EXCLUSIVE!

FIRST LOOK AT AIRFIX’S 1/ 72 WELLINGTON

June 2018
Issue 91

16
EXTRA
PAGES

– E XC LU S I V E –

WICKED WIMPY
We build Airfix’s new-tool 1 / 72 Wellington Mk.Ic

PLUS 1/12 TIME MACHINE • 1/48 MIRAGE 5F AND HISTORY • 1/48 JET PROVOST
1/700 HMS NAIAD AND HISTORY • LATEST NEWS AND SHOW REPORTS...

STAGGERED 'FOILS
Wingnut Wings’ 1/32 Dolphin £4.60

EASTERN STORM
Takom’s 1/35 MRAP Typhoon K
C

MY

WingnutWings_FP.indd 1 04/04/2018 09:12

 EDITOR'S DESK
WELCOME

Like us
facebook.com/airfixmodelworld

Visit us
www.airfixmodelworld.com

WELCOME TO ISSUE 91
problem in publishing terms
because Airfix Model World has
a finite number of pages per
month for budgetary reasons,
and Stu and I think long and hard
about the kits we have built by
the contributor team. We must
consider genre, scale, difficulty
level and more, and it’s not always
easy. I am always left thinking,
though…what if we could have
offered just one more build.
With this in mind, we’re giving
you a separate modelling
project on our website
Mk.Vb, converted to a floatplane
prototype via Freightdog Models’
bespoke resin package.
Do let me know if it’s something
you’d like to see more often…or
indeed every month.
I’m particularly pleased with
the variety in this edition, with
naval, military and sci-fi models
supporting the usual aircraft,
including Wingnut Wings’ splendid
Sopwith Dolphin, built beautifully
by Chris Jones. Garry Tobiss’
wonderful rendition of The Time
Machine, from the eponymous
Wellington, which should sell like
hot cakes on its release. I myself
have never been a big fan of the
type, but that’s changing rapidly
after editing this issue’s build by
Andy Davies. It just goes to show
– sometimes, we don’t know if we
want something until it’s right in
front of us!
Chris Clifford, Editor

I
’m sure you share my view that
it’s sometimes difficult to keep
track of all the new releases in
our hobby.
While so much choice is
marvellous, it’s a perennial
(www.airfixmodelworld.com) this
month as a trial, and if it proves
popular, we may run with the
idea and make it a more regular
feature. Our debut online subject
is Airfix’s lovely 1/48 Spitfire
1960 film, took me down memory chris.clifford@keypublishing.com
lane as it was one of my favourite
movies as a child, and still is.
But it’s also great to see new
Airfix tooling, in the shape of
the firm’s excellent 1/72 Vickers

EDITORIAL
Editor: Chris Clifford
Assistant Editor: Stu Fone
Contributors to this issue: Chris Jones, Garry
Tobiss, Dave Oliver, Cristian Lupu, Duncan Cooke,
Andy Davies, Malcolm V Lowe, Brian Wakeman
Designer: Tom Bagley
Chief Designer: Steve Donovan
EDITORIAL CONTACT
Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd,
PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XQ, UK
Email: chris.clifford@keypublishing.com
Website: www.airfixmodelworld.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tel: +44 (0)1780 480404
Fax: +44 (0)1780 757812
Email: orders@keypublishing.com
ADVERTISING AND MANAGEMENT
Commercial Director: Ann Saundry
Group Advertising Manager: Brodie Baxter
Advertising Manager: Sarah Jarman
Advertising Sales Executive: Elizabeth Ridge
Classified Sales Executive: Hollie Keeling
Advertising Production Manager: Debi McGowan
MARKETING
Group Marketing Manager: Martin Steele
Marketing Manager: Shaun Binnington
Event Coordinator: Julie Lawson
Production Manager: Janet Watkins
GROUP CEO AND PUBLISHER
Adrian Cox
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.
Airfix Model World is published monthly by
Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford,
Lincs, PE9 1XQ, UK. Tel: 01780 755131.
Printed by: Warners (Midland) plc, Bourne We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of
Printed in England (ISSN 1471-0587). any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
recommended to take their own precautions
Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd, before parting with any information or item
2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PP of value, including, but not limited to, money,
Tel: 020 7429 4000. manuscripts, photographs or personal
information in response to any advertisements
Airfix Model World is distributed in the USA within this publication.
by UKP Worldwide, 3390 Rand Road, South
Plainfield, NJ 07080. Periodicals postage paid “AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby
at South Plainfield, NJ. Hobbies Limited and is used under licence.
Readers in USA can place subscriptions by
visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling
toll free 800-428-3003 or fax 757-428-6253
or by writing to Airfix Model World, 3300
Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach,
VA23451-9828.
The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2017
Postmaster: Send address corrections to was 13,149 print and digital copies monthly.
Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, C/O 3390
Rand Road, South Plainfield NJ 07080.
The entire contents of Airfix Model World is ©
2018 and no part of it may be reproduced in any
form or stored on any form of retrieval system To find a stockist near you,
without the prior permission of the publisher. visit airfixmodelworld.com

www.airfixmodelworld.com 3
 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

REGULARS

14
06 News
The latest happenings in the world of
plastic modelling, includingb a new
UK distributor for Aoshima kits.

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

88 Free Gift!
Subscribe to Airfix Model World
and claim your free 1/72 Tomahawk
Mk.IIB model kit or five-piece
diamond file set.

REVIEWS::
REVIEWS
ON THE SHELF
90 Books
94 Aircraft kits

64
98 Military kits
100 Maritime kits
102 Cars and bikes
104 Figures
106 Decal sheets
110 Accessories

114 Archive
Treasures
The re-release of Airfix’s original
B-26 Marauder prompted this
month’s period image choice.

24

42

4 Airfix Model World

 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

52

34 Intermediate Build – Eastern Storm

Cristian Lupu has a blast with Takom’s new 1/35 Typhoon-K mine-resistant
troop carrier, and adds realistic weathering.

42 Intermediate Build – South Yorkshire

Skydancer
Duncan Cooke makes his AMW debut, with a fine build of Fly’s 1/48 Jet
Provost T.5 in RAF aerobatic colours.

48 Out and About – Having Your Cake…

The refreshments were just as good as the exhibits at the Stoke Model Show,
according to Stu Fone.

50 Your Airfix – Sea Vixen

Eric Larson tells how he upgraded his 1/48 Sea Vixen FAW.2, in homage to
AMW’s first ever front cover build.

52 Exclusive Build – Wicked Wimpy

FEATURES Bomber Command enthusiast Andy Davies finds a wealth of detail on Airfix’s
new-tool Wellington Mk.Ia/c.

14 Intermediate Build – In the Shadow of 60 In Focus – Tough Old Boot

Camels... Malcolm V Lowe tells the story of the Wellington’s Mk.I sub-types in his
Chris Jones delights in Wingnut Wings’ new 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin biplane. revealing history feature.

24 Advanced Build – Tempus Fugit 64 Advanced Build – Water Nymph at War

HG Wells’ famous story comes to life, with Garry Tobiss’ build of Masterpiece In our first ever build of a Flyhawk kit, Andy Davies achieves stellar results
Models’ 1/12 Time Machine. with the firm’s 1/700 HMS Naiad.

30 Out and About – Uncluttered Fun 74 In Focus – Courageous Cruiser

Stu Fone found a new (and more sympathetic) layout at this year’s Shropshire A mini-history of HMS Naiad and its associated Dido-class ships is presented
Model Show, at the RAF Museum Cosford. by Malcolm V Lowe.

32 Out and About – Defying the Elements 76 Intermediate Build – Noblesse Oblige
Our last dose of snow failed to deter hardier modellers aiming for the Brian Wakeman makes the most of Wingman Models' 1/48 Mirage 5F…a
Southern Expo event, as Dave Oliver discovered. marriage of the firm’s bespoke resin and decals with Kinetic styrene parts.

84 In Focus – Jokers, Knights and Wild Boars

Malcolm V Lowe studies Dassault’s Mirage 5F in French service, and offers
notes on the type’s Armèe de l’Air unit heraldry.

BONUS Spitsplash or Floatfire?

ONLINE Jen Wright creates a 1/48 Spitfire floatplane, via Airfix’s
BUILD Mk.Vb kit and Freightdog Models’ bespoke conversion.

Your favourite magazine is available digitally.

See airfixmodelworld.com for more details.

You can also find us on:

Search ‘Airfix Model World’
34

www.airfixmodelworld.com 5
NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES

BREAKING NEWS FAITHFUL CHARIOT

RED-HOT RE-RELEASES

FOUR POPULAR Airfix kits are
due for re-release very soon…
and one particular item will
certainly please modellers who
favour Supermarine’s finest!
Tackling that product first,
we’re delighted to reveal the
IT’S HATS off to Takom once
again, thanks to its stunning 1/35
rendition of the Israeli Merkava
Mk.2B main battle tank.
Compared to its previous Merkava
Mk.I and Mk.I Hybrid offerings,
this new release (2080) shares
six runners and the lower hull (as
these types had the same running
gear and chassis), but supplies four
new frames and separate upper hull
and turret halves. Together these
update the tank’s appearance to
in AMW’s July issue.
the Mk.2 Bet standard (note this
Also returning is the 1/72
is different to the baseline Mk.2),
Lightning F.6 (A05042A), with
with narrower Bata”sh-type link-
RAF markings for a 1984 low-
and-length tracks, turret add-on
vis grey aircraft of 5 Squadron,
armour packs, revised side-skirts
and a bare-metal jet from
56 Squadron as seen during
and turret shape, and later-style
fume extractor on the main gun
barrel. Takom is to be commended
for the mould quality, notably
on the turret parts and tracks,
and its attention to detail; even
small items, such as the side-skirt
supports and smoke dispenser
brackets are captured faithfully.
No interior is provided, but the
exterior more than compensates,
with its busy appearance, multiple
machine guns, ball-chain, slat and
add-on armour. All that’s missing is
the anti-slip texture and equipment
to fill the copious stowage baskets.
For more information, visit:
www.pocketbond.co.uk

1/48 Spitfire F.22/24 (A06101A)
is to receive another outing.
Dating from the 1990s, this,
along with the same-scale
Lightnings and Seafire FR.46/47,
set new standards of moulding
for the company and is still
much coveted. It will come
with new decals for PK553, a
camouflaged Royal Auxiliary Air
Force F.22 and Cooper Air Race
participant from 1948, and the
Hong Kong-based F.24 VN318,
from 1955, in aluminium lacquer.
A full build of this kit will appear
detachments to Cyprus and
Malta, in 1974. Staying with the
Cold War, Airfix’s excellent 1/72
Vampire T.11/J 28 (A02058A)
also receives a reprieve and new
decals. The schemes comprise a
silver and Day-Glo Central Flying
School aircraft from 1970, and a
Swedish Air Force example.
Car fans also have an option,
as the 1/32 Mini Cooper S also
returns in Starter Set format
(A55310), with acrylic Humbrol
paints and cement. For further
details visit: www.airfix.com
SEAGULL TO SHAGBAT
AIRFIX’S QUARTER-scale Walrus
has led to a flurry of accessories,
and Czech decal firm H-Models’
offers a huge variety of schemes
and stencils.
Each package is available in
1/72 and 1/48 scales, offering an
equal bonanza for modellers with
smaller scale Airfix, Matchbox/
Revell or Valom kits. The first
set (HMD72068/48067) supplies
three schemes, all for overall
aluminium Fleet Air Arm (FAA)
machines from 715 and 720 Naval
Air Squadrons, assigned to HMS
Cumberland, Suffolk and Leader,
in 1937 and 1938. Register and
opacity are excellent, with
separate sheets for the roundels
(this is common to most sets),
and squadron insignia and serial/
code numbers. Further FAA
subjects, along with RAF, Air Sea
Rescue and Royal Australian
Air Force airframes (the latter
including Seagull V examples)
and full stencilling are covered on
ten additional products in each
scale; for listings/images of all
these, visit the reviews section
at ww.airfixmodelworld.com. At
£7.99 and £13.80 respectively,
these are splendid products;
more details are at www.
ghstudio.net

6 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

MARAUDING BY MOONLIGHT
HONG KONG Models’ ongoing
love affair with 1/32 scale
continues with the B-6 night
fighter variant of its sumptuous
Dornier Do 335.
The ‘335A version first
appeared in 2014, followed
by the heavily armed B-2
Zerstörer, and the runners
from this release provide the
guts of the forthcoming B-6.
New runners compliment the
B-2 parts, which include full
radar arrays, exhaust flame
dampers, underwing drop
THIS IS SPARTA!
MITCHES MILITARY Models
has revisited the cinematic
realm for inspiration with
this stunning trio of busts,
emulating characters from
Zack Snyder’s 2006 film 300.
Based on the Frank Miller
graphic novel, the movie offers
a stylised, visually stunning
take on 480 BC’s legendary
battle of Thermopylae, in
which 300 Spartans repelled
tanks, a revised spine and
a clear part over the radar
operator’s position. The
engineering and fit of this
firm’s Do 335 has been praised
widely for outright precision,
and this will undoubtedly
remain the case with the B-6.
Surface detail is crisp, while
Cartograf decals provide for
four schemes, three being
marked as ‘what-if’ options…
two in RLM 76 with patches of
RLM 75, the third in RLM 81 and
82, with RLM 76 Wellenmuster
thousands of Persian warriors
for three days, until the
Spartans finally fell to the
forces of god-king Xerxes. If
one seeks reference on the
subject, check out our review
of Osprey’s new book Greek
Hoplite Versus Persian Warrior
in last month’s issue
This 1/9 scale threesome
comprises the Spartan king
Leonidas (played in the film
(wave pattern). The last is in
overall khaki (Do 335 M17, WNr
230017, CEV, Brétigny-sur-
Orge, France, 1947). Two white
metal counterbalance weights
and photo-etched metal parts
complete the presentation.
HK’s incarnation of the fastest
piston-engined aircraft of
World War Two will be imposing
in size, highly accurate and a
pleasure to complete.
The kit will be imported to
the UK via Pocketbond: www.
pocketbond.co.uk
by Gerard Butler), deformed
traitor Ephialtes (Andrew
Tiernan) and Xerxes (Rodrigo
Santoro). Ephialtes, which
Mitches names Spartan
Outcast (PW/03), comes with
half a shield, while the Persian
King (PW/02) is accompanied
by a length of fine wire, with
which to create Xerxes’ ring-
shaped facial piercings. All
busts have superb detail and
are convincing likenesses,
with the hair and beard of
Leonidas (Spartan King,
PW/01) being especially
noteworthy. There is the odd
casting seam to treat but once
the busts have been washed,
they’re ready for painting.
The bodily adornments of
Xerxes will look particularly
impressive given careful
brush work. All are available
separately for £25 each, or
£60 for the three, from www.
mitchesmilitarymodels.co.uk
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
TERRIFIC TRAINER
ICM scores another first with its
newly tooled styrene 1/32 Bücker
Bü 131D Jungmann , as the only
other kit in this scale was an all-
resin offering.
This initial release (32030) is
of the later ‘D’ variant (a ‘B’
PACHYDERM MILESTONES
SPECIAL HOBBY’S recent 1/72
CASA C-212-100 Aviocar tooling has
re-emerged with decals for cool
special schemes.
Both Portuguese Air Force
machines have decorative vertical
tails, with the light transports
hailing from Escuadra 502
‘Elefantes’, at Sintra Air Base. One
(serial 16507) sports an elephant
and a coastal scene on its tail,
marking 50 years of the squadron
in 2005, while the other (16517)
has the same celestial body and
planet Earth on both sides of its
vertical stabiliser, and a clever
trompe l’oeil-style image of what
appears to be a loadmaster or
parachutist painted on the rear
port fuselage door; the latter livery
CLEVER SCALE FOLIAGE
DIORAMA MODELLERS will
love these new leaf punches
from RP Toolz.
Each punch has four sizes of
leaves emulating those from
the common fauna Lime, Maple,
Oak and Birch, and RP suggests
using dry leaves from these
actual trees to ensure colour
accuracy, although it’s possible
that less-dry foliage could also be
employed. These are useful items
8 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
will follow later in 2018) and
comprises four runners, including
a clear frame for the instrument
panels and windscreens. ICM
has excelled with this kit, as the
parts quality is to the highest
standards, with an absence of
from 2009 celebrates 160,000
flight hours on the type. This kit
(72376) comes with a handful of
photo-etched metal and resin detail
sink marks and flash; any ejector
pin marks are hidden once
components are assembled. It
boasts an impressively detailed
cockpit, including its tubular
framework (distinct from the
fuselage structure) and a
delightful ten-piece miniature
Hirth HM 504 engine, although
there doesn’t appear to be a
complete exhaust.
There’s a generous helping of
four schemes on the well-printed
decal sheet, including overall
RLM 02-coloured trainers, and
two Eastern Front JG 54 liaison
machines. The latter includes
the unit Commanding Officer,
Hauptmann Hans Philipp’s
whitewashed personal runabout
KG+GB, adorned with his 100-plus
kill markings. Further information
on this and other ICM products is
at: www.icm.com.ua
parts. For more information on
Special Hobby’s CASA releases,
see: www.cmkkits.com and www.
specialhobby.eu
indeed and are a good excuse for
some fresh air and exercise while
gathering the required material!
One could use the punched
leaves to decorate scale trees,
groundwork on dioramas and
vignettes, figure bases or even
to litter a parked/abandoned/
seldom-used vehicle. Each punch
costs €9, but all four can be
purchased for €30, directly from
www.rptoolz.com
CONTINENTAL
FLAIR
THE NETHERLANDS’ Scale Model
Challenge has been popular since
its debut in 2007.
Based in Eindhoven every autumn,
it features some of the best global
figure-painting and modelling
talent. As such, it’s ripe for the
gallery treatment afforded by
Canfora Publishing’s new book.
‘Scale Model Challenge Eindhoven:
Showcase 2017’ is a photographic
study of last year's medal-winning
exhibits. While figures and
vignettes loom large, individual
models and dioramas do appear.
The common denominator
is that all are stunning and
reflect the awesome skill of
continental modellers. Think of
Military Modelling’s previous
annual specials on what was
Euro Militaire, but with more
atmospheric photography and
better paper quality/design, and
one gets the idea.
Some entries may be familiar as
they’ve appeared at IPMS(UK)’s
Scale ModelWorld at Telford, but
most are built solely for SMC. It’s
hard to pick favourites, such is
the sheer èlan of the entrants,
but worthy examples include
Francesco Terlizzi’s vignette
‘Eclaireurs D’Avant-Garde Passant
Une Rivière Crimée, Martin
Vermeulen’s Mexican Outlaw (a
dead ringer for Hollywood actor
Danny Trejo), and the astonishing
futuristic bust named ‘Hush’,
painted by Kirill Kanaev. Jaw-
dropping talent, sure, but inspiring
too…and more than enough to
make AMW want to sample the
delights of SMC later this year!
For details on the event visit:
www.scalemodelchallenge.com,
or to order the book, go to: www.
canfora.se
 HILL’S HIGH-TAIL
CARS DRIVEN by two of Formula
1’s legends are represented by
Ebbro’s latest 1/20 release.
Kit 20005 portrays the Team
Lotus Type 49B as raced in
high- and low-tail format, by
Graham Hill (#1) and Jochen
Rindt (#2), during 1969’s Race
of Champions and the US Grand
Prix respectively. It’s the perfect
‘prequel’ to the firm’s previous
Gold Leaf Lotus 72C (see July
2016 issue for a full build). The
kit has white, chrome-plated,
black, grey and clear yellow
parts, with particularly pleasing
detail on the engine (exposed
on this car, and even more
visible with the high tail), and
vinyl tyres with pre-applied
Firestone legends and gold trim.
The decal sheet is well printed,
with sponsors’ markings, race
numbers and seatbelts, but
DOLPHIN IDENTITIES
AFTERMARKET specialist
Pheon Decals has released two
new sheets for Wingnut Wings’
recent Sopwith Dolphin (see
p.14 for a full build).
LEGENDARY STRATEGIST
RP MODELS’ latest release is
arguably its most dynamic…a
75mm depiction of the famous
Art of War author Sun Tzu.
The iconic Chinese general,
who lived during the Age of
Warring States, is famed for
his treatise on combat tactics
and strategies…still studied at
military staff colleges today.
Limited to 300 boxings, this
resin item has Sun Tzu on a
turning horse, having just fired
an arrow, with a bird of prey
perched on his upper bow-
drawing arm.
A total of 27 parts are provided,
and the fit of the main
components is exemplary.
does not feature the Gold Leaf
logo to comply with cigarette
advertising laws (aftermarket
items are available). This is
an emotive release due to
the drivers concerned, both
of whom died too soon; Rindt
during practice for the 1970
Italian GP, and Hill while at the
Product 32077 - Sopwith 5F.1
Dolphin Volume 1, displays
Pheon’s usual hallmarks, with
superb colour profiles and
plan-underside views on thick,
gloss paper, solid research and
superb decal printing. Eight
PC10-coloured airframes are
catered for, all from 1918, and
some with extra colour accents
(blue/grey/red) to enliven the
PC10 and doped linen.
Sheet 32078 is even more
generous with ten liveries,
controls of his own aircraft,
when it crashed on approach to
Elstree airfield, on November
29, 1975. Hill, of course, was
half of the only father and son
(Damon) pair to both be F1 World
Champions. For further details
on this kit visit: www.hobbyco.
net and www.ebbro.co.jp
mostly for 1918 examples,
but also present is the fourth
Dolphin prototype as seen at
St Omer, France, in 1917.
For a full list of the schemes,
visit AMW’s website, www.
airfixmodelworld.com. To order,
go to: www.pheondecals.com
Smaller items cast separately
include studded boots, an
impressively decorated shield,
bow holster and quiver, a sword
in its scabbard, a pleasing
recurve bow, a billowing cape
and alternative heads (with and
without helmet).
Facial features are strong, the
raptor with wings outstretched
is particularly well realised,
and the replication of Sun Tzu’s
armour on the torso piece is
masterful indeed. A sizeable
resin based is included, and
the figure is available in the
UK from SK Miniatures (www.
skminiatures.co.uk). For further
details visit: www.rpmodels.pt
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
ARMOUR MASTERPIECE
MINIART DELIVERS a jaw-dropping
package with its latest 1/35
armour offering, in the shape of a
magnificently equipped Tiran 4.
The late-type version (37029)
contains a staggering 90 styrene
runners of varying sizes (including
three clear frames), of which just
RACING PEDIGREE
HUNGARY’S SBS Model has
released the first kit in its new
Plastic Passion range…a 1/72 Miles
M.2F Hawk Major.
The sub-brand’s name is something
of a misnomer because this is a
resin item, but it's exquisite; well-
defined engraving, a one-piece
fuselage and refinements such as
integrally cast seatbelts are just
some of the features. Clear resin
anti-collision lights are provided, as
are transparent and printed acetate
parts to replicate windscreens and
instruments. The M.2F succeeded
the Miles Hawk, and after its first
flight in 1934 it came second in the
King’s Cup race that year – and
TEUTONIC TWIN
RESIN SPECIALIST Master-X has
released a series of 1/72 Gotha Go
150 kits.
Item 72213.05 shown here portrays
the civil-come-military aircraft
in Luftwaffe training service, this
airframe being coded DG+PD. The
10 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
ten cater for the individual-link
tracks, and a busy photo-etched
brass fret. Note, this depicts the
pre-Sh upgrade variant, and retains
the original 100mm gun. As with all
its other ‘interior’ kits, the detail is
incredible, offering faithful replicas
of the engine and transmission,
secured fifth place in the London to
Melbourne MacRobertson Air Race
just three months later. SBS Model
provides decals for the aircraft in the
kit comprises separate fuselage
halves and a one-piece wing, along
with engine nacelles, wheels/spats,
bench seats, propellers and other
details all cast to a
good standard. Two
vacform canopies
driver’s compartment, turret
barbette and innards, and
ammunition. This feature feast
extends to the exterior, and
here MiniArt may have been
too generous, at least for early
1970s vehicles, as there’s a full
complement of two .30 cal and one
.50 cal machine guns, and a 60mm
mortar, so checking references will
be vital. With its mix-and-match
approach to runners (similar
to Dragon’s) it means there are
considerable spares, ideal for other
T-54/T-55 projects. There’s a liberal
selection of four schemes, varying
from a 1970s Israeli Army machine
to South Lebanese Army Tirans
during the early 1980s (including a
camouflaged example from Peace
for Galilee operations in June-
September 1982). For more details,
see: www.miniart-models.com and
www.creativemodels.co.uk
latter event, namely ZK-ADJ ‘Spirit
of Manawatu’ flown by MC McGregor
and HC ‘Johnny’ Walker. For further
details visit: www.sbsmodel.com
are supplied (one spare!), although
there are no instructions save for a
colour guide…but it’s obvious which
components goes where.
This airframe wears RLM 70 over
65, but other kits in the series offer
more civilianised cream liveries,
another Luftwaffe example and
a German machine captured by
US forces. Not for the beginner of
course, but an interesting subject
for more experienced modellers
who favour Luftwaffe World War
Two builds. For further details visit:
www.master-x.wz.cz
EASY-CLICK…
EASY FUN!
REVELL IS targeting ‘occasional’
modellers (and those just
interested in the subject matter)
with its new ‘easy-click’ kits.
While there’s obvious appeal for
juniors due to the snap-together
format, the fine detail – and
opportunity to glue the parts if
desired – makes them perfect
for those who wish to produce a
model to a good standard…but do
not have the time or inclination for
traditional assembly and finishing.
The detail is impressive, as
exemplified by the Porsche Diesel
Junior 108 tractor (07820). It
comes on seven runners (red,
chrome-plated, black, cream and
clear) and has rubber tyres. The
refinement is so good, though,
it essentially looked every bit
the standard kit that needs glue;
more experienced modellers,
though, can also adopt their usual
build/paint process to produce
a thoroughly pleasing replica as
they are not simplified in any way.
Another product in the range is
the Black Pearl sailing ship from
the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean
film (see p.100 for an in-box
review), and others will become
available this year, in standard
kit and Model Set format; a 1/16
Porsche 365 Coupe, 1/24 2017 Ford
GT and 1/600 Titanic are just some
of the forthcoming items.
Another handy feature is that the
parts are moulded in the dominant
colour of the real subjects, so one
can simply leave the plastic bare,
or paint as usual to gain more
scale effect. For further details
visit: www.revell.de/en
TREBLE-ONE
TREAT
EASY-BUILD HYBRID

ONE CAN elevate Airfix’s AOSHIMA HAS targeted ‘pinched’ shape at the front.
already peachy 1/72 Heinkel beginner modellers and fans of High-chrome and realistic muted
He 111H-6 to another level 1/32 cars alike with its new Snap alloy components, and self-
with Eduard’s new photo- Kit release, the Toyota Prius. adhesive stickers are provided,
etched brass detail set. A trendsetter on its launch, Prius although there is no tread on the
The single fret, which became the world’s biggest- styrene tyres.
measures approximately
selling hybrid and is rated as We're also pleased to report
105 x 70mm, carries more
one of the cleanest cars sold in Aoshima has, after many
than 50 improvement/
the USA by the Environmental years, secured a UK importer;
replacement parts for
Protection Agency. This new kit a comprehensive range of the
exterior reaches, such as the
offers splendid detail and glue- firm’s products are now available
wheel bays, engine nacelles
free construction, so is a crowd- from Tenby, Wales-based Expo
and undercarriage struts,
pleaser for novice modellers, Drills & Tools. At the time of
and smaller items include,
and more experienced builders writing, proprietor Simon Scott
aileron and elevator linkages,
who favour 1/32 scale. The said the shipment had just
antennas, and even a more
interior has well-moulded arrived, and items will be shown
refined aerodynamic tail
features and a clever folding on the company website soon.
device for the torpedo; this
arrangement for the door Visit www.expotools.com, or call
steadied the weapon as it
cards, while the body shell 01834 845150 for further details
dropped. www.eduard.com
ably replicates the trademark on Aoshima items.

MENACING HEAVY CRUISER

THE VOR’CHA was the
Klingon equivalent of the
Federation’s Galaxy-class
starships in Star Trek: The
Next Generation, and AMT’s
1/1400 scale kit makes a long-
overdue re-appearance.
For its age (1991), there’s
reasonable detail incorporated
into the well-moulded parts,
which are presented on three
styrene runners (one clear red,
the remainder light green),
with separate hull halves
and stand base. Apart from
the artwork, this re-boxing
(AMT1027) is unchanged from
the previous iteration, so one strips. The clear components although some details are
gets a fairly ‘accurate’ replica are reserved for the warp apparently suspect (the red
(when compared to the studio drive nacelles and sub-light sections on the ‘nose’) and
model) of this sci-fi warship … engines, and these add an a small decal sheet supplies
but this means the fit remains intimidating and warlike touch generic Klingon insignia and
challenging in places, notably to the overall appearance. script/glyphs. Further details
on the ‘wing’ leading edge There’s a detailed paint guide, are at: www.amerang.co.uk
 SHOW SCENE
DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model show calendar
E MODEL DISPLAY
) MODEL COMPETITION
J TRADE STANDS
m AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
 MILITARY DISPLAY
 AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY
 REFRESHMENTS
FREE PARKING
MAKE AND PAINT

West Norfolk
IPMS Model
Show 2018
Date: June 17
Hosts: West Norfolk IPMS
Address: Downham Market Town
Hall, 6 Market Place, Bridge
Street, Downham Market,
Norfolk, PE38 9DE
Times: 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults £3, under-16s £1
Email: sinmon@tiscali.co.uk
Web: www.westnorfolkipms.uk

June 9 SMMS 2018 17 Coventry & Warwickshire

2 IPMS Salisbury Model Show
Hosts: IPMS Salisbury
Address: Wyvern College Sports Hall,
Church Road, Laverstock,
Salisbury, SP1 1RE
Times: 9.40am-4.30pm
Prices: Adults £4, under-16s £1
E-mail: modelshow@
salisburymodelshow.co.uk
Web: www.salisburymodelshow.co.uk
3 RAF Kenley Aerojumble
Hosts: Alistair White/Dave Sutton
Address: RAFA Club, Kenley Aerodrome,
Salmons Lane West, Caterham,
Surrey, CR3 5LT
Times: 9am-2pm
Prices: £2.50
E-mail: acebellaviation@aol.com
Web: TBC
Model Show
24 MAFVA Nationals 2018
Hosts: Shepway Military Modelling Hosts: MAFVA
Society Hosts: Coventry & Warwickshire IPMS Address: The Burgess Hall, Westwood Rd,
Address: Hawkinge Community Centre, Address: Midland Air Museum, Rowley Saint Ives, Cambs, PE27 6WU
Heron Forstal Ave, Hawkinge, Road, Baginton, Coventry, Times: 10am-5pm
Kent, CT18 7FP CV3 4FR Prices: Adults £1, concessions and
Times: 10am-4pm Times: 10am-4pm accompanied children free
Prices: Adults £1, under-16s 50p Prices: Adults £7, children £3.50, E-mail: liaison@mafva.net
E-mail: shepway_mods@hotmail.co.uk concessions £6.50 Web: www.mafva.org
Web: Shepway Military Modelling E-mail: ipms.covandwarks@hotmail.com
Society (Facebook) Web: www.coventryandwarwickipms.
weebly.com
30 IPMS Plymouth Model Show
2018
16 NIMCON 7/2018 Midwest Hosts: Plymouth MSS, Scale Modellers
Regional Contest 23 Ipswich IPMS Model Show Association and The Odd Boyz
Hosts: Lakes Region Scale Modellers Hosts: Ipswich IPMS Address: Plymouth Guildhall, Guildhall
Address: McHenry County College, 8900 Address: Ipswich and District Indoor Square, Plymouth, PL1 2BJ
US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, Bowling Club, 136 Rushmere Times: 10am-4pm
Illinois, USA Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 4JU Prices: Adults £4, children £2, Armed
Times: 9am-5pm Times: 10am-4pm forces free with ID card
Prices: Adults US $5, under-12s and Prices: Adults £2 (TBC) E-mail: spotandjoe@blueyonder.co.uk
military free E-mail: g43lovell@hotmail.co.uk Web: N/A
E-mail: phil@pignataro@yahoo.com Web: www.ipmsipswich.com
Web: www.lakesregionmodelers.com

July
3 The Northern Model Show 23-24 Cockpit-Fest And Aeroboot
Hosts: IPMS Tyneside 16 East-Neuk Model Show Hosts: Newark Air Museum 1 Smallspace 7
Address: Parks Sports Centre, Howdon Hosts: East-Neuk Model Club Address: Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Hosts: HaMex
Road, North Shields, NE29 6TL Address: Old Parish Centre, Short Lane, Notts, NG24 2NY Address: Hanslope Village Hall, Newport
Times: 9.30am-4.30pm Cupar, KY15 5EQ Times: 10am-5pm Rd, Hanslope, MK19 7NZ
Prices: Adults £4, concessions £2, Times: 10am-5pm Prices: Adults £9, over-65s £8, children Times: 10am-4pm
children free Prices: Adults £4, under-16s free £4.50, under-5s free Prices: Adults €3, under-16s free
E-mail: robsullivannms@gmail.com E-mail: foto@btinternet.com E-mail: enquire@newarkairmuseum.org E-mail: info@hamex.co.uk
Web: IPMS Tyneside (Facebook) Web: www.eastneukmodelclub.com Web: www.newarkairmuseum.org Web: www.hamex.co.uk

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

12 Airfix Model World

 MIL-SPEC
AIRBRUSH-READY
FROME MODEL CENTRE
QUALITY
MODELLING
QUICK-DRYING

86
19
ENAMEL PAINT
ce
sin
PRODUCTS
ed
Service and quality the way it should be
ish
bl
ta
Es

We are one of the largest independent family run model shop in the
country, situated in the historic town of Frome in the beautiful county
of Somerset. We offer our customers probably the largest, most
diverse range of modelling products under one roof with very helpful
and friendly service second to none.
We have many years of experience in the model trade and we offer
free solid advice on all the ranges we stock (which is in the region of
40,000 lines) not to mention the countless number of goodies that
are available and which we are more than happy to order for you,
if we had the space we would stock them all!
sales@alclad2.co.uk
So if you’re new to the modelling hobby, an intermediate or a
veteran modeller we will have something to wet your appetite.
www.alclad2-online.co.uk
Phone: 01692 500700
FROME MODEL CENTRE FREE
1-2 Catherine Street, PARKING OPENING HOURS
Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DA Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm
Sun/Mon: Closed
TEL: 01373 465295
Fax: 01373 451468

Email: sales@frome-model-centre.com

www.fromemodelcentre.com

MISSION
MODELS
PREMIUM HOBBY PAINTS, PRIMERS & ADDITIVES

CHANGE
THE
WAY
YOU
PAINT
IMPORTERS/DISTRIBUTORS: UNITED KINGDOM - https://www.tigerhobbies.co.uk GERMANY - http://www.modellbau-koenig.de
UNITED STATES - https://www.micromark.com AUSTRALIA - http://www.airbrushmegastore.com

WWW.MISSIONMODELSUS.COM

p002_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1 16/04/2018 13:38

 ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN

Having built just small-scale

biplanes before, Chris Jones
tackles an altogether bigger
subject in Wingnut Wings’
all-new Sopwith Dolphin

fighter around this seemingly

IN THE SHADOW
impressive engine. The ‘Hisso’
powerplant offered more speed
than the Camel’s various rotary
engines, and as an inline design,
it produced far less torque. In
the hands of experienced Camel

OF CAMELS...
pilots, this turning force could of
course be exploited to perform
extraordinarily tight combat
manoeuvres, but for newer airmen,
its asymmetric handling qualities
could be lethal. In air combat,
he Sopwith Camel was the ability to see the enemy first

T a phenomenal combat
aircraft, which helped wrest
air superiority from the
Jagdstaffeln in the later part of
World War One.
is vital, but the Camel was not
renowned for its field of view, so
the Dolphin was given two
novel design features.
Firstly, the upper
With the creation of Hispano- wing was set low and
Suiza’s new 200hp V8, though, given a negative stagger, meaning
the Sopwith Aviation Company it sat further back than the lower
began designing a brand-new wing. This gave much better
vision forwards and upwards.
Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin
MODEL SPEC

Secondly, the wing centre section

By: Wingnut Wings was completely free of ribs and
fabric; it was simply an open hole,
Stock Code: 32073 with just two wing spars
Scale: 1/32 extending across the
Price: US $79 void, and the pilot’s
head protruding
Available from: Wingnut Wings, in the middle!
www.wingnutwings.com The Sopwith

Dolphin proved to
be an excellent fighter,
condemned to relative obscurity
 The essential elements of the cockpit all benefited from gorgeous moulded detail. thanks to the fame of its more

14 Airfix Model World


illustrious stablemate, the Camel.
Thankfully though, Wingnut Wings
has stepped in to help ‘save the
Dolphins’...
Two wings to rule them all...
Sir Peter Jackson is well known
for his commitment to keeping the
history of World War One alive, and
his New Zealand-based company
Wingnut Wings has dominated
the realm of vintage aviation
ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
 To begin, anything requiring a wood finish received the relevant underlying colour.
modelling, ever since it burst onto
the scene in 2009. Renowned for
its desire to make the sometimes-
daunting genre of World War One
aircraft kits accessible, Wingnut’s
products are characterised by
extensive research, exquisite detail
and extremely precise engineering.
After returning to the hobby, I’ve
always wanted to tackle a Wingnut
kit, but somehow never quite got
around to it…until now! There
 After masking, the fuselage wooden
areas were streaked with oil, even
though it couldn’t be seen later!
www.airfixmodelworld.com 15
 ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN

was no valid excuse for not starting

ME TAL AND MARKINGS one of the firm’s kits sooner,
especially with the inspiration
on offer after joining the same
model club in North Essex as Jan,
Sonia and Marc Maes, a family
of exceptional Belgian modellers
with plenty of AMW contributions
behind them. Tragically for his
family, all who knew him, and
the wider modelling community,
Jan died last year, but thanks
A photo-etched (PE) metal fret was included in the kit to represent the lap harness to his legendary Wingnut Wings
and various small items, including gun sights, cocking handles for the Vickers guns builds there is now a trophy at the
and foothold detail. IPMS(UK)’s Scale Model World in
his honour for the best biplane in
the competition. With an inspiring
example to follow, it was time to
forge ahead...

Good wood fumble around and guess how to

Regarding colour schemes, Wingnut Wings provided five options, with gorgeous The first task was to become
profile artwork and reference photos where possible: acquainted with the instructions
• C3785, RNAS Dover, early 1918 which, as with every Wingnut
• C3803, Southern Area Repair Depot (SARD), March 1918 release, double as a one-stop
• C3824, 23 Squadron, May to July 1918 reference guide. They also provide
• C3879, 79 Squadron, August to November 1918 the bonus of incredibly precise and
• C8163, 87 Squadron, August to November 1918 accurate painting guides, which
means the modeller is not left to
paint a convoluted mass of wooden
frames, struts and pipework.
There were multiple options
to choose during the build,
owing to differences between
certain batches of Dolphins, so
it was essential to decide upon
a final scheme straight away. An

Tricky masking was required to cover After making a mess of the kit guns, resin
the floor beams for a wood grain finish. replacement barrels were taken from an Eduard set.

16 Airfix Model World


attractive chocolate brown Dolphin
with red wheel hubs, from 23
Squadron, took my fancy, and after
consulting the comprehensive
rigging diagram, various holes
were deepened where necessary.
Since parts of the interior were
to receive an oil-based wood
grain effect, and thanks to the
long drying times involved, it was
decided to tackle the wooden areas
as soon as possible. The cockpit
side frames were moulded as one
piece, with exquisite detail, so
careful painting would certainly
be required later on. To begin
though, Tamiya XF-59 Desert
Yellow was airbrushed for the
dark wood areas, while XF-57 Buff
covered the light wood. Beyond
this, XF-54 Dark Sea Grey doubled
for Battleship Grey, Alclad ALC-
103 Aluminium sufficed for the
interior of the cowl, and a home-
With wood grain streaking
complete, the side frames were
given a protective gloss coat.
made mix was ripe
for the clear doped Irish
Linen. After sealing these areas
with ALC-600 Aqua Gloss, the
wooden segments were streaked
carefully with Burnt Umber oil
paint, taking much care to carry
the wood grain effect in sensible
directions. Here, a wide, flat brush
was used for general application,
before a smaller brush completed
the fine tuning. Once done, the
wooden parts were left for around
a week at room temperature to
ensure the oils were dry, and to
minimise any damage to the finish.
After a coat of Alclad Aluminium,
plenty of fiddly masking ensued
on the cockpit floor, which had to
be covered to allow the wooden
floorboards to be painted via
the aforementioned techniques.
Randomly, the Vickers gun barrels
received attention at this point,
and it may well have been due
to ham-fistedness, but it seemed
ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
to be a struggle to neaten them
without destroying the ribbed
jacket detail. Perhaps this could
have been avoided with more
care, but regretfully, a pair of
admittedly stunning Eduard resin
replacements had to be procured,
and after surgery, these were
made to fit the rear sections of
the kit guns. Further enhancement
was applied by drilling the resin
gun barrels and inserting Albion
Alloys brass tube. With the wooden
areas dry, it was time for detail
painting to begin, before Xtracolor
XDFF Flat Varnish muted these
areas to an eggshell finish. Similar
detail painting took place on the
instrument panel, which was then
glossed in preparation for the
decals, which performed flawlessly
and fitted perfectly. There were
also a large number of smaller
items that required attention and
detail-by-brush before the interior
was ready. Beyond this, rigging
It was easier to
paint all engine
parts separately
before marrying
the assembly’s
component parts.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 17
 ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
All the internal elements were completed and weathered before assembly.
 The wicker chair was an absolute gem, which demanded extra attention. Stippling oil paint with a brush was a great way to portray
texture on the leather elements.
was required on the cockpit floor
and wooden boards, and this
was achieved with E-Z Line Fine
Charcoal Elastic Thread. Once
completed, the seat, and petrol
tanks were sandwiched between
the side frames…it then being
possible to add the instrument
panel and magazine assembly.
One of the best pieces of advice
received by the author regarding
Wingnut Wings kits was something
akin to, if it doesn’t fit, either
you’ve done something wrong or
paint hasn’t been removed from
the mating surfaces. Getting this
That’s better! At last the
floor beams were complete
assembly to fit over the cockpit
with their wood effect.
 Control lines were replicated courtesy of the very handy E-Z Line. It was a shame so
much stunning detail would be hidden in the depths of a cockpit…but I know it’s there.
18 Airfix Model World
 It’s easy to forget how rudimentary the
control panels were on vintage aircraft, but
they certainly looked superb.
side frames was tight and did
involve scraping and trimming, but
in light of said advice, the author
is not pointing any fingers! Rigging
the interior was accomplished with
more E-Z line, cyanoacrylate (CA)
glue and Foam Safe Accelerator,
before thoughts turned to the
engine. The Hisso powerplant
was a miniature work of art, and
once finished, there was much
reluctance about installing it and
hiding so much splendid detail,
but at least the top cowl could be
left off (Wingnut recommended
this in the instructions). The
various elements of the engine

Assembly really got
started by sandwiching
the fuel tanks and the
seat assembly between
the side frames.
were painted separately, before
being married and weathered
with various oil-based products
as an individual assembly. With
the cockpit in place, the fuselage
halves and wing were united,
and again, owing to the uniquely
precise engineering, work was
necessary to encourage the
fuselage and cockpit side frames
to sit happily over the wooden
floorboards moulded to the lower
wing, but eventually a decent fit
was achieved.
Milliput was
used in two
areas, with
ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
 The instrument panel, magazine housing
and framework represented a sub-assembly
in its own right.
 After weathering, the 200hp V8 ‘Hisso’
looked an absolute treat. By leaving off the
upper cowl, at least some of it would still
be visible.
 Again, there were real regrets about hiding
all this. With such truly beautiful assemblies,
it’s easy to see why Wingnut Wings has
achieved the esteem in which it’s held.
the classic advice echoing in
one’s ear again...if it doesn’t fit
on a Wingnut kit, you’ve done
something wrong. Personal
clumsiness aside, once the
airframe was together, it looked
grand. Before assembling the
fuselage, the centre section
and cross-bracing wires really
should have been added (as
per the instructions) because it
was virtually impossible to do it
successfully later. After a primer
of Dark Sea Grey along joins, the
strut locating holes were filled
with Maskol before painting
could begin.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 19
 ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
 Subtle airbrush work helped to enliven the otherwise vast monotone expanse of the  It’s unusual to have to mask a model in this way; the Dolphin’s metal areas were full of
lower wings. circular access and inspection holes.
It makes the wings go
chocolatey...
The classic World War One British
finish PC.10 could vary from Olive
Drab to chocolate brown, and for
this airframe the latter tone was
desirable, but first the undersides
had to be sprayed. The linen was
tackled with a mix of ten parts XF-2
White, five parts XF-55 Deck Tan
and one part XF-57 Buff. When
observing examples of vintage
biplanes at museums such as
The Shuttleworth Collection, it
becomes apparent that light can
catch rib tapes differently to the
rest of the wing fabric, depending
 To give an impression of light hitting the rib on the angle of viewing and how
tapes, highly diluted white was airbrushed over
light hits the surface. With this
them freehand. Careful tonal work helped to
boost the monotone of the surfaces visually, in mind, the rib tapes were post-
and blend the rib tape highlights. shaded with highly thinned White,
before the same mix was used
to subtly mottle the linen areas,
20 Airfix Model World
while avoiding the rib tapes. This
was followed by a general mottle
with a darkened form of the base
coat, again avoiding the rib tapes,
before a highly diluted mix of the
original base colour was sprayed
all over the linen areas. This was
sealed with a light coat of Aqua
Gloss, before being masked. The
chocolate PC.10 mix was produced
from a 1:1 combination of XF-10
Flat Brown and XF-62 Olive Drab
and weathered similarly to the
undersides. The trick was to be
subtle enough that it didn’t look
stark, but not so subtle that the
effect was lost under varnish.
Afterwards, the engine and
wooden fuselage areas were
sprayed with more Dark Sea Grey
to replicate Battleship Grey. With
painting concluded, more Aqua
Gloss was sprayed over several

 After the decals were applied and sealed, the airframe received several layers of
Xtracolor Flat Varnish, which muted the finish.
sessions to build a suitably smooth
base for the decals, which were
then sealed before the airframe
was muted with Xtracolor Flat
Varnish. Annoyingly, the tonal
variation on the upper surfaces
didn’t show up as much as planned,
so oil dot fading was employed.
Small drops of Titanium Buff oil
paint were applied, blended with
brushes moistened in white spirit
and textured with a sponge; this
went some way towards creating a
more interesting surface.
Strutting about
After belatedly adding the centre
section and associated rigging
(and having to remove the Vickers
guns to do so), the mating surfaces
of the struts were cleared of paint
and secured with small amounts
of Revell Contacta Glue. As ever,
the fit of the struts was incredibly
precise, so great care was taken
to avoid applying excess adhesive,
as this would be forced out of
ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
 The wing at the bottom of the photo has been treated to oil dot fading, while the top
example hasn’t. A subtle difference perhaps, but effective.
the locating hole by the incoming
strut to damage the surrounding
paint. Once the struts had been
left to dry, the upper wings were
applied, and it was possible to
begin rigging. After consulting
reference photos of the Dolphin at
the RAF Museum Hendon, it was
obvious the aircraft doesn’t have
turnbuckles as such, but rather
cylindrical sleeves, which receive
the bracing wires between the
wings. This couldn’t be replicated
easily, as the sleeves were virtually
the same diameter as the cross
section of the bracing wires, and  Oil dot fading began by applying tiny spots of Titanium Buff to the PC-10 areas.
it would be impossible to thread
a scale wire through tubing the
same width as itself. Indeed,
Wingnut itself recommended
not using turnbuckles on this
kit, but a compromise was found
for the sake of visual interest.
Albion Alloys kindly supplied
different sizes of brass tube, and
it was discovered that threading
E-Z Line Fine through 0.5mm
diameter brass tubing was just
about bearable! After securing one
end of an overly long piece of E-Z
Line into a relevant hole on the
wing, two small lengths of brass
tube (it can be cut by rolling a  The oil dots were then blended with brushes moistened with white spirit.
scalpel across it repeatedly) were
threaded into place. A small piece
of Tamiya tape was then used to
stop them slipping off, the E-Z Line
was trimmed to be slightly shorter
than the gap it had to cover, before
various combinations of CA, Foam
Safe Accelerator and tweezers
were used to place the other end
of the line into the other hole.
When secure, it was possible to
slide the brass tube up and down,
paint it black, and then slide it into
place (preferably while dry) onto a
tiny drop of white glue on the wire,
which would then hold the tube  At this point, the blended oils didn’t have quite the desired appearance.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 21
 ADVANCED BUILD
SOPWITH 5F.1 DOLPHIN
Finally, the oil-dotted areas
were textured with a sponge
to complete the look.
 Albion Alloys’ 0.5mm Brass Tube was threaded over E-Z Line, painted, and then secured
via a tiny drop of white glue at each end of the wires.
in place. Any brush touch-ups to
the tubes could take place later.
This way, it was possible to get
all the brass tubes pointing in the
right direction…which prevented
all kinds of wonky visual horrors. It
also took a long time...
Wingnut weathering
With the airframe rigged and
assembled, final weathering could
take place. Firstly, a combination
of pigments, airbrushing, washes
and more pigment was used to
apply dust to the tyres and the
underside of the wing, where mud
would be thrown up by the wheels.
Beyond this, AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-
3004 European Earth pigment
22 Airfix Model World
was applied with pigment fixer
to replicate subtle dirt staining
on the tail skid and bottom of the
rudder, while Burnt Umber oils
and A.MIG-1408 Fresh Engine Oil
provided streaking and staining
from down the cowling, out from
the underside of the engine and
down the fabric on the underside.
There was a brilliant photo of a
nosed-over Dolphin in the Wingnut
manual, which showed just how
dirty these things could get.
Doh!
Well, it can only be said that I truly
regret not building a Wingnut
Wings kit sooner, and I’m now
addicted. They really are on a
It’s amazing what can be achieved
with streaks of Burnt Umber oil paint.
However, it seemed a shame to add
any Battleship Grey to the prop, so it
was left beautifully bare.
One of the last stages was to
apply mud from the wheels
and oil staining.
different level and create an fresh subject matter, but some
utterly sublime result. The Dolphin of its classic offerings have now
is a brilliant, visually intriguing begun to sell out, so if Richard
aeroplane, and if the reader is Alexander or Sir Peter Jackson are
in any doubt, why not visit the reading, I’m sure there are many
example at Hendon for inspiration. of us who would dearly love to
The only problem now is deciding see more re-releases...please!
what to make next. Wingnut Wings
is always producing fascinating,
 ®
Best Quality
/Value on the
Precision products for craft, hobby and industry
market

PS-266/PS-267
® PS-266 Mr Procon Boy LWA (0.5mm) £99.00
PS-267 Mr Procon Boy FWA (0.2mm) £99.00
Precision products for craft, hobby and industry

PS-270 Mr Procon Boy FWA Platinum

PS-270/PS-289
(0.2mm) £119.00
® PS-289 Mr Procon Boy WA Platinum
(0.3mm) £119.00
PS-770
Precision products for craft, hobby and industry
PS-770 Mr Airbrush Custom Double Action
(0.18mm) £260.00

PS-275
PS-275 Mr Procon Boy WA Trigger Type
(0.3mm) £125.00

PS-290 PS-290 Mr Procon Boy LWA Trigger Type

(0.5mm)
Spray gun - fan/cone spray pattern £138.00

• Dual Action • Superb quality • Made in Japan

• Needle travel control • Air control valve (PS270/289/770 only)
• Full set of spares are available
• Watch video (search Albion Alloys Procon Boy)
Contact Albion Alloys for details of your nearest dealer:
tel: 01202 511232 email: sales@albionalloys.co.uk

MiG-21MF Interceptor
1/72

NEW TOOL www.eduard.com

p023_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1 17/04/2018 16:55

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TIME MACHINE
Garry Tobiss dips
into Victorian
science-fiction once
again with Masterpiece
Models’ glorious 1/12
Time Machine
TEMPUS
FUGIT
H
aving already been
spoilt with the
Pegasus Captain
Nemo Nautilus
(see AMW June 2014), the
chance to build another of HG
Wells’ creations simply couldn’t
be missed.
The author’s novella The Time
Machine was first published
in 1895 and is credited with
establishing the concept of
time travel firmly within the
24 Airfix Model World
Initially, there were issues with
the eponymous apparatus, as the
author provided few clues in his
book as to what it actually looked
like. It was described initially
(when located in the inventor’s
laboratory) as having parts of
nickel, ivory, rock crystal, brass
rails and twisted crystalline
bars, plus a ‘saddle’ but that’s
about all. Later, it was learned
there were removable levers to
activate it, dials showing the date
in units of days and that it was
‘squat’ and ‘ugly’. Ostensibly, this
meant the Time Machine seen
in the classic 1960 film was a
product of the imaginations of
director George Pal and Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Art
Director Bill Ferrari (see panel).
Pull the lever
The kit arrived in a simple
clear re-sealable plastic bag,
along with two decal sheets.
Instructions and colour images
were supplied on stapled
sheets of paper – evidence of
the offering’s short-run nature
(Masterpiece Models’ website
states each kit is made to order).
There were 42 parts in total, cast
in white resin and (in theory) four
small metal nuts and bolts, but
just one of the latter was present,
so replacements were found
in the spares box. Despite the
inauspicious packing, just two
parts were damaged.
All components were first
given a gentle scrub with an
old toothbrush, warm water
 Each of the three large rail pieces was and washing up liquid. This was
taped gently to pieces of scrap cardboard suggested in the instructions
to keep them safe. and was vital, because all parts
science-fiction genre. The story’s
setting is Victorian England
and it describes an intrepid
inventor referred to as ‘The
Time Traveller’, who constructs
a machine to travel through the
ages. His adventure eventually
takes him to the year 802,701 AD,
where he meets the child-like Eloi
and aggressive Morlocks.
The 1960 film ‘HG Wells The
Time Machine’ starred Rod Taylor,
Alan Young and Yvette Mimieux.
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TIME MACHINE

TIMELESS MARKINGS
While the main parts for the base
and chair were sturdy, the sides
featured delicate renditions of Masterpiece Models’ decals were supplied on two sheets, and were intended
wrought ironwork. mainly to embellish the time disc, and generator, but much would be replicated
instead by scratch-built additions.

 Many of the black decals were to

represent surface detail, so were not used.
 Pre-empting ‘Doc’ Brown’s time-
travelling DeLorean by more than three
decades, the HG Wells machine displayed
time by year, month and day, and were
colour-coded to match the controls.

 The time generator, console and pieces
for the disc support structure…note the
brass wire in the latter, added to increase
the strength of the finished model.
had a noticeably slimy surface
caused by the presence of mould
release agent residue. If left
untreated, then painting woes
would have ensued later. Initial
neatening followed, with the
main waste parts either sawn
or removed by a scalpel
and fresh blade. Detailed
pieces, such as the side
rails, required thicker
flash to be removed,
its presence
presumably being
to provide
structural
protection
during transit. Finer finishing
of each component was then
achieved with the scalpel, plus
various grades of Wet and Dry
abrasive paper.
Note that as with all resin builds,
serious attention must be paid
to the potential dangers of resin
dust, due to the health hazard
it presents. A respirator was
worn during the whole process,
all sanding beingm undertaken
with plenty of water to minimise
the chance of dust particles
becoming airborne. Most parts
were well cast, although one or
two had join seams to neaten,

Time Machine
MODEL SPEC

By: Masterpiece
Models
Stock Code: MSPMSCF70110
Scale: 1/12
Price: US $120
Available from:
www.masterpiecemodels.com

www.airfixmodelworld.com 25
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TIME MACHINE

 A vital detailing tool for this project was RP Toolz’ splendid punch and die set, which
came complete with 16 different diameters and a miniature hammer.
 Creating rivets was simplicity itself; just clamp sheet styrene between the acetate cover
and the base, position the correct punch and hit smartly with the hammer.

but nothing dramatic.
With everything ready for
assembly, it was time to check
references. There were plenty
of Internet stills from the film
First to receive the rivet
details were the time
generator and console, with
the cylindrical sections
benefiting greatly.
available for scrutiny, and it
quickly became clear that, with
a model of such a large scale,
there was ample opportunity to
augment the cast detail. This was
particularly true of the large time
disc at the back of the machine,
which was supplied as a simple
concave item, yet the stills
showed many additional surface
features. Masterpiece Models’
approach was to represent most
of these with decals, but the
arrival of an RP Toolz Punch
and Die set (www.rptoolz.com)
provided the opportunity for
serious rivet generation…not just
for the disc but also for other
components.
Punch drunk
Suitable diameters were chosen
and rivets were then created
for the time generator and the
console from sheet styrene.
These were fixed with Super
Glue — a strip of masking tape
acted as a guide to ensure equal
spacing. The results looked good
so, encouraged by this, the major
task of adding more than 400
individually punched rivets to the
time disc began. Perhaps it was
the enthusiasm for the build, but
this didn’t seem a particularly
onerous task at the time.
First, the disc was marked with
a pair of compasses, before
photocopies of the decals were
employed to help position the
rivets correctly. There were
approximately 21 sets of four
rivets per quadrant, with extra
items around the outside. Each
rivet was applied by gently
pressing the point of a scalpel
to provide sufficient friction to
‘grip’ it, dab it in Super Glue, and
then it was applied to the disc.
Again, it sounds very fiddly, but it
really did work. The disc’s bracing

 Repairs were needed on the left chair leg (scrap styrene sufficed), after which wire  As supplied, the time disc was a very plain item, with the manufacturer’s intent that
strengthening was added. The new Miliput-sculpted headrest is also shown. detail would be supplied via decals.

26 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TIME MACHINE

strips were recreated with

inverted T-shaped strips from FORGOTTEN
HONOURS
Maquett (www.albionhobbies.
com), by cutting away part of
the ‘leg’ to mimic the triangular
reinforcements. The result was
a disc with greatly enhanced
surface detail worthy of the scale.
Next came the assembly on
top of the time generator.
This included a mechanism
for attaching the disc to the
main body, which had a lamp
positioned on top, plus a
secondary, smaller disc. Contact
points were occasionally
questionable, so small holes were
drilled in each part, before brass
wire was inserted to strengthen
the resulting structure. The chair MGM’s The Time Machine won the 1960
had suffered damage to one leg, Academy Award for its visual special
but this was made good with effects, the Oscar being presented to
spare sheet and strip styrene. Gene Warren and Tim Baar. But due
Wire was then added to the two to the way the bid was submitted, a
chair leg ends, to make a positive key member of the special effects
 After studying film stills, the riveting join to the base. A headrest for team, Wah Ming Chang, wasn’t
odyssey began, with Maquett styrene the chair was missing, but was acknowledged. It was his creativity
disc braces and photocopies of a prominent feature in the film that took the initial ideas for the Time
the markings acting as a stills, so this was sculpted with Machine (based on a horse-drawn
guide. Note the primer
white Milliput. It was then time sleigh with a modified barber’s chair)
already applied –
the disc surface
for fun with the paint. to create the film miniature, and
was quite rough contributed to the movie’s incredible
to begin with. Period extravagance time-travel effects. According to close
All parts received Mr. Finishing friends, Chang, who died at the age
Surfacer 1500 Gray and were of 86 in 2003, was never affected by
then checked for blemishes and this, and was described as: “the most
any adhesion issues. The latter humble, gentle man” who “never
was just as well, because a boasted about anything he did, and he
significant section sloughed just did remarkable stuff”.
from the back of the It’s therefore fitting that Masterpiece
main disc, so this
Models credits the Time Machine
was re-sanded,
to Chang on the box artwork, and
cleaned and primed
includes a photograph of this talented
again. All parts with
artist and sculptor, who went on to
metallic shades
contribute to many films, including
The Seven Faces of Dr Lao, Spartacus
and Planet of the Apes. However,
to many sci-fi fans, he will be
remembered as creator of the iconic
communicator and tri-corder from
Star Trek, and the man who reworked
the initial hand-held phaser designs
into what was eventually seen on TV.

were then airbrushed with

Alclad II ALC-305 Gloss Black
Base (www.alclad2.com). Once a
satisfactorily smooth surface was
achieved, ALC-109 Polished Brass
was applied on the rails and drive
mechanism, with ALC-110 Copper
for the time disc.
Highlights, such as the braces,
were accentuated with ALC-
118 Gold Titanium. The time
generator was shown as white
on the instructions, but the

www.airfixmodelworld.com 27
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TIME MACHINE

 A painted time generator ready for the second batch of decals (the gold-coloured items
have already been added to the base); more definition with the white highlights on the
raised detail would have improved this further.

film ‘still’ image showed it was a highlights to represent the

rosy pink hue when ‘active’, and ‘bulbs’. The rest of the structure
this appearance was preferred. was finished with Mr. Hobby 059
 After further priming and painting, the results were spectacular — the metal shades
emphasised the surface detail…as intended. A suitable colour was mixed IJN Green (diluted heavily with
and applied, followed by white Mr. Leveling Thinner), to give a
beautiful gloss finish.
While the painting created vivid
tones, it wasn’t until the decals
were applied that the whole unit
really came to life. Although
few in number, they supplied
the filigree artwork, and would
have been much more difficult to
replicate otherwise.
The base and chair support
were base coated in Mr. Color 41
Red Brown, before the addition
 Parts for the time generator ‘lamp’ and associated supports also received wire of Michael Harding 126 Burnt
strengthening, plus a soft lead wire ‘cage’ for the light itself. Umber. Dots of 101 Titanium
White were then added to the
base and blended with the
underlying tones to represent
wood grain. The chair ‘seat’
received Mr. Hobby 327 Red,
followed by 504 Cadmium Red,

MATERIALS
AT A GLANCE
Alclad II
www.alclad2.com
ALC-109 Brass
ALC-110 Copper
ALC-118 Gold Titanium
ALC-305 Gloss Black Base
Mr. Hobby
www.albionhobbies.com
Mr. Color 41 Red Brown
Mr. Hobby 327 Red
Mr. Hobby 059 IJN Green
Maquett
www.albionhobbies.com
413-53/3 ‘T’ profile strips

28 Airfix Model World

 A card served as a handy paint palette, with the bonus being it absorbed some of
the oil content, which accelerated the drying time to just one week. Note the
rich tones created on the seat cushion, by blending the various colours.

 More scratch-building was needed to create the missing wires on

the time generator, and these were fashioned by wrapping thin
wire around a cocktail stick. A drive belt was added later.

 The machines’ chronometer display on

the console, with dials colour-matched
to days, months and years. All the added
rivets were highlighted with gold.

before Burnt Umber was added

to the creases and blended. The
result was a rich depth of colour.
Joining the sub-assemblies
followed – assisted by more wire
to stabilise the structure. It was
fiddly, but patience was rewarded
with a suitably striking replica.

Cinematic gem
This was a truly wonderful
project. It’s not for beginners
because, although there were
comparatively few parts, the final
assembly in particular was quite
challenging. Perhaps there was
slight overkill on the scratch-
building aspects, but with all those
film stills readily available, it
was difficult to resist!
 OUT AND ABOUT
SHROPSHIRE MODEL SHOW

Uncluttered Fun
 Among the many outstanding
models on the Great War SIG
table was this stunning Tommy’s
War 54mm ‘L’ Battery RHA
vignette by Nigel Raynor.
have been taking lessons from
a certain Time Lord, especially
in the Cold War hangar, as from
the outside it didn’t look big
enough to accomodate all three
V-bombers!
As one of the few remaining
museum-located shows, this
is one of the UK’s ‘big three’
events, and has been likened by
many to a ‘mini-Telford’, such is
its appeal. And what a show it
was, with something from every
genre on display, and plenty
to discuss with modellers of
all ages. It was noticeable how
many family groups were visiting
that day; along with the sight of
numerous youngsters clutching
newly acquired kits, eagerly
anticipating building them when
they got home.
There wasn’t a competition this
year, but the informally judged
Best Display was awarded to
IPMS Farnborough for its well-
appointed stand. I’m already

T
his year’s event at the RAF
Museum Cosford benefited
greatly from a revised
aircraft display and show
tables layout, which afforded a
more spacious setting.
While this may have led to a
perception of fewer attendees,
the jammed car parks attested
otherwise (hats off to the parking
ushers, who did a sterling job),
and it certainly appeared a busy
day for clubs, Special Interest
Groups (SIGs) and traders. That
said, the museum staff must
looking forward to next
year’s gathering! Stu Fone
VIEW MORE ONLINE
www.airfixmodelworld.com

 This scratch-built 1/350 Finnish gunboat (FNS Karjala) by Don McKeand stood out on the
Fine Waterline Models display due to its unusual camouflage and appearance.

 Hosts IPMS Telford/Shropshire fielded an impressive display, which included Haris Ali’s
superbly rigged and weathered Airfix 1/72 Fokker E.II Eindecker.

 Philip Tampkin’s painstaking masking and airbrushing resulted in this spectacular  IPMS Mercia’s Craig Godwin combined ICM’s 1/72 Do 17Z-2 with SBS Model decals to
rendition of Academy’s 1/48 KV-107-II-5 helicopter, bedecked in 50th Anniversary markings. portray this unusual Finnish Z-3 reconnaissance sub-type.

30 Airfix Model World

 Take a look at our ABC
certificate. It shows our
circulation has been
Pennine Models at Haworth
independently verified to
industry agreed standards. So
our advertisers know they’re
getting what they paid for.
ABC. See it. Believe it. Trust it.
To advertise, call Sarah Jarman on
01780 755131 or
email sarah.jarman@keypublishing.com
PANZERWRECKS
Which unit painted a large flamingo on their halftrack? Who covered a Pz.Kpfw.III in concrete? How do you drive an 8-wheeled
armoured car? What does an armour-piercing rocket do to a Panzer? Where did the British collect captured German tanks?
The answers to these and other questions are to be found here in Panzerwrecks 22, with 156 rare and unpublished large
format photographs sourced from around the world and 6 specially commissioned artworks by Felipe Rodna.
7 .9 9 PANZERWRECKS.COM
£ 1 01435 865301
Panzerwrecks_Apr_18_Half.indd 1
p031_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1
SOME OF OUR AIRFIX BARGAINS
Series 1 Armour £5.50 03062 Mosquito NF XIX/ J30
01306 Stug 3 03031 Grumman Duck
01307 JS3 Tank Series 4 £14.50
01308 Tiger 1 04301 Churchill Bridge Layer
01311 SD.KFZ.234 04040 Mc D Harrier
01317 M3 Lee Grant 04022 Dassault Mirage F1
01318 Matilda Series 5 £18.00
01319 Chi-ha 05701 D-Day Gun Emplacement
Series 2 £7.99 Series 6 £22.50
02301 Scammel Tank Transporter 06304 WW2 USAAF Bomber
02308 Panzer 4 Re-Supply Set
02311 Sheridan Tank Series 1 Aircraft £5.50
02316 WW2 DUKW 01003 Curtiss Hawk 81-A-2
02320 Sherman Crab 01003a Curtiss Tomahawk MK.11B
02321 Churchill “Crocodile” 01004 North American P51D Mustang
02322 LWB Land Rover & Trailer 01005 Mitsubishi A6M2B Zero
02327 M113 U.S. Fire Support Version 01006 Folland Gnat T.1
02328 Saracen A.P.C. MK. 1/2/3 01008 Messerschimtt BF109E-4
02340 Higgins lcvp 01054 DHC Chipmunk T.10
Series 3 £10.50 Club Models
03305 RAF Recovery Set 82012 ME BF 109e3/7 £17.50
03310 PZKW V1 AUSF.B King Tiger 05116 Spitfire1/48 £18
03068 pucara
03066 NA Texan
03059 Short Tecano T1
Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm
33/35 Mill Hey, Haworth,
Keighley BD22 8NQ
Tel: 01535 642367
penninemodels@gmail.com
06/04/2018 17:31
18/04/2018 13:03
 OUT AND ABOUT
SOUTHERN EXPO 2018

Defying the
 The Senior Best of Show award went to
Rafal Sikorski’s sublime, super-detailed
Italeri 1/12 Fiat 806 GP car. A whole raft
of modifications, scratch-building
and new surface details took

Elements
the standard kit to the
upper echelons of
auto modelling.

 This eye-catching Minicraft 1/44 DC-6B, by Ian Brown, formed the centre piece of the  Several scratch-built models helped to fill the competition area, including Mick Hooper’s
Airliner Special Interest Group table. It had varying hues of airbrushed Alclad II lacquer. beautiful Fairey Delta FD.2, which rightfully received Silver in the 1/48 Aircraft category.

I
nclement weather proved no
obstacle to the many determined
modellers who made the
pilgrimage to this long-running
fixture – although as expected,
attendance was reduced.
Despite this, the event still
managed to showcase a diverse
collection of exhibits, covering
most genres. A varied mix of
clubs and traders, scale modelling
inspiration and the materials
to make it all happen were in
abundant supply…and many
Special Interest Groups were
present. The Asian Air Arms SIG
created a colourful display of
esoteric aircraft with stunning
 Modelled by Medway Model Club's Les Wollaston, this vignette was inspired by photos taken during the Battle of the Bulge. The 1/35 Hobby paint schemes, while the IPMS
Boss M4 High Speed Tractor and Tamiya 88mm gun blended perfectly with the snow effects, created from baking powder and PVA glue. Mid Sussex Club display included

32 Airfix Model World

 OUT AND ABOUT
SOUTHERN EXPO 2018

 Peter Cosgrove’s painstakingly detailed Airfix Beaufighter TF.X, backdated to a reverse
lend-lease Mk.VIf, secured bronze in the 1/72 aircraft competition category. As well as several
aftermarket items, Peter scratch-built the Mk.VIII radar and many cockpit details.
 SIG144’s Mike Verier took Mikromir’s recent Beverley C.1 and added a wealth of scratch-
built interior detail, notably on the rear clamshell doors, before placing it in a desert scenario.
 Barry Wood from Chiltern Scale Model Club built this evocative 1/35 World War One
diorama. Depicting a Royal Naval Air Service Rolls-Royce armoured car, serving in Belgium in
1914, the base was entirely scratch-built, while all figures were modified heavily.

a plethora of Doctor Who models

(certainly the cause of many a
childhood nightmare!) all built by
Mark Belsom.
The competition area did not
disappoint, with a beautifully
scratch-built Fairey Delta by Mick
Hooper taking Silver in the 1/48
Aircraft category, while the Best
of Show award went to Rafal
Sikorski’s superb 1/12 Italeri Fiat
806 Grand Prix Car.
Proceeds from the event raised
more than £3,000 for the local
St Francis Hospice charity, a very
respectable sum that couldn’t
have been achieved without the
dedication of Hornchurch Model
Club members, who all worked
tirelessly to organise the show.
Dave Oliver

 This eye-catching Academy 1/48 Indian Air Force MiG-21FL was the work of Brian Griffin.
Part of the Asian Air Arms Special Interest Group table, it shared the space with many other
attractive aircraft, and the whole exhibit rightfully earned Best Club Display.
 Adam Blyth put in many hours of work to create this simply stunning scratch-built 1/72
Caudron G IV vignette, which included a Small Stuff Le Rhône 9C engine and suitably tweaked
W^D Models figures. (all photos Dave Oliver)

www.airfixmodelworld.com 33
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K

Eastern Storm

Cristian Lupu builds Takom’s

impressively detailed 1/35 Kamaz-
63968 armoured personnel carrier

E
ight years ago, the Russian
Federation Armed Forces
launched the Typhoon
programme, to develop a
series of Mine-Resistant Ambush
Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
Among the participants were
KamAZ and Ural, and as of 2017
 The suspension was rather complex, but Takom’s clever engineering allowed the wheels various four-, six- and eight-
to be steerable. While height adjustment would have been a useful feature, omitting this in wheeled vehicles had been
favour of balanced complexity was a good trade-off. announced, including the imposing
boxy shape was reflected in the
comparatively low parts count,
with the upper body supplied as
a one-piece item with most detail
moulded integrally; the remaining
components were spread among
four grey and one clear runner.
Notably, the six tyres were black
vinyl items, which in most cases
Russian MRAP KAMAZ 63968
MODEL SPEC

slab-sided KamAZ-63968 6x6 Typhoon K

Typhoon-K armoured personnel By: Takom
carrier. As with other MRAPs, it Stock Code: 2082
featured a V-shaped bottom to
Scale: 1/35
deflect the blast from improvised
explosive devices, and energy- Price: £57.99
absorbing seats (secured to the Available from:
roof, rather than the floor) to www.pocketbond.co.uk
further attenuate impact effects.

Swirling through the box

Most of the crew
compartment components
came as one-piece sub-assemblies,
which once again expedited the build.
During early 2017, Takom surprised
many with its intent to release a
1/35 KamAZ 63968 Typhoon-K…a
first in this scale. The vehicle’s

34 Airfix Model World


 The driver cabin doors were rich in detail, with the windows being crystal clear…these
would be airbrushed to replicate the appearance of armoured glass.
looked more realistic than styrene
equivalents, but has often been
criticised for its unpredictable
ageing properties. The only photo-
etched (PE) brass details provided
were three mesh grilles for the
engine compartment.
A small decal sheet contained the
typical red insignia and ‘go-faster’
orange and black stripes with
stylised star seen on parade
vehicles, but lacked registration
plates. Instructions came as an
elegant leaflet and painting guide
(the latter by AMMO-MIG, with just
that firm’s shades listed). However,
all schemes featured the classical
overall green livery.
Firm foundations
Work commenced on the chassis,
which was formed from two sub-
assemblies (one for each side).
As with the upper body, the lower
walls were provided as one-
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K
The lower body halves, tool and
control boxes assembled quickly
and easily, with plenty of integrally
piece mouldings, with integrally
moulded detail on the former.
moulded features. A modicum
of neatening was required on
the chassis/suspension parts, as The vehicle front (which included
several sink marks were visible on separate clear parts for the lights)
exposed sections. was well engineered, with 45° mating
Takom included the opportunity surfaces for the armour plates
for moveable steering, and this
was seized eagerly, with three
11-component structures (one for
each axle) being assembled quickly.
It was here that a modelling flash-
back occurred, as Takom decided
not to employ poly or locking caps
to secure the linkages; instead it
reverted to melting the ends of the
respective pins (see panel).
Takom’s engineering prowess was
apparent from the underside front
armoured plates, to which multi-
part footplates were attached,
as the mating surfaces were
angled at 45°. While this kept the
edges commendably thin, it made
alignment challenging, but the
www.airfixmodelworld.com 35
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K

result was well worth the effort.

A final addition at this stage was
the headlight parts, which were
splendidly thin items, and featured
excellent details.

Busy innards Seven access hatches/shields

Full interiors were supplied
for the driver and passenger
compartments. At first, questions
were raised regarding the latter’s
accuracy, as the seats appeared
different to several reference
photos, but others subsequently
confirmed the padded bucket-
style configuration. The same
reference material was used
later to determine the interior
colours, as none were specified
in the instructions. Rather than
rely on just decals for the cab’s
dashboard, Takom moulded switch
and dial detail integrally with the
main panel.
were supplied for the roof, and
these could be positioned open/
closed, but the lack of locking
handles meant the former was
chosen here…as the rear ramp/
door would be lowered, this was
an acceptable compromise. On the
hatches, care was needed when
removing the runner attachment
gates, as these overlapped the
exterior surface. Next, the engine
grilles were added, and these
benefited from PE mesh, although
the latter were delicate and easy
to warp, being pinned until the
glue had dried.
While tedious, single-link track
assembly involving hundreds
of components wasn’t part
of this build, the neatening
and positioning of 49 roof-
mounted grab handles more
than compensated. The minimal
mating surfaces were flattened,
before being dipped in glue
and secured, with the bond
sufficiently strong that just a
single item was displaced during
later handling. Exterior rear-
view mirrors were supplied with
separate clear styrene ‘glass’,
which yielded a credible final look,
but the attachment arms were
fragile, so these were left off until
the final stages.
Further interest was created by
leaving one of the cab doors open,

Probably the kit’s highlight was

the driver’s compartment, which
featured plenty of lovely detail,
especially on the dashboard.
Retro joints
Surprisingly, Takom suggested the suspension parts should be joined by
heat-shaping the pins. While previously a common method (notably in auto
models), it has fallen out of fashion, but is quick and simple. The tip of a modelling
knife or small screwdriver is heated for 15-20 seconds in the flame of a candle
or lighter, and then pressed onto the pin with a rotating movement, to form a
T-shaped tip. It’s then important to rotate the melted pin, to ensure none of the
heated plastic has stuck to the surrounding styrene.
This process demanded attention, not just to ensure articulated joints, but to avoid
unintentional scarring on adjacent parts…notably on the main chassis. Thankfully,
any blackened styrene was hidden once assembly was finished.

 Care was needed when preparing the crew hatches, as the sprue attachment points
overlapped the exterior surfaces. These were detailed pleasingly, lacking just locking handles.

36 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K

 The black vinyl tyres sported superb

The PE fret provided with the
kit was minimalistic, with just three
delicate exhaust mesh grilles included.
 The crew access door could be assembled in closed/open position. As the crew
compartment was well detailed, it was decided on the latter option.
moulded tread, manufacturer’s details
and type specifications. At the same time,
the five-piece wheel hubs were a perfect
continuation of the kit’s high standards.
 The side mirrors were four-part affairs,
including separate ‘glass’ fronts, which
allowed the interior to be primed with silver
before these were added.

Although a wheeled vehicle doesn’t

involve tedious track assembly, the 49
tiny roof grab handles, all of which had
to be cleaned, aligned and positioned
were a real test of patience.

which afforded a view of the well-
apportioned interior. Similarly,
the rear door/ramp was detailed
superbly, with integrally moulded
steps, handle and separate
actuator arms.
Wheel assembly was simple, with
the five-piece hubs sandwiching
the vinyl wheels; the latter
boasted raised text including type
specification, manufacturer’s
name and logo. This quality
extended to the tread, which
captured the block style faithfully.
The only negative aspect was
the less than optimal fit between
the vinyl and styrene parts, and
despite all efforts, there were
visible gaps around the rims on
several units.
Olive tones
Three schemes were offered, all for
overall green vehicles, with options
for parade or frontline machines.
For this particular build, it was
decided to opt for an anonymous
machine, as seen in recent photos
of the Russian intervention in the
Syrian conflict.
In a first for this modeller, Slovak
company MR Paint’s products
were trialled (see panel) notably
MRP-084 Fine Surface Primer
and MRP-177 Dark Green. The
former was pale grey, almost
white in tone, offered excellent
coverage and contrasted suitably
to the kit styrene, while the latter
was designed to replicate the
Swedish Army’s 326M, but

www.airfixmodelworld.com 37
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K

 The lower body parts received their final colour of 06 Tar Black, before being set aside
until later in the build.
 Crew access hatches and other interior details were painted with a 2:1 mix of 74 Gunship
Grey and 06 Tar Black, in accordance with reference photos. Later, the hatch exteriors were
treated with MRP-177 Dark Green.

Tinted glass
Unless clear styrene is moulded in a suitable shade (usually a blue-green hue) to
represent armoured glass, replicating its appearance can be tricky. As Takom supplied
colourless parts, a bespoke 5:2:1 mix of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), 01 Clear Gloss and 364
Leaf Green was applied in up to ten layers on the inner side of each, allowing the paint
to dry for a few seconds between passes. The compressor was set at a low pressure,
10 psi (0.7 bar), with minimal needle travel to ensure a misted coverage. When viewed
from the outside, it provided the necessary illusion of depth for thickened glazing.

The compartment floors

received a 4:1 mix of 91
Steel and 06 Tar Black,
creating a suitable contrast
with the white walls and
dark grey roof sections.

resembled modern Russian green
almost perfectly. Both were both
airbrushed directly from the bottle,
at 10 psi (0.7 bar), using a 0.2mm
needle. All PE and the surrounding
areas were pre-treated with the
primer and allowed to dry for
24 hours. Considering the paint
consistency, application of MRP-
177 Dark Green was via several
light coats, and each was allowed
to dry for a few seconds between
passes. The result was a silky, even
finish…tonal variations would be
applied subsequently. Separately,
the vehicle’s lights were painted
90 Silver, followed by 330 Fiery
Red or an equal mix of Fiery Red
and 12 Yellow, as required. Several
thin layers of 01 Clear Gloss then
replicated the clear Perspex
‘glazing’ on these units.
Seats, dashboard, chassis and
suspension all received Revell
06 Tar Black acrylic, before
the interior was painted white,
to match reference photos. A
dark grey mix (2:1 combination
of 74 Gunship Grey and 06 Tar
Black) was then created for the
instrument panels, with details
picked out in Tar Black and dry-

38 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K

brushed 91 Steel. A metallic hue

(four parts Steel to one Tar Black)
served for the compartment floors.
Variations on a theme
To disrupt the vehicle's otherwise
monotone appearance, exposed
areas were highlighted with a
paler version of the base colour,
obtained from an equal mix of
MRP-177 and -244 Tan, and diluted
with MR Thinner. This was applied
at low pressure to the centre of
selected panels on the vehicle top
and upper side walls, as per the
zenithal/colour-modulation paint
technique (which exaggerates
natural light effects). At this
stage, a slightly stark effect was
desired, as the contrast would be
muted later by filters.
After a further 24-hour
drying period, it was time
to assemble the interior
parts. The chassis halves
were joined first, along with the
suspension, followed by the
crew compartments, and lower
equipment and control boxes.
Given the size of the chassis
and upper body, alignment was
difficult, especially for the front
armour plates, which required
subsequent touch-ups.
Since the base coat was lacquer-
based, and the weathering steps
were based on lighter fuel, a
protective acrylic gloss layer was
airbrushed to reduce the chance
of adverse effects.

Silky finish The lights were

replicated with 90
Slovak company MR Paint produces a range of acrylic and lacquer paints, the latter Silver, followed by red
being trialled here. Each comes in a 30ml bottle, pre-thinned for airbrushing, and or orange and several
there’s an agitator ball to help ensure the contents are mixed properly before use. The layers of 01 Gloss Clear.
consistency is similar to milk, runny (yet not watery). When airbrushed at low pressure
in a series of light coats, the result was a silky-matt finish, forming an ideal base for pin
washes and decals (although an application of gloss varnish is suggested for the latter).
Perhaps the sole downside was the odour; like many lacquers it was quite strong and
it’s recommended a respirator mask is used when spraying, in a well-ventilated room.

After completing the

complex suspension, interior
sub-assemblies, including
the rear seats (all painted
06 Tar Black) were added.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 39
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K
 Wheel hub details were emphasised by a
diluted Burnt Sienna/Lamp Black oil wash.
 Crew seats and the dashboard were
sprayed with a 2:1 mix of 74 Gunship Grey
and 06 Tar Black, before details were
accentuated with dry-brushed 91 Steel.
The upper body received multiple
coats of MRP-177 Dark Green; once dry,
highlights were applied to panel centres
with a lightened mix of the base colour,
to enliven the monotone appearance.
40 Airfix Model World
Materials
used
MR Paint (www.mrpaint.sk)
MRP-084 Fine Surface Primer
MRP-177 Dark Green
MRP-244 Tan
MR Thinner
Revell acrylics (www.revell.de/en)
01 Clear Gloss
02 Clear Matt
05 White
06 Tar Black
12 Yellow
74 Gunship Grey
90 Silver
91 Steel
330 Fiery Red
364 Leaf Green
AMMO-MIG (www.migjimenez.com)
A.MIG-029 New Iraqi Army Sand
A.MIG-057 Yellow Grey
A.MIG-3007 Dark Earth
Vallejo pigments
(www.creativemodels.co.uk)
73.105 Natural Sienna
Winsor & Newton oils
(www.winsornewton.com)
Burnt Sienna
Lamp Black
Weather marks
Details were then accentuated
with a pin wash, created from a
70:30 mix of Winsor & Newton
Burnt Sienna and Lamp Black oil
paints. Initially, this was diluted
in a 1:5 ratio with lighter fuel,
with efforts concentrated around
raised details; the wash being
allowed to accumulate in nooks
and crannies. A thicker concoction
(1:2 ratio) was then applied in
small puddles to the side walls,
and then dragged downwards in
the natural direction of rain water
flow, with a large, soft lighter
fuel-moistened brush. The final
effect was of streaks, starting
strongly at the top and fading on
lower surfaces. After allowing the
pin wash and streaking to dry for
at least 24 hours, the effect was
sealed with several thin layers of
02 Clear Matt.
Replication of dust and mud
started on the lower hull, with
the addition of a translucent dust
layer, via AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-057
Yellow Grey diluted with tap water.
The same treatment was then
sprayed onto the vehicle sides
and mudguards.
Household plaster, A.MIG-3007
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
TYPHOON K

 A similarly concoction also served to create rain streaks on the body sides; once dry, a
Vallejo’s Natural Sienna pigment was
diluted sand tone was sprayed over the lower hull, to imitate dust accumulation.
mixed with IPA and applied randomly
over the dried mud and blended into the
underlying layers with more IPA and a
medium, stiff-haired brush.

 Plaster, A.MIG-3007 Dark Earth pigments and sifted garden soil (for  Mud splatters of different colours were applied by flicking a loaded
added volume) was mixed with hobby glue and water to form thick mud, medium brush over a cocktail stick, to form the top weathering layer.
which was applied to the lower hull with a short-bristled, round brush.

Dark Earth pigment, hobby glue
and sifted dirt from the garden
were then mixed with tap water
and applied to the lower hull with
a stiff brush, to replicate heavier
mud accumulations. Once this
was dry, a little was removed
with a stiff brush, leaving
concentrations in hidden areas
around the suspension. Further
details were then highlighted
with paler 73.105 Natural Sienna
pigments, diluted with IPA and
applied sparingly. Once dry,
the various pigment layers
were blended with a small, stiff
brush and IPA to remove hard
separation lines.
Finally, mud splashes were
added, forming the last layer of
mud and dust. Dark Earth and
Natural Sienna pigments, diluted
generously with IPA, were flicked
against the vehicle body at a 45°
angle from front to back, bottom
to top, simulating splatters
formed during vehicle movement.
When the last layer had dried
thoroughly, the whole vehicle was
sealed with 02 Clear Matt varnish.
Storming kit
Takom’s Typhoon-K is definitely
a product of modern times, not
just in terms of subject matter,
but also in moulding quality and
detail…especially the interior.
Despite issues concerning the
instructions, ejector pin marks and
seams, the overall build process
was positive, and the model has
a certain futuristic ‘something’
to set it apart from other
contemporary subjects. The MR
Paints were a revelation, as the
excellent consistency and general
ease of use sets them ahead
of competitor products.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 41
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
JET PROVOST T.5

SOUTH YORKSHIRE

SKYDANCER
to 94 airframes), remained the
primary fast jet trainer for the
RAF until it was retired in 1993.

The training room

Fly’s simple boxing belied the
contents, which comprised
crisply moulded styrene (albeit
with minor flash) and numerous
resin parts. The former was used

R
In his debut AMW build, Duncan Cooke apid development of frontline
strike aircraft for the Royal
tackles Fly’s 1/48 Jet Provost and finds Air Force during the early
1960s highlighted the need
it a slightly challenging but ultimately for a new basic jet trainer; of
primary concern was the lack of a
rewarding journey pressurised cockpit in the existing
Hunting-Percival Jet Provost T.4.
In 1964 the British Aircraft
Corporation (BAC) started a
for major structural elements
such as the fuselage and wings,
and the latter for finer details,
which included cockpit interior,
seats and undercarriage. A small
photo-etched (PE) brass fret
was provided to enhance the
instrument panel and control
panel actuators; the former also
Jet Provost T.5/T.5A
MODEL SPEC

development project to address

this issue, and in September By: Fly
1969 the first BAC Jet Provost
Stock Code: 48016
T.5 entered RAF service, with the
Central Flying School (CFS) at Scale: 1/48
RAF Little Rissington. Price: €24.25
Eventually, 110 T.5s were ordered
by the RAF, and deliveries Available from: www.fly814.cz
continued throughout 1970, with
3 Flying Training School at RAF
Leeming, 6 FTS at RAF Acklington
and 7 FTS at RAF Church Fenton,
 Care was needed when removing large parts from the runners, as attachment gates all receiving the new aircraft. The
impinged on the moulded relief in places. Gentle use of a fine sanding stick, followed by T.5, later designated T.5a (with
several passes with a scribing tool, restored the shape and detail. the addition of updated avionics

42 Airfix Model World


While Fly supplied two
decent resin ejection seats,
references indicated these
had an incorrect headbox
shape, so for this build they
were replaced with two
Pavla units (481212), which
featured superior detail and
were more accurate for an
RAF Jet Provost T.5.
served to address a shape issue
with the T.5’s styrene item.
One note of caution; neither the
styrene runners nor the resin
elements had identification tabs,
so careful checking with the
instruction sheet was required to
ensure the correct selection of
pieces at all times.
Cockpit assembly was tackled
first. Fly’s resin Martin-Baker Mk.4
ejection seats were acceptable,
 Fly’s Jet Provost might be a limited-run
offering, but it’s packed with refinement
thanks to clever use of photo-etched brass,
for those hard-to-mould details.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
JET PROVOST T.5
Thanks to the quality
of casting, no changes
were necessary for the
replacement seats,
which received satin
black frames, with
cushions painted in
various greens. Black
wash added extra depth
to the raised features.
but lacked detail when compared
with aftermarket alternatives.
A pair of Pavla’s Mk.4 seats
WORLDWIDE EXPORTS
Fly offered a generous variety of schemes in its T.5/5a ‘Powerpack’ boxing,
(481212) were selected from the
spares collection, as the larger covering several unusual subjects:
head box of the kit examples was • BAC 167, 329, privately owned Warbird, USA
incorrect for the aircraft type. • BAC 167 Strikemaster, 501, Air Force of the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen
Although not 100% accurate, • BAC 167 Strikemaster, OJ4/Z2, Botswana Defence Force
even with the addition of an • BAC 167 Strikemaster, 112/D, Kuwaiti Air Force
overhead firing handle made • Jet Provost T.5, XW323/44, RAF Cranwell, 1979
from fuse wire, the finished
examples were more in keeping
with the Mk.4s fitted to the
T.5. Careful neatening, priming
with Alclad Grey Microfiller and
Primer, followed by detailed brush
painting, provided the basis for
the seats’ decoration. After light
dry-brushing with matt grey and
a Tamiya Black Panel Line Wash,
they were set aside while the
main cockpit tub was constructed.
This comprised a styrene floor,
with well-appointed resin side
panels, separate PE instrument
panel and a resin centre console.
Scale replica dials were provided
on an acetate sheet, which
“ SCALE REPLICA
DIALS WERE
PROVIDED ON
AN ACETATE
SHEET”
www.airfixmodelworld.com 43
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
JET PROVOST T.5

 Fly’s PE instrument panel was commendably thin, but the addition of white plastic card
as a backing plate to the acetate film enhanced the appearance of the dial faces.

 It was easier to omit one of the cockpit side panels until the remainder had been
completed, which also aided test-fitting of other components into the ‘office’.

 Unsurprisingly, given it’s limited-run nature there was a lack of locating pins, so to aid  To avoid tricky masking later in the build, the intake interiors were painted before they
alignment of the fuselage halves, two temporary items were fashioned from scrap styrene. were added to the fuselage.

was sandwiched between the PE
panel and a thin piece of white
plastic card, and this helped to
highlight the instrument faces.
To aid painting, one of the resin
sidewalls was left off; Vallejo
71.049 Medium Sea Grey provided
the base tone, and Tamiya Black
Panel Wash ensured a used look.
With one side removed, dry-
fitting was somewhat easier and
with the notable lack of locating
pins in this kit, plenty of time
was spent offering the finished
assembly to the fuselage, to
ensure the best alignment was
achieved before being secured
with cyanoacrylate (CA).
First flight
Preparation before mating
the fuselage halves included
remembering to add nose weight,
to ensure the finished model
didn’t tail-sit. As noted previously,
the lack of locating pins made
the prospect of achieving a
correctly aligned fuselage quite
a challenge, so two temporary
tabs were fashioned from
spare styrene and attached to
one half. This made the whole
process considerably easier, and
ensured any final seam filling was
minimal. A slight unevenness in
the moulding, though, required
blending of the underside seam.
Air intakes were added to the
fuselage at this point, after
their internals had been cleaned
and painted; this allowed these
apertures to be masked while
filling, priming and finishing the
main airframe assembly. It also
removed the need for fiddly
coverings prior to the final
painting process. The intakes
did require re-profiling, to give
an even and smooth line to the
finished assembly; Squadron
White Putty and a Flex-i-File
sufficed to achieve most of
this, with just minor re-scribing
of the surface panel detail
being necessary to tidy the
overall appearance.
To ensure proper alignment of
the cockpit instrument panel,
it was removed from the resin
coaming and fixed in the correct
position within the fuselage;
the coaming was then shaped
to the correct profile (which
should match the windshield
transparency) and reattached.
Winging it
Once again, the lack of locating
pins made matching upper and
lower wing surfaces a testing
experience. The resin wheel wells
were fixed permanently with
CA, before the wing halves were

44 Airfix Model World


mated; Tamiya’s Quick Setting
Extra Thin Cement ensured
speedy melding, and potential for
movement of these large surfaces
was minimised. Unfortunately,
too much pressure was applied
to the underside of the port
wing…the resultant crack being
repaired with CA and Squadron
White Putty. The thickness of
both leading and trailing edges
of the finished wings appeared
over-scale, so these were reduced
CANDIDATE
SELECTION
Released to coincide with Fly’s Jet
Provosts, Xtradecal’s X48-121 offers
11 options (catering for seven RAF
T.5/5a airframes at various times
in their service life), from which
XW325/E from 6 FTS, RAF Finningley
was chosen for this build:
• XW290/93, Red Pelicans Display
Team, CFS, RAF Little Rissington,
1970, 1972 and 1973
• XW290/41, 3 FTS, RAF Cranwell,
1988
• XW370/49, The Swords Display
Team, 3 FTS, RAF Leeming, 1974;
• XW370/72, 1 FTS, RAF Linton-on-
Ouse, 1980s
• XW322/1, Advanced Training Flight,
RAF Cranwell, 1971
• XW322/43, Advanced Training Flight,
RAF Cranwell, 1984
• XW325/E, 6 FTS, RAF Support
Command Display, RAF Finningley,
1990
• XW370/49, Gemini Pair, 3 FTS, RAF
Leeming, 1972 and 1973
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
JET PROVOST T.5
“ THE INTAKE INTERIORS WERE
PAINTED BEFORE THEY WERE ADDED”
with a combination of medium
and fine sanding sticks, together
with a Flex-i-File to maintain the
profile. Any lost detail was then
re-scribed.
The wing-tip tanks each came in
halves and these were attached
to the completed mainplanes.
Careful alignment was required  Once fixed in position, the intakes required blending into the fuselage, with Squadron’s
during assembly as once again White Putty and a Flex-i-File tool utilised judiciously to produce a smooth profile.
there were no locating tabs/pins,
just a butt-join; a small smear of
filler was required to maintain the
leading-edge profile and a brush
of Mr. Surfacer 500 provided
a neat finish to the seam. An
overall coat of Alclad ALC-302
Grey Primer and Microfiller was
then applied, with any noticeable
blemishes and/or irregularities
being addressed with further
applications of Mr. Surfacer. A
final rub-down with 2,000-grade
Wet & Dry prepared the airframe  Unfortunately, the port wing was damaged due to excessive pressure being applied when
for the main painting stages. holding the halves together. On this occasion, CA and white putty helped repair the cracks.
View ahead Sufficient nose weight, comprising Blu Tack and fine
Two transparency options were lead shot, was added prior to mating the fuselage
provided – a single-piece unit halves, to prevent the model from tail-sitting.
(closed) and a separate windshield
and canopy (open). The quality
of the latter required careful
and extensive polishing with
increasingly fine grades of Micro-
Mesh polishing cloths, followed by
final buffing with Nexus 2 Plastic
Polish, to provide an acceptably
clear result. The transparencies
were then dipped into Johnson’s
Klear for extra sparkle.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 45
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
JET PROVOST T.5
“ FLY SUPPLIED
A CLEAR LENS
FOR THE LIGHT
ASSEMBLY”
During a test-fit, though,
the canopy proved to be
approximately 1.5mm too wide,
which was resolved with gentle
heating with a hairdryer while
the piece was held under tension
with Tamiya tape, which allowed
the shape to be corrected without
further issue, once cooled.
Fly supplied a clear lens for the
light assembly situated in the
 The transparency of the clear parts varied greatly, but this was resolved with nose, but this was too thick and
increasingly finer grades of Micro-Mesh cloth, treatment with plastic polish and a dunk in didn’t allow the detailed PE light
Johnson’s Klear for extra clarity. cluster to be seen. It was replaced
with Bondic (www.notaglue.
com), which is a clear universal
fixing for repairing and moulding
plastic, supplied as a thick liquid
in a dropper-type applicator and
cured with the supplied UV LED.
Circuits and display
The chosen scheme was for
Support Command’s 1990
Extensive test-fitting throughout the build meant
display aircraft, XW325/E, as
minimal filling was required on the fuselage upper surfaces.
flown by Flt Lt Darren Legg
at RAF Finningley. Xtracolor’s
 A slight unevenness on the underside needed more extensive treatment, before the
fuselage could be mated with the mainplanes…which also eased handling at this stage. enamels were selected for the
striking Light Aircraft Grey,
Signal Red, Roundel Blue and
white livery, as these provided
the best colour matches.
Basic matt black pre-shading
was applied to the main panel
lines, for a subtle tonal variance
to the finished paintwork; colours
were then applied and masked
in order of density…white,
46 Airfix Model World
light grey, red and finally blue.
Special attention was paid to the
masking of more complex curved
areas, such as the wingtip tanks
and fuselage stripe, with flexible
Nitto Tape (www.nitto.com)
proving its worth.
A good 24-48 hours was left
between colour coats for the
paint to dry and cure fully. Once
the paint could be handled
without marking, each coat was
wet sanded and polished with
2,000-grade Wet & Dry…any
necessary touch-up work was
then undertaken before the next
shade was masked and applied.
This process was repeated until
a fundamentally even, four-
tone matt colour scheme was
achieved; two light coats of
Klear were then applied, which
restored a gloss lustre.
REFERENCES
• Warpaint Series No.82: BAC Jet
Provost & Strikemaster, by Adrian
M Balch (Guideline)
• RAF Trainers Volume 2: 1945-2012,
by Peter Freeman and Tim Walsh
(AIRfile), ISBN: 978-0-9569802-9-8
• www.jetprovostheaven.co.uk
• www.plane-mad.com/aviation-
photos/view/untitled/bac-jet-
provost/blackpool/13549.html
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
JET PROVOST T.5

A simple butt-join between

the wing and tip tanks presented
a slight challenge, and time was
taken to ensure correct positioning.

 While a degree of filler was required to blend the fuselage and wings, the amounts were
minimal, and were a testament to the quality of the kit parts.

 Several coats of primer were applied; the first highlighted any imperfections (these  Rather than work on the undersides and then the top, the final colours were applied in
were treated with Mr. Surfacer 500), while subsequent layers were polished in preparation order of their brightness, from lightest to darkest, with up to two days between each to
for the display scheme. allow the underlying shades to dry properly.

Final approach not to overdo this, as several Touchdown a very pleasing example of
The kit’s decals were printed lines were quite deep, notably Fly Models’ T.5 can be best this iconic aircraft can be built.
by Cartograf and were of the on the upper wing surfaces. summarised as a ‘modeller’s With the limited choices of this
expected high quality, with Addition of the PE antennae model’; it required attention to subject in 1/48 scale, the kit must
good colour density and perfect completed the build, while a final detail and lateral thinking to be recommended to all those
register, and these were used coat of Klear sealed everything complete, even out-of-the-box. with memories of the start of a
predominantly for the stencil and provided an even gloss coat, However, with patience, good career (or just watching) in
data. Note the walkway and where appropriate. references and perseverance, RAF fast jets.
undercarriage stencils appeared
slightly over-scale and these
were trimmed to produce a more
balanced appearance. Xtradecal’s
X48-121 provided the roundels and
index markings for the chosen
aircraft, XW325/E. However, the
underwing roundels were slightly
out of register, as the black
base print was visible on one
side. Thankfully, as these were
positioned on a red background,
this was almost unnoticeable.
All decals were applied with
minimal fuss, and just one
application of Microscale’s Micro
Sol was required to ensure they
conformed to the panel lines. A
further coat of Klear followed,
with panel lines being picked out
with black Tamiya Panel Line
Accent Color. Care was needed

www.airfixmodelworld.com 47
 OUT AND ABOUT
STOKE MODEL SHOW

 Paul Crocker's FV439 Radio Relay vehicle, on the Modern British Armour SIG table,
combined Takom’s FV432 with a 3D-printed conversion set via Shapeways.
 Mirage Hobby 200mm figures are rare, and Craig Spencer’s D-Day US 101st Airborne
Division trooper was finished superbly, notably on the war-weary uniform and equipment.

judges. Stoke’s show has a well- Military treatment centres, mental

earned reputation for being laid
back and relaxed, and has fostered
a family-friendly atmosphere,
which was well evident from
participating modellers and
visitors. It was also great to see
charities supported, and there
were many donations to Models
for Heroes, which supports UK
health organisations and charities,
providing scale modelling events
as therapeutic activities. Here’s to
an even greater show next time!
Oh…did I mention there was
cake? Stu Fone
VIEW MORE ONLINE
www.airfixmodelworld.com

Having Your Cake…

O
f the many shows I’ve covered
while working for Airfix Model
World, Stoke’s annual event is
one of several that have gone
from strength to strength.
Now working in collaboration
with those fine folks from
Figureworld, the joint exhibition
was bigger than ever this year, and
filled the venue almost to bursting.
In a similar vein, most modellers’
appetites were more than sated by
the excellent selection of home-
made cakes on sale, courtesy of
club members’ wives. Not to be
outdone, there was a huge variety
of models on display, on club
and Special Interest Group (SIG)
stands and in the competition. The
 The F1 + Motorsport SIG stand always provides a splash of colour, none more so than this
latter was supported strongly, and
lovely Tamiya 1/20 Benetton B188 Ford 1988 by Geoff Corker.
the standard of entries caused
much discussion among the

 And now for something completely different…Ian Tranter’s scratch-built 1/35 Tritton Trench
Crosser drew plenty of attention in the competition, and was judged best in its category.
 John Hindley’s Fonderie Miniatures 1/48 Halifax C.VIII was a four-year battle to complete,
overcoming the kit’s fit issues, before adding markings for a 301 (Polish) Squadron airframe.

48 Airfix Model World

 1:72
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
PHANTOM FG.1™

A06016
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS
PHANTOM FG.1™
• Undercarriage can be posed up or down
• Poseable flaps and slats
• Canopy open or closed
• Wings folded or unfolded
• Optional open nose and radar
• IFR probe stowed or unstowed
• Three different build configurations

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™

No.892 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Ark Royal, 1974-1975.

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™

No.767 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton,
Somerset, England, 1971.

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™

Naval Air Support Unit, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton,
Somerset, England, 1969.

Length 244mm Width 162mm Pieces 162

Color Chart
Airfix.com Available Now!
and all good retail stockists
Official Product

5659AX_A06016_McDonnell_Douglas_Phantom_AD__APRIL_2018.indd
HornbyHobbiesAirfix_FP.indd 1 1 09/04/2018 09:03
10/04/2018 11:57
 YOUR AIRFIX
SEA VIXEN FAW.2

Eric Larson
presents his
Airfix Sea Vixen,
embellished with
an abundance of
aftermarket

wings extended to maintain the

sleek lines of this elegant aircraft.
For those not fortunate to have a
Sea Vixen in their stash, current
availability of this kit appears to
be limited to the second-hand

T
he magnificent Airfix Master Model turned metal pitot exception of installing the closed market…but perhaps Airfix will
1/48 Sea Vixen holds tubes, Royale Resin wheels, and a flaps, which required careful one day see fit to re-issue it.
a place of distinction Quickboost antenna set. The kit’s trimming and a touch of putty. I For those who do have one,
with AMW as it was the overall fit is very good with the chose to build my model with the build it soon!
cover feature for the inaugural
issue in 2010, whereby the kit
was built out of the box. When
it came to mine though, being
a certified aftermarket junkie,
I obtained numerous upgrades
to enhance this impressive kit.
These included a mix of Aires,
Quickboost, and Eduard items for
the cockpit, Aires wheel bays, and
a Pavla airbrake. Accommodating
the various resin inserts in the
cramped fuselage required
repeated cutting, sanding, and
test-fitting, but perseverance
paid off and was worth it. Further
external refinements involved

Are you proud of a particular

Airfix build? Then let AMW know by
providing us with 150-200 words on the
project and what was involved, along
with 6-8 good quality photos against
a clean white background. Photo file
sizes should be 1MB or larger. Please
e-mail your submissions to the editor:
chris.clifford@keypublishing.com

50 Airfix Model World

 The International Plastic Modellers Society was established in the United Kingdom over 50 years ago
with the aim of promoting and supporting the hobby of plastic modelling and has developed into a
truly global ‘model club’ with some 65 international bodies. Why not join us?
Some of the benefits of IPMS (UK) Membership
More than 100 local and virtual Branches throughout the United Kingdom • Over 95 Special Interest Groups covering
a multitude of subjects • Free entry to Scale ModelWorld ~ the World’s greatest model show • Access to an active
Technical Advisory Service • Access to a Society Decal Bank and Instruction Sheet Library • A high quality, full colour
Magazine six times per year • IPMS (UK) Online Forum ~ keep in touch • Exclusive discounts with modelling retailers

magazine
Written by Modellers for Modellers
Issue 1 2017
January ~ February
magazine
Written by Modellers for Modellers
Issue 2 2017
March ~ April

Seven-engined Stratojet Hispano Suiza H6C

Defiant by Day and by Night A Honey of a Stuart in Tunisia
Armstrong Whitworth AW.16 in China Catching up with a French Corsair

magazine
Written by Modellers for Modellers
Issue 4 2017
July ~ August

• Flywheel 2017
• Walrus Walkround
• Achtung Messerspit!

magazine
Written by Modellers for Modellers
Issue 3 2017
May ~ June
magazine
Written by Modellers for Modellers
Issue 5 2016
September ~ October

Full Steam Ahead Rest In Peace Peter Elley

A Rolls in the (Iraqi) Desert
XC-99 ~ A Transport Marvel of its Day IPMS Founder 1933 ~ 2016

magazine magazine magazine

Issue 6 Nov/Dec 2015

Issue 2 Mar/Apr 2015

Issue 1 Jan/Feb 2015

Written by Written by Written by

Modellers Modellers Modellers
for Modelle for Modelle for Modelle
rs rs rs

50 Years of the
50 Years of the IPMS Magazine
IPMS Magazine

50 Years of
the IPMS
Magazine
6 Nov/Dec 2015 IPMSmagazine

2 Mar/Apr 2015 IPMSmagazine

1 Jan/Feb 2015 IPMSmagazine

Zeppelin! Kathy’s Kyle Reese

Ried Model Show
Takom’s All New Chieftain A Traveller’s Tale Airfix’s Blenheim Analysed
Scale ModelWorld 2015 Special Issue Keski-Suomen Ilmailumuseon Super(marine) Spitfire Vb in 1/48th
1

magazine magazine magazine magazine

Issue 3 May/Jun 2015

Issue 4 Jul/Aug 2015

Issue No.5 • 2014
Issue No.6 • 2014

Written by Written by Written by Written by

Modellers Modellers Modellers Modellers
for Modelle for Modelle for Modelle for Modelle
rs rs rs rs

50 Years of
50 Years of
the IPMS
the IPMS
Magazine
Magazine
3 May/Jun 2015 IPMSmagazine

4 Jul/Aug 2015 IPMSmagazine

06•2014 IPMSmagazine

05•2014 IPMSmagazine

No Fotografía! Uruguayan Museums Nosferatu

Special Issue
A Tale of Two Rumplers 1932 Ford Pro-street Pickup Yeovilton Air Day Report
2014 Trumpeter’s Less Than Perfect Storm New Airfix 1/48 Bedford MWD Built A Guide To Model Photography
1

1
1

TheMagazine062014.indd 1 Tuesday16/12/2014 19:30 TheMagazine042015.indd 1 Friday14/08/2015 15:01

IPMS(UK)
For an Information Pack, including a FREE sample magazine, please
send 3 First Class stamps to the Membership Secretary: Cliff Bassett
West Barn Duken Lane Wootton Bridgnorth Shropshire WV15 6EA
Email membership@ipmsuk.org or visit ipmsuk.org/membership/ to join online

IMPS_UK.indd
Ad 1
2017COVERS.indd 1 16/03/2018 14:34:5411:40
Thursday23/11/2017
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

WICKED WIMPY Andy Davies tackles Airfix’s all-new Wellington

Mk.Ia/c …a much-needed replacement
for the company’s ancient B.III

V
ickers’ twin-engined Pierson and utilising the geodetic Germany, stick, and a damp cotton
Wellington medium construction methods devised by comprising bud was used to wipe
bomber was designed to Barnes Wallace used in the earlier approximately 60% away any excess.
specification B.9/32, with Wellesley, the Wellington served of the numbers in the The Wellington’s
the first prototype (K4049) flown with distinction throughout World first 1,000 bomber raid on fuselage had an
at Brooklands on June 15, 1936. War Two. The ‘Wimpy’ was to bear 30th May 1942. outer skin of
Conceived by Vickers- the brunt of the early Bomber fabric (linen)
Armstrongs' Chief Designer Rex Command offensive against Detail everywhere applied in
The kit comprised 140 crisply diagonal
moulded parts, carried on one layers, laid over the geodetic
clear and six medium-grey framework and secured with red/
runners: as with all new Airfix brown dope. The coloured dope
releases, it displayed a good leeched into the Irish linen, causing
amount of detail on both interior
and exterior surfaces. Construction
Vickers Wellington Mk.IA/C
MODEL SPEC

began with the fuselage halves,

as these contained the geodetic By: Airfix
structure, which would need Stock Code: AO8019
careful painting before fitting the
Scale: 1/72
plethora of internal features. The
complex geodetic framing, which Price: £30.99
ran the length of the fuselage, Available from: www.airfix.com
was well rendered, although
several ejector pin marks were
evident within the ‘diamonds’ of
the framework. These were filled
 The level of the interior detail was quite amazing and the complex geodetic design, which with Deluxe Materials’ Perfect
extended the length of the fuselage, well replicated. Plastic Putty, applied via a cocktail

52 Airfix Model World

 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

KIT COLOUR SCHEMES

Airfix’s production kit will be supplied with markings for the following aircraft:
• Mk.Ia, N2980/R, 20 Operational Training Unit, Lossiemouth, Scotland, December
1940. Aircraft recovered from Loch Ness, Scotland in 1985 and now on display at
Brooklands Museum of Motor Racing and Aviation, Surrey, England
• Mk.Ic, L7818/AA-R, 75 (NZ) Squadron, Feltwell, Norfolk, England, July 7, 1941. For
his actions in climbing onto the wing of this aircraft in-flight and attempting
to smother an engine fire, Sergeant Pilot James Allen Ward was awarded the
Victoria Cross

 A detail often overlooked on other Wellington models was the fabric-covered geodetic
framework on the wings. Airfix replicated this feature extremely well.

the inner surface to stain…initially to give the illusion of leeching,

a pink/red colour, ageing to a brick
red/brown. To replicate this, the
inner surfaces were first primed
with Alclad ALC-306 White Primer
and Microfiller, followed by a light
coat of AMMO-MIG A.MIG 115
Light Skin Tone, which matched
perfectly with the linen colour
needed. Mr. Hobby H333 Extra
Dark Sea Grey was applied to the
cockpit and tail gunner’s areas and,
to relieve the uniformity, details
received light grey highlights.
The pink/red dope staining of the
fabric was added via Lifecolor
UA606 German Kriegsmarine
Rot 5 Schiffsbodenfarbe, mixed
with a few drops of AKAN 73136
MK-7 (White). This was misted
over the inner fuselage walls
rather than applied as a solid
colour. This would be darkened  The bomb racks incorporated the inner line of bomb-bay doors, which greatly simplified
slightly later, through a thinned assembly. Note the geodetic detail extended to the bay roof and into the wing roots.
wash of UA606. Alclad ALC-103
Dark Aluminium was then applied
to the bomb bay sidewalls, and
ALC-102 Duralumin to the outer
faces of the geodetic structure
that would be visible through the
fuselage windows. Following this,
the framework was hand-painted
in A.MIG 0194 Matt Aluminium
applied via a quality 10/0 Tri-Grip
Detailer brush. Attention turned
to the fuselage interior parts and
here, Airfix incorporated plenty of
detail. The option to omit much of
it was included on the instruction
sheet, as several bulkheads and  Incorporating all this detail resulted in awkward ejector pin marks within the framework;
floor sections had to be fitted these were filled with Perfect Plastic Putty.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 53
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

 It must be remembered to remove the thin shroud between the forward turret and
The inner side of the linen fuselage, as these were not fitted to Mk.I aircraft…perhaps a portent of further variants?
fabric used to cover the fuselage
was replicated with A.MIG-115 Light Airfix certainly pushed
Skin Tone, with H333 Extra Dark Sea Grey the boat out regarding
applied to the cockpit and turret positions. the amount of interior
detail incorporated
in this kit, which
 The multi-part engine nacelles fitted perfectly and included detailed bulkheads; these
included oxygen
weren’t used here as a neater fit was possible without them.
bottles and Flight
Engineer’s panels.

before joining the fuselage halves.
This was a sensible suggestion
for those unsure whether the
halves would fit together easily
or not. The Wellington’s fuselage
contained a great deal of wood
(including floors, doors, a half
bulkhead and the navigator/
wireless operator tables), so it
was desirable to replicate these
on the model. A.MIG-118 Burnt
Sand acted as a base, and a wash
of Vallejo Model Color 70.846
Mahogany Brown replicated wood
grain; this was applied with a piece
of sponge material dampened
with Isopropanol. The effect was
convincing, and it’s a quick method
of reproducing texture and grain
on primed plastic parts. Following
this, the floor-mounted ammo
boxes, navigator and wireless
operator chairs, and the cockpit
floor underside, were painted
Xtracrylix XA1010 BS283 Aircraft
Grey/Green. Afterwards, these
parts were detailed with a wash of
Abteilung502 ABT-007 Raw Umber
oil paint, thinned with ABT-112
Matt Effect Thinner. Other items
including the wireless gear, oxygen
bottles, a stretcher, flares (and
dispensing chute), Elsan chemical
toilet and ancillary equipment
panels were detail-painted and
added to the fuselage walls. At
this stage, the flares were painted
yellow as per the kit instructions,
but following research, were
amended to the correct black with
red shoulder bands. It seemed
wise to test-fit the fuselage halves,
to check for any potential fouling
issues and thankfully, everything
fitted perfectly. Following detail
painting, cockpit parts were fitted;
these consisted of the pilot’s seat,
control yoke, rudder pedals and
instrument panel. As decals were
not included with this test-shot,
the instrument panel dials were
represented by Mike Grant Decals
CKP-072 Cockpit Details for Props
set, tailored individually to the
reference images available. A
characteristic of the Wellington

54 Airfix Model World

 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

pilot’s seat was a large opening in
the backrest, through which the
belts were fed. this being opened
with a 2mm micro-drill. The belts
were fabricated from thin strips
of masking tape, with buckles
made from spare PE pieces. To aid
alignment and a degree of rigidity,
a wing spar was provided, and this
simply slotted through the fuselage
wing root. Mounts for the nose
and rear gun turrets were glued
into place, with care being taken to
ensure correct alignment.
Bombs away
Airfix offered a great solution for
the bomb bay area and supplied
the bomb racks, with the open
doors moulded to the bottom
runners, eliminating the need to
add them individually. The same
applied to the outer doors, which
were moulded to the fuselage
halves. A single-piece closed
bomb door is also included as an
MATERIALS
option. This Wimpy’s weaponry
consisted of six 250lb bombs, and
these were painted in a mix of Mr.
Hobby H318 Radome, and Tamiya
X-24 Clear Yellow, washed with
thinned ABT.007. Each bomb's
bands were added via H47 Red
Brown, and these bands were
masked before the rest the stores
received Lifecolor UA533 Desert
Storm Sand overall. The bombs
were then attached to the racks
prior to being fitted into the bay,
as this would have been awkward
after mating the fuselage. Front
and rear bulkheads were also
added, the latter consisting of a
clear piece containing two small
observation windows, which
must be masked. Thinned XF-69
NATO Black was misted over the
aluminium sections of the bomb
bay walls and doors, followed
by an application of MIG PO23
Black Smoke pastel powder, as
these areas became grimy during
operations. Later versions of the
Wellington had a different nose
turret layout to the Mk.I series, in
between the nacelle halves, acting
as a spacer. Once assembled, the
units were glued to the upper
wings, aligning perfectly with the
upper nacelles. The last item to
be fitted, before the wings were
glued together, was the clear
landing light, supplied as a single
item and located in the left lower
wing. The lights had the rear of
the lenses painted matt silver
before being glued into place.
Detailed engine bulkheads were
included, but I found these more of
a hindrance in achieving the fit of
the conical nacelle parts, so they
were omitted. At this stage, the kit
instructions suggested gluing the
two-piece undercarriage legs into
the nacelles, but it was decided to
approach this in a slightly different
way. Instead, the rear jacks were
attached to the main gear legs, so
the complete unit could be fitted
into the nacelle at a later stage,
rather than risk accidental damage
even before the wings had been
attached. Once assembled, the
A brown-toned dope
was applied to the
fuselage exterior, which bled
through to the inner surfaces,

AT A GLANCE that a shroud was fitted between

Mr. Hobby paints
(www.albionhobbies.com)
Tamiya paints (www.hobbyco.net)
AK Interactive (www.ak-interactive.com)
Xtracrylix paints: (www.hannants.co.uk)
AMMO-MIG (www.migjiminez.com)
Gator’s Grip Thin Blend PVA glue
(www.gatorsmask.com)
Abteilung502: (www.abteilung502.com)
Alclad II Metallic paint
(www.alclad2.com)
Microscale Industries
(www.microscale.com)
AK Interactive (www.ak-interactive.com)
Uschi van der Rosten
(www.albionhobbies.com)
the fuselage side and nose turret.
resulting in an unusual pinkish/red
hue…Lifecolor UA606 and AKAN 73136
were mixed to replicate this colour.
This necessitated the removal of
the moulded shrouds from the
forward sections of the fuselage
turret sides (marked on the inner
face), and this was performed
with a fresh scalpel blade. After
removal neatening, the turret base
was test-fitted to check for any
alignment issues.
Changing plans
The lower engine nacelles were
provided in three pieces…two
sides and a single brace structure.
This piece held the location point
for the undercarriage retraction/  Once the interior had dried thoroughly, the geodetic framework was hand-painted with
drag braces and fitted neatly AMMO-MIG Matt Aluminium and a 00 brush.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 55
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

 All internal components received an Abteilung Raw Umber wash, before attention turned
to the bombs and night flares; the latter were initially painted yellow (as per the paint
guide), but these were altered to the correct black with red bands.
 All major components were fitted to the left fuselage half and main wing spar slotted
into place; a few items, such as the flare chute, rack and oxygen bottles were attached to
the right-hand fuselage before both halves could be fitted.

 The abundance of hardwood found in the Wellington was replicated with a combination of
AMMO-MIG Burnt Sand and Vallejo Mahogany Brown wash, to produce a convincing effect.

wings were fitted over the spar and
fixed with Mr.Cement S extra-thin
glue. The Pegasus engines were
reasonably well detailed, given the
scale, though in fairness most of
this detail would be obscured by
the unique baffle-plates fitted to
Mk.I-series aircraft. Again, the build
sequence differed from that given
in the instructions. Airfix advised
fitting the engine directly to the
separate conical section of the
nacelle, followed by the cowling,
then the whole assembly would
be glued to the wing-mounted
nacelle. However, it was easier
to glue the conical section to the
wing nacelle first, (ensuring a good
fit), then add the engine followed
by the cowling. The flying surfaces
were supplied as separate items,
allowing them to be positioned at
different angles, so the elevators
were drooped, the rudder set to
the right and ailerons offset.
Well appointed
The gun turrets displayed pleasing
detail, and consisted of a base,
back cover, frame halves that
contained the .303 guns and
forward clear parts. ALC-117 Dull
Aluminium was used for the gun
mounting frames, while the barrels
received A.MIG-045 Gunmetal. The
turret bases and rear covers were
painted ‘Night’ via Mission Models’s
MMP-035 NATO Black, highlighted
and dry-brushed with ALC-117.
The bases included a moulded lip
designed to locate into the turret
mounts in the fuselage (and to
be moveable), but in practice
the fit was extremely tight. The
clear parts were commendably
clear with no distortion or flow
lines evident across any of the
surfaces. Airfix offered a choice of
fuselage glazing configurations,
including long over-wing windows,
trapezoidal waist gunner’s glass
and either a solid or clear pilot’s
window in the starboard nose. A
small diamond-shaped compass
window was also provided, and
this located into the left fuselage,
to the rear of the front turret.
The Wellington Mk.Ic appeared in
two guises, with the later addition
of two waist gunner positions
affecting the layout of the rest of
the glazing. If the long fuselage
windows were present then,
generally the waist positions were
absent and if the waist glazing
was fitted, then the long windows
were plated over and painted
black. Of course, there were
exceptions, but these were rare. If
using aftermarket decals, it would
be prudent to select the correct
configuration for the aircraft
chosen, as the layout affected the
position of the fuselage roundels
and large unit codes. The canopy
came supplied in three variations,

56 Airfix Model World


including an early version (fitted
with a separate direct vision corner
panel), a later type with a single-
piece corner panel, and a third
with the single corner panel and
pilot’s side windows slid back. The
latter was selected for this build,
but the part needed trimming to
fit correctly. After sanding, these
were polished to a shine with
Micro-Mesh cloths.
Bombing colours
After being undercoated
in Alclad ALC-302
Grey Primer and
Microfiller, the upper
surfaces were
marbled randomly
with a combination of Mr. Hobby
H75 Dark Sea Grey, H463 Red
Brown and H64 Dark Green. The
colours added tonal variety to the
undercoat and following blending
with the topcoat, ensured interest
and depth to the final finish. With
the marbling completed, Dark
Earth was stippled on the upper
surfaces at a low air pressure
setting of 10psi (0.6 bar) to reduce
the possibility of a rapid build-up
of paint. White Tack ‘worms’set
the camouflage demarcation lines
and masking tape was applied to
 No problems were encountered when marrying the fuselage halves, as all bulkheads and
floor sections aligned perfectly. It was a wise decision to fit the 250 lb bombs to their racks
at this stage, as attaching them later may have proved awkward.
EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C
protect the
painted areas.
Using the same
technique, XF-81 Dark
Green 2 (RAF) was applied
to gradually build the topcoat
layers, allowing a hint of marbling
to show through. Attention then
turned to the underside, which
was to receive the traditional
RAF Night black worn by Bomber
Command aircraft. To avoid a
uniform blanket of ‘black’, several
shades of grey were applied to
the surfaces. XF-69 NATO Black  With no aftermarket products available for this build, masks were fabricated from Tamiya
acted as the base colour, and tape. The particular aircraft chosen had the long fuselage windows fitted, so the waist gun
with selected panels masked, positions had their solid inserts fitted and filled.
each received misted coats of
highly thinned H332 Light Aircraft
Grey and H57 Aircraft Grey. The
lighter colours were added to
indicate areas of wear and
The painting process began with ALC-302 Grey
Primer & Microfiller, followed by a marbling of
Mr.Hobby Dark Sea Gray, Red Brown and Dark Green.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 57
EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

SPRAYING GEAR
Two airbrushes were employed for this build, both offering different properties
and effects:

 Application of the camouflage began with Dark Earth, which was airbrushed in light
stipples over the marbling, which allowed a certain amount to show through. This resulted in
a rich tonal variance visible within the top colour.

Ultimate Modelling Products UMP042 Ultimate APEX

This is a great workhorse airbrush. Based on the Chandler and Thayer Omni 4000 (a
good ‘brush in its own right), the Apex uses a progressive needle, meaning there’s
no need for constant needle changes. Solvent resistant ‘O’ rings prolong life and the
finger-rest makes the airbrush comfortable in the hand. For the price, the Apex is an
excellent all-round performer.
Available from: www.umpretail.com
Price: £79.99

A feathered edge to the camouflage

demarcation lines was achieved by using
White Tack ‘worms’ applied prior to the
application of RAF Dark Green.

tear around bomb bay doors, gun
Mr.Hobby, Mr.Airbrush PS-770 Custom turrets, engine nacelles and along
A superb detailing airbrush. The 0.18mm needle and spray head allows for extremely the underside of the fuselage.
fine lines, due to the excellent atomisation of paint in the spray head. The PS-770 has Lightened streaks of H57 were
been likened to the Iwata CM-C Plus Custom Micron, which is high praise indeed, and misted over wing panels and along
following several tests with the gun, (and comparing it to the author’s own Custom the length of the engine nacelles.
Micron) the accolade seems justified. The spray head and needle are not only similar Then, X-19 Smoke, diluted with
to the Micron’s, but they’re interchangeable with one another. There’s even a MAC Mr. Color Leveling Thinner, was
valve below the paint cup. A superb airbrush for fine detail work and a genuine sprayed over the underside to
alternative to the more expensive Micron. harmonise the look. Returning
Available from: www.albionhobbies.com to the upper colours and with
Price: £260 selected panels masked, a
lightened mixture of the base hue
and H332 was applied to achieve
tonal variation. Glazing and rear
gun turret sections could be
glued together prior to the inner
workings being attached, this
being particularly useful when it
came to spraying the frames Night
black. Finally, a gloss finish was
required to aid decal adherence,
so Mr. Hobby GX100 Super Clear III
was applied via airbrush.
As Airfix kit decals were not
included in this pre-production

58 Airfix Model World

 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
WELLINGTON Mk.IA/C

sample, an aftermarket sheet was
sourced; DK Models’ 72018, 311
Sqn RAF provided markings for
several Mk.Ic airframes. To avoid
the possibility of silvering, the large
white codes had the carrier film
removed from within the letters
(with a fresh scalpel blade). Micro
Sol setting solution ensured the
markings bedded down into the
finer details without issue. Once all
were in place, the model was sealed
with GX100 gloss varnish.
Dust off
Wellingtons had a long and
industrious life, and as such
suffered from heavy weathering.
To replicate this, ABT007 Raw
Umber and ABT005 Smoke oil
paints, diluted with Matt Effect
Thinner, were hand-brushed over
engine nacelle panels, refuelling
ports and the undercarriage
bays. The engines then had PO23
Smoke and PO27 Light Dust
pastel powders applied, and 1203
Streaking Grime brushed over the
cowlings and undercarriage legs,
these being textured via a cotton
bud moistened with ABT112. To
complete the weathering, the tyres,
undersides of the engine nacelles
and rear fuselage received a light
patina of 3011 Airfield Dust.
Bang on target
Airfix seems to go from strength
to strength with its new releases
and the Wellington is no exception.
The famous geodetic structure is
well realised, the level of interior
detailing is fantastic and the fit
of the parts, excellent. One can
only hope other versions of the
wonderful ‘Wimpy’ will appear in
the future, as the aircraft appeared
in several guises including the
Merlin-powered Mk.II. Highly
recommended to all fans of RAF
Bomber Command aircraft and
World War Two ‘ground-
pounders’ in general.

 Following the upper colours, Tamiya NATO Black was airbrushed onto the lower surfaces  Following detail painting, weathering was applied to the smaller parts via A.MIG Black
— once dry, this was overcoated with Mr.Hobby GSX-100 to produce a high-gloss finish. Smoke, Light Dust and Airfield Dust pastel powders.

 Chipping effects were applied to the engine nacelles, bomb bay doors, fin and sliding  Misted layers of Light Aircraft Gray and Aircraft Gray were used to enliven the Night
cockpit window frames with AMMO-MIG’s Polished Aluminium and a fine brush. base colour via a PS-770 airbrush fitted with a 0.18mm needle.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 59
IN FOCUS
VICKERS WELLINGTON

A neat formation of Wellington Mk.I

aircraft from 9 Squadron RAF, with
L4274/KA-K nearest. Vickers turrets in
the nose and rear fuselage identified
these as early production aircraft.
(Key Collection)

TOUGH
OLD BOOT
W
hen war began during
The Vickers Wellington or ‘Wimpy’ was one of the RAF’s September 1939, one
iconic bombers of World War Two. Malcolm V Lowe tells of the principal aircraft
entering service in
the story of the important early Wellington Mk.I series significant numbers with RAF was
the Vickers Wellington.
A twin-engined bomber with an
unorthodox airframe structure,
the Wellington was the most
‘modern’ of the newer generation
of bombers with which Britain
entered the conflict. Although
replaced later as Britain’s primary
strategic bomber by the larger
‘heavies’, notably the four-
engined Lancaster and Halifax,
nonetheless the Wellington served
with distinction early in the action,
becoming a principal asset for
Bomber Command.
The story of this significant British
warplane dated to the early 1930s,
and the release of Specification
B.9/32 by Britain’s Air Ministry
for a twin-engined medium day
bomber. This requirement was
initially acknowledged by Vickers’
designers via a high-wing, fixed
undercarriage concept. When
the official documentation was
re-drawn with more modern
Vickers’ B.9/32 K4049 is generally regarded as the Wellington prototype, although it differed markedly from the eventual parameters, including the need
production standard. It is seen here outside Vickers’ Weybridge factory, with part of the Brooklands race track in the background.
for a retractable undercarriage,
(John Batchelor Collection)
Vickers conceived a layout that

60 Airfix Model World


eventually matured into what
became the Wellington. Popular
myth, as expressed in the famous
mid-1950s movie The Dambusters,
has the famous aeronautical
engineer Barnes Wallis of
‘bouncing bomb’ fame as the type’s
chief designer. In reality, as with
so many aircraft, the design work
was a team effort, with Vickers’
Reginald ‘Rex’ Pierson in charge.
The company responsible for
the creation of the Wellington
was officially called Vickers-
Armstrongs Ltd. This was a solid
British engineering business
formed by the merger of the
assets of Vickers Ltd and the Sir
WG Armstrong Whitworth & Co Ltd
during 1927 – although the aircraft
itself is usually simply referred to
as the Vickers Wellington.
The initial example, sometimes
called B.9/32 (Type 271), first
flew on June 15, 1936, with the
famous test pilot Joseph ‘Mutt’
Summers at the controls. Serial
number K4049, it was more a
proof of concept airframe than
a production standard layout.
Nonetheless, under the then
growing re-armament policy in
Britain, substantial orders for what
became the Wellington (it was
initially named Crécy) were later
forthcoming. Vickers’ designers
refined and added armament
to the original B.9/32 airframe
layout; the initial two Wellington
Mk.I production examples were in
effect pre-production/development
aircraft, and the first, L4212, flew
during December 1937.
Novel structure
Geodetic construction was
not widely used in aircraft
manufacture during World War
Two or afterwards, but it worked
A burst tyre caused considerable activity around this North Africa-based Wellington Mk.Ic T2508/LF-O of 37 Squadron, probably
at an airstrip in Egypt. (John Batchelor Collection)
IN FOCUS
VICKERS WELLINGTON
The first two Wellington Mk.I airframes were in effect pre-production/development aircraft; the second example being L4213.
Here, it shows the blunt-ended appearance of the earliest production Wellingtons, and the twin aerial masts of these early
machines. (Malcolm V Lowe Collection)
effectively for the Wellington.
Sometimes also called ‘geodesic’,
it was a form of construction for
aircraft structures developed
during the 1930s by Barnes Wallis
himself. It comprised a basket-
weave of metal load-bearing
members, giving a strong and
comparatively light (if flexible)
structure. This negated the need
for conventional features such
as bulkheads and a majority of
necessary longerons. For the
Wellington, the fuselage, wings and
empannage were all constructed
in this way, with fabric covering.
Vickers originally used the concept
in production form on the Wellesley
single-engined bomber, which first
flew during June 1935 and served
with the RAF from 1937 to 1943.
Famous name
The Wellington was named after
Arthur Wellesley, the well-known
1st Duke of Wellington. The initial
major production version was the
Wellington Mk.I, characterised by
its blunt Vickers gun turrets in the
nose and rear fuselage. This was
Above: The Wellington’s unusual ‘basket-weave’ geodetic structure is seen in this view followed by the more capable Mk.Ia,
looking forward along the fuselage interior of a Mk.I-series aircraft. The cylindrical which featured much better Frazer-
device on the left is an ‘Elsan’ chemical toilet. (Malcolm V Lowe Collection) Nash FN.5 turrets front and rear;
the Mk.Ib was not built. The best of
the Mk.I series was the Mk.Ic, and it
was this version that, numerically,
truly established the Wellington
as a major warplane in the RAF’s
inventory. It omitted the Mk.Ia’s
ventral turret, introduced waist
guns and a revised fairing beside
the nose FN.5 turret, and added
a 24V electrical system to the
Wellington line. Eventually, 2,685
examples were built. Wellington
assembly was carried out by the
parent company at Weybridge,
adjacent to the famous Brooklands
motor racing circuit, and in two
major ‘shadow’ factories called
Hawarden (also known as Chester,
and Broughton), and Squires
www.airfixmodelworld.com 61
 IN FOCUS
VICKERS WELLINGTON

VC RECIPIENT
During the course of Wellington
operations, just one of the type’s crew
members was awarded the Victoria
Cross for outstanding gallantry. He
was New Zealand-born James Allen
Ward, an RNZAF Sergeant Pilot with
75 (NZ) Squadron, based at RAF
Feltwell in Norfolk. On the night of
July 6-7, 1941, Ward was second pilot
in Wellington Mk.Ic L7818, which was
returning from a night raid on Münster
when the aircraft was attacked and
damaged extensively by a Luftwaffe
night fighter. A fire started from a
fuel pipe adjacent to the starboard
engine, which threatened to burn out
Above: Work in progress on the starboard Pegasus Mk.XVIII engine of a Wellington
of control. To extinguish the fire, Ward in this apparently posed image at RAF Feltwell, of a 37 Squadron Mk.Ic. The official
climbed out of the astrodome hatch Sergeant Pilot James Allen Ward VC caption dates this image as July 1940. (John Batchelor Collection)
on top of the fuselage, and by making
footholds and handholds in the fabric, he was able to climb down the fuselage side Gate (adjacent to Blackpool). This different combinations of bombs
and onto the wing near to the starboard engine, and smother the burning upper production, which also comprised of varying weights to be carried
wing covering. He was tethered to the fuselage with an improvised line…but was in many subcontractors, was a part in the lower fuselage’s three long
danger of being taken off the airframe at any moment by the slipstream. With the of the successful plan instituted and narrow bomb compartments.
fire under control, he returned to the comfort of the fuselage and the Wellington before the war of dispersing Defensive armament for the Mk.Ic
duly made an emergency landing on reaching England. Sadly Ward was lost when manufacturing sites, to make them comprised two .303in Browning
the Wellington he was piloting was shot down in September that year during a raid more difficult to attack. machine guns in the nose FN.5
to Hamburg. turret, two in the rear turret, and
Important capability one (or a Vickers ‘K’ gun) in a
Large for its day, the Wellington waist position on each side of the
Ic’s wingspan was 86ft 2in fuselage. Normally, the Wellington
(26.26m). With the Frazer-Nash Mk.Ic carried a crew of six.
turrets fitted in the nose and
rear fuselage, it had a length of One of a trio
64ft 7in (19.68m). Power was When the Wellington began to
provided by two Bristol Pegasus enter service with the RAF, it joined
Mk.XVIII radial engines, of 1,050hp two other ‘modern’ bombers, the
(783kW) each. These were fitted Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
as a complete assembly or ‘power and the Handley Page Hampden.
egg’ to the Mk.Ic with all the Of these, the Wellington was by
‘plumbing’ and cowlings supplied far the most advanced, and its
as a complete unit. With these debut gave the RAF an immediate
engines the Wellington had a top increase in capability and
speed of 235mph (378km/h) at operational flexibility. Ironically,
15,500ft (4,724m), which was just the Whitley had been intended
commendable at the start of from the start specifically as a
Wellington Mk.Ic L7818 was the aircraft on which New Zealander James the war…but was pedestrian by night bomber.
Allen Ward’s gallantry in July 1941 gained him the Victoria Cross. Some early the later years of the conflict. Its It was the RAF’s 99 Squadron
production Wellingtons were delegated to New Zealand, this aircraft flew with
maximum take-off weight was that became the first Wellington
75 (NZ) Squadron. (Key Collection)
accepted by the RAF as 28,500lb Mk.I unit, flying
(12,927kg), with a bomb load limit the type from
Below: James Ward’s Wellington Mk.Ic L7818/AA-R, at the time of his VC-winning quoted by the manufacturer as October
actions. (Andy Hay/www.flyingart.co.uk) 4,500lb (2,041kg). This allowed for 1938. Ten

62 Airfix Model World


RAF squadrons were operational
or on reserve with Wellingtons
by the outbreak of war, and these
flew in combat from the first days
of the conflict onwards, although
some early daytime operations
brought significant losses. The
Mk.Ic joined the frontline force
initially during the spring of 1940,
but the type served principally
in quantity from later that year.
Although designed originally
as a day bomber, it was almost
exclusively as a night bomber
that Wellingtons took part in
Bomber Command’s campaign
against German towns and cities.
This included participation in all
three of the so-called ‘Thousand
Bomber’ raids during May and
June 1942. Peak Wellington
squadron strength in Bomber
Command was reached during
early 1942 (25 squadrons), the
type easily replacing the Whitley
as the Command’s mainstay
night bomber. The final major
bombing operation for the by-then
dwindling Wellington night bomber
force was during October 1943.
The Wellington also served with
distinction in the Middle East,
being involved in the thick of the
fighting over North Africa until the
Axis surrender during May 1943,
and thence in operations over
Italy and the Balkans. The first
unit to operate Wellington Mk.I-
series bombers in the area was 70
Squadron during September 1940.
Several further outfits followed,
including 37 Squadron which was
deployed from Britain to the Middle
East during November 1940. As
one of the major bomber types in
that theatre the Wellington played
an important, if often overlooked
role in the eventual Allied victory.
This was true similarly for
Wellington operations against
Showing the classic lines of the Wellington Mk.Ic, DV651 was a late-production example assembled at the Chester (Broughton)
‘shadow’ factory. (Key Collection)
IN FOCUS
VICKERS WELLINGTON
Wellington Mk.Ia N2887 operated with 99 Squadron early in its career, before flying with different second-line units, finally
being being Struck Off Charge during April 1945. It is seen here with an Allison-engined Mustang. (Key Collection)
the Japanese. Important among
the RAF squadrons in the China-
Burma-India theatre were the
original Wellington operator, 99
Squadron, and 215 Squadron.
Further development
The success of the Wellington
Mk.Ic’s layout led to a number of
related Wellington marks. These
included the Mk.VIII maritime
patrol and anti-ship/anti-submarine
aircraft, Mk.IX troop/cargo carrier,
and the Mk.XVI transport; the latter
two were conversions of existing
Mk.Ic airframes.
Wellington development and
manufacture continued following
the Mk.I family, resulting in
a number of further bomber
versions for the RAF. These
included the Mk.II, which was a
Above: The Wellington’s geodetic construction is visible through the forward side close development of the Mk.Ic
glazing of this Mk.I-series aircraft, probably a Mk.Ic, as well as the crew entrance but powered by two Rolls-Royce
ladder and FN.5 nose turret. (Malcolm V Lowe Collection) Merlin engines, and the well-
known Mk.III, powered by two
Bristol Hercules radials. Indeed,
the Wellington had a major part
to play in the RAF’s operations
long after the four-engined
heavies assumed the main night
bomber tasks, principally during
1943. In particular, the Wellington
became a significant maritime
patrol and anti-submarine asset
for the RAF’s Coastal Command.
Total Wellington manufacture in
the various factories that built/
assembled the type is usually
quoted as being just more than
11,460 examples of all marks, with
production ending in the
latter half of 1945.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 63
 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

WATER
NYMPH
AT WAR

H
MS Naiad was a Royal Navy
Dido-class light cruiser
Flyhawk’s reputation for detail is in World War Two. She
served in the Atlantic and
well known. Here, Andy Davies is Mediterranean, and by mid-1941
bowled over by the firm’s diminutive the vessel was defending the
Malta convoys, but she also helped
1/700 Dido-class light cruiser to evacuate personnel from Crete
and bombarded North Africa. In
1942, she was torpedoed by the
German U-565 and sank with the
loss of scores of crewmen.
Boxing clever
Flyhawk is well known among
diehard warship modellers, but

Myriad small items were Both masts were extremely

arranged in such a way that
the numbered runners could
be stacked in order, much like
a Lego set. This made light
work of the build sequence.
fragile. Flyhawk provided them
as separate items, protected
within robust runners and
packed into clear plastic
boxes for extra safety.

64 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

this Chinese company may not

 A small amount of filler was needed
along the upper and lower hull lines as the
fit wasn’t perfect. A swipe with a moistened
cotton bud resulted in a neat join.
ring any bells with the novice. It
produces truly stunning maritime
kits in 1/700 scale, and often
provides standard and more
boutique versions of the same
product. Due to the limited-edition
nature of this kit, inside were
20 medium grey runners with
256 crisply moulded parts, 16
separately packed styrene items,
three photo-etched brass (PE)
frets totalling 390 components,
48 turned brass parts, a metal
ballast bar and a length of Uschi
van der Rosten rigging line (fine).
A small decal sheet carried large
and small White Ensigns in two  Full-hull and waterline options were included, with a metal ballast bar for the latter, and
modes. As an example of the elastic bands to hold the hull halves while the glue set.
superb design ethos, the small
numbered square runners could be used for display purposes, the pronounced bow ‘knuckle’
be stacked, much like Lego, by cutting and folding the pre- was placed correctly, starting
and used in sequence. The two marked seascape box-top artwork, beneath the ‘B’ turret barbette
fragile masts and tripods were so it formed a backdrop on which and terminating just short of
each contained on runners fitted the model could rest. the bow. It followed the contour
into plastic boxes, to protect of the upper deck properly but
from accidental damage. Three Getting underway curved slightly upwards under
concise instruction leaflets were Flyhawk offered two build the ‘A’ barbette. This is not strictly
provided, two for the general build options, waterline and full hull correct, as wartime photographs
process and a third explaining and here it was decided to opt indicated the knuckle was straight
the placement of the PE parts, for the latter. Metal ballast was along its entire length, without
along with a full-colour, three-view provided for those wishing any curvature, but this is barely
diagram. No base was included to build the waterline option. noticeable in 1/700. Hull detail
but, cleverly, the box itself could Regarding accuracy, it seems was excellent, with the armour

Hull and major superstructure parts were

pre-shaded with Tamiya XF-10 and XF-54
to add tonal variation to the final colours.

HMS Naiad 1940 Limited With the superstructure parts positioned temporarily, the entire model was
MODEL SPEC

Edition treated to a coat of Admiralty Light Grey. The steel deck forward of the
By: Flyhawk breakwater then received misted Mr. Hobby H333 Extra Dark Sea
Grey; the wooden deck was dry-fitted to check for fit issues
Stock Code: FH1112S once the bridge island was set in place. The wooden
deck’s pre-cut holes and reveals were pushed
Scale: 1/700
out and the fore and aft decks attached.
Price: £65 Upper superstructure surfaces
also had a coat of H333.
Available from:
www.flyhawkmodel.com

www.airfixmodelworld.com 65
 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

PE PAGEANT
While a comprehensive photo-etched brass fret was already included in the basic
kit, two extra frets were included in this, the Limited Edition version. The original
set contained parts for ships railings, ladders and gun turrets while the additional
items included parts for the masts, boat davits, watertight doors and extra ladders.

 After the camouflage pattern was traced onto the upper hull sides, White Tack ‘worms’
were used to produce soft demarcation lines…helpful in diffusing the three-grey scheme.

Tamiya masking tape infilled

certain areas to avoid overspray.
With Admiralty Medium Grey
already applied, the darker
version of this was sprayed on
the remaining areas.

belt and portholes (with eyelets) superstructure items were

being well represented, as was
the degaussing cable. Deck detail
featured all capstans, bollards,
hatches and boat cradles, along
with exquisite planking and
foredeck breakwater rendering.
To speed the building process,
Wood Hunter’s aftermarket
Wooden Deck for HMS Naiad
(W70090) was used and fitted
directly to the plastic, to minimise
any height discrepancy caused
by the wood sheet. The fit of
the single-piece lower hull to
the upper was good, though not
perfect, and a small amount of
Deluxe Materials’ Perfect Plastic
The camouflage pattern was continued Putty was applied to ensure a
onto the superstructure parts and perfectly smooth finish.
airbrushed via the same technique. Bridge detail was exceptional,
comprising 17 pieces including
binoculars, gun director, air-
deflector plates and a chart-table
weather cover. A multitude of
styrene parts included paravanes,
ready-use ammo lockers, dinghies,
three ship’s boats (cutters, all
featuring good internal floor
detail) and a single two-piece
motor launch. Thoughtfully,
and presumably to reduce the
chance of accidental damage,
the superstructure parts were
provided as separate items
that didn’t need any cutting,
sanding or neatening. The lower
designed to fit between the raised
hull sides and slid forward into
place with a satisfying click. In fact,
all parts positioned as advertised,
and were removed in preparation
for priming and painting. Priming
was accomplished with Alclad’s
ALC-302 Grey Primer and
Microfiller sprayed at 14.7 psi (1
bar), to ensure a light coat that did
not obscure any fine detail. The
first stage of the painting involved
applying a random pre-shading
of Tamiya XF-10 Flat Brown and
XF-54 Dark Sea Grey over the
entire hull, which would eventually
encourage discernible variations in
the final colours.
Dangerous bits
Dido cruisers featured an
interesting triple-tier arrangement
of the forward main gun turrets.
The two-part kit items reproduced
these faithfully and featured

66 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

finely raised wall detail and came

supplied with pairs of scale 5 ¼
in (13cm) barrels, which simply
slotted into recesses. PE elevation
gearing parts were also provided
and allowed the modeller to
display the barrels in the raised
position if desired. Three-piece,
2-pdr (40mm) quad ‘pom-poms’
were included, along with their
detailed platforms, as were
several single-piece Vickers Quad
.50 (12.7mm) machine guns. Two
highly detailed, revolving 21in
(533mm) triple torpedo tubes  With the camouflage completed, the lower hull was masked and Colorcoats RN Antifouling Red applied. At this stage, the wooden deck
were also supplied, but care was also glued to the kit deck with thin PVA.
had to be taken for deployment
in the firing position; the ship’s
railings would need modification
to avoid any fouling between the
circular bases and railings, as the
clearance was minimal. Exquisitely
detailed PE depth charge and
smoke float racks were also
included, along with individual
brass depth charge/smoke-floats…
these simply slotted into a pair of A narrow black boot line was required
small recesses on the quarterdeck. along the upper and lower hull join.
Two strips of 10mm masking tape and
True colours Tamiya NATO Black did the trick.
A great deal of controversy
surrounded the paint shades of green, brown and light grey, Grey). Well-known Royal Navy cruisers. He himself admitted
Dido-class cruisers while serving when it seems more likely she ship camouflage expert and that research on the subject
at home and in the Mediterranean would have appeared in AP507B author Alan Raven produced a was problematic, as the RN
theatre. Flyhawk’s three-view Admiralty Light Grey, AP507C series of books entitled ‘Warship often painted its ships in colours
colour plan and box top artwork Admiralty Medium Grey and Perspectives’, which specialised in available locally, and that official
depicted the ship in a three- black/dark grey (possibly wartime camouflage colours and colour recommendations were
hue disruptive scheme of light AP507A Admiralty Dark included sections on Dido-class more in the form of advice

“WHITE TACK ‘WORMS’ WERE USED

TO PRODUCE SOFT DEMARCATION
LINES...HELPFUL IN DIFFUSING
THE THREE-GREY SCHEME”

www.airfixmodelworld.com 67
 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940
 It was easier to mount the parts on a polystyrene base with cocktail sticks and White
Tack. This way, everything stayed in one place, making detail painting easier.
 It was time to add delicate PE parts, such as ship’s railings, watertight doors and funnel
caps, as access was not an issue.
than facts set in stone. As a
result, variations existed between
vessels, even of the same class,
making research difficult at best.
Initially, he stated that Didos were
painted in the Green, Brown and
Grey colour scheme but amended
this later, (probably due to better
The parts were given a light coat of Mission Models’ Semi-Gloss Coat
varnish to protect them from the forthcoming weathering.
68 Airfix Model World
information becoming available)
to the three greys scheme.
Lifecolor’s excellent Royal Navy
WWII Eastern Approach 'early
war' Set 1 provided the required
colours. Admiralty Light Grey
was the first to be applied to the
hull sides, after which White Tack
‘worms’ were attached to the
upper hull sides with the exact
pattern copied from the few
wartime reference photographs
available online. Then, 18mm
Tamiya tape was used to infill the
areas to prevent any overspray
of the ALG base coat, before
Admiralty Medium Grey AP507C
was mottled carefully over the
surface to give tonal variety. The
white tack ‘worms’ were then
rearranged for the final colour,
AP507A, mixed with a few drops
of UA532 Dark Sea Grey 27 to
vary the tone. All that remained
was the lower hull red antifouling
colour and black boot line.
Following masking, Colourcoats’
RN19 Royal Navy WW2 Antifouling
Red was applied, lightened in
certain areas via a few drops
of C01 Teak and RN10 RN White
(Western Approaches) to enliven
the otherwise drab colour in
preparation for weathering.
Individual superstructure sections
were positioned temporarily on
the deck with White Tack, and a
fine HB pencil was used to transfer
the camouflage pattern from the
hull to ensure continuity. Once
achieved, the sub-assemblies
were removed and masked before
being finished in their respective
camouflage. Certain panels
and features were masked with
White Tack and tape before being
sprayed with a lightened mix of
the base colour, which enlivened
the regularity and monotony of
the paint finish. The surfaces then
received a coat of Mission Models'
MMA005 Semi-Gloss Coat varnish.
Top brass
As mentioned, this limited-edition
release included two extra PE
frets. The original metal frame
included delicate ship’s railings
(pre-cut to the correct lengths),
as well as inter-deck ladders, flat
anchor chains and parts for the
bridge-mounted directors for
the High Angle Control System.
Usefully, two strips of extra
ladders were included, which
meant the correct lengths could
be customised to fit areas that
required them, such as the mast
tripods and High Angle director
towers. These minuscule items
had to be applied in a methodical
fashion if the modeller wasn’t to
become bogged down in a detail
quagmire. Each section was dealt
with separately, starting from
the inside and working steadily
outwards, finishing with
the ship’s railings and guard-
rails that ran the length of
each deck. One complete fret
was dedicated to watertight
doors, (open if required), cable
reels, portholes (with eyelets)
and ventilation intake mesh
covers. Not every item was
used, which happily ensured
a healthy supply of spares for
future ship projects. A second
medium-size fret concentrated
on the ship’s boat davits, anchors,
foredeck breakwater, further
walkways/ladders and tripod
mast rigging attachment points;
a very comprehensive set,
particularly given the diminutive
scale. Flyhawk included brass
replacement parts for the main
gun barrels, featuring hollow
muzzles and improved surface
detail. The plastic barrels were
cut from their bases, 0.5mm holes
drilled and the brass replacements
attached with cyanoacrylate (CA)
glue. Small details such as depth
charges and smoke floats were
included as solid brass parts,
 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

“THE QUALITY OF FLYHAWK’S STYRENE

packaged
separately in
individually marked
plastic bags. The fret also
contained items for the small
quarterdeck crane and bridge
stanchions and cable reels.
PARTS WAS OF THE HIGHEST ORDER ”
Remastered
Fitting the masts to the decks
was awkward due to several PE
details such as ladders, vents
and railings needing to be fitted
behind and beneath them. These
also needed to be painted

PEEPER POWER !
• Lightcraft LC1765 Deluxe LED Headband Magnifier
Magnifier head loupes are extremely useful tools when it comes to close-up
precision work. They leave one’s hands free to paint, handle and hold small items,
making them ideal for this type of modelling. The headband is fully adjustable, and
the kit comes with four interchangeable optical lenses from 1.2x, 1.8x, 2.5x to 3.5x
and includes a powerful, removable LED spotlight. The fine rigging and detail work
of these diminutive ship models would be extremely difficult without one and as
such, it comes highly recommended. www.shesto.co.uk
 While the wooden deck made life easier, it looked rather stark and pristine…so different
weathering products were applied to add shade, shadow and age.

Once the model was assembled

and painted, rigging came
next. For this, Uschi 0.01mm,
‘Superfine’ rigging line was used
in conjunction with CA, a steel
pin and a steady hand.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 69
 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

 Rigging commenced with the inner yardarm on the foremast, working out and backwards,
ending at the stern flagstaff. Patience was required to ensure the lines didn’t become
tangled and snare other parts.
Once completed, the model was
rotated and Surface Shadower
applied to the upper hull sides
and vertical surfaces of the
superstructure. Any excess was
banished with Remover fluid.
 Much the same procedure was used to replicate salt staining; this time, though, a cotton
bud moistened with water removed any excess and blended the finish.
before attachment, which meant
they had to be handled gingerly
to avoid damage to the delicate
surface finish. To prevent this,
small pieces of masking tape
were fitted over the tips of a pair
of needle-nosed tweezers, and
minimal pressure was used to
hold the parts while they were
located through pre-drilled holes
in the wooden deck. Once in
place, the extremely delicate PE
parts for the two mast-mounted
type-279 Air Warning Radar
arrays were glued with
CA; an LED Head Loupe
Magnifier, a steady hand
and much-bated breath
all played their part.
Aligning the two
masts, raked at the
correct angle without damaging
the radar arrays, was quite
challenging and it was easier to fit
the forward example first before
aligning the rear. The mast tripods
had to be well secured with small
amounts of CA laid into the
deck location holes, as once the
elasticated rigging line was pulled
taut it would certainly find any
weakness in the structure. Oddly,
no brass yardarms were included
so appropriate lengths were
selected from Master’s Universal
Yardarm set No 1, these being
used to replace the overly thick
styrene parts. They were attached
with CA and once again, needed to
be attached robustly to the masts
to avoid catastrophic failure once
rigged completely.

 Three options for the ship’s anchor were

available – moulded kit parts, flat PE items
and metal chain included in the Wood Hunter
aftermarket deck set. The chain seemed
oversized, so the PE parts were chosen and
shaped to 3D format before being weathered.

70 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940

MATERIALS AK460 Brass wax was applied to

the propellers and buffed with a dry
AT A GLANCE cotton bud. This product gave the
screws a suitably aged appearance.
Lifecolor acrylic paints
(www.airbrushes.com)
CS33 Royal Navy WWII Eastern
Approach 'early war' set 1
LP04 Hulls and Wooden Decks
Wood Hunter wooden decks
(www.starling-models.co.uk)
W70090 HMS Naiad
Abteilung502 oil paints
(www.abteilung502.com)
ABT007 Raw Umber
ABTF510 Starship Filth
Uschi van der Rosten rigging line
(www.uschivdr.com)
USH-4007 ‘Superfine’
The last item to add was the White
Alclad II (www.alclad2.com) Ensign. Unfortunately, a problem
ALC-302 Grey Primer and Microfiller occurred when the ensign yardarm
came away from the mast once tension
Gator’s Grip glue was applied. Patience and a deep
(www.gatorsmask.com) breath remedied the situation!
GG02 Thin Blend PVA
AMMO-MIG: (www.migjimenez.com)
PO23 Black Smoke
PO24 Light Rust
A.MIG-1201 Streaking Grime for DAK
A.MIG-1203 Streaking Grime
A.MIG3515 Ochre
A.MIG3502 AMMO Yellow
Wilder Weathering oils
(www.airbrushes.com)
LS21 Fresh Rust
LS28 Light Brown
LS35 Dark Olive
Mission Models Awash appeared too pristine and bland Rigged for speed
(www.missionmodelsus.com) The time for weathering arrived, and so were coated lightly with With this enhanced edition
MMA005 Semi-Gloss Clear and it was decided to opt for an a thinned mix of LPW19 Wooden of the kit, Flyhawk included
Colourcoats enamel paint intermediate degree of wear Deck Shadower, mainly around the a small Uschi van der Rosten
and tear, replicating the ship’s bridge island, rear superstructure bobbin card holding a length of
(www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk)
appearance shortly after her and foredeck breakwater. This ‘fine’ elasticated rigging line.
RN19 Royal Navy WW2 Antifouling Red
arrival in the Mediterranean. The was followed with LPW18 Wooden This product is fantastic, but
Mr. Hobby (www.albionhobbies.com) process began with the lower Deck Darkener, applied around personally, this author finds the
MC129 Mr. Cement S hull, and Lifecolor’s LP04 Hulls those areas in deeper shadow. ‘fine’ grade a little too heavy for
and Wooden Decks set provided Abteilung ABT-007 Raw Umber ships of this scale and prefers
Microscale Industries
LPW20 Dried Salt weathering and was also worked around the base to use the ‘superfine’ version,
(www.microscale.com)
LPW17 Surfaces Shadower. The of each mast, main gun barrels, which is roughly the diameter
Micro-sol
Dried Salt fluid was applied with a funnel bases and depth charge of a human hair, (0.01mm).
Deluxe Materials 000-grade brush and allowed to racks. A few deck items such as Naturally, this made attaching the
(www.deluxematerials.co.uk) dry for ten minutes, before being boat davits and hatches received lattice network of wires and lines
Perfect Plastic Putty streaked vertically via a cotton a wash of AMMO-MIG A.MIG-1203 challenging…but with patience,
bud moistened with Remover. Streaking Grime, while the bridge it was entirely possible. The
Once dry, it was still possible to and funnels had -1201 Streaking secret lay in advanced planning,
further blend and diffuse the salt Grime for DAK applied. The lower working from the inside out,
into the hull surface or leave more antifouling area of the hull was finishing with the main lines that
pronounced traces along panel- post-shaded with Raw Umber ran from the mastheads to the
plates. This was followed by an and Starship Filth oils, blended forward superstructure ‘T’ pole,
application of Surface Shadower, with ABT-112 Matt Effect Thinner. and back to the stern flagstaff.
which effectively tied everything Further applications of Dried Salt Thankfully Didos didn’t have a
together. The next items to were added, particularly along the vast network of lines running
receive weathering were the black boot line and around the in all directions. A good natural
wooden decks. As provided, these propeller shafts. light source is vital for this

www.airfixmodelworld.com 71
 ADVANCED BUILD
HMS NAIAD 1940
“THE RIGGING TOOK
SEVERAL HOURS TO COMPLETE”
work, along with a quality head-
mounted LED magnifier. An
adjustable desk-mounted lamp
fitted with a daylight LED array
helped enormously with the detail
work, particularly when it came to
rigging. One problem with these
magnifier visors was that depth
72 Airfix Model World
perception could be an issue,
resulting in terminal damage to
the delicate mast details when
they appeared further away than
expected. Constant proximity
reference via the ‘Mk.1 eyeball’
certainly averted more than a
few disasters. A steel pin was
used to apply a tiny amount
of slow-curing CA to the area
chosen to receive the line. The
latter needed to be manipulated
Many tools, paints and
weathering products can be
used in a build of this nature,
and while the initial outlay may
seem high, there is enough to
use on many modelling projects.
quickly with the needle-nosed
tweezers, and stretched to ensure
it remained taut after fitting
and placed carefully against the
glued part. An extra pair of hands
would have been useful, as two
pairs of tweezers were needed to
complete the operation (one to
hold the line and one to stretch it).
A concern with using CA for this
task was that fumes can affect
the rigging line adversely, causing
it to distort. The best method of
preventing this was to blow gently
onto the kit part to displace the
fumes while the line was attached;
once it’s on...it’s on! The rigging
took several hours to complete
but the result was well worth the
effort. Finally, a small ‘waving’
White Ensign decal was attached
to the appropriate yardarm line
and fixed permanently with Micro
Sol setting solution.
Wow!
This was an extremely enjoyable
and challenging project, which
resulted in a very detailed model
representing an important British
warship class. While expensive
for a model barely 9in (228mm)
in length (and particularly in
its Limited-Edition guise), the
package was as complete as
any model could be, and there
was a great deal provided for
the asking price. The quality of
Flyhawk's styrene parts was of
the highest order…in fact, many
of the detail parts were as crisply
moulded as any boutique resin
items, demonstrating just how far
injection moulding has come. The
PE railings were among the finest
seen on any ship in any scale. If a
masterpiece in a box is what one
is looking for, Flyhawk's kit
fits the bill perfectly.
 Manufacturers of hard plastic multipart figures in 28mm &
54mm scales. Digitally designed and manufactured in The
UK. Huge range covering Ancient and Napoleonic periods.

www.victrixlimited.com
Email: sales@victrixlimited.com Tel: +44 (0)1539 724415
www.rptoolz.com www.facebook.com/victrixlimited www.twitter.com/AtVictrix

Suppliers of:
Hornby | Metcalfe |
Bachmann | Graham Farish|
Proses | Liliput | EFE |
Oxford diecast & Rail |
Woodland Scenics | Amusing
Hobbies | Trumpeter | Tamiya
| Italeri | Takom | IBG | Tiger
Models | Zvezda | Dragon |
Academy | Roden | Repaints
We are a small family run & Conversions | Repairs &
business specialising in Model Railways, Plastic Kits Servicing |
DCC Chip Fitting etc
& Diecast, all scales and manufacturers.
Both new and secondhand are available.
They are all tested and checked before being
offered for sale.
Model Railway items
wanted! Good prices
paid, single items
24a Hallgate, Doncaster, DN1 3NG
01302 739514 to collections
pandamodels@outlook.com considered.

p073_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1 19/04/2018 10:04

 IN FOCUS
HMS NAIAD
COURAGEOUS
CRUISER
Above: An apparently retouched
but nonetheless interesting aerial
view of Naiad in northern waters,
dated October 1940. The three
forward turrets are noteworthy.
(John Batchelor Collection)
Below: HMS Naiad under way in
an image dated September 1940,
demonstrating the overall intended
layout of Dido-class light cruisers.
She had the full complement of
five main armament turrets, while
some ships in this class had four.
(Malcolm V Lowe Collection)
74 Airfix Model World
Malcolm V Lowe
recounts the brief
and action-filled
career of HMS Naiad,
a famous Royal Navy
light cruiser
T
he considerable expansion
of the British Royal Navy
during the late 1930s and
early 1940s, in response
to the overwhelming threat of
Nazi Germany, prompted the
commissioning and entry into
service of many modern and
newly built warships.
One of the groups of light
cruisers manufactured during
that period was the Dido class,
and several of its members
were involved in important
actions during World War Two.
Among these was HMS Naiad,
which fought gallantly in the
Mediterranean until she was sunk
during 1942.
The Dido class was conceived
originally during the mid-1930s,
when rearmament of the Royal
Navy was deemed vital. Britain
was very short of light cruisers,
and the growing threat posed by
aircraft led to the Dido class being
designed for the role of fleet anti-
aircraft defence (especially for
aircraft carriers) . Eventually, 11
Dido-class vessels were launched,
all being ordered within 1936 to
1939 procurement programmes,
plus five others placed in a
separate Bellona (or Modified
Dido) class, with an altered
structural configuration. For the
1936 and 1937 programmes, the
vessels ordered were HMS Dido,
Euryalus, Naiad, Phoebe, Sirius,
Bonaventure, and Hermione.
 IN FOCUS
HMS NAIAD

Water nymph
HMS Naiad (93) was
manufactured by shipbuilding and
locomotive specialists Hawthorn
Leslie, at Hebburn on the River
Tyne in northern England. In
Greek mythology, a Naiad was a
female water nymph. Laid down
during August 1937, she was
launched in February 1939, and
finally completed and officially
commissioned during July 1940.
With an overall length given by
the manufacturer of 512ft (156m),
and a beam of 50ft 6in (15.4m),
she was not a small ship, and
could reach 32kts (36.8mph,
59.3km/h), being powered by four
Admiralty three-drum boilers, with Looking very smart in her camouflage coat during mid-1941, HMS Euryalus displays the masthead Type 279 radar gear also fitted
Parsons geared turbines driving to HMS Naiad. Euryalus survived the war but was broken up in 1959. (Malcolm V Lowe Collection)
four propeller shafts. She had
an initial design complement of in Scotland, her first wartime failed defence of Crete during she was hit by one torpedo from
480 officers and men, but carried assignment was to join the 15th May 1941, but her main work in U-565 roughly amidships on her
more during wartime cruises. Cruiser Squadron of the Home the Mediterranean was for the starboard side, at the after end
For Dido-class ships, the main Fleet. This tasking included protection of Malta Convoys. of the forward engine room, and
armament comprised the QF convoy defence and patrol work During mid-1941 this busy sank within the hour north of Sidi
(quick firing) Mk.I 5.25in (133mm) in the North Sea and North- warship was also involved in the Barrani, Egypt.
dual-purpose naval gun, firing West Approaches. She was also campaign against Vichy French There is confusion over the exact
an 80lb (36.3kg) high-explosive deployed briefly on convoy escort forces in Syria. crew numbers at the time of her
or a semi-armour piercing shell. to Freetown in Sierra Leone. sinking. At least one source claims
This gave Didos the capability for During April 1941 the ship was U-boat threat as many as 664 officers and men
surface action or anti-aircraft fire, transferred to the Mediterranean Although equipped for anti- were on board, with 82 lost due to
but these weapons were not well to reinforce Royal Navy assets aircraft defence, it was the the sinking. Other sources dispute
suited to the latter. While some of based at Alexandria, Egypt. There ever-present danger from below these totals. Whatever the exact
the Dido-class vessels were fitted she was fully involved in the the waves that finally sank HMS figures, her loss was tragic and
Naiad
Naiad. On March 11, 1942, she an important blow to the Royal
was flagship for a cruiser force Navy’s strength in the eastern
operating from Alexandria, Mediterranean.
searching for an Italian The U-boat that sank her also
warship. She was sighted by the did not survive the war. Badly
Kriegsmarine U-boat U-565, damaged by bombs during two
captained by Oberleutnant zur USAAF air raids on Greek port
See Johann Jebsen and home- facilities in September 1944,
based from late 1941 at La Spezia, she was scuttled off the Greek
Italy. According to the official coast on September 30 of
action report, at 20.01 hours that year.

Entering Grand Harbour, Malta, HMS Hermione shows off two forward turrets and
the barrels of their QF 5.25in (133mm) guns. These were similar on HMS Naiad and
could be elevated separately within each turret. (John Batchelor Collection)

with eight of them in four turrets

(two per turret), HMS Naiad had
ten guns in five turrets – three
forward of the bridge and two aft.
She additionally carried further
anti-aircraft weapons, of lighter
calibre, this fit originally being
intended to include eight QF 2pdr
‘pom-pom’ anti-aircraft guns in
quadruple mountings (2x4). She
was also fitted as new with Type
279 air-warning radar equipment. This classic mid-1941 starboard rear-quarter view of HMS Euryalus, a sister ship of Naiad, illustrates the arrangement of the two
After work-up at Scapa Flow rear turrets. At that time, Euryalus had just been completed. (John Batchelor Collection)

www.airfixmodelworld.com 75
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

NOBLESSE
OBLIGE
Brian Wakeman tackles
Wingman Models’
mixed-media
1/48 Mirage 5F
ground-attack
variant

A
total of 16 air forces
operated the elegant Mirage
5 (including Finger/Nesher
derivatives). Pakistan Air
Force examples, after their
Retrofit of Strike Element upgrade
programme, were arguably the
most advanced. More than 500
airframes were produced for 11
different countries, including
Belgium (106 licence-built by
SABCA), Chile, Egypt, Peru and
Zaire. They also appeared in
Saudi Arabian markings for
onward delivery to the Egyptians
(the Saudis financed the deal).
The first Mirage 5 flew on May
19, 1967 and looked much like a
Mirage III, apart from the long,
slender sans radar ‘Cyrano
gros nez’, which extended the
aircraft’s length by approximately
19½in (50cm). Its pitot tube was
typically moved from the tip of
the nose to below, in most Mirage
5 variants. The original order for
50 Mirage 5Js were destined for
Israel, but after the cancellation
of the contract (due to the French
government’s embargo on arms
sales to Israel, after the Six Day
War) the airframes were diverted
to the French Air Force after five
years in storage, and in turn were
re-designated 5F. Throughout their
French service, 5Fs flew mainly

 Wingman provided a wealth of resin; the only slight disappointment was the lack of  The large aft 110 gal (500 lit) fuel cell would pop into place perfectly, along with the
ordnance, with just a brace of 250kg bombs in this medium. blanking plates for the optional chaff/flare cartridges.

76 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

The new resin

replacement
afterburner
(upper-left
items), with
highly detailed
nozzle and
exhaust ducting.

 Wingman’s resin cockpit needed careful trimming and adjustment to make it fit.
Dassault Mirage 5F Armée
MODEL SPEC

de l’Air
By: Wingman Models
Stock Code: WMK48015
Scale: 1/48
Price: €65
from Colmar-Meyenheim, within Available from:
two elements of the 13th Escadre www.wingmanmodels.com
de Chasse (fighter wing)

Dual approach
The co-operation between German
resin specialist Wingman Models
and styrene kit maker Kinetic was
fruitful during its existence,

Clamps such as these are a boon for

modellers. Leaving the wings to cure
for an hour ensured a strong bond.

Lifecolor LC01 Matt

White acrylic was used on
the intake trunking, as it
offered excellent coverage.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 77
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

and this Mirage boxing is arguably careful separation – and a stunning

one of its finest offerings. Surface Cartograf decal sheet (see panel).
detail on the styrene was recessed
finely indeed. This package Gallic charm
comprised nine grey runners and The first act was to replace
one clear, a small photo-etched Kinetic's cockpit tub with the
(PE) metal fret; a metal pitot and highly refined Wingman resin
angle-of-attack probes made by alternative, which included a
Polish firm Master. Also included Martin-Baker Mk.4RM ejection
were self-adhesive Kabuki masks seat and busy instrument panel/
for the canopy and wheels, 18 coaming. Lifecolor UA735 Deep
crisp resin items – these required Cockpit was employed as the base
tone, which was merely personal  The resin ‘Cyrano’ nose had a few fit issues and needed plenty of putty for a smooth
join. Vallejo Extra Fine putty was the chosen filler.
preference to avoid a stark black
‘FOXTROT’ appearance. After highlights were
U N I FORMS added via dry-brushing, details
were hand-painted, which added a
dash of colour to the interior.
Once happy with the 'office',
attention turned to the air intakes’
inner shock cones and trunking;
there was full ducting back to the
engine compressor face, which
was painted matt white. The
Atar 9C engine burner/fan duct
received Citadel Lead Belcher
Aluminium, before being set in
situ appropriately. Attaching the
replacement resin nose caused
some head scratching though; test-
fitting seemed fine, although when
it came to permanent positioning...
that was another story. It could
Wingman Models’ Cartograf-printed have been down to incorrect
decal sheet provided for the following placement, but the bottom of the
French Air Force Mirage 5Fs:
• 13-SA/No 6, EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’,
Colmar, 1972
• 3-XF/No 18, EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’,
Nancy, 1974
• 3-XL/No 39, EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’,
Nancy, 1974
• 13-SH/No 51, EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’,
Colmar, 1984
• 13-PC/No 50, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(Metro-Mike demo team)
Colmar, 1994
• 13-SK/No 37, EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’,
(Tactical Air Meet 1976)
Colmar, 1976
• 13-SB/No 50, EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’,
(TAM ‘76) Colmar, 1976
• 13-SD/No 44, EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’
(TAM ’76) Colmar, 1976
• 13-PE/No 2, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(TAM ’80) Colmar, 1980
• 13-PE/No 10, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(TAM ’80) Colmar, 1980
• 13-PE/No 22, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(TAM ’80) Colmar, 1980
• 13-PJ/No 19, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(TAM ’80), Colmar, 1980
• 13-PO/No 48, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(TAM ’80), Colmar, 1980
• 13-PL/No 54, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
(TAM ’84), Colmar, 1984

78 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

 Aluminium and silver metallics made for a realistic-looking wheel bay and doors.

 All six control surfaces were test-fitted before being attached with cyanoacrylate glue.
 Kristal Klear is a wonderful product for concealing the tiniest gap around weapons pylons.

 A basic stores array was supplied, fuselage needed widening slightly;

including AIM-9B Sidewinders, but certain
items were conspicuous by their absence…
such as more bombs and ECM pods.
plenty of Vallejo's 70.400 Plastic
Putty was needed to resolve the
disparity and fill any gaps.
The delta wings were spot on,
with correct anhedral and superb
panel line detail. Importantly, every
vent around the 30mm DEFA
cannon troughs was moulded
accurately…features missed on
all earlier Mirage kits. The wheel
wells looked reasonable with their
moulded features, but not all the
hydraulic pipework evident in

 Lifecolor Worn
Black was used as a
pre-shade before the
final underside shade
was applied. Note the
fine gun port detail.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 79
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

 A trait of any delta-winged Mirage kit is possible gaps along the wing/fuselage join. It  Blending the windscreen with its airframe surrounds was necessary; the supplied self-
was so here, too, but filler soon sorted the issue. adhesive masks were a real time-saver.
 Upper camouflage demarcation was set with pencil, before Xtracolor X4 (BS638) RAF
Dark Sea Grey was airbrushed freehand. This was then weathered around panel lines with a
concoction of UA022 Dark Sea Grey and UA253 Panzergrau.

80 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

 Once X18 (BS285) NATO Green was sprayed, panel/shut lines were accentuated with  Replacement landing gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions, along with Wingman’s resin
UA538 RAF Dark Green, and low-tack tape was used to set the dielectric panel boundaries. wells made a real difference. Note that red tyre-creep marks were added carefully.

 An extra-fine nail buffer helped add even more shine to the paintwork, augmenting the  DACO Products’ decal setting solution is excellent, and its medium/strong fluids worked
gloss varnish, ahead of decal application. as advertised in aiding decal adherence.

the real bays was rendered. Once
painted Xtracolor X331 Corogard,
and highlights added via Citadel
Mithril Silver (now re-named
Runefang Steel), everything
looked convincing. Speaking of
the wheel wells, it was decided to
replace the kit undercarriage legs
with white metal items from Scale
Aircraft Conversions (48-283). The
large main gear doors included
reinforcement ribs, with well-fitting
dual-hinged brackets, and these
of each), although the type’s
352 gal (1,700 lit) wing tanks and
countermeasures pods were not
provided. The included items were:
AIM-9B Sidewinder, RP 19R 110 gal
(500 lit) supersonic tanks, JL 100R
rocket launcher/fuel tank, RPK 10
combined fuel tank/bomb rack,
LAU-32 rocket pods and Matra
250kg bombs.
Knighty knight
Once happy with the overall
appearance of the prepared
airframe, 1,200-grade Micro-
Mesh cloth ironed out any small
type’s retirement year). The latter
displayed large French medieval
Knight Bayard artwork on the
underside, but the rest of that
livery was deemed a little bland, so
another scheme was considered. A
number of Tactical Air Meet (TAM)
attendees were represented by
the decals, with outsized tail code
letters and squadron ‘zaps’. The
author, having visited a number of
TAM meetings over the years, and
furthermore having the pleasure
of seeing these jets ‘cocked and
loaded’, subsequently chose 13-PE/
A of EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’, a participant
in 1980’s TAM at Ramstein AFB,
West Germany.
Five comes alive
Stylistically, everything was in
place for the desired appearance,
and this Mirage was to wear the
later dark grey/dark green over
medium grey. Earlier camouflaged
aircraft pre-1980 featured
aluminium undersides with larger
French roundels, along with a
hard-demarcation upper pattern;
the subject of this build wore soft-
edged camouflage so, freehand
airbrushing was employed to

Besides DACO’s decal fluids,

Microscale’s Micro Set was
also used in places.

just slotted into place. Separate surface anomalies. As mentioned

wing flap/elevons (six in total) were
included and these were locked in
the down position.
Just a hint of white putty and
Microscale Kristal Klear treated
odd gaps along the wing/fuselage
join. While the grey primer
coat dried, focus shifted to the
ordnance fit, and Wingman offered
a useful set of stores (just two
previously (see panel), the
decal options were outstanding.
Various Colmar-based aircraft
of all three EC 13 squadrons may
be built, including natural metal
and camouflaged aircraft. One
did toy with replicating a natural
metal/lacquer (pre-1974) jet or
EC 2-13’s famous ‘Metro-Mike’
Mirage 5F 13-PC, from 1994 (the

www.airfixmodelworld.com 81
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F

 Vallejo’s Model Wash Light Rust 76.505 and 76.517 Dark Grey replicated grime in the  Included in the Wingman Models upgrade set was a smart Martin-Baker Mk.4RM ejection
undercarriage bays. seat, along with PE rear-view mirrors and seat firing handles.

 It might look horrendous, but Wilder’s LS10 Dark Grey and LS25 Shadow Brown oils  To boost the stores package, the author plucked resin Barracuda ECM and Phimat chaff/
formed the basis of the panel wash, prior to any excess being removed. flare pods from the spares box. Note that the bombs' red bands would be masked.

REFERENCE
MATERIAL
GAMD Mirage III & 5 Vol.2, by Herve
Beaumont (Histoires & Collections),
ISBN: 978-2-35250-091-9
The Mirage IIIR/RD & 5F in French Air
Force Service, by B Chenel, E Moreau,
M Liébert, (DTU), ISBN 2-912749-10-7
Air Zone magazine No 2,
November 1994 (Amelcom Publications)
– ‘Adieu Jeunesse’
set the boundaries. First, a random followed the same principle via of LC73 Gloss Clear varnish had
overall coat of UA734 Worn Black
was pre-shaded, and in turn was
X18 BS285 RAF NATO Green
and incorporated UA538 RAF
hardened, the excellent Cartograf
decals were applied, with the
followed by X135 (FS 16320) Dark Dark Green for shadowing; this assistance of DACO Products'
Compass Ghost Grey, and UA027 seemingly haphazard approach decal setting mediums (www.
(FS36320) Dark Compass Ghost relied on adding faded colours to dacoproducts.com) and Micro Set.
Grey. This was fused together the base tones. Once two coats Thought then turned to the overall
and run around all openings and
panels. For contrast, the fuel cell
was painted UA036 (FS36373)
Grey Reflectance High Low. For
the topside camouflage, X4
(BS638) RAF Dark Sea Grey was
highlighted with UA022 Dark
Sea Grey and a hint of UA253
Panzergrau. The green

82 Airfix Model World


 Various oils started the weathering process, but acrylics work just as well. Lifecolor and
Vallejo washes were employed for major streaks.
 The well-worn effect on the bomb body was achieved via Pelikan Klarlack Brilliant
Varnish (matt) from the local art shop.
detail wash/staining/bleaching
and airflow wear. Weathering
often divides modellers as to
which products are best,
but I opted for liquid
pigments/oils and
acrylics.
Wilder high-quality oils
(www.airbrushes.com), in
the form of LS10 Dark Grey
and LS25 Brown Shadow
started the process, followed
by pigments and washes. This
treatment level accentuated
 Staining the resin exhaust petals was achieved with Com-Art 2002 Smoke, which was
applied over LC26 Matt Gun Metal.
 Staining and cordite grime around the cannon muzzles was portrayed with Wilder’s
Gunpowder Line GP25 Black Metal pigment.
the very fine panel line/rivet
detail, highlighting the quality
possible due to modern moulding
techniques. Most of the airflow
discoloration was run towards the
rear with a fine 000 brush, and
Lifecolor Liquid Pigment LPW27
Grey Liner and Vallejo 76.505
Light Rust Wash helped to create
much of these effects.
Once happy with the general
appearance, and with the
weaponry attached, a concluding
50:50 mix of Xtracrylix Matt/Satin
varnish sealed the model. The final
piece of the jigsaw was a staining
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MIRAGE 5F
of Wilder’s Gunpowder Line GP25
Black Metal, to simulate cordite
from the DEFA cannons.
End of the line
Sadly, it’s unlikely we'll see any
further joint Wingman/Kinetic
projects, but this Mirage 5F
epitomises all existing boxings
in the range. Good base styrene,
matched with bespoke resin details
and classy decals makes for a
winning combination…although
they’re not appropriate for novice
modellers. I urge you to buy
them while you can!
After the aperture was widened, it was
time to attach the quality turned brass
pitot tube from Polish firm Master
(www.master-model.pl)
www.airfixmodelworld.com 83
 IN FOCUS
MIRAGE 5F

An air-to-air view of two Mirage 5Fs

operated by EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’, with
No.39 coded 3-XL nearest and No.7/
3-XB leading. Each aircraft wears the
‘Sanglier’ with a red flash of EC 3/3’s
2nd Escadrille on the starboard side of
the vertical tails. (Dassault Aviation)

JOKERS, KNIGHTS
ne of the most important
products of Western Europe’s
aerospace industry during
the Cold War era was the
Mirage series of fighters and
attack aircraft.
Produced by world-famous

WILD BOARS
French company Dassault, the
Mirage was developed in a variety
of specific marks for French and
export service.
Central to this success story
was the Mirage III delta, the initial
major version of which was the
IIIC. The first production example

The Mirage 5
was an important
member of
the large and
successful delta-
winged Dassault
family. Malcolm
V Lowe details its The Mirage 5 was devised originally for export to Israel designated M5J. This rare image of the early Mirage M5J No.2 shows the
French service ‘M5J’ notation (in Dassault’s classic script) on the forward fuselage. (Dassault Aviation)

84 Airfix Model World


The 50th and final Mirage 5F from the original embargoed Israeli order was this aircraft, coded 13-SB when assigned to EC 3/13
‘Auvergne’…although when photographed it did not carry that unit’s insignia on its fin. (Malcolm V Lowe Collection)
of the IIIC for France’s air force, the
Armée de l’Air, flew on October 8,
1960. The Mirage IIIC was primarily
a fighter, but was succeeded in
home and overseas service by the
more powerful and versatile multi-
role Mirage IIIE. This model first
entered Armée de l’Air service with
the 13th Escadre de Chasse (fighter
wing) at Colmar-Meyenheim. The
initial squadron of this wing to
become fully combat-ready was
EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’, officially receiving
its first aircraft during early 1965.
The Mirage IIIE was a great success
in France, leading to export orders
specifically for this type. However,
Israel became interested in buying
a simplified version of the Mirage
IIIE, without its complicated suite
of radar and other avionics,
instead requiring an aircraft able
to operate from austere locations
and specifically with air-to-ground
capability as its main function,
rather than the IIIE’s multi-role
profile. Dassault duly obliged by
tweaking the Mirage IIIE layout
and installing more basic
avionics, replacing the
IIIE’s Cyrano radar
with a simpler Aïda II
set. The nose profile
became longer and
more pointed, with the
IIIE’s centrally mounted
pitot being re-located
beneath the extreme nose.
Extra fuel could be carried
in the fuselage where some of
the electronics were installed
previously.
Israel duly contracted for 50 of
the new Mirage version during
1966, which Dassault initially
called the Mirage VJ, later Mirage
5J or M5J (‘J’ standing for ‘Juif’ –
Jewish). A development airframe
flew for the first time on May 19,
1967. However, changing political
attitudes in France towards Israel
led to an arms embargo which
impacted on the Mirage 5J
order. Thus, completed airframes
IN FOCUS
MIRAGE 5F
were grounded in France at a
special storage facility, EAA 601
at Châteaudun. Eventually Israel
was compensated for the failed
deal, having already paid for
the aircraft, and by a somewhat
convoluted process the Armée de
l’Air became the rather reluctant
recipient of all 50 Mirage 5J
airframes; they were re-named
Mirage 5F. Numbered 1 to 50, they
were unique in the Armée de l’Air.
Following appropriate trials and
evaluation, and thorough checks of
each grounded aircraft, deliveries
to Armée de l’Air units commenced
during 1972. Eight Mirage 5Fs
were later re-assigned for export,
the Armée de l’Air receiving eight
replacements numbered 51 to 58,
making 58 in total delegated for
French service.
Unique features
The Mirage 5F had the same
wingspan as the IIIC and IIIE at
26ft 11½in (8.22m), but its length
was increased due to the modified
nose. Dassault gave this length
at the time as being 15.55m
(51ft ¼in). Power was provided
by a single SNECMA Atar 9 C5
turbojet of 13,669lbst (6,200
kgp – SNECMA figures) with
afterburner, allowing a theoretical
maximum speed of Mach 2.2.
Able to carry more ordnance than
the Mirage IIIE from which it was
developed, a production Mirage
5F had a maximum take-off
weight of approximately 29,762lb
(13,500kg). Like the Mirage IIIE,
the 5F was armed with two 30mm
DEFA 552-series cannons in the
lower forward fuselage, mounted
in a removable pack with 125
Above: The impressive array of weapons available for the Mirage 5 rounds each.
series is demonstrated in this company publicity image. Naturally, The Mirage 5F differed from
not all could be carried at the same time. (Dassault Aviation) the IIIE in having two additional
Left: The Joker insignia dated to World War One, and Escadrille 85 pylons/weapons stations installed
was worn on the port side of the vertical tail of Mirage 5Fs operated at the rear close to the wing roots,
by EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’. (Chris Clifford Collection) for a total of seven. This gave
This early, uncamouflaged Mirage 5F No.18 was assigned to EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’ as 3-XF.
It proudly wore the ‘Sanglier’ wild boar’s head with the blue flash of EC 3/3’s 1st
Escadrille to port on its vertical tail. (Malcolm V Lowe Collection)
www.airfixmodelworld.com 85
 IN FOCUS
MIRAGE 5F
Built purely as single-seaters, the Mirage 5F fleet initially wore the typical French day-fighter scheme of gloss red trim over bare
metal surfaces. This example from EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’ featured the Joker insignia of that unit’s 1st Escadrille on its vertical tail.
(Glenn Sands Collection)
the type greater store-carrying
flexibility, with a maximum
munitions load of 8,818lb
(4,000kg). The exact weight
carried for any flight depended
on the intended mission. As
with the Mirage IIIE, the 5F had
the capability to carry external
fuel tanks of various capacities.
However, due to the two additional
weapons pylons, the optional
SEPR 844 rocket motor (which
could be mounted externally
beneath the rear fuselage of
earlier Mirages) could not be fitted
to the Mirage 5 series.
A wide variety of air-to-ground
ordnance was available for the 5F,
including pods of unguided rockets
and ‘dumb’ bombs, and the Nord
AS.30 air-to-ground guided missile;
unusually, at least one type of long-
range fuel tank (the RPK-17) was
able to mount up to four bombs on
its outer casing. For self-defence,
two air-to-air missiles could be
carried, usually the Matra R.550
Magic, although the US AIM-9
Camouflage was soon applied to the Mirage 5F fleet when in service, but the colourful unit markings were retained on the
vertical tails. This example is from EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’, which received its first Mirage 5Fs during early 1977 when EC 3/3 ‘Ardennes’
was re-equipping with the SEPECAT Jaguar A. (Glenn Sands Collection)
86 Airfix Model World
Sidewinder series was also cleared
for use – albeit the latter initially
for export derivatives.
French service
In total, three French squadrons of
the Force Aérienne Tactique (FATac
– the tactical strike command
of the Armée de l’Air), divided
between two fighter wings, flew the
Mirage 5F. The first unit to operate
the type was the 13th Escadre de
Chasse at Colmar-Meyenheim.
Two of this Escadre’s component
squadrons – EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’ and EC
3/13 ‘Auvergne’ eventually flew the
Mirage 5F as their main equipment.
The first to receive the type was
EC 3/13, formed for Mirage 5F
operations during March 1972,
whose first example arrived the
following month. It became fully
combat-ready during 1973. Next
was the 3rd Escadre de Chasse
Above: The Chevalier Bayard on horse-
back was worn proudly by the Mirage 5F of
EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’. (Chris Clifford Collection)
Below: In mid-1992, to celebrate the
20th anniversary of EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’,
Mirage 5F ‘13-SP’ was painted in a retro
silver scheme to imitate the bare metal
finish these single-seat Mirages wore
when they first entered service.
(Glenn Sands Collection)
based at Nancy-Ochey. Created
specially during the summer of
1974 on the Mirage 5F was EC 3/3
‘Ardennes’. This unit operated the
type just for a short time before
transitioning to the Anglo-French
SEPECAT Jaguar A, officially
making its final Mirage 5F flight
during March 1977.
The Mirage 5F airframes thus
made redundant were assigned
to the third and final Armée de
l’Air 5F unit, EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’, which
began flying the type from January
1977 – while briefly continuing to
operate its established Mirage IIIE
airframes until fully equipped with
the newer machine.
EC 3/13 flew the Mirage 5F until
March 1993, while EC 2/13 persisted
with the type until June 1994,
being disestablished the following
month. The type was apparently
well-liked in the Armée de l’Air.
Indeed, the Mirage 5 layout, aside
from French operations, eventually
gained considerable export
success, the final total produced in
France and under licence abroad
being quoted by French sources in
the region of 582 examples.

Wearing the ‘Morietur’ emblem of the 2nd Escadrille of EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’ on its vertical tail, this Mirage 5F No.19 sports a
Philips-Matra Phimat decoy pod beneath its starboard outer wing. (Glenn Sands Collection)
Unit heraldry
The three Armée de l’Air
squadrons that operated the
Mirage 5F each comprised two
component Escadrilles, at least
one of which could trace its
heraldry and lineage to the early
days of French military aviation.
The World War One predecessor
to the Armée de l’Air was the
Aéronautique Militaire, which
was created originally during
March 1912. In World War One this
organisation expanded massively,
with the basic unit for ‘scout’
warplanes (later re-named more
appropriately as ‘fighters’) being
the Escadrille. This was roughly
equivalent to a British Royal Flying
Corps squadron, and many French
Escadrilles developed their own
highly individualistic unit heraldry.
One of these was Escadrille 85,
known as N 85 (the ‘N’ standing
for Nieuport, the manufacturer
of the aircraft type it operated).
Later it flew SPAD fighters, being
re-named SPA 85. Suggested
by its commanding officer, the
unit adopted a Joker (‘La Folie’)
figure from the pack of playing
cards. During the era of the
Mirage 5F, the 1st Escadrille of
EC 3/13 ‘Auvergne’ adopted the
Joker motif and the lineage of
Escadrille 85, with a stylised
Joker being painted on the
fin of its Mirages - the
modern-day Escadrille
in this context
approximating to a
flight rather than its
previous incarnation
as a full squadron.
The insignia and lineage
of EC 3/13’s 2nd Escadrille
was, however, completely different,
by taking as its inspiration a fighter
unit from the Battle of France
in 1940. One of the Armée de
l’Air squadrons at that time was
Groupe de Chasse GC II/9, which
flew the Bloch 152 fighter. One
of its members was the famous
French fighter pilot Louis Delfino,
who designed the unit’s insignia.
IN FOCUS
MIRAGE 5F
This comprised the depressing
title ‘Morietur’ (Latin for ‘die’
or ‘death’), its related version
including a ‘thumbs down’ hand
on a shield together with a curved
blade. This insignia was also worn
on the fin of EC 3/13’s Mirage 5F
fleet, on the opposite side to the
Joker of the 1st Escadrille.
In complete contrast, EC 3/3’s
Mirage 5F aircraft wore a tail
badge that was highly appropriate
to the region of France for which
the unit was named. That is the
Ardennes area of eastern France,
where ‘Sanglier’ (wild boar) are to
be found. A stylised Sanglier was
therefore painted on each side of
the fin of the unit’s aircraft, with a
blue background flash for the 1st
Escadrille and a red background
flash for the 2nd Escadrille.
Adorning the fin of the Mirage
5F fleet assigned to EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’
was a knight on horseback, the
1st Escadrille of EC 2/13 having a
‘Chevalier Bayard sur cheval gris’
(Chevalier Bayard riding a grey
horse) on the port side of the
fin, the 2nd Escadrille sporting a
‘Chevalier Bayard sur cheval bai’
(Chevalier Bayard riding a bay
horse) to starboard. The name
‘Bayard’ dates to a French knight
who lived from c.1476 to 1524,
named Pierre Terrail, seigneur
de Bayard...renowned in France
as a brave knight of chivalry. The
aviation connection began during
the Cold War, with the creation
of the Escadron de Chasse Tous
Temps 2/13 ‘Alpes’ at Lahr in
West Germany during October
1956, which operated the Fiat-
manufactured radar-equipped
Above: A diagrammatic summary of the main weapons available for employment all-weather F-86K Sabre from 1957
by the Mirage 5 series. The type was fitted with seven underwing/fuselage pylons. until 1962, and then successively
(Dassault Aviation)
the Mirage IIIC and IIIE until the
Left: The famous ‘Sanglier’ wild boar’s head, as seen on this aircrew patch, Mirage 5F joined the unit (by then
adorned each side of the vertical tail of Mirage 5Fs assigned to EC 3/3 simply called an Escadron de
‘Ardennes’. (Chris Clifford Collection) Chasse) during early 1977.
Above: Mirage 5F No.6/13-PS displays the clean lines of this variant, as well as the Chevalier Bayard unit insignia of the 1st
Escadrille of EC 2/13 ‘Alpes’. The Mirage 5F existed solely in single-seat form. (Glenn Sands Collection)
www.airfixmodelworld.com 87
WHEN YOU TAKE OUT A 2 YEAR
OR DIRECT DEBIT SUBSCRIPTION TO

345/18

ONLINE PHONE POST

UK 01780 480404 COMPLETE THE FORM AND POST TO:
www.airfixmodelworld.com OVERSEAS +44 1780 480404 Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd,
FAX UK 01780 757812 OVERSEAS +44 1780 757812 PO Box 300, Stamford, Lincs,
PE9 1NA, United Kingdom

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER ...

 CHOOSE FROM MAKE HUGE SAVINGS! when you pay by easy Direct Debit – just £10.50 every quarter
or £39.99 annually PLUS FREE GIFT
1/72 Tomahawk Mk.IIB kit Free gift is only available on Direct Debit with a minimum 2 year subscription.

 YES, I would like to subscribe to Airfix Model World

PAYER’S DETAILS
Title First name Surname
Address

Postcode Country
Curtiss’ Tomahawk cemented its
Email address
reputation with the RAF in North Africa
 I am over 18 years of age.
and the famous American Volunteer Group.
Please send gift card  Gift choice: Diamond File Set  1/72 Curtiss Tomahawk kit 
Tomahawk procurement enabled the RAF/  We would like to keep you informed by email about Key Publishing's future offers and new product launches. Please
Commonwealth to field decent tick this box to let us know that you are happy for us to do this. Don't forget, you can change your contact preferences
at any time by logging into your account or by using the unsubscribe links which you will find on all our emails.
numbers of aircraft on various RRP
fronts, via 16 different squadrons. £6.99 DELIVERY DETAILS IF DIFFERENT

Title First name Surname

Modelcraft Address
Diamond
File Set Postcode Country
Achieve precise Email address
and accurate
results with
SPECIAL OFFER PLEASE TICK

this 5 Pack Mini 12 ISSUES 24 ISSUES FOR THE PRICE BE

OFFESRT
Diamond File Set. FOR THE PRICE OF 10 OF 19 PLUS FREE GIFT !
This fantastic set is UK 12 issues  £45.99 24 issues  £84.99

ideal for intricate Europe 12 issues  £56.99 24 issues  £99.99

filing, especially USA 12 issues  $72.99 24 issues  $128.99

on small plastic RRP Rest of the World 12 issues  £59.99 24 issues  £104.99

model projects.
£10.00
PAYMENT DETAILS

FREE
I enclose a cheque for £/$ ................................. made payable to Key Publishing Ltd
Please debit my Mastercard  Visa  for £/$ ...............

Expiry date Security Code (3 digit code on reverse of card)

OFFER CLOSE DATE: 30 JUNE 2018 PLEASE QUOTE: AMW0618

M A G A Z I N E S Signature ....................................................................................................................................................Today’s date ..................................................

FIVE FREE INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT

2 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
345/18
Please tick: UK Direct Debit Quarterly £10.25 Annually £38.99

TWO FREE
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION
6 5 8 9 6 0

AMERICAN READERS
Readers in the USA may place orders by telephone
toll-free 800-428-3003 or by writing to
Airfix Model World, 3330 Pacific Ave,
Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2983.
Alternatively, order online at Direct Debit UK only. If paying by Direct Debit please send in form.
www.imsnews.com/airfixmodelworld Payments are accepted by Direct Debit, cheque, Postal Order, Credit Card and US Dollar check. Payments by credit or debit card will be shown
on your statement as Key Publishing Ltd. Key Publishing will hold your details to process and fulfil your subscription order. Gift subject to change.
quoting/entering code AMW0618 Any alternative gift will be of equal or higher value. Should you cancel your subscription earlier then an invoice will be raised for the full price of the gift.
 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
THE SPOOK IN COMBAT
The Men Who Flew the F-4 Phantom
By: Martin W Bowman
ISBN: 978-1-52670-584-6
Price: £25 Format: 240 x 166mm
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
From the title, one might believe it’s
an all-encompassing study of aircrew
who operate(d) the Phantom…
not so. The author focuses almost
exclusively on the US Air Force and
US Navy/Marines, and their tussles
with MiGs during the Vietnam
COLD WAR TRAINING
Carbine Fortress 82
By: Bohm/Igert/Ruiz/Palmer
ISBN: N/A Price: £13.99
Format: A4
Web: www.bookworldws.co.uk
This publication should delight
fans of modern armour. It’s a study
of 1982’s US Army REFORGER
(REturn of FORces to GERmany)
exercises; a long-running, annual
strategic mobility wargame
(incorporating Carbine Fortress
field exercises), the scenario
SEND IN YOUR PRODUCTS FOR US TO REVIEW: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, Units 1-4 Gwash Way Industrial Estate, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XP, UK
90 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
272 pages
War. It’s heady stuff and involves
personal accounts from pilots and
weapons systems operators/radar
interception officers. The legendary
Robin Olds’ tenure at Ubon, Thailand,
is covered, as well as naval sorties,
but one glaring aspect is the quality/
capability of air-to-air missiles at
that time; the number of AIM-9s and
AIM-7s that failed to hit their targets
was staggering. The air combat
descriptions are (pardon the pun)
engaging but one area that’s ignored
almost completely is the Phantom’s
ground-attack missions, which is a
shame as the F-4D pioneered the
use of ‘smart’ weapons and their
designation/guidance gear. The
only other (brief) sections looking
beyond Vietnam are a glimpse at
RAF Quick Reaction Alert Bear
intercepts, the same but through the
eyes of a US Navy F-4B pilot aboard
Forrestal in 1966, Air Vice-Marshal
Ian Macfadyen’s experiences of
defending the Falklands in the FGR.2,
and Israeli aircrews’ combat with
Egyptian/Syrian MiGs. An enjoyable,
if narrow study. CC
64 pages
being the reinforcement of NATO
in Central Europe if conflict with
the Warsaw Pact ever arose. With
English and German text/captions,
the book offers considerable detail
on exercise phasing, objectives
and tactical operations, before
entering the photographic section.
All images (black and white,
and colour) are accompanied by
extended captions that describe
the vehicle, equipment/armament
and unit where possible. The
choice of hardware is legion,
with examples such as the M109,
M548A1 tractor, M825 TOW and
M577A1 Command Post filling
the opening pages. There are
many more types though; M60A1
Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge,
M151A2 MUTT, M110A2, M60 tank
variants (A1 RISE Passive and A3
TTS) and the then-new M1 Abrams
to name just some, and there’s
even a look at air-dropped vehicles
such as the Gama Goat, as part of
82nd Airborne Division activity.
Other countries’ assets appear on
occasion (Canadian M113, German
Leopard etc), while unit structure
diagrams add further context. CC
CUTTING-EDGE BOMBER
256 pages
Valkyrie: The North American
XB-70
By: Graham M Simons
ISBN: 978-1-47-382285-6
Price: £12.99
Format: 235mm x 155mm
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
During the 1950s, North American
Aviation formed plans for a Mach 3
bomber. The concept was the result
of SAC commander Curtis LeMay’s
desire for a fleet of strategic
assets that combined the range
and load of a B-52 Stratofortress
and speed of the B-58 Hustler.
This book delves into the story
behind the programme’s inception, chase crews and the XB-70 during
execution and demise in detail, and after the incident. The loss
with much of the information of the groundbreaking $750,000
being unpublished previously. aircraft (along with two skilled test
Also included are several cutaway pilots) and massive cost overruns,
drawings of the fuel, propulsion led ultimately to the project’s
and escape systems, along with cancellation. The final chapters
detailed schematics of the cockpit are devoted to the XB-70’s
and test equipment. The fatal involvement in the US Supersonic
mid-air collision (and subsequent Transport (SST) programme
crash) of the second prototype, and retirement of the surviving
in June 1966 during a press airframe to the National Museum
‘photo-call’, is covered in detail of the United States Air Force, in
and includes transcripts between Dayton Ohio. AD
INFAMOUS GROUND-POUNDER 50 pages
Wings of the Black Cross Special 2:
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
By: Mark Proulx
ISBN: 978-0-914144-63-2
Price: US $24.95
Format: 277 x 216mm
Web: www.eagle-editions.com
Previously unpublished photos
from the collection of author Mark
Proulx make this a boon for anyone
modelling the Stuka. Proulx makes
a good point…that Stuka ace Hans-
Ulrich Rudel often overshadows other
World War Two Luftwaffe exponents
of the aircraft, and the author cites
Anton ‘Toni’ Hubsch’s 120 tank kills the appropriate user units, but also
(and the 104 of Alois Wosnitz), as information on certain pilots, such as
being worthy of note. Panels listing Gruppenkommandeur Major Walter
common unit codes and geschwader/ Sigel. Unit badges are reproduced in
stab/staffel identification colours illustration form, and the inspiring
are useful, but the period images colour profiles by new-to-the-imprint
are the real meat here, and they artist Steve Deisley possess real
show much structural detail (cowl accuracy and ‘life’ (some profiles in
flaps, exhaust ejector stacks, radio other titles can appear rather ‘flat’).
masts for instance), and war loads, With the many Stuka kits out there,
as well as a whitewashed aircraft including Airfix’s new toolings, one
exemplifying how this Eastern Front can only hope Eagle Editions extends
paint weathered to an often-messy its decal coverage to the subjects in
finish. The photo captions name profile here…pretty please! CC

FROM AIRLINER TO ANTI-SHIP
Focke-Wulf Fw 200 The Condor at
War 1939-1945
By: Chris Goss
ISBN: 978-1-90653-754-8
Price: £50 Format: 310 x 234mm
Web: www.crecy.co.uk
Designed originally as a passenger
carrier, the Fw 200 went far beyond
its envisaged role to become one of
the Luftwaffe’s most capable armed
maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
Several books on the subject have
been published over the years, but
A PROUD TESTING HERITAGE
CEAM 1933-2013
By: Louis Pena
ISBN: 978-2-35250-341-5
Price: £39.95
Format: 316 x 238mm
Web: casematepublishing.co.uk
‘le Centre d’Expériences
Aériennes Militaires’ (CEAM) is
France’s main aeronautical test
and research establishment,
located at Mont-de-Marsan.
The unit has a long history of
furthering French/global aircraft
technology, and a full description
of the unit’s activities lies in this
288 pages
the type has certainly not been
covered as extensively as, say, the Ju
88. Arguably, the best examination
was by Juan-Carlos Salgado
(published under Ian Allan’s ‘Classic’
imprint)…until now. Chris Goss’s
weighty hardback has more than
twice the number of pages, many
previously unpublished photographs
and colour artwork. The complete
story of the Condor is told via
diligent research by Goss, as well
as personal accounts and mission
reports from Fw 200 crews, and
British fighter pilots who attacked
them. Much detail is provided by the
photos, which show varying scenes;
the Fw 200 being armed/loaded,
views of Allied shipping from the
aircraft, undergoing maintenance
and more. The type’s role as a
transport of high-ranking officers,
and Adolf Hitler is explored, as its
employment of guided weapons
such as the Hs 293 flying bomb. The
colour illustrations are splendid, and
even include an attractive Spanish
Fw 200C-4. A sumptuous book, and
vital reference for anyone building
Condor kits. CC
327 pages
lavish French-language book.
If one can remember partial
segments of school French, it’s an
advantage of course, but if one’s
français is basic or non-existent,
there’s still a stunning amount
of photographic reference to
enjoy. As one might imagine, all
major (and many minor) French
types have served at CEAM, and
they are shown here, via black
and white, and colour images.
Colour profiles punctuate the
text and photos early in the book,
representing types such as the
Dewoitine 520, and mini-chapters
on parallel subjects add further
interest. ‘Les Dames du CEAM’,
for example, explores the deeds
of France’s first female military
pilot, Élisabeth Boselli, and the
entertainer and French Resistance
member Josephine Baker, both
of whom were awarded the
Légion d’Honneur. The focus of
this book is wide and varied, with
images of famous French aircraft
through the ages, weaponry and
even CEAM’s prowess at NATO
Tiger Meet special schemes. A
wonderful book for French Air
Force fans. CC
FASCIST TRIMOTORS
Combat Aircraft 122 Savoia-
Marchetti S.79 Sparviero
Bomber Units
By: Marco Mattioli
ISBN: 978-1-4728-1883-6
Price: £13.99 Format: 248 x 184mm
Web: www.ospreypublishing.com
Author Mattioli has already
investigated the Sparviero
(sparrowhawk) in Combat Aircraft
106, which detailed the type’s
torpedo-toting actions. Here, it’s
the pure bomber version that’s
tackled; akin to the Fw 200, the
S.79 was another aircraft that
started life as a civilian passenger
carrier. This tome opens by
explaining how the S.79 serialled
MM260 carried Italy’s Giuseppe
Valle to Africa, to mastermind
the Annexation of Abyssinia
(now Ethiopia), and the aircraft’s
acceptance for evaluation by 12°
Stormo Bombardamento ‘Sorci
Verde’ (Green Mice). The type’s
entry into the Spanish Civil War,
in which it was used to support
Spanish Nationalist forces, is then
explored before a lengthy study of
S.79 bombing operations in World
War Two…over the Mediterranean
PANTHERS IN BOHEMIA
AFV Photo Album 3
By: Marek Solár, Petr Doležal
ISBN: 978-91-982325-7-8
Price: €37 Format: 297 x 223mm
Web: www.canfora.se
Anyone who’s purchased either
of the first two volumes (or both)
in this series would not have been
disappointed in their content.
Marek Solár and Petr Doležal
have conducted a serious amount
of research to bring us these
handsome hardback books, which
examine German armour abandoned
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 91
ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
95 pages
and in North and East Africa.
Typically, 30 colour profiles of
the aircraft are provided, along
with squadron badge artwork,
but as usual there are no plan/
underside views, which does
frustrate somewhat. That said, the
S.79 wore a wealth of attractive
camouflage and the artwork
inspires hugely on that front; one’s
airbrushing skills will certainly
be tested if attempting some of
the schemes! A worthy book for
historical interest alone, but also
for anyone building Trumpeter,
Airfix or Italeri kits. CC
176 pages
on Czech/Slovak soil at the end of
World War Two. This third instalment
is Panther-heavy in its focus, but
other vehicles do get a look in, such
as the Panzer IV, Jagdpanzer, half-
tracks (Sd.Kfz.10, Sd.Kfz.251/1) and
artillery pieces.
Pleasingly, there are glimpses of
the Bergepanther, but most of the
photos depict Ausf.G and Ausf.A
Panthers. The captions highlight
structural details, which are useful
for identification purposes, and
diorama inspiration abounds;
some vehicles are complete, while
others have been destroyed by
the enemy or sabotaged by their
own crews, which offers plenty of
choice in how one finishes a build.
Some individual photos are glorious
for what they show, such as the
magnificent study of a Panther
Ausf.A partly submerged in a
stream, after collapsing a footbridge
obviously incapable of holding the
tank’s weight. Sixteen splendid
colour artworks close a fabulous
publication, timed perfectly to
coincide with the release of the new
1/35 interior-detail Panthers from
Rye Field Model and Takom. CC
 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS

IFS, BUTS AND MAYBES 80 pages

SUPER-DETAILED NARVIK
82 pages

take on what originated as a German Destroyer Z37

TSR2 Britain’s Lost Cold War
Strike Jet
By: Andrew Brookes
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2248-2
Price: £12.99 Format: 185 x 247mm
Web: www.ospreypublishing.com
Britain isn’t alone in having misty-
eyed reminiscences on cancelled
military projects, but the TSR.2
is arguably one of the most
controversial, with many books
written on the subject. Despite
this, Andrew Brooke’s volume still
manages to provide a different
THE MARK OF ‘ZORRO’
Canberra replacement, highlighting
how it became a victim of design
by committee, which resulted in
unnecessary complications and
ballooning costs. Analysis of the
airframe, engines and avionics
follows, with the ‘group decision’
aspects amplified by requirements
changes, several of which are
noted as being incompatible. When
attention shifts to the testing phase,
the commentaries from pilots Roland
‘Bee’ Beamont, Jimmy Dell are
illuminating, noting how problems
were being overcome, but both
describing its potential in glowing
terms. However, perhaps the type’s
biggest failing was in the political
arena, especially as costs increased,
and the various machinations are
described in considerable depth,
eventually leading to the project’s
cancellation. The final chapter is
manna from heaven for ‘what if’
aficionados as it delves into what
the TSR.2’s service (and impact on
other aircraft projects) could have
been, aided by a series of Adam
Tooby digital artworks dispersed
throughout the 80 pages. SF
180 pages
Ed Heinemann), before delving
into the type’s extensive combat
record with US, South Vietnamese,
By: Carlo Cestra
ISBN: 978-83-65437-66-2
Price: £26.95
Format: A4
Web: casematepublishing.co.uk
Germany’s Zerstörer (Destroyer)
1936A (Mob) Z37 is the latest to
receive attention from Kagero’s
Super Drawings in 3D series, and
offers a staggering level of detail
via digital illustrations, depicting
the ship from several aspects.
There’s a brief introduction
to the vessel, and the overall
class (known as the Narvik
class by the Allies), highlighting
the changes made to the scale plans are the real highlight,
basic design as the air threat offering much for modellers and
increased during World War Two. scratch-builders alike, with the
The ship’s operational service majority in 1/200, plus close-ups
is also examined, along with in 1/100 and 1/50 providing even
wartime factors that contributed more detail than the baseline
to the Kriegsmarine’s heavy drawings. As a combined
manpower losses in its destroyer package this is invaluable for
fleet. With each new volume, ship modellers, with many
the variety of features covered components equally applicable
seems to increase, and it’s to earlier Zerstörer 1936/36A-
definitely true here, with close- and subsequent 1936B-class
ups of liferafts, cable reels, vessels (covering offerings by
access ladders, rangefinders Airfix, Dragon, Heller, Matchbox/
and ship’s binoculars to name Revell, Pit-Road, Trumpeter and
a few. As always, the separate Zvezda/Revell). SF
TANKS THROUGH A LENS 110 pages

Gabonese and French Air Forces. Panzer III on the Battlefield

Douglas A-1 Skyraider
By: Tony Hoskins
ISBN: 978-1-78521-135-5 Price: £25
Format: 276mm x 214mm
Web: www.haynes.co.uk
The author of this Owners’
Workshop Manual is well qualified
to write on the A-1 Skyraider
(known among other monikers
as ‘Zorro’), being one of the few
UK-based engineers to maintain
the type. An introduction
leads swiftly into the aircraft’s
development (one of several
designs by talented engineer
Airframe 126922’s service (now
G-RADR) in three of these air arms
is covered, and this acquaints
the reader with the machine
in its current incarnation with
Kennet Aviation. A full chapter
is devoted to the Skyraider’s
monster 18-cylinder Wright
R-3350 engine, which enabled
the pugnacious aircraft to carry a
heavier bombload than a B-17. It
also serves as the perfect segue
into the Spad’s weaponry, which
was essentially any and every
weapon in the US inventory during
the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and
extended to the infamous ‘Sani-
Flush’ toilet bomb. Focus then
shifts to operating and maintaining
G-RADR, in terms of day-to-day
issues and period structural
inspections, and is illuminated by
crew perspectives throughout.
Once again, Haynes has produced
a superb reference, which is
enlivened by numerous engrossing
personal accounts. SF
By: Tom Cockle
ISBN: 978-615-5583-06-3
Price: £25.99
Format: 218 x 300mm
Web: www.panzerwrecks.com
This dual language (Hungarian/
English) volume is devoted to
Panzer III tank variants (except
command and observation vehicles),
offering a remarkable collection of
personal and archival photographs
of the type, many of which are
previously unpublished. Given the
Panzer III’s ubiquity during World
War Two, selection was probably
one of the hardest tasks facing
the author, but a balance between
combat, training and captured/
destroyed/abandoned machines
seems to have been struck almost
effortlessly. All the photos are
black-and-white, often depicting
modifications and stowage changes
created by units/crews in the field,
and the majority are very clear,
with just the occasional blurred
area. It’s apparent from the outset
this collection is intended for
modellers, both from the author’s
own background and the amount of
detail in each caption, and helpfully,
this extends to explanation of unit
insignia, which can be challenging.
All theatres of war are covered, and
there’s often the juxtaposition of
extreme environments on a spread,
notably North African and Eastern
Front shots. While modellers will
glean much from this material, it
is perhaps diorama builders that
will benefit most, as almost every
photo offers either inspiration or
an outright dare to replicate these
busy scenes. SF

92 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

 Model kits and Diecast collections always
wanted!
We pride ourselves on being
fast...
...friendly...
...and above all fair
Discretion assured
01827 767654 ∙ kitsforcash@gmail.com
www.kitsforcash.com

Online Mail order hobby shop

Bicester, Oxon U.K.
Stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxonians
User Name : Heepdrutt Scale Aircraft Conversions
White Metal & Resin Aircraft Parts Since 1990

Please visit our website:-

www.oxoniansplasticfantastic.com
Email :- info@oxoniansplasticfantastic.com
We are not just on Ebay we now have a new website up and running new items and ranges will be added regularly.
Anything you cannot find just email us we can get most current items in stock.

Over 650 sets (and counting) from 1/18 to 1/144!

scaleaircraftconversions.com

p093_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1 17/04/2018 15:04

 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
SHARKMOUTHED EIGHT
Spitfire Mk.VIII
By: Eduard
Item no: 7442 Price: €12.75
Web: www.eduard.com
When it comes to late-model Merlin
Spitfires, Eduard’s 1/72 offerings
are hard to beat. Its first Mk.VIII is
a Weekend edition, with six styrene
runners packed with well-moulded
parts. Five frames are generic
items for the interior, wheel wells,
glazing and control surfaces, with
Runner F bespoke to this variant.
Panels are rendered via engraved
panel lines, and there are even
AMERICAN MONOPLANE
Curtiss P-36A/C Hawk
By: Mark I Models
Item no: MKM14465 Price: £14.40
Web: www.4pluspublications.com
Mark I’s newly tooled P-36 is an
absolute gem, and the inclusion
of sufficient parts for two models
on the four runners (two for
each) makes this great value. One
gets a well-appointed four-part
cockpit, a pleasing 14-cylinder
engine and choice of exhaust
styles. Note all four wing gun
barrels will need removing for
P-36As, and just the outboard
weapons for the P-36C…the inner
guns are supplied with accurate
94 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/72
delicate depressions to represent
surface rivets, with raised cowling
fasteners as on the real aircraft.
Similar refinements feature in the
cockpit, which builds into a splendid
miniature straight from the box,
and includes detailed sidewalls and
instrument panel. The two schemes
offer markedly different liveries,
with South-East Asia Command and
North African camouflage:
• A58-602/RG-V, Wg Cdr Bobby
Gibbes, CO 80 Wg RAAF, Morotai,
April 1945
• JF330/HB, AVM Harry Broadhurst,
AOC Desert Air Force, 1943
1/144
external ammunition containers.
As always, the decals are high-
quality items, with excellent
register and strong opacity. Four
US Army Air Corps airframes are
offered:
• P-36A, 86/48 15P, 46th PS,
15th PG, Wheeler Field, Hawaii,
December 1941
• P-36A, PT 96, 55th PS, 20th
PG, Barksdale Field, Louisiana,
1940
• P-36A, 2 15P, 47th PS, 15th PG,
Haleiwa Fighter Strip, Hawaii,
December 1941
• P-36C, 69, 27th PS, 1st PG,
National Air Races, Cleveland,
Ohio, September 1939
DIMINUTIVE FORTRESS
USAAF B-17G
By: Minicraft
Item no: 14712 Price: £25.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
This is another Minicraft re-boxing
of Crown’s 1975 B-17G, with
new decals. Interior detail is
non-existent, with most of the
fuselage glazing represented
by decals (other than the
turrets, windscreen and nose
‘greenhouse’), and surface panels
are rendered as fine raised lines.
Minicraft has included engine face
decals to improve their otherwise
FISHBED DOUBLE
MiG-21MF Dual Combo
By: Eduard Item no: 4434
Price: €22.45 Web: www.eduard.com
Eduard seems to be cornering
the market for second- and third-
generation MiG-21s, and its 1/144
scale offerings are no exception.
This double-kit boxing comprises
six styrene runners, a superb decal
sheet and self-adhesive canopy
masks. Small it may be, but there’s
no scrimping on detail, from the fine
engraved panel lines, to the choice
of underwing drop tanks, missiles or
rockets. There are eight schemes:
1/144
bland appearance, and while gun
barrels are included, they would
benefit from replacement with
fine rod. This is an ideal kit for
beginners and those new to the
scale, given its simplicity and low
parts count. Two decal options are
supplied, one for overall natural
metal, the second being an Olive
Drab/Neutral Gray machine:
• 44-8007/P/Z/JD-Z ‘Screaming
Eagle’, 545th BS, 384th BG,
Grafton Underwood, 1944
• 42-97557/C/X/VK-X ‘Mercy’s
Madhouse’, 358th BS, 303rd BG,
Molesworth, 1944
1/144
• 1114, 4th Ftr Regt, Czechoslovak AF,
Pardubice AB, June 1989
• 2410, 9th FB Regt, Czech AF,
Becheyne AB, September 1993
• 5303, 11th Fr Regt, Czechoslovak AF,
Zatec AB, 1991
• 9501, 6th FB Regt, Czechoslovak
AF, Prerov Bochor AB, July 1991
• 9801, 211th Sqn, Czech AF, Caslav
AB, September 2004
• 9812, 5th Ftr Regt, Czechoslovak
AF, Line AB, 1974-1983
• 7708, 1st Ftr Regt, Slovak AF,
Fairford 1994
• 7713, 3rd Ftr Wg, Slovak AF, Siliac
AB, July 1997

LEND-LEASE HAVOC
A-20B/C Boston with UTK-1 Turret
By: Special Hobby
Item no: 72337 Price: €26.20
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Special Hobby can always be relied
upon to cover interesting subjects,
and its Red Army Air Force A-20 is
a perfect example. Based on the
original MPM offering, there are
clear directions on how to modify
the fuselage to accept the bespoke
UTK-1 turret (fitted here with a single
ShKAS machine gun) installed on
some Soviet machines, but one
can still build a standard A-20B/C
BIPLANE STRIKER
Letov Š-16
By: Brengun Item no: BRP72024
Price: €16.60 Web: www.brengun.cz
With two busy styrene runners,
Brengun’s delightful Letov Š-16
returns, in German and Slovakian
guises. With a small photo-
etched metal fret and acetate
windscreens, there’s more than
sufficient detail. All parts are
moulded cleanly, and the fuselage/
wing surfaces feature delicate
scalloping to represent fabric-
covered ribs. Minor surgery is
1/72
airframe. Better still, two noses are
included, to accurately reflect the
differences between the British-
provided Boston (diagonal glazing)
and US-supplied Havoc (stepped
glazing), along with side blisters
for the former’s machine guns. The
two decal options offer contrasting
camouflage, either US-style Olive
Drab/Neutral Gray or mid-war RAF
day bomber (Dark Earth/Dark
Green/Sky):
• A-20B Havoc, White 20, 8th GBAP,
221st BAD, 1944-45
• A-20C Boston Mk.III, Yellow 5, NII
(Scientific Test Institute) VVS, 1942
1/72
needed for the nacelle bottom
and lower wing, but otherwise it’s
relatively straightforward, and the
assembly sequence is logical, with
added notes where necessary. The
decals are basic, but the colours
and register are sharp, with extra
items for the upper wing raised
aerofoils. More experienced
modellers will appreciate the
included rigging diagram for the
wings. The two khaki/aluminium
options cater for a Slovakian
bomber and an unidentified
German aircraft in 1939.
TWO-SEAT SWALLOW
Me 262B-1a ‘Doppelsitziger’
By: Mister Craft
Item no: D-215 Price: £8.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
Importer Amerang is home to
the Mister Craft brand in dear old
Blighty, and this budget range is
packed with older tooling. They’re
ideal for beginners and those who
relish the chance to rejuvenate
vintage plastic. This ‘262 is the
Heller kit re-boxed with new
decals, but the printing quality of
the markings does vary. Heller’s
1970s styrene is still reasonable
UNBEATABLE ASIAN
HAL Ajeet Mk.I
By: Special Hobby
Item no: 72370 Price: €15
Web: www.cmkkits.com
An extension of Special Hobby’s 2015
Gnat F.1 tooling, this kit portrays the
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Ajeet
(Hindu: unbeatable/unconquerable)
which, amazingly, wasn’t retired from
Indian Air Force (IAF) service until
1991. There’s an impressive amount
of detail, engraved panel lines and
four/five-part alternative seats for
the well-appointed cockpit, which has
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 95
ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
1/72
save for the raised panel lines
(some are engraved though),
and while the markings cater for
trainers, night fighter parts are
still provided. The overall shape
is accurate, including the engine
nacelles, although the glazing
comes in one piece and is rather
thick. The four colour schemes are:
• Me 262B, +SH, Luftwaffe,
October 1944
• As above but tested by USAAF,
spring 1945
• Avia CS-92 (V-35), Czech Air
Force, post war
• Me 262B, Farnborough, UK, 1945
1/72
a relief-rendered instrument panel
and decals. The exhaust is replicated
well, as is the type’s undercarriage,
but also pleasing are the stores,
comprising two underwing fuel tanks
and two types of Soviet rocket pod.
Four IAF liveries are provided and
these involve colour accents over the
standard bare metal:
• E1997, 2 Sqn ‘Winged Arrows’,
1980s
• IE1083, Sqn Ldr Brijpal Singh
Sikand, 23 Sqn, 1965
• E256, Operational Conversion Unit
• E2024 ‘Murali’, 2 Sqn, 1980s
 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
HOT AND COLD FRIEDRICH
Bf 109F-4
By: Eduard Item no: 84146
Price: €22.45 Web: www.eduard.com
While this Weekend boxing might
not have extra whistles and bells,
one can still build a very fine replica.
The detail on all kits from this
mould is superb, and one gets all
the small nuances one expects of
the ‘F’ sub-type, such as armoured
windscreen glass, head armour
and the tropical filter for the
Mediterranean theatre option. Other
plus-points include separate flaps,
ailerons, horizontal stabilisers and
TEUTONIC ACE’S MOUNT
Roter Baron 125 Years Fokker DR.I
By: Revell
Item no: 05778 Price: £29.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Considering the 1957 vintage, this
kit has fared rather well, with just
hints of wispy flash. Re-released
to mark the 125th anniversary of
Richtofen's death, it’s a product of
its time. That said, and despite the
odd scale, determined modellers
could make it a real showpiece.
The engine comes in halves but is
reasonably detailed, and the wing
moulding accounts for layered
96 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/48
rudder, and alternative wheel hubs.
Cockpit detail is pleasing, with all
requisite features being present, and
dial decals are given for placement
over the detailed instrument panel.
Opposite ends of the climactic
spectrum are covered by the
Luftwaffe schemes, as one airframe
wears winter whitewash, the other
desert sand:
• Bf 109F-4/Z, Black 1 + wavy line,
Oblt M-H Ostermann, CO 8./JG 54,
Siverskaya, Soviet Union, May 1942
• Bf 109F-4/Z/Trop, Yellow 3 + –, Uffz
F Schweiger, 6./JG 3, San Pietro,
Italy, February 1942
1/28
linen leading edges, with triangular
overlaps. A throttle is moulded
on one inner fuselage half, and
the cockpit floor receives rudder
pedals, a compass, a seat and its
support frame. Revell also supplies
thread for rigging, along with
Contacta cement, a paintbrush,
six acrylic colours and an art print
of the aircraft. The decals provide
for two Richtofen schemes, one
being all red, the other mixing said
colour with blue undersides and
streaked green camouflage:
• No.2009, Cappy, April 1918
• No.1864, Lechelle, March 1918
GALLIC SCRAPPER
Bloch MB.152
By: RS Models Item no: 92217
Price: €18 Web: www.rsmodels.cz
An exquisite resin radial engine
is the true jewel in RS Models’
rendition of the Bloch MB.152,
which comes with decals for
pre- and post-Armistice schemes.
The styrene parts are typical
of this manufacturer, with fine
engraved panel lines, but slightly
rough surface texture. Detail-wise
it’s a workmanlike affair, as the
type’s cowling bulges are well
represented, dials are moulded
integrally on the instrument panel
THE FIRST SCREECH OWL
Do 17Z-7
By: ICM Item no: 48245
Price: £27.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua
When one sees the wealth of parts
and detail in ICM’s quarter-scale
Dorniers, they represent excellent
value. Shaping up well when
compared to scale plans, this kit
depicts the first iteration of the
Kauz I (screech owl) variant, with
its stubby gun nose. The one-piece
upper wing negates join seams,
1/72
and centre console; the aircraft’s
upper and lower radio masts, and
control column, are also in resin.
The type’s long wing gun barrels
are included, but back to that
engine…it will need VERY careful
removal from its casting block.
One of the four French-based
options sports Vichy stripes:
• 23/N°242, 6th Esc, GC III/9, Le
Luc en Provence, 1942
• 8/N°665, 3rd Esc, GC II/6,
Anglure-Vonarce, June 1940
• 3/N°693, 6th Esc, GC III/9, Le
Luc en Provence, July 1940
• N°686, 2nd Esc, GC I/1,
Chateauroux les Vignots, 1940
1/48
while the plentiful cockpit features
will look superb under the large and
very clear glazing. Both engines are
highly detailed radial units, and come
with separate cowling parts, and one
can also pose the bomb bay doors
open or closed. It's a marvellous
kit for the price, which comes with
decals for two overall black Gilze-
Rijen, Netherlands-based Luftwaffe
night fighters:
• R4+HK, I./NJG 2, 1940
• R4+FK, I./NJG 2, 1940
 THE HOBBY SHOP 1:35 DIORAMA ACCESSORIES BY AND FOR MODELLERS
Est. 1988 buy easily and safely:
www.yenmodels.be
www.hobb-e-mail.com 01795 531666 info@hobb-e-mail.com

P R I v A T E L A B E L

85 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent. ME13 8NU WOODEN ACCESSORIES URBAN ACCESSORIES WORKSHOP ACCESSORIES PLASTER-CAST FOLIAGE PASTES & PIGMENTS

Trains4U.com 27 St. David’s Square, Fengate,

Peterborough, PE1 5QA
Open Tues-Fri 9:30-5:00,Sat 9:00-5:00,Sunday 10:30–3:30, closed Monday
Massive selection of Plastic kits from many brands, paints, glues, tools & more

MIRAGE IIIE/5E ‘CYRANO’

IIIEA Argentina, 5SDE Egypt, 5EV Venezuela

We now stock Ammo acrylic paints and weathering

products. Available to purchase in our shop or on our
website now!
HPK072104
Tel: 01733 895989 e-mail: Trains4U@BTConnect.com

PO Box 56023
St. Petersburg, FL 33732-6023

p097_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1 17/04/2018 10:13

 ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
IMPROVED HOWITZER
10.5cm StuH.42 Ausf.E/F
By: Dragon Item no: 7561
Price: £15.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
As with its small-scale Pz.Kpfw.IV and
StuG.III (see Reviews, Dec 2017 and
Feb 2018), Dragon has revamped its
StuH.42 with an ingenious combined
track/running gear combo. This
release shares many parts with the
latter offering, also utilising the
baseline Pz.Kpfw.III lower hull, which
requires surgery (identified clearly
in the instructions) to replicate the
vehicle correctly. Dragon’s reputation
for detail is maintained — with
ALL-WHEEL TRANSPORT
KHD A3000
By: ICM Item no: 35454
Price: £27.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua
While at first glance ICM’s A3000
seems identical to its earlier
S3000, the former represents the
‘A’ military cross-country variant,
which had four-wheel drive, and
features a reworked leaf-spring
suspension and deepened sump.
These are all supplied on a new
Runner G, otherwise the parts
content is identical to the earlier
release, with five styrene frames
98 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/72
separate shock absorbers, and crisp
integrally moulded tools and fire
extinguisher. The main gun has a
hollow muzzle, but would benefit
from the muzzle brake apertures
being opened. Similarly, the tracks
exhibit splendid relief on the outer
faces, but the inner side is noticeably
smooth; while simpler than either
link-and-length or DS-Styrene
alternatives, this is yet another
feature set to divide modellers’
opinions. Two schemes are supplied:
• StuG.Abt.185, Eastern Front,
October 1942
• White 13/II, Eastern Front, 1942
1/35
and eight vinyl tyres. The moulding
is first-rate, and surface detail is
rendered with a combination of
crisp raised and engraved relief;
the powerplant and drivetrain is
a superbly refined sub-assembly.
A well-appointed cab offers a
choice of open/closed doors, while
surgery will be needed on the
covers if one wants to display the
engine. There are two markings
options, for one German Army and
one Luftwaffe vehicle:
• WH-1207289, Ukraine, 1942
• WL-132572, Italy, summer 1944
TRACKED CARGO MULE
Sd.Kfz.3a Maultier
By: Rubicon Models
Item no: 280046 Price: £18
Web: www.rubiconmodels.com
This is one of Rubicon’s more
involved offerings, with three
sturdy styrene runners and a
separate single-piece cab/bonnet
combining for a superb half-track
Maultier (mule). Mixing minimal
parts count with as much detail
as allowed by current moulding
technology is challenging, but the
firm has succeeded here, notably
with the one-part track/running
MOBILE MULTI-ROLE GUN
SU-76M with Crew
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35262 Price: £34.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt’s excellent Su-76M is
reworked, adding a photo-etched
brass fret, plus styrene runners from
its separate 57mm and 76mm Shells
w/Ammo Boxes (35064) and Soviet
Self-Propelled Gun Crew (35037)
sets. It's an instant diorama in a box
(all one needs is a suitable setting) as
well as superb value. There's a busy
28mm
gear units. No windscreen is
supplied, but there is a template
for use with acetate sheet.
Options include early and late-
war cargo deck panels, which
can be augmented by a canvas
tilt, and those wanting to load
their Maultier will find Rubicon’s
German Stowage Set 1 useful. No
specific vehicles are suggested,
but there’s a generic German
decal sheet, with a variety
of Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe
registration plates, Balkenkreuze,
unit symbols (including Afrika
Korps) and stencils.
1/35
fighting compartment with splendid
main gun, almost a complete
ammo load, personal weapons and
individual-link tracks. The five overall
4BO Russian Green schemes are:
• White A-514/2, SP Arty Div, 11th
Guards Army, Eastern Prussia, 1944
• White 11/994, Eastern Prussia, 1945
• White 1659, 1238th SP Arty Regt,
Poland, March 1945
• White 31/Л31403, 1448th SP Arty
Regt, Poland, 1944
• White 14/434040/2, 1223rd SP Arty
Regt, 5th Guards Tk Army, 1944

NOTIONAL BEHEMOTH
Germany WWII E-75 Heavy Tank with
88mm Gun
By: Modelcollect
Item no: MA72001 Price: US $29.99
Web: www.modelcollect.com
‘Paper’ Panzer fans, and modellers
who prefer smaller scales both win
with Modelcollect’s first release in its
limited-edition Master Level range.
This 1/72 E-75 is superb and mixes
new styrene components with those
from the firm’s E-50 kit, while also
offering a turned brass main gun
barrel and a generous array of photo-
MEDAL-WINNING HYBRID
Artilleriegeneratorwagen M-16
By: Plus Model
Item no: 454 Price: €169.40
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Plus Model’s new item secured
Modellfan magazine’s ‘Kit of
the Year’ accolade this year at
Nuremberg. It’s one heck of a
package, with a mind-boggling
number of parts (mostly resin, but
with many photo-etched brass
details) and depicts the Austro-
Hungarian Army's petrol-electric-
engined artillery tractor. The detail
1/35
etched brass details, including engine
deck mesh screens, treadplate for
the turret basket floor, fenders and
more. The styrene is well detailed…
the engine deck and tow cables
being particularly impressive. Link-
and-length tracks ease construction,
there’s a complete Maybach engine
and turret interior (which also
comprises racked ammunition) and
inner features for the hull. It’s all
topped off by a pleasing set of crew
figures in standing/seated poses, and
decals for schwere Panzer-Abteilung
505 and 510. Stunning stuff!
1/35
is sublime, and everything from
the real machine is replicated…so
it's just for experienced modellers.
Copper wire is provided, to
emulate push-rods and linkages,
and one can’t help but marvel
at the mastering involved. It’s
difficult to name individual
highlights, but items such as
the integrally cast cable on the
winch, and the rear canvas tilt, are
delightful. A decal sheet provides
registrations/instruments, and a
CD carries photos of parts, sub-
assemblies and real machines.
ARMY CRANE TRUCK
ZiL-131 MTO-AT
By: ICM Item no: 35520
Price: £27.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua
Once again, ICM has delivered a
surprise, this time in the shape of
the ZiL-131-based MTO-AT recovery
vehicle, and it is the first styrene
release of the type. It shares most
of its 12 styrene runners (including
two clear) and eight vinyl wheels
with the Emergency Truck (35518),
adding a single new frame for
the front chassis-mounted 1.5
tonne capacity boom crane and
COMMAND SPECIALIST
DAK Pz.Bef.Wg.III Ausf.H
By: Dragon Item no: 6901
Price: £69.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
Dragon has amended its 2016
Panzer Befehlswagen III Ausf.H
Smart Kit to depict an Afrika Korps
machine, with a new stowage box on
the engine deck. But, one can also
replicate an Eastern Front tank with
the extra markings provided. The kit
has runners from various Dragon
boxings, but the key feature (the
telescopic radio mast) is replicated
well, having come from the firm’s
Sd.Kfz.251/6. Correctly, it is attached
to the inner hull and extends through
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 99
ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
1/35
associated generators, roof rack
and equipment boxes. This means
there is a fully detailed engine,
cab, suspension and box-body
vehicle interior; the latter receives
extra workshop fittings to reflect
its recovery role. The crane can
be positioned stowed/deployed,
and one must add wire/thread to
connect this to the front winch.
There are four markings options,
all for overall Russian Green
machines assigned to Soviet/
Russian and Ukrainian Army units
in the late 1980s or 2000s.
1/35
a dedicated turret hatch. Plenty of
interior detail is supplied, via seats,
radios, map board etc, while photo-
etched brass parts include engine
screens and external equipment
mounts/brackets. The model also
totes the dummy 37mm main gun
fitted to the early Ausf.H, and one
receives DS Styrene one-piece
tracks. The four colour schemes are:
• Red R, Pz.Rgt.8, 15.Pz.Div, North
Africa, 1940
• Black II, North Africa, 1940
• ‘Bärenführer’, Pz.Rgt.35, 3.Pz.Div,
Eastern Front, 1942
• White III 01, 7.Pz.Div, Eastern Front,
1942
 ON THE SHELF
MARITIME KITS
YO HO, A PIRATE’S LIFE
Black Pearl
By: Revell
Item no: 05499
Price: £22.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Don’t be fooled by the ‘easy-click
system’ label, this is a fantastic
‘Black Pearl’ kit, as depicted in the
fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film.
It’s perfect for beginners straight
from the box, requiring neither
paint nor glue to build, yet there
is a mass of potential for more
serious modellers lacking the space
for Revell’s (ex-Zvezda) larger 1/72
offering. There are nine superbly
LAST OF THE KONGOS
Haruna (1915)
By: Kajika Hobbby
Item no: KM70003
Price: US $39
Web: www.flyhawkmodel.com
Flyhawk’s own sub-brand Kajika
has released another gorgeous
1/700 Imperial Japanese Navy
waterline kit, in the form of the
battlecruiser Haruna, depicted
in its initial 1915 configuration.
It comprises six styrene
runners, plus separate hull,
base plate and metal ballast,
upper and lower decks and
four superstructure parts, all
featuring stunning detail, some
of which would be more familiar
100 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/150
moulded styrene runners (four
black, two grey, two gold hue and
one brown) and the parts are flash-
free and devoid of sink marks. A
small set of self-adhesive Jolly
Rogers are also supplied. It’s hard
to pick a highlight, such is the feast
of features, from realistic engraved
wood grain, filigree adornments,
and superb shrouds (with ratlines
and decent deadlines and lanyards).
The sails are well rendered, but
more experienced modellers may
wish to thin their edges slightly, and
to add the stay sails between the
fore- and mainmasts...otherwise
this is a fun project!
1/700
to 1/350 subjects (notably the
life and motor boats). However,
the highlights are the deck,
with its delicate engraved
lines, even including butt joins
between planks (instead of just
longitudinal lines from bow to
stern), the hollow muzzles on
the main gun barrels, and the
single-piece hollow funnels…
the latter are a masterpiece of
slide moulding. There isn't any
photo-etched brass, but other
than railings, there's little this
medium would add. The single
scheme portrays an overall mid-
grey scheme with a faux boot
line, indicated by the underside
hull red colour.
IMPERIAL TORPEDO DESTROYER
Som/Boevoi
By: Combrig
Item no: 35105
Price: US $50.40
Web: www.combrig-models.com
Combrig’s resin and photo-
etched (PE) brass Som/Boevoi
(the ship name was changed in
1902) is another stunning kit,
with clean mating surfaces for
the upper and lower hull halves
(allowing either waterline or
full-hull models to be built) and
sumptuous features throughout.
The attention to detail is apparent
from the multitude of deck vents,
all reproduced as separate items,
THIRD IN CLASS
Markgraf
By: ICM
Item no: S017 Price: £22.99
Web: www.icm.com.ua
ICM completes its collection of
König-class battlecruisers with
Markgraf, depicting the vessel in
its original form, with upper deck
casemate-mounted 8.8cm guns
augmenting its main and secondary
armament. The parts are common to
König, Kronprinz and Große Kurfürst,
with a new Runner F for alternative
propeller shaft shrouds; all are
moulded to the highest standards.
With multi-coloured styrene, it
could be built without painting,
1/350
and there are even individual
pressure valve wheels for the
torpedo tubes.
A modicum of scratch-building is
needed for various gun platforms,
propeller shafts, yardarms and
funnel pipes; combined with
the basic kit materials, this is
definitely for more experienced
maritime modellers. There are no
markings or suggested schemes,
but in 1901 the vessel would have
worn the standard white/green
peacetime livery, with tan funnels
and black tops and hull cheatline…
note the ship’s name was carried
on the forecastle sides, and not
the hull.
1/700
which makes it an ideal entry-level
offering for ship builders. Markgraf
also represents excellent value,
as it offers full-hull and waterline
configurations, with a five-piece
stand for the former. The paint
guide depicts the ship with overall
light grey hull and superstructure,
and paler grey deck walls; however,
Markgraf was probably painted in
accordance with Camouflage Paint
Scheme No.9. This dictated Squirrel
Grey Lfd.No.3 from waterline to
freeboard (extending aft of the
forecastle on the first superstructure
level), with Silver Grey Lfd No.4 (a
paler grey hue) above that, with
black funnel caps and upper masts.
HORNBY MAGAZINE’S GUIDE TO LAYOUT CONSTRUCTION
Building a model railway
is an enthralling process
filled with opportunity
and creativity.

In Hornby Magazine’s latest

Skills Guide the team take
modellers through the
process of building a model
railway from the basics of
choosing a scale through
planning and design to laying
track, building scenery and
even the final details.

This 132-page publication will

become an essential workbench
manual for modellers of all abilities.

AVAILABLE NOW FROM AND ALL LEADING NEWSAGENTS

ALTERNATIVELY, ORDER DIRECT
*Free 2nd class P&P on all

PLUS FREE P&P * UK & BFPO orders. Overseas

charges apply.

Free P&P* when you order online Call UK: 01780 480404 295/18

at www.keypublishing.com/shop Overseas: +44 1780 480404

Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm GMT

SU B SC RIB E RS C ALL FOR YOUR £1.00 D IS COUNT! S UB S C R IB E R S C A L L FOR YOUR £1.00 DI S CO U N T!

 ON THE SHELF
CARS AND BIKES
YELLOW PERIL RETURNS
Norton 750 Commando PR
By: Italeri Item no: 4640
Price: £69.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
Few auto/bike kit manufacturers
evoke past glories as does Protar, but
its pleasing Norton 750cc is available
via Italeri’s re-release. It comprises
one vinyl and seven styrene runners
(including two chrome-plated and
one yellow frame), vinyl tyres and
tubing, and an assortment of metal
nuts, bolts, springs and shafts.
BLACK MAGIC
Team Lotus Type 91 Belgian GP
1982
By: Ebbro
Item no: 019 Price: £64.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Ebbro has already moulded the
Type 91 from 1982's British GP,
but this boxing offers the car
in Belgian GP format from the
same year. Like its predecessor,
it features superb monocoque
parts and impressive engine
detail, although some components
are very delicate. Much of the
powerplant is moulded in satin
aluminium, but there is a chrome
102 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/9
The parts are unchanged from its
original release, and this shows in
the amount of flash, notably on the
vinyl parts, but there’s much pleasing
detail. It isn’t for beginners, but will
build into an impressive replica; the
single scheme is for the 1969-1970
‘Yellow Peril’. While it’s great to see
this again, the price is disappointing
when one considers what comes
with, say, a 1/35 Dragon kit, although
it should be available at discount via
online retailers.
1/20
runner carrying the wheels,
roll loop and other items. More
experienced modellers will strip
this and add their favoured
metallic hue. The rubber tyres
have pre-applied Goodyear
legends, there’s a smoked-clear
engine cover and textured nut
decals. Ebbro has rightly deferred
to cigarette advertising rules and
offers its own devices to replace
the John Player Special sponsor
markings. The decal sheet is
splendid though, with seatbelts,
carbon-fibre panel sections and
race numbers for Elio de Angelis
(#11) and Nigel Mansell (#12).
DOGGED BY RETIREMENTS
Late season McLaren Honda
MP4-31 2016
By: Ebbro
Item no: 020 Price: £59.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Having moulded three versions of
the 2015 MP4-30, Ebbro should
be well versed in McLaren Honda
cars. This boxing portrays 2016’s
MP4-31, notorious for its lack of
obvious design changes and many
retirements during that season.
There’s much to like though; all
parts are in black styrene to aid
STREET OR STOCK
’59 Chevy El Camino
By: AMT
Item no: AMT1058 Price: £44.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
AMT’s lovely Camino gets another
airing, released as part of its
‘Original Art Series’ and is basically
unchanged from its first street/
stock iteration. There are ten styrene
runners, three of which are clear and
one is chrome-plated, with separate
upper/lower body halves and two
sets of vinyl tyres… a print of the box-
top artwork is hidden under the box
1/20
painting, the complex front aero
devices look suitably involved and
the decal sheet includes seatbelts
and steering wheel detail. The
kit reflects the cars raced at
the 2016 Spanish GP and offers
new sponsor markings for the
Japanese GP, too. It also has pre-
applied red Pirelli legends on the
tyres (denoting super-soft), but
no facility for yellow ‘soft’ Pirelli
markings are provided. Race
numbers and names for Fernando
Alonso (#14) and Jenson Button
(#22) are given.
1/25
divider. Parts will need a modicum
of neatening before assembly,
notably the chromed items, but
this looks to be a fun build. Options
abound, with two complete engines
(triple-carburettor or supercharged
V-8), alternative front grilles,
wheels, dashboards, windscreens,
ride heights (low, stock or raised),
exhausts, with/without tonneau
cover, and a choice of cargo bay
fittings. No painting instructions are
included, but there’s a huge variety
of logos and slogans on the decal
sheet to brighten the chosen livery.
TFC Legends 2018 A4 RAF 100 Advert.qxp_TFC 2012 A4 Poster 10/04/2018 10:01 Page 1

PLEASE NOTE: TICKETS

MUST BE BOUGHT BEFORE
ARRIVAL AT IWM DUXFORD
 ON THE SHELF
FIGURES
READY FOR ACTION
SWAT Team Fighter
By: ICM Item no: 24101
Price: £11.40 Web: www.icm.com.ua
Next in ICM’s 1/24 SWAT ensemble
is a standing figure, carrying an
AR-15 in the ‘at the ready’ position,
POLSKI
1/35
TANKER
Armour forces officer wearing
overalls
By: Toro Model
Item no: 35F90
Price: €10
Web: www.toro-model.com.pl
Any Polish armoured fighting
vehicle build will gain extra
life from Toro’s new resin tank
commander. Cast well, and
with separate arms and head,
the subject is posed holding
a map. Thoughtfully, Toro
also provides a paper sheet
containing seven printed maps
for choice. Pleasing detail is
evident on this figure, even if
the facial features are a little
soft. The Sam Browne-style
belt is rendered finely, but
there’s a shoulder pouch too,
and a holstered pistol on the
waist belt. Careful painting,
shading and highlighting will
pay dividends here.
104 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/24
while either leaning forward or
starting to advance. Both pose
and detail are excellent, notably
the body armour, rifle and lower
coveralls, which are equipped
with integral knee-pads, while
the face is also superb. Options
include three types of helmet, two
versions of pistol and a selection
of equipment pouches and/or
haversack. As with the other Team
Fighter (see Reviews, April 2018),
the figure’s stance narrows the
seemingly broad weapons array to
just two…a holstered pistol and the
AR-15, which features a weapon-
mounted torch and ACOG sight. A
comprehensive painting guide is
included, although the suggestion
of green for the coveralls contrasts
with the blue on the artwork…and
many law-enforcement units wear
black attire.
‘FLYING’ 1/35
GLAMOUR
Pin-Up Pilot
By: Royal Model
Item no: 788 Price: €29.90
Web: www.royalmodel.com
Not a pilot of course…but more a
resin homage to the nose art culture
of the World War Two period. Here,
Royal Model provides a section
of P-47D forward fuselage and
cowling (and a neat oval base), on
which one places the figure. The
female in question looks as though
a bomber or fighter nose painting
magically assumed 3D form. She
wears a US Army dress jacket
and leather belt, and has her legs
covered by suspended stockings. An
upper-thigh-length bustier is worn
under the tunic, and high heels and
a ‘50-mission crush’ peaked hat
complete the ensemble. Decals are
provided for the Thunderbolt’s nose.
ALL WRAPPED UP
Soviet Assault Infantry
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35226
Price: £10.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
Comprising five nine-piece
figures, each on a separate
runner, and a further four
frames for weapons (including
multi-part PPSh-41s, Degtyarev
DPs, and standard/
sniper Mosin-Nagant
91/30 rifles), this is a
great package from
MiniArt. While the
moulding standard
is generally good,
that of the weapons
is better than the
figures, which will
require neatening
EAGLED-EYED
1/35
NATIVES
Remote Shot
By: Master Box
Item no: MB35128
Price: £10.50
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
Yet another release in the
company’s Indian Wars Series,
Master Box’s new styrene
package offers two Plains
Indians in dedicated sniper
mode. A bare-chested brave
employs a Springfield Carbine
rifle while in a sitting position,
and his left hand clutches a
staff posed end-on to the floor,
thus bracing the weapon. His
fellow Indian wears fringed
animal skin leggings and a
tunic; the subject (likely acting
as a spotter/scout) maintains
a similarly low profile while
holding a Winchester rifle,
stock to the floor. The
accessories include a bagged
bow and quiver full of arrows,
a feather-adorned spear and
decorative pouches.
1/35
prior to assembly. Three soldiers
are depicted sitting, while
the other two are kneeling in
different stances, and there are
extra magazines, pouches, open/
closed bipods and even bayonets.
Based on the poses, these
would be equally suitable as
part of a tank-riders vignette, or
separately as a patrol preparing
an ambush.
TUSKS 28mm
IN COMBAT
African War Elephant
By: Victrix
Item no: VXA029
Price: £29.95
Web: www.victrixlimited.com
Here’s another cracking figure
set from Victrix, offering masses
of choice for the 16 potential
individuals/animals. The
centrepieces are the two African
elephants, with alternative stances,
trunk positions and howdah
trimmings (including javelins and
shields). Accompanying these
are two three-piece mahouts, to
which any head can be added
(depending on which soldiers are
used); and then there’s either
Carthaginian, Numidian, Ptolemaic
or Roman crews, with separate
arms, heads and weapons. Those
seeking further enhancements
should consider Victrix’s separate
shield, howdah and blanket decals
for Carthaginian, Numidian and
Ptolemaic units, all of which will
enliven the models’ appearance.
p105_AMW_June18_ad.indd 1 16/04/2018 14:14
 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
UK ‘DOUBLE UGLIES’
Royal Air Force McDonnell
Douglas FG.1 & FGR.2 Phantom
Pt 5
By: Xtradecal
Item no: X72294 Price: £7.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
A mix of tactical camouflage
and air-defence grey schemes is
ANTI-COMMUNIST ARMOUR
M4A3E8 Sherman II
By: Star Decals
Item no: 35-C 1137 Price: US $8
Web: www.star-decals.net
Perfect for Tamiya’s recently
released ‘Easy Eight’ Sherman
(but suitable for any M4A3E8 kit),
this new sheet offers interesting
options for US Army tanks in the
Korean War. All vehicles wear
106 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/72
‘ROGUE’ CARRIER
1/144
supplied on this sheet,
with just one ground-
attack Phantom
accompanying the
remaining interceptor/
conversion unit
options, as well as a
paint trial aircraft.
Both standard- and
radar warning Pacific Western Airlines Boeing every law of air transport…but
receiver-topped 737-200 also absorbed many competitors.
vertical tails are By: Thunderbird Models This sheet offers the blue
represented too. The Item no: 144-005 fuselage trim with windows/
choices are: Price: £6.95 doors combined, walkways,
• FGR.2, XV418/S, 92 Web: thunderbirdmodels.co.uk clear and darkened windscreens
Sqn, Wildenrath, and the PWA forward fuselage/
Germany, 1979 Thunderbird continues to tail motif. Three airframes
• FG.1, XV579/R, 43 specialise in non-mainstream are represented, these being
Sqn, Coningsby, airline markings and this release CF-PWB, which was acquired in
1979 echoes the fact. Here, one 1973 but sold to PanAm in 1983,
• FGR.2, XV406/ receives sharply printed decals CF-PWC (bought in 1970 then
CK, 228 OCU, for a 737-200 (designed to fit written off in a crash in 1978),
Wattisham, August the Airfix kit) of Pacific Western, and CF-PWD…the first PWA
1987 the proprietor of which, Russ 737 bought in 1968, but which
• FGR.2, XV485/P, Baker, seemingly flouted almost became EI-BJE in 1980.
23 Sqn, Wattisham,
May 1981
• FGR.2, XV401/B, 228 OCU/64
Sqn, Wattisham, August 1987
NINE BRITISH ‘TOOMS’ 1/72
• FGR.2, XV399/P, 29 Sqn, Royal Air Force McDonnell detached to Sardinia, 1989
Coningsby, April 9, 1980 Douglas FGR.2 Phantom Pt 6 • XV464/464, 14 Sqn, Coningsby,
• FGR.2, XV491/491, 31 Sqn, By: Xtradecal 1974
Laarbruch, Germany, 1971 Item no: X72295 Price: £7.99 • XV401/B, 228 OCU/64 Sqn, 1988
• FGR.2, XT903/X, 56 Sqn, Web: www.hannants.co.uk • XV474/F, Aldergrove (paint trial),
Wattisham, 1988 1978
Here, Xtradecal yet again offers a • XV498/U/4000, 92 Sqn, detached
1/35 pleasing blend of nine air defence to Akrotiri, 1989
and tactical camouflage schemes; • XT891/Z, 56 Sqn, Wattisham, 1978
standard Olive printed with Airfix’s new kit in mind, • XT865/U, 111 Sqn, Leuchars, 1980
Drab, but one has but they could as easily be employed • XV423/R, 6 Sqn, Coningsby, 1974
been converted on Fujimi’s British F-4s.
to the barbed The firm caters for
wire-laying role, another low-vis paint
so research trial airframe (although
and scratch- the colour profile
building would and paint shades
be necessary for appear to be in error),
that machine. The there’s a very early 6
most attractive Squadron jet, and the
Sherman sports 19 Squadron FGR.2 that
a large blue and accidentally shot down
white-striped a Jaguar. One scheme,
panel on its glacis, though, has ‘U’ on the
which also carries nosewheel door, but
a large Tiger head (a template ‘B’ on the tail, and the
is given with which to render ‘U’ may have been
the blue/white stripes). Options repeated erroneously
include: from another aircraft
• White 4 ‘Skeeterhawk’, 64th on the same sheet (no
Tank Battalion, 3rd Inf Div, 1951 ‘U’ provided in that
• White 22 ‘Asyndeton’ scheme block):
• 30101236 ‘Assault PLT’ • XV403/403, 6 Sqn,
• 3-15-1 ‘Can Do’, 15th Inf Regt, deployed to Luqa,
3rd Inf Div Malta, 1969
• 30105884S ‘Skeeterhawk’ • XV422/J ‘Jaguar
Killer’, 19 Sqn,
 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS

NORDIC BOMBERS 1/72

ADJÖ THUNDERBOLT
1/48

Blenheim Mk.IV in Finnish Service uppers, green/black over RLM

By: SBS Model
Item no: D72019
Price: €8
Web: www.sbsmodel.com
Whether one has old- or new-
tool Blenheim IVs from Airfix,
or MPM’s limited-run kit, these
cool markings from SBS Model
are a refreshing change to
RAF schemes. All four aircraft
represented are from the Finnish
Air Force, and there’s real variation
in the camouflage…overall green
65 and overall doped aluminium.
SBS offers unit/pilot information
where possible on the full-colour
instructions, and quotes RLM and
Federal Standard references. The
options are:
• BL-129, 1Lt Olavi Siirilä, 1/LLv 46,
Luonetjärvi, June 1941
• BL-129, Capt Aaro Melasniemi,
LeLv 48, Luonetjärvi, June 1943
• BL-201, CO Maj Esko Ahtiainen, E/
PLeLv 48, Onttola, August 1944
• BL-199, 1.Lsto, Luonetjärvi,
summer 1956
AJS 37027 Viggen - The Show
Must Go On
By: Moose Republic
Item no: 48013 Price: £12.20
Web: www.mooserepublic.se
In early 2000, the first squadron
at the Swedish Air Force’s F10
Wing painted a Viggen overall
red with white ghost motifs, to
CENTENARY FENCER-E
mark the unit’s conversion to
the Saab Gripen. Moose Republic
offers all necessary markings
with which to portray said
aircraft in all its eye-popping
glory, including ‘The Show Must
Go On’ legends, ‘slime’ light
strips and squadron badges.
Ideal for the Tarangus/Special
Hobby 1/48 Viggen kit!
1/72

Sukhoi Su-24MR 100 Years of being applied to each side of the

1/24 Russian Air Force airframe, over the standard grey
ARI’S CHARIOT By: Modelmaker Decals paint. To starboard, there are black
Ford Escort RS, Swedish Rally Italeri’s recent 1/24 Escort Item no: D72101 and orange stripes, a painting of a
By: DMC Decals Mk.II would be the ideal Price: £11.70 Soviet pilot on the vertical tail and
Item no: 24-328 recipient of these markings Web: www.modelmaker.com.pl badges (Guards, Order of Suvorov
Price: €9 from DMC, which represent etc) on the nose; ‘100 Years of
Web: www.dmc-decals.dk the Marlboro-sponsored #8 Fans of Soviet/Russian aircraft the Russian Air Force’ (in Cyrillic),
car driven by types should revel in Modelmaker’s blue, black and white stripes, a
Ari Vatanen and new release, which depicts the Russian Aerospace Forces motif
Atso Aho, in the Su-24MR Fencer painted to mark and paintings of Russian aircraft
1978 Swedish the centenary of the Russian on the vertical tail decorate the
Rally. All sponsor Air Force, in 2012. It’s a highly port side. The aircraft in question
motifs are colourful option for anyone with is ‘White 35’, and this scheme is
present (Castrol, Dragon/Italeri/Trumpeter/Zvezda also available in 1/48 scale, via
Cibie, Dunlop kits, and involves different artwork sheet D48101.
et al), including
Marlboro’s, and
the printing
is superb. No
placement guide
is provided, and
while DMC offers
two photographs
of the vehicle in
action, modellers
must carry
out their own
research for
accuracy.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 107

 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS

GREAT WAR BRISFITS 1/72

NINTH AIR FORCE MUD-MOVERS
1/72

Scale’s aftermarket decals

Bristol F.2B Aces of WWI
By: Print Scale
Item no: 72-234
Price: £9.80
Web: www.printscale.org
If one has Airfix, Roden, Pegasus
or other ‘Brisfits’ in the stash, Print
are worth considering.
Ten schemes are
represented, and the
decals are well printed,
although it’s hard to
know if the many white
markings will maintain
their opacity when placed
over the dark green of
the airframe. Of the total
number, some of the
examples include:
• B1229, R Smith/E
Mustard, 1 Sqn
Australian Flying Corps,
Palestine, 1918
• B.1138, HE Luchford/VRS
White, 20 Sqn, France,
1917 Douglas A-20 Havoc alternative decor as its original
• B 1164/A, AC Atkey/CG By: Kits World illustration was replaced on the
Gass, 22 Sqn, France, Item no: 172145 Liberation of France. National
1918 Price: £10.20 insignia, mission tallies, walk-way
• E-2466/I, WFJ Harvey/DE Waight, Web: www.kitsworld.co.uk lines and propeller blade badges
22 Sqn, France, 1918 make this a comprehensive set.
• B1162/F, EJ Elton/R Critchley, 22 Kits World continues its ongoing The options are:
Sqn, France, 1918 series for the Havoc with this • 43-9224/5H-E ‘Miss Laid’ /
• A-7182, KR Park/H Lindfield, 48 dual offering for the A-20G. Both ‘La France Libre’, 410th BG,
Sqn, France, 1917 aircraft are in Olive Drab over France, July 1944
• D-8084/S, S Dalrymple/G Beagle, Neutral Gray, and carry nose • 43-22166 ‘Ridin’ High’,
139 Sqn, Italy, 1918 art, but one of the aircraft has 388th BS

1/72
FIRE-FIGHTING HERKY BIRD
FANCY RECCE DELTA 1/72

Mirage IVP no.23 AV

By: Syhart
Item no: 72-092
Price: €9
Web: www.syhartdecal.fr

The Mirage IV wore several

C-130Q Coulson Aviation
By: V1 Decals
Item no: V1D0062-72
Price: Can $23
Web: www.v1decals.com
Canada’s V1 Decals has released
a splendid and refreshing option
for Hercules fans; ideal if one
is tired of military ‘uniforms’
for a build. These markings
depict Oregon-based Coulson
Aviation’s C-130Q ‘Next Gen
Air Tanker’ N130FF/131/390…a
major airborne fire-fighting
asset available for lease. While
the airframe is mostly white, it’s
accentuated with a graduated
tint (pink to black, with red and
grey trim). V1 does a decent job
of replicating the colours, and
the shadowed tail numbers and
‘Coulson’ lettering, and provides
stencils, Emergency Management
Victoria and Lockheed Martin
logos. Propeller tip decals are
offered, too, although anyone
building this aircraft will need to
do their research for equipment/
conversion accuracy.
stunning special schemes late in
its career, and thankfully, French
firm Syhart has recognised the
fact and produced various liveries
in decal form. This example is a
belter, as it carries large EB 2/91
‘Bretagne’ heraldic artwork over a
red field on its underside, flanked
by blue and white trim and
‘1942-1992’ to denote the unit’s
50th anniversary. These years
also appear over red paint on
the aircraft’s vertical tail (port),
while the starboard side has a
special badge. Also supplied are
self-adhesive masks, with which
to render the white portions if
paint is preferred over decals. A
wonderful option for French Air
Force fans.

108 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

 MODEL MART
CLASSIFIEDS
BOOKS MODEL SHOPS
Over 11,000 products
in stock covering
all aspects of model
- THE MODELLERS MODEL SHOP - making.

Contact us on: Great after sales

3-5 Brockwell Rd, Birmingham B44 9PF support.

0121 360 4521 From ready to go

Email: info@mikes-models.co.uk kits, to materials for
your hobby or
www.mikes-models.co.uk anything in between.

BUYING & SELLING

Buying & Selling Kits?

CALL ON
01932 840766 (pm only) | Email: collectakit@hotmail.com
DECALS

NAMEPLATES & ETCHING

MODEL KITS & DIECAST

EST.

SCALE MODELS 54 Years

VAST SELECTION OF KITS, DIECAST, ONLINE MODEL SHOP

MODEL RAILWAYS & SCALEXTRIC
1000’S OF CURRENT & OBSOLETE KITS, AIRCRAFT/
MILITARY/SHIPS/CARS BIKES, TRUCKS etc.
OUR WEBSITE LISTS ONLY A FRACTION OF OUR STOCK!

We carry a wide selection of Paints, Glues, Brushes, Modelling

Tools, Airbrushes, Compressors, Balsa Wood, Modelling
Materials, Plastics, Metal & Wood Section & Sheet, Foam
Board,etc. EVERYTHING FOR THE MODELLER
Visit our spacious shop. Open 10am - 5pm, 6 days. Worldwide mail order.
www.marcway.net ) 0114 244 9170
598 - 600 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3QS
y MODEL SHOPS
y

SS NORMANDIE
R&R Hobbies
Large selection of
1/350 MODEL KITS, PAINTS, TOOLS MJW MODELS
Kit & SCENICS ONLINE MODEL SHOP
• Aircraft kits, accessories and paints
3, Shoppers Walk, Swansea SA1 3AY
open 10 - 4 Mon - Sat • Quick Despatch • Low Prices
also in Porthcawl Email: mjwmodels@fjandmw.plus.com
tel 01792 468749 www.mjwmodels.co.uk
www.oldmodelkits.com www.randrhobbies.co.uk

ASHTON MODEL CENTRE For latest news and reviews visit

Open 10:00am - 4:30pm (Closed Weds & Sun) AMPLE FREE PARKING! NEW
MODEL
Ashton, nr Wigan (2 mins from J23, M6)
SHOP
Greensway Shopping Centre, Ashton-in -makerfield WN49AE WE
BUY &
Tel: 01942 809534 | ashtonmodelcentre.co.uk

CHURCH STREET MODELS

SELL
www.airfixmodelworld.com
Airfix & Revell kits: 1/72 Tanks & Planes, 1/48 Planes, Ships – various
WANTED
Cars- 1/24, 1/25 & 1/32. Paint- enamel & acrylic, weathering powders,
washes, glues, Plastruct, balsa wood, scenery, abrasives & tools.
To advertise
10A Church Street, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 7QE, 01256 358060
Mail Order Welcome
Mon-Sat 09.30-17.30 Closed Tues. Closed 25th - 31st May
please contact:
Unmade or already built,
Hollie Keeling any quantity, especially large
collections, also diecast models &
hollie.keeling@keypublishing.com
books. Will collect nationwide
or and pay best cash price.
We carry many makes & scales of model kits, Elizabeth Ridge Please call 01202-976974
plus Vallejo acrylic paints elizabeth.ridge@keypublishing.com or 07901-890461 Thank you
www.jancotoys.co.uk Tel: 01226 208654

CLASSI_JUNE2018.indd 96 11/04/2018 14:07

 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
FOR SAILS AND 1/350
YARDARMS
Tapered Masts Set No.1
By: Master Model
Item no: SM-350-089 Price: £7.10
Web: www.master-model.pl
This is one
of several
mast sets
from Master
Model and
comprises four
100mm tapered
turned brass items.
Being the ‘narrow’
package, these have
diameters at the top/
bottom of 0.3/1.2mm,
0.4/1.5mm, 0.5/1.8mm
and 0.6/2mm
respectively (wider
items are in set SM-350-90) and are
suitable for improving existing kits
or for those indulging in scratch-
building projects. These would be
ideal for late 19th/early 20th Century
vessels, including Dreadnoughts.
1/72
STORK ALLOY
Fieseler Fi 156 Storch
By: Brengun
Item no: BRL72129 Price: €7.94
Web: www.brengun.cz
Designed to fit Academy’s Storch
kit, this highly useful photo-
etched metal set from Brengun
will make a world of difference
in terms of refinement. Much of
the work will be in the cockpit,
as there is inner framework for
the sidewalls, a rear bulkhead,
a seat with belts, an instrument
panel (with printed acetate
dials), rudder pedals, rear
spotter seat and machine gun
drum magazines.. Externally,
the airframe will benefit from
aileron/rudder control linkages
and framework for part of the
'office' glazing.
110 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
BEAVER ON
1/72
THE MOVE
Biber Trailer
By: Special Armour
Item no: SA72018 Price: €15
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Special Hobby sub-brand Special
Armour has released this cool
transportation trailer for its
recent Kriegsmarine Biber
(beaver) miniature submarine.
Well detailed styrene parts come
on a single runner, and notable
features are the fine suspension
units and combined wheels/tyres,
the latter having an excellent
tread pattern. The frame
sections are deftly moulded
items, and if one chooses to
replicate a tarpaulin cover, a full
paper template is printed on the
instructions. Great for a small-
scale dockside or slipway scene.
BOMB HANGERS 1/32
MER
By: Eduard
Item no: 632095 Price: €14.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Famous for its employment by US
jet bombers in Vietnam, such as
the F-4, F-105, A-4, A-6 and A-7, the
Multiple Ejector Rack was the route
to heavier loads. It’s still in use
though, for practice bomb carriage
on US Navy and US Marines Legacy/
Super Hornets. Eduard’s three resin
MERs are superb; the main rack
bodies have all the little nuances
of the real units, and the two lower
launcher portions, sway braces and
alternative crutching pads are cast
separately. The latter items are given
because USAF and USN/USMC MERs
had differently spaced suspension
lugs. Photo-etched brass details and
decals also feature.
STORE ROOM 1/72
Boeing B-17G Bomb bay set
By: CMK Item no: 7382 Price: €15.30
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Airfix’s new-tool 1/72 B-17G offers
generally splendid detail, but CMK’s
recently released resin bomb bay for
said kit provides the extra crispness
and refinement usually associated
with the medium. Here, one receives
the entire bomb bay enclosure via
11 parts, which benefit from sharp
structural features, such as ribs,
racks and the crew entry door.
Once painted and constructed, the
components form a neat drop-in
assembly, and main bay doors are
included.
1/35
‘KINDER’
TRANSPORT
Pushchair & Tricycle
By: Royal Model
Item no: 731 Price: €16.90
Web: www.royalmodel.com
Ideal for a civilian diorama, or a
setting in which military assets
are with locals, this product
will add character. Royal Model
provides a splendid pushchair
in resin, with PE fittings, such
as spoked wheels and the lower
frame. Two baby blanket versions
are supplied; one for standard
use, and another for posing the
pushchair fallen on its side. Just
two resin parts are offered for
the equally excellent tricycle, the
remainder of which is entirely in
PE. One does have to cut lengths
of plastic rod (not provided) to
form wheel axles. No baby or
toddler figures are included!
DESERT
1/72
BACKDATE
Matilda Mk.IIA Conversion Set
By: Dan Taylor Model Works
Item no: C-72131 Price: £6
Web: dantaylormodelworks.com
Dan Taylor
Modelworks
is renowned
among modellers
of small-scale
military subjects,
for its great-value
and accurate
products. This
handy package
offers parts with
which to backdate
S-Model’s Matilda
tank (which
portrays a later
model employed
in Russia and
Southeast Asia)
to an earlier example used in
the Western Desert from 1940-
42. Beautifully etched brass
components include new hull
sides with sand vent openings, a
fuel can frame, antenna mounts,
a number plate, driver’s hatch,
louvered locker covers and
even new track links. Although
not shown here, there’s also a
strip of resin fuel/water cans for
mounting in the frame provided.
‘MOSSIE’ BRASS 1/72
Mosquito Mk.II/Mk.VI Pitot Tube &
Armament Set
By: Master
Item no: AM-72-091 Price: £6.07
Web: www.master-model.pl
Mosquito Mk.II and Mk.VI kits would
benefit supremely from these superb
turned brass gun barrels and pitot
tube. Master’s production prowess
is evident on the .303 barrels in
particular as they feature cooling
slot detail, but the 20mm cannon
barrels are also very fine. Simply drill
holes of the requisite diameter and
they’re ready to be fitted.

SMALL BOAT 1/72
SENSOR
American SO Radar and Mast
By: Coastal Craft
Item no: CCA72052 Price: £8.50
Web: www.coastalcraftmodelsuk.com
This compact eight-piece resin and
brass ensemble enables 1/72 Royal
Navy Vosper Motor Torpedo and
Fairmile Torpedo/Gun boats, or US
Navy 80ft Elco and 78ft Higgins
Patrol Torpedo boats to be equipped
with a faithful replica of the SO
surface-search radar. A standard
configuration is supplied, with a
rear stay supporting the main twin-
boom mast, but there are guidance
notes on examples fitted with short
yardarms and associated halyards.
1/35
MOPPING UP
Cleaning Materials
By: ResiCAST
Item no: 35.2389 Price: €10
Web: www.resicast.com
This comprehensive resin
package supplies all necessary
cleaning implements for a
barrack scene, with two rubbish
bins (with separate lids and
handles), yard brushes, dustpan
and brush sets, and there are
even mops and a bucket with
integrally cast wringer. The
quality is excellent, and although
the odd crease may require
filling in the larger items, this is
a well-considered accessory that
oozes refinement.
BAZOOKA
1/35
PLATES
Panzer IV Ausf.H Schürzen
By: Eduard
Item no: 36357 Price: €25.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Zvezda’s Ausf.H is a delightful
kit, but its Schürzen are supplied
as a single item, whereas the
real armour comprised separate
plates. Eduard’s set provides
individual Zimmerit-coated
panels, although arguably its
rendition of the anti-magnetic
mine paste lacks depth. There
are also replacement attachment
lugs and supports, and three
templates lend themselves
to scratch-building further
Schürzen from sheet styrene.
WELL-FRAMED 1/35
ENTRANCE
Doors Set
By: Matho Models
Item no: 35062 Price: €14.95
Web: www.mathomodels.com
Here’s a great way to add detail to a
building, in the form of these photo-
etched brass doors; six are well-
finished items with rebate sections
and panels, while one features a
wood grain effect, but with a smooth
surround. Various handles, latches
and knockers are included, along
with ornamental additions. These will
need a 20-thou (0.5mm) backing to
provide correct scale thickness, and
three will require acetate glazing for
the open sections.
UPGRADED 1/32
EXHAUSTS
Colonial Viper Mk.II Nozzles
By: Green Strawberry
Item no: 00917 Price: US $28.44
Web: www.greenstrawberry.cz
Moebius/Revell Vipers (a la Battlestar
Galactica) receive enhancement via
this excellent resin and PE brass set.
It replaces the kit’s main exhausts
in their entirety, and clear direction
is supplied as to how the styrene
components must be modified. The
nozzles are resin items, with far
better interior detail (note the upper
unit has a longer adapter ring), while
the PE parts supply the ‘afterburner’
configuration. As a bonus, this
product is designed to aid the fitting
of interior lighting.
1/72
TRAINER
GLAZING
Dornier Do 27/CASA C-127
Canopy Mask
By: MH Models Item no: X72021
Price: €4 Web: www.mhmodels.cz
Timed perfectly to coincide with
the release of Special Hobby’s
1/72 offerings, MH Models’ pre-
cut self-adhesive canopy masks
supply all necessary coverings
for the types’ glazing, including
interior pieces for the windshield
and passenger doors. This should
simplify painting greatly, and
allow for all doors to be posed
open and look neat.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 111
ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
PETROL
1/35
PUMPS
Gasoline Stand
By: Plus Model
Item no: 511 Price: €19.70
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Plus Model offers yet another
take on a vehicle refuelling point,
with this 1940s/1950s ‘lamp’
unit and a stand for oils and
lubricants. Most parts are cast in
resin, including oil cans, but the
stand comes as a lovely four-
piece PE ensemble. The petrol
pump has a clear component
for the lamp, while lead and
copper wire are provided for
the fuel hose and lamp shrouds
respectively. Completing this
wonderful package is a superb
decal sheet, with colourful brand
logos for various oil companies.
TREBLE-TWO 1/76
IMPROVEMENT
Sd.Kfz.222 Detail Set
By: Dan Taylor Modelworks
Item no: C-76136 Price: £3.50
Web: dantaylormodelworks.com
Airfix’s 1/76 German Reconnaissance
Set, which comprised a Kubelwagen
and Sd.Kfz.222 armoured car, can
still be found on auction sites.
This detail package caters for the
latter vehicle, providing a screen
for the rear hull and turret anti-
grenade mesh, the face of the horn,
registration plates and towing hooks.
Minor surgery on the upper hull,
and the addition of plastic strip, is
required for fitting the rear screen.
Uncomplicated but very useful.
 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
EQUINE 1/24
CONSOLE
North American P-51D Mustang
By: Airscale
Item no: PE24 MUS Price: £11.95
Web: www.airscale.co.uk
For many years, Airfix’s 1/24 P-51
was the sole example in that scale,
and while it’s definitely a kit of
its time, it’s great to see modern
improvements being produced.
Airscale’s instrument panel combines
photo-etched brass with acetate
sheet and decals to form a stunning
replica of the P-51’s console.
However, one will need reference
photos for exact placement of
certain markings. This is far superior
to the styrene offering and is a direct
replacement…just the kit’s gunsight
needs to be added.
1/72
WARHAWK
ROLLING
P-40N wheels
By: Eduard
Item no: 672167 Price: €5.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Add extra pizazz to Special
Hobby’s new 1/72 P-40N with
these wheels from Eduard. Main
and tailwheels are offered, in the
company’s usual sharply defined
resin, and these items are cast
to replicate the spoked hubs as
they are, but photo-etched brass
fairings are also given so one
can portray ‘solid’ hubs. A small
PE centreplate is present for the
tailwheel, and generously, tape
masks will make life easier come
painting time.
112 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
LASER
1/48
POINTER
ATLIS Jaguar
By: L’Arsenal
Item no: AC 48 90 Price: €5.95
Web: www.larsenal.com
Anyone building French Air
Force Jaguars, and wanting an
interesting weapons load, should
select this designation pod from
L’Arsenal. ATLIS was compatible
with BGL-type smart bombs,
and the AS.30 missile. This resin
version, cast in cream resin,
comes in two parts and has very
good detail, especially on the
nose portion with its visor. One
could also fit the pod to a French
Mirage 2000D or Pakistani F-16.
‘RED’ WHIZZERS 1/32
Soviet rockets RS82
By: Brengun Item no: BRL32022
Price: €9.28 Web: www.brengun.cz
Almost any Soviet military aircraft of
World War Two could tote these air-
to-air rockets. They were renowned
for their inaccuracy, although
Russian I-16s allegedly downed
Japanese fighters and bombers with
the weapon. The fact makes these
items useful indeed, as they could be
fitted to 1/32 models of the I-16, Yak-
3, MiG-3, Il-2 and more. Eight rockets
are provided and cast integrally with
their launch rails (which will need
casting flash clearing). PE rear fins
and nose arming vanes add detail.
JUMP JET 1/48
REFINED
Harrier T.4/T.8 Exterior
By: Eduard
Item no: 48945 Price: €14.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Kinetic received much praise for
its 1/48 Harriers, but for those
seeking maximum detail, it’s lacking
in certain areas, and Eduard’s PE
upgrade addresses several. Chief
among these are the styrene wing
vortex generators, which omit the
mounting plate (a clever template
ensures correct placement), panels,
actuators and equipment detail in
the airbrake and wheel bays, and
pylon undersides. Extras include
replacement exhaust blast deflectors
(which will need scoring to replicate
their ribbed appearance) and
additions for the fuselage exterior.
1/32
MITCHELL
ENHANCEMENT
B-25J Nose Gun Set
By: Profimodeller
Item no: 32078 Price: €5.49
Web: www.profimodeller.com
Hong Kong Models’ imposing
B-25J will benefit from this
excellent detail set. It offers
many PE parts for enlivening
the glass nose area. There is
framing for the transparencies,
instrument/switch panels and
other refinements (not shown
here) include lengths of copper
and braided wire, metal tube
segments and printed dials.
RHINO-
1/72
PLASTY
McD Phantom F-4K XT597
A&AEE nose
By: Freightdog Models
Item no: FDR72120 Price: £4
Web: www.freightdogmodels.com
We’re amazed no
aftermarket firm
has released this
before now…
but we’re glad
Freightdog
took the
plunge. Cast to
fit Airfix’s new
British Phantom,
this resin part
replicates the
differently shaped doppler nose
fitted to XT597, a test/trials
aircraft with the Aeroplane
and Armament Experimental
Establishment at Boscombe
Down. The aircraft wore several
schemes, one being raspberry
ripple, and with the latter being
present on a new Xtradecal
sheet (for the IAT Greenham
Common special scheme), this
nose is vital.
HOVERING 1/48
OFFICE
Harrier T.4/T.8
By: Eduard
Item no: 49882 Price: €14.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Modellers wanting more detail in
their quarter-scale Kinetic ‘T-Bird’
Harriers need look no further than
this Eduard product, but note this is
just for T.2/4 variants – a T.8 cannot
be built from this set as the latter
had different console configurations.
That aside, the photo-etched metal
and brass components provide
valuable improvement, from the
instrument dials and sidewalls to the
pre-painted jettison/arming panels.
Replacement rudder pedals also
feature, as does a well-designed
alternative for an M-B Mk.9 seat
parachute housing (the styrene
representation must be removed).

SEPARATE 1/35
RUNNING GEAR
T-62 Wheels Set
By: MiniArt
Item no: 37060 Price: £10.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
While these tank wheels may appear
similar to previous iterations from
MiniArt, it’s configured specifically
for the T-62 (and thus applicable
for 1/35 Tamiya or Trumpeter
kits), with a different road wheel
combination supplied on the 16
styrene runners. There are sufficient
crisply moulded parts for a full set
of running gear, with alternative
drive wheels depending upon which
track type (OMSh and RMSh) is to
be fitted; it should be used with the
corresponding track links (37046
and 35050 respectively).
1/72
GALLIC
JAMMING
Pod CT-51
By: L’Arsenal
Item no: AC 72 32 Price: €4.95
Web: www.larsenal.com
Employed by the French Air
Force Mirage IV and Jaguar A,
the CT-51 was the largest of
the air arm’s jamming pods.
L’Arsenal had already produced
this store in 1/48, but now it's
scaled down the item to 1/72…
perfect for Italeri/Hasegawa
Jaguars and Heller's Mirage
IV. It’s cast in two pieces, with
the adapter in situ on the rear
portion. The device’s longitudinal
strakes are represented well.
PILOT
1/32
ACCESS
Spitfire Mk.IX Cockoit Door w
Crowbar
By: BarracudaCast
Item no: BR32338 Price: US $4.95
Web: www.barracudacals.com
Revell’s recent 1/32 Spitfire has
positive and negative aspects,
but most of the latter are
remedied relatively easily. One
item ripe for replacement is
the cockpit access door. Here,
Barracuda offers a sublime
resin part, with beautifully
rendered locking mechanism…
and a separate crowbar for extra
fidelity and class. Clamps are
even cast on the door so the
crowbar can be held properly.
BEAST’S 1/48
INNARDS
BAC Lightning F.2A/F.6 Electronics
boxes
By: CMK Item no: 4351
Price: €12.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com
Airfix’s 1/48 Lightning is a perennial
favourite, but it can be enlivened
with CMK’s bespoke resin detail set.
This package offers interior features
for under the aircraft’s spine panels,
and in the front and rear fuselage
sides. The upper location features
voltage regulators, AVPIN tank,
engine pumps, solenoid valves,
starter controls and HF igniters. A
one-piece cover with internal ribbing
is supplied, as are interior housings,
rebates and panels for the control
unit and DC generator.
FORTRESS 1/72
COMM’S
Boeing B-17G Radio Operator’s
Station Set
By: CMK Item no: 7381
Price: €10.30 Web: www.cmkkits.com
Extra detail for Airfix’s new-tool
B-17G come via this CMK resin,
which caters for the radio operator’s
area. One receives the rear
bulkhead, which has radios and a
fire extinguisher cast in situ (but
the actual door opening needs to
be cleared of casting flash), a floor
and front bulkhead. The latter has
features cast integrally, and there
are separate radio boxes. Two seats
are present, although these are high-
backed and have shoulder harnesses
as well as lap belts; we think the
former could be a warbird addition,
so research is advisable.
1/24
SLEEK REAR
VIEW
Classic Racing Style Bullet Door
Mirrors
By: Motobitz
Item no: MBA24016/B Price: £3
Web: www.motobitz.uk
This two-piece accessory
provides the bullet-style type
rear-view mirrors often seen
on classic racing cars and road
cars during the 1960s and 1970s
(epitomised by a certain secret
agent’s Aston Martin DB5). They
are cast on a single resin block,
require minimal preparation and
feature a recessed solid ‘glazing’
for the reflective surface.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 113
ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
DAIRY
1/35
DELIGHTS
Milk Cans with Small Cart
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35580 Price: £10.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt travels memory lane
to a time when the daily milk
delivery was by horse and cart,
and the contents decanted into
a jug or similar vessel. There
are seven styrene runners and
a small PE brass fret, and these
come together to make a twin-
axle hand cart, as used at a dairy
yard, along with three examples
each of four types of milk churn.
The detail is exquisite, and while
the PE handles may challenge
less-experienced modellers,
this is otherwise well within the
capabilities of most.
ANTI-ARMOUR 1/32
DEVICE
CBU-105
By: Eduard Item no: 632095
Price: €22.45 Web: www.eduard.com
The CBU-105 was developed from
the CBU-97 and combines said
dispenser with GPS and tail guidance
fins. They are carried by US A-10s,
F-16s, B-1s and F-15Es, although India
has purchased the weapon for its
Jaguars (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey
South Korea and the UAE have
also placed orders). Eduard’s resin
replicas are accurate, from the deftly
rendered rivets and suspension lugs
to the GPS domes and refined tail
units. A comprehensive decal sheet
offers all necessary stencilling and
colour bands.
 ARCHIVE TREASURES
B-26 MARAUDER
T
his month we’ve been
inspired by Airfix’s
re-release of its vintage
1/72 B-26 Marauder.
An interesting aircraft,
yet poorly served by kit
manufacturers, the type is
exemplified in this splendid
image of B-26B 41-31577/
AN-Y ‘Elmer’ of the 553rd
Bombardment Squadron, 386th
Bombardment Group. The
aircraft was flown by Lt Haber as
part of the group’s first combat
NEXT ISSUE ON SALE JUNE 7, 2018*
114 Airfix Model World *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
mission on Friday, July 30, 1943
(flown from Boxted) to attack
the Luftwaffe fighter base at
Woensdrecht, the Netherlands.
The mission was described as
‘rough’ by some of the aircrew;
poor visibility and enemy fighter
attacks meant some aircraft did
not find their target, having to
ditch their bombs in the North
Sea during the return to Boxted.
It’s highly likely this photo was
taken on the flight home
that day.
 1:48
HAWKER SEA FURY
FB.11

A06105
HAWKER SEA FURY FB.11
• Wings folded or unfolded
• Undercarriage can be posed up or down
• Optional rockets, bombs and drop tanks
• Moveable propeller
• Canopy open or closed

HAWKER SEA FURY FB.11

No.801 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Glory, Korean War, 1952.

HAWKER SEA FURY FB.11

Aircraft restored in the markings of 802 Naval Air Squadron,
Royal Naval Air Station Eglinton, Northern Ireland,1948.
Operated by Royal Naval Historic Flight, Royal Naval Air Station
Yeovilton, Somerset, England, 2017.

Length 231mm Width 244mm Pieces 123

Color Chart
Airfix.com Available Now!
and all good retail stockists
Official Product

5659AX_A06105-R1_1-48_Hawker_Sea_Fury_AMW_AD__APRIL_2018.indd
HornbyHobbiesHumbrol_FP.indd 1 1 09/04/2018 09:05
10/04/2018 11:56
Untitled-1 1 16/03/2018 14:53:19