NEW TOOL

April 2020
ACADEMY’S ALL-NEW
1/144 B-1B LANCER WIN SPEARHEAD BOOK &
SIGNED BOOKPLATE Closes:
29/5/20

Issue 113

BRITAIN’S

DE F E N D E R
Airfix’s
We detail 1/48
re-issued Britain
Battle of k.Ia
Spitfire M
/ 9
TER E.28 3
1/ 72 GLOS TH
S : CRE A TING DEP N
TOP TIP R
H VA
GON TYPE PORT
Ë N F OU
1/24 CITRO BERG TOY FAIR RE SHOWS
NUREM S, REVIEWS AN
D
T N EW
LATES

GENTLE GIANT
1/35 M26 Pershing
from Tamiya £4.99

IRON ANNIE
Revell’s 1/48 Junkers Ju 52/3M
AMMO_Mig_FP.indd 1 13/02/2020 11:57:25

A
t times, our enthusiasm
for the hobby is almost
taken for granted,
although recently I’ve
experienced a lack of ‘mojo’
that extended back to the end
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor: Stu Fone
Assistant Editor: John Fuller
Contributors:
Mike Grant, Richard Spreckley, Dave Oliver,
Chris Clay, Massimo Santarossa
Production Editor: Sue Blunt
Associate Production Editor: David Taylor
Sub-editors: Sally Hooton, Sue Rylance
Designer: Tom Bagley
EDITORIAL CONTACT
Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd,
PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XQ, UK.
Tel: 01780 755131.
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Head of Production: Janet Watkins
Head of Design: Steve Donovan
Head of Advertising Sales: Brodie Baxter
Head of E-Commerce: Martin Steele
Head of Circulation: Ann Saundry
Head of Content Management: Finbarr O’Reilly
Chief Digital Officer: Vicky Macey
Chief Customer Officer: Gaynor Hemingway-Gibbs
Chief Content & Commercial Officer: Mark Elliott
Group CEO: Adrian Cox
WELCOME TO ISSUE 113
of 2017. Thankfully, talking with
other modellers, plus researching
material for our Back to Basics
series has rejuvenated my love of
modelmaking. We all come into
the hobby for different reasons,
so it’s understandable for our
enthusiasm to wax and wane.
So, if you know of anyone who’s
going through a similar period of
doldrums, then why not have a
chat with them? You could provide
the just spark for them to get back
into building.
I’m honoured to announce
sales of Airfix Model World have
increased for the
sixth straight year.
According to the
independent Audit
Bureau of Circulation,
ADVERTISING TEAM
Advertising Sales Executive: Alison Chater
Advertising Sales Executive: Ashley Smalley
Advertising Production Manager: Debi McGowan
Production/Design: Clare Thornthwaite
Advertising Production/Design
SUBMISSIONS
We will gladly accept and review for publication
any, products, articles, letters, photographs
or other contributions. We cannot guarantee
publication nor, regrettably, return items sent
to us or be responsible for their loss. We will
try and reply where possible. Any letters are
assumed suitable for publication unless we
are otherwise notified. All items submitted
for publication are subject to our terms and
conditions. These are regularly updated
without prior notice and are freely available
from Key Publishing Ltd or downloadable from
www.keypublishing.com.
Printed by: Acorn Web Offset Ltd,
Normanton, UK.
Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd,
2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PP
Tel: 020 7429 4000.
facebook.com/airfixmodelworld
the magazine averaged 13,917
sales per issue in 2019, an increase
of approximately 400 on 2018,
so I’d like to thank you for your
continued support. We’re as busy
as ever with Airfix’s new toolings
and will be expanding the Back to
Basics articles following several
readers’ suggestions.
The month’s cover build features
Airfix’s re-released Spitfire
Mk.I, which gets an aftermarket
treatment. We also have an
in-depth review of this year’s
Nuremberg Toy Fair, featuring
lots of upcoming treats. There’s a
section devoted to the US Army’s
Pershing tank to coincide with the
paperback release of Spearhead by
Adam Makos, which chronicles the
true story of a Pershing crew. We’re
Airfix Model World, ISSN 2045-1202
(USPS 4440), is published monthly by
Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 300, Stamford,
Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK.
The US annual subscription price is $72.99.
Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent
named WN Shipping USA, 156-15, 146th Avenue,
2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA.
Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431.
US Postmaster: Send address changes to
Airfix Model World, WN Shipping USA, 156-15,
146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA
Subscription records are maintained at
Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 300, Stamford,
Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK.
Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent.
Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by
visiting www.imsnews.com or calling toll-free
757-428-8180. Alternatively, you can subscribe in
writing to: Airfix Model World, International Media
Service, PO BOX 866, Virginia Beach 23451, USA.
EDITOR'S DESK
WELCOME
Visit us
www.airfixmodelworld.com
Like us
Follow us
twitter.com/airfixworldmag
grateful for the permission from
the publishers to include photos
of those events, plus the artwork
released in association with the
book, which graces the centre
spread – and there’s a competition
to win a copy of the book itself.
Last but not least, we look at
Ukrainian manufacturer Clear Prop
Models’ 1/72 Gloster E28/39, along
with Heller’s Citroën Fourgon and
Academy’s sublime newly tooled
1/144 B-1B bomber.
I hope you enjoy the issue.
Happy modelling!
Stu Fone, Editor
stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of
any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
recommended to take their own precautions
before parting with any information or item
of value, including, but not limited to, money,
manuscripts, photographs or personal
information in response to any advertisements
within this publication. The entire contents of
Airfix Model World is © Copyright 2020.
No part of it can be reproduced in any form or
stored on any form of retrieval system without
the prior permission of the publisher.
Publisher: Mark Elliott.
“AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby
Hobbies Limited and is used under licence.
To find a stockist near you,
visit airfixmodelworld.com
The average sale for the period
Jan – Dec 2019 was 13,917 print
and digital copies monthly.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 3
 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

REGULARS
06 News
The latest happenings in the world
of plastic modelling, including new
products from the Nuremberg Toy
Fair, plus offerings from Bullseye
Decals, Copper State Models and
Wingsy Kits.

12 Subscribe
and Save

26
Save up to £30 on shop prices
when you take out an Airfix Model
World subscription.

14 Show Scene
Check out our handy at-a-glance
model show calendar.

REVIEWS:
ON THE SHELF
74 Books
78 Aircraft kits
80 Military kits
84 Auto kits

40
86 Figures
88 Decal sheets
92 Accessories

98 Archive
Treasures
Continuing our Battle of Britain
theme, this month’s photo gem
features a group of engineering
trainees working on a Supermarine
Spitfire Mk.I.

16

60

4 Airfix Model World


WIN!
Adam Makos’ Spearhead
book and signed bookplates
Five lucky readers can each win a
paperback copy of the best-selling
Spearhead plus a signed bookplate
in our free competition, courtesy of
Atlantic Books. See page 48.
62
CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?
68
FEATURES
16 Intermediate Build – A Whittle Faster
Mike Grant finds there’s plenty on offer in his in-depth examination of Clear
Prop’s 1/72 Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer.
22 Out and about – Nuremberg News
There were announcements galore at this year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair, as Editor
Stu Fone discovered.
26 Basic Build – Iron Annie
Revell’s imposing 1/48 Junkers Ju 52/3mg4e receives a Libyan desert
courtesy of Richard Spreckley, who adds cargo to an already impressive kit.
36 Back to Basics – Part 4:
The illusion of Depth
It’s a return to the interior as we examine how to enhance moulded detail in
aircraft cockpits, using a mix of highlights and shading.
40 Intermediate Build – America’s Tiger
Coinciding with this month’s release of Spearhead in paperback, Dave Oliver
builds Tamiya’s 1/35 M26 Pershing as one of the vehicles used during the
latter stages of World War Two.
52 In Focus – Prowling Pershing
We provide modellers with a photo montage of the events depicted in
Spearhead, courtesy of Atlantic Books.
Spearhead
54 Advanced Build – Britain’s Defender
Airfix’s 1/48 Spitfire Mk.I has been re-released with new markings; we add
aftermarket embellishments to ‘spice up’ the basic styrene.
60 Out and About – After a Winter’s ‘Rest’
Bolton’s annual show is now established as one of the year’s ‘big three’
events – this latest gathering had much to delight modellers of all ages
and skill levels.
62 Intermediate Build – Toucan Van
Chris Clay builds Heller’s 1/24 Citroën Fourgon as a vehicle that’s been parked
outside an Irish Bar in the Canary Islands advertising Guinness.
68 Basic Build – Bad to the B-One!
Academy’s newly tooled B-1B Lancer impresses Massimo Santarossa, who
builds it as a 34th Bomb Squadron ‘Thunderbirds’ machine, Black Widow.
Your favourite magazine
anywhere, anytime
Find us on your native app store or visit
www.pocketmags.com/airfix-model-world-magazine
www.airfixmodelworld.com 5
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES

KIN G NE
EA
WS
BR

!
BR

!
WS

AK
IN G NE
E

TEENS AND A
TOUCH OF HISTORY
AIRFIX’S LATEST releases mark
the return of several old favourites
in starter/gift format, which
are bound to be popular with
beginners to the hobby.
Four Large Starter Sets dominate
the scene for April, and these
include repackaged offerings of
the firm’s US Air Force ‘Teen-
series’ jets, namely the F-15A
Eagle (A55311), F-16A/B Fighting
Falcon (A55212) and F-18A Hornet
(A55313), plus the RAF’s Tornado
F.3 (A55301). Each kit includes
a single marking scheme, up to
six small pots of Humbrol acrylic
paint, two brushes and a small
tube of Humbrol Poly Cement,
making them a great introduction
to modelling.
This year is also the 250th
anniversary of Captain James
Cook’s voyage on HMS Endeavour,
when he became the first
European to reach eastern
Australia and to circumnavigate
New Zealand. Airfix is celebrating
this by re-releasing its 1/120
HM Bark Endeavour as a gift
set, complete with eight paints,
two brushes and a tube of Poly
Cement. This offering also has
the firm’s ingenious shroud/
ratline jig, lengths of thread and
a comprehensive rigging guide,
enabling any modeller to recreate
an accurate representation of this
famous vessel. Further details are
at: www.airfix.com

FIRST HORSELESS CARRIAGE

ICM SURPRISED many at this
year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair (see
p.20-23) byunveiling of a 1/24 Benz
Patent-Motorwagen 1886.
It’s a small kit (24040), with just
three styrene runners and a two-
piece jig for the wheel spokes,
plus a large photo-etched brass
fret for the latter and the vehicle’s
chain drives. ICM has taken a leaf
from the original patent (a copy
of which is supplied in the box)
by building the vehicle around
its U-shaped tubular framework,
and it can be assembled in two
forms – either with the kit’s
styrene transmission belt or with
a scratch-built replacement. All
items of the original design have
been captured faithfully, from
the horizontal-to-vertical gearing
to the large flywheel, but it’s
the tricycle wheels that are the
standout element, with paired
sets of bowed spokes (all shaped
and assembled in an ingenious
jig) attaching to the rims. With
its simple construction, this is a
great introduction to automobile
history, and future releases are
planned with various passengers,
including Karl Benz’s wife Bertha,
who was the vehicle’s sponsor
and first driver. See: www.icm.
com.ua or www.hannants.co.uk for
more information.

6 Airfix Model World

 EASY AIRBRUSHING
IWATA’S SUPERB HP-CH airbrush
has been re-packaged as a ‘Total
Control’ product, in keeping with
the firm’s recently introduced
five-category purchasing guide.
This double-action, gravity-fed
airbrush is fitted with a 0.3mm
needle and comes with a ¼oz
(7ml) paint cup. It also features
a preset handle (to limit how far
the trigger can be pulled back)
and micro-air control valve
(for fine-tuning the pressure
settings), which allows for much
TICKETS PLEASE
MODELLERS HAVE waited
patiently for MiniArt’s hotly
anticipated 1/35 B-Type bus,
which has arrived in Military
Omnibus guise – a London
transport version is to follow.
This new-tool kit (39001)
and the commercial version
(38021) are both a quantum
leap over the previous Airfix
offering, combining advances
in moulding technology
on the 16 grey and three
clear runners, alongside a
small photo-etched brass
fret alongside. Styrene
components exhibit superb
detail, with highlights including
the wooden panels for window
covers, the excellent interior
(with separate controls) and
an exquisite engine, which is
CLEAR VISION
SPECIAL HOBBY has embarked
on a new venture with its Special
Mask sets, providing an easy
solution for modellers owning
the firm’s 1/72 Dassault Super
Mystère or Saab Viggen kits.
Each of the Special Mask
products contains a sheet of pre-
cut shapes. The Super Mystère
set (M72001) includes sections
for each of the windscreen’s
glazed sections, plus edging
greater control when spraying.
As part of the Hi-Line series, it’s
firmly in the mid-price range at
£264, and can produce pencil-
thin paint lines if desired,
making this great
for fine detail and
area coverage.
The balance is
excellent, while
the large aperture
at the base of the
paint cup should aid
cleaning considerably.
a five-stage ‘mini kit’ in its
own right. A very welcome
inclusion is the option for an
open bonnet to display this
sub-assembly – a feature all
too often missing from vehicle
kits – plus there are choices for
open window vents depending
Iwata’s airbrush guide comprises
the following categories
(progressing from area to fine
detail) with specific brand names
included for each: Full Finish
(spray guns), Effortless Coverage
(NEO and Revolution), All-Star
Versatility (Eclipse), Total Control
(High Performance Plus and
Hi-Line) and Absolute Precision
(Custom Micron). Beginners and
those on a budget will find the
Effortless Coverage airbrushes
ideal, while more
experienced modellers
can choose from
the Total Control
and Absolute
Precision lines.
There is more
on this and other
Iwata products at:
www.airbrushes.com
on whether the chosen vehicle
has transparencies fitted.
Decals include markings for
five khaki-liveried vehicles
used for transport or
ambulance duties between
1914-17; visit www.miniart-
models.com for further details.
for the main canopy – the
instructions suggest using a
liquid mask product for the
remainder. Coverings are also
included for the wheels, plus a
small section at the tip of the
aircraft’s nose. Similar products
are available for single seater
(M72002) and dual-position
(M72003) iterations of the firm’s
Saab Viggen kits. Further details
are at: www.specialhobby.eu
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
OVERLORD OBSERVED
BOXSETS FROM both Airfix
and Revell have been released
to commemorate the 75th
anniversary of the D-Day landings
in Normandy, France – combining
1/72 kits with vac-form diorama
bases to create instant vignettes.
Airfix has recreated the multi-
faceted operation with two
packages; one depicting the
amphibious element and the other
a representation of equipment used
for aerial assault. The D-Day Sea
Assault set (A50156A) combines
two LCVP Higgins boats, US
FOREIGN FISHBED
FLYERS
EDUARD’S SPLENDID 1/72 MiG-21
is now available as the PFM variant,
also known by its NATO nickname
Fishbed-F.
This ProfiPACK edition (70144)
features decal options for five
such airframes, depicting German,
Czechoslovakian, Vietnamese and
Egyptian-operated jets, and the five
styrene runners are augmented
with a small photo-etched (PE)
fret plus a set of pre-cut painting
masks. As expected from the
manufacturer, detail is excellent,
with fine engraved panel lines and
rivet detail, plus the cockpit is well-
8 Airfix Model World
Infantry figures, a US Army Willys
Jeep with trailer and 75mm Pack
M1 howitzer with a 13 x 9in (340
x 240mm) base. This last item
provides a section of beach and the
sea lapping at the shore, with tyre
tracks and indentations to position
the jeep and boats respectively.
Similarly, the base in the D-Day
Air Assault package (A50157A)
represents a section of temporary
airfield surrounded by a raised
embankment on three sides and
a road segment beyond this. The
firm’s recent Hawker Typhoon
appointed regardless of whether
the PE or styrene components and/
or decals are used. Among the
configuration options are open/
closed canopy and ventral airbrake
plus external fuel tank or weapons
fittings for the fuselage and wing
hardpoints. The armament includes
RS-2US (AA-1 Alkali) and R-3S
(AA-2 Atoll) missiles, S-24 rockets,
UB-16 launchers and FAB 250
bombs, although Eduard states
modellers should check references
for an accurate weapons load.
For more information, visit:
www.eduard.com
Mk.Ib appears as a 247 Squadron
machine, and can be posed
alongside a Standard ‘Tilly’ Light
Utility vehicle, BSA M20 motorcycle
and either a Bedford MWC Water
Carrier or MWD Light Truck, plus 37
RAF Personnel figures. Both Airfix
packs also provide 12 acrylic paints,
a tube of polystyrene cement and
two paintbrushes, and are priced at
£29.99 each – significantly cheaper
than buying the kits individually. For
further details, visit: www.airfix.com
Revell’s commemorative set
(03352) incorporates both
INSIDE-OUT DOUBLE GUNNER
MINIART’S RECENT 1/35 M3 Lee
tank returns with a full interior
and Australian markings to depict
vehicles used for homeland defence
and training during World War Two.
It’s a comprehensive package
(32287) comprising 68 styrene
runners (with 26 for the individual-
link tracks), decals and a photo-
etched fret. The wealth of detail
ensures it's difficult to single out
any one highlight; the interior
surfaces offer convincing textured
floor sections, wiring and pipework,
plus separate fittings include
ammunition storage, tools and
crew weapons. External fixtures
are also superb, with cast surfaces
ground-based and aerial combat
between Allied and Axis forces – in
the form of a Panzer IV and M4
Sherman plus a Messerschmitt
Bf 109G-10 and an RAF Mustang
Mk.III. The tanks can be positioned
on either side of a bridge on the
18 x 13in (460 x 335mm) base,
while separate display stands
are provided for each aircraft
– the instructions demonstrate
combining these with the diorama
support. The set costs £49.99, and
more information is available at:
www.revell.de/en
plus distinctive rivetted lower hull
armour – all hatches can be posed
open/closed. The tank’s powerplant
incorporates a wonderful Wright
R-975 engine plus neatly moulded
gearbox and driveshaft casing,
while both the turret-mounted
37mm gun and 75mm main
armament are replicated with full
aiming and firing mechanisms.
Options for either the short-length
M2 barrel with counterweight or
the longer M3 version fitted to
later tanks are provided to suit
whichever of the four markings
schemes are chosen. More on this
and other MiniArt releases can be
found at: www.miniart-models.com
 HIGH-SPEED SUPPRESSION
WHILE ICM’S fighter and
reconnaissance/bomber MiG-25s
have delighted modellers, there
was a notable gap in the single-
seat versions – the BM defence
suppression airframe – which has
now been addressed.
Unsurprisingly, its Foxbat-F
shares many runners with
previous releases, with new
frames for the revised nose,
underwing missile pylons and
launch rails, plus four Kh-58/AS-11
Kilter anti-radiation missiles.
This means there’s a beautifully
detailed cockpit and full-length
intakes and jet exhausts, while
the exterior benefits from fine
engraved panel lines. Markings
are supplied for three Soviet
Air Force airframes (including
a test/training aircraft), with
ITALIAN NIEUPORTS
LATVIAN manufacturer
Copper State Models has
added another arrow to its
modelling quiver with the first
in a series of decals for its
splendid 1/32 Nieuport XVII.
Each of the first two products
(D32-001 and D32-002),
provides sufficient markings
for a single Italian Air Force
REDUCED-SIZE REFERENCES
HAYNES’ ICONS series has been
expanded with a selection of
manuals based on preserved
machinery; its latest selection
covers the Flying Scotsman,
Tiger tank and HMS Victory and
is certain to be popular
with modellers.
Each title is basically
a smaller-format
version of the full-size
publications on the same
subject, meaning the
history of each vehicle is
examined before focus
shifts to the machine’s
one in a three-tone disruptive
camouflage usually seen on East
Germany-deployed machines.
As a bonus there’s a double-
sided printed base on which
airframe. The former supplies
generic national roundels and
fin flashes, plus numerals for
modellers to create almost
any Italian Nieuport XVII. It’s
also intended to be used in
conjunction with the second
set to depict the machine
flown by ace Count Francesco
Baracca (complete with
anatomy – including armaments
for the tank and warship books.
The well-organised text is
accompanied by a mixture of
period images, modern full-
colour photos and technical
to display the finished model,
featuring a concrete surface.
Visit: www.icm.com.ua or
www.hannants.co.uk for more
on this and other ICM products.
prancing horse artwork). The
decals exhibit perfect register
with strong opacity, notably on
the white sections.
At just €4.24 each, these
are great value for money,
and will result in an eye-
catching model. Further
details are available via: www.
copperstatemodels.com
drawings, plus there are tables
and separate panels covering
the procedures and intricacies
involved with the maintenance
and operation of the subject.
Compared to Hayne’s Operators’
Manuals, these smaller
books provide more
of an introduction
to the subjects, with
a brief bibliography
for those wanting to
read further. These are
priced at £12.99, and
are available from www.
haynes.com
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES

SHAPES, SLICERS AND SMOOTHERS

surfaces feel comparable.
The firm’s ‘Easycutting’ mats
(IT03003V1 Types A-D) are
designed for forming any shape
from masking tape, with the
surface of each acrylic board
engraved with straight lines formed
into rectangular or triangular
arrangements, large arcs or smaller
circular shapes. Various sizes shape
are supplied on the corresponding
product, meaning these are also
ideal for scratch-building.
Packs of sanding tools start at
£3.00 for six implements, while
the cutting mats are priced at
£13.50 or £14.95 depending on the
type – value-for-money bundles of
both selections are also available.
Further information and prices
can be found at www.
premiumhobbies.co.uk

AN IMPRESSIVE range of ingenious ‘Sticker Type’ self-adhesive sheets,

sanding implements and engraved
cutting mats has arrived from
South Korean firm Infini Model.
Among the selection are packs
containing eight examples of ‘Soft’
abrasive sticks (IPM-0000), which
are medium-sized, reasonably stiff
boards with slight give on their
surfaces – perfect for general work
and confined areas. For smoothing
curves and similar complex shapes,
‘Softback’ utensils (ISS-0000G)
provide sponge-like pads over
a rigid centre piece, offering a
high degree of flexibility. Last,
combined with a selection of photo-
etched holding tools (PIM-0000S),
ensure even the tightest of areas
can be worked on, with the added
option to produce implements of a
custom profile.
Each set contains a series of
different abrasive grades, although
it’s worth noting that these
numbers are not uniform across the
packages. For example, polishing
materials are rated at 7,000-grade
in the Soft and self-adhesive
products, but 4,000-grade in the
flexible selection, although the

ARMY CLOSE-AIR SUPPORT THOROUGHBRED PACKAGES

BULLSEYE MODEL Aviation has air victory markings and stencil

FANS OF World War Two Japanese
aviation are being treated to a
batch of releases, such as Wingsy
Kits’ delightful 1/48 Ki-51 Sonia
attack/reconnaissance aircraft.
Currently available in assault (D5-
04) and assault/recon (D5-05)
boxings, there are ten common
styrene runners, a pre-cut canopy
mask set and a single photo-etched
(PE) brass fret, while the second
release includes an additional
frame for photographic equipment
and a larger centreline bomb. First
impressions are overwhelmingly
positive, from the commendably
fine engraved panel lines and rivet
representation to the intricately
detailed cockpit, which features
separate sidewalls and is then
enclosed within the fuselage
halves. The engine is equally
impressive, with well-defined
cylinder cooling fins, pushrods and
exhaust ring. Gunsights, bomb fins,
seat harnesses and rudder pedal
straps are supplied as PE items,
offering yet more refinement, while
options include different types
of bomb load, propeller spinners,
and provision for an open/closed
canopy. Four schemes are included
in each kit, with a mix of single
colour and disruptive pattern
camouflage. More on this and other
releases is at: www.wingsykits.com
produced a bumper selection information. A choice of national
of decals for Eduard’s newly insignia with either white or grey
tooled 1/48 Mustangs, with four backgrounds is also provided.
‘Yoxford Boys’ packs depicting There’s a brief history of each
RAF Leighton, Suffolk-based 357th aircraft, alongside camouflage
Fighter Group machines. information,
There’s a choice of 33 schemes plus pilot
across the collection (48-009, details and
-010, -011 and -012), although modifications/
several feature variations/later embellishments
markings applied to the same applied to each
airframe. Each beautifully printed individual
assortment includes airframe Mustang.
serials and identification markings, Visit: www.
the group’s distinctive red/yellow spruebrothers.
chequerboard cowl band and com for more
aircraft-specific nicknames, air-to- information.

10 Airfix Model World


NEXT-GEN ACRYLICS
AK INTERACTIVE unveiled its
latest acrylic products at the
Nuremberg Toy Fair, with a whole
new range of paints.
Described as being ‘third
generation’, these water-based
colours are manufactured to a
different formula than previous
offerings from the firm, with the
aim to improve compatibility
with airbrushing while still
offering excellent coverage
when applied by brush.
There will be 236 shades
in total, and the initial
samples have proven to
be superb. Consistency
is on a par with other
acrylic manufacturers,
but there appears to be
a higher pigment content
and finer texture, giving
the paint an almost ‘silky’ feel
and appearance, with no clumps
DOG-TOOTH DELIGHTS
MODELLERS SEEKING greater
refinement for Airfix’s recent 1/48
Hawker Hunter F.6 will appreciate
these upgrade sets from CMK, which
offer comprehensive upgrades for
the kit’s undercarriage bays, wheels
and cockpit.
Resin components are supplied in
each of the three packages for this
variant, which featured a prominent
‘dog-tooth’ notch in the wing leading
edge. The Cockpit set (4387)
includes a printed acetate sheet
representing dials – this is fitted to
a detailed instrument panel – while
there are also separate controls and
or grit. The opacity is strong,
regardless of whether brushed
or sprayed, making this ideal for
large or small subjects alike.
Each dropper-type bottle holds
17ml, and the cross-shaped cap
makes for easy removal.
Visit: www.ak-interactive.com for
more details.
a superb Martin-Baker Mk.2 ejection
seat. These are all added to a one-
piece interior ‘tub’, which is finished
with the addition of internal side
walls. The Undercarriage package
(4388) includes three internal panels
to form the nosewheel bay, while
the exquisite mainwheel apertures
feature beautifully cast pipework
and structures. This area can be
upgraded comprehensively with
the wheels (4392), which include
convincing tyre tread and impressive
depth to the inner and outer wheel
hubs. Further information can be
found at: www.cmkkits.com
AT THE ARMOURED TIP
BEST-SELLING author Adam
Makos’s Spearhead, which tells the
true story of US Army tank gunner
Clarence Smoyer during late World
War Two, has just been released in a
paperback edition.
While some of the events depicted
(notably the clash between
an American Pershing and a
German Panther in Cologne) were
immortalised in film by a combat
photographer, this book provides
invaluable background. Detailed
interviews with Clarence and several
surviving German and American tank
crews have resulted in a no holds
barred chronicle, at times visceral
and brutal (notably when discussing
the consequences of tank versus
tank warfare) interspersed with
moments of human compassion.
While there are many poignant
elements, notable when describing
the death or injury of fellow tankers,
arguably the strongest is a reunion
between Clarence and Panzer IV
MULTI-PURPOSE MOTIFS
A TRIO of waterslide decal packs
has arrived from Spanish firm
Green Stuff World, containing
street art, posters and labelling for
a range of applications.
Each set has a broad appeal as
they aren’t limited to any given
scale, while the decals are printed
on gloss carrier film. Colour
boundaries, register and opacity
all appear perfect and although
the names are generic, there’s a
distinctly sci-fi feel to these two-
sheet assortments.
Its Train and Street Graffiti Silver
and Golds (2008) contains large
stylised motifs with impressive
metallic finishes, plus black or
white backgrounds – the text
includes various colloquial slang
terms and Americanised spellings.
Conversely, tones on the Vintage
NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
gunner Gustav Schaefer in 2013.
The author has obtained use of
archival and personal photos to
augment the text, providing further
insight into the lives of those fighting
in Germany during spring 1945.
Further details are available from:
www.atlantic-books.co.uk and AMW
readers have a chance to win a copy,
plus a signed bookplate, on p.48.
Posters selection (2010) are
muted to simulate age – there are
also representations of rust and
distress on several items. Among
the items are promotions for
classic films such as The Invisible
Man and King Kong alongside
more modern signage for The
Avengers, plus wanted posters, gig
listings and drinks adverts.
Last, the Tactical Numbers
pack (2040) supplies various
characters and numerals, ‘danger’
signs and designation labelling
in either black, white or red on
one sheet, plus exaggerated
unit emblems, ‘kill’ markings,
brightly coloured artwork and
nicknames on the second. Each of
the collections is just €9.50, and
further details are available at:
www.greenstuffworld.com
www.airfixmodelworld.com 11
 Start your new year with SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS:
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 SHOW SCENE
DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model show calendar
E MODEL DISPLAY
) MODEL COMPETITION
J TRADE STANDS
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
MILITARY DISPLAY
AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY
 REFRESHMENTS
FREE PARKING
MAKE ‘N’ PAINT

Shropshire
Model Show
Date: April 5
Hosts: Shropshire Scale
Modellers
Address: RAF Museum Cosford,
Shifnal, Shropshire
TF11 8UP
Times: 10am-4pm
Prices: Free
Email: ipms.telford@yahoo.co.uk
Web: http://shropmodels.org.uk/
index.htm

April 18
Hosts:
Scale Model Exhibition
IPMS Dorset and Poole Vikings
19 Media Modelling 2020 25-26 Modellexpo 08 – Open 2020
Hosts: IPMS Stockholm
Hosts: HaMex
4 Indoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble Model Club Address: Hanslope Village Hall, Address: Skytteholmsskolan,
and Avionic Sale Address: Parkstone Grammar School, Newport Rd, Hanslope, Bucks Ankdammsgaten 14-16, Solna,
Hosts: Newark Air Museum Sopers Lane, Poole, Dorset MK19 7NZ Sweden
Address: Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, BH17 7EP Times: 10am-4pm Times: Sat 12-4pm
Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £2, accompanied under Sun 10am-3pm
Notts NG24 2NY
Prices: Adults £3.50, children £1 16s free Prices: Adults SEK 80, IPMS members
Times: 9am-2pm
Email: jez_thomson@yahoo.co.uk Email: info@hamex.com and under 15s free
Prices: Adults £9, over-65s £8, children
Web: www.poolevikingsblog. Web: www.hamex.co.uk Email: 08-open@ipmsstockholm.se
£4.50, under 5s free
wordpress.com Web: www.ipmsstockholm.se
Email: enquire@newarkairmuseum.org
Web: www.newarkairmuseum.org
19 Spring Model Day
18 Model Classic 2020 25-26 Scottish National Scale Model
Hosts: Barry War Museum Show 2020
4 Welling 2020 Hosts: IPMS North Virginia Modellers Address: Barry Island Railway,
Hosts: Scottish National Scale Model
Hosts: Welling Model Club Address: Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Station Approach, Barry,
Show Team
Address: Falconwood Community Centre, Run, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA Vale of Glamorgan Address: The Dewars Centre, Glover Street,
The Green, Welling, Kent Times: 9am-4pm CF62 5TH Perth PH2 OTH
DA1 2PG Prices: Adults US$8, under 17s free Times: 10am-4.30pm Times: Sat 10am-5pm
Times: 10am-4pm Email: tomhenderson51@verizon.net Prices: Free Sun 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults £3, OAPs and Web: www.novaipms.org Email: info@barrywarmuseum.org.uk Prices: TBC
children £1 Website: www.barrywarmuseum.org.uk Email: geoff.crow@talktalk.net
Email: josephperera335@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.scotnats.org
Web: N/A
19 LGW2020
Hosts: Gatwick Aviation Society 25 BMSS Annual Show 2020
Address: K2 Crawley, Pease Pottage Hill, Hosts: British Model Soldier Society 25-26 XXIV Mosonshow
11 IPMS West Suffolk Open Day Crawley, West Sussex Address: Church Hall, St Saviours’, Hosts: Mosonmagyaróvár Modelling Club
Hosts: IPMS West Suffolk RH11 9BQ St George’s Square, Address: UFM Aréna, Városi Sportcsarnok,
Address: Odd Fellows Hall, 85 Whiting Times: 10am-4pm Lupus Street, Pimlico, London Mosonmagyaróvár, Gorkij út 1,
Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Prices: Adults £5, OAPs £4, accompanied SW1V 3QW Hungary
IP33 1NX children free Times: 10:30am-4pm Times: Sat 8am-7pm
Times: 10am-4pm Email: lgw2018@gatwickaviationsociety. Prices: General £3 Sun 7am-5pm
Prices: Free org.uk members £2 Prices: Free
Email: ipmswestsuffolk@zoho.com Web: www.gatwickaviationsociety. Email: N/A Email: msz.kormospeter@gmail.com
Web: IPMS West Suffolk (Facebook) org.uk Web: www.bmssonline.com Web: www.mosonshow.hu

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: stuart.fone@keypublishing.com

14 Airfix Model World

Bachmann_FP.indd 1 12/02/2020 17:29:05
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
GLOSTER E.28/39

U
krainian kit manufacturer
Clear Prop Models has burst
on to the modelling scene
with an ambitious schedule
of 1/72 scale releases.
The company may be new,
but it clearly understands the
importance of marketing, with
dynamic box art, a slick website
and superbly presented products.
For its Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer
kit, it went one step further with a
clever computer-animated video
showing the kit being assembled.
Parts slid seamlessly into position,
gleaming photo-etched (PE)
metal items slotted into place, and
within minutes a perfectly formed
complete Whittle jet ‘sat’ on a
virtual cutting mat. It was a great
piece of persuasive marketing,
presumably rendered from the
same 3D digital files used to

A WHITTLE FASTER
master the plastic components.
If it went together that easily in
the video, surely the kit would do
the same…

Decisions, decisions
The kit certainly looked impressive
Mike Grant ‘whittles’ styrene as he builds Clear Prop’s 1/72 in the box. There were four runners
containing sharply moulded grey
Gloster Pioneer – the first British jet aircraft styrene parts, a clear frame, three

 Clear Prop incorporated a high level of detail into the styrene parts, such as the cockpit  Three metal strips representing intake vanes were intended to fit into the slots on the
floor and bulkheads. fuselage halves, but it was found they needed trimming for this to happen.

Cockpit detail out of the box

was impressive, although PE
seat harnesses were replaced
with strips of painted
Parafilm on this project.

 Runner attachment points were often located on gluing surfaces, requiring careful
removal. Note the internal moulded detail, visible if the model was displayed with the
engine cowl omitted.

16 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
GLOSTER E.28/39

A significant amount of remedial work

was required for the wing to fit the
fuselage adequately. As well as the
work shown here, part of the cockpit
bulkhead also had to be sanded.

 Wing upper and lower sections were combined easily – toothless copper crocodile clips
held the parts in place while the liquid glue cured.
 Conversely, restoring straight lines was a much easier task – Dymo tape (www.dymo.com)
Strips of 3M flexible tape (www.3m.
provided rigid and solid guidance for this work.
co.uk) were used as a guide for
reinstating the circumferential
panel lines – a needle in a pin-vice
served as the scribing tool.

photo-etched metal frets, a set glance at the instructions, but the powerplant installed in the aircraft smooth as the promotional video
of vinyl masks for the canopy complexity of this kit demanded with the rear fuselage removed, had suggested came in the first
and wheels, a bag holding resin a more concentrated study of or on the separate maintenance five stages, which covered cockpit
components for the engine, a the assembly sequence. The four stand, with the airframe closed. assembly. The first dealt with
printed film for the instrument decal choices corresponded with the instrument panel: a sheet of
panel gauges and a decal sheet. tailplane and canopy part options, Internal stresses acetate with the gauges printed
The full-colour instructions but perhaps the biggest decision The first inkling in black, backed with a coat of
included Humbrol paint references, was how to display the Power Jets this build white paint, and sandwiched
but also listed a brass pitot tube, W.1 engine. A choice had to be wouldn’t be between the styrene panel and the
although this was missing from the made whether to build the resin quite as beautifully etched brass front.
review kit. In all, a total of 186 items
were provided for a model just
over 4in (10cm) long!
For any modeller with the
benefit of a few kits under their
belt, most 1/72 single-engined
aircraft models can probably be
assembled with just a cursory

Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer

MODEL SPEC

By: Clear Prop Models

Stock Code: 72001
Scale: 1/72
Price: €25
Available from:
www.clearpropmodels.com

www.airfixmodelworld.com 17
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
GLOSTER E.28/39
Vinyl canopy masks
were provided with
the kit, but these
appeared marginally
too small. Sections
of Parafilm were
therefore used
instead.
The inclusion of separate ailerons
was a neat feature, and these were
consequently posed offset for
added visual interest.
This received a dark grey tone
to provide a slight contrast with
the gauges, then several tiny PE
switches were attached. Next, the
seat was painted and the harness
added, although in this case the PE
18 Airfix Model World
parts were replaced by thin strips
of painted Parafilm. The cockpit
floor and rear bulkheads featured
impressive moulding, and the PE
fret provided some of the smaller
levers plus the rudder pedal
 Mission Models’ MMP-079 RAF Interior Green (www.missionmodelsus.com) represented
the internal canopy colour - the paint’s tone was noticeably brighter and yellower than its
Xtracrylix equivalent.
 After struggling with tiny PE strips supplied for the undercarriage, EZ Line was used
instead – this was much easier and the appearance was acceptable once painted.
straps. Xtracrylix XA1010 RAF
Aircraft Grey/Green Matt BS283
(www.hannants.co.uk) was used for
the main cockpit colour.
Parts D11 and D12 replicated the
inner walls of the intake ducting,
while the outer surfaces formed
the cockpit sidewalls. Three
PE intake vanes slotted into
each section, which could then
be fitted into openings in the
aircraft’s internals. Unfortunately,
when it came to actually
marrying the fuselage sections,
the completed cockpit and intake
trunk assembly didn’t fit at all
as the instructions suggested.
Applying even the slightest
pressure to bring the halves
together resulted in the PE intake
vanes snapping out of their slots
and bending. An attempt was
made to deepen the openings in
the fuselage sides with a razor
saw, but this technique was
fraught with risk as cutting all the
way through the styrene would
have been very easy. Eventually,
after straightening the metal
items as much as possible, it was
decided to trim them along their
lengths, narrowing them by about
40-thou (1mm).
The three-layered instrument
panel was also not thin enough to
fit the narrow slots in the cockpit
sides, resulting in damage and
deformity from this assembly as
well. Even the styrene section
on its own was overly thick for
the spaces, but once sanded,
painted and the optional decal
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
GLOSTER E.28/39

gauges applied, it was eventually
squeezed into place. The
recommended 1/3oz (10g) of nose
weight was then installed behind
the instrument panel.
Fitting the cockpit/intake
sub-assembly into the fuselage
required a substantial amount
of sanding and filing, followed by
the use of a Berna clamp (www.
berna-clamps.e-monsite.com)
to hold the halves in place while
liquid cyanoacrylate (CA) glue was
flowed along the seams to ensure
a solid bond.
I’m always prepared to accept
that such fit issues may have been
of my own making, although it’s
hard to see how they could have
been prevented. All parts were
cleared of flash and mould stubs,
paint removed at attachment
points, and everything appeared to
be fixed in its correct location.
Whittled down
Wing halves went together without
a problem, but the completed
assembly couldn’t be installed
cleanly below the fuselage; the
rear cockpit bulkhead interfering
with the leading edge of the
mainplane’s centre-section.

Pocket-size power
The resin and PE Power Jets W.1 engine was a kit in itself. Like the main aircraft
model, it was not a straightforward build – aligning the ten gas discharge pipes (Part
R4) with the combustion chambers (R3) took several attempts – but the result was
impressive for its diminutive size. Several additional items, including a PE wiring
harness and the jet pipe were supplied for the fuselage installation option – these
were not utilised for this project. Gator Glue (www.everbuild.co.uk), a PVA-based
adhesive (white glue), was used to assemble the components initially, but once
everything was aligned thin CA was flowed into the joins to bond them permanently.

The plethora of resin parts for the

powerplant were superbly detailed,
and removal of the casting blocks
wasn’t too onerous.

 Holes were drilled into concealed areas of the cast components so they could be
impaled on cocktail sticks to aid painting.

 Part PE36 bore little resemblance to its assembly drawing – yet this was disregarded
as the item was dropped and stepped on accidentally, mangling it beyond use.

 Various shades from the Alclad range  The engine’s front end also displayed
(www.alclad2.com) were used for the exquisite detail, though reference photos
metallic areas, and a black-brown oil wash show a mass of wiring and piping that
accentuated the detail. could be replicated in model form.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 19
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
GLOSTER E.28/39
 The shade applied to the aircraft’s underside, in this case XA1011 RAF Trainer Yellow, was
sprayed in several light coats over the white primer base.
As a result, a Dremel motor-tool
was called into action to remove
material from both areas until
a satisfactory fit was achieved.
The engine cover (A6) was also
too wide for its aperture, and
thus needed significant remedial
work to achieve a smooth ‘blend’
into the fuselage contours –
unfortunately, many of the panel
“a total of 186
items were
provided”
 Once the yellow had cured fully, the wheel wells were masked and sprayed silver as this
was considered easier than spraying them first and masking them from the inside.
20 Airfix Model World
lines were lost in the process, and
these were duly re-scribed.
After this manipulation of the
styrene, the fin, ailerons and
horizontal stabilisers were fitted.
Two of the decal options had the
additional vertical ‘finlets’ on
the stabs, so it was important to
ensure the correct parts were
used at this stage.
The undercarriage featured
excellent detail, though it was
a fiddly feature to assemble;
attaching the tiny mudguards and
bracing strips was an exercise in
patience. The latter parts were
supplied as PE items, but after
a couple of failed attempts to
bend them smoothly over the
mudguards, elastic EZ Line (www.
modellingtools.co.uk) was used
instead. Despite the aircraft
demonstrating a slightly ‘nose-up’
stance, it was reassuring to see
that sufficient nose weight had
been added for the model to sit
on its tricycle undercarriage.
Painting and finishing
Having decided to depict the
airframe W4046 in the Ocean
Grey/Dark Green/Trainer Yellow
scheme, the model was primed
with decanted Tamiya 87044
White Surface Primer (www.
hobbyco.net) before receiving
several light coats of XA1011
RAF Trainer Yellow. Xtracrylix
paints were also used for the
camouflage, with XA1006 RAF
Ocean Grey and XA1001 RAF Dark
Green BS241 being utilised. As the
 Blu Tack ‘squiggles’ and Parafilm were stuck on to the airframe after the application of
XA1006 Ocean Grey airframe, after which XA1001 RAF Dark Green BS241 was airbrushed.
chosen aircraft was a prototype,
it would have been kept clean,
so faded camouflage or post-
shading effects were deemed
unnecessary; the only concession
to modelling style was a panel
line wash of heavily diluted Dark
Umber oil paint. A gloss coat was
applied with X-22 Clear, which was
diluted with Mr. Color Leveling
Thinner (www.albionhobbies.com),
then the final finish was a light
overspray of Model Master Semi-
Gloss lacquer (www.testors.com).
The kit-supplied decals were
superb, well printed and settled
easily into the surface detail.
Three of the markings options
were for camouflaged aircraft,
but the fourth was an overall
aluminium-toned scheme with red
control surfaces. Furthermore,
although the rudder was
demonstrably a darker colour, no
photos could be found to suggest
the rest of the control surfaces
were the same shade.
Final thoughts
Clear Prop Model’s 1/72 Gloster
E.28/39 Pioneer is undoubtedly
the most detailed and accurate
model of the type in any scale,  Tamiya’s X-22 Clear was diluted with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner, before
and so the manufacturer is to Model Master Semi-Gloss lacquer provided the final lustre.
be commended for envisaging  An odd deposit was found inside the canopy when the masking was
such an ambitious first release. removed – fortunately the clear part was attached with PVA and was easily
However, the amount of work removed, along with the residue.
required to achieve an acceptable
result must be weighed into the
equation, especially considering
how little can be seen of all the
cockpit detail, and the overall
size of the finished model.
In fairness, the box labelling
demonstrates the kit is clearly
aimed at experienced modellers,
and some personal naivety must
be acknowledged for expecting
the kit’s precision to match that
shown on the company’s
promotional video.
 OUT AND ABOUT
NUREMBERG 2020

NUREMBERG NEWS

 IBG Models won many plaudits with its lovely 1/72 PZL.11s, and looks set to do the same
with its highly detailed 1/32 offering of this early World War Two fighter. Chinese splendour

A
t first glance, there were
several notable absences
at this year’s Nuremberg
Toy Fair, including
Hasegawa, Kinetic and Takom,
but these were balanced by the
first-time presence of firms such
as Copper State Models, SMER
and Dora Wings.
The great news for modellers
was that there were plenty of
new announcements and quite
a few surprises. These included
the unveiling of the first 1/35
Cromwell Mk.IV test-shot from
Airfix and newly tooled offerings
from IBG Models and Eduard in
the shape of a 1/32 PZL.11 and 1/48
Spitfire Mk.I respectively.
Plenty to choose from
While Airfix had made its big
announcements at Telford last
November and earlier this year,
the presence of test-shots for the
Cromwell and the first Beginner
Sets (Spitfire, Hawk, Tiger I and
Sherman Firefly) drew much
attention. While emphasis was
placed on the firm’s armour
releases, there were also CAD
images of the forthcoming 1/72
Beaufort and Vulcan.
There are four major new Italeri

 Italeri devoted a large amount of display space for its 1/24 Scania Streamline 143H,
highlighting the various colour schemes and newly tooled parts.
As usual, the joint Trumpeter/Hobby Boss stand was dominated by the former’s 1/200
ships, with a converted Olympia (Titanic’s sister ship) taking centre stage. Strangely, the
new announcements were pushed to the rear, with new toolings for a 1/200 Scharnhorst
and 1/350 Bismarck mixed with a 1/32 A-26 Invader, 1/35 Jackal Mk.I High-Mobility
Weapons Platform and a Soviet BREM-1 engineering vehicle in the same scale.

22 Airfix Model World

 OUT AND ABOUT
NUREMBERG 2020

Czech tour de force

 The highlight on Airfix’s stand had to be the first glimpse of its newly tooled 1/35
Cromwell, which will feature rubber-band-style tracks, options for open/closed hatches and
Mark III Prongs (hedgerow cutters).
The highlight on the Brengun/Hauler stand was the former’s Firebee drone twin packs.
These are styrene kits and are due for release later this year, along with a special
edition that will include just one airframe plus a resin ground-handling trolley. The firm
will continue re-boxing the Attack Squadron range and many will also be released in
1/32 scale. Along with a huge number of photo-etched and resin accessories, Hauler
will be adding HO scale (1/87) vehicles to its range, with the first two being an MB T-80
Rekordwagen (HLR87201) and a Street Sweeper (HLR87202).
Eduard, which transformed its stand into a replica of a World War Two RAF squadron
 Similarly, the company’s initial ‘Beginner Set’ offerings were on display, with a Spitfire
hut, will delight many modellers with its 1/48 Spitfire Mk.Ia, which will be released in all
and Hawk T.1, plus the Sherman Firefly and Tiger I as seen here.
three formats (ProfiPACK, Weekend and Royal) to coincide with the 80th anniversary
of the Battle of Britain. A Czech favourite will also feature, in the shape of a 1/72 Z-37 releases planned for 2020, tantalising offerings include a 1/48
Cmelák, while the company’s Fishbed collection will expand to include early short-chord the most notable being a 1/32 Spitfire Mk.I and 1/12 Lancia Delta
MiG-21PFs. With re-boxings of Hasegawa’s 1/72 B-26 Marauder and Revell’s 1/48 Tornado Tornado GR.4, while truck fans HF Integrale, while Protar’s 1/9
GR.1, there’s much for aviation modellers to enjoy in 2020. will appreciate the 1/24 Scania BMW 1000 and Yamaha Ténéré
Similarly, Special Hobby/CMK had lots on offer, with a newly tooled 1/72 Heinkel He 162 Streamline 143H 6x2 and there’s 660 will return in Italeri boxing
and updated 1/72 MPM Piaggio P.1088. There were also tantalising runner test shots also a 1/35 Semovente M42 da with Paris-Dakar race liveries.
of delights such as a 1/48 Reggiane Re.2000 Falco, Re.2005 Sagittario, 1/72 Gloster 75/18 self-propelled gun. Last, the Poland’s IBG Models is set for
Meteor NF.11, Fairey Albacore, A-1F Skyraider, Tachikawa Ki-54 and Martin B-10, plus firm’s massive 1/35 Schnellboot a busy 2020, with the highlight
fuselage halves for a 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Mk.I. is being back-dated to depict being the newly tooled 1/32 PZL
an S-26/S-38 vessel. Other 11.c fighter, although fans of

Top take-aways
While picking the ‘best on show’ is highly subjective, the following (listed
alphabetically) were arguably the most significant kits announced/on display at
Nuremberg this year:
• Academy 1/144 B-52
• Eduard 1/48 Spitfire Mk.Ia
• IBG Models 1/32 PZL.11
• ICM 1/24 Benz Patent-Motorwagen 1886
• MiniArt 1/35 Panzer IV Ausf.J
• Trumpeter 1/350 Bismarck

 Tamiya featured several new-tool armour kits on its stand, including a 1/35 French R35
Light Tank and this 1/35 KV-1 Model 1941 (Early Production).

 There was a historical gem on the ICM stand, in the form of its all-new 1/24 Benz
Patent-Motorwagen 1886. This will be accompanied by several figure sets, including
 Modellers wanting to ‘spice up’ their Eduard 1/48 Tempest Mk.Vs will find themselves one depicting the first trial run with Karl Benz’s wife, Bertha, at the wheel.
spoiled by CMK’s resin extras, including a powerplant and fuel tank.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 23
 OUT AND ABOUT
NUREMBERG 2020

Teutonic treats

 Revell will continue to release Bandai’s Star Wars kits in Europe, with this year’s subjects
being a Death Star and Star Destroyer, plus a 1/72 B-Wing.

German distributor Modellbau-König has added to its German World War Two ‘what-if’
range (top upper photo) with a Ju EF-125 ‘Elli’/EF-127 ‘Walli’ pulse-jet-propelled fighter
(DW32001). Coincident with its release will be a range of wood grain decals and metal
polishing powders for those modellers wanting an unpainted machine.
Revell offered something for every modeller, from 1/72 Top Gun: Maverick-related ‘easy-
click’ releases to Technik versions of its 1/400 Titanic and 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc. There
will also be Platinum-Edition 1/48 B-29 Superfortress (ex-Monogram), 1/72 Gato-class
 Despite a busy release schedule that will include new Panzer IV and T-34 toolings,
submarine and 1/400 USS Enterprise CVN-65. Five all-new armour releases are planned MiniArt has continued to expand its T-54/55 range, with a converted Lebanese APC.
(M109A6, Scud-B, PT-76B, Grille Ausf.M and Marder III Ausf.M), along with a 100-piece
‘easy-click’ 1/24 VW T2 Bus, but the auto highlight (lower photo) has to be the same- small-scale armour will arguably Harvester 1943 (70010).
scale Jaguar E-Type (07668). The company also celebrates 40 years since the release prefer the 1/72 Scammell Pioneer Figure and decal specialist
of The Empire Strikes Back with re-boxings of the AT-AT, Snowspeeder and Slave I, plus it tractor and tank transporter ToRo Model is re-releasing its
will distribute Bandai’s gorgeous 1/72 B-Wing and 1/2,700,000 Death Star II and 1/14,500 kits, also due this year. On the acclaimed 1/48 Italian Street
Star Destroyer combo. maritime front, its selection of scene in plaster (rather than
Importer/distributor Glow2B collaborated with several manufacturers for their display, pre-war Royal Navy destroyers the previous resin), while also
with products from Modelsvit and Meng available to see. However, the big news was has been expanded to include adding to its Silesian Uprising
the firm’s acquisition of the Heller brand, and there will be a comprehensive release the H-Class, with the first 1921 series with a set of Insurgent
schedule throughout 2020. offerings being HMS Hotspur Machine Gunners (35F125).
1941 (70009), followed by HMS Other highlights include 1940s

 Glow2B will be the sole European distributor for Meng’s The Wandering Earth kits, which  Zvezda’s recent 1/72 Su-30SM Flanker-C (7314) was displayed in multi-role configuratio;
will feature key equipment from this Chinese sci-fi film, such as the Navigational Platform this was accompanied by an all-new 1/35 Pantsyr-S1 ‘SA-22 Greyhound’, Bumerang Armoured
Space Station. All will be snap-together products, with pre-coloured styrene. Personnel Carrier and 1/350 Dolphin (Delta-IV) class ballistic missile submarine (9062)

24 Airfix Model World

civilian figures, such as a florist, a
separate stall, rickshaw and driver,
plus individual female passengers,
all in accurate period clothing.
There seemed to be a reduced
presence from Far Eastern
companies, but Academy teased
visitors with test shots of its
newly tooled 1/72 F-14A Tomcat
(12563) and runners for a 1/72
F-35B Lightning II. The company
will also be releasing an all-new
1/144 Multi-Color Plastic B-52 to
accompany its B-1B, as well as a
 Protar’s kits were popular among auto modellers, so it’s great to see
1/48 F3F-2 US Navy fighter.
classics such as its 1/9 Yamaha Ténéré 660 being re-introduced by Italeri.
Tamiya offered a mix of 1/35
and 1/48 military subjects, with a
French R35 light tank (36373) and
KV-1 Model 1941 among the former
and a T-55 (32598) in the latter.
Aircraft releases were restricted
to updated moulds for its Mustang
to build a Korean War F-51D,
while auto modellers have a 1/12
Kawasaki Ninja H2 (14136), 1/24
Mazda Roadster RF and Ford
Mustang GT4 to savour.

VIEW MORE ONLINE  A prototype of Revell’s new modelling workstation was on display, with
www.airfixmodelworld.com pre-shaped openings for paint, glue and brushes.

Ukrainian wonders

It’s another busy year ahead for ICM, of which the standout item was its newly tooled Benz Patent-Motorwagen 1886
(see News, P.? for details). The first of four products to coincide with the TV series Chernobyl comes in the form of a Zil-
131KShM Radiation Monitoring Station (35901), as well as clean-up crews and a fire-fighting vignette. Further offerings
include an Sd.KFZ.247 Ausf.B Command Armoured Vehicle (35110), while the U-2/Po-2VS (72243) looks to be a small-
scale highlight. Quarter-scale fans will have a Do 217J-1/J-2 (48272), O-2A Skymaster (48290) and huge Heinkel He-111
Zwilling (48260). The company’s 1/32 Gladiator will be joined by an all-new 1/32 Stearman PT-17/N2S-3 Kaydet (32050).
MiniArt has wowed military modellers with its interior detail kits and looks set to do the same with the Panzer IV – the
first release will be a late-war Ausf-J – and T-34 initially in /85 configuration. Examples of its recent 1/35 B-Type Bus
(38021) and M3 Lee (35287) – see News, P.? also featured, along with its latest T-54/55 iterations: Mod.1970 with OMSh
tracks (37064) and an SLA Heavy APC-54 (37055).
Relative newcomer Dora Wings was making its first appearance at the show and brought along its latest release, a 1/48
Vega 5B in colour scheme of Amelia Earhart’s aircraft when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic
in 1932. Other treasures on the way include a 1/72 Miles M.9a Master I, Fairey Delta FD.2, 1/48 Moraine-Saulnier MS.230
and a 1/32 Dewoitine D.500/501.
 BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M

Iron
Annie J
unkers’ Ju 52/3m was Junkers Ju 52/3mg4e Transport
developed in the early 1930s,
and despite its age became
MODEL SPEC By: Revell
the backbone of the German Stock Code: 03918
military transport fleet, specialising Scale: 1/48
in heavy lift transport, deploying
Price: €49.99
paratroopers in all theatres and as
Richard Spreckley uses Revell’s a passenger aircraft. Available from: www.revell.de/en
Nearly 5,000 were built between
1/48 kit of the Junkers Ju 1930-52 (its later service was as
a passenger airliner for several
52/3mg4e to build a quarter-scale national carriers). Revell’s kit
model of a type that served in depicted the standard military
transport version – its most
Libya, North Africa, during 1943 striking feature was the three

 For a 20-year-old moulding, the detail on the styrene was crisp and replicated the  Cockpit and troop/cargo areas were large and highly visible, and these featured
complex corrugated surfaces beautifully. convincing detail on the bulkheads.

26 Airfix Model World


BMW 132A-3 radial engines and its
corrugated ‘skin’, which provided
unprecedented strength. The
type proved itself in locations
ranging from the arctic to the
desert and could carry 18 soldiers
or 12 stretchers in a medical role.
Its side-loading doors plus two
personnel and bomb-bay doors
 A small transparent frame provided the clear parts, including a pair of cockpit framing
styles, passenger windows and interior light covers.
BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M
(a genuine, if surprising
feature) allowed varying
sizes of cargo to be
loaded on the ground
and released either
while airborne or having
landed at a destination.
However, the North African
campaign featured the
aircrafts’ heaviest
losses in combat against
Allied forces; in one day alone, 24  Revell’s cargo/troop-carrying area design meant the hatches and doors could be cut and
of the type were shot down. removed easily – this would allow better visual access to the interior.
Styrene contents
This is a reasonably large aircraft
in 1/48 scale, and this was reflected
in the box size. There were just five
runners in total; four large frames
of off-white plastic and one clear
example. My first impressions
were that as a two-decade old
tooling it was a basic offering, in
contrast to Revell marketing it as
one of its ‘Level 5’ kits (denoting
the highest complexity level from
this manufacturer). On closer
inspection, though, the detail for
an injection-moulded kit appeared  Four neatly detailed Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers) figures were each moulded in a
sublime, especially in the cockpit different pose and formed ideal material to enhance the interest and sense of scale.
and interior. Engines and
exhaust systems were
also well-moulded
renditions
of their complex shapes, and
another impressive feature was
the crisp, corrugated effect on
the exterior surfaces.
The kit provided two markings  After a primer coat, the base colour was airbrushed onto the interior, followed by a post-
options, one for a Europe- shade to accentuate the moulded relief.
 Integrally moulded airframe equipment was hand-painted, sealed with a gloss varnish and
then treated with a dark brown wash.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 27
 BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M
F o r a 2 0-ye ar-o l d
m o u l d in g, t he d e t ai l
o n t he st yr en e wa s c ri s p’’
deployed airframe and one based
in North Africa; the latter scheme
stood out with temporary desert
camouflage superimposed over
the standard splinter scheme
and this was chosen for the build.
There were no aircrew included
in this kit, but a neat addition was
four Fallschirmjäger (paratrooper)
figures in various poses – these
were ideal for adding a sense of
scale and visual interest.
The new-style Revell instructions
were well presented and easy to
follow, but a first glance revealed
the sole issue; the lack of painting
guidance for the figures. The
standard uniform for the European
 Kit components provided excellent detail in the interior, which was enhanced with theatre of operations was given,
the aftermarket resin pilot seats. Once painted, these added considerable visual interest but no advice was provided for
to the area. North African troops.
All in the detail
Prior to starting construction, it
was essential the instructions and
parts were studied carefully, as
there were several ‘interesting’
elements provided that weren’t
clear in the former – these could
add another dimension to this
model if desired.
The interior was a model in
itself; mouldings were crisp and
the detail, especially around
the cockpit, radio station,
rear bulkhead and rear gun
emplacement, appeared excellent.
On most models of this type, these
features would be hidden when
28 Airfix Model World
the fuselage was closed, but Revell
included an option to leave the
ceiling/roof unattached, allowing
it to be removed to expose the
innards. Unfortunately, the fit,
although good, would potentially
make the final model appear
unfinished. A viable alternative –
yet not shown in the instructions
– was the removal of the upper
fuselage hatch plus the starboard
loading and cargo doors, all of
which were moulded to allow them
to be separated. It was therefore
decided to take advantage of this
to showcase the interior.
The kit also featured two types
of clear glazing, one full canopy
and another with the top section
removed – intended for the
installation of a forward defensive
machine gun – as another way of
revealing cockpit detail, and this
option was exercised. With scope
for the interior to be viewable
from various angles, many of the
internal components were painted
prior to assembly, including
the seating and supporting
frameworks that ran along the
inside of the fuselage. If the latter
were assembled and then painted,
gaps in coverage would be clearly
visible through the aircraft’s
numerous windows.
The only items replaced with
aftermarket products were the
pilot/co-pilot seats – Quickboost’s
QB 48 568 (www.quickboost.
 BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M

 All engine parts were kept on the runner for ease of painting – a gloss black primer was
applied in preparation for metallic tones.

The fuselage halves and lower hull sections featured exceptional fit –
especially impressive given their size and the age of the moulding.

A post-shade plus a dry-

brushed application of metallic
shades and a dark brown wash
– followed by matt varnish –
was used to complete internal
floor and bulkhead weathering.

net) was a highly detailed set that
complemented the kit’s features.
Due to their resin construction,
the components were washed in
warm soapy water and dried to
remove any curing agent, then all
parts were primed with Ultimate
Modelling Products’ UMP027 Grey
Primer (www.umpretail.com).
This was followed by the interior
colour, which research revealed
to be a grey/green tone and this
was replicated via a mix of Vallejo’s
71.093 Field Green FS 39404 – now
known as NATO Green FS 39404
– and 71.307 BS Medium Sea Grey
BS637 (www.creativemodels.
co.uk). This custom shade was
used to simulate high wear, and the
flooring and access ways around
the bulkheads were then post-
shaded, with the interior colour
lightened via a drop of Hataka’s
HTK-A101 Traffic White (www.
hataka-hobby.com).
The radio station, wiring and
canvas curtain on the cockpit
doorway received 71.251 NATO
Black, 71.078 Yellow RLM04 and
70.314 Canvas, respectively, and
to further accentuate these areas
77.702 Duraluminium was then
dry-brushed on appropriate edges
and surfaces. Seat harnesses were
painted 71.119 White Grey, while the
lovely instrument panel detail was
prepared and painted with 71.054
Dark Grey Blue and then sealed
with 70.510 Gloss Varnish – along
with all the other interior parts.
A decal was then applied to the
instrument panel and Micro Sol
(www.microscale.com) added to
encourage it to conform to the
raised detail. Vallejo’s 76.513 Dark
Brown Model Wash accentuated
the moulded detail; this was
allowed to dry partially before
 BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M

 An important aspect to remember was that the instrument coaming required painting  After minor fettling and sanding to remove a seam, the nose area detail was re-scribed.
after the fuselage halves were married. Here, it has received the interior shade. Note, the clear part was also painted with the interior shade prior to priming.

any excess was removed with information of what colour these

damp cotton pads/buds. were, so a best guess was used,
The fuselage halves were then and they were treated with 71.003
attended to, prior to the final Red RLM23 before adding the
assembly of the interior. All glazing transparent shrouds.
was dipped in AK Interactive’s Forward planning meant the
AK893 Glass Coat Gauzy Agent engines, exhausts, guns and
(www.ak-interactive.com), which associated mounting systems
gave a crystal-clear finish and
disguised any imperfections or
blemishes in the clear parts. Once
dry, they were attached to the
fuselage halves and covered with
the aid of Eduard’s EX655 Ju
 Revell’s styrene components displayed excellent moulded detail, extending to the BMW 52 mask set. The same painting
132A-3 engines. and weathering processes as
the interior were then applied to
the fuselage ceiling, doors and
hatches, which had been removed
previously. All elements were then
assembled and attached to one
airframe half, after which 70.520
Matt Varnish was employed to seal
everything. There were several
notable elements, such as the
lights on the aircraft’s roof, which
were supplied with beautifully
moulded clear plastic covers.
Unfortunately, there was minimal

 Very little filler was required on this build – a testament to how well the parts fitted
together.
 Ordinary clingfilm is an excellent medium for masking, especially to fill internal spaces
such as on the engine cowlings.

30 Airfix Model World


 Corrugated surfaces were accentuated for excellent contrast effects; the underside
colour was post-shaded to enhance the illusion of depth.
were sprayed with 73.660 Surface
Primer Gloss Black in readiness for
their metallic coverings. Similarly,
the wheels were assembled and
treated with UMP027 Grey Primer,
along with the Fallschirmjäger
figures, propellers and engine
cowlings. The inside of these last
items were then painted as per the
fuselage interior, while the wheels
received 71.251 NATO Black – these
T he b i g g e st d i l e mm a wa s
ho w t o a p pl y t he t e m po r ar y d e s ert
s c he m e o ver t he s pl in t er pat t er n’’
were then masked via custom-
sized pieces of tape made with
a silhouette cutter and painted
Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black
(www.hobbyco.net).
The kit propellers – which in my
view didn’t seem large enough –
were coloured with 71.057 Black,
followed by 71.251 NATO Black,
which was airbrushed lightly
across the axis of the blades to
 The mainwheels featured lovely, if subtle detailing – this was highlighted with dry-
brushing techniques and a sand-coloured wash.
add depth. Hubs were then brush-
painted with 71.050 Light Grey, and
77.701 Aluminium was dry-brushed
on the propeller edges and the
wheel rims to simulate wear. Last,
a wash of 76.522 Desert Dust was
added to the wheels to reflect the
sandy conditions in which this
aircraft would have operated.
The lower half of the starboard
cargo hatch featured a wood finish
to assist loading/unloading cargo –
here, an Uschi van der Rosten 1016
Aircraft Interior Textures decal
(www.uschivdr.com) was applied
to achieve this appearance. This
was then sealed with gloss
varnish and treated to a dark
brown wash.
The engines then received
77.701 Aluminium with the
cylinder heads brush-painted
with 71.706 White
Aluminium, followed
by 77.712 Steel for
the ignition wires
and 77.723
Exhaust
BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M
Manifold on the exhaust systems.
All three powerplants were sealed
with 26.657 Metal Gloss Varnish,
with a 76.517 Dark Grey wash to
accentuate the detail, after which
the exhausts were added.
Fallschirmjäger and cargo
The paratroopers were set in
different poses, representing a
four-man ‘stick’ waiting to board
the aircraft. As this build depicted
North African operations, it was
important the figures reflected
the camouflage scheme for that
theatre. Research was undertaken
to source descriptions and photos
of the relevant uniform and
equipment used by Fallschirmjäger
troops during that period.
Quarter-scale figures are minute,
and a balance must be struck to
replicate the complex camouflage
patterns with the amount of
detailed painting used. The aim
was to produce an impression
of the uniforms using 71.025
Dark Yellow, 71.093 Field Green,
71.095 Pale Green plus Hataka’s
A017 Dark Green. After taking
advice from a figure modeller,
the paratroopers received a base
colour of 71.028 Sand Yellow,
then the camouflaged jackets
and helmets were brush-painted.
Highlights were then dry-brushed
with a lightened mix of the
base colour – achieved
by adding a hint of
A101 White.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 31
 BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M

O p enin g
t he l o ad in g
hat c he s t o
t he air f r am e
invi t ed ex t r a
d e t ai l in g’’

configurations. medical items had decals applied continued to

LifeColor flesh
tones UA 709
and UA 711 (www.
airbrushes.com) were
employed for the faces,
after which the figures were
sealed with 70.510 Gloss Varnish
and given a 76.513 Dark Brown
wash, before 70.520 Matt Varnish
was used to protect the finish.
They were set on 20-thou (0.5mm)
clear plastic sheet to prevent them
from falling over – this also allow
them to be displayed in different
The Ju 52’s versatility meant
it could carry cargo alongside
paratroopers – an ideal feature
with this build featuring both the
top hatch and side cargo doors
open. Unfortunately, there was
nothing supplied to represent
such a load, but Plus Model’s set
4023 Ammunition and Medical
Aid Containers - Germany WW II
(www.plusmodel.cz) contained a
variety of items, which included
ammunition boxes, medical
equipment and crates. These were
painted randomly in the custom-
mixed interior green colour, 71.028
Sand Yellow and 71.077 Wood.
Metal containers were then dry-
brushed with 77.701 Aluminium,
sealed with a gloss varnish and
given a dark grey wash. The
before the final wash process,
after which they were finished with
70.520 Matt Varnish.
Aircraft assembly
Construction of the airframe and
wings was straightforward, and
for a 20-year-old kit most areas
featured a tight fit. Revell designed
this kit with a section of removable
upper fuselage plus the underside
section also included wing stubs
– as a result the airframe halves
married well, but the long structure
didn’t feel very sturdy.
Having already removed all
the aircraft’s access doors, the
main elements were attached
permanently. The Ju 52’s wingspan
appears huge and the detail
visible across this large section
excel, with the
corrugated effect really
‘standing out’ and appearing in
scale to a ‘mark-one eyeball’.
Just a single issue was
encountered, and that was
a slight warping on the
engine nacelles, which
required taping and
clamping to conform to
the correct shape.
An identifying feature of the
Ju 52’s wings was the stepped
ailerons, in model form these were
secured at several points along the
upper wing. They were left off the
aircraft until they were painted,
and during the build were found
to be fragile – several were broken
due to handling – fortunately, all
were recovered and re-attached.

 The figures were painted in a representation of North African uniforms, which were  Opening the loading hatches to the airframe invited extra detailing – Plus Model
determined after a study of reference photos as this isn’t detailed in the instructions. provided standard medical and ammunition-specific boxes of varying sizes.

32 Airfix Model World


The base coat for the splinter pattern
was applied and left to dry for 24
hours before masking.
Elevators were posed offset
to add extra dynamism to the
finished model.
The lower fuselage joins were
particularly impressive as this
area can often cause modellers
stressful moments, but this was
not the case for this kit; the fairly
complex boxed and stepped shape
at the nose fitted like a glove and
required no fettling or filler. All
antenna and small details were
omitted at this stage to ensure
there was an unobstructed surface
 There was concern the clear backing of
the decals would silver when applied to the
corrugated surface, hence this was removed
to minimise any issues.
to assist in the masking for the
splinter camouflage.
Desert style
Hataka’s splendid HTK-AS02 Early
Luftwaffe paint set provided colour
matches to the splinter pattern
required for this build; in this case
A017 Dark Green (RLM71) and A015
Black-Green (RLM70). Vallejo’s
71.025 Dark Yellow was selected
for the temporary desert scheme,
which was then applied over the
angular ‘splinter’ camouflage.
All fuselage openings were
masked before UMP027 Grey
Primer was applied. A 71.054 Dark
Grey Blue pre-shade was used
on the lower fuselage, followed
by 71.008 Pale Blue, which was
sprayed lightly to build paint layers
gradually. White was then added to
the base colour for a post-shade,
adding contrast and depth.
The splinter pattern was copied
Masking was conducted in stages due to the complexity of the scheme
– once completed, the camouflage received post-shading effects
before the temporary desert livery was applied.
from the European option; A017
Dark Green (RLM71) was applied
after the lower fuselage was
masked and allowed to cure for
24 hours. There was concern the
corrugated surfaces would cause
problems in achieving the sharp
straight lines of the standard
Luftwaffe camouflage, but these
fears were unfounded as the
masking proved sufficient to
achieve the desired effect using
A017 Black Green. Due to the size
of the aircraft – and the way the
splinter scheme fell between the
wings and fuselage sections – the
masking process was undertaken
in stages, covering the mainplanes
first. As before, post-shading was
then completed by lightening the
base colours with white.
The biggest dilemma was how
to apply the temporary desert
scheme over the splinter pattern
– spraying a light colour over
BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M
a dark pattern is fraught with
risk of overspray and ‘splatter’.
Consideration was given to
masking the complex shapes
over the European scheme,
but this would have produced a
‘hard’ demarcation and, having
conducted research, it was clear
the desert scheme wasn’t precise
in its application. Hence, a ‘rough
and ready’ finish was achieved
using freehand airbrushing with
a cotton bud immediately at hand
to remove any obvious excess.
Initially, the impression was that
the base colour, 71.025 Dark Yellow,
overpowered the post-shaded
European theatre camouflage, so
two lightened applications of this
tone were used to mute the sandy
hues. This had the desired effect,
blending the two camouflage
schemes, so the final appendages
and antenna were duly pre-painted
and attached.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 33
 BASIC BUILD
JUNKERS JU 52/3M
 A risk when applying the 71.025 Dark Yellow was overspray – masking would result in a
hard demarcation, so care was taken to set the airbrush at 12 psi (0.82 bar).
Corrugated challenge
A gloss varnish was sprayed in
preparation for decaling, but there
was considerable apprehension
that the corrugated effect
would warp, distort and/or
prevent the decals from settling
properly. It certainly presented
a risk, especially for the large
Balkenkreuz on the wing and
fuselage. The decals were well
printed and the carrier film didn’t
appear overly thick, although as
on most modern German kits from
Revell, swastikas for the tail were
missing – these were sourced from
aftermarket products.
The potential for silvering was
34 Airfix Model World
also high due to the uneven
surfaces, so to reduce this much
of the backing sheet was removed
prior to applying the decals. A
damp piece of kitchen paper was
used to press each marking into
position and, once satisfied with
the placement, a generous amount
of Micro Sol was added. The decals
behaved wonderfully and, with
the assistance of the fixative,
conformed to the complex shapes.
Further weathering was required
prior to adding the engines; 71.119
Grey White was used for exhaust
staining, with an overspray of
77.713 Jet Exhaust. Streaks of
71.074 Radome Tan (now labelled
 A significant amount of decal fixative was required to ensure the markings conformed to
the complex fuselage surface and shape.
Beige) and 71.028 Sand Yellow
were applied to the lower fuselage
and wings, along with extremely
pale mixes of the upper and lower
camouflage colours. Chipping
effects were achieved via AK10046
Metallic Effects weathering pencils,
while oil staining was created with
Tamiya’s 87088 Weathering Master
Set D. Once completed, all access
doors and cargo were secured to
finish the build – the final stage was
to apply a thin coat of matt varnish
over the whole model.
On reflection
For its age, Revell’s 1/48 Junkers
Ju 52/3mg4e Transport is superb
– the standard kit detail and
quality of engineering provides
a product that allows modellers
of any skill level the opportunity
to produce an excellent replica.
It’s very forgiving and presents
a foundation for adding further
elements which could even extend
to a full diorama, although this
does highlight one issue – the
main drawback to this kit: its size.
Once built, Revell’s Ju 52 deserves
a display space that will do it
justice, but this shouldn’t be the
overriding factor when considering
this kit; it certainly punches above
its weight on build quality and
value for money.
 WWW.MAGICSCALEMODELING.COM
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 This month we look at how to enhance the
moulded detail on cockpit interiors via dry-brushing
techniques and dark-toned washes, with the
adage ‘less is more’ being a key rule of thumb

W
henever you look
into a real aircraft or
vehicle, those areas
furthest from the
observer always appear darker,
as less light is reflected from
those sections.
If we look at this from a purely
technical aspect, for kits with
moulded detail or that use
laminated photo-etched parts
(such as an instrument panel
or interior framework), to build
height/depth into an interior,
merely painting these areas should
be enough. More light will be
reflected from the upper areas, but
scale then comes into play – often
the cockpits/hatches are too small,
the colour scheme is monotone
or the interior is too shallow for

Let there be light!

this to become noticeable, so a
common modelling technique is
to exaggerate these differences.
While there are many ways of

 For dry-brushing all that’s needed is a fairly stiff brush, kitchen towel (to remove excess
paint), cotton buds, a mixing tray and the desired colour of paint.

 The cockpit of Airfix’s 1/72 Jet Provost T.3 received a protective layer of varnish prior to
any highlighting or shadow effects being added.
 Although there are many pre-mixed wash products available, one of the simplest is to
use oils and white spirit – these are very cheap in the long run, and can be blended into the
underlying colours.

36 Airfix Model World


A brush, with almost all paint removed from it, is rubbed gently
against the raised surfaces to leave an outline – don’t worry if the
change appears small, as it’s easier to build the effect gradually.
achieving this, we’ll stick to
just the basic forms, using a
combination of dry-brushing to
provide highlights and washes to
create shadows.
Where to begin
A good rule of thumb when
creating these effects is to work
from light to dark. Another is that
‘less is more’ – it’s easier to add
small amounts of paint than to
remove them if applied too heavily.
The article will concentrate on
Airfix’s 1/72 Jet Provost which, as
seen in the accompanying photo,
has received an acrylic varnish
since its appearance in the last
issue. This layer is an important
addition, as it forms a barrier
between the base tones and
subsequent work.
A light grey tone was selected
for the dry-brushing of the tub
and sidewalls (the instrument
panel is left alone as this will use
the kit decals). Tools required
are a stiff or flat brush, some
A test-fit of the cockpit tub reveals how the light
and dark areas make the moulded features ‘pop
out’, relieving the appearance of what would
otherwise be a monotone sub-assembly.
PART 4: THE ILLUSION OF DEPTH
PROTECTIVE
LAYERS
It’s important to use a different
formula of varnish to the paint
and wash to prevent damaging the
underlying tones. The accompanying
tables offer a handy guide:
Base colour Varnish
Enamel Acrylic or lacquer
Lacquer Acrylic or enamel
Acrylic Enamel or lacquer
Varnish Dry-brushing/wash
Enamel Acrylic or oil
Lacquer Acrylic, enamel or oil
Acrylic Enamel or oil
kitchen towel and a degree of
patience. The brush is loaded
with a small amount of paint, and
most of this is then worked onto
the kitchen towel, until almost
no colour is deposited. It is then
brushed lightly against any raised
features, concentrating initially
on the edges, with the process
repeated until the desired effect
is achieved. A common issue is
getting frustrated with what can
be apparently slow progress and
applying paint more heavily, the
consequences of which can be a
very ‘blotchy’ finish. As you gain
more practice in this skill, it’s
possible to highlight ever smaller
features, including instrument
bezels and even the buttons
for head-down cockpit displays
(common in modern jets).
Another benefit of dry-brushing
is it can be used to lighten the tone
of horizontal surfaces and create a
tonal graduation on vertical faces,
simulating greater reflection and  After a gloss varnish, a Raw Umber/Lamp Black wash was applied with a broad brush. It
decreasing exposure to the was left for several minutes, before any excess was removed with a cotton bud.
The main reason for
using these effects
is to enhance the
appearance of small
cockpits (notably if
they are dark toned)
once the fuselage
halves are joined.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 37
 PART 4: THE ILLUSION OF DEPTH
GLOSSARY
Dry-brushing – This is a process using
an almost paint-free brush to add
small amounts of lighter-toned paint
selectively to raised detail, usually on
the edges or upper surfaces to simulate
higher reflection from these areas.
Wash – Usually formed from a diluted
paint mix that’s darker than the
interior colour, this is applied with a
broad brush – the fluid will gather via
capillary action around raised items,
accentuating a shadow effect at the
base, exaggerating their ‘height’. The
most basic form comprises just paint and
the corresponding thinners, although
there are now a multitude of brands
offering pre-mixed products for a whole
variety of tones. Note, while a filter is
similar to a wash, the former is intended
to create tonal variation on surfaces, not
to highlight detail. Other forms of wash
are commonly employed on the exterior
of vehicles/aircraft. These are: light source respectively. The
Pin wash – The name is derived from the latter is a common method used
use of a fine paint brush to exaggerate by modellers with airbrushes, but
small features, such as weld beads, can also be achieved with just a
rivets and bolt heads on the exterior of normal hand-held brush.
armoured vehicles
In the shade
Panel line wash – As the name suggests,
Modellers should note that
this is a wash applied to the engraved
washes are best applied to gloss
lines on an aircraft’s exterior. It's a very
surfaces as these help them to
common addition to models, even if this
‘flow’ and ‘pool’ around features;
effect is not actually visible on the full-
on matt finishes, a wash will tend
size machines.
to stain the surrounding area. This
leads neatly to a common ‘gotcha’,
 It’s up to the modeller whether to use
and that is using the same form
washes to highlight recessed detail or to
open the apertures fully – Airfix’s Spitfire of paint/thinners as the
frame has the former effect on the left, underlying colours, as these can
and latter on the right. be damaged by the subsequent
applications. Here, with enamels
used, the best results were
achieved using an acrylic varnish
(see Protective layers).
Although an oil wash was used in
this instance, the basic principles
are the same. The colour is mixed
to provide a contrast (but not
too strong) with the underlying
paint, then diluted with thinners.
It is then applied with a standard
brush and allowed to pool round
any raised features. Any excess
is removed with a cotton bud, dry
brush or kitchen towel. As with
dry-brushing, repeated treatments
are much better than a
single heavy wash –
this also allows
you to fine-tune
NEXT ISSUE
the results. Keeping it neat – In May’s
Once satisfied, AMW, we build on the Back to
everything should Basics panels in several recent
 Modern cockpits are a superb canvas for dry-brushing, with their myriad switches, circuit be set aside to issues to demonstrate how
breaker and head-down display buttons all easy to improve with just a little effort. dry thoroughly, to eliminate seams, surface
blemishes and gaps.
These effects can be used on
any cockpit, here the internal
components of Tamiya’s 1/48
P-38 Lightning have been
enhanced with the techniques
explained in this article.
after which any touch-up work
or replicating the appearance of
newly chipped or worn paint can
be undertaken, depending upon
personal choice.
A matt or satin varnish
(depending on the finish used on
the real aircraft) then seals all
the work to date. As a final touch
on Airfix’s Jet Provost cockpit,
the uppermost boxes/consoles
received additional dry-brushing,
just to pick out specific elements.
The cockpit was then ready for
decaling and insertion into the
fuselage – once completed (and
any other internal sub-assemblies
added), the halves can then be
closed and glued.
It’s not just painting
When kit manufacturers mould
components such as bulkheads
and structural frames, they often
represent lightening holes as
just circular depressions. This
provides two options for the
builder: either add a very dark
wash to each or else drill them. As
seen in the lead photo of Airfix’s
1/48 Spitfire Mk.Ia, the interior
frames are shown with both
methods utilised. A pin vice and
associated drills can be bought
from most hobby or craft
shops, and there is
usually at least one
trader selling these
at model shows,
making them a
cheap and useful
addition to
the toolbox.

38 Airfix Model World

 follow us

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087_AMW_APR20_ad.indd 1 14/02/2020 12:55:31

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING

AMERICA’S TIGER
Dave Oliver builds Tamiya’s 1/35 M26 Pershing to
represent machinery that provided the US military
with a much-needed tank to take on the cutting
edge of German armour

I
t took a long time for
US military top brass to
acknowledge what many Allied
tank crews knew already: the
M4 Sherman was significantly
outclassed by the new generation
of German armour, including the
Panther and Tiger I.
Experience gained during
the Battle of the Bulge in
December 1944 had made these
shortcomings glaringly obvious,
so a batch of 20 M26 Pershings
were hurriedly sent to the
European theatre to counter this
threat. The development of the
M26 was a long and convoluted
process, involving several
US Medium Tank M26 Pershing
MODEL SPEC
prototypes and a seemingly
intractable dispute about the
tank’s general specification and
role. The infantry argued that
the self-propelled gun or tank
destroyer should be prioritised,
while others argued the vehicle
was not required at all, citing

(T26E3) the effectiveness of Shermans

By: Tamiya in North Africa. Events on the
battlefield caused the high
Stock Code: 35254 command to refocus its efforts
Scale: 1/35 and the M26 was pressed into
limited service, acquitting itself
Price: £34.99
admirably during the closing
Available from: months of the war.
www.hobbyco.net
Going first
Tamiya’s 1/35 M26 Pershing kit
is supplied in a sturdy box with
a detailed illustration of the
purposeful vehicle on the front.
Assembling the Pershing’s intricate suspension system proved relatively straightforward
The level of moulded detail on the
due to the quality of the component parts and the clarity of the instructions.
dark green styrene is up to the

40 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING

 Much filling and sanding was required to accommodate the various  A dedicated PE bending tool was required to assemble the intricate stowage basket
PE additions, including the front and rear attachment points for the on the turret’s left-hand side – the added finesse of these aftermarket items were well
light guards and their replacements. worth the additional effort required to install them.

Japanese manufacturer’s usual

high standard, as is the clear and
precise instruction manual. One
welcome element to the kit is the
functioning suspension for the
road wheels, a feature that was
exploited when positioning the
vehicle on a diorama base.
Eduard’s 35503 photo-etched
(PE) metal set was purchased to
provide an extra level of detail
to items such as the light guards
and stowage box handles, while
RB Model’s 35B085 turned metal
barrel added another element of
finesse for the main gun. It was
decided the kit-supplied decals
would be used,
along with
 RB Model’s replacement gun barrel was a marvellous piece of engineering. All parts
fitted with no fettling, with just a hint of filler required for the remaining seams.

“TRACKS
FEATURE
A HIGH
DEGREE OF
MOULDED
DETAIL ”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 41
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING

arms very clearly, which necessitated significant filling

the rubber-band-style tracks,
as these were well moulded
and provided an accurate
representation of those on the
real vehicle.
Come out and fight
Assembly commenced with the
suspension – the road wheels at
the front (which also acts as an
idler on the Pershing) and rear
Aftermarket embellishments for
the styrene machine gun took
several nights of painstaking
construction, but the extra
level of detail they provided
merited the extra work.
were sprung
to provide
tension for
the tracks, helping to
keep the non-flexible rollers
positioned correctly. Tamiya
illustrated both the order of
construction and
positioning
of the
suspension
avoided any problems later in the
build. Additionally, the accuracy
of the styrene parts and the
addition of different locating
tabs for each piece made a
potentially complicated process
relatively straightforward.
The vehicle’s upper hull was to
receive many PE embellishments,
which required numerous
modifications to the moulded
detail. Substituting the kit’s
styrene mudguard brackets
and sanding, with Mr. Dissolved
Putty and Flory Models’ Skinny
sanding sticks used to fill locating
holes for the kit parts. Intricate
assemblies such as the light
guards were challenging to bend
to shape but, once positioned,
these were great improvements
over the styrene items; a pair
of Tamiya 74067 Bending Pliers
aided this aspect greatly. Other,
larger assemblies (such as the
basket on the left-hand side
of the turret) required a
dedicated Hold and
Fold PE bending tool
(www.thesmallshop.
com) to ensure
these complicated
items
conformed
to the hull or

 With all items glued to the hull and turret, the additional work could be appreciated.
Care was required during painting to avoid dislodging any of the smaller items.
 Reference photos of tanks in the field depicted distressed front mudguards. This was
achieved via a heated scalpel blade, with care taken not to remove any moulded detail.

42 Airfix Model World


 A coat of Tamiya’s 87026 Grey Primer unified the various components and allowed the
seams to be checked for blemishes. The turret and the hull were sprayed separately to
ensure the surfaces were covered thoroughly.
turret contours.
A turned metal barrel and
muzzle brake from RB Model was
a beautifully engineered sub-unit.
Each section of the gun fitted
together seamlessly and required
very little neatening once the
components were superglued –
this provided a further focal point
on the finished model.
The .50 calibre machine gun
positioned on the top of
the turret also benefited
from several PE
embellishments;
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING
ON TRACK
The kit’s vinyl tracks were deemed high-quality and were retained for this project.
With little assembly required, attention focused mainly on the painting and
weathering processes.
 The rubber-band style tracks feature a high degree of moulded detail with minimal
mould seams, negating the need for any alternative aftermarket items.
the ammunition box, bullet belt,
stock and iron sight were all
updated with thin brass items.
Although assembly of these parts
was complex in the extreme, they
nevertheless provided an extra
level of finesse.
The last battle
Having seen several reference
photos where the Pershings’  After a coat of Tamiya 87026 Grey Primer, several rust shades from LifeColor’s CS10
front mudguards were deformed Dust and Rust set were used to provide variations in the base tone.
to varying degrees, it was decided
to simulate this effect by heating
a craft knife and bending these
frontal areas and selected other
sections out of shape gently.
Several attempts had to
 MIG Productions’ Track P414 Track Brown and P025 Standard Rust (now
released as part of the Abteilung502 range with ABT prefixes) were
applied liberally to further enhance the rust effects. Bare metallic
highlights were then added with an AK Interactive 4177 Graphite
Detailing Pencil.
“THE VEHICLE’S UPPER
HULL WAS TO RECEIVE
MANY PE EMBELLISHMENTS”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 43
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING

“THE KIT FIGURES

HELP TO ILLUSTRATE
THE PERSHING’S
LARGE SIZE”

be made to produce a satisfactory
effect, with care taken to alter the
shape of the part without melting
the styrene. To complement this
war-weary appearance, the side
skirts were omitted from the final
model, as many crews appeared
to discard these in the field.
Painting and weathering took
relatively little time, due to the
overall olive green camouflage
the vehicle wore throughout
most of its time in service –
the almost superfluous paint
guide suggested using XF-58
Olive Green, which provided a
satisfactory match. The model
first received 87064 Grey Primer,
then a pre-shade or shadow coat
(utilising UA735 Deep Cockpit

 Pre-shading with UA735 Deep Cockpit FS 36076 was applied to the lower extremities of  Tamiya’s XF-58 Olive Green was misted over the model, with subsequent lighter and
the hull and turret, plus the stowage and engine decks to break up the monotone scheme. darker hues applied via airbrush to provide a degree of colour modulation.

COLOURING THE CREW

The kit figures help to illustrate the Pershing’s large size. They were moulded to
Tamiya’s typically high standard, while Eduard’s PE set included details for the
helmets and binocular straps.

 The crew were primed with Citadel
Chaos Black spray paint (now known
as Abaddon Black), then Space Wolves
Grey (now Fenrisian Grey) was applied
with an airbrush at a 45° angle to aid
subsequent painting.
 The uniforms received LifeColor
UA002 Green FS 34102 and UA015 Tan FS
30219 with darker and lighter highlights
to produce subtle differences in colour.  An application of ALC-310 Klear Kote was added
Finally, Vallejo’s 70.119 Face Painting Set before the decals. As this darkened the base
was employed for the flesh tones. coat significantly, the paint should probably
have been left to dry for longer.

44 Airfix Model World


FS 36076) was sprayed in areas
such as the turret undersides
and the lower hull extremities.
An overall layer of XF-58 Olive
Green was misted over the model,
ensuring the pre-shade was
still visible, then lightened and
darkened shades of the base coat
were applied to provide some
degree of colour modulation to
the overall finish. After being
left to dry for approximately two
hours, Alclad’s ALC-310 Klear
Kote was applied by airbrush.
Unfortunately, this darkened the
green base coat significantly, so
it may have been better to allow
the camouflage paint to cure
properly overnight. However,
after a day or two, the underlying
tone seemed to regain some of its
original hue. Decaling proceeded
with a minimum of fuss and the
markings featured cut sections,
which enabled them to conform
to the various fixtures and fittings
on the turret sides without the
need to trim each item.
American blitz
The Pershing was set aside
overnight to allow the decals to
dry, after which the model was
airbrushed with Alclad’s ALC-312
Klear Kote Semi-Matt varnish
to seal everything and provide
a suitable base for weathering.
 Several AMMO-MIG Oilbrusher washes were applied to the vehicle to provide a suitably
grubby appearance on the hull, turret and newly attached running gear.
A subtle ‘dust’ coat was applied with
XF-52 Flat Earth – this paint also
provided a ‘key’ to which the mud
and dust effects could adhere.
First, an overall wash, comprising
a blend of AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-
3512 Dark Brown and A.MIG-3515
Ochre Oilbrushers, was added,
before subsequent pin washes
with these tones highlighted
areas of interest, such as turret
hatches and the engine cover. The
next step was to apply a ‘dust’
coat using a heavily diluted
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING
MATERIALS
AT A GLANCE
Alclad (www.alclad2.com)
ALC-310 Klear Kote
AK Interactive
(www.ak-interactive.com)
4177 Graphite Detailing Pencil
AMMO-MIG (www.migjimenez.com)
A.MIG-3512 Dark Brown Oilbrusher
A.MIG-3515 Ochre Oilbrusher
Citadel (www.games-workshop.com)
Chaos/Abaddon Black
Space Wolves/Fenrisian Grey
Eduard (www.eduard.com)
35503 M26 Pershing
Flory Models (www.florymodels.org)
Skinny sanding sticks
LifeColor (www.airbrushes.com)
CS10 Dust and Rust
CS31 Debris and Rubble
SPG06 Lichens & Moss
UA002 Green FS 34102
UA015 Tan FS 30219
Abteilung502
(www.migproductions.com)
ABTP025 Standard Rust
ABTP028 Europe Dust
ABTP058 Dark Earth
ABTP414 Track Brown
Mr. Hobby (www.albionhobbies.com)
Mr. Dissolved Putty
RB Model (www.rbmodel.com)
35B085 90mm M3 L/53 M26 Pershing
& 90mm Anti-Tank Gun
Tamiya (www.hobbyco.net)
74067 Bending Pliers (for photo-etched
parts)
Vallejo (www.creativemodels.co.uk)
SC104 Country Railway Crossroads
diorama base
70.119 Face Painting Set
www.airfixmodelworld.com 45
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
M26 PERSHING

application of XF-52 Flat Earth to

provide a base for the finishing
mud effects. Last, various MIG
Productions’ Pigments, such as
PO28 Europe Dust and PO58
Dark Earth, were applied to
recesses and blended with the
same manufacturer’s thinners,
before heavier concentrations

were added with 73.087

European Thick Mud. Chips
and scrapes were created by
carefully hand-painting UA735
Deep Cockpit FS 36076 with a
fine brush, followed by an AK
Interactive Graphite pencil on
areas of high wear.
At the end of the weathering
process, selective pin washes
of A.MIG-3505 Olive Green
Oilbrusher were used to restore
the base colour on the tank’s Respite without overdoing the weathering helped to elevate the detail
horizontal surfaces, such as With both elements of the project process on what would have been level on Tamiya’s 1/35 M26
stowage boxes and fenders finished, the resulting model and a relatively new vehicle. The use Pershing, displaying the tank
where the crew would have diorama base depicts a Pershing of RB Model’s turned metal barrel affectionately dubbed
climbed aboard the vehicle. in a suitably battle-weary state, and Eduard’s PE set certainly ‘America’s Tiger’ accurately.

THE FIELDS
Finding a suitable display base for the Pershing was relatively straightforward, as
Vallejo’s ready-made SC104 Country Road Cross with Railway diorama provided a
perfect setting to illustrate the finished model’s features. The railway lines would
show off the Pershing’s workable running gear, while the ruined buildings would
provide an appropriate backdrop.

 The lightweight resin base received an overall coat of Citadel Chaos Black, sprayed to
form a key for the subsequent painting and weathering.
 An initial application of Modelmates’ 49051 Mud Brown translucent spray dye (available
from online model shops) appeared rather dull and uninteresting, so…

 Finally, bricks were painted with various colours from LifeColor’s LC-CS31 Debris and
Rubble set, while greenery was recreated via powder and fixers from its SPG06 Lichens
 …selective highlights with XF-52 Flat Earth created variation in the earth tones, & Moss package. Patches of 26.807 European Thick Mud provided a contrast with the
before various brown and green shades from AMMO-MIG’s Oilbrusher range were added. sections of dry earth.

46 Airfix Model World

 Aviation & Vehicle Model Kits

SEEING IS
BELIEVING

Take a look at our ABC Certificate. It shows our circulation has been
independently verified to industry agreed standards. So our advertisers know
they’re getting what they paid for.

ABC. See it. Believe it. Trust it.

www.abc.org.uk

2019_seeing is beliving house ad_airfix model world.indd 1 19/02/2019 15:45:06

   

 COMPETITION

WI N
SPEARHEAD BOOKS

A COPY OF THE SPEARHEAD

BOOK, WRITTEN BY ADAM MAKOS,
PLUS A SIGNED BOOKPLATE
Five lucky readers can each win a softback copy
of Adam Makos’s best-selling book Spearhead. It
describes the World War Two experiences of an
American Pershing tank gunner, Clarence Smoyer,
and the famous clash with a German Panther on
the streets of Cologne in March 1945, which was
caught on film by a US Army cameraman.

HOW TO ENTER
Visit www.airfixmodelworld.com Send the completed form below (Photocopies accepted) to:
and fill in the online competition OR AMW Spearhead Book Competition, Key Publishing Ltd,
entry form PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, UK

Note: Due to European GDPR legislation, the competition entry methods have changed slightly. Unfortunately e-mail entries are no longer accepted. Instead, readers need to go to the AMW
website at www.airfixmodelworld.com and click on the ‘Competitions’ tab at the top of the page. Closing date Friday, May 29, 2020. Winners notified no later than Friday, June 5, 2020. No
purchase necessary. There is no cash prize alternative and Key Publishing’s decision is final. Competitions are not open to employees of Key Publishing, their family members or anyone else
professionally connected to the company.

Competition entry form I am under 16 years old. Airfix Model World April 2020 issue

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Didn’t win or want to know more? Visit: www.atlantic-books.co.uk

049_AMW_APR20_ad.indd 1 14/02/2020 17:16:23
Clarence Smoyer’s Pershing advances into
Cologne’s main square in this evocative
artwork, Spearhead, by Gareth Hector,
courtesy of ValorStudios.com
 IN FOCUS
SPEARHEAD

PROWLING PERSHING

 The author and Clarence Smoyer posed with a copy of Spearhead in front of an M4 Sherman,  The Pershing’s five-man crew, from L-R: Smokey Davis, Sgt Bob Earley, Woody McVey,
which was driven through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Feb 19, 2019 for the book launch. Clarence Smoyer and John DeRiggi. (All period photos courtesy of National Archives)

M
odellers wanting to
replicate Clarence
Smoyer’s Pershing tank
(serial number 30119836)
either on its own or as part of a
diorama will find these images,
several of which are featured in
Adam Makos’s book Spearhead,
useful in any build projects.

52 Airfix Model World

 IN FOCUS
FEATURE NAME*****

 A camera still from footage of the clash between Clarence’s Pershing and a German
Panther, commanded by Lt Wilhelm Bartelborth, showing the moment of the US tank’s
first shot.
 After the intial impact, the German crew emerge from their damaged Panther with smoke
billowing from the turret hatches.
 Bob Earley can be seen indicating from the commander’s hatch as the Pershing moves
forward in company with US Infantry troops, passing a shot-up car (right).

 Three shots were fired in total, after which

the Panther was left to burn – the impact
points are clearly visible.

 This view from the rear highlights the

use of the exterior for stowage, with ration
boxes on the turret and front mudguards
and a jerrycan perched on the engine
decking – note the tarped machine gun.

 With Cologne Cathedral’s twin spires

in the background, Clarence’s Pershing
advances through the city’s battered
streets – note how narrow these are,
especially with rubble piled to the sides,
giving tanks limited room to manoeuvre.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 53
 ADVANCED BUILD
SPITFIRE Mk.I

Editor Stu Fone

rediscovers the
model desk with
an aftermarket
build of Airfix’s
re-released 1/48
Spitfire Mk.Ia

D e f e n d e r Britain’s

M
ention the Battle have scored more air-to-air aviation fans and modellers. finished model, they did extend
of Britain to many victories during the battle, When Airfix released its then the build time considerably, with
people and one but RJ Mitchell’s elegant design, newly tooled offering in 2014 (see the Cockpit set being the most
aircraft type will with its clean lines, elliptical wing AMW, March 2014) it received intricate item by far. Of note, both
invariably pop into their minds: shape and, of course, the purr of its considerable praise, and its return schemes in Airfix’s re-release
Supermarine’s legendary Spitfire. Rolls-Royce Merlin engine makes is timed to coincide with the 80th featured Type B camouflage,
Hawker’s Hurricane might the Spitfire a firm favourite among anniversary of the Battle of Britain. which was a mirror of the Type
This new boxing contains the A pattern – Pmask’s splendid
same styrene parts as the original PC48006 Spitfire Mk.I or V
iteration, with six styrene runners Camouflage Type B pre-cut masks
(including one for clear parts). (www.pmask.eu) were used to ease
The components were generally the painting process.
well moulded, although several
heavy seams needed tidying
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia
MODEL SPEC

before assembly could begin. As

the previous build was out of the By: Airfix
box, it was decided to enhance the Stock Code: A05126A
detail with a series of aftermarket Scale: 1/48
sets. Several Eduard resin and/
or photo-etched metal products Price: £22.99
(www.eduard.com) were to hand: Available from: www.airfix.com
Spitfire Mk.I Exterior (48846),
Wheels (648210) and Cockpit
 Rather than begin with the cockpit, work started on the wings as these would require the (648219) were employed, as were
most surgery – this allowed the kit option of open gun bays to be selected and accommodate the outer wing guns from its
the aftermarket elements. Inner ammunition bay doors were removed (right), while the top Spitfire Mk.Vb Gun Bays (648198).
of the undercarriage bays were reduced to allow for PE liners. While these added much to the

54 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
SPITFIRE Mk.I

 By comparison, changes to the fuselage were minimal: moulded detail was removed from
the rear cockpit section so the resin sidewalls would sit correctly, plus any ejector pin
marks were filled. It was intended to pose the cockpit access hatch open, so this part of the
port-side fuselage was cut as per Airfix’s instructions.

 Airfix made provision in the upper wing parts for the inner three gun bays to be
opened, but the outer panel was more challenging to remove as no recessed area was
supplied (bottom). Moulded undercarriage bay detail was trimmed (bottom) in readiness
for Eduard’s replacement PE panels (top).

 Panels were removed by first deepening the engraved lines with a sharp scalpel blade,  Panel sides were tidied by first cutting and then scraping them with a fresh scalpel blade
then a pin drill was used to open holes on the inside of the engraved lines - these were then – Airfix’s relatively soft styrene made this an easier task – after which any final burrs were
clipped with a set of side cutters until the central portion was removed. addressed with a small flat file.

“ pr e- cut
masks wer e
u s e d to ease
t h e paint ing
pro cess”
 Eduard’s resin mainwheels (right) were
a quantum leap over the kit items (left) in
terms of detail and refinement. Helpfully
these had the same keyed locating holes
as Airfix’s parts, making them
drop-in replacements .

www.airfixmodelworld.com 55
 ADVANCED BUILD
SPITFIRE Mk.I

 The outer .303in (7.7mm) machine gun barrels protruded slightly from the wing leading
edge on Spitfire Mk.Is. As these were omitted by Airfix, short sections of Albion Alloys’ Six of the Spitfire’s eight
0.3mm diameter metal tube (www.albionhobbies.com) made suitable substitutes. .303in Brownings are
supplied, so to provide
a full complement, two
were ‘borrowed’ from
Eduard’s Spitfire Mk.V
set, which also provided
four replacement outer
covers and gun bays. The
‘walls’ were folded from
a single piece, with a
detailed ‘floor’ attached
via cyanoacrylate
(CA) adhesive.

 Brass enhancements included grilles for the under-wing oil cooler and radiator, along  With all the extras shoehorned into the outer wing, no chances were taken when
with a replacement flap for the latter, which was far thinner (and thus more convincing) attaching the upper halves, with plenty of masking tape and pegs employed to ensure a
than the styrene item, although its location meant it was often caught during handling. strong join all the way round.

 Airfix’s guns were employed for the inner bays, but as these were handed, they must be  Once fitted, the guns were joined by their respective ammunition canisters – these were
labelled to prevent confusion - Blu Tack held them in place while they received a metallic also painted black with dry-brushed graphite. One advantage of the aftermarket units was
sheen using sanded pencil lead. they could be inserted after the wing halves were mated, so there was no tricky masking.

56 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
SPITFIRE Mk.I

WORKING WITH RESIN

Most of the aftermarket products contained resin parts. In general, these can be
treated the same as styrene parts, but the dust is a health hazard, so a few simple
steps were taken to prevent any issues. First, disposable gloves were worn when
handling resin parts, and a filter-style respirator was worn to prevent inhalation of
any resin dust. The work bench was also wiped down regularly with a damp cloth
to remove any possible contamination.

 Attention then shifted to the cockpit, with most of Eduard’s PE metal fret dedicated to
this area. Purpose-designed cutters made quick work of removing the components from the
surrounding tags, while also ensuring there were minimal burrs to clean up later.

 Once parts were removed from their casting blocks, they were sanded in a water-
filled ‘bath’ to minimise the chances of any dust. This was then poured away through a
kitchen towel and the wet residue wrapped in a plastic bag for disposal.

 Eduard’s resin cockpit featured much finer detail than the kit equivalent, notably on the
sidewalls, which had integrally cast cabling, equipment boxes and framework. Although this
sub-assembly appeared very flimsy during the initial stages, once the side panels were
attached it became a surprisingly robust structure.

 The pilot’s seat

comprised a mix of
resin and PE, with
small ‘pins’ attached to
the seat sides and fed through
holes in the armour plate.
Aligning these with the rear  Where possible, side cutters were used to separate resin components from their
two-piece frame (which couldn’t casting blocks, rather than a razor saw, as this minimised dust. Although shown out
be glued until everything was of water in this photo, most components were actually removed while immersed in
positioned correctly) required at the sanding tub.
least three hands!

“ i t was decided to
en h a n c e t h e d etail w it h a
s er i es o f a f t er ma rk et sets”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 57
 ADVANCED BUILD
SPITFIRE Mk.I

“A i r f i x ’s 1/4 8 S p i t f i r e Mk .I
i s a gr eat b u i l d st r a i gh t
f ro m t h e b ox ”

 The interior received Humbrol 78

Cockpit Green, as this was a close match
to BS 381C 283 Aircraft Grey Green. Once
details were painted, they were treated
with a Burnt Umber oil wash to highlight
the cast features, then dry-
brushed with light grey and
silver enamels.  Black pre-shading was applied to all
panel lines, after which the underside was
airbrushed with 90 Beige Green. Once dry,
this was masked and the upper surfaces
sprayed with Mr. Hobby C361 BS641 Dark
Green, with care taken to allow some of
the underlying tones to remain visible.

 Previous articles have alluded to problems fitting the styrene cockpit, so the resin item  Pmask’s pre-cut vinyl camouflage masks made setting the pattern quick and simple,
was checked constantly against the airframe; despite this, there were still several gaps. It with masking tape used to cover any minor gaps between the sections, after which diluted
was decided to first glue the fuselage halves together, then present the sub-assembly from C369 Dark Earth completed the Type-B scheme. All masking was then removed and remedial
the underside and clamp the sides with crocodile clips until the CA had dried. touch-up work undertaken on any areas where the colours had seeped under the masks.

58 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
SPITFIRE Mk.I

 Airfix’s decals settled well into the moulded detail, with just minor coaxing from  A further gloss varnish sealed the work to date, after which basic weathering was added.
Microscale’s Micro Set and Sol (www.microscale.com). Those located over openings, such as the Heavier treatments were added to the underside as reference photos indicated there was
wing roundels, were allowed to dry before unwanted material was removed with a sharp knife. considerable grime, while upper surfaces received just a panel line wash and exhaust stains.

 Gun bay hatches were  The last task before adding small
positioned with the inner faces aerials and pitots was to attach the
upwards as this was how they undercarriage – here Airfix’s half-butt
were depicted in reference join proved a minor hindrance (having
photos – it also avoided the been warned about this by several
need for a tricky alignment of modellers in advance), but the legs
roundel decals to match the appeared very fragile. A final coat of
rest of the wing. matt varnish completed the build.

Loads of fun
Airfix’s 1/48 Spitfire Mk.I is a
great build straight from the
box, and most of the extras
outlined in this build were added
to shown what can be done with
the kit. It benefits from excellent
engineering and fit, and with
the multitude of aftermarket
accessories already available,
offers scope for modellers at all
skill levels. Having only recently
returned to the building aspect
of the hobby after an almost
two-year hiatus, this was an
absolute blast, and while I may modelling mojo a huge boost…
have made several mistakes Now, where’s that Balkans
along the way, it’s given my Warrior APC conversion?

www.airfixmodelworld.com 59
 OUT AND ABOUT
BOLTON SHOW

After A Winter’s ‘Rest’

the-box kits, dioramas, figures,
conversions and even scratch-
built projects were all on view.
Indeed, a discarded leaf blower
 The IPMS Lancashire stand was dominated took centre stage (and Best
by Darren Elliot’s alien dropship. On its own in Show), being one of those
this would have been impressive enough, but “Have you seen that?” exhibits
being scratch-built with an old leaf-clearer at
that was combined with sheet
its core made it an obvious Best in Show.
Perspex, used air fresheners
and ‘greeblies’ from kits and the
spares box to create an alien
dropship described by builder
Darren Elliot as a ‘droppy tank’,
complete with working armature.
Bolton’s approach has been to
grow gradually and this has paid
dividends. This was its largest
event to date, yet suffered none
of the usual problems associated
with a show of this size. There
was plenty of space for all and
clever use of the mezzanine
meant even more stands could
be included. Overall attendance
was higher than last year, which
bodes well for the hobby in

W
hile modellers may start for the calendar year. were eagerly seeking whatever general, and plans are afoot to
refer to ‘seasons’ Having recently watched a was new, while food seemed to be expand the show further for
between the UK documentary on polar bears, I the immediate priority for older 2021. I, for one, can’t wait!
Nationals at Telford, was struck by the similarities as members, followed by a careful Stu Fone
Bolton’s 2020 event, held again club and special interest group browsing of the latest builds and
in the Premier Suite at the Bolton members emerged from their products. And what a collection VIEW MORE ONLINE
Stadium, was a definitive new winter ‘hibernation’. Youngsters there was to see: straight-from- www.airfixmodelworld.com

 Brian Kennedy’s beautifully finished 1/24 ICM Model T 1914 Fire

Truck with Crew stood out on the Washington Modeller’s display, with
 Ever since manufacturers started adding interior detail, modellers convincing wood tones and extra wire engine leads.
have faced a dilemma as to how to best display everything. Here, Rhyl’s  There might not have been a full moon, but that didn’t stop there
Adam Haven used a picture frame to exhibit his Rye Field Model 1/35 being a werewolf’s presence on the Coventry and Warwicks’ table,
Tiger I, complete with a spent shell case in the collection chute. courtesy of Ray Totten’s superbly painted bust.

 Academy’s 1/48 MiG-29 Fulcrum was completed by Russell Reason with Syhart decals to  Kitty Hawk’s 1/35 Little Bird was built by East Midlands Modellers Mick Randall as an MH-6C
produce this strikingly liveried Slovakian airframe, as painted for the 2002 display season. 160th SOAR ‘Night Stalkers’ airframe, armed with 7.62mm and GECAL 50 miniguns.

60 Airfix Model World

 SELL YOUR UNBUILT SECONDHAND
PLASTIC KITS FOR CASH
Trade in with Hatton’s for immediate payment on the day that we receive your goods!*

0151 305 1755

*Same day payments apply for collections received Monday to Friday before 2pm. Any collections received after 2pm will be paid on the next working day.
Please note: In the unlikely event that we revise our offer price for your collection, you will be paid after responding to our offer.
For full Terms and Conditions, visit hattons.co.uk/preownedterms

hattons-preowned-A4-v09.indd 1 01/06/2017 09:49

hattons-preowned-A4-v09.indd 1 01/06/2017 09:49
2019PreOwnedPlasticKits.indd 1 13/11/2019 15:13:01
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
CITROËN FOURGON TYPE H
Chris Clay adds an Irish touch to Heller’s recently tooled 1/24
kit of the classic French Fourgon van
irst released onto French
F roads in 1947, the Citroën
H van, also known as the
Type H, HY or Fourgon
– was available until 1981, by
which time more than 473,000
 Eliminating the various sink marks was time-consuming. Humbrol’s Grey Filler was
used as it’s easy to sand and cures quickly.
62 Airfix Model World
vehicles had been manufactured.
Produced in both France and
Belgium during that period, the
firm also made a limited number
of right-hand drive HY versions
at the Slough Trading Estate
assembly facility in England.
Unfortunately, the exact numbers
produced at this particular plant
are not known.
Once a very common sight on
European roads – especially in
French-speaking countries – they
were rare in the UK. However, in
recent years, they have become
a relatively common sight at
various events nationwide where
mobile catering is required,
dispensing freshly brewed coffee
and baguettes.
Examining the parts
Heller is a French kit
manufacturer of long standing
and has concentrated on
producing mainly trucks and
automotive subjects in recent
years, along with a generous
helping of rereleased aviation
and maritime items. Its 1/24
Citroën Fourgon was announced
in 2015 as a newly tooled
offering and has since been
reissued as a gift set, with a
brush, glue and paints. While
the baseline parts will produce
a more than acceptable result
straight from the box, the
provision of accessories from
aftermarket specialist Motobitz
(https://motobitz.uk/index.
html) for a Guinness-liveried
vehicle were hard to resist, and
these added considerably to the
finished model’s appearance.
The kit comprises 138
components, ten of which
are clear. Two versions of the
Fourgon can be built: either a
pre- or post-1969 configuration
(recognisable by changes in
the vehicle front and the rear
wheelarch). Remaining parts are
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
CITROËN FOURGON TYPE H

 Heller’s solution for the extensive cab glazing was to mould the front panels, doors and  The powertrain was relatively straightforward sub-assembly This was airbrushed initially,
roof in clear styrene, although this material was rather brittle. then certain sections were brush-painted to replicate a scruffy appearance.

 While the single-piece roof section was well moulded, it also suffered from sink marks,  Even small items such as the front bumper had moulding blemishes – care was needed
which had to be filled and sanded. when fixing these as the part was quite fragile.

supplied in metallic-grey-toned which required several sink rear door could be attached. could be left open but, after
styrene on four runners, plus five marks to be filled before they There was one slight dilemma at research, it transpired that this
solid vinyl tyres for the wheels could be assembled. This aspect this point: should the rear doors particular van probably never
(including the side-mounted was challenging due to the be left open, ajar or shut? An carried any. For many years, it
spare) with basic tread detail. corrugated surfaces on the idea did spring to mind, which has been parked outside an Irish
exterior but, once everything was to produce a few crates bar in Costa Caleta in the Canary
Bringing it all together was sanded, the sides and lower of Guinness so that the doors Islands as an advertisement,
Assembly of this kit should
not present a problem for the
beginner. In fact, with certain
reservations, this would be an
ideal introduction to automotive
modelling in general.
Stage one began with the
floorpan and the side panels,

Citroën Fourgon Type H

MODEL SPEC

By: Heller
Stock Code: 80768
Scale: 1/24
Price: £21.99
Available from: www.heller.fr/en

www.airfixmodelworld.com 63
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
CITROËN FOURGON TYPE H
 Motobitz’ resin tyres were sprayed initially with satin white, then masked for the later
Tamiya XF-85. Inner rims required minor touch ups where the black seeped under the tape.
although sadly its exterior has
been slowly deteriorating. With
that in mind, the doors were
glued shut.
Oh, what a lot of filling!
As mentioned previously, sink
marks were present on many
parts, so filling/sanding these
was a time-consuming process.
All items were first rubbed with a
REFERENCE
Citroën HY Online
(www.citroenhyonline.co.uk/
hy-history.php)
64 Airfix Model World
Scotch-Brite pad to highlight the
blemishes, after which Humbrol’s
Grey Filler (www.hunbrol.com)
was applied. Once satisfied with
the results, attention shifted to
securing the doors, although the
fit was less than perfect. Each
side of the lower rear doors was
packed with strips of thin plastic,
as they were too narrow for
the gap, and the left-hand side
 The completed front suspension was a faithful replica and received just a coat of semi-
matt black before it was added to the chassis.
required a hint of filler. Oddly, the
upper door was a better match.
Heller supply the entire front
section of the vehicle in clear
styrene, applicable to both
pre- and post-1969 designs. The
former was used here, with its
characteristic split windscreen
and extended chevrons. The
upper engine air vents were
carefully opened in the side and
radiator panels using a micro
drill, new scalpel blades and
careful filing, as the clear parts
were quite brittle.
The powerplant and suspension
was next. Assembly was
straightforward and minimal
extra detailing was added, as
little would be visible on the
finished model. The type’s front-
wheel drive configuration helped
considerably when it came to
final assembly, but care was
needed when handling/fitting the
driveshafts, as they were very
thin and fragile.
All suspension sub-units
were airbrushed in satin black
– Humbrol 85 Coal Black was
ideal (and suggested in the
instructions), but Tamiya’s
X-18 Semi-Gloss Black (www.
hobbyco.net) would also be
suitable. Next, the engine block
was brush-painted in matt dark
green, followed by the rocker
box, ancillaries and sump in
satin black. Humbrol’s 270001
Aluminium Metalcoat was then
applied to the transmission
housing and the surface
‘teased’ with a brush to create a
grimy surface.
Into the bodyshop
From research, it appeared
the interior and undersides
of most Type Hs were painted
in a metallic grey tone.
Consequently, before the roof
was attached, all windows
were masked using low-tack
tape and the model airbrushed
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
CITROËN FOURGON TYPE H

with decanted and diluted

Halford’s Plastic White Primer
(www.halfords.com). Then the
interior, underside and inner
wheelarches were sprayed
with similarly prepared Hycote
Ford Polaris Grey Metallic
(available from most DIY and car
accessory stores).
The model was allowed to air
dry for one week, which gave
ample time for the paint to cure.
Roof and door components
could then be added, after which
these were masked accordingly.
As no ‘official’ colour codes
were available for the Guinness
livery, the closest matches in
the Hycote range were selected,
with Mazda Chaste White
applied to the upper half and
BMW Jet Black on the lower
surfaces. These paints were
good value for money, despite
the rather limited range. Most
 Heller provide just two seats for the cab, and
these were weathered heavily to create a worn importantly, they were acrylic,
appearance. The only drawback was the ‘V-section’ which meant drying time was
supports, which were very fragile and broke easily. reasonably quick. However,

 Vents in the engine panels were opened, as on the real vehicle, after which a coat of
white primer was employed to check for any surface blemishes.
 The underside was minimally detailed and received the same metallic tone as the
AUTO EXTRAS vehicle’s interior. Note the semi-circular rear wheelarches, which are correct for a pre-
1969 vehicle.
While the kit decals and wheels were deemed acceptable, aftermarket products
from specialist Motobitz added refinement. The decals (MBD24001) were printed
beautifully, with gloss carrier film and perfect register, although they should be
applied ‘wet’ to allow for fine tuning of their location on the model.
The firm’s resin Citroën Fourgon Type H tyres come in a set of four (MBA24001) and
were cast crisply, with well-defined tread. These were direct replacements for the
kit’s vinyl items and, at just £8 per set, were well worth the outlay.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 65
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
CITROËN FOURGON TYPE H

warning, though: the markings further interest to the model,

must be applied ‘wet’, otherwise
they will not slide into position
easily, tending to stick to the
surface immediately otherwise.
Consequently our driver’s door
was less than perfect.
For the brightwork
around the radiator,
Bare-Metal Foil’s
self-adhesive
Chrome (www.
bare-metal.com)
was utilised, as
it was deemed
the best
method to
replicate
the chromed
surfaces, being
trimmed to fit via a sharp knife.
The driver’s door was fixed
in the open position to add
although it was a shame a
suitable driver figure couldn’t
be sourced for this project. With
painting and decaling completed,
a decision had to be made:
should the model be finished
in the vehicle’s current, slowly
deteriorating condition or in
its original form? After much
thought, it was decided to opt
for the latter, as this served to
highlight the qualities of the
kit and aftermarket products.
Additionally, I hadn’t the heart
to mar that smart paint scheme
with any rust or grime, so the
final task was to airbrush a
gloss coat of automotive 1K
lacquer, which produced a
suitable lustre and also provided
a protective layer for the
decals and brightwork.

to be on the safe side (and from Final decoration

experience), a week’s drying The decals and wheels/tyres
time is recommended between were supplied by Motorbitz and
each change of colour to avoid these were a vast improvement
damaging the underlying tones. on the original parts. A word of

VA N OPTIONS
Heller supplies six schemes in this Fourgon release. One depicts a pre-1969 machine
with rounded rear wheelarches, while the remainder are for post-1969 HY variants
(squared arches and small company logo on the radiator). Colour schemes vary, from
overall metallic grey or gloss yellow machines to attractive cream/wine red liveries;
 Heller’s completed powertrain, front suspension and cooling system was built ‘out of the
all shades are matched to Humbrol paint codes (www.humbrol.com). The choices are:
box’ as little would be visible on the completed model.
• 61160 TR 61, pre-1964
• 61160 TR 61, 1964-69
• 61700 LN 61, Biscuiterie de l’Abbaye, possible early 1970s
• 61700 LN 61, Biscuiterie de l’Abbaye, possible late 1970s
• 61160 TR 61, Heller, 1970s
• CA 539 YT, Restaurant Le Marché

 Motobitz’s tyres were added to the kit wheels, which were finished in the same tone as
the upper bodyshell and received subtle weathering to accentuate the moulded detail.

66 Airfix Model World

 The
Fokker Fours
Fokker F-32, F.XXXVI, F.XXII and other four-engined projects

The Fokker Fours In this new book we

The Fokker
Rob J. M. Mulder

follow the life of the

Rob J. M. Mulder
In September 1929, Anthony Fokker presented his first four-engined aircraft in the United States of America: the

Fours
Fokker F-32. It could carry up to 32 passengers and was at its time the largest and most luxurious aircraft in the
world. Then, unexpectedly, came the Black Thursday at the New York stock exchange and the world changed…

four-engined Fokker
Ten aircraft were either completed or in various stages of assembly, before the production was stopped.

The idea of a four-engined aircraft caught on with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Albert Plesman, its managing direc-
tor, committed to buy aircraft for the Amsterdam-Batavia (now Djakarta, Indonesia) service. The type was to be
called the Fokker F. XXXVI and was designed to accommodate 32 passengers and a crew of four. A scaled-down
version, designated F.XXII, was intended for European services carrying 22 passengers. Unfortunately for Fok-

F-32, F.XXXVI and

ker, the F.XXXVI and F.XXII were no immediate success due to the introduction of the far more modern and faster

Rob J.M. Mulder

Douglas DC-2. Besides KLM, the only other customer was the Swedish airline AB Aerotransport who purchased a
single aircraft.

KLM used their F.XXXVI and F.XXIIs on the European routes, while AB
Aerotransport only used its F.XXII on the Malmö-Copenhagen-
Amsterdam service. KLM and AB Aerotransport lost each an aircraft in

F.XXII aircraft, which

accidents, while the remaining were sold to the UK and operated by
Scottish Aviation and the RAF. In this book we follow the life of the F-32,
F.XXXVI and F.XXII aircraft and look at other Fokker four-engined
projects. This book is illustrated with many photographs, tables, and
colour profiles by Juanita Franzi.
The Fokker Fours

flew with Western Air

Express, KLM Royal
Dutch Airlines, AB
Aerotransport (Swe-
den), Scottish Aviation,
RAF and Scottish Air-
FOKKER F-32, F.XXXVI, F.XXII
AND FOUR-ENGINED PROJECTS
ISBN 978-82-93450-05-4 www.europeanairlines.no

lines. It also takes a look at other Fokker

four-engined projects. The book counts
384 pages, and is illustrated with 569
photographs, 30 pages in colour, including
10 colour profiles by Juanita Franzi.

Price: £ 35 + p.p.
Order your copy now at

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 BASIC BUILD
ROCKWELL B-1B LANCER
BAD TO The
B-ONE!
Academy’s all-new 1/144 B-1B Lancer
does not disappoint, as Massimo
Santarossa discovers
R
ockwell’s B-1 Lancer had its
origins back in the 1960s;
at that time the concept of
a high-altitude, high-speed
bomber was negated by the
introduction of surface-to-air
missiles, as demonstrated by the
shooting down of US pilot Francis
Gary Powers’ Lockheed U-2 spy
plane. What was desired was a
low-level penetrator aircraft
with the speed of the B-58
Hustler and the payload of the
B-52 Stratofortress.
The B-1 programme was
officially begun under the then
 Academy’s new-tool B-1B featured finely engraved panel lines and not even a hint of
flash. A choice of weapons was included for installation into the well-appointed bomb bays.
68 Airfix Model World
US President Richard Nixon,
and Rockwell International
was awarded a contract for
two testing and five prototype
airframes, later reduced to one
test bed and three aircraft. Costs
began to mount and, with the
introduction of the air-launched
cruise missile, the programme
came under threat and was
eventually cancelled by the Carter
administration in 1977. However, in
1981, Ronald Reagan resurrected
the B-1 project. The 40th
American president argued the
stealth bomber, then under study,
would be a long time in coming support for ground troops with
and the design of the Lancer both free-fall and precision-
would provide the US Air Force guided bombs.
with a flexible response option
encompassing both nuclear and Small-scale wonder
conventional weapons. Academy’s new-tool 1/144
The first B-1B finally entered B-1B Lancer came with all the
service in 1986 and was placed on features one would hope to see
nuclear alert status. With the fall from a 21st-century model; slide
of the Soviet Union and the rise moulding technology had resulted
of regional threats, the bomber
was given a refit in order to make
it a potent conventional bomber.
Since then, it has served in Iraq,
over Kosovo and in Afghanistan,
providing strategic and tactical
USAF B-1B 34th BS
MODEL SPEC
‘Thunderbirds’
By: Academy
Stock Code: 12620
Scale: 1/144
Price: £26.99
Available from:
www.pocketbond.co.uk

in finely engraved panel lines,
thin trailing edges and no flash.
Similarly, the hollow profile of
the one-piece tail section was a
marvel to behold on its own. Nine
runners were supplied in three
colours – perfect for a beginner
to build without painting – plus a
clear frame contained the cockpit
windows. Markings options were
supplied for three overall grey
airframes and, as they were
produced by Cartograf, the
quality was excellent.
The 11-stage build sequence
was outlined in two instruction
manuals, with the second one
including colour profiles for the
three different airframes;
86-0129 Black Widow,
34th BS; 86-0124
9th BS and
86-0123 9th
BS. Seven paint
manufacturers’
products were listed, ensuring
it was easy to choose one’s
favourite brand of paint. However,
careful study of the instructions
was still required, as there were
BASIC BUILD
ROCKWELL B-1B LANCER
a few errors – including the main
wing parts being reversed.
Mach 1.25 start
The kit wasn’t marketed as a snap-
together offering, but the fit was
so good it could have been, and
not a hint of putty was required.
The build began traditionally with
the cockpit and Weber ejection
seats, to which straps made from
masking tape were added and
then painted red and grey. Geared
hinges slotted into the lovely one-
piece wings and were then press-
fitted onto their pivot points (wing  The use of slide-moulding technology allowed Academy to provide some hitherto
B1 on the left and B2 on the right). impossibly exquisite parts – including the hollow one-piece tail section.
The two-part fuselage was closed,
then the exquisite slide-moulded
tail section was fitted – thus the
airframe was completed quickly.
A choice of wing ‘gloves’ was
provided for either swept or
unswept wings (one of several
build options included). The
former were installed to allow
for showing the model in either
configuration, although the result
was a larger than normal gap with
the wings in the forward position.
Such is the nature of comprise.
Painting began with the weapons
and landing gear bays, which were
to be open for this build.
These areas, along with their  The wing sweep could be depicted accurately via a geared hinge system. Note the labelling
associated doors and gear legs, to denote the correct wing placement, with B1 on the port side and B2 on the starboard.
were treated with Model Master
1768 Flat White FS37875 ((www.
testors.com), while the cables
testors.com
located in bomb bay doors
received Testors’ 1184TT Zinc
Chromate, not black as instructed.
Following a gloss coat of Alclad
ALC-600 Aqua Gloss Clear
Despite its small size and
basic detail, the cockpit was visible
through the clear flight deck windows.
The moulded relief was enhanced with
the use of decals and bright hues.
“The kit wasn’t marketed as
a snap-together offering, but the
fit was so good it could have been”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 69
 BASIC BUILD
ROCKWELL B-1B LANCER
(www.alclad2.com),), the fine detail
was highlighted with a pin wash of
Paynes Grey oils.
One shade of grey
Painting the B-1 could not have
been simpler as the aircraft
was a single colour – grey. After
covering the various underside
bays with their closed-door option
 Painting the B-1 could not have been easier due to the single base tone; the bomb
and undercarriage bays were covered with the optional closed doors, then the model
was sprayed 172305 Gunship Gray FS36118.
70 Airfix Model World
 Landing gear and
weapon bay detail was
rendered very well and was
accentuated with a pin wash
of Paynes Grey oil paint.
 The inclusion of pre-cut
canopy paint masks was a nice
touch from Academy. Note the
canards and blade antennas
have been installed; their
mountings were secure
enough for handling.
parts, the model was
sprayed 1723 Gunship Gray
FS36118. The wing root and tail
leading edges were painted 1721
Medium Gray FS35237 darkened
with the former shade, while
the nose cone was received a
coat of Tamiya’s XF-63 German
Grey (www.hobbyco.net) instead
of the recommended black.
“Geared hinges
slotted into the lovely
one-piece wings and were then
press-fitted onto their pivot points”
 BASIC BUILD
ROCKWELL B-1B LANCER

Everything was given a day to

cure fully, then the model was
buffed lightly with a cotton cloth
and treated to two clear gloss
coats.
If there was one area that
could be considered weak it was
the kit’s afterburner nozzles.
As supplied, they appeared to
represent the non-turkey feather
version of the exhaust, but the
detail was rather basic due to
the limitations imposed by the
minuteness of 1/144 scale. The
painting stage was
 Variation in the monotone scheme was added by painting various panels with darkened
hence used to give
1721 Medium Gray FS35237 and the nose XF-63 German Grey. The model was buffed with a
them the best cotton cloth to ease the rough texture of the matt finish before gloss coats were applied.
chance of making
an impression, Cartograf’s decals performed well, but the
beginning wing walkway markings were predominantly
with an clear carrier film. This required cutting
initial base along the panel lines to prevent silvering.
coat of 1747 Gloss
Black FS17038. Then ALC-
113 Jet Exhaust was applied,
followed by a light misting of
ALC-112 Steel and ALC-104 Pale
Burnt Metal.
Considering the small scale
of the model, there was a fair
number of markings to be
applied; Black Widow from 34th
Bomb Squadron ‘Thunderbirds’
was chosen as the subject to be
portrayed and decaling began in
earnest. The quality of Cartograf’s
markings made applying them a
breeze, although specific items
required extra attention. The
wing walkway stencils were
provided as a large decal for
each side – the centre of each
was a section of clear carrier film
that covered a significant portion
of the wing. A gloss-finished
surface and a healthy amount of
decal solution were necessary
to avoid any chance of silvering,
plus any air trapped underneath
 With the decals sealed under another layer of gloss, the model was coated liberally with
the marking was brushed
Flory Models’ Dark Dirt wash. This would constitute the vast majority of the weathering.
away from the surface. These
techniques were mostly effective, After a short drying
but the application wasn’t perfect time, excess wash
as the decals needed slicing along was cleaned with a
any panel lines – more solution damp cloth plus a
was applied to ensure the cotton swab used in
markings settled and any hard to reach areas.
The model was wiped
underlying air bubbles
in the direction of
were released. air flow, from the
nose to the tail.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 71
 BASIC BUILD
ROCKWELL B-1B LANCER
Easy on the grime
The B-1s currently in service are
maintained to a high standard and
photos of any severely weathered
aircraft were difficult to come
by. That said, it was deemed
the model could not remain in a
monotone grey finish, so after
another layer of gloss the model
was given an overall coat of Flory
Models’ Dark Dirt wash (www.
florymodels.org) to highlight the
panel lines. Once dry, the excess
was cleaned with a damp cloth
and the model then sealed with
2015 Flat Clear Lacquer.
The weapons load for this
model could literally be described
as conventional as no atomic
weapons were included. There
were enough ordnance choices
included that a
varying weapons
load could
be fitted,
Installation of the bomb bay
components was so positive that
no glue was required, just a simple
press-fit. The kit came with two
payload choices with a full set of
JDAMs being used here.
72 Airfix Model World
Tape disks were punched
to mask the wheels, then
these were painted XF-69
NATO Black. This is actually
a very dark grey shade and
hence a realistic in-scale
colour for rubber tyres.
including a selection of free-fall
unguided or Joint Direct Attack
Munition (JDAM) bombs with
their associated Sniper Advanced
Targeting Pod. An auxiliary fuel
tank completed the payload, and
this plus a full suite of JDAMs was
utilised for this build.
Final assembly was quick due to
the fit of several parts being so
secure that no glue was required
– just a firm press-fit sufficed.
The assembly sequence
outlined in the
instructions had
to be followed
in the
case of the bomb and gear bays
in order to ease construction,
though. Once the bombs were
secured, the bay doors did ‘clack’
into position, but the fit was so
tight that a few tense moments
were experienced – thoughts of
damaged plastic ran through
my head. In the end, the fitting
process worked out.
Trust your instincts
Normally, nose weight would
be called for when building
aircraft with tricycle landing
gear, so when none was
mentioned it made
for some serious
head-scratching.
Trusting
Academy’s
engineering, construction would have been chosen, but
continued only to find the with the fuselage closed this was
completed model tended to impossible. Luckily, the auxiliary
rock rearwards and did in fact fuel tank could be freed, so it was
sit on its tail when the wings filled with Deluxe Materials’ Liquid
were swept back. Clearly, some Gravity (www.deluxematerials.
ballast was necessary; ideally the co.uk), which was secured with
nose cone and/or cockpit area thin cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. Once
The weapon bay engineering was
unique in that the walls were
moulded with the doors. This made
painting and assembly easier as the
parts simply snapped into position.
  No mention of nose weight was made in the instructions and as a result
the model tipped back on its tail when the wings were swept rearwards.

 As access to the nose and forward fuselage was no longer an option, the
auxiliary fuel tank was removed and its hollow inner filled – the ballast was
secured with thin CA.

this section was finally secured in

the forward bomb bay, the model
sat correctly on all three wheels.

Home run
Academy’s 1/144 B-1B Lancer
was an incredibly easy model
to build, which made for some
 The afterburner exhausts as supplied were basic, unsurprising given the
very enjoyable hours spent at small scale. They were enlivened by various metallic shades applied over a
the workbench. If the model was base coat of gloss black.
completed with the bomb bay
doors closed, thus avoiding the
time taken to paint and detail
the openings, the kit could be
completed in under a week
and possibly even a weekend.
Although this simplicity would
certainly be ideal for a novice
modeller, the ease and speed
of construction should not
be mistaken as suited for just
beginners. It’s a well-engineered,
state-of-the-art model, and fans of
the type will thoroughly enjoy it –
Academy is to be commended for
producing such a high-quality kit  Wing gloves were provided to accommodate swept/unswept display
of the B-1 Lancer, which can’t options. The former were used as this enabled the parts to be posable –
be recommended enough. although this left a significant gap if swept forward.
 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
AVIATION ODDITIES
American Aircraft Development of
the Second World War
By: Bill Norton
ISBN: 978-1-78155-725-9 Price: £45
Format: 252 x 180mm
Web: www.fonthillmedia.com
The final volume in the author’s
five-book analysis of American
aircraft development during World
War Two examines the research
ANTI-TANK HERO
Tank Destroyer Achilles and M10
By: Dennis Oliver
ISBN: 978-1-526741-90-5
Price: £14.99 Format: A4
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
This Pen & Sword book is aimed
at modellers, covering the
British Army’s use of the M10
tank destroyer, subsequently
nicknamed ‘Achilles’. It contains
74 Airfix Model World
446 pages
and experimental variants of well-
known types, plus varied attempts
at modification as designers sought
to maximise performance. In doing
so, it provides a whole new prism
through which to view aviation
advances during just six years, with
the US National Advisory Committee
for Aeronautics (NACA – forerunner
of NASA) influencing most projects.
The rich narrative is augmented
by a splendid collection of period
photos covering most, if not all of
the projects – whether that was
investigating stall characteristics or
testing early jet engines, offering
modellers huge scope for unusual
builds. Subjects include use of
rockets to boost speed, issues
associated with approaching the
speed of sound, different styles of
undercarriage, carrier operations
(by aircraft not designed originally
for that purpose) and ‘special
missions’. This is a fascinating study
and, while aimed more at historians
and aviation enthusiasts, still has
much to offer modellers. SF
64 pages
a wealth of information, starting
with the background to anti-tank
regiments in the early stages of
World War Two, their armaments
and various stopgaps used to fight
the increasingly capable German
machinery. The American 3in
Gun Motor Carriage M10 – itself a
marriage of an anti-tank gun with
an M4 Sherman chassis – was
up-gunned with British 17-pounder
high-velocity weapons for this
purpose. Information on units,
organisational structures, tactical
and echelon markings are
supplied, with period photos
depicting the vehicles in action.
These are also referenced in the
colour profiles, with captions
highlighting camouflage and
vehicle-specific fittings –
intricacies of the turret and tracks
are demonstrated via close-up
images. Additionally, there are
sections devoted to modelling
British M10s, with 1/35 and 1/48
builds and brief reviews of other
offerings in a range of scales. JF
DAYLIGHT EVALUATION
94 pages
Schweinfurt-Regensburg 1943
By: Marshall L Michel III
ISBN: 978-1-4728-3867-4
Price: £14.99 Format: 249 x 185mm
Web: www.ospreypublishing.com
America’s entry into World
War Two was marked by initial
attempts to bomb Germany ‘round
the clock’, with British forces’
overnight attacks and USAAF
daylight raids. This analysis
of Eighth Air Force operations
during 1943 provides readers
with valuable insight into these
approaches, with a clear summary
of the differing doctrines that contains combat scene artwork
led to this split strategy and the – Focke-Wulf Fw 190A, P-47D
resulting equipment differences, Thunderbolt and Messerschmitt
plus detailed tactical evaluation. Bf 110G airframes all feature.
Sections examine the capabilities The book closes with a short
of American and German forces conclusion and summarises the
in terms of equipment, personnel aftermath of these operations in
and methodology – with a superb October 1943. Overall, the text is
selection of digital imagery and well written plus the organisation
period photos. Similarly, full-colour ensures this is an accessible and
diagrams enliven the analysis, enjoyable evaluation of American
while a trio of double spreads daylight raids. JF
‘LEGACY BUG’ PHOTO STUDY 100 pages
F/A-18 A/B/C/D Hornet
By: I Akiyama, K Kawano, K Kikuchi
JAN: 4-573322-750343
Price: US$21.80 Format: A4
Web: www.modelart.jp
Model Art’s second Aircraft
Photobook is dedicated to the
F/A-18A/B/C/D and D (R) Hornet,
which are also known as ‘Legacy
Hornets’. It’s a magnificent collection
of stunning high-quality photos,
featuring US Navy and Marine Corps
airframes, alongside examples from
Spain, Malaysia, Kuwait, Finland,
Canada, Australia and Switzerland.
Captions are predominantly Ddrawings are supported by 11 full-
Japanese, but there are English colour profiles, all depicting colourful
translations. Best of all, there’s a USN/USMC airframes. The final
mix of ‘line’, display, anniversary, 38 pages are set aside for a series
Carrier Air Group and squadron of walk-round shots that cover all
commander liveries, which broadens aspects of the Hornet airframes,
its appeal even more, adding colour including changes in equipment
to the otherwise drab two-tone grey fit, countermeasures dispensers,
aircraft. Helpful line diagrams enable antennas, camera housings – on the
modellers to identify the differences reconnaissance F/A-18D(R) – and gun
between A/C and B/D airframes, vents. The type’s varied weapons
respectively, although various load is also addressed, making this a
upgrades do blur this distinction. superb reference for modellers. SF

ARTISTIC MAGIC
The Art of Roy Cross
By: Roy Cross
ISBN: 978-1-78500-641-8 Price: £45
Format: 280 x 305mm
Web: www.crowood.com
Mention the name Roy Cross to
many modellers and there’s a misty-
eyed reminiscence of his classic
box-top artwork for Airfix. Indeed,
his work for Airfix is enjoying a
revival at the moment due to the
Vintage Classics series, which is
bringing his talents to a whole new
generation. However, this was just
one facet of his seven decades as
MARITIME CLEAR MOON
The Japanese Destroyer Suzutsuki
1945
By: Mariusz Motyka
ISBN: 978-83-66148-15-4
Price: £28.95 Format: A4
Web: www.casematepublishing.com
Suzutsuki (Clear Moon) was one of
just five Akizuki-class destroyers
(out of 13 vessels) to survive World
War Two and is now the subject
of Kagero’s Super Drawings in 3D
series. There’s the usual history
and background to the ship,
contrasting its predominantly anti-
128 pages
an illustrator and artist. This large-
format self-authored compilation
takes the reader on an amazing
journey, from line drawings in the
Air Reserve and Air Training Corps
Gazettes (and the latter’s successor,
Air Pictorial) to comics such as Eagle
and Swift, a decade with Airfix and
finally his career as a fine maritime
painter. The story is presented
in chronological order, although
employments and assignments
did overlap on occasion, and
the overriding impression is of
someone thoroughly enjoying
their work, whether that was
illustrating aircraft, tanks, cars,
trains or ships. There are excerpts
from his workbooks, highlighting
a meticulous approach to each
subject, notably for naval vessels,
with photocopied diagrams next
to his drawings to ensure accuracy
when depicting a specific element,
such as a mast or sail attachments.
Whether it’s Roy’s work for kit boxes
or his approach to painting, this is
a wonderful and highly informative
collection of his work that one no
enthusiast should be without. SF
74 pages
aircraft role with earlier classes
(designed for surface actions). Its
brief operational service is then
described, before attention shifts
to the author’s signature 3D digital
images of the Suzutsuki, which
provide a wealth of reference
material for modellers. All aspects
of this impressive vessel are
examined in depth, with superb
views of its weaponry, deck fittings
and rigging lines. Specific attention
is given to the 9-metre motorboats
and their davits on either side of
the main funnel. There are even
helpful captions explaining how
the railings were folded when
torpedoes were fired from the
single quad-launcher amidships,
plus views of access hatches
under anti-aircraft platforms – a
necessity as more weaponry was
needed to counter the threat from
US Navy fighters and bombers.
The fold-out 1/200 drawings
provide even more information,
from the Type 96 anti-aircraft gun
firing arcs to the depth charge
throwers and stern rails. Modellers
with 1/700 or 1/350 scale offerings
will find the plans and associated
detail in the book. SF
ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
DIVE-BOMBING BIOGRAPHY
374 pages
Wade McClusky and the Battle of
Midway
By: David Rigby
ISBN: 978-1-4738-3473-7 Price: £25
Format: 240 x160mm
Web: www.ospreypublishing.com
In contrast to most Battle of
Midway writings, David Rigby’s
book aims to draw further
attention to Wade McClusky,
the US Navy pilot who led the
dive-bomber attacks against the
Imperial Japanese Navy’s aircraft
carriers Akagi and Kaga. Overall it
achieves this objective, collecting
evidence to argue that McClusky’s
decision-making and leadership
were anything but ordinary and Furthermore, counterarguments
dispelling the notion that his lack are overlooked, severely
of dive-bombing experience meant undermining the debate. This
he ‘bungled’ the attacks, contrary means the text feels unbalanced
to the views of other historians. and subjective rather than
However, the author appears objective, so you are left to read
preoccupied with these points as between the lines and form your
they are repeated without any own judgement of McClusky.
sense of development, as if this As a result, the book’s appeal is
was enough to get them across. limited to readers with an interest
Indeed, the text inadequately and knowledge of the Battle of
explores the evidence and hence Midway and who may appreciate a
fails to provide a cogent case. different perspective. JF
COMPREHENSIVE COMPENDIUM 240 pages
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 – Radial-
Engine Versions
By: Richard A Franks
ISBN: 978-1-912932-08-5
Price: £20.95 Format: A4
Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
Alongside its revised guide to
long-nose versions (see Reviews,
Feb 2020), Valiant Wings has
released this updated and expanded
reference for radial-engined Focke-
Wulf Fw 190s, including a section
devoted to modelling the type.
It’s another excellent publication,
with well-written text organised
in a clear layout, starting with
development and prototypes
before examining the production which balances inaccuracies against
versions, with clear side profiles price point and ease of building. In
and period photos of each airframe addition, Airfix, Hasegawa, Revell,
variation. Similar imagery is used Eduard and Tamiya products are all
for the camouflage and markings subject to model builds. Those with
section, including historical colour a taste for detail are well served by
photos, although the author notes three-quarter images showing the
the difficulty in establishing exact exact differences between airframe
tones. Nonetheless, colour profiles type, close-up photos and diagrams
plus insignia and stencil placement depicting systems and features, plus
guides means this section is a two fold-out sheets containing 1/48
superb resource. Modellers will be scale plans. The depth and breadth
certain to make an informed kit of information makes this an
purchase thanks to detailed reviews, indispensable Fw 190 resource. JF
www.airfixmodelworld.com 75
 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS

SCHNELLBOMBER SIDE-VIEWS 43 pages

CAMERAMAN’S CHRONICLE
60 pages

Additionally, the type was operated War Photographer 1.0

Junkers Ju 88A
By: Maciej Noszczak
ISBN: 978-83-65958-03-7
Price: £19.00
Format: 330 x 217mm
Web: www.mmpbooks.biz
Junkers’ twin-engined Ju 88 is the
subject of this MMP publication.
All bar one of its pages contain
profiles depicting machines from
1940-44, with attention given to
-A and -D variants (the latter are
photo-reconnaissance airframes).
‘MANNED MISSILE’ STORY
as a schnellbomber (fast bomber),
as per its original design, and was
developed for ground-attack, anti-
shipping and torpedo-carrying roles
– these sub-types are illustrated
with a list of designations on the
introductory page. The high-quality
digital images show a range of
camouflage from different theatres
and operators (including Luftwaffe,
Finnish, Hungarian and Romanian
Air Force machines), plus rivets
and panel lines, shadows and token
weathering, particularly around
the exhausts. The book is limited
to just port/starboard views of the
various airframes, with additional
forward fuselage sections to show
unit markings or a reproduction
of the motif alongside the aircraft.
There can be occasional difficulties in
distinguishing between variants at a
glance, notably the cannon-equipped
ground-attack machines. As such,
the book is an ideal starter for
selecting possible Ju 88 schemes,
but further research would be
required to reproduce these in model
form as there are no views of the
upper or lower surfaces. JF
320 pages
in depth by the author, with
By: Tom Cockle
ISBN: 978-615-5583-19-3
Price: £13.99
Format: 297 x 210
Web: www.panzerwrecks.com
This landscape-format offering is
the first in a series showing rare
and previously unseen wartime
photographs. Unfortunately,
the cameraman is unknown
in this instance, but he was
assigned to Sturmgeschütz
(StuG)-Abteilung 189. It covers
his time in the Reich Labour
Service (Reichsarbeitsdienst -
RAD), Sturmartillerie training,
combat in Russia and officer
school. The slim volume is
packed with useful photos and
information for modellers,
such as an experimental
Beobachtungswagen
(reconnaissance vehicle), StuG
unit parades and convoys. The
photographer appears to have
been quite accomplished – all
shots exhibit good exposure
and depth of field, and quite an
eye for a scene, notably when
vehicles were damaged, broken
SEABORNE FOX HUNT
down or crashed. Self-propelled
guns feature heavily, as might
be expected, but there are also
such rare gems as armoured
ammunition carriers. Modellers
will appreciate the comprehensive
captions accompanying each
photo, highlighting vehicle
equipment and camouflage, while
diorama fans will find inspiration
in the ‘domestic’, post-combat
and maintenance scenes.
Arguably the most notable
elements are those illustrating
attempts to improve the armour
protection by adding lengths of
spare track links to the hull, but
the selection is broad enough
to effectively offer something
for most German World War Two
armour aficionados. SF
28 pages

numerous anecdotes from test, The British Hunt-Class Escort

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter –
A History
By: Martin W Bowman
ISBN: 978-1-47386-326-2 Price: £30
Format: 179 x 254mm
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
At a time when aircraft designers
sought the maximum possible
performance, Lockheed went
all-out to produce a supersonic
day fighter: the F-104 Starfighter.
Its troubled development and
operational history are explored
front-line and NASA pilots, all
of which adds a richness to the
narrative. Opening sections delve
into how the Starfighter came to
be, highlighting the issues faced by
pilots as they sought to determine
the type’s performance envelope
– several mix sheer terror with
considerable humour – and this
book also serves as a testament to
their bravery and skills. The F-104s
reputation is then examined, with
its high accident rate leading to
nicknames such as ‘Widowmaker’
in the Luftwaffe, before the various
operators are detailed, with a
close look at its service in the
Canadian and Pakistani armed
forces. The final chapter is devoted
to how NASA used the type, as its
performance and handling were
deemed ideal for pilots training to
fly rockets. The informative and
thoroughly well-written text is
backed throughout by an excellent
collection of period photos to
add yet more context, while
providing modellers with plenty of
inspiration for build projects. SF
Destroyer HMS Badsworth
By: Waldemar Góralski
ISBN: 978-83-66148-19-2
Price: £20.50
Format: A4
Web: www.casematepublishers.co.uk
Kagero’s 69th TopDrawings
publication will be extremely useful
for modellers with IBG’s 1/700 HMS
Badsworth kit, as it offers a large
selection of line drawings depicting
this Hunt II-class ship, plus its history
in English and Polish. Each drawing
focuses on a specific section, which
allows detailed three-quarter views
of its bow, midships and stern
from fore, aft, port and starboard throwers, but one of two additional
perspectives, with the upper sheets contains superb insets of the
superstructure treated the same way. munitions with smoke generators,
In-depth illustrations of equipment plus the main armament of Mk XVI
fittings include views of the capstan 4in (10.1cm) gun turrets, ‘pom-pom’
and anchor arrangements, compass/ and Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns.
pelorus fitting, Type 285 radar The reverse side of this pull-out
and 4.5m Rangefinder equipment, contains 1/200 scale plans of the
various entry hatches and auxiliary vessel, while the other B2-size sheet
craft, plus a selection of standard contains 1/144 scale equivalents, plus
crates/ammunition containers. gorgeous full-colour plans of HMS
The weapon imagery in the book is Badsworth in three-tone dazzle-
limited to just K-Gun depth charge type camouflage. JF

76 Airfix Model World

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 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
SILVER-DOPE SESQUIPLANE
Nieuport 17
By: Revell Item no: 03885
Price: £17.99 Web: www.revell.de/en
Revell has reboxed Eduard’s 1/48
Nieuport 17 and added new decals
depicting two Bailleul, France-
deployed airframes of 1 Squadron
Royal Flying Corps. The tooling
originated in 1998 and this appears
to have resulted in flash across the
pair of dark grey runners, although
the single transparent item – the
windscreen – is unaffected. Despite
its age, there are detailed external
FOUR-GUN DONKEY
I-16 Type 10 WWII Soviet Fighter
By: ICM
Item no: 32004 Price: £39.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
The Polikarpov I-16 was continually
developed during its service,
leading to a wide array of versions.
ICM has mirrored this with its
range of 1/32 kits, including this
Type 10 version. Transparencies
are supplied on one clear runner,
with the remaining components
spread across four grey styrene
frames. The updated wing with
short ailerons, front cowling
intake and smooth rear fuselage
78 Airfix Model World
1/48
parts including convincing fluted
control surfaces and a fine Lewis
gun, although the one-piece cylinder
block and interior mouldings are
not as refined as those of more
recent toolings. Modellers will have
to decide whether Revell’s superb
silver-doped fabric schemes are
worth the increase in price over
Eduard’s current ProfiPACK edition
(8071), as the latter offers great
value with photo-etched parts and a
canopy mask. The choice is:
• B’1690/4, 1 Sqn, August 1917
• A’313/5, 1 Sqn, April 1917
1/32
are reproduced neatly, plus
there’s a fine M-25 engine and
well-appointed interior. A basic
decal sheet contains national
insignia, unit markings and
cockpit instrumentation, with four
airframe choices:
• White 2, 1st Lt V G Rakhov, 70th
Fighter Regt, Battle of Khalkin
Gol, July 1939
• White 5, 70th Fighter Regt,
Battle of Khalkin Gol, July 1939
• Red 15, Sgt F G Kalugin, 122nd
Fighter Regt, summer 1941
• White 23, Capt L A Galchenko,
145th Fighter Regt, Murmansk
Region, Soviet Union, 1941
SOVIET EYE-IN-THE-SKY
Tu-143 Reys
By: Clear Prop Models
Item no: CP72004 Price: €12
Web: www.clearpropmodels.com
Modellers looking for a slightly
more unusual aviation subject
should consider this offering
from Clear Prop Models. It’s a
1/72 kit of the Tupolev Tu-143
Reys (Flight/Trip in Russian),
an unmanned reconnaissance
craft used by the Soviet Union
and its allies. The completed
model is small and while the
bulk of the components are
JOINT-VENTURE TONKAS
Tornado Gr.1/IDS
By: Platz
Item no: FC-12 Price: £17.64
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Here’s another collaboration from
Platz and F-Toys, in the form of a
1/144 Panavia Tornado twin-pack.
Each kit is supplied on five styrene
runners and the parts are excellent
– panel lines are particularly fine
and the jet nozzles feature internal
and external detail. There’s also
a basic interior supplied for each
model – these will be visible under
1/72
supplied on two styrene runners,
this comprehensive boxing
also includes transparencies,
a small photo-etched metal
fret and a turned metal pitot.
There are three display options:
undercarriage legs and feet can
be fitted, or else a three-piece
stand or basic transportation
trolley are supplied. As the
type was operated by a variety
of forces, a large decal sheet
supplies options for Ukrainian,
Russian, Czechoslovakian and
Romanian Air Force machines,
alongside full airframe stencils.
1/144
the large separate canopies – and
there are options for raised/lowered
undercarriage and a selection of
weapons. A comprehensive decal
sheet provides airframe stencils and
a choice of three airframes, with
one each from Britain, Germany and
Italy, the nations that collaborated to
develop the type:
• GR.1, ZA492/GS, 20 Sqn, RAF, First
Gulf War, 1991
• 43 + 44, Marinefliegergeschwader
1, German Navy, 1993
• MM7073/36-51, 36° Stormo, Italian
AF, 1990

BRISTOL’S SPEEDY TWIN
Bristol Blenheim
By: Airfix
Item no: A04016 Price: £19.99
Web: www.airfix.com
Modellers have another chance to
build Airfix’s splendid 1/72 Blenheim
Mk.I, as it’s been re-released with the
same markings as the original 2014
offering. With six styrene runners in
the box, there’s plenty of detail on
offer, from the faithfully rendered
undercarriage to the well-appointed
cockpit interior. Note, the fit of the
cockpit components is ‘snug’ and
tolerances are very fine, so test-
fitting is strongly recommended
GRECIAN GNOMES
PZL P.24G in Greek Service
By: IBG Models
Item no: 72524 Price: €11
Web: www.ibg.com.pl
Compared to IBG’s previous PZL
P.11 releases, this kit represents
the Gnome-Rhône-powered export
variant, the P.24G, which had
four machine guns in the wings
as per the PZL.11g. It shares eight
of the nine styrene runners with
IBG’s PZL.11g kit, but there’s a new
Runner Q for the fuselage, engine,
cowling and rudder, accurately
replicating the changes to the
airframe. There’s much to savour,
1/72
to ensure the fuselage halves
close properly. Panel lines are
reproduced as fine engraved lines,
and crystal-clear glazing means any
effort expended on the cockpit will
be well spent. Choices included a
raised or lowered mid-upper turret,
undercarriage, flaps, ailerons and
elevators, while the bomb bay and
engine cowl flaps can be posed open
or closed. The markings options are:
• L1134/FX-F, Sqn Ldr ASK Scarf VC,
62 Sqn, RAF Butterworth, Malaysia,
Dec 9, 1941
• Escadrila 4 Recunoastere,
Forţele Aeriene Române, Brasov,
Transylvania, Romania, 1939
1/72
from the delightful cockpit (with
photo-etched brass seatbelts)
and radial engine to the highly
refined external surfaces, which
even capture the fine corrugations
on the upper wing accurately,
along with the shell-case ejection
‘blisters’ on the underside.
Three Greek Air Force schemes
are included, one in an overall
aluminium finish and the other
two with different types of
disruptive camouflage:
• Black 116, Tatoi Airport,
Athens, 1938
• Black 102, 1941
• Black 109, Argos Airfield, 1941
LICENCED SCHOOL GLIDER
EoN Eton TX.1/SG-38 ‘Over
Western Europe’
By: Special Hobby
Item no: SH 48198 Price: €15
Web: www.special hobby.eu
Special Hobby has re-released its
SG 38 Schulgleiter (school glider)
as the type built by British firm
Elliots. There may be just a single
styrene runner and a supporting
photo-etched brass fret, but this
is a surprisingly busy kit, as the
latter supplies turnbuckles for a
full rigging fit. Thanks to the clever
design and clear instructions,
HIGH-FLYING EIGHT
Spitfire HF Mk.VIII
By: Eduard
Item no: 84132 Price: £14.24
Web: www.eduard.com
Having already been released as a
ProfiPACK, Eduard’s quarter-scale
Spitfire HF Mk.VIII makes a return
in Weekend guise, meaning there’s
just the styrene and decals from
the former iteration. However, this
proves just how good the ‘basic’
styrene is – five runners provide a
wealth of detail, and although this
is labelled as an HF sub-type (which
featured extended wing tips for high-
ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
1/48
this is the perfect introduction
to adding bracing wires, as there
are no complex arrangements –
making it would be an ideal first
step to mastering this skill. There’s
a generous helping of markings
options, with five schemes:
• WP270, Maidstone Grammar
School Combined Cadet Force,
September 1951
• WP265, Air Cadets, RAF West
Malling, 1950s
• PL21, Royal Belgian Air Cadets,
Beauvechain, 1959
• Yellow 80, Sweden, 1943-53
• No 95 Le Timide, France, 1945
1/48
altitude operations), both standard-
and clipped-wing versions can also
be built. Modellers can choose
between painting the instrument
panel or using a decal (separate
items are provided for each option)
and the cockpit is packed with
refinement, with an accurate ‘open’
floor and representation of engine
and flying controls. Markings for
two RAF schemes, plus full airframe
stencilling for a single aircraft, are
supplied:
• JF857/QJ-3, Lt JE Gasson, 92 Sqn,
Marcianise Airfield, Italy, early 1944
• JF364, 32 Sqn, Foggia, Italy, 1944
www.airfixmodelworld.com 79
 ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
FIERY REPTILE
Churchill Crocodile
By: Airfix Item no: A02321V
Price: £8.99 Web: www.airfix.com
Surprisingly, Airfix’s 1/76 Churchill
Crocodile is the sole small-scale
offering depicting this 1943 flame-
throwing variant of the Mk.VII tank.
It’s a Vintage Classics release and
combines the 1961-tooled base kit
with components first produced in
2005. Two runners supply parts for
the tank alongside vinyl tracks – the
parts feature impressively neat
detail, including fine suspension
TRACK AND TRUCK
Railway Gondola 16.5-18t
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35296 Price: £47.99
Web: www.miniart-models.com
Diorama modellers will appreciate
this MiniArt release as it combines
parts for a 1/35 European open-
topped railway wagon and length
of track with an assortment of
metal drums and five Wehrmacht
figures, posed as if loading the
railcar. It contains 42 runners
and a photo-etched brass fret.
The sole runner holding parts
for the figures is blighted by
flash, but the remaining frames
80 Airfix Model World
1/76
springs, crisp panel lines and
moulded tools on the upper hull,
but the turret and main gun are less
refined. Another pair of runners
carry parts for the armoured
fuel trailer – this is a restrained
representation to suit its combination
with the older tooling, but it does
include moulded tyre tread and
wheel hub detail plus engraved rivets.
The markings scheme is unchanged
from previous versions:
• T251625 Briton, 34th Armd
Bde, 107th Regt, British Army,
Normandy, France, July 1944
1/35
are excellent, including superbly
rendered wooden surfaces on the
track sleepers and wagon panels.
There are options for early/late
wheel and suspension assemblies,
although Soviet/Russian gauge
items aren't provided:
• Coal wagon, Polskie Koleje
Państwowe (Polish State
Railways), Poland, late 1930s
• Coal wagon, Stalin Railway,
Mariupol, Soviet Union, 1941
• Deutsche Reichsbahn (German
Imperial Railway Administration),
1943-44
• Deutsche Reichsbahn, Germany,
1945
DRIVING WIND
Flakpanzer III ‘Ostwind’
By: Revell
Item no: 03286 Price: £17.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
A pair of additional runners have
been combined with Revell’s 1/72
Panzer III to enable modellers to
produce a prototype Ostwind (East
Wind) self-propelled anti-aircraft
gun, fitted with a 3.7cm FlaK
43. This last item is particularly
refined, with convincing detail
on the firing mechanism and
engraved detail on the muzzle
brake, although the tip of the
KURSK ‘LETTERBOXES’
German Tank Panther Ausf.D
By: Tamiya Item no: 32597
Price: £34.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
Tamiya has recently tooled new
components to produce this 1/48
Panther Ausf.D, although the die-
cast lower hull originated with its
preceding Ausf.G and Jagdpanther
kits providing a substantial heft to
the finished model. Four all-new
styrene runners include the upper
hull (with letterbox-style machine
gun slot) and link-and-length tracks,
1/72
barrel is solid. The turret interior is
also well appointed, with separate
seating positions and a finely
rendered aiming mechanism, plus
spare ammunition. The vehicle
chassis features moulded surface
detail, including textured surfaces
and tools, while the running gear
utilises detailed drive and idler
wheels plus link-and-length tracks.
Decal/painting instructions are
provided for the two prototype
vehicles (as assembled at the
Sturmgeschütz-Schule Burg)
in either overall green or Sand/
Bronzegrün schemes.
1/48
with these parts featuring panel
lines, fine grilles and directional
patterns on the track parts. A
commander figure is supplied
without lower legs to pose in the
open turret, although the hatch
cover can be fitted as the model
features no interior. Two markings
schemes are supplied:
• Black 432, 4 Komp., Pz.Abt 51,
Pz.Regt 39, Kursk, Soviet Union,
July 1943
• Black 445, Pz.G.Regt
Großdeutschland, Kharkov, 1943

WIDE-TRACK ASSAULT GUN
StuG III Ausf.B
By: Dragon
Item no: 6919 Price: £69.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Here’s a return for Dragon’s 1/35
StuG III, with this ‘Smart Kit’ version
depicting the Ausf.B iteration, which
features the correct broad rubber
‘tyres’ on the road wheels for this
sub-type. The box contains 19 styrene
runners, plus a one-piece lower hull,
single-length DS Styrene tracks and
a photo-etched brass fret. As usual,
MOBILE MEDICINE
Model T Ambulance with US
Medical Personnel
By: ICM
Item no: 35662 Price: £21.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
ICM’s 1/35 Model T 1917 Ambulance
with US Medical Personnel is
another value-for-money offering,
as it’s less expensive than buying
kits 35661 and 35694 separately.
The vehicle is replicated superbly,
with the textured stepping plates,
convincing radiator sections and
delicate spoked wheels being
external highlights, while there’s
1/35
a significant number of components
are redundant, but the 7.5 cm StuK
37 L/24 gun is replicated fully, plus
spare ammunition and spent shell
storage, and radio equipment.
Dedicated drive wheel and upper
hull fittings are supplied for five
markings options, including one with
whitewash winter camouflage:
• White 212, StuG.Abt 226
• White B, 1.Batterie, StuG.Abt 197
• White 23, StuG.Abt 192
• 1.Batterie, StuG.Abt 191
• Unidentified unit
1/35
also a ten-piece powerplant and
refined suspension components.
While the interior is well appointed,
the rear panel will require
modification to fit the lowered
position. The figures are excellent,
and include two injured soldiers
with a medic and nurse, but
there are just American uniform
options - French personnel must
be obtained separately:
• USA, 1917
• 524 SSU American Expeditionary
Forces (AEF), France, 1918
• 625 SSU AEF, France, 1918
• 36 SS, French Army, France, 1918
POTENT COCKTAIL
M1897 75mm Field Gun
By: IBG Models Item no: 35058
Price: €16 Web: www.ibg.com.pl
This version of IBG’s 1/35 Matériel
de 75mm Mle 1897 Field Gun
represents one of the the 2,000
weapons supplied to the American
Expeditionary Forces during World
War One, where they received the
designation M1897. Five runners
are supplied, although one of
these (Runner D) is intended for
alternative iterations, so this
offering utilises just four frames
INFANTRY SUPPORT TANK
German Panzer III Ausf.N
By: Waltersons
Item no: 873008A Price: £6.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Forces of Valor kits are aimed
at wargamers, but are also ideal
for novice modellers due to
their large locating pins and pre-
coloured material. This 1/72 Panzer
III represents the final Ausf.N
development of the type, fitted
with a 7.5 cm Kampfwagenkanone
37 L/24 short-barrel gun. Separate
turret, upper- and lower-hull parts
ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
1/35
and a small photo-etched (PE)
brass fret. However, this doesn’t
limit the level of detail, as parts
are moulded neatly to include a
delicate firing mechanism and
handwheels, plus the gun barrel
is a two-part assembly to build
a realistic hollow cross-section.
Larger components are also
convincing, with the wheels
featuring engraved tread and
sidewall relief.
Just an overall Olive Green
painting scheme is suggested and
there are no decals provided.
1/72
are provided alongside three styrene
runners, plus a softer vinyl-type
frame with the tracks and a two-part
commander figure. The external
detail includes convincing panel
lines and moulded tools, plus there
are delicate drive sprocket and
idler wheel components, although
the road wheels are joined to ease
assembly. One painting scheme is
provided for a vehicle fitted with
Schürzen turret and hull plating (but
no Zimmerit anti-magnetic coating),
assigned to the shortlived Panzer-
Brigade ‘Norwegen’.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 81
 ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
PORSCHE’S TRUNK
German Tank Destroyer ‘Elefant’
Sd.Kfz.184
By: Zvezda Item no: 3659
Price: £29.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
While Zvezda’s initial Zvezda’s
1/35 Sd.Kfz.184 Jagdpanzer (tank
destroyer) featured the Ferdinand,
its second release depicts the later
‘Elefant’. This version incorporated
numerous changes, prompted by
operational experience at the Battle
of Kursk. Zvezda’s kit comprises
12 styrene frames containing a
changed Runner G for appropriate
hull fittings (including a hull-mounted
EXQUISITE DISH
FuSE-65 Würzburg-Riese
By: Hauler Item no: HLP72024
Price: €83.22 Web: www.hauler.cz
Hauler has re-boxed Extratech’s
superb resin/photo-etched (PE)
brass 1/72 German FuSE-65
Würzburg-Riese radar system.
This installation was developed
from the Type-D system –
subject of a 2017 Hauler 1/72
kit (HLP72020) – but used a
larger 24ft (7.4m) antenna dish
for greater accuracy/range,
82 Airfix Model World
1/35
machine gun and revised engine
grilles) and two examples of Runner
H for different link-and-length
tracks; the one-piece lower hull and
other components are unchanged.
Textured waterslide decals are
supplied to apply Zimmerit anti-
magnetic coating, but their surface
is extremely delicate and the pattern
is overly uniform, so modellers may
wish to discard these in favour of
putty. Two options are provided:
• White 102, 653 s.Pz.Jg.Abt, Italy,
July 1944
• White 124, 653 s.Pz.Jg.Abt, Rome,
Italy, summer 1944
1/72
necessitating a concrete base.
The emplacement, crew area and
turning apparatus are represented
by 24 cast components that
feature convincing embossed
rivets/bolt heads, while the dish
is constructed from delicate PE
components. there's a lack of
provision for the antenna’s mesh
inner face, but modellers should
be able to find suitable material
for this. Otherwise, it's a wonderful
depiction of a subject not usually
covered by kit manufacturers.
LIGHT AND AGILE
German Light Tank Pz.Kpfw.35(t)
By: Airfix Item no: A1362
Price: £16.99 Web: www.airfix.com
This Airfix re-boxing of Academy’s
1/35 Pz.Kpfw.35(t) includes
markings options for Wehrmacht-
and Slovak-operated versions of
the Czechoslovakian LT vz. 35
tank. It comprises eight styrene
runners plus separate turret
and upper hull components,
with tracks supplied as link-and-
length affairs. The type’s rivetted
armour is recreated faithfully via
SNAPPY JEEPS
Willys Jeep ¼-ton 4x4
By: Italeri Item no: 7506
Price: £14.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
Although designed for wargaming,
this twin pack of Italeri’s ‘fast
assembly’ 1/72 Willys Jeeps is
an ideal beginner’s project as
the vehicles can be constructed
without glue, plus the green
styrene means painting could also
be forgone if desired. Despite the
simple build sequence, the detail is
still excellent: the chassis features
moulded transmission, exhaust
and suspension systems, while the
1/35
embossed surface detail, plus
there are delicately moulded
hinges and handles on access
hatches. Separate tools and
jerrycans enhance the external
appearance, and while there’s an
option for an open turret hatch,
there’s no interior. Two figures are
provided, although the uniforms
represented are German. The
markings depict:
• White 533, Panzer Regt 11, 1
Liechte-Div, Poland, 1939
• Red 124, Slovak Prapor Vosby, 1st
Tank Bn, 1941
1/72
windscreen part includes raised
instrumentation. The one-piece
bodyshell is the highlight, as the
interior seating, gear levers, jerrycan
and distinctive front grille are all
moulded integrally. Three markings
schemes are provided, with enough
items to produce each twice. Note
several decals are omitted from the
black-and-white instruction sheets,
but are shown on the box artwork:
• US Army, Italy, 1944-45
• Força Expedicionária Brasileira,
Italy, 1944-45
• 6th Armd Div, South African Army,
Italy, 1944-45
   
 ON THE SHELF
AUTO KITS
EXPORT FAIRLADY
Datsun 240Z HLS30 (1972)
By: Hasegawa
Item no: 20405 Price: £44.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
This version of Hasegawa’s 1/24
Datsun 240Z represents a 1972
roadgoing coupé, following several
offerings depicting rally cars and
Nissan-badged Japan-only variants.
It comprises 11 styrene runners: five
black, four chrome-finished, one
white and one clear, plus a one-piece
bodyshell, with four vinyl tyres and
poly caps enabling the wheels to
roll. It’s a kerbside model, with the
HAULING LUPINE
Mercedes-Benz Actros MP4
GigaSpace
By: Italeri
Item no: 3935 Price: £64.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Italeri’s 1/24 Mercedes-Benz
Actros commercial vehicle
returns with a new decal sheet
enabling modellers to depict a
‘show truck’ in the distinctive
‘Wolf’ livery, differentiating it from
the initial 2016 release (3905)
and Revell re-boxing (07439).
The nine styrene runners are
otherwise unchanged, comprising
two each of black, white and
84 Airfix Model World
1/24
interior being the highlight. The door
inners feature moulded handles
and manual window crank handles,
plus there are accurate pedals and
centre console including separate
handbrake and gear levers. Parts
are included for left- and right-hand
drive configurations, though just the
former is shown in the instructions.
There are no country-specific
registration options on the decal
sheet, with Datsun-labelled plates
plus separate instrumentation for the
interior. Either decals or self-adhesive
metallic markings can be used to
represent external trim fittings.
1/24
grey/silver frames, plus single
examples of dark grey, clear and
chrome-finished items. Seven
vinyl tyres and a small section of
black netting are also included.
Moulded detail is excellent and
the superb powertrain can be
enhanced greatly by careful
painting and washes, while the
external bodywork is characterised
by impressive depth to the main
radiator grille and light fittings. The
interior can only be constructed
as left-hand drive, though, with a
choice of appropriate continental
(and British) registration plates on
the decal sheet.
TAXI DE LA MARNE
Type AG 1910 Paris Taxi
By: ICM
Item no: 24030 Price: £25.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Alongside the London taxi
iteration of its 1/24 Renault Type
AG (see Reviews, Mar 2020),
ICM has released a 1910 Parisian
version, popularised as the ‘Taxi
de la Marne’ following its morale-
boosting role transporting French
troops to the namesake battle in
1914. The seven runners and vinyl
tyres are shared between both
SNAP-FIT MACHINERY
Deutz D30
By: Revell Item no: 07821
Price: £24.99 Web: www.revell.de/en
There’s an increasing number of
new-tool kits that can be constructed
without glue, including this 1/24
Deutz D30 tractor from Revell. The
combination of Easy-Click assembly
and pre-coloured styrene mean
it’s an ideal choice for beginners.
Alongside the seven runners are
four vinyl tyres and two sets of
markings in the form of stickers
1/24
iterations, with differences limited
to the decal sheet, which contains
three registration plate choices
and French labelling denoting
the vehicle’s use as a taxi. The
external appearance is simple but
accurate, with highlights including
the delicate spoked wheels, three-
piece bulb horn and two-cylinder
engine, although the last of these
is hidden under the bonnet.
Painting instructions suggest
a smart red livery with yellow
chassis, wheels and framework,
with a black canvas ’roof‘.
1/24
and waterslide decals, enabling
modellers of any ability to decorate
the tractor effectively. Options
include omitting the fine handrails
(with stickers to hide the locating
holes), plus two wheelarch styles.
The wheels can also roll and the
bonnet is posable. Moulded detail
is restrained, but this nonetheless
builds into a fine representation
of this common German machine,
and more experienced modellers
can enhance the model with careful
painting/weathering.
 Build Better Models!

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 ON THE SHELF
FIGURES
MINIATURE MARINERS
WWII US Sailors No 2 (x60)
By: Black Cat Models
Item no: AC350047b Price: €14.95
Web: www.blackcatmodels.eu
This Black Cat Models release
contains 1/350 scale figures rather
than the firm’s usual naval armament
fittings, but it’s still within the
manufacturer’s realm of maritime
subjects as it depicts World War Two
US Navy crew. It’s one of four sets
containing such figures, this one
WEHRMACHT
1/76
VETERANS
WWII German Infantry
By: Airfix Item no: A00705V
Price: £4.99 Web: www.airfix.com
Airfix’s venerable small-scale
German Infantry set returns as
a Vintage Classic. It contains
the same 48 figures and 15
poses as preceding iterations,
including soldiers standing,
walking, and crouching, equipped
with rifles, hand grenades and
flame-throwers, plus accurate
depictions of the early-war
Wehrmacht uniform and
Stalhelm helmets. However,
flash present and the softer
styrene used will present a
challenge for removal without
eliminating the detail. No
painting guidance is provided,
so modellers will have to source
references. Each of the standing/
crouching figures is supplied on
a moulded base, making them
ideal for adding to dioramas or
for use when wargaming.
86 Airfix Model World
1/350
offering 12 poses, including sailors
walking, carrying large items on one
shoulder, operating machinery and
signalling. While these postures are
discernible even in this minute scale,
details such as uniforms and steel
helmets are harder to distinguish.
Their tiny nature means each is
particularly delicate and painting
the figures will require extreme
care, but once decorated these are a
wonderful addition to any 1/350 US
Navy model.
ARMOURED 1/35
GATHERING
WWI British Tank Crew
By: ICM
Item no: 35708
Price: £8.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Perfect for creating dioramas
with Tamiya or Emhar 1/35 World
War One tank models, ICM has
produced this pack of four British
tank crew members, posed as if
they are holding a briefing prior
to entering the combat zone. It
comprises a single styrene runner,
with each figure supplied with
separate arms and legs, head and
headwear plus embellishments
including armament, storage
pouches and an information
dossier. The poses are superb,
with an officer – differentiated by
a peaked cap and stick – plus two
soldiers stood looking down at
a crouched man using a smaller
stick to point at the ground. Seam
lines will require neatening but,
once this is done, details including
the facial expressions and clothing
are convincing.
MOTORISED HORSEMAN
Polish Soldier 10 Mounted Rifle
Reg (Mot)
By: ToRo Model
Item no: 35F126 Price: €12
Web: www.toro-model.com.pl
ToRo Model has captured a
fascinating aspect of Polish
military history in 1/35 scale with
this excellent resin figure, which
depicts a soldier attached to the
10th Mounted Rifle Regiment,
part of the 10th Cavalry
Brigade, a group reformed
experimentally as a motorised
unit in 1937. Six superbly
detailed cast components are
provided, alongside a decal
sheet containing epaulette rank
signifiers and a detailed history
of the unit. This last inclusion
explains the uniform of leather
FLYING
1/48
DOORMAN
Helicopter Crew Vietnam
By: PJ Production
Item no: 481130 Price: €15
Web: www.pj-production.be
Belgian manufacturer PJ
Production has released this
set of three 1/48 resin figures
representing the crew of an
American utility helicopter
during the Vietnam war. It
contains a pilot, co-pilot and door
gunner. Each figure comprises
a one-piece head and torso,
plus separate limbs. Clothing is
well rendered, with convincing
creases and detailed boots, while
the two pilots feature moulded
seat harnesses and sunglasses/
sun visors on their helmets and
the door gunner is armed with
an M60 machine gun. No specific
painting instructions are given
as just generic green uniforms
are shown on the box, but this
does allow the custom-painted
helmets used by many Vietnam
crews to be replicated.
1/35
greatcoat plus the choice of two
head components, wearing either
an ex-German M16 World War One
helmet or a black beret. The latter
inspired the Schwarze Brigade
(Black Brigade) nickname given
to the unit by opposing German
troops during World War Two.
LEATHER-CLAD 1/32
CREWMEN
USAAF Pilots (1941-1945)
By: ICM
Item no: 32104 Price: £11.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Here’s another ensemble of ICM
figures ideal for creating vignettes.
It contains three 1/32 World War Two
American bomber pilots walking to/
from their aircraft. Each figure wears
a leather flying jacket and canvas
harnesses while carrying their
parachute in a separate package,
plus each is moulded with different
headwear – one has a peaked cap,
while the others have baseball or
foldable forage equivalents. Clothing
has excellent detail, including
convincing creasing, zips and ribbed
cuffs on the jackets and seam lines
on the trousers, while the parachute
straps incorporate finely moulded
buckles. Similarly, the poses –
including one pilot carrying a flying
helmet – and facial expressions are
superb, ensuring the set will add
significant interest to any World War
Two aviation scene.
 The International Plastic Modellers Society was established in the United Kingdom over 55 years ago with
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Some of the benefits of IPMS (UK) Membership
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Ad 2019generic.indd
  1 Thursday21/11/2019 11:20
 
 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
LEGENDARY ISLAND TRAVELLER
Sikorsky S-43/JRS-1 Avalon Air
Transport
By: Arctic Decals
Item no: ARC72-095 Price: €10
Web: www.arcticdecals.com
Modellers can combine this Arctic
Decals set with Sword’s 1/72 Sikorsky
S-43/JRS-1 or subsequent re-boxings
by Special Hobby and Eduard to
produce a civilian Baby Clipper
operated by the short-lived Avalon
Air Transport airline in the late
1950s and early 1960s. The pack
supplies decals on two sheets plus a
colour swatch and a set of masks to
DISQUALIFIED RACER
Ford GT Ford Chip Ganassi Team
#68 Le Mans GTLM ‘19
By: Decalpool
Item no: DP204
Price: US$17
Web: www.decalpool.com
Revell’s 1/24 Ford GT Le Mans
2017 endurance racing car is
88 Airfix Model World
1/72
apply the Insignia Blue cheatlines –
particularly useful for the complex
‘cutaway’ sections on the rear
fuselage. The full-colour instructions
also show where a ⅛in (3.7mm)
opening must be made on each
side of the airframe to represent
an additional porthole, plus a
covered window on the starboard
side – period imagery is included
for reference. The decals supplied
display excellent colour register and
density, although they are printed on
an overall sheet of carrier film, which
means each section will have to be
cut out individually.
1/24
the intended recipient of these
Decalpool markings. They
provide an updated livery for
a machine driven in the 2019
Le Mans 24-hour race – before
being disqualified after the
event. While the scheme appears
similar to the kit-supplied
options, there are new markings
for the bonnet, roof and all-
black rear wing, plus the racing
number panels include the
dates of the 2019 race. The last
of these items include a small
section that is out of register,
but the bright colours of the
markings are well replicated,
and the opacity of large white
sections is notably strong. There
are also metallic-finish decals to
represent the grilles around the
front of the car, and the interior
is boosted by replacements for
the pedals and central console –
although the kit-supplied racing
harnesses are retained.
FACTORY-APPLIED DATA
Messerschmitt Bf 109F to G-6
Stencils
By: H-Models Decals
Item no: HMD48029
Price: £13.99
Web: www.ghstudio.net
This comprehensive pack
from H-Model Decals provides
modellers with stencil markings
to apply to 1/48 Messerschmitt
Bf 109F-2s, F-4s and all
G-variants from G-1 through
G-6, with placement information
demonstrating differences
between factories plus Finnish
and Romanian export aircraft.
It comprises a single sheet of
markings printed on gloss carrier
POLISH PROJECTILES
Rocket Artillery in the Polish Army
vol.1
By: ToRo Model
Item no: 72D49 Price: €4
Web: www.toro-model.com.pl
The first volume of ToRo Model’s
1/72 decals for Polish Army
rocket artillery machines contains
markings for 11 different vehicles
used by the force between 1970
and 2016. It’s a small sheet printed
on gloss carrier film and supplies
numerals, rhomboid national
insignia, registration plates and ‘kill’
markings – all items
demonstrate sharp
tonal boundaries and
appear in register.
While the instructions
and unit information
is supplied in Polish,
information in English
and full-colour
reference photos
are available from
the manufacturer’s
website – the
1/48
film, with the range of colours
reproduced with excellent density,
although several small triangular
items appear slightly out of
register. Nonetheless, each decal
demonstrates superb detail –
written elements are perfectly
legible, while lines are remarkably
fine. The range of applications
is the highlight, as the sheet is
divided into sections dedicated to
machines built at Messerschmitt’s
Bavarian plants at the towns
of Augsburg or Regensburg, or
those manufactured at the Erla
Machinewerk factory in Leipzig.
Furthermore, there are Romanian
and Finnish language stencils for
foreign-operated fighters.
1/72
selection includes:
• 2K11 Krug (SA-4 Ganef), 61st Air
Defense Missile Bde, Skwierzyna,
Poland, 2008
• BM-21 Grad, 2nd Legion Artillery
Regiment, Choszczno, Poland,
2002
• 2K12M Kub (SA-6 Gainful), 15th
Air Defense Missile Regt, Gołdap,
Poland, 2016
• 2K6 Luna (FROG-5), unidentified
unit, 1970
• 9K33M2 Osa (SA-8 Gecko), 8th
Air Defense Missile Regt, Koszalin,
Poland, 2011

HAWKING DISPLAY
F-16AM Falcon FA-101 Solo Display
2018 ‘Dark Falcon’ Belgian Air
Force
By: Syhart Decal
Item no: 48-110
Price: €15
Web: www.syhartdecal.fr
This Syhart Decal set allows
modellers to replicate the Belgian
Air Force’s F-16M Fighting Falcon
FA-101 in the striking ‘Dark Falcon’
livery, as it appeared during the 2018
air show season, complete with the
nickname Vader. It comprises four
decal sheets plus a set of pre-cut
OVERSEAS REGALIA
Gloster Gladiator Mk.I in Foreign
Services
By: ICM
Item no: D3204 Price: £7.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Following its superb new-tool
1/32 Gloster Gladiator, ICM has
released this set of markings
to allow modellers to portray
1/48
masks to aid painting the white
sections on the fuselage underside
before the markings are applied –
this will ensure correct alignment
with the decals. While the scheme
predominantly uses shades of black,
grey and white, these sections are
perfectly in register and display crisp
boundaries between tones. The dark
livery is enlivened by the application
of flag markings to the rear
stabilisers – options are provided
for the various European standards
painted on these elevators between
June and September 2018. The set is
also available in 1/72 scale (72-110).
1/32
fighters operated by Norwegian,
Belgian, Chinese or Greek Air
Forces with the Mk.I iteration
of the kit. It’s a simple sheet
containing just national insignia
and airframe serials for the four
options. Modellers may wish to
undercoat the roundels due to
their large size and translucent
sections, particularly the white
areas. Otherwise, the quality is
superb as the tonal boundaries
are well-defined, register appears
excellent, and the gloss carrier
film helps prevent silvering. The
four airframes are:
• Black 423, Jagevingen (fighter
flight), Norwegian Army Air
Service, April 1940
• G-38, 1 Escadrille, 1 Groupe,
Belgian Air Force, Schaffen,
Belgium, 1938
• White 2906, Kuomintang
(Chinese Nationalist) Air Force,
1937
• Black Δ187, 21 Mira, Royal
Hellenic (Greek) Air Force, 1940
SPEEDY ZIPPERS
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Collection Part Two
By: Xtradecal
Item no: X72315 Price: £7.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Xtradecal’s second collection of
1/72 F-104 Starfighters contains
markings for 13 machines
operated by various air forces
from the 1960s-80s, including
Turkey, Japan and Denmark,
plus an example flown by NASA.
As usual, the sheet is printed
beautifully on gloss carrier film
with sharp colour demarcations,
opacity and register. National
insignia, airframe-specific serials
and other numerals are replicated
neatly, although no stencils are
provided. Placement guidance
also provides information on
weapons pylon configurations and
other fittings. The choices include:
• CF-104, 104761/761, 4th Wing,
Canadian Armed Forces,
CFB Baden-Soellingen, West
Germany, 1983
DEVILISH CELEBRATION
VF-191 ‘Satan’s Kittens’ F-4J Bu No
153817/NL101, CVW-15 USS Coral
Sea (CVA-43), 1976
By: Milspec
Item no: 72-049
Price: US$13
Web: www.camdecals.com
In 1976, many American military
aircraft were painted in special
schemes to celebrate the
bicentennial of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence by the
United States. Milspec has replicated
such a livery applied to an F-4J
Phantom deployed on USS Coral
Sea. It’s intended for Hasegawa’s
ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
1/72
• F-104J, 56-8672/672, 201st
Hikotai, 2nd Kokudan, Japan
Air Self-Defense Force, Chitose,
Japan, 1970s
• F-104G, 12623/FG-623, Turkish
AF, 1965
• F-104G, Black 812, NASA,
Dryden Flight Research Facility,
California, USA, 1980s
1/72
1/72 kit and combines the decal
manufacturer’s stencil set (72-002),
which includes national insignia and
warning motifs, with a choice of
three colours for the walkways (72-
005) and a new sheet containing the
commemorative markings. These
include large red diamond logos for
the tail and a white fuselage band
with red edges containing blue stars
plus the bicentennial artwork –the
instructions demonstrate this is to
be applied after the walkways, as it
was painted over these areas on the
real aircraft. The aircraft depicted is:
• 153817/101/NL, VF-191 ‘Satan’s
Kittens’, USS Coral Sea, 1976
www.airfixmodelworld.com 89
 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
DESERT SHARK MOUTHS
WDAF Kittyhawks
By: DK Decals
Item no: 72079 Price: £17.50
Web: www.dkdecals.cz
DK Decals’ P-40 series continues
with this splendid offering that
covers 16 Kittyhawk Mk.I and MK.III
airframes, all clad in standard
Mid Stone/Dark Earth/Azure Blue
camouflage. There is a mix of
RAF and RAAF machines, and the
former includes examples of 112
Squadron aircraft, all adorned with
the unit’s trademark shark mouth
artwork. Three sheets are supplied:
one has airframe codes and serial
numbers, the second provides
national insignia, tail flashes and unit
markings, while the third has the
AFRICAN TAIL
British Airways 747-400
By: V1 Decals
Item no: V1D0467
Price: C$23
Web: www.v1decals.com
Modellers wanting a different
scheme for their Boeing 747-400s
should consider this beautiful V1
90 Airfix Model World
1/72
shark mouths and eyes artwork. The
options include:
• Mk.I, AK858, Flt Lt E Edwards, 94
Sqn, Feb 1942
• Mk.III, FR120, Flt Lt GWA Troke, 250
Sqn, Dec 1942
• Mk.IA, ET861, Plt Off R Cundy, 260
Sqn, Aug 1942
• Mk.I, AK581, 3 Sqn RAAF, 1942
• Mk.I, AK638, Sgt D Rove, 1 METS,
Feb 1943
• Mk.I, AK578, Fg Off Neville Duke, 112
Sqn, Feb 1942
1/144
Decals offering, which depicts
British Airways’ G-BNLO in the
striking tail livery created by
Ndebele artist Emmly Masanabo,
with its bold geometric shapes in
blue, yellow, red and green. This
artwork, which was also painted
on G-BIKC and G-MKSL between
1996 and 2001, is designed to
fit Revell’s 747-400 kit,
but may also be used with
offerings from Trumpeter and
Hasegawa with some work.
All markings are printed on
a single sheet of carrier film,
so each item must be cut
first before being dipped in
water. The model should be
painted in the airline’s usual
white/blue scheme, as V1
has supplied all necessary
stencils, windscreen and
passenger windows, hatches
and registrations, along with
the gloriously printed tail/
rear-fuselage artwork.
BRIGHT-TAILED HERC’
1/72
squadron had two insignia, with
the early pyramid and ‘Sans
Peur’ (without fear) version
and more recognisable crest
both featuring on the fuselage
sides. Guidance is provided
on the overall paint scheme,
allowing modellers to replicate
the multi-toned finish. As a
bonus, Xtradecal has included
markings for a 617 Squadron
F-35B Lightning II, XM151/151,
based at RAF Marham, although
the annotated paint scheme
is incorrect, as all F-35s are
FS 36170 Camouflage Gray.
Modellers will also need to check
references as not all RAF aircraft
RAF Lockheed C-130J Hercules have been observed with the
C.5 Special Schemes Pt.2 nose code numbers.
By: Xtradecal
Item no: X72317 Price: £10.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
The second set in Xtradecal’s
celebration of specially marked
C-130s features 47 Squadron’s
stunning 100th anniversary
paintwork, with its striking
red/yellow/blue tail and rear
fuselage, with the black/yellow
fuselage cheat line. All items
are supplied in decal form, with
the unit’s demoiselle crane
emblem and 1916-2016 text
separate to the full-span vertical
tail markings. Unusually, the
CANNON-TOTING GUSTAVS 1/48
Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10 WNF Swastikas are supplied as both split
‘The last in line’ Vol.1 items and on a corner section, to
By: Exito Decals allow for national sensitivities. This
Item no: ED480065 Price: €11.93 set is also available in 1/72 scale
Web: www.exito.site (ED72006). The three schemes are:
• Black 5 Haidi, Oblt Fritz Nächster,
Polish decal specialist Exito has 5./JG 52, Veszprém, Hungary, early
released the first collection in March 1945
a series dedicated to Wiener • Wk Nr 611023/White 45/Black
Neustädter Flugzeugwerke-built Bf 9645, kap Franc Rupnik, 83.LAP,
109G-10s, with three examples of Pula, Yugoslavia, late October 1950
the engine-mounted 30mm cannon- • Wk Nr 61???8/Yellow 6, 6./JG 52,
equipped U4 sub-variant. As usual, Ainring, Germany, May 1945
the placement/colour
guides are of such quality
that they can double as
posters, while the decals
are printed beautifully, with
sharp tonal boundaries and
perfect register, notably
on the Yugoslav national
insignia. There are no
stencils supplied, so these
must be sourced from a
kit or other aftermarket
products, but note the
 To advertise please contact:
ALISON CHATER
alison.chater@keypublishing.com
ASHLEY SMALLEY
ashley.smalley@keypublishing.com

OR CALL:
01780 755131

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 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
CHIN-UP 1/48
REPLACEMENT
Tempest Napier Sabre Engine
By: CMK Item no: 4393 Price: €21.30
Web: www.cmkkits.com
While Eduard produces an
aftermarket engine for its 1/48
Tempests, CMK has produced an
alternative, replicating just the upper
section of the Napier Sabre, which
allows the type’s characteristic ‘chin’
radiator to be retained in full. The 35
resin components are superb, with
the large engine block capturing the
appearance of the double-stacked
cylinder layout magnificently, while
minute handles and pipework further
enhance the appearance. New
cowling panels are similarly refined,
with a convincing framework plus
delicate external panel lines/rivets.
1/144
VERSATILE
GANGWAY
Airport Passenger Jetway Triple
Stage Container Type Tube
By: OK-JET
Item no: OK4001 Price: €37.95
Web: www.brazmodels.com
OK-JET has added a three-
section boarding bridge with
a corrugated container-style
construction to its range of
1/144 airport structures. It’s an
injection-moulded kit comprising
12 ‘wall’ parts, a pair of styrene
runners plus a sheet of pre-cut
acetate for transparencies.
Neat engineering means the
supporting wheels will roll and it
should be possible to change the
length of the overall structure
by sliding the sections, plus
the ends can rotate to suit the
surrounding scene.
92 Airfix Model World
MARINE
1/48
SCOOTER
OA-4M Skyhawk External
Update
By: Phase Hangar
Item no: 48056 Price: US$21
Web: www.phasehangarresin.com
This Phase Hangar conversion
set is intended for Hasegawa’s
1/48 TA-4J/F kits to transform
them into a US Marine Corps
Forward Air Control (Air) OA-4M
airframe. It provides a new nose
(with accurate countermeasures
fairings and Angle-Rate Bombing
Sensor dome), dorsal avionics
‘hump’, rear canopy section,
antenna fairings for the rear
fuselage and tailfin, plus new
engine intakes. The parts’ detail
is excellent, with neatly engraved
panel lines, rivets/fasteners
and access hatches. Full-colour
instructions demonstrate the
necessary preparation and
modification to the kit.
FELINE FOOTING 1/48
Landing Gear Set for the F-14A/B/D
By: Kazan Model Dynamics
Item no: KLG4802TAM
Price: US$34.99
Web: www.kazanmodeldynamics.com
Modellers with Tamiya 1/48 F-14
Tomcats will appreciate this
HybridCAST undercarriage set
from Kazan Model Dynamics, as
it combines resin with stainless
steel rod sections to provide a
reinforcement. These are cast within
each main leg and the raised cabling
and pipework is augmented with
separate oleos, scissor sections and
retraction struts, plus a nosewheel
approach indexer. There’s also a
choice of early/mid/late production
wheel hubs, while the tyres exhibit
convincing engraved tread.
ONE-SHOT TANK 1/35
DESROYERS
Panzerfaust 60
By: Eduard
Item no: 635016 Price: £7.60
Web: www.eduard.com
These 1/35 Panzerfäuste (literally
tank or armour fists) are perfect
for arming figures representing
Wehrmacht anti-tank units, as they
depict the most produced form of
the disposable launcher used by
German and Finnish forces from
1943 until the end of World War Two.
Two of the eight weapons feature
the type’s primitive sights, while the
remainder have this section folded
flat along the launch tube. The decal
sheet provides warning legends and
other markings applied to both the
projectile and the launcher, including
a choice of yellow/white labelling.
1/48
KATE
ADORNMENTS
B5N2 By: Eduard
Item no: FE1002 Price: £9.96
Web: www.eduard.com
Designed for Hasegawa’s 1/48
Nakajima B5N Kate, this photo-
etched (PE) metal fret contains
parts to enhance the cockpit,
front cowling, undercarriage
bays and tailwheel. It includes
pre-coloured instrument panels
and radio equipment, which
replace moulded relief on the kit
parts, plus a replacement handle
and folding mechanism for the
dorsal machine gun (stored
within the cockpit, underneath
the glazed section). External
enhancements include wiring for
the mainwheel underwing bays
and tailwheel, plus a plate to fit
over the arrestor hook.
STYRENE
1/35
‘SWEEPER
KMT-7 Early Type Mine-Roller
By: MiniArt
Item no: 37070 Price: £17.99
Web: www.miniart-models.com
MiniArt has followed its KMT-5
mine-clearing equipment with
the subsequent variant, the early
type KMT-7, a system fitted to a
range of Soviet/Russian, Warsaw
Pact and Middle Eastern tanks.
It comprises 19 runners plus a
short length of metal chain, with
options provided for mounting
points designed specifically for
MiniArt kits or alternatives for
manufacturers’ offerings. The
parts display excellent moulded
detail, including raised access
panels, convincing twined cabling
and minute but accurately
shaped bolt-heads, although no
painting guidance is given.
DOUBLE 1/48
TROUBLE
ARMAMENTS
UPK-23-250 Gun Pods
By: Eduard Item no: 648497
Price: £6.59 Web: www.eduard.com
Aircraft/helicopter-mounted gun
pods containing the Gryazev-
Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barrel
cannon are given the designation
UPK-23 and modellers can now add
these Soviet-designed fittings to
their 1/48 aircraft models, courtesy
of this Eduard Brassin set. Each pod
comprises just four components,
with a total of four casting blocks,
while the decal sheet provides
all necessary stencil information.
Components feature impressive
detail: panel lines and grilles are
delicate, while the gun barrels
include convincing muzzle brakes
and a hollow section at the tip.

VIPER ‘TUB’ 1/48
UPGRADE
F-16C Block 25
By: Eduard
Item no: FE1048 Price: £6.59
Web: www.eduard.com
Modellers wanting a quick
improvement for their Tamiya Block
25 F-16Cs will find Eduard’s ‘Zoom’
set a boon. The single pre-painted
photo-etched metal fret supplies
just the basic elements needed to
‘dress’ the interior, with side consoles
and instrument panel sections,
several of which must be laminated,
plus ejection seat firing handles
and harness releases, and even a
safety pin ‘remove before flight’ tag.
Moulded detail must be trimmed
from the kit’s parts before the metal
items can be added, but this is
annotated clearly in the instructions.
1/48
TOMCAT
‘PADS’
F-14A Wheels Late
By: Eduard
Item no: 648290
Price: £4.39
Web: www.eduard.com
Tomcat fans are definitely being
spoiled at the moment, and
Eduard has added to the mix
with a set of resin late-style
main- and nosewheels. There are
eight finely cast components;
the mainwheels are three-
piece items, while the others
come as single items. Detail is
excellent, with brand logos on
the sidewalls, convincing radial
tread and excellent renditions of
the inner brake faces.
A pre-cut painting mask
completes the package.
PRICKLY
1/350
PROJECTILES
Hedgehog
By: Black Cat Models
Item no: AC350043 Price: €6.95
Web: www.blackcatmodels.eu
Commonly fitted to British,
American and Canadian escort
destroyers and corvettes, the
Hedgehog anti-submarine spigot
mortar system is challenging to
replicate in styrene, which makes
Black Cat’s 3D-printed versions
most welcome. It comprises
four 24-round launchers as
single piece items and the detail
is exquisite, with each spigot
clearly defined – the rear blast
panel is integral to the main
frame, so it’s a simple drop-in
replacement or can be used to
modify late-war vessels. There
are sufficient units for at least
two models, making this great
value for money.
GETTING A 1/72
LEG UP
A-4 Skyhawk Ladder
By: Brengun
Item no: BRL72190 Price: €6.47
Web: www.brengun.cz
Here’s a simple improvement for
any 1/72 Skyhawk (regardless of
manufacturer), in the shape of a
photo-etched (PE) brass access
ladder. It’s a 13-piece ensemble, with
separate side supports and individual
steps – there are even tiny wheels
for the ends of the rungs. A 7mm
length of .5mm rod must be cut
from styrene (not supplied) for the
rail that is hooked over the edge
of the aircraft’s cockpit sill. This is
recommended for modellers with
some experience of using PE due to
the need to bed the rungs, steps and
upper platform.
OPEN THE 1/35
DOORS
Workshop Gate
By: Plus Model
Item no: 503 Price: €15.40
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
These laser-cut cardboard and paper
gates will be useful for diorama
builders, regardless of whether
they are added to scratch-built or
aftermarket buildings. The ‘rear’
item comprises just three parts,
while the outer door has an extra
paper and four photo-etched metal
components to represent the sealing
plate, handle and locks. Each gate
will require careful bending along the
pre-scribed lines to produce a bowed
effect on the panels, but the result
will be a realistic replica of a typical
workshop entrance.
1/32
KURFÜRST
DIALS
Me 109K
By: Yahu Models
Item no: YMA3235 Price: £8.30
Web: www.yahumodels.
siemianowice.com
Trumpeter’s large-scale Bf 109K-
4 is the subject of this drop-in
replacement instrument panel
from Yahu. The main item is
presented as a single pre-painted
and laminated sub-assembly
onto which the main flight
instrument bezel ‘shroud’ is
then added, along with ancillary
dials and two lever handles (the
actual levers will require scratch-
building from styrene rod). There
are seven parts in all, making
this a quick and easy upgrade.
ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
FOCKE-WULF
1/48
‘OFFICE’
Fw 190A-5 Cockpit
By: Eduard
Item no: 648390 Price: £19.43
Web: www.eduard.com
It’s the turn of Eduard’s own
Fw 190A-5 to receive attention,
with a stunning resin and photo-
etched (PE) metal cockpit.
Comprising more than 40 finely
produced parts, it will transform
the appearance of the Fw
190’s interior. The firm’s highly
regarded pre-printed instrument
panels are augmented by
individual control levers and
switches, while items such as
rudder pedals are a combination
of resin and PE. Casting blocks
feature minimal attachment
points, which allows for easier
removal for assembly/painting.
FIGHTER-RECCE 1/48
CONVERSION
Hawker Hunter FR.10
By: PJ Production
Item no: 481226 Price: €4
Web: www.pj-production.be
Intended for use with kits by
either Academy or Airfix, and
in conjunction with Xtradecal’s
markings, this quick conversion
alters the fighter-bomber F.6/9 into a
tactical reconnaissance FR.10, which
had a forward- and oblique-camera
installation in the nose. The camera
items are presented in resin, with a
clear forward ‘window’, while cannon
barrels with muzzle brakes (used to
reduce muzzle flash) are included as
per the real aircraft.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 93
 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
GIMME SHELTER 1/72
ZIL-131 Shelter
By: Hauler
Item no: HLH72090 Price: €10.87
Web: www.hauler.cz
These photo-etched brass
components from Hauler are
intended to enhance ICM’s 1/72 ZIL-
131 Command Vehicle kits, which
originated with Omega-K in the
1990s. Despite its small size, the fret
offers a comprehensive upgrade,
with parts for the interior, chassis,
cab and rear ‘hardtop’ cargo section.
While most are like-for-like swaps
with the styrene items, several items
require the removal of moulded
detail. This work is justified, though,
as the finesse of textured surfaces
and convincing in-scale depth are
a great improvement over the
styrene parts.
1/48
HEINKEL
HIGHLIGHTS
He 111H
By: Yahu
Item no: YMA4879 Price: £4.70
Web: www.yahumodels.
siemianowice.com
Yahu’s pre-coloured instrument
panels offer a great combination
of detail, fit and value for money,
and this set for ICM or Revell/
Monogram 1/48 Heinkel He 111Hs
is no different. It comprises a
pre-assembled section for the
‘greenhouse’ canopy suitable
for all offerings, but the dials
fit just ICM’s kits - they are
printed on transparent acetate
with surrounds supplied on a
pre-painted photo-etched brass
fret. Most replace the kit decals,
adding relief and depth to the
bomber’s interior.
94 Airfix Model World
DOWN TO
EARTH HUES
Oilbrusher Ground Colors Set
By: AMMO-MIG
Item no: A.MIG-7503 Price: €8.70
Web: www.migjimenez.com
The combination of oil paints
with a dedicated internal
applicator was seen by
modellers as revolutionary
when AMMO-MIG introduced
its Oilbrusher range, and this
triple-pack of ground tones
follows this formula. One 10ml
container each of A.MIG-3508
Dark Mud, A.MIG-3514 Earth and
A.MIG-3516 Dust are included,
providing a complementary
range of natural light to dark
tones respectively. Once
applied, the
shades can be
manipulated
with thinners
until the
desired effect
is achieved
and, as such,
they’re ideal
for adding dirt
and grime
to models.
HEAT-SAFE 1/48
EXPLOSIVES
Paveway I Mk.83 Hi-Speed LGB
Thermally Protected
By: Eduard
Item no: 648475 Price: £7.60
Web: www.eduard.com
This set of 1/48 early-model Paveway
Laser-Guided Bombs (LGB) from
Eduard depicts Mk.83 munitions
with an ablative coating designed to
protect them if exposed to fire. This
feature is replicated convincingly by
the textured surface, plus there are
one-piece tail sections with neatly
engraved rivet detail and separate
fins for the frontal area. The set
includes a choice of nosetips for the
bombs, stencilling and warning bands
– while later munitions featured a
pair of these yellow markings to
denote thermal protection, just one
is provided for each bomb.
SCHEME SETTER
Masking Tape
By: AMMO-MIG
Item no: A.MIG8038-A.MIG8041
Price: €1.95-€3.95
Web: www.migjimenez.com
Weathering specialist AMMO-
MIG has released its own range
of masking tape in a selection of
thicknesses, perfect for setting
painting schemes in any scale. Each
roll contains 82ft (25m) of tape, with
the thinnest being A.MIG-8038 at
just 2mm, followed by A.MIG-8039
6mm and A.MIG-8040 10mm, with
the thickest being A.MIG-8041 at
20mm. Each variety is strong, yet
is easy to position and manipulate,
while the low-tack adhesion means
the underlying surfaces remain
unblemished once the covering
is removed.
1/72
AIRBORNE
STORES
Skyraider AEW.1 150-Gallon
Tanks
By: Freightdog Models
Item no: FDR72132
Price: £4.50
Web: www.freightdogmodels.co.uk
Freightdog Models has been
quick to spot an element missing
from Sword’s recent 1/72
Douglas Skyraider and produced
this set of 150-gallon fuel
tanks to remedy this omission.
Minor seam lines will require
neatening, particularly on the
upper surface of each fitting
but, once this work has been
undertaken, these are ready to
attach to the kit. Detail appears
restrained, being limited to
just the weld lines around the
tanks plus raised blisters on the
underside and rear, but this is
accurate for the fittings.
SUPERSONIC
1/72
ROCKET SHIP
UB-16 Rocket Launchers w/
Pylons for MiG-21
By: Eduard
Item no: 672190 Price: £7.60
Web: www.eduard.com
Eduard’s 1/72 MiG-21 is the
recipient of these UB-16-
57 rocket launchers - the
pack contains four pods and
associated pylons, constructed
from a combination of resin and
photo-etched metal components.
As usual, the detail is top-notch,
with delicate engraved rivets
and surface features, plus the tip
of each S-5 rocket is visible in its
aperture. The hollow rear section
of each fitting is enhanced with
a small PE panel, plus a fully
legible Cyrillic stencil date is
provided on the decal sheet.
FIGHTER- 1/72
BOMBER FITTINGS
Super Mystère B.2
By: Eduard
Item no: SS683 Price: £7.60
Web: www.eduard.com
Special Hobby and Azur-FRROM’s
collaborative Dassault Super
Mystère is arguably the best kit
depicting the type in 1/72 scale. For
modellers wanting even more detail,
Eduard has released this ‘Zoom’
set containing photo-etched metal
improvements. The kit’s instrument
panels will need sanding to receive
the new parts, plus the ejection
seat requires modification for new
handles and harnesses, but these
are all pre-coloured and require just
minimal assembly prior to fitting.
External upgrades include several
minute details for the lower fuselage,
plus a neat canopy seal.
Hornby_FP.indd 1 21/02/2020 10:25:40
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2-4 Pelham Street, Ilkeston DE7 8AR
Telephone: 07786 896807
Email: malcolmgrubey@btinternet.com
Website: www.malcsmodels.co.uk
EAST SUSSEX
• EASTBOURNE MODEL CENTRE
t/a Train Times Model Shop
37 Seaside, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN22 7NB
Telephone: 01323 722026
Email: traintimestoo@gmail.com
Website: www.traintimesmodelshop.co.uk
ESSEX
• ACTIVE SCALE MODELS
Unit 22 Foundry Business Park,
Hockley, Essex SS5 4HS
Telephone: 01702 202155
Email: activescalemodels@me.com
Website: www.activescalemodels.co.uk
To advertise your details here please contact
ALISON CHATER Email: alison.chater@keypublishing.com
ASHLEY SMALLEY Email: ashley.smalley@keypublishing.com
OR CALL: 01780 755131
AMW_CLASSI_APRIL_20.indd 97
To see the full list of all Airfix stockists visit
www.airfix.com/stockists
KENT STAFFORDSHIRE
• THE HOBBY SHOP • RUBICON MODELS UK LTD
85 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NU Allanson House, Walley Street, Biddulph,
Telephone: 01795 531666 Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6EA
Email: info@hobb-e-mail.com Email: stevep@rubiconmodels.com
Website: www.hobb-e-mail.com Website: www.rubiconmodels.co.uk
• KIT KRAZY
303 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8DT WEST MIDLANDS
Telephone: 02082 987177 • MIKE'S MODELS
Email: margaretclarke46@gmail.com
3-5 Brockwell Road, Kingstanding
Website: www.kitkrazy.com Birmingham B44 9PF
Deleted kits bought and sold with good discounts.
Telephone: 01213 604521
We visit most major shows in the UK.
Email: info@mikes-models.co.uk
Website: www.mikes-models.co.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE
• B&H MODELS WEST YORKSHIRE
7 The Strait, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN2 1JD • FRIZINGHALL MODELS & RAILWAYS
Telephone: 01522 538717 Unit 8A, Sapper Jordan Rossi Park,
Email: shop@bandhmodels.com Otley Road, Baildon,
Website: www.bandhmodels.com
West Yorkshire BD17 7AX
Telephone: 01274 747447
• MASONS MODELS
Email: shop@fmrdirect.co.uk
20 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DQ
Website: www.modelrailshop.co.uk
Telephone: 01775 722456
Email: enquiries@masonsmodels.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonsmodels
• HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD
25 Horton Street, Halifax HX1 1QE
Telephone: 01422 349157
MIDDLESEX
Email: halifaxmodellersworld@gmail.com
• AJ AVIATION Website: www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk
4 Horton Parade, Horton Rd, W.Drayton, M/sex UB7 8EP
Telephone: 01895 442123 WILTSHIRE
Email: ajaviation@outlook.com
• SALISBURY MODEL CENTRE
Website: www.ajaviation.co.uk
37 Fisherton Street, Salisbury,
Wiltshire SP2 7SU
NORTH YORKSHIRE Telephone: 01722 334757
• MONK BAR MODEL SHOP Website: www.salisburymodelcentre.co.uk
2 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ Open 6 days a week including Sundays.
Telephone: 01904 659423
Email: info@monkbarmodelshop.co.uk
Website: www.monkbarmodelshop.co.uk
YORKSHIRE
• GOING LOCO MODEL RAILWAY SHOP
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 38 Potovens Lane, Lofthouse,
• ACCESS MODELS Wakefield WF3 3JF
43-45 Castle Gate Newark, Notts NG24 1BE Telephone: 01924 824748
Telephone: 01636 673116 Email: goinglocomodels@hotmail.com
Email: info@accessmodels.co.uk Website: www.goinglocomodels.com
Website: www.accessmodels.co.uk
USA
• NEWARK AIR MUSEUM SHOP
Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY • SPRUE BROTHERS MODELS LLC
Telephone: 01636 707170 620 Haines, Liberty MO 64068 USA
Email: namtrading@newarkairmuseum.org Telephone: 816-759-8484
Website: www.newarkairmuseum.org Email: help@spruebrothers.com
No museum admission fee if you’re just shopping – free car parking. Website: www.spruebrothers.com
19/02/2020 10:16:08
 ARCHIVE TREASURES
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE
T
he Supermarine Spitfire’s
place in British hearts and
minds was cemented by its
role during the Battle of
Britain, operating with distinction
alongside Hawker’s Hurricane.
In this undated photograph, an
98 Airfix Model World
early Mk.I airframe is identified
by its untapered ‘stick’-type aerial
and flat canopy, and the black/
white underside camouflage is
the type applied to these aircraft
until June 1940. Lettering on the
central crewman suggests this
is a training exercise, while the
removed cowling (bottom left)
implies that work is being done on
the aircraft’s engine, all managed
with the ‘high-tech’ involvement
of a wooden chair as a step stool!
Propeller blades and leading
AIRFIX MODEL WORLD ISSUE 114
ON SALE APRIL 2, 2020
*UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
edges exhibit wear and tear, while
the undercarriage cover inner
faces appear aluminium toned,
rather than the usual underside
colours. Note the clearly marked
Dunlop tyres on the early-
style five-spoke wheels.
*
Harder_Steenbeck_FP.indd 1 05/02/2020 16:16:34