Airfix Model World 02 2016
Airfix Model World 02 2016
Airfix Model World 02 2016
FLYING PIPE
EXCLUSIVE! Airfix's new 1/72 Royal
Aircraft Factory B.E.2c
1/48 Trumpeter
Soviet Su-9 Fishpot
Feb 2016
Issue 63
70
REVIEWS
EXCLUSIVE BUILD
Airfix’s all-new 1/72 THE EAGLE
Fokker E.II ( late) HAS LANDED
Eindecker 1/72 Space: 1999
Eagle 1 Transporter
DESERT BRUISER
1/35 M2A3 Bradley £4.30
with BUSK III
SHORT’S SUB-CHASER
1/72 Italeri Sunderland Mk.III
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WELCOME TO ISSUE 63
resolutions. Besides eating only elastic thread, turnbuckles and Silver Period, as I love the vibrant
slightly less cake (my wife Lisa other tricks of the trade. squadron colours...time will tell if
is wizard at baking), I do want The World War One and inter- I'll see the 1/72 subjects I've been
to attempt various methods of war aircraft modelling scene has dreaming of.
rigging...the prompt being this undoubtedly been rejuvenated On that note, we have a
issue’s splendid test-shot builds in recent years by 1/32 subjects wealth of Airfix exclusives to
of Airfix’s Great War aircraft. from Wingnut Wings. They are look forward to this year (the
There is surely no other genre, simply stunning products, and 1/72 Victor can’t come soon
including the Silver Period, which the sumptuous detail has proved enough for me), along with
draws such admiration from irresistable to those previously exciting builds of kits from other
modellers – but early aircraft nervous about rigging a biplane. manufacturers. AMK's new 1/48
are also very challenging due It’s also wonderful to see new MiG-31 Foxhound looks incredibly
to the rigging and how to make 1/72 scale World War One aircraft tempting...happy new year!
it look convincing. In the sparse from Airfix. When I received the
modelling time I get these days, photos of the B.E.2c and Fokker Chris Clifford, Editor
F
irstly, I hope Santa was I’ve been trying to finish various E.II from our contributors, I [email protected]
kind and brought some jet and prop builds, but I’m actually thought they looked like
interesting model-related determined to get up in the loft, 1/48 models, such was the detail
gifts for you all! retrieve a biplane (I’m veering and finish. Personally, I myself
Of course, this is the perfect towards an Albatros or SPAD) hope Airfix decides to offer
time to consider New Year’s and explore the benefits of newly tooled biplanes from the
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14 ADVANCED BUILD
SUNDERLAND Mk.III
REGULARS
06 News
The latest happenings in the world of
plastic modelling.
10 Show Scene
At-a-glance model show calendar.
70 Subscribe
and save!
A subscription to Airfix Model World
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74 Your Airfix
Readers showcase their own Airfix
builds.
76 On the Shelf
40 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
FOKKER E.II
98 The Plastic
Surgery
Quiz AMW’s team of contributors,
history writers and industry contacts
regarding your own modelling
conundrums.
28 BASIC BUILD
SUKHOI Su-9
34 BASIC BUILD
EAGLE 1 TRANSPORTER
52 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
B.E.2c
FEATURES
14 Advanced Build – Short’s Sub-Chaser
Jose Pires adds Eduard photo-etched brass to Italeri’s 1/72 Sunderland
Mk.III...with impressive results.
DAYLIGHT DELTA
WARGAMING BATTLESHIP
PERFECT LINKS
should fit any M4 or M10, Additionally, two sets of
are now available: T-48 ‘duckbill’ extended connectors
(Kz-SH-T48), T51 (Kz-SH-T51) are available, and these
and T54E1 (Kz-SH-T54E1). cater for the two main forms,
Each comprises 22 dark grey square (Kz-DB-S) and curled
styrene runners, (Kz-DB-C). Suitable for the
with sufficient aforementioned track link sets,
track pads, duckbills were added either
connectors, bolt due to the increased weight of
heads and lengths the chassis (Calliope variant) or
of metal rod to the need to cross soft ground.
create 176 links. Due Construction is straightforward,
to the small size of with the duckbill parts
the bolt heads, Kaizen replacing the standard
has helpfully moulded connectors. The company
them with a mini- has yet to build a website, but
runner attached...this is for more information, e-mail
removed only after the Patrick at: j.pakworkshop@
bolt has been secured. yahoo.com.hk
KAIZEN WORKABLE track
products are becoming one of
the ‘must-have’ accessories
for armour subjects...and the
latest 1/35 scale releases are all
tailored for the M4 Sherman.
Three track patterns, which
HELICOPTER MODELLERS have SEVERAL AIR arms forward of the windscreen. Just
a treat in store with Fly’s new commemorated the 75th the single scheme is provided,
1/32 Westland Wessex kits. anniversary of the Battle of Britain which turns the CF-18 into a
AMW’s review sample (32010) with special schemes on aircraft, pseudo Hurricane, complete with
replicates the RAF’s HC.2, and and it was no surprise that these gorgeous tail artwork and decals
what’s apparent immediately is would be reproduced in decal and to simulate guns in the wing MINIWING HAS continued its
the model’s sheer size. Seven kit form. leading edge. The small sheet naval theme with the release
styrene runners (and one clear) Newcomer Canuck Models offers full stencil data, even for the of 1/144 US Marine Corps and
are accompanied by a veritable has leapt to prominence with external fuel tanks (which were not US Navy F4D-1 Skyrays, a type
wealth of crisply cast resin parts, a cracking package that pairs carried during displays) and their commonly nicknamed ‘Ford’.
which include wheels, the rotor a wonderful set of decals with thinness should make application This is the first time that
hub arrangement, upper fuselage Academy’s 1/72 F/A-18 kit, very simple. For those who already the F4D has been issued in
panels, nose and a beautifully arguably the best in that scale. have a suitable kit and just need this scale, and the results
detailed cockpit. Highlights of It was also the closest to the the decals, Canuck produces are outstanding. The most
the styrene include drooped F/A-18++ variant required for separate sets in 1/72, 1/48 and noticeable feature of the
rotor blades and this sub-type’s a Canadian airframe, with the 1/32 scale. For more information, aircraft was a large delta
trademark under-fuselage so-called ‘bird slicer’ antennas visit: www.canuckmodels.com wing that blended into the
panels, while two busy photo- fuselage, and rather than
HIGH AMBITIONS
Aldingborne's members
thought to hold their own
show, and the event will be
held on March 5 this year. The
club meets at Aldingbourne
Community Sports Centre,
Olivers Meadow, Westergate,
Chichester, West Sussex,
PO20 3YA (this is also the
show venue), every other
Wednesday between 7-10pm.
For further details e-mail:
A FLEDGLING model club is regulars. The group actually aldingbournemodellers@
to hold its first show just 13 builds on club nights, with 1/72 gmail.com or visit
months after forming. and 1/48th aircraft prevalent, the Facebook pages:
Aldingborne Modellers but armour, maritime, railway www.facebook.com/
launched in February last and gaming figures also get aldingborunemodellers
year, and now has 11 members, a look-in. and www.facebook.com/
six of those being staunch And it wasn’t long before AldingbourneModelex
FLYING PENCILS
Kauz I nightfighter conversion 76, France
(OWLR72050). These represent • (7205) Do 17Z-7, probable
western and eastern front W.Nr. 2834, 2N+GH,
operations. Note that when a Düsseldorf, Germany
Z-3 is built, the crew access The majority contain just one
door must also be modified, as scheme, and there are two
this was the location for two or three sheets in each. For
photo-reconnaissance cameras. further information, visit:
AIRFIX’S NEWLY tooled 1/72 The decal range includes: www.owl.cz
Do 17 has inspired many after- • (72048) Do 17Z-7, R4+HK, 2./
market products, either to NJG 2
complement the styrene or to • (S72049) Do 17Z-2 late,
create other variants. 3U+FU, 10./ZG 26, Castel
Owl has released three decal Benito
sets, covering northwest • (72050) Do 17Z-2, GD+LR
Europe and Mediterranean (52), Russian front
theatres, which can be used • (72052) Do 17Z-2 late,
with Airfix's kit, while a further R4+ZK, 2./NJG 2
seven require the addition • (72054) Do 17Z-3, F1+AT, 9./
of either late Z-2/Z-3 engine KG 76, St. Trond, Belgium
cowlings (OWLR72049) or a Z-7 • (72055) Do 17Z-1, F1+JK, 1./KG
SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance
model and
airshow calendar
North Devon
28 FEB,
2016 Model Show
FREMINGTON Hosts: North Devon Model
VILLAGE Society
HALL Address: Fremington, Barnstaple,
Devon, EX31 3BG
Times: 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults £3, 12-16 years
old (unaccompanied)
£1.50, accompanied
children free
Tel: 07703 003719
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.northdevonmodel
society.co.uk
FEB BRIGHTON MODELWORLD FEB HUDDERSFIELD SHOW FEB SHUTTLEWORTH SCALE MAR EAST OF ENGLAND
19-21 21 28 MODEL EXHIBITION 6 MODEL SHOW
Hosts: Brighton Modelworld Hosts: IPMS Wakefield and Hosts: Shuttleworth Collection Hosts: Peterborough Scale Model
Organising Group District Branch Address: Old Warden Aerodrome, nr Club
Address: The Brighton Centre, Address: Huddersfield Leisure Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, Address: The Voyager Academy,
Kings Road, Brighton, East Mountsteven Avenue,
Centre, Spring Grove Street, SG18 9EP
Sussex, BN1 2GR Walton, Peterborough,
Huddersfield, HD1 4BP Times: 10am-4pm PE4 6HX
Times: 10am-5pm
Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £10, children (up to Times: 10am-4pm
Prices: Adult £9.50, children
£5.50, senior citizens Prices: Adults £4, age 16) free Prices: Adults £2, under-15s free
£7.50, family (2+2) £26 concessions £2 Tel: 01767 627933 Tel: N/A
Tel: N/A Tel: 0113 2893152 Email: [email protected] Email: peterboroughscalemodel
Email: info@brightonmodelworld. Email: huddersfieldshow@gmail. Web: www.shuttleworth.org [email protected]
com com
Web: peterboroughscale
Web: brightonmodelworld.com Web: www.huddersfield modelclub.co.uk
modelshow.co.uk
MAR ALDINGBOURNE
5 INAUGURAL MODELEX
FEB FLEET AIR ARM Hosts: Aldingbourne Modellers MAR EAST MIDLANDS MODEL
20 FEBRUARY MODEL SHOW FEB ON TRACK MILITARY 13 SHOW
27 MODELLING SHOW Address: Aldingbourne Community
Hosts: Fleet Air Arm Museum Sports Centre, Olivers Hosts: East Midlands Model Club
Hosts: On Track Shows Meadow, Westergate, West
Address: Fleet Air Arm Museum, Address: The Leisure Centre,
RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, Address: Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Sussex, PO20 3YA Coventry Road, Hinckley,
BA22 8HT Kent, United Kingdom, Times: 10am-4pm LE10 0JR
CT20 2DZ
Times: 10am-5.30pm Prices: Prices: Adults £2.50, Times: 10am-4pm
Times: 10am-5pm under-16s free
Prices: Adult £14, concessions Prices: Adults £4, children and
£12, accompanied Prices: Adults £5, accompanied Tel: N/A concessions £1.50, family
under-15s £10 under-16s free ticket £9
Email: aldingbournemodellers@
Tel: 01935 840565 Tel: N/A gmail.com Tel: N/A
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.facebook.com/ Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fleetairarm.com Web: www.ontrackshow.co.uk aldingborunemodellers Web: eastmidsmodelclub.co.uk
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]
SUB-CRHASER
SHORT’S
The open areas were skinned with thin plastic card, and detailed with scrap wire and
several lengths of steel tubing, to simulate the internal structures of the wing and piping.
Eduard produces plenty of comprehensive details for this kit. The bomb bay was just The PE really added interest and detail;
one of the areas dressed with brass for better realism. Eduard’s bomb racks were stunning.
references revealed that several in selected areas where it made and it really did bring life to the
areas were protected with silver sense to have more light. structural detail. The next step
paint. The entire interior was Detail items such as chairs, was to enhance the moulded
primed in black and the cockpit, electrical boxes and assorted detail with Com.Art 20021
front galley and the area behind piping were picked out with Transparent Smoke, airbrushed in XF-71 Interior Green. Highlights
the bomb bay was airbrushed appropriate acrylic shades. After areas of possible shadow. were applied with light green
with Tamiya XF-71 Interior Green. allowing the paint to dry, both pastels from a Tamiya Weathering
To provide depth, Tamiya X-8 green and aluminium surfaces Defensive posts Master set for natural metal
Lemon Yellow was mixed with received a dark oil wash mixed It was decided to assemble and aircraft. All this work was sealed
the previous colour, and sprayed from Winsor & Newton Lamp paint the defensive turrets early by gloss varnish, and a wash
Black and Burnt Sienna oil on, as they were to be installed of dark oil paint provided a
Short Sunderland Mk.III paints, diluted considerably when mating the fuselage halves. weathered look. Leather fittings
MODEL SPEC
By: Italeri with odourless turpentine. Dry- All the parts were primed in were painted Golden Brown
brushing was then put into action black and painted with Tamiya highlighted with Sandy Brown.
Stock Code: 1352
Scale: 1/72
Price: £39.99
Available from:
The Hobby Company,
www.hobbyco.net
The machine guns had their Tamiya tape was used to mask the
muzzles drilled open and were windows. It was then coupled to
painted black; their details were the fuselage, and blended in with
then accentuated with Light Gun Vallejo Plastic Putty.
Metal pastel from the Tamiya Vertical and horizontal tails
Weathering Master set. Clear fitted perfectly, without the need
parts associated with the turrets for filler, and Italeri provided the
were dipped in Future Floor Polish wings in the traditional form of
and masked with thin strips of upper and lower halves. These
Tamiya tape and Humbrol Maskol. were assembled without fuss,
They were also sprayed XF-71 and Eduard set 72584 Surface
Interior Green. Panels was put through its paces,
The main components of the and provided a myriad of fine
fuselage were assembled at this surface detail on the fuselage and
stage. Despite the care taken, wings. This modeller chose not
several problems arose with to apply the fuel tank covers, as
the portholes and windows on these represent the characteristic
the fuselage sides and spine. crossbars, which were not present The interior was airbrushed with Tamiya XF-71 Interior Green. X-8 Lemon Yellow was
On the latter, CA was used to fill on the Mk.III. Therefore, the detail then mixed with the previous colour and sprayed in selected areas, where it made sense
several gaps and polished with on the plastic parts was filled with to have more light.
Micro-Mesh abrasive cloth. The CA and sanded smooth.
fuselage halves were glued Wing-to-fuselage attachment
in small sections, came next, and despite
which allowed considerable effort to achieve a
decent fit, a slight step occurred
between the fuselage and the
wings, which was filled with
several layers of Gunze Mr.
Dissolved Putty. Care was taken
to afford the filler the requisite
shrinkage time needed, therefore
better control of the resulting avoiding dreaded ‘ghost’ seams
seams. In the end, just a few later on. In retrospect, though,
smears of putty were needed to epoxy putty would have been a
eradicate the fuselage seam. better medium.
The canopy was then dipped in Finally, all recessed detail lost
Future, and after 4 hours’ drying, during sanding was reinstated
A dark oil wash was employed to deepen the contrast. Details were highlighted with a
fine brush and an assortment of Vallejo Model Color shades. After dry-brushing with light
green, the interior was sealed with matt varnish.
with a scriber and Dymo tape; was desirable to preserve the The kit decals were used, and
lost rivets were added with Radu subtleness of the pre-shading. although they displayed good
Briza’s excellent Riveter-R tool. After 48 hours’ drying, the under- colour saturation, much Micro
When satisfied, the model was surface border was masked with Sol had to be applied to make
washed with warm water and Blu-Tack rolls and protected with them conform to surface detail.
washing-up liquid, which prepared masking tape. The second colour Frustratingly, an error with
the surface for painting. applied was Extra Dark Sea Grey, the positioning of the fuselage
represented by H305 Grey. roundels and codes was made,
Camouflage Finally, the grey areas were and these decals sit 5mm further
The painting process started, as masked with MXpression's Panzer towards the tail than they should.
usual, with the ubiquitous grey Putty, which demanded a steep Nevertheless, it was decided to
primer coat. This was mixed from learning curve but delivered leave them as they were.
black and white polyurethane highly impressive results. The The decals were allowed 48
primers from Vallejo, but several Dark Slate Grey was achieved hours to dry, and setting solution
seams demanded more attention through Tamiya XF-73 JGSDF residue was removed with warm
and were treated accordingly, Dark Green. This shade looked water. This process ended with
before pre-shading was added. great, and the density of the paint another two layers of Humbrol
The entire airframe was was varied in several areas to Clear, to seal the decals and
painted with both black and avoid uniformity. As a final step, protect them from weathering.
white paint. This allowed the the entire model received two
panel lines to be accentuated layers of Humbrol Clear, before Drag and algae
quite strongly, as well as the the application of decals. The weathering process started
centre portions of panels. It was decided to depict airframe with an overall dark filter, mixed
Lower fuselage areas were W3999, which served with 10 from highly diluted (mineral
then painted with several light Squadron, RAAF at Mount Batten, spirits) Black and Burnt Sienna
layers of Gunze H74 Sky, but it circa 1942. oil paints. This filter was replied
Beaching arms and the trolley were
primed in black and airbrushed with
grey, followed by XF-19 Sky Grey. Light
weathering was achieved with Vallejo
German Grey and Rust, applied by sponge.
The bombs were painted with 71.016 US Dark Green and highlighted with 71.010 The fuselage seam was treated with Tamiya Basic Putty. After several sanding sessions,
Interior Green from the Vallejo Model Air range. lost detail was reinstated with a scriber and a Riveter-R tool.
Movement ashore
When it was necessary to
bring the Sunderland ashore, a
beaching trolley and two pylons
Gunze H305 Grey represented the Extra Dark Sea Grey portions of the camouflage. The with wheels were used to perform
paint was applied in light layers, which allowed the pre-shading to show through. the task. The kit replicas were
The grey areas were masked with Panzer Putty and the Dark Slate Grey was The demarcation between the upper colours and the sky undersides was achieved with
represented by Tamiya XF-73 JGSDF Dark Green. rolls of Blu-Tack. This technique produced the desired slightly feathered edges.
well moulded, and presented a Grey was applied over selected gentle dry-brushing with light pigments were then brushed
good level of detail from the areas, to enhance the contrast. grey, and then matt varnish. The on the rims and tyres and fixed
box. Both structures and trolley This sub-assembly was then wheel hubs were also painted in place with enamel thinners,
were primed in black and weathered with Vallejo German medium grey, and while the tyres followed by matt varnish.
airbrushed with Model Grey and Rust, applied lightly with received Vallejo Black Grey. When The radar dipoles imparted a
Air 71.047 USA Grey. a sponge. Closing steps consisted dry, an oily wash was employed strong impression on the final
Then, a thin layer of XF- 19 Sky of dark oil wash followed by on the wheel hubs. Several light look of this flying boat. The
styrene masts were painted with
H305 Grey, and the PE dipoles
were primed and painted with
a mixture of Model Air 71.073
Metallic Black and 71.069 Oxide.
The isolators received gloss
black and when dry, everything
was accentuated with a dark oil
wash. Final assembly required
a certain amount of forward The model was then flipped, impregnated with Windex, all the compared with the vintage Airfix
planning, and first it was decided and work started on the upper clear parts received a layer of kit of the type, and despite the
to finish all the details present surfaces where radar dipoles, Future applied with a small brush; need for corrections (these
on the under surfaces. These antennas, radio mast and aerial this ensured more clarity. are easy to perform once the
included the floats, which were (and the previously painted information is gathered) the final
rigged with EZ Line, and attached exhausts) were all glued in place, Not ‘shake and bake’ result is worth the extra work.
with CA. The ordnance, radar ensuring correct alignment. Italeri’s Sunderland will demand The detail sets offered by Eduard
structures, beaching columns, Finally the masks were removed a high level of commitment from offered real improvement,
trolley and aileron actuators were from the windows, and after most experienced modellers. especially the surface detail and
all added at this stage. touch-ups with a toothpick It is a real leap forward when maintenance platforms. ❚
The heavy streaking present in many period photos, as well as soot and grime on the The radar dipoles were glued carefully in place with a minute amount of CA. This really
flying surfaces, were represented with Black and Track Rust pigments. added to the personality of the Sunderland.
Eduard’s maintenance platform parts were bent and folded appropriately, but all were
annealed first to ease the process. They looked super once fitted.
BOAT-HULLED BEAUTY
Malcolm V Lowe describes the Short
Sunderland, one of the world's most
successful military flying boats
S
underlands were big, ‘Empire’ ‘C’ Class civil flying boat boat to replace existing biplane R.2/33 at a lower priority. The
powerful assets in the RAF’s series. Although the Sunderland designs already in service. At that initial S.23 flew in July 1936, and
World War Two operations. design drew much from the four- time, the early 1930s, flying boats the type at once proved to be a
The type was a significant engined S.23 in terms of general were an important part of the great success. It was one of the
product of the famous pioneering layout, the two were significantly RAF’s inventory, even though they most significant civil aircraft of
British aviation company Short different, not least because the required their very own special and the years before World War Two
Brothers (often abbreviated to military Sunderland needed expensive shoreline facilities...as began, with impressive long-
‘Shorts’). Designed in the 1930s, a different format, power and well as suitable stretches of water range performance that pushed
the Sunderland proved to be of armament provision compared to from which to operate. In 1933 the forward the barriers of what
great use in the relentless war the civil passenger S.23. Work on official Specification R.2/33 was could be achieved in terms of
against Nazi Germany’s U-boat the latter was hurried by Shorts released for a new generation distance – especially the ‘holy
menace, but the type also had a due to its launch customer, Imperial flying boat, with Shorts as the main grail’ of the possibility of non-stop
significant post-war career, and Airways, needing the aircraft possible contender. Transatlantic flight on a scheduled
Sunderlands also served with a in service as soon as possible. Specification R.2/33 was issued civil passenger basis.
small number of major overseas At roughly the same time that roughly in parallel with Imperial
air arms. Imperial Airways had expressed its Airways’ requirement, and while Gathering pace
It is sometimes stated, incorrectly, desire for a long-range civil flying Shorts continued to develop the Shorts clearly had a winning
that the Sunderland was developed boat, the RAF was developing a S.23, its designers also worked design with the commercial S.23,
directly from the Short S.23 requirement for a long-range flying on the company’s response to which was an advanced aircraft
for its time with its streamlined
monoplane layout that echoed the
modern ‘Art Deco’ theme of the
times. Development work on the
military flying boat, known to the
company as S.25, proceeded to the
extent that the initial prototype
first flew on October 16, 1937. Built
at the Rochester, Kent facility of
Short Brothers, the prototype, with
military serial number K4774, later
went for testing and trials work to
the Marine Aircraft Experimental
Establishment at Felixstowe.
The first production model of
the S.25 was the Mk.I, powered by
four Bristol Pegasus XXII radial
The Sunderland was a true flying boat without any land undercarriage, and needed extensive separate beaching gear to become
engines, giving a maximum speed
mobile on terra firma, as demonstrated here on early Sunderland Mk.III W3999/RB-Y of 10 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force.
of 210mph (338km/h) at 6,250ft
Formidable opponent
The Sunderland was a big,
powerful warplane that was robust
in service – it needed to be, with
The initial Sunderland Mk.I was an austere version of the type, with simple gun positions amidships in the upper fuselage for
the stress of water landings and
flexible-mounted machine guns. The nose turret could be slid back to facilitate mooring.
take-offs. This sturdiness placed
Above: BOAC became onwards. This included, in the short (205 Squadron at RAF Seletar),
an important ‘civil’ term, little-known precautionary the type being largely but not
operator of converted anti-submarine patrols in the exclusively replaced by landplane
Sunderlands during weeks after the end of World War Avro Shackleton maritime patrol
World War Two,
Two, because it was suspected aircraft.
as shown here by
camouflaged G-AGET, that some German U-boats might Several overseas countries also
with its front and rear have carried on the fight after flew Sunderlands. Among these
turrets removed and the the surrender. Sunderlands duly was France’s naval air arm, the
openings faired over. gave sterling service during the Aéronautique Navale (Aéronavale),
Berlin Airlift, with RAF examples which became a major operator
flying supplies (mainly salt) into of the type. French crews flew it
the Soviet-blockaded Western during World War Two with 343
part of the city during 1948. The Squadron, which was a Free French
Sunderlands involved (including anti-submarine patrol unit based
201 Squadron) operated from at Dakar, Sénégal, under RAF
Finkenwerder on the River Elbe operational control, patrolling the
near Hamburg, and landed on Lake seas off West Africa. Post-war, the
Havel in the British sector. RAF reconstituted Aéronavale’s frontline
Sunderlands flew subsequently Flottilles 7F and 27F operated
in the Korean War, of 1950 to specially reconditioned Mk.Vs,
1953, and were based at Iwakuni, as did the second-line training
Japan for long-endurance patrols, and general purpose Escadrilles
covering Allied shipping and the de Servitude 12S, 50S and 53S.
seas between Japan and the Similarly, the Royal New Zealand
Korean Peninsula. The Sunderland Air Force flew the Sunderland Mk.V
was also present in the protracted post-war, operating the type well
Below: Dumbarton-
war against terrorists in Malaya, into the 1960s until replacement
built Sunderland
Mk.V RN299, of 230
in this conflict flying in action by Lockheed Orions. It is largely
Squadron, undergoes against targets over land rather thanks to these two countries
maintenance on land in than over water. The final RAF that there remain several intact
this rare contemporary Sunderlands (by then designated and preserved examples of the
colour image. GR.5) were finally retired in 1959 Sunderland still in existence. ❚
Flying
Pipe
Trumpeter’s recent 1/48 Su-9 Fishpot is an
easy project according to James Vaitkevicius
The main airframe is simple, yet care should be taken to ensure that all joins are Each wing was drilled with a 1mm bit to enable the missile rails to be fitted. The wing
smooth to avoid blemishes spoiling the metal finish. also includes an impressively detailed wheel bay.
Trumpeter provides jet pipe and flame holder parts with basic, but adequate, detail.
Liquid
Gravity was
placed in the
shock cone
set. Once dried, H319 Light Green finished with Alclad II ALC-112 later without major surgery. undercarriage door actuators
was applied and set aside until Jet Exhaust on the exhaust and Care must be taken not to were installed to avoid any issues
final completion of the fuselage. flame holder, before finishing damage the leg, which looked later in the build.
Prior to the halves being sealed, with ALC-413 Hotmetal Blue and delicate, but once fitted it proved With all of the internal sections
the internal sections were ALC-416 Hotmetal Sepia; light to be fairly sturdy. The wheel completed, each element was
completed, with the jet pipe and dry-brushing enhanced the detail bay and undercarriage were fixed in place with liquid cement
front undercarriage section. Jet before final assembly. prepared in Alclad II Gloss Black, and left to set overnight.
pipe detail was best described The next task was to build the with the wheel bay finished in Further construction involved
as spartan, but with no other front undercarriage and wheel ALC-119 Airframe Aluminium, and the external ducts, gun muzzle
alternative available at this bay – the undercarriage leg is a general aluminium shade for and tail section. Once dry,
time, the kit parts were used. required to be installed at this the undercarriage leg. Prior to all joins were cleaned and
Once prepared, the jet pipe was point, as it cannot be attached the wheel bay being sealed, the polished with various grades
Alclad II lacquers were used to give a realistic finish to the jet pipe parts, after being A detailed front undercarriage bay was included, and finished in Alclad II ALC-119
primed with gloss black. Airframe Aluminium, while the undercarriage leg received a general aluminium shade.
Careful removal of the wing-to-fuselage join seam is required; sanding sticks and other
abrasive items came into their own here.
The cockpit section and front canopy were masked carefully prior to the undercoat The Su-9 carried four AA-1 Alkali beam-riding missiles and two drop tanks...the latter
being applied. increased the operational range by 300 miles (482km).
of sanding sponges to remove appropriate due to a between- horizontal stabilisers, which were final finish. Colour photos are
surface imperfections...vital for servicing drop in hydraulic left off to assist with painting and rare, but many images seemed
a bare-metal finish. Thus far, pressure. Further studies also avoid damage. to intimate that the factory
construction had been a joy with showed that the Su-9 did not finish was a mix of bare-metal
all parts falling into place and no extend the flap on take-off and Aluminium or natural and painted aluminium, and
filler being required. it was just used for landing. The metal? throughout aircraft’s lifetime, the
wings were then glued to the Reference books, in particular replacement of various panels
Airframe additions fuselage and once dry, all joins ‘Sukhoi Interceptors; Volume would creating tonal variation.
With the main fuselage set were removed carefully with 16’ by Yefim Gordon, proved to With the surfaces prepared
aside, work concentrated on sanding sponges and polished be very useful in achieving the and sanded, the whole
the mainplanes and these were to a smooth surface. Minor
four-piece affairs that included filling was required in the wing
internal undercarriage detail and root, and this was performed
flaperons, all of which sported with Vallejo Masilla Plastica
fine rivet detail and pleasing putty, smoothed into the recess
panel lines; it all built with with a cotton bud soaked in
ease. Holes for missile pylon Tamiya Thinner. At this point, the
attachment were made with a fuselage section was completed
1mm drill bit, and the wings were with the exception of the
constructed in minutes. The
parts dry-fitted perfectly and
were sealed with a few drops of
liquid cement. Flaps and ailerons
were also added at this point,
with the former being set at
slight downward angle; research
showed that this angle would be
Three light coats of Alclad II Gloss Black primer were applied at approximately 30psi (2 Two light coats of Tamiya XF-16 Flat Aluminium were applied, and then various panels
bar) to build up a gloss basecoat for the aluminium finish. Each coat was sanded gently were masked and sprayed with Alclad II ALC-102 Duraluminium to replicate the use of
and polished to remove any blemishes. different metals in the Su-9’s construction.
With the main painting completed, missiles rails were then added. The airframe’s fine The vertical fin antenna fairing was masked and finished in Light Green. Eventually, a
panel lines show up well through the aluminium finish. variety of washes and pigments highlighted the fine panel lines.
upper airframe received three 50:50, well diluted and sprayed 102 Duraluminium to replicate a heavily diluted 25:75 mix of
coats of Alclad II Gloss Black at approximately 30psi (2 bar). panels that would have been Vallejo 70.520 Matt Varnish and
primer, layered slowly to ensure Missiles were glued in place with replaced. Next, the vertical fin Tamiya X-22 Clear to give a satin
a high-gloss finish, and once dry liquid cement at this point. It is antenna fairing was masked finish often seen on aircraft of
the primer was polished with worthy to note that these are and finished in Light Green and this era. This was left to dry for
a very fine sanding sponge to handed, but this isn’t mentioned set aside to dry. The intake ring 24 hours to ensure everything
remove any blemishes. Then, in the instructions, and so simple was also masked and finished had cured fully. Weathering
the whole airframe received dry-fitting of each part will reveal in ALC-103 Dark Aluminium to was accomplished with AMMO-
two light coats of XF-16 what goes where. Reference give a slight demarcation to the MIG 1602 PLW Blue Black and
Flat Aluminium photos were also consulted in Flat Aluminium. All parts were 1617 PLW Deep Grey, placed on
and X-22 Clear, relation to the shades of various eventually coated with three the whole airframe recesses
mixed panels; these were masked layers of Alclad Aqua Gloss. and when dry, the excess was
individually and finished in ALC- After the varnish was applied removed with a flat brush
and dried properly, the decals moistened with white spirit.
were added. Once positioned, Further streaks were created on
Mr. Hobby setting solution was the upper and lower surfaces
brushed over the decals, which via AK Interactive’s AK025 Fuel
forced them into panel lines Stains and AMMO-MIG 1408
to create a painted-on effect. Fresh Engine Oil to simulate oil
The airframe was sealed with stains moved by the airflow.
finely engraved
panel lines are a
definite plus-point
the Su-9 in its interception role. the wheel hubs in Light Green.
The missiles were well detailed Undercarriage legs and tyres
and included separate parts to received light weathering with a
replicate the motor exhausts, wash of PLW Blue Black, which
which proved difficult to install was left to dry before removal
properly due to their size. These of the excess with a cotton bud.
were constructed and finished The wheels were coated with
in aluminium, with the seeker matt varnish and were finished
heads painted in white as per in AMMO-MIG 1403 Earth and
reference photos. A number of 3011 Airfield Dust to give a worn Undercarriage legs and oleos were painted in Aluminium, while the tyres were finished
stencils needed to be placed on effect. Once dried, the front and in Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black with the hubs received Light Green. A light wash of AMMO
each missile, but stencils for just rear undercarriage, pitot tubes, -MIG Blue Black was applied and once dry, this was removed gently to leaving grime in
the recesses. Dry brushing of the tyres, with AMMO-MIG Earth and Airfield Dust, ensured
for one missile were included on fuel tanks and missiles were
further realism.
the decal sheet...and so none was attached with liquid cement.
applied the finished weapons.
Attention then turned to the Soviet stunner
undercarriage; this was finished The Sukhoi Su-9 is a rather
in aluminium, while the tyres unusual aircraft, yet still
were sprayed Tyre Black and a welcome addition to the
quarter-scale scene and this
is a respectable effort from
reference Trumpeter. The crisp detail and
finely engraved panel lines are
Sukhoi Interceptors The Su-9/-
a definite plus-point, although
11/15 and other types, by Yefim the lack of detail on the wheels
Gordon (Midland Publishing), Light weathering with AMMO-MIG Deep Grey & Blue Black washes was applied, then after
and tyres, and the absence 30 minutes it was gently wiped away in the direction of the airflow, to leave subtle staining.
ISBN: 1-85780-180-6 of PE parts for the ejection
OKB Sukhoi A History of the seat, ensures a few ticks in the
Design Bureau and its Aircraft, negative column.
by various authors (Midland), However, the fit is almost perfect,
ISBN: 1-85780-012-5 with just small amounts of filler
being required, and it can be
built into an impressive model
with little effort. The colours
schemes included in the kit are
plain, but do not let that fool
you as the scope to weather the
airframe is wide...and at least
a handful of Su-9s received As the build neared its completion, the AA-1 missiles and fuel tanks were added to
camouflage, so with research replicate a typical air-interception load. The seeker heads were painted white after the
alternatives are there. ❚ study of reference photos.
Andy Bayley
presents a
British sci-fi
classic in MPC’s
updated Eagle 1
Transporter
pace: 1999 was a into space. The series was Eagle was designed by Brian This kit also offers a special
The engineering and service modules could have had the exposed framework, but Eagle’s utility pod was well detailed, with integrally moulded vertical take-off and
painting the space in between gave a three-dimensional effect. landing thrusters, windows and side access hatches.
All the sub-assemblies are shown completed and ready to receive paint.
The lattice framework attached the engineering module to the service module.
Thinned matt black paint was used to weather the underside of the landing pads.
with Model Master Chrome Studio paint effects tanks and the ladder framework. On the studio models, the
Silver 17179 (the insides were To give the model a proper studio Matt white, with a hint of light service and engineering
painted matt black). The four look it was decided to colour grey, was airbrushed over all the modules ware surrounded by
manoeuvring thrusters were separate panels, which was done masked body parts and once a pipe framework, but on the
then drilled out with a 3mm bit by cutting irregular panel shapes dry, the masking was removed MPC version the outlines of the
in a pin vice, to ensure better out of a wide band of masking to reveal pale grey panels. This framework are moulded over
accuracy, and the small nozzles tape; these shapes were then gave a more realistic appearance the compartments. To give
were painted Chrome Silver with applied to the main body parts of and helped to break up the plain this area a three dimensional
matt black inside them. the craft, including the rear fuel white finish. effect, a fine-tipped permanent
Modelmaster Chrome Silver airbrushed over the engine nozzles ensured a pleasing The manoeuvring thrusters were drilled out with a 3mm bit for a more authentic look,
alloy appearance. before they were painted with Chrome Silver.
Masking tape was used to create panel masks, which were applied randomly over the With the panel masks removed, the light grey was very subtle, yet still noticeable, and
model. The panel masks in situ, ahead of light grey paint being airbrushed. reproduced the worn appearance of the studio models.
The grey panel effect was employed over the entire model to add variation to the finish. 10mm Tamiya masking tape was used to create red stripes for the rescue pod.
With irregular shapes, paint bleed was inevitable but touched-up easily with matt white. A fine-tipped permanent marker pen made filling in around the framework easy.
black marker pen was used to utility pod and this would be tape in the tight corners of the nozzles, and these were painted
block out the empty framework used to attach the pod to the pod. This is hard to avoid when with Modelmaster Chrome Silver
areas...a quick and neat way to ladder framework. The pod was masking irregular shapes but and the insides with matt black.
paint this section. then masked for painting and was neatened easily with a spot On the nose of the command
10mm Tamiya tape was used of white paint and a fine-tipped module are four sensor dishes,
Rescue pod choice to mask the white, leaving five brush. On the underside of the which received Chrome Silver.
With this kit one can also choose 13mm stripes. Two coats of Model utility pod were four landing
to paint the utility pod as the Air Scarlet Red 71.003 were Detailing with decals
transport, VIP or rescue pod, but airbrushed over the exposed To finish the utility pod the
due to its colourful nature the areas and, once the paint was decals were applied. Six black
latter was chosen for this build. dry and the masking tape windows on each side were
A small bow-shaped plastic removed, it was noticed that a added and two Moonbase Alpha
clip was glued to the top of the little paint had bled under the symbols decorated both sides
A GOOD READ
This is not my first Eagle, as I’ve
built the early version of the same
MPC kit shown here after reading
an article on building the Eagle
1 in a paperback book, Famous
Spaceships of Fact and Fantasy
published by Kalmback (ISBN:
089024-539-B) in 1979. It is still
available on Amazon and well worth
a read if one likes spacecraft.
Having decals for the nose windows made masking and painting unnecessary.
The door and panel decals gave a welcome three-dimensional effect at the ends of Service module
the rescue pod. decals were added
top and bottom.
Once the fuel tanks and nozzles were attached, the kit started to look the part.
of the pod. Each end of the utility decals. Again, there was a to paint these areas. Before the the outer fuel tanks. Eight orange
pod had door and panel decals, choice...plain black windows or manoeuvring thrusters could be rectangular warning decals were
and these ensured a pleasing glazing with the pilots visible, but attached, cross-shaped decals also placed on the outer fuel
three-dimensional look. the first option was selected to needed to be applied and these tanks, and four warning markers
All sub-assemblies were glued keep the kit less toy-like. settled down perfectly. On were positioned on the rear fuel
together and the main engines On the underside of the the top and underside of both tanks; all the decals were then
attached, before the landing pads outboard fuel tanks, decals the service and engineering applied and the Eagle was ready
were glued into position. With were supplied to black out the modules, large decals were for launch!
the original MPC kit one had to area where the landing pads applied to give a framework look Building this updated version of
mask the command module and retracted, but these were very to these areas. the kit has provided a wonderful
paint in ‘eyes’ or front windows, brittle and even with Micro Four small square dots were trip down memory lane, and it’s
but here it was just a case of Sol and Set they cracked and then added to the nose and 12 thoroughly recommended to all
applying a series of triangular ripped, so matt black was used smaller dots were attached to sci-fi fans. ❚
PLASTIC PIONEER
Jeremy Brooks looks at the
history of more than 70 years of
Airfix Model kits.
NEW TOOLING/
RE-ISSUES FRESH FOR 2016
Featuring Gloster Meteor
F.8, Heinkel He 111H-6, Bristol
Beaufighter Mk.X Late and many
more.
FIREDOG ROCKETEER
Chris Jones builds Airfix’s
forthcoming ‘late’ version of the
Beaufighter Mk.X.
JUST *
£7.99
*Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply.
FREE P&P* when you order online at Call UK: 01780 480404 Overseas:
www.keypublishing.com/shop +44 1780 480404
Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
Chris Jones
discovers a
high level of
finesse on Airfix’s
forthcoming new
1/72 Eindecker,
with his exclusive
test-shot build
interrupter gear to operational
service, which solved the problem
of firing a machine gun through a
propeller arc. This allowed German
pilots to bring effective firepower
to bear, simply by pointing the
nose of the aircraft where they
wanted to aim. It was such a
successful concept that it virtually
wiped the Royal Flying Corps
from the sky during the so-called
‘Fokker Scourge’ of late 1915 to
early 1916. However, with the
introduction of newer Allied types,
A
s the value of reconnaissance the feared Eindecker eventually
and artillery-spotting became obsolete, but not before it
aircraft became clear during had secured its place in the annals
World War One, it was also of military aviation history.
soon apparent that denying this
capability to the enemy was of Refinement all round
great value. Since the pistols, rifles The kit came on a single runner
and shotguns carried by some and it displayed the greatest
airmen had very little chance of level of finesse the author has
actually scoring hits on hostile ever seen on an Airfix kit. The
aircraft, the machine gun was the part attachment points were
clear choice of armament for what impressively petite, the detail
became the first fighter aircraft on the Oberursel engine simply
in military history. However, this stunning, intricate lacing was
raised the awkward question of present on the fuselage underside
how to fire a machine gun from and the Spandau machine gun
an aeroplane without shooting off
the propeller. Some types such
as the FB.5 adopted a pusher
arrangement, by moving the
propeller to the rear to provide
a clear field of fire, while some
even utilised armoured plates to
It isn’t often that entire kits come on a single runner, but this one did and excellent deflect bullets from the airscrew.
detail was present. What made Fokker’s Eindecker so
This Fokker kit, and the BE.2c, are the first for which Airfix has employed 3D sculpting special among its contemporaries
on the pilot figures. was that it successfully introduced
?>>KKIT
IT!COLOUR!SCHEME>
IT >/
A single livery will be provided in Airfix’s new Eindecker:
• Kurt von Krailsheim, FFA 53, Monthois, France, October 1915
Runner gates were impressively small, which made part removal so much easier.
sported lovely cooling jacket sculpting for the pilot figures. Kit
holes. Fabric effect on the flying decals were not available at the
surfaces was good too. Beyond time of building, so a decision
this, part breakdown was well was made to spray markings to
considered, with the underside of represent E.II 33/15 from FFA 9b,
the fuselage coming as a separate flown by Otto Kissenberth and
item (including the tailplanes) to Eduard Bohme, although the
avoid damaging any lacing detail kit decals will be for a different
during seam clean-up. Because aircraft flown by Kurt von
the real Eindecker was such a Krailsheim from FFA 53. It was also
small aeroplane, in 1/72 scale some worth noting that both Garuda and
parts were really rather fragile Germania propellers were present,
so great care was exercised to but just the latter was relevant for
avoid breakages. There were even this build (the kit will also appear
tiny moulded wing warping wire in Dogfight Double format, with
holes, which was helpful, and this Airfix’s new BE.2c)
(and Airfix’s BE.2c) are the first
kits from the firm to employ 3D Building the bird
To simulate Fokker Beige, a The lower fuselage came as a separate part, which avoided the risk of obliterating the
Fokker E.II Eindecker mix of 1/3 Tamiya XF-60 Desert lacing detail while sanding seams.
MODEL SPEC
>‘‘THE'DETAIL'ON'THE'OBERURSEL>
>ENGINE'WAS'SIMPLY'STUNNING’’>
Beautiful beige
Grey acrylic was sprayed over
the airframe to serve as a
primer coat, before white was
airbrushed over the insignia Careful painting highlighted the wonderful
moulded detail on the Oberursel engine.
and fuselage band areas. After
masking the white squares on After a basecoat of a light wood colour,
the wings, fine strips of Tamiya thin strips of Tamiya tape were used as
tape were used to cover the masks before the darker wood shade was
fuselage bands. An initial coat of applied to the Germania propeller. This is an
easy way of portraying lamination.
Desert Yellow was then sprayed
on the fabric areas, before more
thin strips of tape were used to
Simple tape belts were added to the seat, and the fuel tank/ammo box/instrument mask wing and tailplane ribs,
panel assembly was attached to the coaming before the fuselage could be mated. which were then pre-shaded
with white. The intention was
to give the impression of ribs
pressing on painted fabric, while
white pre-shading gave a sense
of light shining on the curving
high points of the material.
Afterwards, the same Fokker
Beige used in the cockpit was
sprayed on the fuselage and
between the ribs, while trying
to avoid the pre-shaded white
areas. Next, the rib masks were
removed and a thinned version
of the same beige mix was
After assembling the fuselage halves, the engine and coaming assembly was attached sprayed over the ribs and pre-
before the wings were joined. shading, while aiming to leave
White was sprayed over the marking areas, but the spares box pre-cut masks utilised were
old and had degenerated somewhat, so they were used to provide templates on tape instead.
Mud and wires The fit of all struts was excellent, ups, Xtracolor XDFF Flat Varnish paint, brushes, cotton buds and
After removing the Maskol from which was very much appreciated, was layered over the airframe. white spirit was used to provide
the locating holes, the pre-painted but the wheels and tail fin were Although counter-intuitive, past streaking and staining from the
grey/green mast and main gear also left off until the end to experiments seemed to show that castor oil, which in reality leaked
struts were added, although the avoid obstructions to the rigging oil weathering can actually work from the engine and soaked
tail strut assembly got in the way process. After brush-painting over the above varnish (despite through the fuselage fabric. To
of adding the control wires, so areas such as wing walkways it being oil-based), so careful complete the weathering process,
this was subsequently removed. and performing minor touch- work with thinned Raw Umber oil a mix of Tamiya Clear, talcum
>‘‘BOTH'GARUDA>
>AND'GERMANIA>
>PROPELLERS>
>WERE'PRESENT’’>
Airfix Model World
www.airfixmodelworld.com {43}
40-44_Fokker EII.CC.indd 43 15/12/2015 17:04
EXCLUSIVE BUILD
FOKKER E.II EINDECKER
powder and MIG Pigments’ painting and line was airframe to take this sweet model
Industrial City Dirt was blended weathering dipped in CA over the finishing line.
and applied (with both a regular complete, accelerator
brush and ‘stumped’ on with a the necessary and held Monoplane magic
cut-down flat brush) to simulate rigging was in place There is an impressive amount of
caked mud and fabric staining, as achieved with the ever-useful momentarily. In areas refinement on this little kit, which
well as being mixed with water E-Z Line elastic thread, where more conventional needs to be seen with one’s own
to provide a wash over the wheel cyanoacrylate (CA), fine rigging holes prevailed, CA eyes to be appreciated fully. Tiny
hubs. This same mix was then tweezers and patience! was applied to the end of the runner attachment points made
applied to a cut-down brush and In areas such as the thread, and tweezers held it the build so much easier and the
the excess was removed, before a undercarriage struts, where in place until the glue had engine in particular was lovely.
finger was used to pull the brush it was simply impossible set; a tedious process but it Don’t be fooled by the single
back, and release it, which flecked to pre-drill rigging holes added enormously to the runner, low parts count or the
limited amounts of speckled, without causing breakages, model’s final visual impact. model's small size, as it really is
spattered mud onto the airframe tiny drops of gel CA were With the rigging finally a proper gem. Although fiddly to
undersides...with a limited covering applied via cocktail stick, completed, the last few rig, it was undoubtedly a fun and
on the fuselage sides too. With before the end of the E-Z parts could be added to the fulfilling build. ❚
After applying mud, a cut-down brush was used for mud spattering over the underside
and fuselage sides. Pulling the brush back and releasing it produced a convincing effect,
but less is often more, so the excess was removed from the brush before flicking began.
T
he fighter aircraft as a machines of the early weeks in frontline combat aircraft when a propeller blade was
weapon of war came of of the conflict into efficient origination and construction. directly in front of it. Fokker was
age during World War One, warplanes was a Dutchman... In 1913 he established his sensible enough to include this
and at the forefront of the Anthony Fokker. company, Fokker, at Schwerin more effective synchronisation
advances that turned the basic, In an era of aviation pioneers, near Hamburg, in the north of mechanism in his monoplanes,
unarmed or lightly armed flying Fokker became a major figure what was then Imperial Germany. in effect and perhaps unwittingly
once the fuselage was closed. Note also the two flashed-over holes...these allow for fitting instructions, so are presumably
of a camera (not mentioned in the instructions for this release). B.E.2c
meant for a different release.
By: Airfix
Humble beginnings Stock Code: A02101
Almost all of the time, we naturally Scale: 1/72
start aircraft builds with the cockpit
Price: £8.99
or interior and that is indeed the
case here, but with one major Available from:
difference. This time, much of the www.airfix.com
remainder of the kit was tackled
too. This isn’t madness speaking,
but rather an indication of the
way almost all biplane models
can be very modular projects. It
is possible, even preferable, to
instructions, the shades used together because of the drying Applying base and basic colours encompassed all parts of the model, right from the
were a combination of guesswork time required. very beginning. Gunze H72 Dark Earth was used as a base shade for natural wood areas,
and a few colour photos of the while H85 Sail Color formed the covering for fabric areas.
replica B.E.2 at the RAF Museum Warp and weft
Hendon. My favourite colour for From wood the build travelled
representing clear doped linen swiftly back to canvas, to tackle the
(CDL) is Gunze H85 Sail Color, and flying surfaces while the oil paint
this was used to basecoat virtually dried. All the wings were one-piece
everything on the model. AMMO mouldings, each with delightfully
MIG 037 New Wood acrylic colour subtle contours representing rib
was then applied by brush to the detail; and featuring tiny imprints
plywood internal areas of the top where all the rigging wires would
decking, and to the seats, followed eventually be attached. Since the
by H72 Dark Earth for structural majority of this model was to be
wood areas, and as a base colour finished in CDL I wanted to show
for all wood effects to be done. A off the structure, as this finish was
little neutral brown wash finalised in reality quite transparent. After
much of the interior, leaving the an initial base layer of Sail Color,
way clear to carry out the oil masking was added to each wing
work on the wood parts. It was panel to delineate the spar and rib
important that all the natural areas, which were then sprayed The finished cockpit internals looked effective given the size of the parts. Whether the
wood components were treated with Gunze H02. This grid effect poor observers were happy to be perched on top of a petrol tank is open to conjecture!
“A pair of
intrepid aviators
was included”
A light coat of the base colour revealed that the upper seam required more work, and After some considerable time, this was the result; spars, ribs and riblets highlighted
so Mr. Surfacer was used on the affected areas. with Gunze H402 Green Brown.
WOODEN IT BE NICE
How one portrays wood can make or break a model, and choosing the right
method can be a minefield. There are many solutions available, from decals
and masks, to stencils. Despite this myriad of approaches, though, it is still hard
to beat oil paints. For this model, MIG Productions’ Abteilung 093 Basic Earth
and 080 Wash Brown oils were applied over a base of Dark Earth acrylic. The
choice of base colour was governed more by what was in the airbrush at the
time than anything else, as the base colour has little impact on the finished
appearance. It is far more important to choose the right shade of oil paint for
the desired effect. The long working time of the paint allows the modeller to
explore graining and streaking effects for as long as it takes to get it right. One
An old roll of Tristar 2mm masking tape proved ideal for masking out the rib areas on big downside of this method is the time taken for the paint to dry once applied,
the wings. As can be seen, the spars were tackled separately to make life slightly easier. which can be as long as a week. The final touch is to apply a clear colour layer,
which adds a very believable effect of depth and warmth. In this case, Tamiya
was overcoated with more Sail included powerplant was, in true X-26 Clear orange was used.
Color until the effect was almost Airfix style, a simple but very
covered, yet still visible. Each wing effective rendition of the Renault-
was then painted with a single coat built original. This was constructed
of Johnson’s Klear via a wide, flat along with its cowlings and all
brush with a minimal amount of were painted with Alclad Dark
Klear on it. Over-brushing left a Aluminium. The cylinders were
very subtle texture to the finish, picked out with satin black, and the
which to my eye looked good for a exhausts painted with Gunze Mr.
fabric-covered aircraft. Decals were Metal Color Stainless Steel, having
added from a sheet of Royal Flying already had the ends hollowed.
Corps roundels, while the numbers Finally, AMMO MIG Engine Grime
on the fin were from a sheet of and Fresh Oil washes were
RAF letters and numbers; both used to add a hint of grime. The
courtesy of the spares box. undercarriage legs in this kit came
With the oil-painted parts still in two parts, which joined along
not dry, work moved to the engine the axle line. Using the fuselage
and other smaller details. The parts as a temporary jig, they were
REFERENCE
RAF BE2C, by J M Bruce
(Albatros Productions),
ISBN: 0 948414 52 9
Oily washes and Earth Effects were employed to dirty the underside of the model. Note
the Aeroclub rigging thread wrapping of the undercarriage, where the moulded bungee
cords were removed beforehand.
Masking tape was used to hold the upper wing in position while the cement dried.
Great care was exercised when the tape was removed, as all gluing areas were so small
throughout the model that it remained very fragile.
Color and then masked for the the appearance of the model. A
PC10 forward areas...but what to
use for PC10? The instructions
pair of supplied jigs made fitting
the interplane struts simple, and RIGGING MADE EASY
call for Humbrol 155 Olive Drab, the top wing then slipped into Whenever the subject of biplane modelling is broached in conversation, it’s
which is a good match, but this place beautifully. In my case, there a done deal that the next thing anyone will mention is rigging! These wires
modeller favoured a suggestion in was a slight tendency to twist one were necessary for strength on early aircraft, and any model of the era without
a Wingnut Wings instruction sheet, way a little, so tape was used to it just doesn’t look finished. My preferred material for rigging has always
which suggested Tamiya XF-62 hold everything in alignment while been Lycra thread, as it is incredibly forgiving and resists knocks well after
Olive Drab, so that’s what was the glue set. Airfix also supplied completion. The only real problem with good old Aeroclub thread (on the right
used. The same colour was also a selection of rigging diagrams in the accompanying photo) is that it was always a bit thick for smaller models.
brush-painted onto the wrapped in the instructions, which were Uschi van der Rosten thread (www.albionhobbies.co.uk) on the other hand,
cabane and undercarriage struts. followed easily, although not 100% is much finer and more prototypical in appearance, as can be seen here. The
At this point, it was possible to join complete according to references. thread was simply cut to the rough length needed, and then attached to a tiny
some of the major assemblies, and After rigging, fitting the last few drop of cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive placed on the model with a cocktail stick.
the lower wing and tail parts were parts was a doddle and the model Once the glue had ‘taken’, the other end of the thread was stretched gently
also fitted to allow weathering to was complete. into position and similarly attached. Dipping or brushing the thread with CA
be applied before the top wing and accelerator can be done to make the connection instant if preferred.
rigging went on. Fokker fodder?
Fitting biplane wings can be This is another beautiful kit
a fraught process, but in this from Airfix, which somehow
kit Airfix provided very simple combines startling simplicity
solutions without compromising with great levels of detail and
finesse. Although by nature a
simple offering, it’s arguably not a
beginner-friendly model because
of its innate fiddliness and fragility.
For modellers who are comfortable
with small-scale biplane kits
though, it’s sure to be a hit. ❚
type’s service history, especially the important B.E.2. So began, in the ad hoc
fashion of its day, the line of
B.E.2c version of this ubiquitous aircraft B.E.2 biplanes that played such
an important role in the early
days of the RFC. The initial B.E.2
ilitary aircraft were very of aircraft, how they might be Hampshire-based Balloon design was refined further as
much in their infancy employed and how they could Factory. the B.E.2a of 1912/1913, and the
during the early years defend themselves. Britain began This concern played a pivotal B.E.2b which entered service
of World War One, the war with a true miscellany of role in early British aircraft in 1914. The building of these
but the conflict led to massive aircraft types in military service, designs and their potential ‘hand-made’ wooden with
technological and performance the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) operational employment; fabric-covering B.E. two-seat
steps forward in flying machine itself having only been formed it included a trials and biplanes at Farnborough was
design and capability. in April 1912. A major supplier of development role that was to eventually supplemented, and
These made the aircraft into military aircraft designs to this be of great importance to early ultimately superseded by outside
a potent weapon by the war’s fledgling organisation was the military aircraft development manufacturers in Britain’s
end, but in the beginning there Royal Aircraft Factory, which had in Britain. The factory is the still-fledgling aircraft industry.
was much experimentation also come into existence during ancestor of what later became The B.E.-types were among
and defining of the usefulness 1912 from the Farnborough, the Royal Aircraft Establishment the aircraft that formed the
Operational highs
and lows
The B.E.2a entered RFC service
Wearing what appears to be an unusual camouflage pattern, B.E.2c 1749 was one of the Vickers-built examples. (Key Collection) in numbers during 1913, 2
Squadron having at least two
The B.E.2c served extensively with the RFC, and was also
operated by the Royal Naval Air Service. The two-cockpit
layout of the B.E.2 series, with the observer seated forward,
is well illustrated in this view. (Key Collection)
Front, its inherent stability made was mounted to fire a mixture Above: One of the
higher numbered B.E.2c
it increasingly suitable for the of explosive and incendiary
airframes was B3995, a
vital task of Home Defence. ammunition at roughly 45 true one-off made from
When the RFC took over degrees upwards, to attack the spare parts and, as can
responsibility for this it was airship from below. Relying be seen, it eventually
the B.E.2c that formed the bulk entirely on the skill of the pilots had a disastrous meeting
of the defending fighters, to concerned (there was no radar with a building's roof.
counter often indiscriminate or night-time navigation aids), (Key Collection)
night raids over Britain by the B.E.2c became something of
the increasingly feared and a national hero for its exploits
hated German Zeppelins. Thus after dark. During the night of
Below: Some members
the B.E.2c became one of the September 2/3, 1916, William
of the overall B.E.
world’s first night-fighters. The Leefe Robinson of 39 Squadron family had a single-seat
interceptor version of the B.E.2c shot down German airship SL 11 configuration, with
was modified as a single-seater, for the type’s first success, and a fuel tank installed
with an auxiliary fuel tank in the he was duly awarded the Victoria where the front cockpit
position normally used by the Cross. Other shoot-downs was usually situated,
observer. After an initial lack of followed, in what turned out to including the Home
success using darts and small be the B.E.2c’s finest hour, but Defence night-fighter
B.E.2c conversions,
incendiary bombs to attack some B.E.12s were also used for
and the B.E.12 series.
airships from above, a Lewis gun Home Defence work. ❚ (Key Collection)
Desert Bruiser
N
amed after US General Bradley, the original and more capable of firing high-explosive was originally a combination
Omar Bradley, the widespread M2 IFV and the M3 or armour-piercing ammunition of welded aluminium plus
Bradley Infantry Fighting Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. As the at up to 200 rounds per minute, laminate armour, but has evolved
Vehicle (IFV) entered name suggests, the M2 carries with a secondary coaxial 7.62mm gradually to include steel and
service with the US Army in 1981. infantry while the M3 is primarily M240C machine gun. The real reactive armour in response to
Its principal mission is to a scouting asset. The former has punch is provided by a twin increased threats. The Bradley
transport soldiers and fight a three-man crew (commander, launcher for the BGM-71 Tube- Urban Survival Kit (BUSK) was
alongside main battle tanks, by gunner and driver), plus up launched, Optically tracked, Wire- an upgrade designed specifically
providing protected scouting to six fully equipped combat guided (TOW) missile, which can to improve survivability in an
and infantry support. There troops. Main armament is a M242 engage targets at ranges of up urban environment. It comprises
are two basic versions of the 25mm ‘Bushmaster’ chain gun, to 2 ½ miles (4km). Protection four major modifications, which
Desert markings
A small decal sheet was provided, and many of the markings added detail and
interest to the interior. Schemes for three US Army vehicles, which participated in
Operation Iraqi Freedom, were offered but the differences between them were minor:
• 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Kuwait 2003
• 3rd Infantry Division, Iraq, 2005
• 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry
Regiment, Baghdad, Iraq, 2005
Vehicle placards were provided on a
separate paper sheet; these included
standard convoy and warning signs,
and the latter informed locals of how to
approach and pass the Bradley.
Meng’s meticulous approach was highlighted by the running gear components. Note
the small metal tubes, torsion bars and tyres, which were separate from the wheels. Poly
caps were also provided (not shown) to sandwich between the wheel halves.
Assembly of the support structures for the torsion bars was complex. Here three were
under construction...the metal tube provided a sliding movement, and a styrene part on
one end snapped into a hole in the lower hull (located above the unattached middle bar).
includes a blast-proof fuel cell, A mass of parts portrays the former, which unlike MODEL SPEC M2A3 Bradley with
blast-resistant driver’s seat, Meng Model has released the latter features a complete BUSK III
turret survivability system and M2A3 and M3A3 variants of the interior, and included the power
By: Meng Model
emergency ramp release. To date, Bradley in 1/35 scale. This build train, driver’s compartment,
more than 6,000 Bradleys turret internals and passenger Stock Code: SS-0044
have been manufactured area. As a result, there were Scale: 1/35
by BAE Systems Land and masses of parts supplied on
Price: £49.99
Armaments (formerly 17 styrene runners in different
United Defence) and they colours. Most components, which Available from:
remain in service with the included the upper and lower Creative Models,
US and Saudi Arabia. www.creativemodels.co.uk
hull, were sand in tone...interior gun mantlet cover and ammo evident on any part that would be with small metal tubes; one end
pieces were generally bright feeder, three photo-etched (PE) seen, and many that would not. had a styrene part added for
green (this echoed the colour metal frets, a set of poly caps, the attachment to the hull, the
on the real vehicle), and engine eight metal tubes, 188 track links, Accurate suspension other a sliding plastic rod with
parts were dark grey. Three clear decals and paper road signs Work began on the lower hull a ring to attach to the torsion
runners, one of which was tinted completed the kit. The standard and wheels. Meng replicated the bar. Each ring was widened very
blue, held the various lights and of engineering was phenomenal, suspension system superbly, but slightly with a drill bit, which
vision blocks. Vinyl seatbelts, a with finely rendered detail as a result, several components eased the pressure when it was
were quite delicate and had to clipped over the delicate arms
be separated carefully from the on the torsion bar, although not
runners with a PE razor saw. The all of these needed to be fitted
engineering was first-class, so with shock absorbers. A working
minimal clean-up was required suspension ran the risk that the
to ensure an accurate fit. All wheels would not be aligned
of the wheels had a poly cap correctly with a flat surface.
sandwiched between the halves, To avoid this, all wheels were
which allowed them to rotate attached temporarily when the
and also meant they could be torsion bars were glued, and
removed and painted separately. the weight of the lower hull was
The working suspension meant that one could display how the wheels would respond
The shock absorbers were built sufficient to ensure everything
to rough terrain...a useful feature if the intent was to pose the model in a diorama.
Plenty of detail was provided for the driver and passenger areas, most of which would Once painted the driver’s position looked suitably detailed, but the decals transformed
be visible through any open hatches. this area totally and produced a very realistic result.
Bradley power
The Cummins diesel engine is capable of propelling the 28-tonne Bradley at
speeds of up to 41mph (66kmh). In the kit, the power train was supplied as three
sub-assemblies: engine block, transmission and air intake. Each was moulded
in dark grey styrene and although most wouldn’t be visible after assembly,
there is plenty of inspiration available on the internet for diorama builders, with
photographs of Bradleys undergoing maintenance/repair.
The final component of the power unit was the large air intake, which included a PE
component for the front of the fan housing.
Moulding detail on the HMPT-500-3 transmission unit parts was excellent. This was Once assembled, each of the sub-assemblies was positioned carefully within the hull.
the sub-assembly that would be most visible through the open hatch. Most of the detail, especially the engine, would be hard to see through the access hatch.
was straight. Construction of the the engineering was magnificent walls were then added. Bradley
power train then followed (see and the fit perfect. The base for interiors are painted a bright green
panel above). the interior was a large part that and Meng specified Vallejo 70.974
slid into the bottom of the lower Green Sky in the instructions, so
Next up...green! hull. Interior side armour, this was airbrushed over a coat
A change of styrene colour to plus the detail for the of white primer. Detail such as
light green ensued as assembly driver’s compartment the fire suppression system was
of the interior began. Once again, and internal turret highlighted with red and the
Periscopes
There are various options for simulating the laser protection finish for the
periscopes and vision blocks used on armoured vehicles, such as painting and
pieces of sequin. The method employed here was to mask the vision ports and
then build layers of colour with an airbrush. Once the masks were removed,
they revealed the orange/red against the reflective silver through the clear
plastic, which gave an acceptable approximation to real examples. Note that
the apertures for the parts needed to be widened very slightly to allow for the
extra thickness of paint.
Although comparatively basic when set against the lower hull, the top featured
excellent detail, which included attachment bolts for the exterior armour plate. Three of the
six vinyl seat harnesses await attachment to the roof.
As the transmission was visible through the access hatch, extra detail was added. This
included a spring (made from coiled fuse wire), extra actuator arm and missing wires and
pipes, although there was plenty of further scope for super-detailers. The clear parts were sprayed with Games Workshop Mithril Silver was
a mix of X-26 Clear Orange and X-27 then applied over the previous shade, to
Clear Red. provide a reflective layer.
The final tone was Lifecolor UA052 The overall effect ensured depth to the
Dark Green, before the masks were viewing blocks, which were fitted onto the
removed from the periscope. driver’s hatch, turret and rear hull.
In BUSK III form, the Bradley was equipped with much additional armour, and this has
been captured faithfully.
Joining the hull halves was only the start of the exterior assembly. These superbly
moulded parts represented the main external armour.
The rear ramp comprised four pieces, with two for the inner and outer sides A further armour option, in the form of a full set of reactive blocks and associated
respectively. This assembly could be posed with the oval door open/closed or with the mounts, was offered for the glacis plate. These featured exquisite, convincing texture for
ramp up/down. the anti-slip coating.
of the turret then had various Meng identified the shades with The Airbrush Company). Thinned took time because of the need
armour plates attached, one of Vallejo paint codes, but the UA412 Extra Dark Brown to become acquainted with the
which (part F11) needed a tiny choice utilised for this build provided a pre-shade...this new airbrush, which was much
amount of surgery to make it fit was Hannants' Xtracrylix was applied mainly in the joins more sensitive to the consistency
– happily a rare activity with this XA1812 US Gulf War Armour. between the armour plates, of the paint than this modeller’s
kit. All of the equipment was then This was considered to but also in the gaps between usual equipment. Patience was
added...this included the TOW be a better match to the reactive armour modules. This rewarded with a series of very
launcher, integrated gunner’s operational colour used during
sight, thermal viewer, reactive the Second Gulf War and
armour and the armoured glass subsequent operations in Iraq.
panels for the commander’s All components were given
protective screen. The end result a thin coat of white primer
was a very busy and imposing and then came a chance to
structure. Two tabs on the turret experiment with Iwata’s
ring, which slotted into the CM-C Plus Custom Micron
corresponding fixture on the hull, airbrush (sourced from
were removed because the fit was
too tight; however,
the internal column rested on
the hull floor, so the turret could
still be positioned as desired. Last
of all came the track link; these
were supplied in pairs, so each
had to be separated and cleaned
before being snapped together.
Eighty per side might sound
daunting, but once a system was
developed where all sections
were grouped together, assembly
proceeded rapidly.
War paint
US Bradleys used in the Gulf
Wars all had monotone schemes.
fine lines. Xtracrylix’s US Gulf War of the front fenders was rubber, away from the rubber. The tracks PE stencil. Finally, AMMO MIG’s
Armour paint, diluted with Tamiya instead of metal, so these were were base coated with Gunze Mr. P024 Light Rust and P037 Gulf
acrylic thinner, was then sprayed painted UA733 Tire Black, Metal Color 213 Stainless, followed War Sand pigments, sealed with
with an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS followed by a coat of AMMO MIG’s by a light dusting of UA702 Rust appropriate fixer, were used to
airbrush in several thin coats, Heavy Chipping solution, then US Base along the edges. Bradley add extra texture and shading.
which allowed the dark brown to Gulf War Armour. Each part was tracks have rubber pads on each Once dry, the kit decals for the
show through. then scrubbed and scratched to link so these were painted Tire 3rd Armoured Cavalry Regiment
Photos suggested that each simulate the paint being worn Black, aided by the kit-supplied vehicle were applied. Photos
All components exhibited phenomenal detail, and the complex turret was no exception. Two large air conditioning units were supplied; each comprised six styrene parts with a
Such was the attention to detail that even the ammunition feed for the coaxial machine PE grille to cover the fan blades.
gun (dark green item, top right) was included.
With the turret
assembled and
lower enclosure
added, attention
then focussed on
the exterior. Quad-
mounted smoke
dispensers were
attached first, along
with a triangle of
PE, which served as
an attachment for
reactive armour.
Tamiya
X-26 Clear Orange
X-27 Clear Red
Vallejo
70.947 Red Weathering effects were applied with constant
reference to photographs. After a basic pre-shade, which
70.974 Green Sky
was blended into the base colour (left), a dark wash
www.creativemodels.co.uk highlighted the excellent surface detail (right).
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OUT AND ABOUT
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2015
Endurance racers of all kinds, including the 787, and the 1991 Le Mans-winning 787B, adorned both the paddock and hill climb to
celebrate 50 years of Mazda Sport.
The classic
Gulf Porsche 917K
from 1971 Le Mans...
one of the stars of the
Steve McQueen film of
the same name.
T
he ‘Ole Bill’ Bus army bus, with its high-contrast
version is one model I colour. The idea was to
never built in my youth, cut-outs pay homage to the sacrifice
but it was on my list as provided, and hardship endured by all
soon as Airfix re-released the kit. and I did this with soldiers of the Great War and
My idea was to make a diorama balsa wood. After the kit was to say...“although they are gone
to remember the fallen of World built, painted and weathered, work there are physical items remaining
War One. The bus has no proper began on the diorama itself. I used to remember them by”. I have to
location pins, so it was back to Master Box’s World War One figure say, I really enjoyed making this
‘old time’ modelling, which I really set, and arranged the subjects on a model as it also brought back
enjoyed. After removing the base and sprayed everything with memories of my youth...and it is
ejector pin marks, I decided early grey, black and white to intimate a one that I am very proud of.
on to make my own boards for the black and white photo. It was after Andy Kirby,
windows instead of the cardboard all had dried that I then added the (Airfix Modelling SIG)
Are you proud of a particular Airfix build? Then let AMW know by providing us with 200-250 words on the project and what was involved, along with 6-8 good quality
photos against a clean white background. Photo file sizes should be 1MB or larger. Please e-mail your submissions to the editor: [email protected]
www.royaleresin.net
[email protected]
ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
FEATURES INCLUDE:
Cold War Warrior
XH558’s career as a ‘Cold War’ warrior then display favourite
through to its service retirement is charted
Restoration to Fly
The vision of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust and how the team
overcame the awesome problems of finance, paperwork
and engineering so that the Vulcan could fly as a civilian
Crowd Pleaser
Eight glorious seasons of airshow operation and the
incredible ‘Vulcan Effect’
JUST PLUS!
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 !
ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
Petlyakov PE-2 Soviet Dive Bomber see crew figures included, regardless Gladiator tape masks also feature to ease
By: Zvezda Item no: 4809 of whether one is building the By: Eduard the proceedings come painting/
Price: £24.99 aircraft posed flying or wheels-down, Item no: 1145 Price: €37.45 airbrushing. Skis are also included
Web: www.hobbyco.net and Zvezda’s are first-rate. One must Web: www.eduard.com for the Swedish Volunteer
decide early on which configuration example...just one of eight
Zvezda’s all-new Pe-2 is a splendid is to be built, as this will determine Eduard has released yet another subjects represented. Others are:
kit, and to the best of our knowledge the detail on display through hatches combination of older kit and • Mk.II, L9044/NW-Z, 3 Sqn RAAF,
is the first mainstream effort in 1/48 and cowlings (a stand is available new 'goodies'...this time it’s the Maruba, Libya, 1941
scale. There are fine panel lines and separately). The three schemes, in Gladiator, via Roden’s moulding. • Mk.I (J8), 278/H, Flygflottilj 19,
recessed rivets...the latter are not standard four-tone camouflage, are: The styrene is pleasing and finer Finland, March 1940
too deep, and will look excellent once • White 01, 12th Guards Dive Bomber points include a well-detailed • Mk.I, 121, No.123 Fighter Sqn,
painted and weathered. The interior Aviation Regt, 1944 engine, machine guns and Spilve, Latvia, 1938
is stunning, with fully appointed • White 7, 2nd Squadron, 40th cockpit; the latter area benefits • Mk.I, K7985, Plt Off EJ ‘Cobber’
cockpit and gunner/navigator Bomber Regt, Black Sea Fleet, 1944 from Eduard’s plain and pre- Kane, 73 Sqn RAF, Church
stations, bomb bay and two intricate • White 26, 34th Guards Red Banner coloured photo-etched metal Fenton, September 1937
Klimov M-105 engines. It’s great to Regt, 276th Bomb Group, 1945 (instrument panel, rudder pedal • Mk.I, K7974, 87 Sqn RAF,
straps, compass, seatbelts, trim Shoreham, 1938
1/72 wheel and more). Two types of • Sea Gladiator Mk.II, N5517/6-A,
ALL-NEW ANTON windscreen are provided, and 813 NAS, HMS Eagle, July 1940
StuG.III Ausf.F w/7.5cm L/48 Last particular sub-type, will also result in
Production many spares. A small photo-etched M247 Sgt York vehicle (just 50 were built before
By: Dragon Item no: 6756 metal fret provides various grilles By: Tamiya Item no: 35126 it was cancelled). Most notably, the
Price: £56.50 and supports. The level of interior Price: £24.99 ammunition doors on the turret
Web: www.hobbyco.net detail is sublime, and features a Web: www.hobbyco.net should be thicker, the suspension
complete fighting compartment, ought to be raised, and the entire
There can’t be many variants of the well-appointed gun mount and The ill-fated M247 Sgt York engine deck replaced with a
StuG.III that Dragon hasn’t produced, crew equipment. DS Styrene tracks self-propelled anti-aircraft gun longer, higher version. Ultimately,
and this Ausf.F Final production fills are provided, and while not to (SPAAG) , which was cancelled the degree of scratch-building
one of the remaining gaps in the everyone’s taste, these are very high after technical issues and cost necessary will depend on the
range. Dragon’s standard mix-and- quality mouldings. Two schemes for overruns, has been re-released by level of accuracy one wants (the
match approach combines parts unidentified vehicles are offered, one Tamiya. Unfortunately, this 1/35 basic parts are easily assembled).
from a variety of Panzer III and with white distemper camouflage, kit is a product of its age, and Single-piece vinyl tracks portray
Stug.III boxings and, while providing the other in overall Dark Yellow with while the flash-free parts provide the correct octagonal block pad
the necessary refinements for this green disruptive stripes. adequate detail, the accuracy design used on late M48s. Two
is poor as it was based on a schemes are provided, both for
1/35
RUGGED RIDE FOR NATO prototype and not a production unidentified vehicles.
HEBREW
1/35
‘STIFF’ JOCKEY 1/32
MATELOTS
Pilot BAC Lightning
By: Plus Model
Item no: AL4058 Price: €7.90
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
1/72
VIBRANT PURSUERS
two offered by Vingtor
are probably the most
vivid. This sheet covers
two Sabre Mk.5 chase
aircraft (based on the
F-86F design) operated
by Boeing between 1962
and the early 1990s.
Detailed instructions are
included for the necessary
modifications to transform
the basic airframe into
a civilian-registered
aircraft, in addition to the
filling of the gun muzzles
and shell ejection ports. Romanian Messerschmitt Bf 109G- an intermediate period between
Helpfully, a small insert 6 Part 2 its transfer from the Luftwaffe and
sheet will aid those who By: RB Productions removal of the associated white
wish to scratch-build the Item no: RB-D72020 crosses. RB printed this rare insignia
additional pitots, antennas Price: €9.85 after a photo of the actual aircraft
and camera fairing found Web: www.radubstore.com was unearthed in a French archive.
on the Boeing-operated This set would be perfect for Airfix
Canadair Sabre Mk.5 Boeing machines. Painting the model This wonderful 1/72 five-subject or AZ Model offerings, although it
Chase Planes has been simplified to either sheet from RB (also available in would also be suitable for older kits.
By: Vingtor Decals overall white or gold with black 1/48 and 1/32) provides a late-war Four of the five liveries are:
Item no: 72-126 anti-glare panels, as all of the snapshot of the Romanian Bf 109, • Black chevron, Grupul 9 Vânătoare,
Price: €10.90 stripes and flashes are provided and in particular the changes in Tecuci, summer 1944
Web: www.vingtor.net as decals. The two schemes are: national markings between 1944 and • Red 26a, Grupul 9 Vânătoare,
• N8686F, C/N 886, ex-RCAF 1945, as Romania changed sides. Tecuci, summer 1944
F-86 Sabres, and those licence- 23096, 1962-1972 Perhaps the most unusual is that • Yellow 22, Grupul 9 Vânătoare,
built by Canadair were renowned • N8686F, C/N 1153, ex-RCAF of a combined Michael the Brave Tecuci, summer 1944
for colourful liveries, but the 23363, 1974-early 1990s cross and German Balkenkreuze on • White 6, Grupul 10 Vânătoare,
one airframe, which represented Miskolc, spring 1945
1/144
RUSSIAN REGIONAL
LAST OF 1/48
EXTRAS FOR
1/72 IMPROVED 1/48
COOLING
1/32
SLAMMER
Spandau Early MG 08
Nord AS.30 By: GasPatch Models
By: PJ Production Item no: 15-32072
Item no: 721218, Price: €3.80 Price: €12.50
Web: www.pj-production.be Web: www.gaspatchmodels.com
Mirage 5F/Nesher/Dagger nose Mirage IIIE/5/50 Cockpit
By: Wingman Models There once was a paucity of French It really is remarkable how By: Wingman Models
Item no: WMF 48033, Price: €7 aircraft weaponry in scale form, GasPatch Models produces Item no: WMF 48030, Price: €14
Web: www.wingmanmodels.com but thankfully this is changing guns this small, but with so Web: www.wingmanmodels.com
due to the efforts of firms such as much fine detail. This pair of
Thanks to Kinetic and Wingman L’Arsenal and PJ Production. The early Spandau weapons is Wingman really nails it with its resin
Models, fans of the Mirage III latter now offers this useful AS.30 sublime, and they have delicate accessories, and it’s no different
and 5 series now have much missile in resin, with an appropriate holes in the cooling jackets, with this stunningly detailed resin
to enjoy in 1/48 scale. This separate barrels (two styles),
adapter pylon. Note that this is cockpit for Kinetic’s new Mirage III
perfectly formed resin nose is sights and short lengths of
not the more modern laser-guided moulding. This ‘office’ comes as a
sized to fit Kinetic’s Mirage III ammunition. Everything looks
AS.30L (used extensively by French well-appointed tub, with lovely side
kit, and will enable modellers bang on in scale terms, and
Jaguars in the First Gulf War), but consoles and cabling running up
to depict the French 5F, or these would even make a
the older radio-guided version the rear bulkhead. The separate
Israeli/Latin-American Nesher Wingnut Wings kit a sight more
which, aside from equipping handsome. Detailed painting Martin-Baker Mk.4 seat is dreamy,
and Dagger airframes. All
French ground-attack aircraft in suggestions are printed on and benefits from photo-etched
that’s needed is a pitot tube
the Cold War, was also toted by the clear and concise 3D CAD brass firing handles, while there’s
to complete the unit, which
RAF Canberras and South African instruction sheet. also a control column and detailed
features fine panel lines.
Buccaneers. sidewall sections.
ARMOUR COVERAGE
Novorossiya Colors
By: AMMO MIG
Item no: A.MIG 7126
Price: €13.80 AC-47 Gunship Landing Flaps
Web: www.migjimenez.com Mosquito FB Mk.VI exterior By: Eduard
By: Eduard Item no: 48859 Price: €29.95
In the same vain as the Ukraine Item no: 32 379 Web: www.eduard.com
armour set also featured in this Price: €17.25
issue, AMMO MIG’s acrylic paint Web: www.eduard.com Revell-Monogram’s AC-47 was MiG-29 Wheel Set
set offers six colours in 17ml an excellent kit for its time, but By: HAD Models
bottles, but this time the shades Anyone wanting even more lacked several accoutrements now Item no: 232002
are for modern Russian armour. detail for Tamiya’s new large- taken for granted in larger-scale Price: €10
Colour profiles of example vehicles scale FB.VI ‘Mossie’ should products, such as lowered wing Web: www.hadmodels.com
decorate the rear of the box, and consider this just-released flaps. Thankfully, Eduard has come
the colours are: 057 Yoeelwo Grey photo-etched brass set. It to the rescue with this neat photo- Super-crisp detail and great
([ПXB] PKHV provides extra details for the etched brass set, which provides casting make HAD’s Fulcrum
4, 054 Signal Green, 053 kit ammunition boxes, machine not just the flaps and internal wheels a worthy purchase
guns and engines, but there for any 1/32 MiG-29 build.
Protective ([HЦ] NC1200), 932 structure, but also the innards of
are also retaining straps for Two hubs for the mainwheels
Russian Base, ([3ИC] ZIS 508), 911 the upper wing trailing edge, and
the fuel tanks, mudguards are cast separately, but all
Grey Shine ([ПXB] PKHV 23) and associated actuator arms. This
for the mainwheels and inner components are well rendered
070 Medium Brown. isn’t recommended as a set for
structural panels for the and the tyre tread is about
beginners, though, as there are
undercarriage bay doors. right for the scale. The casting
1/32 multiple folds needed for the inner
FOCKE-WULF and outer faces of the mechanisms.
gates aren’t too heavy either,
so removal will be easy, and the
INTERIOR 1/48 nosewheels are supplied too.
EMERGENCY 1/48 SPLENDID These are perfect for anyone
STOCK
Ta 152 Cockpit
By: RB Productions
Item no: RB-P32019 Viggen RAT Unit
Price: €12 By: Pilot Replicas
Web: www.radubstore.com Item no: 48R003
Price: £7.30
Intended for modllers who Web: www.pilot-replicas.com IMAM Romeo Ro.43 Red
want even more features on Striped Camo A Messerschmitt Bf 109E wheel set
their Zoukei-Mura 1/32 Ta 152 Pilot Replicas is becoming the By: MH Models By: SBS Model
builds, RB Productions has go-to firm for Viggen after-market Item no: X48003 Price: €6 Item no: 72037
released a cool photo-etched additions, and this new Ram Air Web: www.mhmodels.cz Price: €3
metal set for the cockpit that Turbine unit swells the existing Web: www.sbsmodel.com
is worthy of the most ardent range splendidly. The set offers an One of Special Hobby’s two
super-detailer. Certainly not recent Ro.43 floatplane
entire replacement surrounding These faithful reproductions of
for the ham-fisted, the small releases has a gorgeous
panel, RAT bay, the actual turbine the Bf 109E’s mainwheels, from
fret contains more than 80 red sunburst pattern on the
with blades and a door. No Hungary's SBS Model, will ensure
parts, which include intricacies upper wing...but no masks are
instructions are supplied but it’s much more refinement on any 1/72
such as rudder pedal straps provided in the kit for this.
all pretty obvious as to what goes build of the ‘Emil’. Cast crisply in
and a seat-raising mechanism. Enter the Czech Republic’s
Many of the components will where, and minimal clean-up is grey resin, they just need removing
MH Models, with its highly
need to be combined, but this necessary. Just arm yourself with from the very thin casting gates,
useful vinyl mask set...which
creates a greater depth effect good reference photos for painting, and sanding a little. Wash in soapy
will ensure an accurate pattern
than is usually achieved with and a whole new dimension to water, rinse and they’re ready for
overlay for airbrushing. It’ll be
this material. the 1/48 Special Hobby/Tarangus painting and weathering. The tread
much easier than ‘winging it’!
Viggen will be the result. and hub detail is very good indeed.
To advertise here
please call
BEN HARRISON on
01780 755131
or email
[email protected]
FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CALL BEN HARRISON ON: +44 01780 755131
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THE PLASTIC SURGERY
ASK THE EXPERTS Sponsored by
Cross-hobby alternative?
Q
“I have just started excellent adhesion to properly
modelling to keep busy de-greased surfaces and are best
when I retire very soon. sprayed but can also, with care,
While I was looking at kits in my be brushed over smaller areas.
local Hobbycraft branch, a chap If you’re intending to brush-
told me he uses artist’s acrylic paint whole models, Humbrol
instead of dedicated modelling enamels can produce fine
paints, as they were cheaper...I results when applied in thin,
would appreciate your opinion on diluted coats (allowing each
this subject.” coat to dry thoroughly before
Ken Gamble, via e-mail adding the next). This approach
allows brush marks to ‘flow out’.
AMW’s Steve Budd replies: Enamels also work perfectly
“Well meaning as the advice for detail painting. The nub of it maximum enjoyment...the huge of knowledge and experience
was, it represents false economy. is, model paint manufacturers majority of your fellow modellers you’ll doubtless find there.
Gunze Sangyo and Tamiya are serve the specific, technical do exactly that. Similarly, model forums can
always my first choice (although needs of modellers, while artist In terms of just starting out also be useful in answering
there are various other brands acrylic producers serve the in the hobby – if you have a questions, providing information
also available), with dedicated requirements of artists; the latter local modelling club within and growing awareness of how
authentic colours and enough medium is sometimes useful in reach of your locale, then I’d to get the best out of kits, tools
basic hues to mix any other detail painting but beyond that, recommend you go along and and materials...and keep reading
shade you might need. They have stick to the ‘Real McCoy’ for benefit from the combined fund AMW of course!”
Masking Contact us
Do you have a modelling conundrum
Q
“I hope someone can industry contacts? Simply send your
help...while I can mask
query via e-mail (with The Plastic
cockpit glazing quite
Surgery in the subject line), to:
well, it’s the removal that
[email protected], or
causes issues by lifting the
a typed letter by post to: The Plastic
paint from the frames. How do
Surgery, Airfix Model World, Key
I avoid this?”
Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford,
Steve Peckham, via e-mail
Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, United Kingdom.
Please provide your postal address.
AMW’s Jennifer Wright
replies: “There are many Each question printed will receive
possible reasons for this... a selection of Ultimate Modelling’s
from excessive paint build-up, During the paint process, try sure-fire remedy is to re-cut sanding sticks worth approximately
to the type of paint used and to keep paint build-up to a the edge before attempting £15. For further details on Ultimate
the level of adherence of said minimum across the masked to remove the masks. Do this Modelling products, please visit
medium. True water-based edges; do this by spraying with a fresh scalpel blade, and www.umpretail.com
acrylic paints tend to be more vertically down towards the use just the weight of the knife
prone to this kind of behaviour masking, or away from its edge while cutting the paint along
and do require extra care. where possible. Since the clear the edge of all the masks.
Before the masking of any areas rarely require decaling, Once the masks are removed,
transparency, ensure it is free avoid spraying gloss coats press down all the paint edges
from impurities by wiping it across the canopies, as gloss with your thumb, to smooth
with a clean cloth dampened will tend to seal the edges of any raised areas and make
with a little isopropyl alcohol. the masking. If all else fails, a subsequent peeling less likely.”