusion of the circular plate (H59A) at the very front of the nose, it was very easy to align the fuselage halves. The prominent nose bulges were supplied as separate parts, as was the upper nose cowling. Two types of tail were included and parts T6 and T8 were used on this model, which represented the shorter fin applicable to the chosen

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22/07/2014 12:15

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6 inner canopy colour of H416 was sprayed on the canopy framing. The whole of this stage took just a couple of hours, before the main airframe was ready for painting.

Prime-time

scheme. Very detailed wheel wells were constructed from the three separate parts per side. The roof of the wells was moulded as part of the inner side of the upper wing surface, and had correct detail and the concaved roof, which showed on the upper wing surface as an obvious bump. The radiators, flaps and ailerons were all attached but the tail planes were left until later. After the wings were completed, they were dry-fitted to the fuselage and the fit proved to be almost perfect, with just a little care needed at the wing root where the upper surface joined the wing root fairing. The wings were taped from tip to tip, over the top of the cockpit, and a light application of Tamiya thin cement along the mating surfaces ensured a strong join. Prior to any paint being applied to the fuselage, the canopy parts were masked with the set supplied. After each piece was positioned on the respective cockpit glass, the

Over the years the quality of modelling paints has improved immensely and the grade of pigments reduced significantly. Whereas in earlier times, the model’s surface detail was lost under a single brushed coat of paint, today’s builders have beautifully fine paints with which to work, and even after two or three coats most still allow surface detail to show through clearly. Tamiya’s range of spray paints included various colour primers and its Grey Fine Surface Primer was used here, but it was decanted into the airbrush first before spraying, which allowed a much more controlled application. Following on, the airbrush was loaded with H416 again after preshading lines were sprayed along various panel edges and control surface hinges. Gunze Sangyo H417, which represented the RLM 76 of the original, was sprayed over the model’s lower surfaces, and the pre-shaded lines ensured a pleasing, varied tone to the light blue. A further, lightened random application of H417 was applied over the model to again increase tonal variation. The fuselage, wings and tail planes were masked and sprayed with the first of the two upper colours. Starting with the lighter RLM 75, Gunze Sangyo H69, the upper scheme was applied

Gunze Sangyo H413 RLM 04 Yellow was sprayed on the lower nose area after its surrounds had been masked. This little splash of colour was a welcome feature among the muted camouflage.

 After the exhausts were masked they were sprayed with Alclad II Burnt Iron and, as the moulding was very good to begin with, looked very realistic.

The upper fuselage demarcation line was masked with rolls of Blu-Tack. This had the advantage that it was flexible and gave a soft edge.

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{61} 22/07/2014 12:17

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6

before the nose area was masked and the lower section sprayed with H413 Yellow. Field painting during the latter stages of World War Two allowed for many variations of camouflage on Luftwaffe aircraft, and Eduard seemed to have done a thorough job in researching the schemes included. The instructions’ colour profile page was scanned and enlarged slightly to be as close as possible to the size of the model. This allowed the upper camouflage scheme to be cut out and used as masks for the final paint, whereby Gunze H68 offered a good representation of RLM 74. The fuselage mottling on Alfred Grislawski’s aircraft was

unique and each single mottle pattern was shaped carefully with Blu-Tack, and then very fine and heavily thinned applications of H69 were sprayed through the holes created by the rolled Blu-Tack. This allowed a slightly feathered edge to the blotches,

 All the main painting was completed, with just the mottling and detail painting to be finished prior to the receipt of decals.  Mottling involved RLM 75, replicated by Gunze H69, which was diluted to a paint/ thinner ratio of around 25:75 before it was applied with reference to the colour profile.

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but still retained control over their shape. The mottle was layered gradually, blotch by blotch, before the colour in the airbrush was changed and the darker mottle was sprayed with H68. As a general rule, when painting Luftwaffe mottling,

paints should be thinned 25:75 paint to thinner, and the air pressure reduced slightly. The propeller spinner was initially painted white before a onequarter segment was masked; the rest of the spinner and prop’ were painted H65, RLM 70 Black Green.

This overhead view clearly shows the hard-edged camouflage on the wings, as opposed to the soft demarcation on the fuselage.  Freshly over-painted patches of RLM 76 decorated the starboard fuselage of Grislawski’s aircraft, so these were replicated with a slightly lightened version.

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21/07/2014 10:17

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

MESSERSCHMITT Bf 109G-6 Decal application began with national insignia and rudder ‘Abschuss’ kill markings.

 The darker grey RLM 74 mottling seemed to have slightly more pronounced definition and harder edges. This was rendered with the aid of Blu-Tack masks.

 A final coat of Xtracolour XDFF Matt Varnish was sprayed and that just left the addition of the final few details, before the model headed for its display case.

The many decals were applied over two long sessions that filled as many days.

Rolling stock The wheels and undercarriage were painted their respective colours and the tyres received H77 Tyre Black, after which the tread area was sprayed with a lightened coat of the same shade. A faint application of AK Interactive’s Dust Effects was laid on the tyre and after drying, lightly rubbed away before a wash of Burnt Umber oil paint was applied. This seemed excessive for a tyre, but the method gave plenty of depth to the finished area, and a much more realistic used rubber effect, than a single colour would provide. The undercarriage legs were painted and detailed according to the instructions, but

while the brake line detail was very welcome, the exact shape was questionable. The model was then sprayed with Tamiya’s Clear Gloss Lacquer, which had been decanted and sprayed through the airbrush. After four days, the lacquer had hardened and the surface was perfectly smooth and ready for decals. The markings, printed by Cartograf, were very thin, but strong and with great colour density. They settled very well onto the surface, with a drop of Micro Set to aid in positioning; larger decals were treated with Micro Sol and a hairdryer to get them to bed into the surface detail.

Unsurprisingly, with the number of stencils involved, the decals took two long sessions over two days to apply. Xtracolor’s matt varnish was then employed as the final finish.

Finishing touches The aerial was represented by very fine black stretched styrene. Eduard’s PE fret supplied the upper fuselage loop and this was anchored with cyanoacrylate glue. It was inevitable that the wing pitot tube would get damaged during the course of handling the model, but rather than try to

effect a repair, an after-market part from Master-Model was sourced. The very finely turned brass replacement was included in a set with two MG131 machine gun barrel ends, which were also employed on this model. Final painting included subtle fuel streaks on the fuel tank, while the areas behind each exhaust were sprayed a sooty, matt black. After masking was removed, the model gained extra life and despite the various criticisms from many quarters, it looked ❚ every inch a Bf 109G-6!

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{63} 21/07/2014 10:18

OUT AND ABOUT

WORLD EXPO, ITALY

Sensational Stresa Sensational  Dioramas were plentiful, and inlcuded this fine 1/35 example with a Sheman-based recovery tank as its focal point. Convincing groundwork also played its part well.

 Nuts Planet makes this 1/10 bust of actor Charles Dance as seen in the TV show Game of Thrones. The likeness is uncanny but superb painting made all the difference.

orld Expo is held every three years, under the aegis of the World Model Soldier Federation, and can be likened to the Olympics of modelling. This year’s two-and-a-half day show, from July 11-13, was in the pretty Italian town of Stresa

W {64}

on Lake Maggiore, less than an hour's drive from Milan-Malpesa airport. The picturesque Lakeland scenery provided a stunning backdrop, and proved to be a pleasing diversion for anyone who wished to make more of the trip and explore the surrounding area. Stresa’s Convention Centre

 Pierre Borreill displayed masterful finishing with his piratical subject, on a deck base with mast and ropes.

 The jury's out on whether it's a jaguar or leopard attacking this gladiator, but the result was stunning.

was a great venue, although the competition room did become very busy due to the more-thanexpected number of entries. Giovanni Azzarà, head of PR and Media for this World Expo, told AMW: “Social media played a key role in ensuring a record number of models being entered

in the competition. Besides the attraction of Stresa itself, we relied on Facebook and other internet means, and more than 1,700 ‘likes’ all helped to bring us an amazing number of visitors. But one thing was certain... we wanted this event to be for everyone to discover modelling."

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22/07/2014 14:10

OUT AND ABOUT

WORLD EXPO, ITALY

 Saving Private Ryan's star Tom Hanks was replicated brilliantly here in 1/10 scale.

 Busts made up a large part of the competition classes, and this 1/10 Warlord was a worthy entrant.

 Greek modeller Kostas Kariotellis won best in show with an amazing scratch-built fantasy piece entitled 'From Atlantis'. His attention to detail was awe-inspiring.

 Zeus, King of the Gods, was part of a magnificent group figure entry by Marco Greco. Careful skin shading and that well-rendered eagle ensured an impressive entry.

Indeed, previous events, such as those held in Montreux, Switzerland, have sat squarely in the realm of the figure painter but Giovanni and his fellow organisers new the key to success was to make this year’s event more accessible. This was achieved in part by offering

new competition classes for aircraft, cars, military, ships and the like, besides the main figure collection, while free admission was possible due to costs being covered by much effort in finding sponsors and selling pre-competition models and other related gadgets, plus the

 A wonderful 54mm entry, Maharaja Ranjit Singh on his four-legged 'taxi' was one of the best models on display.

 Pegaso's 75mm Trumpet Major is popular among figure painters. This fine example was highly convincing.

paying competitors...and there were more than 900 of those. The absence of an admission fee also encouraged visitors who weren’t modellers...simply in the vicinity on holiday, but now with a better appreciation of the hobby and its joys. More than 4,000 models were on

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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OUT AND ABOUT

WORLD EXPO, ITALY

 The recent film Maleficent inspired this 1/10 scale bust of Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.

 Stellar scratch-building made Andrea Vignocchi's 1/72 Buccaneer a gold medal winner. We don't know which kit was used...but regardless the result is magnificent!

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 This lovely 1/48 Stipa Caproni from 1932 earned its builder, Cesare Pigliapoco, a gold medal. Beautiful figures only added to what was a highly attractive exhibit.

 Magnus Fagerberg, from Stockholm, Sweden, employed his enviable scratchbuilding prowess to create this superb scene, based on a real painting.

display, from 66 exhibitors across the globe, and 350-plus visitors attended the workshops and conferences. Ultimately, quantity as well as quality meant a jawdropping exposition, particularly for those who had not visited before. Imagine Euro Millitaire on steroids and one starts to get

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close to what it’s like! Deciding on the best-in-show must have been incredibly difficult for the judges, and the competition was stiff. But Greek modeller Kostas Kariotellis secured the accolade with his sensational scratch-built fantasy piece.

 Dazzling figure-work enlivened this 1/35 'Hot Rod Chevy', which portrayed a vehicle from Cyrenaica, Libya, in 1941. It matched a photo of the real vehicle very well.

A friendly affair Politically, there may be antiEU rumblings in the UK but in modelling terms, European shows almost always feel rather special; in this case hosts and visitors alike would agree that the convivial atmosphere, and participation from around the

globe, ensured a heady mix that was thoroughly enjoyable. With the modelling itself, one could view work at the very pinnacle of the hobby; figure-painting luminaries such as the USA’s Bill Horan, and the various workshops and seminars on painting and sculpting, meant

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22/07/2014 14:11

OUT AND ABOUT

WORLD EXPO, ITALY

 Avengers Assemble! This superb 70mm figure group, depicting Thor, The Hulk, Captain America and Iron Man won many admirers at the show.

 Welsh hero Owen Glendower was portrayed in attractive fashion here. This is where modelling meets high art, in terms of the highly detailed painting.

 Germany's Volker Bembennek entered this 1/35 StuG.III scene, entitled Farewell to the Faith. The build featured in a recent book on StuGs, by Canfora Publishing.

 Antonio Pirri's spectacular 1/24 VW Beetle wore a most realistic patina of rust and grime, and the accompanying wildfowl gave an amusing touch to a great model.

 The scale of Gollum here was uncertain, but what sublime finishing!

that one could take away much more than simply viewing the mind-bogglingly good competition entries. For those with cash burning a hole in the wallet, a large contingent of commercial concerns such as Pegaso, Scale 75, True Earth and even Mitches Military Models

from the UK ensured plenty of choice for shopping. In addition to the competition and traders, large glass display cases in the corridors were packed with model collections finished by famous painters, such as Bill Horan and Clement Fletcher from the USA and Italy’s Claudio

Signanini. With some of the figures/vignettes being worth more than £1,000 apiece, it was a privilege to see all these stunning works in one place. Along with the competition entries, one can only marvel at the total number of man hours expended in their completion. If one has yet to visit

World Expo, a wondrous feast of modelling awaits, with quality that inspires and awes in equal measure. Giovanni and his team were highly professional throughout, and should be congratulated for a truly world-class event...bravo! ❚ Chris Clifford

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{67} 22/07/2014 14:11

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

Thoroughbred

Duo Ian Hartup builds two of the latest Ferrari road cars from Revell

F

errari’s 599 GTO and SA Aperta share a common core derived from the 599 GTB of 2006, via the 599XX of 2009. The GTO, the fastest road-going Ferrari of all time, was first seen at the Beijing International Motor Show in 2010. At the Paris Motor

Show a few months later, and in tribute to the Italian design house Pininfarina, the SA Aperta was debuted. Both cars feature the same 5,999cc, 670hp V12 power plant mounted up front, which provides them with benchmark-setting performance.

Common ground

and sanding sticks, before an initial coat of Gunze Mr. Surfacer primer was applied from a rattle can. Once the primer had cured overnight, any remaining flaws or mould lines were again sanded before a final primer of Mr. Surfacer 1200 was applied and the parts set aside to dry for a few days. In the meantime,

 There were a few mould lines visible that required sanding to remove. The areas affected on the front corners did impinge onto the moulded in detail for the headlight washers but this was easily re-defined with a scriber.

 After the bodies had been washed with soapy water to remove sanding residue, they were treated to a final coat of grey primer and buffed with Micromesh pads to seal the finish.

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MODEL SPEC

 After an initial cleaning with Zero Paints’ Key ‘n’ Clean, the bodies were sprayed with a coat of Gunze Mr. Surfacer Primer 500 to highlight any remedial work required.

Revell has now produced examples of both types and the kits share the same floor pan and drive train, with variant-specific body and interior parts; this is a clever approach to maximise return from the financial investment involved in a new tool. Firstly the body parts were prepared with Zero Paints’ Key and Clean, an abrasive paste used in conjunction with a pad similar to a Scotch-Brite cleaner, to roughen ever so slightly the surface finish of the parts in order to provide the primer coat with a ‘key’. A by-product of this process is that any surface imperfections, mould lines, surface flaws or plastic sag will show up clearly against the resultant matt finish. The treated body panels then had the mould seams removed, with a combination of Micromesh pads

FERRARI 599 GTO By:

Revell

Stock Code: 07091 Scale:

1/24

Price:

£22.99

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

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

 The extra time taken to drill out the exhaust tips, before they were repainted with Alclad Chrome, was definitely worth the effort.

MODEL SPEC

attention turned to the rest of the kit; the chrome finish of the wheels and exhausts was not to taste so the parts were soaked overnight in a bath of strong bleach to remove the effect. Once washed away, the parts were cleaned and polished before they were given a coat of Alclad Gloss Black Base, preparatory to a couple of light applications of Alclad Chrome. Alclad is quite fragile and damaged easily by excessive handling, so the treated parts were placed in a Tupperware box and set aside to dry for as long as possible. The completely cured primer on the body shell was polished to a high shine with Micromesh pads, which ensured the best base for the top colour; the polished primer was also less reactive to the colour coat’s thinner base. The SA Aperta's body received three light coats of Zero Rosso Fiorano, which were sanded between the layers. Using three light coats rather than one or two very wet layers reduced the risk of paint reacting with primer. The GTO body was then finished with Zero Rosso Corsa 322…the classic Ferrari blood red. This colour was also applied to the induction box and rocker covers, in keeping with images of the real engine on the Internet.

 Ferrari paints the engine rocker covers and the induction box of the engine with its traditional red, and so Zero’s Rosso Corsa 322 was once again employed for this.

Stripes on top The 599 GTO is available in a unique finish with a gloss black or dark grey roof and bonnet, with bonnet and roof stripes in contrast grey. The decision was made to build the review sample in this scheme; to this end the roof and pillars were masked before they were sprayed with Zero's Jet Black. When unmasked, the result was immediately striking. After a suitable drying period, an initial coat of clear gloss was applied to both sets of body panels. This clear coat was polished lightly (not waxed) and then the decals were applied. The bonnet stripes on the GTO performed flawlessly and required just a little coaxing into place with a hairdryer. Once the decals were cured fully, two further clear coats were applied before the body parts were finished with progressive polishing pastes until a high shine was achieved. The SA Aperta windscreen frame features a matt silver and black colour scheme, and rendering this with Zero paints seemed the best option. The

 The body parts of the SA Aperta were sprayed with Zero Paints’ Rosso Fiorano base coat.

 The GTO body shell received two coats of Zero’s Rosso Corsa 322...the classic modern Ferrari solid red shade.

 With the decals applied and the bonnet tacked in place, the desired effect began to develop.

FERRARI SA APERTA By:

Revell

Stock Code: 07090 Scale:

1/24

Price:

£22.99

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

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

 Having pre-painted the brake discs with Alclad Aluminium, the discs were masked with Gunze Mr. Masking Sol Neo, while the callipers were painted satin black.

 Careful modification to the tyres was required in order to make them fit the rims.

 Once the final drive and transmission had been pre-painted with satin black, the drive shafts and prop-shaft were masked before a coat of Alclad Aluminium was applied. The kit provided a well-detailed multipiece engine. Sadly, once bolted into the chassis this was largely hidden, even if the bonnet was posed open.

With the pre-painted exhausts glued into the black-painted chassis, floor assembly could begin.

base of the A-posts and window sealant strips were masked before being sprayed satin black. Once dry, the main frame was masked over the black before being given two coats of Zero Mercedes DTM Silver. This was chosen as it had the finest mica-metallic effect. The induction box was also masked and the detail in black and silver applied with matt black and Alclad Aluminium. Aluminium was again applied to the brake discs, before these were masked with Mr. Masking Sol Neo fluid ahead of the callipers being airbrushed with satin black.

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Under the bodies The kits featured full engine and transmission detail, despite the fact that little of it would be seen once the models were finally assembled. For the GTO at least it was decided to build these areas fully, the SA Aperta being left in curbside form. Correct parts were provided to accurately depict the chassis differences between the two cars; for the SA Aperta a front aero element and for the GTO, a more pronounced diffuser with more strakes and elements. Both items required specific holes to be opened in the main chassis floor, before the appropriate pieces could be added. The

two chassis plates were then sprayed Zero Satin Black and the exhausts, pre-painted with Alclad Aluminium, were fitted. The engine block was an excellent sub-assembly with neatly detailed cylinder heads and exhaust headers. Careful masking was necessary on the rear-mounted transmission, though, to ensure the carbon-fibre prop and drive shafts were distinguished properly from the aluminium main casting. The assembled engine was added to the chassis next, but this proved to have a less than positive fit, and extra time to ensure the adhesive had cured properly was appropriate.

The manifolds were designed to engage with the exhaust pipes, and PVA glue and Blu-Tack proved to be the best route to ensure correct alignment. The exhaust silencers fitted positively, with clear locating lugs, while the exhaust tips had been drilled out to thin their lips before the chromed finish was re-applied and it improved their appearance greatly once on the model. Despite being designed simply, the suspension uprights front and rear were handed distinctly, so care in their assembly was still required. Once the suspension parts were in place and fully secured, the front steering rack

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22/07/2014 12:47

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

was added. Wheel well liners were provided for front and rear arches and, once again, these parts were handed and located reasonably accurately to help less-experienced modellers achieve a decent result with little issue. The front-mounted radiator was a multi-part and shrouded affair. Fit and alignment of these components was less than stellar and it was probably the weakest part of the chassis assembly; proper care taken here would ensure positive alignment later.

Subtle nuances The rear diffuser of both models was separate from the chassis, to expedite the fact that on the GTO it was unpainted carbon-fibre while that of the SA Aperta was body-coloured. Once painted, in both instances the fit was perfect. Lately in its car kits, Revell has adopted a strange wheel and brake assembly system, where the brake disc is trapped between two wheel parts split vertically. While this may not be the most accurate representation of the modern alloy, it does result in a very strong and effective looking wheel. Preparation of the parts was key, to ensure the correct front and rear wheel sections and brake disc combination. For the AMW models, the

chrome finish of the wheels was discarded and they were painted in satin or gloss black as appropriate. Once assembled, the wheels were labelled with paper tags, to prevent getting muddled later, and could then be fitted to the tyres. However the kit tyres did not fit the wheels properly; there were ridges moulded inside the tyre bodies that had to be removed carefully with a new scalpel blade. With the ridges removed the tyres fitted the wheels easily and the completed alloys were then fitted to their respective chassis plates. At this point, a brace of self-adhesive A+Club photo-etched (PE) metal frets for the kits arrived from www.hiroboy.com. These frets provided detailing parts for the induction covers of the engines, and these were applied to the GTO power plant. In addition, elements were also supplied to allow further detailing of the wing and rear view mirrors and front grilles…Ferrari and appropriate model badges were also provided. For a small cash investment, these neat little frets were worth obtaining for welcome refinement. With the chassis and drivetrains completed, focus switched to the interior. A few hours spent on the Ferrari website, and study of Google images, provided

 At this stage it’s worth noting that the transmission should be added before the rear arches.

 A test-fit of the chassis to the GTO body illustrated the excellent fit of the major components.

 The front radiator and force airflow box was a neat sub-assembly, but its fit was less than perfect and it had to be jiggled to ensure proper alignment.

 Revell achieved a neat representation of the seats in this kit, which has an advantage over Fujimi’s recent Ferrari offerings. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

suitable research to support a number of options for available finishes. To provide a contrast the decision was made to finish the GTO predominantly in black, while the SA Aperta was to wear a two-tone tan scheme. Zero Paints’ new range of straightfrom-the-bottle interior colours was used for the SA Aperta, but for the GTO Zero’s satin and

matt black shades sufficed. The dashboard of both cars featured silver details and after careful masking, Zero Mercedes DTM silver was once again used to create a harmonious look. Careful hand-painting with matching silver was carried out to further pick out the fine detail, so it matched reference photographs.

The interior of the GTO was engineered neatly as a tub, designed to clip into the body shell.

 Here’s the completed interior assembly of the GTO, which looked highly effective. The mostly silver nuances brought welcome detail to the expanse of black.

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Decal detail Revell provide well-printed decals to facilitate this process and these were applied and sealed in place with the aid of a hairdryer. The SA Aperta sheet also provided red pin-stripes for the seats, door cards and rear fairing/roll-over structure. These required careful positioning but after a short blast with a

hairdryer, to fix them in place, the effect proved impressive. The A+Club PE provided metal parts for the pedals and footrest, and these were fitted at this point. The two interior tubs were assembled speedily, and were engineered cleverly to enable the modeller to build them without damaging the carefully painted details…a thoughtful move by Revell. Attachment of the induction cover to the engine of the GTO came next, and the detail was picked out with a black wash. Citadel Paints’ Badab Black wash was used, as it is waterbased, cheap and freely available. While the wash dried, the engine surround of the GTO was masked and painted with satin black before being decaled. The roof lining had been pre-painted with satin black and was fixed in place with PVA. As the car features large areas of glazing, the use of cyanoacrylate to attach the smaller and interior components would be risky as the fumes could have fogged the plastic. To avoid The wheels had been stripped of their kit chrome and painted with satin black and, at this point, they were fitted to the chassis.

 The engine bay liners and surrounds were masked and painted with Zero’s Satin Black, before the decal placards were added as a finishing touch.

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22/07/2014 12:50

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

 Sound-proofing and heat shield panels were moulded into the reverse of the bonnet, and these required painting in an off-black shade; Zero Rubber Black was used here.

 The silver section of the SA Aperta dashboard was painted Zero Silver at the same time as the front screen frames.

 Having masked the window frames of the SA Aperta, they were painted with Zero’s Satin Black.

 With the masking removed, careful cleaning with a cocktail stick was required before detail painting and assembly could continue.

this, PVA was used for as much of the non-structural assembly as possible. The bonnet liner was masked and then sprayed with Zero Rubber Black to give a muted off-black finish. With the hinge block located, the bonnet was taped to the body and then the interior tub was added to trap it in place. The interior tubs were engineered neatly to fit the body shells in a positive manner - more evidence of Revell’s clever approach to these two kits. The front grille of the GTO was provided in solid plastic form, although the kit also offered mesh to create a more scale-like appearance if desired. For the SA Aperta this mesh was also utilised to back the chrome-finish slat grille provided. With the interiors fixed in place, along with the front and various small grilles, final assembly proceeded. The chassis and drivetrain assemblies were fitted to the body shell, but care was necessary for good alignment, especially around the rear diffuser areas. The windscreen, and side and rear windows for the GTO, were masked with thin strips of tape before their edges were painted satin black. The roll structure of

the SA Aperta is a collection of complex curves, glazed parts and floating buttresses, all of which required considered preparation and decaling; a properly planned assembly sequence was essential. If the interior trim was not aligned correctly these parts would not mate properly, so careful testfitting proved essential. Once the crash structure was in place the windscreen was added, the SA Aperta was put to one side as attention turned to finishing the GTO. As with the Aperta crash

The front grille was fitted to the GTO, along with a photo-etched metal prancing horse.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FERRARI 599 GTO & SA APERTA

 The well-designed built interior tub, is shown here; application of all the little pin-stripe decals was a little tedious, however.

 Just a final wax and the door gaps remained to be done at this point.

 The front grille of the SA Aperta was sprayed with Alclad Chrome and a PE badge was applied over the plastic Revell item.

structure, the buttresses and side windows of the GTO required pre-painting and considerable test-fitting to ensure that the whole unit worked as intended. A little trimming was required at the base of the rear structures, to ensure they fitted cleanly into the dedicated holes in the body shell…nothing to challenge the average modeller here, though. With all of the glazing in place, all that remained were the smallest parts. Extra badges from the A+Club frets were added, along with the wing mirrors that also featured extra-reflective surfaces courtesy of the same source. The main headlight clusters and tail lights required careful detail painting, with chromed and clear finishes. Headlight glazing and the prancing horses completed the models.

European value The Revell 599 GTO and SA Aperta kits represent the current high water in European automotive kit design. True, they do not feature some of the technical highpoints of their Japanese counterparts; window

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masks for instance, but they can be built to a high standard by an enthusiastic modeller and all at a budget price. As a piece of relaxing modelling they scored ❚ very highly.

Materials at a glance Alclad Black and White Primers Various metallic shades MDC (www. modeldesignconstruction.co.uk) Gunze Mr. Hobby various colours Mr. Cement S Fine Compound F Tamiya X-18 Satin Black Masking tape (various widths) Zero Paints (www.hiroboy.com) Rosso Corsa 322 & Rosso Fiorano Basecoat colours Pre-Mixed Clear Coat Games Workshop Citadel Washes various colours

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD USS LOS ANGELES

Peter Johnson gets his feet wet building Riich Models' USS Los Angeles, complete with pond scum! SS Los Angeles (SSN-688) was the lead ship and namesake for the largest class

of nuclear-powered attack submarines in the US Navy. Riich has produced several kits of the LA Class, depicting its

 Riich Models engineered the kit to accommodate all three versions of the Los Angeles Class. Runner A held common parts for the hull, while the upper hull runner B and sail runner C were unique to each version. A stand, brass nameplate and common decal sheet covering all three versions completed the package.

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evolution from the basic Flight I, to the Flight II with vertically launched Tomahawk missiles, to the Flight III Improved 688. The

kits are designed modularly, with one runner holding the common hull pieces, and separate frames for the upper portion of the hull and the sail to cater for variant differences. Although just over 12in (30cm) long, the kit is finely moulded,

 The four periscope mast parts were bent or broken; injection gates on the ends of the long, thin pieces would have worked better than those from the sides. Repairing them would have been quite difficult due to their small size, so one large ‘scope was straightened and the rest were discarded. Their holes in the top of the sail were filled and faired to represent retracted masts.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD USS LOS ANGELES

  Construction of the sub was quick due to the low parts count, and care was taken to ensure that the various protuberances were at right angles to one another. The upper hull and horizontal stern planes needed filling and fairing (especially critical in this small scale), but don’t fill the rudder or sail plane joints, since these were all-moving surfaces.

with sharply engraved details that include the trademark ballast tank vents along the bottom. A single decal sheet is common to all of the variants, which demands some extra effort from the builder to piece together the hull numbers, but they’re thin and opaque… and work well with various setting solutions. The kit was a fun and quick build in between larger and more challenging projects, but even with the low parts count, beginners may be frustrated by the small size and delicacy of the detail components.

MODEL SPEC

 The lower hull was airbrushed with Tamiya XF-7 Red. After the sub was taped to the base, ensuring that the sail was perfectly vertical, a home-made surface gauge was used to mark the centreline from end to end. The lower hull was then masked, and the upper half was sprayed with Polly Scale Steam Power Black. USS LOS ANGELES CLASS FLIGHT I (688) ATTACK SUBMARINE By:

Riich Models

Stock Code: RN28005 Scale:

1/350

Price:

US $15.99

 The deck and top surfaces of the sail planes were painted with non-skid paint, which gave them a different look than the rest of the hull. Once the areas had been masked, Polly Scale Oily Black was sprayed to giving the anti-skid a slightly lighter tone. A darker colour would be equally appropriate, since the darkness varies depending on how new the anti-skid is and how the light falls.  After a coat of Johnson's Future/Klear, the decals were applied. Riich’s were thin and flexible, and conformed easily to panel lines with help from Gunze’s Mr. Mark Setter and Softer. However, the small columns of draft markings each involved two pieces, which made their alignment fiddly. The generic decal sheet featured individual digits, so strips of tape ensured that the numbers were aligned properly.

Available from: Lucky Model, www.luckymodel.com

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD USS LOS ANGELES

  Washes of black and grey Tempera paints were used to accentuate the engraved detail. The features on the lower hull were over-emphasised so they wouldn’t be obscured by subsequent weathering, but the grey wash on the upper surface details was more subtle. A drop of dish washing liquid in the washes ensured a better flow. A thin strip of tape was placed alongside the waterline masking before it was removed. Various greens were mixed to a light shade, and applied irregularly above the tape to represent marine growth. The colour and amount of growth varies widely, so reference photos are essential. It’s a great way to add colour to an essentially drab model.  The home-made surface gauge was used again, this time to mark the sub’s waterline, and the upper portion was masked. A very thin off-white colour was mixed with hints of brown and green to simulate the scum that accumulates below the waterline. This was airbrushed at low pressure, in a circumferential pattern, to build multiple layers until the effect looked right.

 The screw (propeller, for you landlubbers!) was neatened and sprayed with Vallejo 70801 Brass. The hub was black, so its colour should be matched to the weathered hull; in this case Gunship Gray fitted the bill. Be careful not to break the fragile blades…this modeller learned the hard way!

 The masts received Model Master Acryl Dark Ghost Gray, with Gunship Gray spots and Oily Black tops; Tamiya XF-21 Sky was used for the upper portion. The radar mast directly behind the bridge was replaced with brass rod and plastic strip...deemed less effort than trying to remove the delicate pieces from the runners and neatening them.

 After painting, the masts were attached with Gator’s Grip glue, starting with the tallest and proceeding aft. A drafting triangle was used to ensure that the masts were perpendicular to the hull, since any crooked mast would stand out. This was the author’s first encounter with Gator’s Grip, and it worked a treat.

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W

FIGHTER AIRCRAFT AND ACES OF WW1

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A 100TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO THE

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Compiled by world-renowned aviation journalists, Famous Fighters of World War 1 contains stunning original photography with colour aircraft profiles and dramatic paintings by the acclaimed artist Russell Smith. This 100-page special publication is a must-read for all historic aviation enthusiasts.

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S U B S C R I B E R S C A L L F O R Y O U R £ 1. 0 0 D I S C O U N T ! 536 famous fighters FP.indd 131

16/07/2014 11:04

OUT AND ABOUT

SALISBURY MODEL SHOW 2014  Paul Tuckey of the French Air Forces Special Interest Group displayed this 1/48 Morane-Saulnier MS.406, built from Classic Airframes’ kit.

 Made from the now very rare Fujimi kit, this 1960s-era Nissan Skyline was an eyecatching entry in the competition.

WILTSHIRE WONDERS W

well attended...Salisbury and its surrounds being a particular modelling hotbed. The Wyvern College has a very large car park, but this was full by noon, which shows that it is a good idea to arrive early for this standout show. Well-organised, the event always attracts significant numbers of participants. A number of the visiting clubs are rarely seen at other exhibitions, and there is always a major model exhibit by the area’s Air Cadets. Some stands were reserved for Special Interest Groups of IPMS (UK), and the Mirage SIG’s presentation was particularly eye-catching. The venue gives ample scope for clubs and individuals to mount extensive and impressive displays, and the site also includes a large but separate downstairs competition room. The competition was particularly well subscribed, with the aircraft, armour and diorama classes proving to be especially popular. A number of major traders are usually attracted to the show, with Collectakit, Aerobilia, and the Aviation Book Centre being some of this year’s notable modelling-related dealers. For more information about IPMS Salisbury and the club’s annual model show visit http://www. salisburymodelshow.co.uk ❚ Malcolm V Lowe

 Deserved winner of the small-scale aircraft competition class was this beautifully finished Westland Wessex HU.5 helicopter in RAF colours, based on the 1/72 scale Italeri kit.

ithout doubt one of the largest and most successful annual model shows in the south of England is staged in Wiltshire by IPMS Salisbury. This must-visit event is held in the large sports hall of The Wyvern College in Laverstock, which is in effect a suburb of Salisbury and is situated just outside the city itself. The mid2014 exhibition, under the title of ‘Scale Model Show 2014’, was very

 This Tamiya 1/48 Steyr 1500 with a parking problem excelled in the competition, due in part to well-painted figures.

 Just a small section of the Mirage Special Interest Group’s impressive display, which featured many renditions of Dassault’s finest. (All Malcolm V Lowe)

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18/07/2014 12:51

ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT BOOKS

THE ROOK IN COMBAT This deployment confirmed its capabilities and forged a reputation for toughness, with several anecdotes that detail how the Grach returned to base with damage that would have resulted in the loss of other aircraft. The middle chapters outline technical specifications of the Frogfoot and the many improvements and modernisations intended for the aircraft, few of which actually entered front-line service. Finally, the operational history of the Frogfoot is examined, and concentrates on its service in Afghanistan, but it also details its employment in conflicts immediately following the

break-up of the Soviet Union. The section ends with an overview of actions in Chechnya and the Georgian crisis of 2008. This is an excellent and informative publication, which will be of use to any modeller who intends to build their own Grach. SF

BOOK SPEC

Ugly, slow, tough, fearsome; not normally associated with modern aircraft, these epithets have been used to describe both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and Su-25

Frogfoot, and the latest in the Air Vanguard series analyses the history of the latter, or 'Grach' (Rook) as it is nicknamed. The author takes the reader on a journey which begins in World War Two with the Il-2 Shturmovik, pauses for almost 25 years as the Soviet Union sought ever-faster jet fighters, then re-starts after these were shown to be incapable of being able to conduct close-air support missions. Accompanied by excellent graphics and photographs, the design and development of the Frogfoot as a ‘jet-Shturmovik’ is really brought to life, which includes the operational testing of early aircraft in Afghanistan.

AIR VANGUARD 9 - SUKHOI SU-25 FROGFOOT By:

Alexander Mladenov

ISBN:

978-1-78200-359-5

Price:

£11.99

Format:

248mm x 184mm

Available from: Osprey Publishing, www.ospreypublishing.com

PREMIERE JET SNOOPER

BOOK SPEC

This is a revealing narrative of the first recce sorties flown by a jet aircraft, over the Normandy Front in August 1944, through a combination of German, French (the author himself as a young boy) and Allied perspectives. HITLER’S SPYPLANE OVER NORMANDY 1944: THE WORLD’S FIRST JET By:

Phillippe Baudin

ISBN:

1473823390

Price:

£25.00

Format:

254mm x 180mm

Available from: Pen and Sword, www.pen-and-sword.co.ok

The latter is via the operations at the end of the war to seize German technology; the story begins with the author witnessing the results of Operation Lusty, the seizure of advanced German technologies, at an airfield near his home in Cherbourg, France. There then follows an introduction to the German perspectives; the founder of the Arado company, Heinrich Lubbe, and the skillful pilots who flew those historic sorties, Horst Gotz and Erich Sommer, both of whom the author was fortunate enough to meet. Following an overview of the Ar 234's development, more than

a third of the book is devoted to the actual sorties flown, and the incredibly detailed photographs that resulted, along with modern images of the same areas for comparison. Although the Allies were aware of the Ar 234 flights, there was little that could be done to prevent them; just a handful of modified Spitfires were capable of operating at the same altitude but no aircraft could fly as fast as the Arado jet. From this reviewer’s perspective as an ex-imagery analyst, the photographs from the sorties are startling in their clarity, and they ably detail Allied force positions in the immediate aftermath of Operation Cobra, the breakout

from Normandy. Photographs from Erich Sommer’s personal collection add a human touch to the story. Modellers intending to build an early Ar 234 will find this an engaging story of a historymaking Luftwaffe aircraft and its brave pilots. SF

ALL THE WORLD’S INSIGNIA

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and subsequently altered or amended throughout its existence. The information in the book does raise some tantalising

‘what-if’ scenarios, such as what if the US had retained a red star insignia - how confusing could that have been in Korea or Vietnam? Clear graphics of the insignia will enable modellers to reproduce markings from forces as varied as Comoros through to Transnistra. Illustrated throughout with a mixture of black and white and colour photos of real aircraft, this is an excellent reference book, especially for those seeking to model subjects in the service of nations not normally covered by model or even after-market companies. And the sheer breadth and depth of insignia

styles an colours proves wholely inspiring, and it's certain that many modellers who already have their favourite sets of markings, will find new examples to covet here. SF

BOOK SPEC

Being able to identify friend from foe on or above the battlefield is critical to military aircraft. This excellent book from Flight Recorder Publications (via Crécy Publishing) is a literal A-Z of how countries of the world mark their aircraft and updates previous editions in this series. The introduction acts as a history of aircraft insignia, which includes how the first real attempt at distinguishing nationality was not for war fighting, but for a bombing competition in 1910! The main section of the book starts with Akhazia, and each air force is treated to a potted history of how the insignia was conceived

MILITARY AIRCRAFT INSIGNIA OF THE WORLD By:

John Cochrane and Stuart Elliot

ISBN:

978-095542-687-2

Price:

£14.95

Format:

270mm x 198mm

Available from: Crécy Publishing, www.crecy.co.uk

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18/07/2014 12:53

ON THE SHELF BOOKS

GERMAN NAVAL HYBRIDS

BOOK SPEC

In this latest in a series of studies on warships used by the Kriegsmarine, Gerhard Koop details the background, design and operational service of the Deutschland-class Panzerschiff (armour-clad ships), more POCKET BATTLESHIPS OF THE DEUTSCHLAND CLASS By:

Gerhard Koop and Klaus-Peter Schmolke

ISBN:

978-1-84832196-0

Price:

£16.99

Format: 242mm x 190mm Available From: www.seaforthpublishing.com

commonly referred to as ‘pocket battleships’. The scene-setter in this softback publication is a discussion of the effects of the World War One armistice and particularly the 1922 Washington Treaty, which established strict limits and boundaries for global warship construction, in an attempt to prevent another navalorientated arms race. These limitations, in addition to the forcible reductions in German naval strength after World War One, necessitated an ingenious approach to warship design, and particularly in exploiting loopholes in the Washington Treaty; once built the Deutschland-class vessels fell Deutschland outside the normal definitions of

cruiser or battleship, hence their infamous nickname. The author then explores the operational record and various modifications for each ship, aided by excellent line diagrams by Klaus-Peter Schmolke, although several detailed images do lack impact in this relatively

small format. Operational records include excellent descriptions of sorties by Deutschland and Admiral Scheer and culminate with the famous Battle of the River Plate, which involved the Graf Spee and HMS Exeter, Exeter HMS Ajax and HMNZS Achilles in 1939. In his conclusion, Koop highlights the political and military impact made by these three vessels, and he emphasises their hybrid nature, with the guns of a battleship on a fast and lightly armoured hull; in part forced upon the designers due to that need to comply with the Washington Treaty. For any ship modeller, this is an excellent study of the class, which more than brings these interesting vessels to life. SF

KNIGHTLY STUDY book details how the garments were made and worn, and how certain features had little to do with fighting, but rather knightly fashion and a desire to advertise the wearer’s wealth and status. It highlights how armour design could be affected by changes

BOOK SPEC

In attempting to distil 600 years of armour developments, from Medieval, Tudor, Elizabethan and Civil War periods into 120 pages, Paul Walker sets himself a huge challenge. During this time frame, there was a shift from chain mail, through to small plates sewn on

leather, then the plate protection most people associate with ‘traditional’ armour, and eventually to the utilitarian defensive garb devised to fend off early musket balls. Not only has the author achieved it, but he also manages to make it understandable to this reviewer, who has little if any prior understanding of the subject other than from Hollywood films. After introducing the development of armour and a knight’s duties, the author then breaks down the changes in design by examining each of the main areas (head, torso, arms, hands, legs, feet), before covering weaponry and horse armour. In addition, the

THE HISTORY OF ARMOUR 1100-1700 By:

Paul F Walker

ISBN:

978-1-84797-452-5

Price:

£19.95

Format: A4 Available From: www.crowood.com

in process, such as the quenchhardening of steel, or weaponry… the simple change of arrowhead design that resulted in the armourpiercing bodkin. Throughout, there are descriptions of how the changes in armour were reflected by the artisans of the day, from statues through to effigies. The level of detail is such that this would be ideal for modellers attempting their first medieval figure or for specialists seeking extra accuracy. The glossary is invaluable for the variety of names applied to armour, enabling one to differentiate between bassinets (headgear) and sabatons (footwear), for example. SF

ENIGMATIC DESERT SPECIALIST

BOOK SPEC

Modellers who are also film fans will undoubtedly have heard of, or seen, The English Patient...the Oscarwinning movie based on Michael Ondaatje’s best-selling novel of the same name. But most will not realise that the central character, played by Ralph Fiennes, was OPERATION SALAM By:

K Gross/ M Rolke/ A Zboray

ISBN:

978-3-94315734-5

Price:

£45.00

Format: A4 Available From: www.aviationbookcentre.com

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based on the very real Hungarian László Almásy...an experienced and enthusiastic pre-war explorer of the Libyan Desert. Almásy ventured on Saharan trips with British explorer Ralph Bagnold, among others, in attempt to discover the lost oasis of Zerzura, but when World War Two began, the latter man became the founder of the Long Range Desert Group, while his associate was recruited by the Germans to aid that country’s forces in North Africa. Ironically, Almásy ‘pulled a fast one’ on his former friend, by managing to slip right by him and his LRDG assets two Abwehr spies, who were delivered to Cairo with the intention of establishing a radio station for

General Rommel (they were caught, ultimately, though). This (Operation Kondor), the wider Operation Salam and much more is covered in what here is easily the masterwork on the subject. While not a dedicated modellers’ book, this thumping 410-

page volume offers much for the North Africa enthusiast in general, in the form of meticulous archive, human and in-country research, then-and-now photos of the terrain, vehicles (Almasy’s Ford ‘De Luxe’ C11ADF and CMP F8 Flitzer, and LRDG machines) and mint examples of Afrika Korps equipment and weaponry. The whole persona and story of Almásy, an avid aviator, sportsman an driver, is absolutely fascinating and provides an enthralling backdrop for North Africa modelling in general. What's particularly interesting is how Almásy and Bagnold renewed their friendship after the war. This is a true must for any student of the North African desert war. CC

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18/07/2014 12:58

ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT KITS

FRENCH DIVE BOMBER

D-DAY GROUND-POUNDER

• 13/ABI-12, Esc. AB1, Boulogne-Alprech, winter 1939-1940 • 7/White 6, Esc. AB1, Bearn, May 1940 • No.10/White 9, Esc. AB3, Hyeres, 1940

• JP?16, PR-J, 609 Squadron, Thorney Island, June 6, 1944 • MN130, PR-M, 609 Squadron, Thorney Island, June 6, 1944 • MN570, B, 123 Wing, Thorney Island, June 6, 1944

Scale:

1/72

Price:

€18.80

Available from: Azur, www.cmkkits.com

PIRATE TEDDY

Scale:

1/48

Price:

£24.99

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

SUPERB SPITFIRE

Revell’s Spitfire is impressive; there aren’t many other kits of this variant in this scale and, given the quality moulding, the price is competitive! Interior detail is excellent, with a well-appointed cockpit and instrument panel. External panel lines are engraved and subtle, although the fuselage details and rivets look overdone slightly. There are two concerns over accuracy: the spinner, which is too pointed for the Rotol propeller on most Mk.IIs; and the SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE oil filter, of the circular type fitted to MK.IIA the Mk.V, rather than semi-circular for By: Revell the Mk.II. However, this and the overall Item no: 03986 parts breakdown do hold potential for future releases of most Merlin-engined variants. There are two RAF schemes: • P7849, QV-J, 19 Sqn, Fowlmere, 1941 • P7665, YT-L, 65 Sqn, Kirton-inLindsay, July, 1941

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Hasegawa’s re-tooled F-15C/J kits have been with us since the late 1980s. This re-release combines those venerable moulds with an eyecatching colour scheme, which mixes Dayglo flashes with a piratical bear! The parts are moulded crisply, with fine engraved lines and raised detail in the cockpit, although decals are offered as an option for the consoles and instrument panel. Despite the age of the moulds, this arguably remains the best F-15 single-seater in this scale. The decal F-15J EAGLE 'AIR COMBAT sheet is excellent, with beautifully MEET 2013’ rendered colours and, in a neat By: Hasegawa touch, even includes the chaff/flare Item no: 02084 dispensers among the stencils. Two schemes for the Japanese Air Scale: 1/72 Combat Meet are included: Price: £39.99 • 832/42-8832, 203 Squadron, Available from: Chitose AB, 2013 Amerang, • 880/72-8880, 201 Squadron, www.amerang.co.uk Chitose AB, 2013

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PRODUCT SPEC

Although the Typhoon lacks the glamour of the Spitfire, it was a workhorse in the ground-attack effort following D-Day and is the subject of this release. It is, though, a re-boxing of Hasegawa’s kit, and comprises 14 well-moulded and flash-free runners, with finely engraved panel lines. Although described as a ‘late’ Typhoon, the kit in fact depicts an early aircraft, and therefore lacks the fourHAWKER TYPHOON MK.IB bladed propeller and large horizontal LATE stabilisers. The excellent Cartograf By: Italeri decals offer four schemes, all with D-Day Item no: 2734 identification stripes, three of which are:

PRODUCT SPEC

The Vought Vindicator was designed in the 1930s, considered obsolete by World War Two, yet served with the US Navy and Marines, Royal Navy and French Navy; in the latter it was known as the V-156F, which is the subject of this release from Azur. A multi-media, limited-run kit, it contains 87 parts, all moulded in crisp fashion and with no flash. Eight excellent resin components V-156F VINDICATOR also feature. Interior detail is splendid, ‘AERONAVALE SERVICE’ with cockpit side-frames, fittings, By: Azur and resin for the machine gun. Three Item no: A113 schemes are offered:

Scale:

1/32

Price:

£22.99

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

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ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT KITS

CLASSIC JET TRAINER

FANCY FIRE-BOMBER

IMPROVING THE LINE

ONE OF A KIND

Item no:

32047

Scale:

1/32

Price:

US $69.00

Available from: Wingnut Wings, www.wingnutwings.com

Williams Brothers kits are entering the UK via S & M Models, which is issuing the plastic with new decals. Here, its Boeing 247 airliner comes in the guise of the only example ever flown by the RAF, DZ203, gifted from Canada and used for blind landing systems trials. The styrene is marred by flash here and there, but the mould is more than 20 years old. Serious modellers will want to re-scribe the panel lines and add much better detail, but a deft touch is the buttoned pilot seats…and the overall shape is pretty good. The one thing that sets this release aside from the original is the new decal sheet from TOP SECRET BOEING DZ203 Oldmodels Decals, but this is not By: S & M Models up to the standard of S&M’s standItem no: SMK72022 alone sheets (such as those for the Scale: 1/72 Lightning) or those in the recent Williams PCA-2 Autogiro, which were Price: £25 stunning. Those for the Boeing are Available from: patchy in colour density and have S&M Models, grainy varnish coat. Camouflaged and www.sandmmodels.co.uk post-war silver schemes are provided.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Wingnut will delight Great War fans with this upgraded Albatros from the OAW factory. The package comprises six grey runners and one clear, and particularly impressive is the cockpit, which combines fuselage ribs with well-rendered bulkheads, fuel tanks, control column and compass. As usual, much attention has gone into the reproduction of an excellent engine, and there are alternative radiators for the wing centre sections, and three styles of propeller. The five ALBATROS D.VA (OAW) colour schemes are some of the best By: Wingnut Wings from the firm, and offer real variety: • 6553/17, Jasta 73, mid-1918 • Jasta 18, May 1918 • Hermann Leptian, Jasta 63, mid-1918 • Hans von Gössel, Jasta 71, mid-1918 • Friedrich Ritter von Röth, Jasta 23b, early 1918

Italeri has re-boxed the Heller mould and added a stunning new decal sheet. Despite its age the kit is rather good, with copious rivets as on the real machine, although these can stand slight reduction via gentle sanding. There are three large yellow styrene runners (all four schemes are mostly this colour), one in white and another in clear. Cockpit and fuselage interior detail is respectable, although some may find the undercarriage units slightly fiddly to assemble. Decal-wise all is great, as Italeri's markings are rich in colour and printed beautifully, and stencils are provided. The schemes in detail are: CANADAIR CL-415 • 31/I-DPCR, Protezione Civile, RomeBy: Italeri Ciampino, Italy, 2013 Item no: 1362 • 31/I-DPCR, Vigili del Fuoco, Trieste, Italy, 2013 Scale: 1/72 • 32, Securite Civile, Marseille-Provence, Price: £31.50 France, 2009 Available from: • 43 16/1057, Santiago de Compostela, The Hobby Company, Spain, 2013 www.hobbyco.net

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Those who love this type may have already attempted the kit from Fonderie Miniatures, but Kinetic’s example displays better moulding and detail, and is a good representation. Best of all, two kits are in the same box! Firstly, the clear parts are very good, with one-piece or separate canopies. The grey styrene parts exhibit fine rivets and panel lines, and the seats are bang-on, but the instrument panel doesn’t seem quite accurate. The overall shape appears to be faithful when compared to plans in FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER the Fouga book by Joe Maxwell and Radu Brinzan. A bonus is full intake By: Kinetic trunking and photo-etched brass Item no: K48051 details. Five schemes are catered for on Scale: 1/48 the pleasing decal sheet: • MT-15/272, Belgian Air Force Price: US $39.99 • VP 585, Patrouille de France Available from: • 312-AX/529, Armée de l’Air Lucky Model, • 216, 147 Sqn, Israeli Air Force, 1967 www.lucky model.com • 158, Israeli AF Flight School, 1976

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ON THE SHELF

AIRCRAFT KITS

TRAINING TWIN

WARPAC FIGHTER

HEAVY FIGHTER

Eduard was always going to make the most of its Fagot moulds, and here the firm presents a release with new decals, tape masks and photo-etched metal cockpit/seat details. The plastic is superb if one hasn’t already invested in the original release, with delicate engraving, impressive cockpit and seat, and embellished wheel wells. This mould also covers the ‘bis’ variant generically, so there are spare parts and weapons not for use. Two styles of fuel tank are provided and there are five colour schemes; these include export machines flown by Soviets: • Red 72, 29th GIAP, Dachang AB, China, 1950 MIG-15 PROFIPACK • Black 823, 108023, 176th IAP, By: Eduard Antung AB, Korea, 1951 Item no: 7057 • Black 277, 120077, Maj Alexei Scale: 1/72 Mikoyan, 274th IAP, Kubinka AB • Red 02, 1st PLM, Polish AF, Price: €18.75 Warsaw-Babice AB, 1951 Available from: • Red 767, 231767, Romanian AF, Eduard, www.eduard.com Devesulu AB, 1962

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Admiral now offers this turreted Mk.I version of Airspeed’s trainer, with two RAF schemes and a smart New Zealand Air Force example in aluminium and with blue trim. The limited-run kit comprises two styrene runners, requisite clear parts and splendid resin, which includes wheels, seats, air intakes, wing lights and more. Detail is also generally good on the plastic, AIRSPEED OXFORD MK.I with a great instrument panel. The W/TURRET fuselage windows are rough and By: Admiral require neatening...and note that the Item no: ADM7234 instructions are generic (from Admiral’s other Oxfords), so ignore the turret-less Scale: 1/72 build advice The schemes in detail are: Price: €15.99 • P1940/X, RAF, probably Egypt, 1941 Available from: • V3354, 14 SFTS, RAF, Cranfield, 1940 AZ Model, www.azmodel.cz • NZ252/B9, 1 FTS, RNZAF, July 1941

WARNING THE FLEET

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Another Limited Edition re-release from Hasegawa…this time it’s Grumman’s Hawkeye with Iraqi Freedom colour schemes. This is arguably one of the firm’s best moulds in 1/72 scale, with treats such as very fine moulding and detail throughout, a great rotodome, separate flaps that can be posed raised or lowered and, unusually for Hasegawa in this scale, moulded cockpit instrumentation. The way the maker has moulded the rotodome supports makes for easier E-2C HAWKEYE ‘IRAQI and stronger assembly, while the undercarriage units are rendered FREEDOM’ beautifully. Folding wings would have By: Hasegawa been a blissful offering, but one can’t Item no: 02080 have everything! The two colour Scale: 1/72 schemes are: • BuNo 165295/600/NF (CAG), Price: £39.99 VAW-115, USS Kitty Hawk, CVW-5 Available from: • BuNo 163694/601AG, VAW-121, Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk USS John F Kennedy, CVW-7

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Eduard’s beautifully moulded ‘Zerstorer’ makes a welcome reappearance as the C-6, with underside Mk.101 cannon. As such, a photo-etched metal fret provides excellent cockpit embellishment, while resin parts offer the cannon fairing, and the weapon’s in-cockpit magazine and charging equipment. Tape masks are provided, but other highlights include exquisite radio boxes and a superb cockpit floor, BF 110C-6 Two colour schemes feature; one in By: Eduard camouflage, the other an all-black Item no: 2115 nightfighter: • 2N+RH, E Beudel/H Diemer, Erpr. Scale: 1/72 Gr.210, Calais-Marck, France, Price: €24.59 summer 1940 Available from: • G9+EH, NJG 1, Venlo, Netherlands, Eduard, www.eduard.com February 1942

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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22/07/2014 10:54

Airfix Ad 4 F_P.indd 1

18/07/2014 12:59

ON THE SHELF

MILITARY KITS

PRODUCT SPEC

Tamiya first released a 1/48 scale ‘standard’ 2 1/2 ton truck, more commonly known as a ‘deuce-and-a-half’ in 2008, so this release will be eagerly awaited by builders of US Army Air Force aircraft and vehicles. The new kit represents the airfield fuel tanker version, with a hard-top cabin. All parts are crisply moulded, with the majority of updated parts on a single runner, including US 2 1/2 TON 6X6 AIRFIELD cabin, fuel tank and two figures, one FUEL TRUCK of which is posed as if refuelling an By: Tamiya aircraft. The cabin interior is reasonably Item no: 32579 well detailed, although the foot pedals Scale: 1/48 seem to be missing from the driver’s position. With the two figures, this kit is Price: £19.99 a perfect addition to any 1/48 USAAF Available from: World War Two airfield diorama. Two The Hobby Company, schemes are provided, for US Army www.hobbyco.net Olive Drab vehicles in France.

EARLY PANZER

At first glance this appears to be a completely new kit; however, inside there are various runners from Dragon’s previous Panzer II and related kits, including Panzer II Ausf.B/C, F, Marder II and Bison. This provides the improved moulding of lower hull, suspension and interior from the Ausf.F, with the engine/transmission from the Marder II, which results PZ.KPFW.II AUSF.A W/ in a fully detailed Ausf.A that fills INTERIOR a gap in the Panzer II lineage. The By: Dragon quirky hull-mounted MG34 bracket, Item no: 6687 designed to provide anti-aircraft Scale: 1/35 protection, is also included. Magic Track individual links are provided, Price: £47.99 which accurately replicate the sag Available from: of the real items. Six Panzer Grey The Hobby Company, liveries denote units in Greece and www.hobbyco.net Russia in 1941.

PRODUCT SPEC

AIRFIELD DEUCE-AND-A-HALF

Fans of early World War Two German vehicles will be delighted by this new release, which combines two popular kits with extra photo-etched metal details and windscreen masks. The mouldings are excellent, with a choice of front wheel types for the Sd.Kfz.10, along with a SD.KFZ.10 AUSF.A W/5CM fully detailed engine and interior. PAK 38 Magic Track individual links are By: Dragon retained from previous offerings; Item no: 6732 while these build into an accurate representation, the parts are Scale: 1/35 tiny. The PaK 38 is as previously Price: £49.99 released, and the combination Available from: lends itself to an instant diorama. The Hobby Company, There are three schemes for www.hobbyco.net Eastern Front units.

This new kit from Revell is of the improved T-90A main battle tank, recognised by its angular, rather than circular, turret and the addition of the Shtora-1 (Curtain) active protection system. As with the earlier T-90 kit, the parts are very detailed and the moulding is to a high standard, with all of the new parts on a single runner, which comprises the turret, main gun mantlet, Shtora-1 sensors, add-on armour, tracks, drive wheels and stowage boxes. An unusual approach has been adopted for the RUSSIAN BATTLE TANK T-90A two-part injection-moulded tracks, By: Revell which have to be immersed in hot Item no: 03301 water in order to bend them into Scale: 1/72 shape. Four schemes are provided, two Russian, including one from the Price: £11.50 Siberian Military District, and two Available from: export (T-90SA) variants from Algeria Revell, www.revell.de/en and Azerbaijan.

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PRODUCT SPEC

SIBERIAN WARRIOR

PRODUCT SPEC

DEMAG PAK-UP

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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ON THE SHELF NAVAL KITS

BEACH ASSAULT #1

BEACH ASSAULT #2

MODERN U-BOAT

Model kits are rather like buses; none for ages then two arrive at the same time…this new release from Revell is a re-boxing of Italeri's mouldings, but adds a Willys Jeep with trailer. For a change, there is the opporutunity to build a British variant of the LCM, although the kit lacks the associated ladder at the rear of the load area, which was used in place of steps. The Jeep and trailer is another Italeri re-boxing, and is a simple but neat kit, although it lacks detail LCM 3 50FT LANDING CRAFT when compared to more modern AND 4X4 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE offerings. Two schemes are By: Revell provided for the LCM: a US Navy Item no: 03000 vessel on D-Day, and a RN craft for Operation Torch, the invasion Scale: 1/35 of North Africa, in 1942. The Price: £59.99 Jeep schemes are for a US and Available from: RN two-star officer, although the Revell, www.revell.de/en RN option is for 1944.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

The commemoration of the D-Day landings has pompted a flurry of re-releases; from Italeri is the all-new Landing Craft Mechanical (LCM) 3 with six infantry figures from the 29th Infantry Division. All parts are crisply moulded, including a large single piece hull, with a detailed load area, .50 cal heavy machine-gun mounts and threeman crew. The additional infantry figures are a re-boxing of Dragon’s excellent set, which portrays the LCM 3 50FT LANDING CRAFT troops as they arrived at the Omaha beach-head on June 6, 1944. Two By: Italeri US Navy schemes are included, Item no: 6436 although of course, the infantry Scale: 1/35 figures would only be suitable for the Normandy example: Price: £47.50 • ‘46’, US Navy, Iwo Jima, Available from: February 1945 The Hobby Company, • US Navy, Normandy, France, www.hobbyco.net June 6, 1944

NOSTALGIC BOOMER

Occasionally, a piece of nostalgia crosses the review desk, and this is such a case; a re-release of an early 1960s kit of a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, with detailed interior and featuring ‘launching’ missiles. Originally produced by Renwal, this is a great re-issue by Revell, with suitably retro box art. Given the age of the moulds, most of the runners are relatively flash-free and the bulkhead detail is particularly crisp. Fit is generally good, however, the decks and bulkheads will require sanding/ trimming in order to join correctly. USS GEORGE WASHINGTON A stand is provided and one side of SSBN-598 the hull hinges down to reveal the interior, complete with engine room, By: Revell/Renwal crew quarters, torpedo room and Item no: 7820 missile tubes; sadly, the small spring Scale: 1/200 to ‘launch’ one of the missiles is not included. One scheme is offered, for Price: US $37.99 the USS George Washington, with Available from: hull number and a name plate for Revell, www.revell.com the stand.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Another recent re-release from Revell is the Type 212A submarine, the most modern class in service with the German Navy, which operates four. The kit comprises two black styrene runners with crisply detailed parts; hull plates are rendered as fine engraved lines, with one tiny transparent runner for windows in the sail. Construction is straightforward, with options for raised or lowered sensor masts on the sail and bollards/railings on the aft decking. The bow dome, with engraved torpedo doors, is moulded separately, which DEUTSCHES U-BOAT CLASS eliminates any risk of a seam 212A line and associated loss of detail By: Revell after sanding. A small decal Item no: 05019 sheet offers a choice of one unidentified Italian vessel and any Scale: 1/144 of the four German options; the Price: £13.50 latter can be portrayed either at Available from: commissioning (with hull number) Revell, www.revell.de/en or in service.

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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{91} 21/07/2014 10:29

ON THE SHELF

DECAL SHEETS

ARAB ANTELOPE

QATAR AIRWAYS AIRBUS A380-861 By:

26 Decals

Item no:

STS44217

Scale:

1/144

Price:

£11.00

Available from: 26 Decals, www.26decals.com

JUNKERS TRIO

sheets is shown here)…and all are sized for Revell’s relatively decent kit of the this now famous airliner. Xtracolor and RAL paint shades are quoted on the instructions, and once built, why not match the A380 model with Qatar’s VIP C-17 Globemaster III, also kitted by Revell. On this sheet the code A7-APA is shown on the colour profiles provided, although there are spare markings featured so one can portray the other A380s in the fleet.

EagleCals has released yet another sheet for the ubiquitous Ju 88A4, and this threesome offers aircraft from various theatres. In excellent register, the markings comprise the usual codes, Balkenkreuz and Swastikas, with the latter being in segmented form. Fuel symbols and a first-aid Red Cross are among the very limited stencils, but the unit markings are superb. The Greek-based aircraft is particularly attractive, due to its RLM 80 green mottle over

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Qatar Airways’ burgundy antelope livery is smart indeed, especially when seen on the giant A380. This excellent screenprinted decal package provides said markings, along with all the requisite doors, windows and maintenance stencilling (just one of the three

ALBINO HOTRODS

WHITE KNIGHTS T-38A/ AT-38B By:

Furball AeroDesign

Item no: 48-028 Scale:

1/48

Price:

US $15.99

Available from: Furball Aero-Design, www.furballaero-design.com

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By:

EagleCals

Item no:

EC48-154

Scale:

1/48

Price:

US $15.50

Available from: EagleCals, www.eagle-editions.com

RLM 79 sand camouflage. Paint references come in RLM form, and the instructions also provide information on the Ju 88's rudder styles. Options comprise: • B3+IN, 5./KG 54, summer 1941 • L1+MH, 1./LG 1, Eleusis, Greece, December 1941 • 9K+QH, 1./KG 51, Sarabuz, Russia, June 1942

EARLY ‘NAM SPOOKS

• T-38A, 63-08124, 25th FTS, Vance AFB, 1974 • T-38A, 60-00550/HO, 465th TFTS, Holloman AFB, 1975 • T-38A, 60-00551, AFLC, McClellan AFB, 1975 • AT-38B, 61-00836/HM, 434th TFTS, Holloman AFB, 1978 • T-38A, 64-13297/ 9th SRW, Beale AFB, 1988 • T-38A, 63-8192/LB, 54th FTS, Reese AFB, 1995

Whether one has Academy’s new F-4C or older Hasegawa/ Monogram F-4C/D kits, this stunning selection is a must for any Vietnam and/or Phantom fan. Eleven schemes reflect aircraft operated by the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Da Nang, which debuted the 20mm Vulcan cannon pod in-theatre; famous names such as ‘Boots’ Blesse and Robert Titus are among the aircrew, some of whom are MiGkillers. While the jets all wear the standard South East Asia garb, little flashes of colour impart smart individuality…such as fuselage and rudder striping,

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Before the advent of low-visibility grey, the US Air Force’s T-38 fleet wore a smart and decidedly old-school all-white scheme, but with occasional splashes of colour. Here, Furball offers a good selection of jets with different unit tail flashes and badges; perfect for anyone with Trumpeter, Wolfpack or Sword kits. This is an attractive set of decals, due mostly to the unit badges and fin stripes, and stencilling/national insignia for two aircraft are supplied. Options include:

JU 88A-4

GUNFIGHTER PHANTOMS By:

Furball Aero-Design

Item no:

48-029

Scale:

1/48

Price:

US $19.99

Available from: Furball Aero-Design, www.furballaero-design.com

and coloured canopy rails. Plenty of stencilling features, along with two styles of ‘Stars and Bars’, a weapons chart and decals for the cannon pod. Options include: • F-4D, 66-8775/CO ‘The Saint’, 1968 • F-4D, 668820/AW ‘Gunfighter I’, 1969 • F-4D, 66-7707/AL ‘The Red Baron’, 1968 • F-4D, 66-7696/BB ‘The Blue Max’, 1968 • F-4C, 64-0820/AT, 1967 • F-4C, 64-0825/AB, 1967

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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Saturday 8 th & Sunday 9 th November

2014

The World’s Greatest Model Show! Presented by

Open: Saturday 8th 10.00am to 6.00pm Sunday 9th 10.00am to 4.00pm Admission: IPMS Members FREE Adults £10.00 each day 2 Day Pass £15.00 Concessions £7.00 per day Children under 16 FREE

Venue: The International Centre Telford Shropshire TF1 4JH

IPMS(UK)

ON THE SHELF

DECAL SHEETS

REPUBLIC AIR ASSETS

RHINO DATA

IRISH AIR CORPS SELECTION By:

Max Decals

Item no:

Max4814

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€12.00

Available from: Max Decals, www.maxdecals.com

where necessary. The choices in detail are: • Anson Mk.I (late), ‘41’, 1944 • Anson Mk.I (late), ‘44’, October 10, 1939 • Anson Mk.I (early), ‘21’, 1938 • DH.9, ‘7’, 1929-1934 • EC-135, ‘270’ and ‘271’

OVERLORD OPTIONS

PRODUCT SPEC

This D-Day 70th anniversary year is the perfect opportunity for decal firms to provide us with something new…and so it is with Xtradecal’s collection of markings for 8th and 9th AF aircraft that flew in support of Operation Overlord. Twelve choices are offered, all being fighters save for the Lockheed F-5E and F-6C recce birds and the C-47 troop carrier (the latter being ideal for marrying with Airfix’s new kit – see AMW issue 43). Some schemes have almost certainly not been issued in this scale before, and there’s a good amount of national insignia. Highlights include: • P-51B-5-NA, 43-6523/YF-E

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70TH ANNIVERSARY D-DAY PT3 By:

Xtradecal

Item no:

X72196

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£7.99

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

‘Leakin Lizz’, Lt CW Blair, 355th Fighter Group • P-47D-20-RE, 43-22515/UN-T ‘Ann K’, Cpt WL Flag, 56th FG • P-51B-10-NA, 42-106434/GQ-B ‘Atlanta Peach’, 354th FG • P-47D-20-RA, 42-76594/QI-U ‘Zombie’, 356th FG • F-5E-2, 43-28619 ‘Rita/Ruth’, 7th PG(R) • C-47A-10-DK, 42-92717/8YS, 440th TCG • P-38L-15-LO, 43-28714 ‘Lucky Lady’, 479th FG

PRODUCT SPEC

‘Phantom Phanatics’ will relish this pack of stencils from Kits World, especially as some kit-based decal sheets aim short of the mark in terms of quality. This sheet provides the myriad data seen on many earlier F-4s from the US Navy, Marines and Air Force; black and white stencils are featured, as are a set of grey wing walkways. There’s a full MCDONNELL F-4B, C & D PHANTOM STENCILLING By:

Kits World

Item no: KW148118 Scale:

1/48

Price:

£10.20

Available from: Kits World, www.kitsworld.co.uk

application guide for this timeconsuming (but ultimately worth it) task, and even the pylons get some markings. Great for any Phantom kit, whether it’s Academy’s new offerings, Eduard ‘specials’ or older kits from Hasegawa/Revell/ Monogram and others.

CENTURY SERIES INTERCEPTOR Here’s Xtradecal’s second foray into the F-102 and this package centres on airframes with the Case XX wing (with Meng Models’ kit in mind). A hugely generous 14 schemes are provided and all but one sport FS 16473 Air Defense Gray; these jets are from the period when colour was king! The various unit markings and devices are well printed and are rich in tone. A small separate sheet (not shown) carries one set of US Air Force/USAF legends, national insignia and stencilling…but as these schemes are so attractive, the modeller will indeed want to source extras so more models can be built.

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

For anyone interested in Irish subjects, Max Decals’ varied quartet of options really spans the decades. The markings are for the Avro Anson in two different colour schemes (the 1938 example is highly attractive), and the de Havilland DH.9 from the ‘Silver Period’. Also provided are bonus decals in 1/72 and 1/32 scales, for the Eurocopter EC-135 helicopter currently in service with the IAC. The instructions are in colour and give build notes, RAL and Federal Standard paint codes

CONVAIR F-102 DELTA DAGGER – CASE XX WING VARIANTS PT1 By:

Xtradecal

Item no:

X72198

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£8.99

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

Highlights include: • 56-1344/FC-344, 318th FIS, McChord AFB, 1957 • 57-0818/FC-818, 4756th CCTS, Tyndall AFB, mid-1960s • 56-1447, 57th FIS, Keflavik, Iceland, 1963 • 56-1413/FC-413, 61st FIS, Truax Field, 1960 • 057-8823/NV, 82nd FIS, Suwon AB, S Korea, 1968 • 56-1488, 179th FIS, Minnesota ANG, Duluth AFB, 1960s

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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21/07/2014 10:30

ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

By:

BarracudaCast

Item no:

BR32123

Scale:

1/32

Price:

US $9.95

Available from: BarracudaCast, www.barracudacast.com

BRASS WING PARTS

BF 109G-6 ENGINE AND GUNS By:

Eduard

Item no:

648141

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€22.27

Pavla has come to the aid of Airfix fans with its recent resin replacement cockpit for the firm’s new F.2A kit. Straight away it offers more detail and the Martin-Baker Mk.4 seat is especially good. Its seat pan firing handle is cast integrally, but one must create the handles for the face curtain. An instrument panel, rudder bars and a control column are also provided, and the instructions give due painting advice. E.E. LIGHTNING F.2A COCKPIT By:

Pavla

Item no:

C 72123

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£9.99

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

BIG GUN PROTOTYPE

GRUB’S UP! Red Zebra is carving an impressive niche in terms of 1/48 scale resin military accessories. This neat little set will bring life to various vignettes, dioramas or even individual vehicles. There are four sacks, four wooden crates (one part covered) and a wickerstyle basket, all crammed with an assortment of vegatables; carrots, cabbages and the like, and one of the crates even carries a couple of fish. With wide applications in terms of scene and theatre, these are vital for adding life to one’s project.

PRODUCT SPEC

BF 109G-10 AND K-4 PROP AND SPINNER

This comprehensive fiesta of resin provides a complete engine and machine guns for Eduard’s new Bf 109G-6 (see p.56-63 in this issue). Never mind the nay-sayers regarding the kits ‘flaws’...it looks great given minor adjustment and this package will really turn it into a show-stopper. Besides the very detailed engine itself one also receives new cowlings, to be posed open, of course, to show off all the great casting. A photo-etched metal fret offers further refinement, while consideration is also afforded to the G-6’s U4 sub-type, in terms of part positioning. Simply stunning.

NEW JET OFFICE

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

Roy Sutherland’s range now extends to this new set for Revell and Hasegawa kits. It provides a detailed, accurate spinner and VDM9-12159A wide-chord propeller blades, as fitted to DB 605/AS and DB 605D Bf 109s. The casting is splendid and the rivets around the spinner are particularly fine. Minor sanding and cleaning-up will be necessary.

BMW POWER

PRODUCT SPEC

LATE-WAR BLADES

FOOD RATIONS IN BOXES AND BAGS By:

Red Zebra

Scale:

1/48

Price:

£7.00

Available from: E-mail: redzebra100@ tiscali.co.uk

ALLIED TANKERS’ NEMESIS

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

SPIRALSCHNAUZE

{96}

Eduard

Item no:

32350

Scale:

1/32

Price:

€16.49

Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com

By:

MH Models

Item no:

X48002

Scale:

1/48

Price:

€3.50

Available from: MH Models, www.mhmodels.cz

T-34/122 TURRET By:

Wilder

Item no: HDF-RS-3501 Scale:

1/35

Price:

£37.99

Available from: The Airbrush Company, www.airbrushes.com

Modellers of German subjects, particularly diorama fans, will enjoy this set that offers two resin boxes (with excellent grain pattern), which hold four Panzerfaust antitank weapons each. The firing triggers on each come as separate items in photo-etched metal, and a well-printed decal sheet gives the required stencils and operator instructions labels.

PRODUCT SPEC

By:

BF 109G/K SPINNER SPIRAL AIRBRUSH MASK

T-34 fans should check out this 122mm gun conversion from Wilder, now imported into the UK via The Airbrush Company. To render a proposed prototype fitted with the D-11 howitzer, this set offers 19 components, and the texture on the turret is well rendered, as are the hinge units on the hatches and turret. A turned aluminium gun barrel is also included. No donor kit is mentioned but it should fit any, in reality. It's all quite simple to build.

PRODUCT SPEC

SPITFIRE MK.II LANDING FLAPS

PRODUCT SPEC

PRODUCT SPEC

It didn’t take Eduard long to offer embellishment for Revell’s new Spitfire Mk.II, and here is a spiffing wing flap set that offers more than 20 parts. Minor surgery is required and the hinge points will need to be made from 1mm diameter plastic or metal rod. The results, though, will be superb and enough to make a good kit even more eye-catching.

Czech newcomer MH Models now offers this handy vinyl-type masking set, obviously created with Eduard’s new ‘109 kit in mind. It’s simple to use and one also receives double chevron masks that can be employed for various Luftwaffe schemes. Three styles of spiral are provided and one should be able to use them several times.

PANZERFAUST WITH BOX By:

Hauler

Item no:

HLU35075

Scale:

1/35

Price:

€13.18

Available from: Hauler, www.hauler.cz

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

96_Accessories.CC.indd 96

22/07/2014 12:23

ON THE SHELF

RECENTLY RELEASED BARRACUDACAST

32818 Spitfire Mk.II Interior SA (Revell)

1/35

Mesh

GM-35-002 ZU-23-2 Gun barrels

1/48

00025 Mesh 6x6 Rhomb-type Steel

GM-35-002 ZU-23-2 Ammunition

BR48138 Typhoon/Tempest Series 1 Wheels

00033 Mesh 6x6 Square Steel

1/32

00034 Mesh 4x4 Square Steel

BR48139 Firefly I, Barracuda Early Main Wheels

00035 Mesh 4x4 Rhomb-type Steel

 AM-32-059 A-10 Thunderbolt II Gun tip and pitot

1/32

00030 Access Panels scribing template steel

Resin accessories www.barracudacast.com

Tools

BR32070 Bf 109G Wheels - ribbed hub, ribbed tyre

00031 Oval and Oblong scribing template steel

BR32071 Bf 109G Wheels - ribbed hub, smooth tyre BR32072 Bf 109G Wheels - plain hub, ribbed tyre

00032 Oval scribing template steel

BR32073 Bf 109G Wheels - plain hub, smooth tyre

 73501 Hurricane Mk.1 SA (Airfix)

BR32074 Bf 109G-10/K-4 Main wheels

73505 Fw 190F-8 SA (Airfix)

BR32156 Bf 109G-10 Intake and exhausts

1/48

BR32160 Bf109G-10/K-4 Oil cooler fairing BR32169 Bf 109G Upper wings small wheel bulges EDUARD Photo-etched metal/resin/masks www.eduard.com

73502 Tiger Moth (Airfix) 73506 Vampire FB.5 SA (MPM/Azur) EX423 MiG-23ML masks (Trumpeter) EX424 Firefly Mk.I masks (Special Hobby)

49009 Remove Before Flight Tags

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

49051 UK RBF Tags

73008 Remove Before Flight Tags 73018 RBF Tags - yellow/black 73020 UK RBF Tags 73021 RBF Tags-fabric  73500 EE Lightning F.2A SA (Airfix)

1/72 HLH72028 Reflectors and backlights HLH72029 Shopping cart 1/48  HLX48345 Valve hand wheels

49678 Su-2 Interior SA (Zvezda) 648134 Ju-88 Wheels Late (Dragon) 648140 Bf 109G Cockpit 648143 R-77/AA-12 Adder 648147 WGr.21 for Bf 109G (Eduard) 648148 Bf 109G Cannon pods 648149 Bf 109G-6 Wheels (Eduard) 648151 AGM-65 Maverick 648153 Bf 109G Exhausts (Eduard) 1/35 36275 Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf.B Tiger II Upgrade (Eduard) 635001 M2 Browning 635002 MG34 1/32 JX162 Bf 109G-10 Erla masks (Revell) JX168 Spitfire Mk.II masks (Revell) JX169 Gloster Meteor Mk.4 masks (HK Models) 32360 Spitfire Mk.II Exterior (Revell) 32501 Remove Before Flight Tags 32797 UK Remove Before Flight Tags 32815 Bf 109G-10 Erla SA (Revell)

AM-32-061 Bf 109F/G1-G4 Armament AM-32-062 Bf 109G5-G14/K Armament

AM-32-064 Fw 190A6 Armament and Pitot AM-32-065 Fw 190A7/A8 Armament and Pitot AM-32-066 Static dischargers - MiG AM-32-067 Static dischargers - Sukhoi

49050 RBF Tags - yellow/black 49643 Jaguar GR.1 Interior SA (Kitty Hawk)

AM-32-060 Bf 109E/T Armament

AM-32-063 Fw 190A2-A5 Armament and pitot

48805 Su-2 Exterior (Zvezda) 48806 Su-2 Landing Flaps (Zvezda)

672034 German Submarine 8.8cm Gun (Revell)

Photo-etched metal/resin www.hauler.cz

48789 Jaguar GR.1 Exterior (Kitty Hawk)

CX383 EE Lightning F.2A masks (Airfix)

672032 AIM-7M Sparrow

HAULER

48679 MiG-23ML Flogger G Interior SA (Trumpeter)

1/72

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

GM-35-001 M-61 Vulcan (20mm)

MASTER MODEL

AM-32-068 MiG-15 & MiG-15bis Gun barrels, antenna base and pitot

Turned metal/photo-etched brass www.master-model.pl

AM-32-069 MiG-17 A/P/F Gun barrels and pitots

1/350

AM-32-070 MiG-17 PF Gun barrels and pitots

SM-350-076 SMS Viribus Unitis Armament (Combrig) SM-350-077 SMS Viribus Unitis Masts and Yards (Combrig) SM-350-078 British 4.7in/45 QF Mk IX and XII gun barrels 1/72 AM-72-068 Static Dischargers - MiG AM-72-069 Static dischargers - Sukhoi AM-72-070 MiG-15 & MiG-15bis Gun barrels, antenna base & pitot AM-72-071 MiG-17 A/P/F Gun barrels and pitots AM-72-072 MiG-17 PF Gun barrels and pitot tubes 1/48 AM-48-087 Static dischargers - MiG AM-48-088 Static dischargers - Sukhoi

SCALE AIRCRAFT CONVERSIONS White metal undercarriage www.scaleaircraftconversions.com 1/72 72081 F-4 Phantom II (Hasegawa) 72082 B-29 Superfortress (Airfix) 72085 Su-24 Fencer (Dragon, Italeri, Revell, Zvezda) 72087 English Electric Lightning (Airfix) 72088 Spitfire Mk.Xc, PR.XIX (Airfix) 72089 Douglas C-47/Dakota/DC-3 (Airfix) 72090 Lightning T.Mk.4/5 (Sword) 1/48

AM-48-089 MiG-15 & MiG-15bis Gun barrels, antenna base and pitot

48247 Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Hasegawa)

AM-48-090 MiG-17 A/P/F Gun barrels and pitots

48248 Fairey Firefly (Special Hobby) 48250 Sea Harrier FRS.1/FA.2 (Airfix)

AM-48-091 MiG-17 PF Gun barrels and pitots

48253 A-6 Intruder (Hobby Boss) 48254 J7W1 Shinden (Zoukei-Mura) Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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KIT COURT

1/72 F-84F & RF-84F

A case by US modeller Dick Hague for a new Thunderstreak and its recce cousin

EXHIBIT 1

 Airfix’s original F-84F has appeared in many guises over the years, but its shape and detail are not really up to scratch when compared to modern moulding.

A

s a long-time builder and more importantly, kit buyer since right after World War Two, my first aircraft model being a wooden Strombecker B-29 in September 1949, I have generated just a few ideas on increasing the value of

my eventual estate sale! Airfix first fell into my view in the late 1950s, when I built both a Zero and a Hawker Typhoon. Now my new-tool Zero is finished and the ‘Tiffie’ is well underway. But an old Airfix kit long since abandoned by me was the

EXHIBIT 2

 Resin and metal form the basis of the excellent Thunderstreak/Thunderflash kits from PJ Productions, but these are for more experienced modellers used to both mediums.

Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, which although more detailed than those released by Italeri, at about the same time period, just didn’t have the ‘right’ look. Both kits featured raised lines and patchy detail, of course, but I suppose can be rejuvenated by those who are very good at that kind of task. Also available for some years have been the well-appointed resin and metal F-84F and RF-84F Thunderflash kits from Belgian firm PJ Production, but this type of modelling demands advanced skills and not everyone is so endowed. If ever a kit needed re-working in 21st Century fashion (and I really like all the new-tool Airfix kits), it’s the F-84F and companion RF-84F… they’d be world-beaters! It’s disappointing just how poorly this widely used fighter/recce duo has been treated by kit manufacturers, although aftermarket decal firms have not shirked from the subject. The type was a mount for the USAF’s Thunderbird team for a number of years, and while the aircraft had teething troubles, it also equipped European air arms to a respectable extent. If the RF version was kitted in 1/72 scale, another parts runner could include the tail plane and hooks for the RF-84K, along with a display stand from which to hang

it, so the trapeze equipment on its B-36 mother-ship could be replicated. Designed properly, the trapeze could also be fitted in the monster Monogram B-36 kit, which any modeller worth their salt would have stashed away in ❚ the ‘some-day’ pile!

EXHIBIT

3

 Italeri took a fair stab at the F-84F and its recce version, but the kits feature raised lines and need to be re-scribed for the best results.

Hearings ...

If there’s a kit you’d love to see re-released or produced then state your case to the world via AMW. What you need to supply is 300350 words for a ‘reasonable’ case, a good quality photo and two to three high-resolution box-top scans to help illustrate the subject. AMW can’t promise a new kit by the end of the year, but the industry will definitely get to hear a ‘modeller’s case!’ email: chris.clifford@ keypublishing.com

THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 4* *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.

{98}

Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com

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Hobby Link Japan F_P.indd 1

17/07/2014 11:21