TEST REVELL’S NEWLY

TOOLED 1/48
WIN! SCALE AIRCRAFT
CONVERSIONS Closing
SHOT
date:

BEAUFIGHTER Mk.X LANDING GEAR September

21, 2018

Sep 2018
Issue 94

32
EXTRA
PAGES

RE-VAMP
Improving Airfix’s re-released 1/ 72 Vampire

FREE INSIDE! 1/72 VENTURA SCALE DRAWINGS

SMALL-SCALE BRAWLER
Flyhawk’s 1/72 £4.60
M1A2 Abrams

TRAINING
TO HUNT
Revell’s 1/48
Ventura
AMMO_FP.indd 1 21/06/2018 10:08

H
ow many of us can say
they know a real live
rocket scientist? Very few
I suspect, but I’m happy to
say I now do!
My contact with David Baker
EDITORIAL
Editor: Stu Fone
Editor-at-large: Chris Clifford
Group Editor: Stuart Qualtrough
Contributors to this issue: Jan Forsgren,
Malcolm V Lowe, Jamie Hunter, Massimo
Santarossa, Terry Higgins, Carl Vincent,
Glenn Sands, Andy Davies, David Baker,
Juanjo Dominguez Calvo
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
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ADVERTISING AND MANAGEMENT
Commercial Director: Ann Saundry
Group Advertising Manager: Brodie Baxter
Advertising Manager: Sarah Jarman
Advertising Sales Executive: Elizabeth Ridge
Advertising Production Manager: Debi McGowan
WELCOME TO ISSUE 94
came about due to this issue’s
model of the fascinating Manned
Orbiting Laboratory. While Andy
Davies was assembling the kit
from Fantastic Plastic (see p.90),
I thought to myself: “wouldn’t it
be great if we could offer histories
to accompany real space builds in
Airfix Model World?”
I then had something of an
epiphany, in that I remembered
Key Publishing produced a
bookazine entitled Space some
years back, so I investigated who
the author was and resolved to
contact him. To cut a long story
short, David was that author and
was delighted to help, being a
modeller and Airfix fan himself.
To say he’s had an interesting
career would be a massive
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
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or other contributions. We cannot guarantee
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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.
facebook.com/airfixmodelworld
www.airfixmodelworld.com
understatement; David worked for
NASA as a scientist through the
Apollo years and into the Space
Shuttle era, one of his jobs being
to formulate payload options for
different countries around the
world (for satellites). He is now the
editor of Spaceflight, the journal of
the British Interplanetary Society,
but where possible will write
relevant In Focus features when
we have real space builds. You’ll
find David’s description of the
MOL inspiring if tackling Fantastic
Plastic’s kit.
Recruiting David is a true
highlight of my time on AMW,
which I must report is taking a very
different turn. I’ve been promoted
to edit Key Publishing’s flagship
title FlyPast; I’ll be focusing on full-
Printed by: Warners (Midland) plc, Bourne
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The entire contents of Airfix Model World is ©
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EDITOR'S DESK
WELCOME
Like us
Visit us
size aircraft now, but I will remain
as AMW editor-at-large to make
sure Stu Fone behaves himself now
he’s stepped up to become editor!
He’s earned the promotion.
I would like to thank Stu, all our
contributors and Darrell Burge
at Hornby/Airfix for all their help
during my tenure. I’m not going
anywhere though, as they say, and
I might even ‘pop in’ occasionally
via the editor’s welcome page. I’ve
made friends for life through AMW.
Who could ask for more than that?
Chris Clifford, Editor-at-large
chris.clifford@keypublishing.com
We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of
any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
recommended to take their own precautions
before parting with any information or item
of value, including, but not limited to, money,
manuscripts, photographs or personal
information in response to any advertisements
within this publication.
“AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby
Hobbies Limited and is used under licence.
The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2017
was 13,149 print and digital copies monthly.
To find a stockist near you,
visit airfixmodelworld.com
www.airfixmodelworld.com 3
 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

REGULARS
06 News
The latest happenings in the world of
plastic modelling.
14
12 Show Scene
Check out our handy at-a-glance
model show calendar.

104 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:
ON THE SHELF
106 Books
110 Aircraft kits Scale Aircraft
114 Military kits Conversions’ white metal
undercarriage sets.
116 Auto kits See page 22.
118 Maritime kits

24
120 Figures
122 Decal sheets
126 Accessories
129 Recent releases

130 Archive
Treasures
This month’s photographic gem
features a gaggle of de Havilland DH
100 Vampire aircraft.

96

56

4 Airfix Model World

 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

44

38 In Focus – Svenska Schoolhouse

Jan Forsgren describes how the Swedish Air Force operated the Vampire
trainer between 1952 and 1968.

42 Out and About – Wyvern Wonders

Malcom V Lowe visited the IPMS Salisbury show and found much to impress.

FREE INSIDE 44 Advanced Build – Fire God

Take one Airfix 1/72 Vulcan, add a multitude of aftermarket accessories and
1/72 Ventura scale markings, and follow Jan Forsgren’s busy construction recipe!
drawings
54 In Focus – Fallon Vipers
Combat Aircraft Monthly Editor Jamie Hunter provides a stunning montage of
a US Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center F-16B Fighting Falcon.

56 Intermediate Build – Five into Two

Massimo Santarossa adds scratch-built improvements and extra detail to
Revell’s 1/48 Lockheed Ventura.

66 In Focus – Canada’s Flying Pigs

The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Lockheed Venturas is covered
in depth by Terry Higgins and Carl Vincent, with bonus pull-out 1/72 scale
FEATURES drawings of the B.II and B.IIa variants.

14 Intermediate Build – Rugged Raider 72 Out and About – US Soft-skins, Soviets

Revell’s 1/48 Beaufighter TF Mk.X test-shot gets a thorough examination from and Smoke
Chris Jones, who finds much to enjoy. Glenn Sands finds much modelling inspiration at this year’s Overlord Show.

24 Advanced Build – Silver Machine 74 Intermediate Build – Maritime Mountain

Gary Tobiss gets to grips with new firm Southern Cross Miniatures’ stunning Hasegawa’s reputation for quality maritime kits is put to the test by Andy
1/20 Mercedes-Benz W125 race car. Davies, with its limited-edition 1/700 IJN Furutaka.

32 Intermediate Build – Immortal Trainer 84 In Focus – Cold War Spy Station

Having previously built an original Airfix Vampire T.11 test-shot, Alan Price The abortive story of the US Air Force’s Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) is
adds aftermarket accessories to the re-released kit for his Swedish J 28 C. told by former NASA scientist David Baker.

90 Intermediate Build – Space Detective

32 Andy Davies gets a taste for Cold War Intrigue with Fantastic Plastic’s 1/48
MOL, adding extra detail to this resin kit.

96 Advanced Build – Urban Combat

Spanish modeller Juanjo Dominguez Calvo upgrades Flyhawk’s newly tooled
1/72 M1A2 Abrams into a TUSK-configured machine, with stunning scratch-
built additions.

Your favourite magazine is available digitally.

See airfixmodelworld.com for more details.

You can also find us on:

Search ‘Airfix Model World’

www.airfixmodelworld.com 5
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES

BREAKING NEWS RACING

BRACE OF BIPLANES COVERS
between 1945-48, and Irish Air
Corps N19 in 1939-40.
Meanwhile, in 1/72 scale, the
delightful new-tool de Havilland
Tiger Moth returns as item
A020106, with schemes for an
overall doped aluminium XL-717,
based at Royal Navy Air Station
Abbotsinch in 1962, and A17-
489, a Foliage Green-clad Royal
Australian Air Force machine. SPECIAL HOBBY’S 1/72 Me 209
For further details and other is a delightful kit, but for
releases, visit: www.airfix.com modellers wanting to airbrush
the markings, then MH Models’
FIRM FAVOURITES are the has come to the rescue.
theme for Airfix’s latest Its Messerschmitt Me.209 V1
re-releases, with two popular Markings mask (X72018) supplies
aircraft types receiving new the civilian D-INJR codes for
colour schemes.
the wings and fuselage, plus
It’s stunning 1/48 Supermarine
a swastika for the vertical fin.
Walrus Mk.I is re-boxed as
There’s also a canopy mask set
A09187 ‘Silver Wings’, which
(X2019) for the kit, which should
offers markings for three
make painting the frames easier.
natural-metal airframes; HMS
Both are self-adhesive pre-cut
Birmingham’s K5780/WM
offerings, and at just €3 each,
during 1938-40, the French
are also great value. Visit: www.
Navy 53.S.16 from Flottille 53S
mhmodels.cz for more details.

DESERT-TONED DUO DECEPTION MYSTERY

CZECH FIRM Master-X’s 1/48 instrument panel, side consoles

EDUARD HAS released its
superlative 1/48 Messerschmitt
Bf 109F/G tooling in a dual-kit
‘Afrika’ boxing.
The limited-edition package
(11116) provides two entire
sets of runners so modellers
can build both sub-types, and
these are accompanied by
plain and pre-coloured photo-
etched (PE) metal details, resin
tropical exhausts, tape masks
and PE brass components.
The firm’s ‘109s are arguably
the best on the market since
they were reworked to fix
previous inaccuracies, and
here one receives the option
of ‘Kanonenboot’ underwing
20mm gun pods for one of
the aircraft; there is a choice
amount of spare weaponry and
bomb racks too.
The 12 liveries are for BF109s
in camouflage typical for the
North Africa/Mediterranean
theatre, mostly RLM 79 over
RLM 78, but there are variations
and famous 'Experten' are
represented, such as Anton
Hafner, Heinz Bär, Hans-Joachim
Marseille, 'Edu' Neumann and
Jürgen Harder. It’s a superb
package for Luftwaffe fans,
and more details are at: www.
eduard.com
Heinkel He 279 definitely ranks
among the more unusual
offerings, as there’s still debate
over whether it was a real design
or just a mock-up to deceive Allied
intelligence staff.
This resin and styrene kit (MX
4857) offers as much detail as it
can, given the lack of information
and photos of the real airframe,
and a mask set is included for
the canopy and wheels. Exterior
detail is minimal, but panels are
represented as finely recessed
lines, and the type’s similarity
with Heinkel’s twin-jet powered
He 280 is striking when the parts
are compared to scale drawings
of that type. The cockpit is
well-appointed, with convincing
and a frame-like seat, and there’s
a choice of open/closed canopy.
Undercarriage bays are simple
hollows, and are cast integrally
with the single-piece wing, which
ensures the mainplane is at the
correct dihedral. Regardless of
whether the real aircraft existed,
or was just an intelligence
deception, this will certainly build
into an eye-catching model and be
a real talking point.
Basic markings are supplied, for
an aircraft bearing the number
‘White 8’ and finished in standard
RLM 70/71/65 camouflage;
swastikas are in halves, to comply
with several European countries’
legal requirements. See: www.
master-x.wz.cz for more details.

6 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

PRECIOUS METAL RAIDER
HAVING DAZZLED ship
modellers with its sumptuous
Platinum-series Bismarck,
Revell has now released its
sister battleship, Tirpitz, in a
similar package.
For those unfamiliar with the
firm’s top-of-the-range ship
kits, this impressive offering
(05160) comprises 13 styrene
runners, plus separate hull
halves, main/first decks and
stand base, which on their
own will build into an accurate
representation of this German
battleship. But it’s the extras
that make this great value,
with turned brass gun barrels
(including anti-aircraft guns),
STRIPES BEFORE YOUR EYES
MASKING LINES on models
can be a time-consuming task,
so Fantasy Printshop’s decal
sets should be a boon for
many builders.
There are two styles of sheet;
the first caters for
130mm lengths of
0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5,
1.9, 3.8, 5, 6.3 and
9mm-wide stripes,
while the second
concentrates on
thicker bands,
and covers
175mm-long 7, 8,
9, 10, 11 and 12mm
items, offering two
examples of all
but the lattermost
masts, yardarms and flag/
jackstaffs, a length of anchor
chain and self-adhesive
wooden decking. Three
large photo-etched brass/
metal frets provide a wealth
of detail; ladders, railings,
bulkheads, gun pits/shields/
ammo boxes, aircraft catapults
and fire-direction antennas
are all included. Ten-pages
of extra instructions are
supplied for the ‘aftermarket’
embellishments, which
will transform the finished
model…all builders need
to add is thread for rigging
and crane/davit cables. It
appears Revell simplified the
marking. Both are available
in a broad range of colours,
including black, white, red,
yellow, fluorescent red, silver,
gold, Light Aircraft Grey,
Medium Sea Grey, Dark Sea
anti-aircraft armament, so
references are vital to ensure
correct configurations for
the two liveries provided. The
first depicts Tirpitz in July-
September 1942, when it was
moored at Altafjord, Norway
and wore a three-tone splinter/
dazzle camouflage, while the
second portrays the vessel
as it appeared at Kåfjord
from September 6-9, 1943.
Revell provides mixes of its
own paints for the colours,
but modellers should check
references for accurate shades.
Additional information on
Revell products is at:
www.revell.de/en
Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey.
Additionally, the narrower
set also offers FS 15050
Blue and FS 15056 Blue,
while more fluorescent tones
(yellow and orange) are in
the second series.
Colour opacity
appears good
on the broader
stripes, but the
narrower decals
appeared slightly
see-through on
AMW’s samples.
More details on
these and other
decal products are
at: www.fantasyprint
shop.co.uk
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
INDOOR WORLD WARS
HERE’S YET another example
of the increasing cross-over
between wargaming and
modelling, courtesy of new 1/100
scale releases by New Zealand-
based Battlefront Miniatures.
Its military and aircraft packs are
intended as ‘boosters’ to the main
‘Team Yankee’ and ‘Flames of
LARGE-SCALE BOAT BITS
MUCH PRAISE has been heaped
on Trumpeter’s 1/200 Bismarck,
but modellers seeking the ultimate
build should consider Veteran
Models’ aftermarket accessories.
8 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
War’ game sets (which provide an
initial number of vehicles) but are
great little models nonetheless.
Modern machines include a
HMMWV Platoon (BM096),
which offers sufficient parts for
six Humvees (comprising seven
parts) and a selection of roof-top
armament (machine gun, anti-
As might be expected, these
Kriegsmarine sets focus on the
smaller, but still visually significant
features, and are combined resin/
photo-etched (PE) brass products,
tank/aircraft missiles, or grenade
launcher), plus a single figure for
each. Similarly, the UH-1 Huey
Helicopter Platoon (BM097)
provides two aircraft (either
US Marine Corps or US Army),
with an open cargo/passenger
area to allow machine guns and
their operators to be fitted and
can be displayed on three-piece
transparent stands.
It’s not all modern
subjects, and the World
War Two era is very
popular, including the
‘Flames of War’ two-tank
Tiger Heavy Platoon set
(BM071). The four styrene
runners are split between
two ‘common’ frames,
supplying basic structure
and spare track links for the
turret and hull, and two for ‘mid’
machines, catering for different
turrets, running gear/tracks,
exhausts and side panels.
All packages include decals and
gaming cards and are a great way
to start with either hobby. More
details are at: www.flamesofwar.
com or www.teamyankee.com
all featuring superb cast detail.
The Observation Equipment
(VTW20058) provides 12 DF
10x80 Binoculars on mounts, ten
compasses, and ten C/38 Flak
gun Target Giver positions.
Rangefinders are offered separately
(VTW20055) with four examples
of the Bismarck’s 3M stereoscopic
units. Data from these positions is
processed at the ship’s Fire Control
stations (VTW20057); this upgrade
contains two versions of Flak
director (for a total of 12 items) and
eight searchlight controllers. Finally,
the Searchlight set (VTW20056)
includes seven of the largest type
and three signalling lamps. While
some of these are supplied in
Trumpeter’s kit, the resin versions
are far superior to their original
styrene equivalents.
One final note, it’s always useful to
check the instructions’ back page,
as this often provides accurate
placement information. These
products are available in the UK
via Starling Models (www.starling-
models.co.uk), and more details are
at: www.veteranmodels.com
LET’S MAKE
SOME NOISE
FAMOUS FOR inflicting The
Beastie Boys on an alien species,
and the means of Captain Kirk
and his crew’s escape in Star
Trek: Beyond, the starship
NX-326 USS Franklin has been
reproduced in miniature by
Moebius Models.
Its 1/350 kit (#975) comprises
seven styrene runners, plus
separate upper and lower hull
halves and base for a sturdy
four-part stand. Exterior detail
appears to match the vessel as
portrayed in the film, although
arguably several recessed panel
lines and the ship’s name are
slightly too deep. The nacelles are
the standout item, with a detailed
representation of the ‘Bussard
dome’ assembly, with three layers
of ‘collector fans’ under the
glazing. While there’s plenty of
styrene to keep sci-fi modeller’s
busy, it’s disappointing no interior
is included (aftermarket firms
have released at least one photo-
etched product to rectify this),
especially given the large bridge
‘window’, and at £90 it’s not
exactly inexpensive.
The instructions will evoke
nostalgia from older modellers,
as they resemble the style
popular in the 1960s and 1970s,
with written text alongside
exploded-view diagrams.
Comprehensive painting notes
offer guidance on replicating
NX-326 as depicted in the film,
and how it would have appeared
shortly after entering service.
Visit: www.amerang.co.uk for
more details on this and other
Moebius Models releases.
 THE PERFECT STORM?

LEGIONS OF military modellers
have been on tenterhooks since
Rye Field Model announced a
new 1/35 Sturmörser Tiger kit.
The wait is over though, and
we're happy to report it’s
stunning. More commonly
known as the ‘Sturmtiger’, the
type has been replicated in
1/35 by AFV Club, and Italeri
via its boxing with basic inner
detail. Rye Field’s product (RM-
5012) is every bit as impressive
as its recent Panther, and
the box is crammed with
almost everything necessary
for a complete interior.
Ammunition and racking is
present (retaining straps on
the latter are movable), as
well as sighting gear, radios,
torsion bar suspension, breech
mechanism and more. Exterior
detail is just as impressive, with
a busy engine deck area that
benefits from photo-etched
brass mesh, but this medium
also offers other brackets and
various tool clamps.
The vehicle’s trademark
ammunition crane is another
highlight and can be fitted
with metal cable to ensure
more authenticity. Thankfully,
the wonderful innards can be
viewed due to the provision of
a clear roof part. The tracks
are individual-link items, and
the pins can be inserted four
at a time while the links sit
on the special assembly jig
provided. Rye Field suggests
three different liveries…two
camouflaged and one in overall
Panzer Yellow. For a study of
selected parts, decals, PE and
more, visit the AMW website:
www.airfixmodelworld.com

EXPERIMENTAL MIG
THE FISHBED story is
fascinating, with the
manufacturer, Mikoyan-
Gurevich, experimenting
constantly with the design,
including the subject of
Modelsvit’s latest release, the
E-152-1 test bed.
This was envisaged as an
interceptor/fighter, with an
enlarged airframe to house
a more powerful radar, extra
fuel and missiles. The kit
comprises 12 styrene runners,
one photo-etched metal fret
and a canopy/wheel mask, there’s an option for an open/ features. Currently, Fishbeds
and offers 127 parts in total. closed ventral airbrake. in vogue, so it’s encouraging
There is pleasing detail in the Two K-7/AA-4 Awl radar- that one of the lesser-known
cockpit (the ejection seat is guided missiles are supplied derivatives has been released
magnificent) and a convincing for the wingtips, although in kit form. AMW's sample
(but not full length) air intake. extended end plates can was provided by Modelsvit
The exterior features delicate be fitted in their place — a Balkans: www.modelsvit-
engraved panel lines, and centreline fuel tank also eshop.com
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
{in brief}
POCKET ROCKET
Modellers wanting to add a V-2 to their
collection, but don’t have the space for a
larger-scale offering might find Brengun’s
1/144 kit more to their liking. This resin and
photo-etched (PE) brass combination builds
into a single missile on its launch pedestal.
The casting is excellent, and overall
impressions are of an easy-to-build model,
thanks to the clever parts breakdown, with
single-piece rocket, separate fins, 24-part
blast plate, although 14 of those are PE
handles, braces and angled brackets.
Painting schemes are limited to an overall
dark green missile and launcher, or a test
rocket with black and white lower section
and European yellow base plate. Additional
details on this and other Brengun products
is at: www.brengun.cz
ROSIE’S FINEST
Revell’s quest to provide useful modelling
equipment has borne this neat Rivet
Maker (item 39076).
Any modeller who needs to sand raised
detail, seams, filler and the like almost
certainly loses moulded detail such as
rivets, and they can be reinstated via this
gadget, which comes with four wheels,
each with differently sized/spaced teeth.
The tool is also great for adding rivet
lines from the start, if one’s kit is devoid
of them completely. www.revell.de/en
10 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
KESSEL RUN LEGEND
REVELL’S SNAP-TITE 1/72
Millennium Falcon returns in revised
The Last Jedi packaging, and as a
Level 3 offering, it’s no-longer in
pre-painted form.
Note, this is Revell’s own tooling
(06718) of the original trilogy
version — not the re-boxed Fine
Molds offering (which is classed
BIG BOX OF ‘WOKKA’
ITALERI’S original 1/48 Chinook
tooling has been revamped so
modellers can portray an RAF HC.2,
US CH-47F or Japanese CH-47J.
This kit (2779) is a real lump size-
wise so a decent display area will
be needed, but if one has the space
it’s a fun option. Most of the HC.2
nuances are present, such as the
chaff boxes and directional infra-
red countermeasures units, and
the port forward entry door can be
posed open or closed. There’s also
a full range of antennas, alternative
exhausts and comms rail aerials.
Flat and bulged windows as per
as a Level 5 kit by the German
manufacturer), so don’t expect
masses of detail. However, the
52 parts, packaged on three
styrene runners (with separate
upper/lower hulls and Han Solo/
Chewbacca crew figures) has much
to offer whether one is a novice or
experienced modeller…and can be
sub-type are supplied, and there’s
a well-detailed cockpit and cabin
with full seating (the rear ramp can
be fitted up or down). One error,
though, is that the windscreen wiper
layout is wrong, as just two blades
are provided, whereas the HC.2 had
three. The decal sheet is superb,
having gloss carrier film, and caters
for three airframes: HC.2, ZA712/
AT, Joint Helicopter Command, RAF
Odiham, UK, 2011; CH-47F, 12th CAB,
US Army, Bagram, Afghanistan, 2012;
CH-47J, 12th Herikoputatai, JASDF,
Somagahara, Japan, 2013. www.
hobbyco.net
built without glue. This is a clever
move by Revell, as it’s the perfect
transition between its larger Level
2 pre-painted products and the
wider hobby, offering a first chance
to attempt painting and gluing,
although the price (£54.99) may be
off-putting for some.
The cockpit and landing gear
comprise the main sub-assemblies,
with most other components for
the ‘greebly infested’ side panels,
which fit between the hull halves
and radar antenna. Most of all, this
will be a fun build, and would make
an ideal weekend project. Two
schemes are offered, either ‘clean’
or ‘dirty’; both feature an overall
grey hull enlivened with decals for
red and grey panels. The difference
is the latter depicts a more faithful
replica of the movie Falcon, with
smoke/leaks from various vents
and maintenance access recesses,
and battle scars from those pesky
Imperial TIE-fighters. See:
www.revell.de/en for more details.
HAIL THE
DAWGS
TOMCAT FANS will be champing
at the bit for MILSPEC’s latest
decal sheet, which covers an
F-14B from VF-143, perhaps better
known as the ‘Pukin’ Dogs’.
Airframe 161426/103/AG is
featured in standard Tactical
Paint scheme greys and is
depicted during its deployment
on USS John F Kennedy (CV-67)
as part of CVW-7, during 2001.
This all-in-one set offers full
airframe stencils and walkways
to accompany the squadron
markings and NAVY legends.
See: www.milspecdecals.com for
more details.
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES

SUPERHERO WHEELS PLOUGHING ON

REVELL’S LARGE-scale UNIMOG clear transparent frames, and

A DIFFERENT face in the Dark
Knight’s cowl for Batman vs
Superman meant a new vehicle, and
Moebius Models was quick to release
a kit of the changed Batmobile. It
now receives a dedicated upgrade
from Czech-aftermarket specialist
Green Strawberry.
Its Batmobile ‘2016’ (01416) offers
a host of photo-etched brass and
resin improvements, starting with
massive disc brakes for the front
wheels, before moving to the hi-tech
cockpit interior, with new dashboard
cover, displays and instrument
panels. A neat touch is guidance
for making the interior workable
for illumination, by drilling the
dashboard rear in several areas for
LEDs. The most impressive additions
are the roll-cage structure and the
internal sections for the canopy
panel; advice is provided for the
latter to be cut into three parts and
displayed open. The film might not
be everyone’s favourite, but with
these additions, Moebius’ Batmobile
is set to be a stormer! Green
Strawberry products are available
at: www.greenstrawberry.cz
has been absent for several
years, so it’s great to see the 1/24
snow-plough version re-released.
First released in 1987, the
Mercedes-Benz Unimog U
1300L ‘Winterdienst’ provided
something for modellers of all
experience levels; pre-coloured
styrene meant it could be
assembled without painting, yet
there was plenty for the skilled
builder. Contents and markings
are unchanged, although the
decal sheet is much improved
on the original version in
terms of printing and overall
quality. The runners are still
pre-coloured, with four orange,
despite the moulds being more
than three decades old, there
is minimal flash…but detail is
rough in places. A wonderful
powerplant is included, and then
promptly hidden, as there’s no
provision for a raised bonnet.
The vinyl tyres are hollow, so
they should display a realistic
sag from the model’s weight, and
rubber tubing is supplied for the
plough’s hydraulic lines. Finally,
a thin length of chain provides
anchors for the moveable rock-
salt ‘hopper’ on the vehicle’s
rear. This remains a cracking
product, and is suitable for most
modellers. More information is at:

VINTAGE BRAND two black, one blue and two www.revell.de/en

RETURNS BRUSH-FIGHTER TWIN-PACKS

OLDER MODELLERS will know the
name FROG from the wide range of
kits produced by the classic British
manufacturer from the 1930s to
the 1970s.
Now, though, the brand is being
employed on re-boxings of
modern toolings, courtesy of
Singapore-based retailer Hobby
Bounties. Proprietor Peter Chiang
had already re-packaged Bandai
1/48 armoured fighting vehicles
under the FROG label soon after
acquiring the rights, along with
Trumpeter’s 1/32 MiG-15bis and
Airfix’s 1/600 HMS Repulse.
The latest item is Academy’s
excellent 1/72 F-16, with markings
representing Royal Singapore Air
Force (RSAF) Fighting Falcons
from 1998 to the present. Peter
explained to AMW that the FROG
name was bought by his firm
Amaquest Pte Ltd in 1997, from the
then owner Hornby.
This F-16 replicates the Block 52
airframes flown by Singapore,
and for those unfamiliar with
Academy’s ‘Vipers’, they offer
stunning detail including moulded
cockpit features, fine engraving
and a splendid array of fuel tanks,
countermeasures and targeting
pods, and weaponry (JDAM
bombs, AGM-88, AIM-9 and AIM-
120 missiles, Litening/Sniper and
more). Decals for F-16C airframes
‘620’ and ‘645’ are provided,
for 140/143 Sqns respectively,
but spare serials are offered to
portray other aircraft in the fleet.
Visit: www.hobbybounties.com for
further details.
STRIKEMASTERS
MIGHT not be as
popular as their Jet
Provost progenitor,
but Miniwing has
provided the first kits
of the type in 1/144,
with these newly tooled
twin-sets.
Each comprises two
runners, plus separate
one-piece canopies, and
supplies sufficient parts
for two models. Cockpit
detail is basic, but includes
an instrument panel and
two ejection-seat ‘shapes’.
The exteriors are the
highlight, with fine engraved
panel lines and provision of tip- Ecuadorian and New Zealand
mounted and underwing fuel tanks; aircraft, while there are Kuwaiti,
an empty pylon is supplied for the Sudanese and Botswanan machine
inboard hardpoint. As ever with in Mini322. These are great value at
Miniwing, the real fun lies with just £11.70 each…
the markings, and there are three and surely inspiration for one’s
options in each boxing. Mini321 own Strikemaster air force! See:
supplies decals for Saudi Arabian, www.miniwing.cz for more details.

View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 11

 SHOW SCENE
DIARY DATES

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

Euro Miniature
Expo
Date: September 22-23
Hosts: Messrs Kirtley, Wharton,
Hopwood and Hopwood
Address: The Leas Cliff Hall,
Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ
Times: Sat 9.30am-5pm
Sun 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults £7 per day or £11
for both
Email: eurominiatureexpo@gmail.
com
Web: www.eurominiatureexpo.
co.uk

September 8
Hosts:
CSM & IPMS SW Cornwall Show
Cornwall Scale Modellers &
15 Aberdeen Scale Model Show
Hosts: Aberdeen Modeller’s Society
28 E-Day
Hosts: Eduard
1-2 Medway Model Show IPMS SW Cornwall Address: Double Tree by Hilton Aberdeen Address: Výstaviště Lysá, Masarykova
Address: Penhaligon Building, Cornwall Treetops Hotel, 161 Springfield 1727, 289 22 Lysá nad Labem,
Hosts: Medway Modelling Club
College, Trevenson Lane, Pool, Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 7AQ Czech Republic
Address: Royal Engineers Museum,
Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3RO Times: 10am-5pm Times: 9am-6pm
Prince Arthur Road, Brompton,
Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £5, under-12s and Prices: Adults CZK 100
Gillingham, ME4 4UG, Kent
Prices: Free concessions £2 under-15s CZK 50
Times: 10am-5pm
E-mail: csm.cornwallmodelshow@ E-mail: johnpascoe77@btinternet.com E-mail: info@eduard.com
Prices: Adults £8.80, children £4.40,
hotmail.com Web: www.aberdeenmodellers.co.uk Web: www.eday.cz
concessions £7, under-5s free
Web: Cornish Scale Modellers
E-mail: kimmary18@hotmail.com
(Facebook)
Web: www.re-museum.co.uk
23 Keighley Model Show 29 Abingdon IPMS Show 2018
Hosts: IPMS Keighley Hosts: Abingdon IPMS
9 IPMS ChIltern Show Address: University Academy, Greenhead Address: Larkmead School, Abingdon,
2 ASVC Wombourne Show 2018
Hosts: IPMS Chiltern/Beds MAFVA Road, Keighley, BD20 6EB OX14 1BB
Hosts: IPMS ASVC Wombourne
Address: The Weatherley Centre, Times: 10am-4pm Times: 10am-4pm
Address: Library and Community Centre,
Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Prices: Adults £3, under-16s £1 Prices: Adults £3
Church Road, Wombourne, South
Beds, SG18 8JH E-mail: keighleyplasticmodelclub children £2
Staffs, WV5 9EZ
Times: 10am-4pm @gmail.com E-mail: jv44sf@gmail.com
Times: 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults £3, OAPs £2, under-16s £1 Web: TBC Web: www.abingdon-ipms.
Prices: Adults £4, concessions £3,
E-mail: barrywood123@hotmail.co.uk blogspot.com
under-16s free
Web: N/A
E-mail: martyn_crowther21@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.asvcmodelclub.co.uk 23 Wings & Things 2018 Model Show
Hosts: IPMS Fenland & Spalding 30 St Ives Model Show
15 Modelfest 2018 Model Club Hosts: Brampton IPMS
Hosts: IPMS Farnborough Address: University Academy, Holbeach, Address: Burgess Hall, Westwood
2 East Riding Of Yorkshire Show
Address: Kings International College, Park Road, Holbeach, Spalding, Road, St Ives, Cambs,
Hosts: IPMS Bridlington & Wolds Watchetts Drive, Camberley, PE12 7PU PE27 6WU
Address: Rix Pavilion, Kelleythorpe, GU15 2PQ Times: 10am-4pm Times: 10am-4pm
Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 9DN Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £2, OAPs £1 Prices: Adults £1.50
Times: 9.30am-4pm Prices: Adults £4, concessions £2, E-mail: ipms.fenlandandspalding concessions 50p
Prices: Adults £3.50, under-15s free under-16s free @gmail.com E-mail: bramptonshow@hotmail.co.uk
E-mail: kevindolman31@hotmail.co.uk E-mail: modelfest@virginmedia.com Web: www.fenlandandspalding.wixsite. Web: www/sites.google.com/site/
Web: www.bridscalemodelclub.org.uk Web: www.ipms-farnborough.co.uk com/ipms ipmsbrampton

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

 MISSION
MODELS
PREMIUM HOBBY PAINTS, PRIMERS & ADDITIVES

CHANGE
THE
WAY
YOU
PAINT

WATER-BASED ACRYLIC  ODORLESS  NON-TOXIC

WWW.MISSIONMODELSUS.COM
P l e a s e vi s i t Mi s s i o n Mo d e l s fo r de a l e r lo c a t i o n s

MissionModels_FP.indd 1 13/07/2018 09:09

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X

Chris Jones rates Revell’s brand-new

1/48 scale Beaufighter Mk.X very highly,
after building this test-shot

ristol’s twin-engined sweeps over the Bay of Biscay, Mach 2-capable Lightning entered tooled quarter-scale Beaufighter

B Beaufighter was a stalwart

of Allied air power during
World War Two, being a big,
powerful, heavily armed, and true
multi-role aircraft.
sank a phenomenal amount of
shipping, and struck countless
ground targets. Post-war, the
Beaufighter served in many
ways, including ground-attack
squadron service!

Bring out the Beau

Beyond its versatility, it was
tough and served in all climes,
from the icy chill of Norway, to
the arid heat of the Western
Desert and humid Asian jungles. It
downed bombers at night during
the Blitz, flew long-range fighter
operations during the Malayan
emergency and as a target tug.
Amazingly, for a design that
first served during the Battle of
Britain, the last RAF Beaufighter
flight was by a TT.Mk.10 on May 12,
1960, just two months before the
The last few years have been
extremely kind to fans of this
iconic aircraft, with superb 1/72
early and late Mk.X kits from
Airfix, Mark I Models’ many 1/144
offerings…and Tamiya’s older 1/48
Mk.VI and TF.X versions. However,
for those still left yearning, Revell
has stepped forward with a newly
TF.X. After a test-shot arrived
at Airfix Model World,, it seemed
prudent to build this impressive
beast straight from the box.
There was an immediate sense
of wonder at the sheer amount
of plastic on offer, as the box was
crammed with a seemingly vast
number of runners, but closer
inspection revealed Revell was
actually catering for several
differences between early and

 Revell did a great job of representing the Beaufighter’s cockpit framework, but take care  The undercarriage bays were multi-part affairs, which were well detailed, fitted
not to trim the locating tabs by mistake…they looked suspiciously like runner gates! perfectly into the nacelles and looked first class once completed.

14 Airfix Model World


late TF.X airframes, so
much of the plastic was
optional. In short, rather
than produce early and late
boxings, it’s all in a single
package, which is great news for
the impatient.
Decisions, decisions
If noses are your thing, then fear
not, because Revell included three
options, with early smooth, early
camera, and late-radar thimble
present, alongside standard and
‘filleted’ tail fins. Early and late-
style horizontal stabilisers were
also provided — the latter featuring
the correct enlarged elevators.
Three types of observer
cupola should
be present in the production kit,
but just one featured in AMW’s
test-shot. Turning to the engines,
standard/cropped supercharger
 Before the wing halves could be mated, the wheel wells, landing light assembly and flap
trailing-edge frames had to be attached…but the fit was flawless.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X
intakes were available, along
with extended-length tropical
versions, and although the test-
Kit decals
Owing to the nature of test-shot builds, they aren’t always supplied with decals
shot included just smooth engine
and a placement guide until the final production stages. In this case, while
cowls, the instructions showed the
markings were included with AMW’s example, the guide wasn’t ready, but it was
production version will also offer
clear two schemes would be available:
the more regular style, with small
• NE429/P6-S, 489 Squadron RNZAF, Scotland
cylinder head protrusions. The
engine cowling nose rings featured • RD467/QM-J, 254 Squadron, RAF North Coates
faceplate detail, and although on
many Beaufighters these were
smooth, it’s always much easier to
fill engraved panels than attempt
to scribe them neatly.
Two styles of wing leading-edge
oil cooler intakes were supplied,
along with optional propeller
spinners. Regarding the wings, it
should be noted the kit represents
the standard/early, rather than
the late-production types, which
incorporated different wooden tips
and a removable underside panel
for when Avro Bomb Gear fairings
were installed (this was sometimes optional parts, if an item moved both wing interiors and flap inner
labelled the Mk.XII wing). Most on a real Beaufighter, it could be faces was excellent, and devoid of
intriguingly perhaps, several positioned variously on this kit. The ejector pin marks.
‘Easter eggs’ were also present on canopy hatch, observer’s cupola,
the runners, including night fighter front and rear ventral access doors More to choose…
radar antennas and an alternative could all be opened/closed, and Finally, both Lockheed
rear fuselage bulkhead, suggesting every control surface (including and BLG tailwheel styles
more to come. flaps) could be shown raised/ were included, along
Aside from the vast array of lowered/deflected. The detail on with different wing
 The interior was adequate for modellers wanting an out-of-the-box build, but scratch-
builders could have a field day, adding the many aft fuselage avionics boxes.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 15
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X

tip light arrangements. Regarding Bristol Beaufighter TF.X

MODEL SPEC
the payload, just a torpedo was
included, and although rocket By: Revell
projectile baseplates/fairings were Stock Code: 03943
present, there were no rails or
Scale: 1/48
rockets, and wing bomb carriage
wasn’t catered for either. Perhaps Price: £36.99
the most obvious omissions were Available from: www.revell.de/en
the dorsal IFF aerial, and the
noticeable strike camera fairing
fitted above the canopy on thimble-
nosed Beaufighters. However,
a basic aerial can be fashioned
from scrap plastic and the DF loop
transparency could be modified
 To ease painting, the main interior sub-assemblies were tackled separately from the to represent the strike camera, so
seats and mmo boxes, before it received gloss varnish, an oil wash and detail painting. perhaps all isn’t lost! Built by Bristol
The panel lines could perhaps From the outset,
Although the instrument panel provided
raised detail, the dials were blank. While have been more obvious in several it’s worth noting
it was feasible to cut pieces from the areas, but various techniques such the production kit
kit decal, on this occasion it was as post-shading could remedy this. is unlikely to be
decided to simply use the At this point, a note of gratitude moulded in the test-
whole item. must be extended to Terry Higgins shot’s glossy
of Aviaeology (www.aviaeology.
com) for his input during this
project. Although he would most
likely reject the label, Terry is
without a doubt the recognised black-grey styrene. During the
authority on the Beaufighter, normal sanding that occurs with
and his extraordinary research any project, the shiny surface was
has appeared in previous issues inadvertently removed in places,
of AMW (May 2015 and July to leave what appeared to be a
2016). The Beaufighter TF.X is horribly scratched skin, even when
an incredibly in-depth subject using sensible grades of abrasive
Chipping effects, courtesy of silver
if one dares to scratch beneath paper. Rest assured though, no
pencil, and stippled silver and
Cockpit Green paint, were the surface. Pick any plastic kit, plastic was blemished unduly
finished with dusted and there will always be areas of during this build…it just looked
AMMO-MIG’s European intricacy, variation and nuance worse than it was!
Earth pigment. that do not make the transition With that in mind, construction
from reality to styrene. As Terry’s began with the Beaufighter’s
previous references demonstrate, capacious interior. Test-fitting
there are plenty of smaller items revealed a perfect join
that can be added or modified between the main
if the individual is in search of fuselage halves,
Beaufighter perfection. However, which had no
for those content to build straight ejector pin marks
from the box, there is already to spoil the lovely
plenty to enjoy. interior detail. The only areas that

16 Airfix Model World


needed filling were a handful of
easy-to-access locations in the
cockpit. It was clear excellent
design work was at play here;
the ‘office’ framework was well
rendered and effective, and
although the instrument panel
sported raised detail, this wasn’t
extended to the dial faces.
However, a decal was included,
which was utilised on this occasion
(although one could punch the
dials individually).
Moulded seatbelts also featured,
and these appeared presentable
when coloured. Most internal parts
were secured at this stage, but to
ease painting certain items (such
as the instrument panel), seats
and cannon magazines weren’t
fixed permanently until later. After
applying Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X
Green, Alclad’s ALC-600 Aqua
Gloss (www.alclad2.com) provided
a base for a subsequent oil wash.
Moulded detail was
accentuated
with acrylics,
and although it may
seem counter-intuitive, the latter
actually adhered well to a glossy
surface, with the added advantage
that small errors could be removed
with a sharp cocktail stick.
Xtracolor’s XDFF Flat Varnish
muted the interior, before
weathering commenced with  With the interior complete, the fuselage halves mated without any fit issues.
Silver Prismacolor Pencil along
edges that would be exposed to
wear and tear. Citadel Runefang
Steel (www.games-workshop.com)
was then dry-stippled/stumped
(similar to dry-brushing but with a
stabbing motion) in various areas,
before more Cockpit Green was
applied in a similar manner. Finally,
AMMO-MIG A-MIG.3004 European
Earth pigment (www.migjimenez.
com) was applied lightly to the
floors to simulate trodden dirt.
After removing any excess paint
from the mating surfaces, the  Don’t forget to paint the sides of the cockpit on the lower fuselage part (which
is moulded integrally with the lower wing half). The drooped flaps option was really
fuselage halves were secured with
attractive, with not an ejector pin mark in sight, thank goodness.
Revell Contacta Cement and left However, since Beaufighters were rarely seen parked with flaps
to dry. Attention then moved to down, it was decided to pose them raised, which required
the wings. just minor modification.
 To make undercarriage
assembly less painful, the
legs were drilled to accept
brass rod axles, so the
wheels could be added later.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 17
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X

Mainplane delights surfaces were also attached at

It was impossible to
pre-assemble the The multi-part main
elevators, due to their undercarriage bays exhibited
design, which made superb detail, and these must be
gluing and sanding a assembled and secured along
delicate task. with the landing light framework
and trailing-edge frames, before
the wing halves could be mated.
Once more the fit was perfect,
but although the instructions
suggested the ailerons could be
attached later, the locating rods
must be trimmed to facilitate this.
Regarding the former, a rather
strange asymmetry was present
regarding a certain square hole
present on one item, but not
 The miniature Hercules engines were well detailed, with no need to neaten any moulding the other. This was bizarre, and
seams, as the cylinder sides were invisible after the cowls were assembled.
something that (after consulting
scale drawings) should have been
filled, but such is life.
After leaving the wings and
fuselage for at least four days, the
panel lines across the seams were
deepened, after which the joins
were sanded and the airframe
was assembled. Tape was used
to secure everything temporarily
and the subsequent wing-root fit
was superb, but that above the
cannon ports wasn’t as good,
and required a dash of filler. The
fin fillet and separate control
this point, but due to the way
they joined the airframe it was
impossible to pre-assemble them.
This made it tricky to deal with
the seams without damaging the
delicate attachment points but,
with care, all was well.
‘Tweaking’ parts
The supercharger intakes were
only attached after the Hercules
radial engine ‘power eggs’ were
assembled. This turned out to
be a good move, because they
actually sat slightly further forward
than the locating recesses would
suggest, to avoid a gap with
the cowls. After using Milliput
Superfine White to deal with
several areas, it was almost time to
attach the transparencies. Firstly
though, to prevent breakages

 A pin vice and drill bit widened the cylinder locating holes, and although the cowl  Before attaching the gunsight, the mounting bracket must be trimmed, or else it will give
assembly appeared daunting, it actually went together very well. the pilot a black eye!

18 Airfix Model World


and ease masking/painting, the
barrel for the navigator’s .303 cal
Browning was removed. A pin vice
was then brought into play and
Albion Alloys’ telescoping brass
rod (www.albionhobbies.com) was
used to pin the barrel, so it could
be attached at the end of the build.
More modification was required
for the cockpit, as unfortunately
the pilot’s gunsight assembly must
be reduced before attaching it to
the windscreen…to prevent any
1/48 pilot figure headbutting it, as
it sat too far out. Frustratingly, the
canopy also required a modicum
of effort to fit, and the instrument
panel had to
be trimmed,
so tape
and Tamiya
Extra Thin
Cement
were used to
apply extra pressure and
adhesion. Beyond this, the front
canopy seam didn’t match a panel
line, so this area required blending
via Black Milliput, which avoided
the risk of unseemly white filler
appearing inside the cockpit.
Once neatening was completed,
 White Milliput was used in several areas, while the same company’s black filler was
employed around the canopy, as this would be less visible through the glazing.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X
 The paint
scheme was
deceptively
tricky to mask,
thanks to all the
curves. Tamiya
Masking Tape for
Curves (trimmed
into thin strips)
was vital, and
Maskol helped in
a couple of areas.
quite ‘scrappy’ by that point, so the power egg sub-assemblies were
entirety of the primer was left off until the end to facilitate
removed with isopropyl painting and weathering.
alcohol, before it was
re-applied neatly to cover Curvy-wurvy
the contrast between After a 3:2 mix of XF-2 Flat White
the White Milliput and and XF-21 Sky was airbrushed
black-grey plastic. The kit’s onto the underside, and a light
Hercules engines were gorgeous, protective coat of gloss varnish
with creditable effort from Revell applied, masking began for the
to represent the exhaust collector upper tone. For such a seemingly
XF-63 German Grey primed the rings and associated pipework; mundane paint scheme, there was
seams, before remedial work overall, the cowling components a considerable amount of tape
addressed any blemishes. Although fitted extremely well, although involved, particularly in the curved
the second primer coat was filler was required just to neaten transitions around the wing leading
effective, the airframe appeared the joins. Once completed, the and trailing edges. Home-mixed
 A home-made mix of Extra Dark Sea Grey was airbrushed, followed by lightened base
colour shades for an initial mottle, before a darkened hue created further tonal variation.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 19
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
BEAUFIGHTER TF.X

Extra Dark Sea Grey was applied
to the upper surfaces, and treated
to light and dark mottles, ahead of
the base hue being re-applied over
certain panel lines and panels.
The kit decals performed
splendidly after glossing, with
Micro Sol employed where
necessary to help them conform.
Further gloss varnish sealed
the markings, then the airframe
was muted with XDFF Flat
Varnish, before more weathering
commenced. A highly diluted
2:1 mix of XF-64 Red Brown and
black provided a sense of grime
in panel lines, plus oil streaks and
staining, after which more panels
were shaded with thinned ‘neat’
Extra Dark Sea Grey. The roundels
received a faded look via XF-55
Deck Tan, which was also mottled
over the entire airframe.
Good vibrations
It was discovered during final
assembly that a fair amount of
trimming was required to attach
the main gear legs, notably on the
retraction jack and rectangular
frame, to enable them to fit into
the wheel wells. Previously, the
mainwheels were plugged before
they and the main legs were drilled
to accept brass rod axles. This
allowed the wheels to be added
right at the end of the build, with
the weighted sections positioned
correctly. Araldite was used in
sparing quantities to achieve this,
then the axle holes were filled with
Milliput, which was smoothed via
damp cotton buds and painted
Runefang Steel.
After drilling holes for the aerials
earlier in the build, the main
unit was created from EZ-Line
Fine Smoke elastic thread (www.
modellingtools.co.uk), while
similarly coloured invisible
thread was employed for the Gee
whip antenna and everything
else comms related. One of the
most interesting features of
Beaufighter finishing was the red
dope used to secure fabric over
repairs, inspection hatches and
the wing root fillets (where the
screws could vibrate loose due to
cannon vibration). This could vary

 Great care was needed when neatening the delicate undercarriage parts, but they looked
stunning once assembled.

 It is hard to speak more highly of the

kit decals; they were splendid, and settled
with just minor assistance from Micro Sol.

 Subtle chipping was created via a

sponge and brush, both used almost dry,
on the leading edges. More staining was
added by applying grimy oil washes to
areas of footfall.

 Various metallic, grey and black acrylic

tones were applied both neat and slightly
thinned, via dry-brushing/stippling to
weather the cowl rings. Note, the faceplate
join was smooth on many Beaufighters.

20 Airfix Model World

  The propellers were weathered in a similar fashion to the engine cowl
rings; due to this test-shot’s lack of a painting guide, the spinners were
black, but late in the build a photo was discovered that suggested they
may have been white/sky...
in neatness on real aircraft, so
Vallejo’s 70.957 Flat Red was hand-
brushed to re-create this. Pigment
, 1 :4 8
dusting on the wheels brought the 0 3 9 4 3 e a u fi g h te r T F .X
project to completion. B r is to l B

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best TF.X in town. What’s more,
judging from the runners,  Edges on both sides of the green frame and those marked in red must be
there’s more to come! reduced to get the gear legs to fit.

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For more details check out our
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Exhaust and cannon staining was

provided via highly diluted XF-85
Rubber Black, while a black/red-brown Revell GmbH, Unit 10, Tring HP23 4QR
mix accentuated the panel lines. Tel: 01296 660 291
Email: ukbranch@revell.de

Trade enquiries welcome

 FREE PRIZE DRAW
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T
hree lucky Airfix Model and comprise 36 x 1/48, 12 x 1/72 other kit manufacturers. on the ‘Competitions’ tab at the
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undercarriage sets with a total there are examples for Airfix, e-mails are no longer acceptable; alternative and Key Publishing’s decision is final.
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value of more than £750. Trumpeter, Hasegawa, Tamiya, instead, readers will need to go Publishing, their family members or anyone else
All three prizes are equal in size Revell, Wingnut Wings and many to the AMW website and click professionally connected to the company.

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NEW SERIES ON
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This first volume in European Airlines’ new series
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many colour profiles, ISBN: 978-82-93450-04-7
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The Battle of France - Then & Now ..........£44.95 Japanese Secret Projects Vol.2 .................£25.00 USAF F-86D/K/L ...................£15.99
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No.1 Blackburn Buccaneer ......................£15.00 The Boeing 337 Stratocruiser & KC-97 NFAF216 USAF in Vietnam ....................£33.99
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in the 21st Century .......................£35.00 Post-War Transports .................................£23.95 NFAF218 Lockheed F-94 Starfire ...........£33.99
No.3 Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (The A-4 Ahit’ The Fw 200 Condor – Complete History ..£29.95 NFAF219 Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech£14.95
in Israeli Air Force Service) ............£22.99 Wrecks & Relics (26th edition) ................£18.95 NFAF220 Northrop YF-23 ATF ...............£42.99
No.4 Vought A-7 Corsair II (The LTV A-7E/H DOUBLE UGLY NFAF221 Consolidated Vultee XB-46 ..... £19.99
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in The Canadian Service)1961 – 1986 ....£30.00 AFService 1969 - 1988............................£39.99 Avro Lancaster – 1941 onwards (all marks)£22.99
LTV A-7D/K Corsair II (The ‘Sluf’ in USAF & USANG 2 Israeli Phantoms – The “Kurnass” in IDF/AF Avro Shackleton 1949-1991 (all marks) ...£25.00
Service) 1968 – 1993 ..........................£26.99 Service 1989 until Today .....................£39.99 Bristol Blenheim 1935-1944 (all marks) ..£25.00
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1960 – 2004 ........................................£39.99 1960 – 2004.....................................£39.99 (all Marks) .............................................. £19.99
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Jan & Tony’s retail counter is open at AF9, 4 Horton Parade, Horton Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 8EP. We are open for business Monday thru
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13/07/2018 09:49
 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125

Garry Tobiss tackles his first car build

for AMW with the superb multi-media
W125 from new entrant Southern
Cross Miniatures

T
he Mercedes Benz W125
was designed and built
specifically to participate
in the 1937 Grand
Prix racing season. It boasted a
massive Mercedes M125 5.66 lit
eight-cylinder in-line engine, with
a power output that made it the
most potent track car for almost
three decades. The design was
very successful, winning in its first
race, and in the 1937 Swiss Grand
Prix, W125 entrants finished in the
top three places. However, Grand
Prix rule changes were introduced
shortly afterwards, which limited
engine size and car weight, so
the W125 no longer qualified for
official races.
Antipodean newbie
This is the first kit from Southern
Cross Miniatures, and featured
top-quality casting/moulding
and engineering. It arrived in a
well-presented box, with artwork
depicting the W125 in all its glory;
components comprised resin
parts on 14 blocks, plus a separate
single-piece chassis. These
were accompanied by 12 turned
aluminium rings for the wheels,

The miniature Mercedes M125 engine was a highly detailed unit,

and comprised more than 20 finely cast components.

 One of the modifications suggested by

the Southern Cross Miniatures website
(which improved on the kit instructions)
concerned removal of raised areas (green)
on the back of the cylinder head facings.

24 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125

Racing livery
As there was no team sponsorship back in the 1930s, the kit decals were decidedly
minimalist, but exhibited good register and opacity.

 The basic engine block required just minor neatening of the seams, which testified to
Southern Cross’ excellent castings and engineering.

 With the addition of PE grilles, panels and caps, much refinement was added to the
powerplant, while additional resin components completed this splendid sub-assembly.

 Sufficient decals were provided to represent several race

cars, along with dashboard dials. Note the variations in the two-
digit vehicle numbers, with one slightly smaller than the other;
care was needed to ensure these were positioned correctly.

 The smaller second sheet supplied Mercedes’ iconic logos,

plus several data placards.

four vinyl tyres, three photo-
etched (PE) metal frets, a clear
windscreen, two metal springs,
flexible wire, a white styrene
runner (for the body shell parts),
a separate styrene main body and
two decal sheets. The resin parts
were excellent, with virtually no
casting flaws (such as bubbles or
short-shot areas).
This was my first car build for
many a long year, so consulting
a reference was essential. AK
Interactive’s superb ‘FAQ Complete
Guide for Civil Vehicles’ (see p.76,
May 2018) was studied for several
hours to make sure nothing was  The main chassis frame was cast as a single piece, without any sign of blemishes or
warping, and was engineered impressively.
missed (www.ak-interactive.com).
Work started by separating all  The rear-wheel drive was a complex unit, but assembled without issue.
resin parts from their respective
casting blocks. Most were simply
snipped with fine cutters, before
all were neatened by sculpting and
sanding. The usual precautions for
handling this material were taken
and a respirator was used when
there was any danger of resin dust.
The work area was also cleaned
regularly, with dampened kitchen
roll. A chance inspection of the
Southern Cross Miniatures website
revealed extra information on

www.airfixmodelworld.com 25
 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125

the kit, including corrections to

Parts for the front wishbone
included two metal springs,
with the resin items oozing
refinement; the main support
for the rear suspension was
of similar quality.
 While the resin interior, which comprised a steering wheel, instrument panel/dashboard
and floor pan was detailed admirably, further enhancement was provided by PE parts,
notably the dials and foot panels.
 Ignition cables were fashioned from lengths of plastic-coated wire, attached to holes
drilled into the resin wiring loom.
certain parts (see photos), changes
to the assembly sequence, and was
Getting spoked
invaluable for this project.
Southern Cross supplied three well-
designed PE frets, with the most
Lights out…Go!
intricate parts being the wheel
The engine was the first element
to be tackled, being assembled as spokes, with four pieces supplied
far as possible before paint was for each unit in the pursuit of
applied. All parts came together scale accuracy. Other items were
well, with just minimal filler needed similarly detailed, notably the lower
to hide any gaps, before the base plates, cockpit floor and rear
powerplant was primed with several suspension covers.
thin coats of Mr.Finishing Surfacer
1500 Gray (www.albionhobbies.
com) from a spray can. Once
this had dried thoroughly, it was
checked for imperfections and
airbrushed with Alclad ALC-101
Aluminium over ALC-305 Gloss
Black Base Primer. The rest of the
engine was then masked, before
the cylinder heads received ALC-
112 Steel, as did several sections
of un-assembled pipework. At this
stage, the resin powerplant was
mostly completed, and ready to be
added to the chassis.
Reference photos revealed the
firewall and instrument panel had a
brushed metal finish, with circular
patterns visible on the surfaces.
Attempts to replicate this via metal
powders and the ends of cocktail
sticks were unsuccessful, so the
façades were painted either ALC-
101 Aluminium or ALC-107 Chrome.
Decals were provided for various
data plates, plus the instrument
dials, so these were applied next.
Finishing touches to the engine
were only possible once the firewall
was secured to the chassis. Black
plastic-coated wire was cut to size

26 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125

and added to the resin pipework,

which had holes drilled along
its length in accordance with
the instructions — the former
represented cylinder spark-plug
leads, and these were settled onto
the engine top, with reference
photos used as a guide.
The front suspension came next,
and featured a well-engineered
wishbone; two metal springs
were sandwiched between these
and other resin pieces to create
a convincing miniature replica.
Assembling the rear suspension
followed. The gearbox needed
remedial work to rectify the
seams, with Super Glue and a
small amount of metal powder, but
this didn’t take long to address.
 Upside-down strips of masking tape, secured with yet more lengths,
were a simple way of holding components in place for spraying; parts
can then be added as necessary prior to them receiving paint.

Note, although shown on the
instructions, the axles weren’t
added at this point, to allay
concerns over how the wheels
would locate. Substantial test-
fitting and adjustment was
needed to make the gearbox
and rear suspension ‘sit’
properly, but once done, the main
chassis and associated parts were
completed, and ready for the
bodywork to be added.
High-speed silver
Modifications to the build sequence
were suggested on the Southern
Cross website; these made sense,
because they involved joining
several of the body pieces, before
they were attached to the chassis.
This was just as well, as there were
gaps to be filled, and this would
have been difficult to achieve if
the instructions were followed
verbatim. Seams were neatened in
the same manner as the gearbox,
with Super Glue and metal powder.
Everything was then sanded
ready for the primer, and all parts
were inspected for blemishes —
metal finishes are notorious for
their unforgiving nature when

 After unsuccessful attempts to replicate

the instrument panel’s brushed metal
With the addition of the engine block to the chassis, the model really began to take shape. appearance, it was sprayed with ALC-101
Aluminium and the decal dials applied.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 27
 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125
Even without the body shell, the rough
shape of Mercedes’ racing car was
becoming apparent after the addition of
the dashboard and steering yoke.
it comes to highlighting surface
imperfections. The real W125s
were unpainted aluminium, so out
came the ALC-305 Gloss Black
Base again. This was applied to
both sides of all body shell parts,
28 Airfix Model World
followed by ALC-101 Aluminium.
A further check of the surfaces
revealed a small ‘sag’ of primer on
one of the wheel arches, so this
was sanded gently and the painting
process repeated for just this
 The enormous eight-pipe exhaust was added to the engine…note the scratch-built brass
supports and lengths of coiled wire, all added to match photos of the real machine.
small area to rectify the situation.
Further checks on the finish were
made just to be absolutely sure
everything was smooth, before
the main body shell was joined
to the chassis. The configuration
appeared straight, so the
remaining exterior components
were added.
At this point, it became apparent
the front section was misaligned
slightly, but this was resolved via
a tiny sliver of wood, which was
wedged between the air filter and
the body shell. To hide this ‘tweak’,
the sliver was painted black. Once
done, the final rear suspension
parts, which featured
integrally cast
lightening holes,
were covered
with optional
PE items; with
hindsight it
would have
been better to
leave off the
brass parts
to showcase
the excellent
casting detail instead.
Although the suspension
struts didn’t fit exactly into
their respective locking tabs,
the join was hidden by the
bodywork, so they were simply
glued to the chassis.
At this point the drive shafts,
which ran from the gearbox to
the rear axle, were added, and
the car was then put aside to
let everything cure, while focus
shifted to the wheels. These were
approached with considerable
circumspection, because they
appeared so complex and delicate.
The instructions, along with
additional photos on the SCM’s
website, were studied carefully
before assembly began. First, the
spokes received brush-painted Mr.
Metal Primer (www.albionhobbies.
com), followed by ALC-305 Gloss
Black Base and finally ALC-107
Chrome. The website suggested
painting the wheels silver, but the
quality of the turned aluminium
rings was such that they were left
au naturel. With slight trepidation,
the first PE spoke was eased gently
into the wheel ring. If the reader
looks at the panel describing the
PE components, it’s apparent
the circumference of each spoke
section has gaps. These enabled
each piece to simply pop into place,
and created the characteristic
Mercedes Benz W125
MODEL SPEC
By: Southern Cross
Miniatures
Stock Code: MC-001
Scale: 1/20
Price: £145
Available from:
www.southernxmin.com
 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125

slight outward bulge…brilliant.
Emboldened, and ensuring the
correct part was chosen and then
orientated correctly, PE spoke
number two went on — again, no
dramas. These parts were then
sandwiched via the middle wheel
ring, the hub added and the
process repeated for the other
side (see panel). With the metal
components placed flat on the
table, the vinyl tyre was then eased
gently over the sub-assembly,
and the result was a jaw-dropping
spoked wheel in 1/20 scale!
Final lap
Attention returned to the car’s
main body, with ALC-600 Aqua
Gloss Clear applied via airbrush,
to protect the metal colours

Supreme spokes
Never having built wheels such as these before, I was rather apprehensive when
faced with this multitude of turned and photo-etched metallic components, but the
kit’s superb engineering resulted in four convincing wire-spoked wheels.

 With the second item in place, the characteristic appearance of a wire-braced wheel was
created, and this replicated the crossed-spoke pattern superbly, with just the gentlest of
pressure needed to position it correctly.

 Three milled aluminium rings were supplied for each wheel, to which the PE sections were
added in turn. Here the first has been positioned on a rim, and the second is ready to attach…
note the small gaps in its circumference.

 After the final PE elements were added to the second aluminium ring, all that remained was  The completed wheels ready for the tyres; while perhaps not too apparent, each side of the
to join the two sub-assemblies to the central hub. spokes bulged outwards from the rim to the hub, just as on the real vehicle.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 29
 ADVANCED BUILD
MERCEDES BENZ W125

 In contrast to the rest of the kit, the

body shell comprised eight pieces of
crisply moulded white styrene.

 The seat support was modified by

adding a scrap resin brace, as per the
suggestion on the Southern Cross
Miniatures website.

However, there was a small ‘sting
in the tail’, as the windscreen
support’s locating lugs were
spaced slightly too close together
and therefore didn’t fit into their
respective holes on the body
shell. This was an unexpected and
challenging complication, because
with all the decals applied, it
would have been difficult
to rectify such a
visible issue.
After much pondering, one lug was
removed, before the support was
fixed to the body; the offending
hole was filled with a tiny piece of
lead wire to cover the remaining
small gap — phew!
In went the seat and on went
the side mirror, followed by the
tiny bonnet clips. Last of all was
the steering wheel, which had
a decal in the middle that fitted
over a bulged shape, but careful

and prepare for decaling. The minimise silvering.

car chosen for this build was #12,
driven by Rudolf Caracciola, winner
of the German Grand Prix on
July 25, 1937. A word of caution;
the number decals were slightly
different for the areas ahead and
behind the driver, with the leading
and trailing digits being smaller
respectively. As much carrier film
as possible was removed before
the markings were applied, to
Everything was then
left to dry, while the seat
was assembled and painted
with a custom grey-blue mix. A
limited black and Raw Umber pin
wash highlighted the rivets, seat
detail and fuel cover. The rear
exhaust section was then added;
note there was a distinct join
on the actual car, so no attempt
was made to neaten the seam.

Most of the body shell was assembled prior to painting, again as recommended
by supplementary guidance on the company’s website.

30 Airfix Model World

 Materials
at a glance
AK Interactive
www.ak-interactive.com
AK894 Intermediate Gauzy Agent

Alclad II
www.alclad2.com
ALC-101 Aluminium
ALC-107 Chrome
ALC-112 Steel
ALC-305 Gloss Black Base
ALC-600 Aqua Gloss Clear

DACO
www.dacoproducts.com  The lop-sided seat comprised three parts, while the transmission cover/
DACO Decal Setting Solution Strong instrument panel support (bottom right) was provided with a pre-formed
hole for the ignition wires.

positioning and DACO Decal

Setting Solution Strong (www.
dacoproducts.com) made the
decal conform. Two products
featured in the FAQ book then
appeared – AK894 Intermediate
Gauzy Agent and AK893 Glass
Coat Gauzy agent. The former is a
‘Shine enhancer’ and was used to
brush paint the steering wheel and
mirror for a high-gloss finish. Tests
were also conducted to airbrush
the product on a spare model with
 Equally, parts for the front brake discs (right), rear suspension (middle), plus
very good results — no more need exhaust (bottom) and wheel hubs (left) all exuded quality; the T-shaped items
to scavenge for Future Klear floor (top left) were added to the chassis rear once the body shell was in place.
polish. The Glass Coat is designed
for dipping clear parts, but for this The two AK Interactive products arrived
car there was just one small item, late in the build, and while the Shine
so this product will be saved for Enhancer (left) proved an excellent way
use with the next build. to apply acrylic gloss coat, the Glass Coat
was reserved for a future project.
Grand Prix winner
What a great kit! The multi-media
presentation and a few minor
fit challenges mean it’s not for
complete beginners, but if one
has some reasonable modelling
experience then a wonderful 1/20
scale representation of this famous
racing car can be created. A
stunning debut.

The sweeping lines of this powerful racer were apparent

after the body shell had been attached…just the seat
and various small details remained to be added.
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
VAMPIRE T.11/J-28C
IMMORTAL TRAINER
Having previously built Airfix’s 1/72
Vampire T.11 straight from the box,
Alan Price employs the recent
re-release to produce a Swedish
J 28C version, with aftermarket extras
A
irfix’s Vampire T.11 was
first released in 2013,
and rightly received
much praise as it was
easy to assemble, well detailed and
offered colourful markings options
– what was there not to like?
It has since been re-boxed with
a choice of RAF and Swedish Air
Force schemes, but otherwise
the contents are unchanged.
Having whetted my appetite with
a basic build (see May 2013 issue,
p53-58), I looked forward to this
opportunity to embellish the kit
with aftermarket products, notably
the large cockpit.
Cockpit conundrum
The twin-boomed trainer’s
fuselage served as the starting
point, and while tiny, it featured a
large cockpit aperture that cried
out for extra detail. CMK’s 7293
32 Airfix Model World
Interior Set (www.cmkkits.com)
was acquired for this purpose,
but the fit proved problematic,
so it wasn’t used in its entirety.  Airfix’s seats (left) were replaced with CMK’s resin items (middle), although the latter
Instead, several resin components must be modified (right) to sit at the correct height.
were salvaged, namely the rear
decking, ejection seats and Much surgery was required to
the wings; first the ailerons were
control columns. The styrene
removed, to allow CMK’s resin
parts were assembled as per the replacements to be fitted.
instructions, along with unpainted
brass components from Eduard’s
comprehensive 73480 Vampire T.11
upgrade (www.eduard.com). A very
dark grey mix (to produce a scale
representation of the real cockpit’s
black colour) was then airbrushed
and, once dry, the innards were
dry-brushed with light grey, to
highlight the raised detail.
All interior parts received a
gloss varnish in preparation for
a thin black wash, which settled
into corners and recesses,
magnifying the depth effect. Only
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
VAMPIRE T.11/J-28C

SWEDE AND CRAB

Airfix’s liveries were an exercise in contrast, from a High Speed Silver and Day-Glo
orange RAF airframe to an olive green and grey Swedish Air Force machine:
• Vampire T.11, K624/32, Central Flying School, RAF Little Rissington,
Gloucestershire, England, 1970
• Vampire J-28C, SE-DXU/14/S (ordered by Austrian Air Force), flown and
maintained by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, Sweden, 2006

Next, the flap panel lines were

scored repeatedly, before being cut
along each side, which allowed them
to be snapped cleanly from the wing.

A small area on the

inboard wing must
also be removed, to
allow the flap unit
to fit snugly.

then were the pre-painted PE styrene alternatives. The wings

items attached, starting with the
seatbelt harnesses, which were
complex and required care to
assemble and shape correctly.
The instrument panel and
interior parts followed, before
the completed cockpit interior
was matt varnished. This sub-
assembly was inserted into one
fuselage half, before the latter was
mated with its opposite number.
Wing surgery
Czech firm CMK provided new
ailerons, elevators and rudders in
its Vampire T.11 Control Surfaces
package (7292). Notably, the latter
components exhibited a slightly
different and more accurate shape
when compared to the kit parts,
but there appeared to be little or
no discernible difference between
the other resin items and their
were modified by first scoring
along the elevator joins several
times, before a jeweller’s saw was
employed to cut the end sections;
the elevators were then snapped
gently from the mainplane. After
neatening the join, test-fitting  Repeated test-fits and trimming were needed to ensure alignment, with tape employed
revealed the resin replacements to hold parts temporarily.
were approximately 20-thou
(0.5mm) short, so a plastic card
shim was added to the inboard
wing edge and filed to achieve
a perfect fit; CMK’s components
were then set aside for later.
Airfix’s styrene landing flaps
would be replaced by Eduard
PE alternatives, which must be
folded before being test-fitted;
note they weren’t added at this
stage as the wing must be secured
to the fuselage first. Air intakes
were painted and
assembled,

www.airfixmodelworld.com 33
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
VAMPIRE T.11/J-28C

After problems adding CMK’s

resin cockpit, certain parts
were employed to embellish
the kit styrene, including the
centre console and control
columns, while lead wire and
scrap plastic improved the
rear bulkhead’s appearance.

 The fuselage interior received several PE refinements; unpainted components were

secured prior to the interior colour being airbrushed.

 CMK’s excellent resin seats received PE harnesses and firing handles, while the kit  Rather than just black, the cockpit was sprayed dark grey, before the detail was dry-
instrument panel was improved greatly via Eduard’s pre-painted console. brushed with pale grey and a black wash was applied to any recesses.

then attached to the aircraft
body, before attention turned
to the tail booms. These were
built separately, and the rudders
removed (to allow the fitting of
resin replacements), after which
they were glued to the upper
wing…CMK’s horizontal stabiliser
was positioned temporarily to
aid alignment. Once the glue had
cured, the wing was mated with the
fuselage and set aside to dry.
The lower wing was tacked onto
the mainplane with tape, to ensure
the correct placement of the
inboard PE flap inserts, and much
dry-fitting ensued; once satisfied
with the result, these were secured
and the lower wings attached.
Gear flexibility
Airfix suggested the main
undercarriage legs be added
before the wing halves were mated,
but having built the kit before, I
knew a simple modification (cutting
the locating tabs in half vertically)
allowed them to be fitted later, so
they were omitted until further
down the building process to avoid
accidental breakages. As the next
stage was to neaten all the joins,

 The flap inners fitted perfectly, thanks to all the prior testing, but unfortunately CMK’s
ailerons were slightly short, and scrap styrene was needed to fill the gap.
 Generally, the parts fitted well, but the upper wing needed careful alignment, due to all
the previous cutting, which inadvertently removed sections that promoted a seamless join.

34 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
VAMPIRE T.11/J-28C

 Having established a method of attaching the extended flaps with sections of brass tube,  The resin tail surfaces all located well, though the kit plastic was slightly ‘short-shot’
they were test-fitted to ensure there would be no issues later. around the horizontal/vertical tail mounting point, which required filling and sanding.

damage to such delicate parts of each flap, with holes drilled into in place of the styrene part, as the
could happen easily! the wings to accept them. This cast detail was far superior. Tamiya
The kit’s fit was good, and proved suitably sturdy, and the Tape then covered the glazing; this
minimal filling and sanding was flaps were dry-fitted to ensure a was burnished, before the framing
required, so this aspect took little neat join, after which they were set was cut with a new scalpel blade
time; sink marks on the wings were aside to be painted…these were — the excess was then removed
also addressed at this stage, via added during final construction to carefully to reveal perfectly
Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Surfacer (www. avoid damage during handling. masked canopy sections. Finally,
albionhobbies.com). Resin Eduard’s exterior panels weren’t the open cockpit was covered and
control surfaces used, as they appeared overly the model was ready for paint.
from CMK were thick, and would be noticeable
then attached, on such a small model. Prior to Greens and greys
along with attaching the front and rear fixed An application of Mr. Surfacer,
that firm’s cockpit sections, it was decided sprayed directly from an aerosol
horizontal to fit CMK’s resin rear decking can, acted as a primer. This was
stabiliser, which
required filler at the
joins as the inner faces of
the styrene tail booms were
short-shot slightly.
With clean-up completed, the
outboard flap insets were glued
to the wings, after which the flaps
themselves were folded. These
were meant to attach to tiny PE
strips, which projected from the
bottom of the wing inserts, but
these were weak and two fell off
while the latter were being shaped.
New mountings were required,
and these were fashioned from
thin brass tube, added to the side

De Havilland Vampire
MODEL SPEC

T.11/J-28C
By: Airfix
Stock Code: 02058A
Scale: 1/72
Price: £9.99
Available from: www.airfix.com

www.airfixmodelworld.com 35
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
VAMPIRE T.11/J-28C

 With major construction completed, the undercarriage bays were detailed with PE and  CMK’s lovely aft deck was glued into the cockpit, before the front and rear canopy
the main gear legs attached. sections were attached.

 The upper surfaces of the PE flaps were sanded lightly to help subsequent paint layers  After Mr.Surfacer primer and black pre-shading, the undercarriage bays and flap inserts
adhere, after which the canopy and open cockpit were masked. received aluminium and were masked prior to the camouflage tones being airbrushed.

sanded gently with 3,200-grade
Micro-Mesh abrasive cloth. A
basic black pre-shade was then
airbrushed along the panel lines,
after which the undercarriage
bays and flaps were treated with
Alclad II ALC-101 Aluminium (www.
alclad2.com) and then masked
in preparation for the upper and
lower camouflage colours.
During the 1950s and 1960s,
Swedish aircraft were painted
with olive green upper surfaces
and a medium grey tone on the
undersides. Airfix suggested
Humbrol’s 155 Olive Drab for the
former, but a surprisingly darker
hue, 27 Sea Grey for the latter.
Reference photos of this aircraft
indicated the lower surfaces were
much lighter, so Mr. Hobby’s H53
Neutral Grey was selected instead.
Once dry, the underside was
masked and the upper surfaces
were airbrushed with H52 Olive
Drab. Instead of using the kit
decals for the wing high-visibility
panels, these areas were masked
instead and undercoated in white;
followed by a mix of red and H24
Orange Yellow once dry.
After allowing the paint to cure
for 24 hours,
the model
received gloss
varnish to
seal the paintwork and prepare for
decaling. The latter were applied
with Microscale’s setting solutions,
which helped them conform to the
panel lines. Once the markings had
dried, the model was wiped with
warm water and a piece of kitchen
paper to remove any decal residue.
Further gloss varnish sealed the
decals, before the panel lines were
treated with Flory Models Black
Wash. Undercarriage bays and

36 Airfix Model World


flaps received a different wash;
this comprised an equal mix of
Johnson’s Klear and water, to
which a small amount of black
acrylic paint was added.
Concluding refinements
Numerous parts required ‘tweaks’
prior to final assembly. While the
flaps were painted along with the
airframe, the upper trailing edge
of the outboard items received
Olive Drab, as it formed part of the
upper wing surface when closed.
The undercarriage doors were
sprayed ALC-101 Aluminium and
H53 Neutral Gray on the inner and
 Gloss varnish prepared the model for decaling, which was a quick task, as the markings
were few in number compared to the alternative RAF scheme.
outer faces respectively, whereas
the underwing drop tanks were
coloured with just the latter tone.
The jet exhaust featured a finely
moulded nozzle lip, and this was
neatened before being painted
with Humbrol 27004 Gun Metal
— this would be polished later.
Wheels received aluminium hubs
and the tyres dark grey. Once all
these parts had dried, they could
be positioned, starting with the
flaps. As these had previously been
test-fitted, they were attached
without issue, and were all drooped
at the same angle. The wheels and
undercarriage doors were then
fastened to the airframe, along
with the drop tanks.
With completion in sight, it was
decided to adopt a satin finish,
courtesy of Mr Paint’s MRP-126
Super Clear Semimatt varnish,
which was airbrushed in several
light coats. Masking on the cockpit
and canopy was removed, and
the ejection seats added, before
the glazing received a PE centre
frame and was secured in the
open position. Finally, wing-tip
navigation lights were painted
silver, prior to red and green clear
colours being applied to port and
starboard respectively.
 Panel lines were emphasised with a black wash, before a much thinner mixture was
applied to wheel wells and flap inserts.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
VAMPIRE T.11/J-28C
Vampire verdict
As with the company’s original
release, Airfix’s re-issued T.11 was
a delight — well detailed straight
from the box, but the additions
described here raised it to a
higher level. From this modeller’s
perspective, Eduard’s PE ensured
the most improvement, although
CMK’s resin seats were superb,
and made a splendid addition
to the cockpit. However, the
resin control surfaces appeared
to add little, and it’s down to
individual choice as to whether
the work required to fit these
aftermarket items is worth it.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 37
 IN FOCUS
SWEDISH VAMPIRE

Jan Forsgren documents the history of Swedish two-seat

Vampires, where the type was known as the J 28 C

SVENSKA
SCHOOLHOUSE
I
n the summer of 1945, included funding for fighters and deal was possible mostly due to the was the first Swedish fighter
just as World War Two jet engines until the fiscal year very good connections between design with swept wings and there
was about to end, the 1946-47. This was welcomed by RAF and Flygvapnet officers. were many near-accidents and
Flygvapnet (Swedish Air the Flygvapnet as it opened all the A total of 380 Vampire F Mk.1 and crashes, and the Vampire also had
Force), was intent on strengthening doors to jet-powered aircraft…ten FB Mk.50 airframes were delivered its share of incidents, which might
its operational capability, and years later it would be the fourth to Sweden, where they received have been avoided with different/
obtaining jet-powered aircraft. largest operator of such machines. the designation J 28 A and B improved pilot training. The
The charismatic Air Force The Tunnan would be operational respectively, and the single-seat argument was that human factors
Commander, Bengt G. in five years, but jets were needed fighter was operational between were responsible for many of the
Nordenskiöld dictated that: “…the immediately. Fifty P-51D Mustangs 1946 and 1955; except for 78 J incidents since 1946.
main emphasis must be the fighter (J 26) were bought as a stop-gap 28 Bs, which were transferred in
aircraft”, and furthermore: “…all solution, and after a quotation 1956 to the F 5 wing and served Airborne classrooms
fighter force must be jet powered – from de Havilland was received there until 1965. In January 1952, 20 DH 115
or we shouldn’t be up in the sky at in November 1945, an order for When the Flygvapnet increased Vampire Trainer Mk.55s were
all!” His generals all agreed. 60 Vampire Mk.1s was placed in the number of jet combat aircraft, ordered for delivery between
January 1946, for delivery between the number of crashes and February and July the same year,
Interim fighters May 1946 and late 1947. This quick fatalities increased. The Tunnan and a further ten were purchased;
In June the Swedish Parliament
appointed the 1945 Defence
Committee to formulate a
new defence doctrine, based
on wartime experiences. The
committee’s work would not
resolve the short-term problem of
jet fighters, but would have a far-
reaching effect on the Flygvapnet.
SAAB duly received a design
contract for a jet fighter in the
autumn, which eventually resulted
in the J 29 Tunnan.
Vampire 28442, delivered as a J 28 C-2 in November 1955. Note the Day-Glo bands on the nose and tailboom, and yellow number 72.
The Swedish Government’s
(Archive SFF - Swedish Air Historic Society)
decision in December 1945

38 Airfix Model World

 IN FOCUS
SWEDISH VAMPIRE

Vampire 28459 J 28 C-3 F 5-96; this was one of the dozen J 28 Bs re-built in 1959, at the F 5 training wing airfield. (Archive SFF, photo
Nils-Arne Nilsson)

SE-DXU in a low pass at an airshow during a further 100 hours. November 1955 and March 1956. The Air Staff based at F 8 had
2013. Note the heraldry on the nose and In February 1955, a second They differed slightly to the earlier several aircraft on loan from F
white-outlined yellow S, for the third division order was signed for additional delivered Mk.55, with the most 5, flying inspection tours, and
of F 14 in Halmstad, where it served as a
T Mk.55As, which were delivered visible change being the clam these were retained until 1968.
trainer before being transferred to F 5.
directly to the F 5 wing between shell-type canopy (which made it An interesting fact is that almost
much easier to enter and exit the half of the on-loan Vampires were
SWEDISH AIR FORCE VAMPIRE UNITS cockpit), and an improved fin with written off in accidents, all during
a dorsal fairing, but were unarmed. ‘general training’ at the F 8 base,
Wing Location J 28 A J 28 B J 28 C Because of these differences, the mostly on the ground.
F-3 Malmslätt 1951-55 new aircraft was designated J 28 In April 1966 the SAAB Sk
C-2, and all previously delivered 60 began to replace the J 28
F4 Frösön 1952-56 1954-55
examples became the J 28 C-1. C, and by 1968 all Vampires
F-5 Ljungbyhed 1955-65 1955-68 A need for yet further trainers were scrapped, except for two
F8 Barkarby 1949-68 1963-68 The Air Staff had some J 28 was identified, and in 1957 it was airframes — one that can be found
B and C on loan from F 5 decided to rebuild 15 J 28 Bs to in the Flygvapenmuseum, while
the C standard. Forward fuselages the other is in a private facility.
F9 Säve 1949-55
were bought from de Havilland There were a handful of J 28 C
F 10 Ängelholm 1951-55 and the Centrala Verkstaden Vampires flying in Sweden back
F 11 Nyköping 1953-55 J 28 B Reconnaissance Malmslätt (CVM - the Central in the 1990s, all bought from
Workshop in Malmslätt, the F 3 Switzerland…one crashed, two
F 13 Norrköping 1946-52 wing base) rebuilt the airframes, now reside in museums, two
F 14 Halmstad 1953-57 1954-55 28 B Ground attack which were labelled J 28 C-3s, for were sold abroad, with just one
F 15 Söderhamn 1952-56 1953-55
delivery in 1959. remaining in ‘at home’.

F 18 Tullinge 1950-55 1953-55

The trainer pilot, a student
F 20 Flygvapnet 1952-55 and a mechanic standing by a
Academy Vampire J 28 C-1, marked F 5-56,
F 21 Luleå 1953-55 J 28 B Reconnaissance with the original canopy. (Archive
SFF, photo Sven Kihlberg)

these would arrive in late 1953.

They were stationed at F 4 and
F 15, which served as fictitious
training wings, with the aircraft
receiving the designation J 28 C.
Three had the early T.11-style fins,
but apart from that the Vampires
were otherwise identical, with the
early type canopy.
Up until 1955, the jet fighter
student would fly the Sk 50 Safir
for 50 hours, the Sk 14 (NA-16) or
later the Sk 16 Texan (see AMW Dec
2016, p.54) for 100 hours, all at the
F 5 trainer wing at Ljungbyhed,
before final jet instruction in the
single-seat Vampire at F 4 or F 15.
Ljungbyhed didn’t have tarmac
runways until 1954, and soon after
that all training was moved to that
base, then with the light trainer Sk
50 for 80 hours and the J 28 C for

www.airfixmodelworld.com 39
 IN FOCUS
SWEDISH VAMPIRE
SE-DXU in a roll at the
Gothenburg Aero Show 2013
at the old F 9 wing airfield.
Flown by the Swedish Air
Force Historical Flight, but
owned by a museum, this
is the only flying Vampire
in Sweden. (All photos Jan P
Forsgren unless stated)
Colours and markings
When the aircraft were transferred
from different wings to F 5, they
each had individual coloured letters
to identify division (squadron)
and airframes. These were
changed to numbers (because the
trainers were regarded as ‘other’
aircraft, as opposed to military
machines), from 51 to 104. All such
identification codes (positioned
on the wing, nose and fin) were
painted yellow on camouflaged
aircraft and black on those with
bare-metal finish.
All Vampires manufactured in
Britain and delivered to Sweden
were painted originally according
to the Flygvapnet’s regular
camouflage colours, which were
semi-gloss olive green KFF 325 and
light blue-grey KFF 058, including
the second batch of J 28 Cs. Those
from the latter group were very
soon stripped of all paint and just
the wooden forward fuselage was
repainted in ‘silver’, specifically a
shade called Aluminium Bronze.
All other parts of the aircraft were
kept in bare metal, which oxidised
beautifully. From 1956 onwards,
40 Airfix Model World
approved by the commander
himself. Those adornments
stayed on until the aircraft were
renumbered at F 5.
When transferred to the trainer
wing, anti-collision Day-Glo Du
Pont paint (later replaced by
Scotchcal 3483 Yellow-Orange
decals), was prescribed for the
Vampire fleet. These comprised
a series of bands of varying
widths; 12in (305mm) on the
nose, 24in (610mm) on the tail
booms, two 12in (305mm) around
the horizontal stabiliser (not the
elevators) and 36in (915mm) on
the wingtips (the ailerons retained
their usual airframe colour).
As with everything else,
exceptions, if not common,
still occurred. For most of their
Swedish service, Vampire trainers
were designated J 28 C, but in the
mid-1960s the trainer abbreviation
was changed from Sk to SK, but
de Havilland’s two-seaters were
instead listed as fpl 28 (fpl, short
for flygplan - aircraft). So, despite
what other historical accounts may
state, the Vampire was never
called SK 28 C.
VAMPIRE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
J 28 A J 28 B J 28 C
Powerplant: Svenska Flygmotor RM1 / Svenska Flygmotor RM1A /
Goblin II at 1350 kp (3000 lbs) Goblin III at 1500 kp (3340 lbs)
the camouflaged J 28 Cs, when Wingspan: 38 ft (11.59 m)
overhauled, were stripped of
Length: 30 ft 9 in (9.37 m) 34 ft 7 in (10.55 m)
paint in a similar manner to the
C-2s, and eventually all Vampire Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
trainers received this new livery. Wing area: 262 ft2 (24.34 m2)
The cockpit was painted black (as
on British aircraft), while the wheel Empty weight 7,975 lb (3,626 kg) 8,120 lb (3,690 kg)
wells, main undercarriage and Mtow: 10,560 lb (4,800 kg) 11,110 lb (5,050 kg)
inside of hatches were aluminium
Internal fuel load: 330 gal (1,498 l)
bronze, and the nose landing gear
light grey. External fuel load: 2 x 100 gal (2 x 454 l)
It was strictly forbidden to paint Max. speed: 560 mph (900 kph) 553 mph (890 kph)
any individual symbols or signs,
Cruise speed: 528 mph (850 kph)
but some aircraft transferred from
the fighting wings had a coat of Service ceiling: 42,800 ft (13,045 m) 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
arms with a crown and the county Range: 1,220 miles (1,960 km) 1,102 miles (1,755 km)
heraldry on both sides of the nose,
Vampire J 28 C-2 28451 F 5-81, delivered in February 1956. This aircraft now resides at the Flygvapenmuseum, located near the F 3 wing
airfield. (Archive SFF)
 Bf 109G-10
Mtt Regensburg
1/48

NEW TOOL
AUGUST 2018 # 82119 www.eduard.com

By modellers, for modellers

The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkstone

22 & 23 September 2018
Opening times 9:30 to 16:00

Euro Miniature Expo

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Lester Plaskitt M .Kontraros - F. Farabi

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p041_AMW_Sept18_ad.indd 1 13/07/2018 09:51

 OUT AND ABOUT
IPMS SALISBURY 2018

 Thames Valley
Scale Model Club’s Greg
Woodbridge proudly howed
off this beautifully made
Supermarine
Walrus, built from the
new Airfix 1/48 kit.

 Kevin Peart is renowned as a

talented figure modeller. His display
included this impressive 1/10 bust of
famous World War One pilot Albert
Ball, using the Hawk Miniatures kit as
a basis, but with re-sculpting and eye-
catching detail painting.

the area, having done so each

Wyvern Wonders
year for around two decades.
This event is also well-known
for its extensive multi-class
competition, staged in a separate
downstairs room. This year’s
contest was especially busy, with

G
ood weather usually and well-attended gathering took a significant number of model particularly eye-catching entries
heralds the annual place at its customary location clubs and traders to be present, in the civilian vehicles category.
model show staged in the sports hall/gymnasium of and one of the most impressive Further details of IPMS
in Wiltshire by IPMS Wyvern College at Laverstock, displays was fielded by IPMS Salisbury’s activities and
Salisbury, and this year’s event in the rolling countryside on Salisbury itself. The host club meetings can be found at http://
was no exception. the outskirts of Salisbury itself. is now a veteran of running ipmssalisbury.co.uk
Held on June 2, this friendly The venue’s large size allows for a successful model show in Malcolm V Lowe

 An IBG Models 1/35 Bedford QL-series kit was the source of this major conversion into a  With the 1/35 Bronco Models kit as a starting point, Les Clancy of West Middlesex Scale
recovery machine with scratch-built winch/crane, which won Gold in the competition class Model Club created this eye-catching British Army A10 Mk.IA CS close-support tank, as
for civilian vehicles. (All Malcolm V Lowe) operated in Greece during 1941.

 Trevor Griffiths of Poole Vikings Model Club displayed this Jagdpanzer 38(t) ‘Hetzer’  The Asian Air Arms SIG exhibited this 1/144 Boeing 737 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning
made from the 1/35 Tamiya kit, in a setting entitled ‘The Waiting Game’, and won Silver in and Control) platform in South Korean markings, converted from Revell’s Boeing 737-800
the large-scale military vehicles competition class. kit by Brian Griffin.

42 Airfix Model World

 Online Mail order hobby shop
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Stores.ebay.co.uk/Oxonians
User Name : Heepdrutt

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We have Decontamination Vehicle model kits available - but

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37 FISHERTON STREET, SALISBURY SP2 7SU

Come for a day in Salisbury. Great walks, Cafes,
and Cathedral for the family; a great hobby shop
for you! See website for full details!
www.salisburymodelcentre.co.uk

p043_AMW_Sept18_ad.indd 1 13/07/2018 09:55

 ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2

Fire
Airfix’s 1/72 Vulcan B.2 may be old, but
still has plenty of life, as demonstrated
here by Jan Forsgren

God
A
vro’s iconic Vulcan needs
little introduction, being
arguably the best-known of
the V-bombers (along with the
Victor and Valiant).
Designed to form part of the
UK’s nuclear deterrent, the Vulcan
subsequently proved itself as a
low- and high-altitude conventional
bomber, air refueller and (briefly in
1982) anti-radar missile launcher.
This project was inspired by the
final flight of the last airworthy
Vulcan, XH558, in October 2015,
and utilised Airfix’s 1/72 kit;
appropriately, the current boxing
is the ‘Vulcan to the Sky’ Gift Set,
which commemorates 50 years of
the type with markings for XH558/
G-VLCN during 2009-10.
Many modellers have attempted
this offering (and its predecessors),
as despite its age, there aren’t any
major shape issues…it simply looks
good. That said, certain aspects are
crude or lacking when compared
to modern offerings, yet there’s
nothing that can’t be improved/
rectified. With that in mind, what
could be better than embellishing
the kit with scratch-build extras,
#600 and becoming progressively
Avro Vulcan B.2 finer. Good references were vital
MODEL SPEC

for the scribing to follow, and it

By: Airfix
was found that most three-view
Stock Code: A50097 Vulcan diagrams differed, so they
Scale: 1/72 aftermarket were used in conjunction with
resin and White photographs of the real aircraft.
Price: £38.99
Ensign Model’s Most re-scribing was done before
Available from: www.airfix.com (WEM’s) photo-etched assembling the fuselage and wings
(PE) brass. — this way the parts could be rested
on the workbench.
Engraver’s lament An Olfa P-cutter (www.olfa.co.uk)
The kit’s raised panel lines were and Bare-Metal Scribing Tool (www.
addressed before construction bare-metal.com) were employed
began, with several grades of Wet here, the latter being ideal for
and Dry abrasive paper, starting at concave surfaces. A pin vice with

44 Airfix Model World


a needle served for making round,
oblong and other-shaped panel
lines, in concert with pre-cut steel
templates and/or flexible metal
rulers. This was a time-consuming
task, and any mistakes were
corrected with thick cyanoacrylate
(CA) adhesive. It’s recommended
to mark all lines with a pencil
before starting, as it’s easier to
finish at a transverse line, rather
than attempt to stop at a certain
point…a good plan
fromthe outset meant
less time filling/sanding
and re-scribing.
Cavernous opening
With the scribing
completed, attention turned
to the bomb bay doors,
which were removed with a
knife and razor saw. After
 All the panel lines were marked on the wings, and fuselage upper and lower sides, with a
sharp pencil after the kit’s raised lines had been sanded. The circled air vents were removed
as the chosen aircraft had a different powerplant fitted.
ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2
the opening had been neatened,
each door was cut where it hinged,
before the length was adjusted and
end plates from WEM’s exterior set
(PE7255B) were attached. As the
doors’ inner faces would be visible,
they were thickened with plastic
card and putty to match photos of
real aircraft.
The 68 PE bomb bay components
were separated from the frets
and neatened, before most were
 All access hatch rivets were created with RB Productions’ Rosie the Riveter (www.
radubstore.com). Several panels were emphasised by adding thinned 10-thou (0.25mm)
plastic card. Note the round hole for the 3.5mm Little-Lenses landing light.
 The corners of the PE bomb bay frame have been placed in a bespoke wooden jig, and
soldered, while the frames were positioned temporarily.
placed in a purpose-built jig and
soldered. First, the vertical sides
were assembled, before the
bomb arches were placed in their
respective slots and soldered.
This method made for a stronger
structure than if CA was used…and
was tested inadvertently, when it
was dropped accidentally!
Due to excessive handling,
and use of soldering paste, the
bay innards were then cleansed
thoroughly with Mr Muscle oven
cleaner, prior to the application
of Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Metal Primer  Most items were soldered on the exterior faces, to avoid disfiguring the interior, but this
(www.albionhobbies.com). Finally, wasn’t done for the bomb arch flat sections. Note the arches are vertical, while the latter
the parts were airbrushed very should have a slightly curved edge in the middle, otherwise it was impossible to fit.
 Shaped pieces of thin plastic card were added to prevent an unsightly seam at the
bomb bay ends. The PE bay structure would rest against the 1.5 x 1.5mm styrene strip at
the front end.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 45
 ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2
Volcanic
additions
Airfix’s Vulcan has been subject of
numerous aftermarket products, and
the following were employed during
this project:
Freightdog (www.freightdog.co.uk)
72002 Avro Vulcan Mk.2 Series 202
tailpipes
Flightpath (www.djparkins.com)
Avro Vulcan B.2 detail set
Mastercasters
(www.mastercasters.co.uk)
MST72004 Avro Vulcan Mk.2 Resin
Weighted Wheels
White Ensign Models
(www.whiteensignmodels.com)
PE7255A Avro Vulcan Interior
PE7255B Avro Vulcan Exterior
PE7255C Avro Vulcan Bomb Bay
PRO7206 Modern RAF 1,000lb GP Bomb
– Vulcan Pack of 7
Master Model (www.master-model.pl)
AM-72-018 Refuelling Probe – NATO
standard
Little-Lenses
(www.modellingtools.co.uk)
Lenses Round Clear 3.5mm
Whirlybird Accessories
(www.whirlybirdmodels.com)
WBA72054 Fire extinguishers
PJ Production (www.pj-production.be)
721205 Martin-Baker Mk.3 Ejection Seat
Phase Hangar Resin
(www.phasehangarresin.com)
72001 Avro Vulcan Seamless Intakes
46 Airfix Model World
pale grey (almost white) with
Tamiya acrylics.
White Ensign’s instructions
suggested the assembled bay
should be inserted through the
fuselage opening, but as the
latter was narrower than the PE
structure and the airframe deeper,
it was decided to fit it from the
inside. As the forward section
of the vertical fin’s locating slot
would potentially be visible, it
was removed and the gap sealed
with plastic card. To make the
completed bay more realistic,
 Further plastic strips were added to the bomb bay corners as location guides for the
several 20-thou x 30-thou (0.5 x completed structure, rather than inserting it from the underside, as suggested by WEM.
0.75mm) styrene strips were glued
to the inside of the upper fuselage. when the fuselage was closed.
There were many issues
Busy office fitting the cockpit side and
The cockpit, and air electronics instrument panels inside the
operator/navigator compartment fuselage; much brass was
also received extensive PE removed and the upper
improvements; just the pilot’s seats section was thinned
were missing, and it’s possible to considerably above
add much more than described the latter panel.
here. Gluing/soldering the parts Once satisfied,
was straightforward, and the rear the cockpit PE
panel was painted before assembly, was attached
along with all the smaller panels. to the lower
The detailed rear-crew seats fuselage.
received plastic card cushions, The access
back- and headrests, before being ladder was
painted light green. supplied
While the cockpit walls were flat, and
detailed adequately, the rear
area was improved with styrene
strip framing, before the floor
received a brown hue and all
other surfaces were coloured
very dark grey and then dry-
brushed. Before the rear floor
and instrument panels could be
attached to the lower fuselage,
both parts must be trimmed. The
seats were fixed to the floor after
the compartment was added to
the fuselage, as they seemed
slightly oversized. The centre
(fixed) seat was the last
to be attached, and
duly became
the first to
break loose

 The first dry-fitting of the fuselage interior looked good, but the cockpit needed
excessive trimming to prevent it fouling the upper nose half.
each step must be folded almost
90°. It was painted white as a base
colour, then yellow and finally
the steps black and red, before
being secured between the lower
fuselage (close to the crew entry
opening) and the cockpit floor.
Inlets to exhausts
Detailing the airframe began with a
set of Two Mikes Resin (now Phase
Hangar Resin) seamless intakes,
which also supplied crisply cast
engine turbine blades. The former
had good and bad points; there
ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2
 Four pieces of strip styrene would hold the cockpit in the correct position, although the
front undercarriage bay wall (Part 20) must be fettled and added from inside the bay to fit.
was no seam to neaten, but the fit
was just as good (or should that be
bad?), as the styrene originals. The
intakes received Tamiya X-2 Gloss
White, before a test-fit revealed
there was insufficient space for the
bomb bay in the wing…but a big file
solved that! Curiously, there was
a recess for the bomb bay at the
rear of the resin intakes, which was
also present in the styrene parts,
despite Airfix never including a
bomb bay. Medium-viscosity CA
secured the intakes, which were
attached to the lower fuselage.
To provide additional strength
to the wings, and ensure they
were completely horizontal,  White Ensign’s PE cockpit was complex, with 84 parts, and some of the rear cabin
three diameters of brass tube remained visible when the fuselage was closed. The small booklets weren’t included, but
and a length of piano rod were were tiny renditions of previous articles by the author!
slide-fitted, and cut to match the
wing interior, with each metal
join soldered for strength. The
rear fuselage held the bulged tail
cone with ECM facilities, and Airfix
provided this as a separate part.
Obtaining a satisfactory fit with the
rear fuselage and fin wasn’t easy,
especially as the resin Series 202
jet pipes by British aftermarket
firm Freightdog (see panel)
required the removal of
 Despite all WEM’s additions, further detail was needed on the upper fuselage interior,
almost 1in (25mm) of
in the form of boxes and frames, with white wall panels closer to the operator instrument
styrene. However, panels, as per Newark Air Museum’s Vulcan, which was used for reference.
it was easier
The PE instrument panel was enhanced by
acetate instrument bezels, plus side and
central consoles. A few areas were
painted red and yellow; these
contrasted with the dark
grey innards.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 47
 ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2

 The aftermarket seamless air inlets were attached to the fuselage centre section with  A brass rod was attached to the lower fuselage half at four points to ensure the wings
medium-viscosity CA. Note the amount of weight in the nose. were level. The styrene strips immediately behind it constituted the upper fuselage support.

to make a strong tail for the
Vulcan after a support was built
with styrene rod at the rear of
the shortened fuselage. The resin
tailpipes then replaced the kit’s
simple items, although the wings
must be trimmed for them to fit
properly. After all this assembly
and cutting, just a few areas
required filler, one of these being
the fuselage/tail cone join.
At this stage it was ascertained
how much nose weight was
needed to prevent the model
from tail-sitting,
so the airframe
was assembled
with tape and balanced on an old
triangular-section ruler. Weight,
in the form of various-sized metal
nuts, was then placed onto the
nose until it tilted downwards;
to make sure, a further 25g of
lead was added into the forward
fuselage and then secured with
epoxy adhesive.
V-form
To minimise fit problems, the
upper wing halves were added
to the fuselage before the latter
was assembled. The bomb bay
was held in position by styrene
strips inside the lower airframe
and on the bomb bay ceiling,
before the fuselage was closed.
This was tricky, as the entire nose
section (with cockpit and the crew
compartment) was still slightly
oversized, which resulted in a small
gap between the fuselage halves.
To resolve this, the nose section
was mated separately,
with much attention focussed
on joining the upper and lower
airframe correctly, with 0.3mm
styrene strips pushed into any
gaps and masking tape securing
the fuselage, while the alignment
was checked.
The wing is a potential weak
point for any large model, and excellent…after remedial sanding
when handling the Vulcan during and re-scribing on the underside,
the build, it was easy to apply even those joins were deemed
too much pressure and crack the more than acceptable.
leading-edge seam. A quick fix
was to cut several sprue pieces Refined features
and attach them to the upper Prior to wing assembly, it was
wing, where they would act as apparent the trailing edge was
braces, minimising any flex. At last, rather blunt, but even more so
the lower halves were added; a
further alignment check ensured
there was no anhedral/dihedral.
While assembling the model
this way was unorthodox, the
upper fuselage/wing seams were

 Freightdog’s resin Olympus 201 tailpipes were shortened to represent -301 exhausts,  The fuselage was joined in two stages; first the nose section was held firmly via a clamp
then shaped to fit the rear fuselage, and enhanced the exhausts considerably. and tape, before two clamps secured the rear.

48 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2

 The lower wing halves received two styrene spacers, to strengthen the wings and prevent  Hard labour…trimming the wing trailing edge. It’s always good to prevent damage with
damage when handling the model. tape when using abrasive tools; despite this, there was much re-scribing on the wings.

when the halves were joined. A
coarse file was employed to thin
the elevators and ailerons, followed
by various grades of abrasive
paper, but it was impossible to
produce a sharp edge, because
that would mean thinning the wing
ahead of the elevators and the rear
fuselage. The prominent aileron
counterweights were sanded to
less than half their original size;
on the underside, these were
reproduced with pieces of 10-thou
(0.25mm) plastic card, before
they too were sanded, to produce
rounded edges. The elevators
were next to be modified, and
these featured uneven hinge
detail, notably the groove. A razor
saw cleared the slot between
elevator and exhaust, while the carefully; one method was to make
gap near the aileron was sanded a razor saw jig for two identical
and new thin panel lines made on cuts as far as the splitter plate
either side. was deep, with the saw guided
The kit’s thick splitter plates were by a vertical plastic card. Note,
replaced with 10-thou these new items must
(0.25mm) plastic card. blend with the inner
This wasn’t a big surface of the air
operation if intake’s short vertical
approached segment. At the same

 The fin ready to fit to the fuselage (top), compared to the original (bottom). Note the  All four oil coolers required Blu Tack blanks to prevent ‘see-through’, while the air vents
shortened locating stub, to avoid it fouling the bomb bay. required adjustment to fit on the underside.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 49
 ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2

 After all seams were sanded, any lost detail was re-scribed, with a template used to aid  The larger mainwheel doors were embellished with PE, while the smaller, v-shaped units
recreating the wing leading edge/fuselage panel lines. were scratch-built. Nosewheel and crew entry units received plastic card outer ‘skins’.

time, the small air intake between the depth sufficient to fit the
the splitter plate and fuselage was undercarriage. Unfortunately,
drilled and shaped. The cutting WEM’s parts were designed to
guides were then removed (for fit the kit bays, and therefore
use on the next Vulcan) and any repeated the shape error. With all
fuselage damage repaired. major construction completed,
As the chosen airframe was panel lines were filled and sanded,
to be an early 1970s B.2, XL425 before lost detail and panel lines
assigned to 617 Squadron at RAF were re-scribed.
Scampton, it lacked the radar-
 White primer was applied to all crew access hatch/ladder parts, before the latter were warning receiver modifications
painted yellow and weathered with brown paint. Hydraulic actuators were scratch-built from depicted in Airfix’s kit. These
piano wire and brass tube. were removed from the vertical
stabiliser and tail cone (but the
upper fairing should remain),
along with twin underwing bulges
(which represented Skybolt
missile pylon attachment points)
and four exhausts on the forward
engine access doors (not fitted on
Olympus 301-powered aircraft).
Once these areas were smoothed,
the ventral cooler and air vent
parts, were modified so the
former wouldn’t be ‘see-through’
items, while all required fettling to
fit correctly.
White Ensign’s PE landing gear
 Once assembled, the ladder looked highly realistic, and was secured to the lower bay components were well-
fuselage via the two locating tabs and actuator jacks. More of the latter were attached to designed, but it was felt more
the nosewheel doors. was needed for an accurate
representation, so (while studying
reference photos) lead wire and
rods were added as required.
Note Airfix’s wheel wells
are shaped incorrectly;
they should be simple
rectangles, with

 The mainwheel bays received similar treatment; the smaller units comprised 0.8mm
brass tube and 0.5mm piano wire, while the larger involved 1.5mm brass and 0.8mm wire.

50 Airfix Model World


 There was minimal detail on the landing gear, so they were modified via PE and scratch-
build extras. The nose gear was extended slightly, after studying reference photos.
Huge canvas
After priming the airframe
with diluted Mr. Hobby Mr. Base
White 1000, X-2 Gloss White was
selected for the underside, with
Xtracolor shades for the Dark
Green/Medium Sea Grey upper
surfaces. Reference photos of
XL425 were followed to ensure
the hard-edged camouflage
pattern was set correctly with
Tamiya tape and Parafilm (www.
parafilm.com). Conveniently,
fündekals (www.fundekals.com)
released a stunning package of
Vulcan decals (currently out of
production), which contained
all the necessary markings and
most of the airframe stencils. Best
of all, the instructions provided
notes on how to build accurate
representations of the Vulcan
throughout its RAF service.
While 26 different schemes were
supplied, it was decided instead to
portray XL425, as it appeared in
 When painted, the undercarriage appeared convincing; unfortunately, Mastercasters
wasn’t up to its usual standard with its resin wheels, as the tread and spokes were irregular.
early 1973, having been modified
to post-nuclear deterrent role.
This airframe was built original
as a Blue Steel missile carrier,
before being converted for
conventional bombing in 1970.
Fündekals’ markings were used
throughout, except for the nose
roundels as they were 10% too
small, so Xtradecal’s items were
employed instead. Note fündekals
provided markings for the antenna
dielectric covers, but those on the
ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2
fin base and wingtips didn’t fit, so
these panels were hand-painted.
On occasion, the decals were so
thin they had to be cut, otherwise
they would be almost impossible
to handle; but arguably at least
this made them correct in scale!
Airbrushed Johnson’s Klear
sealed the decals, and a satin
sheen was built via several
thin layers. Once this had dried
thoroughly, Flory Models’ Dark
Dirt and Brown washes (www.
florymodels.co.uk) were applied
over the entire airframe, to
highlight panel lines, with the
excess removed by a damp
cloth. Weathering was kept
minimal, as these aircraft
featured a gloss
finish and were
kept clean by the
groundcrews.
Ingress/egress
With the airframe completed,
attention then turned to finer
details. Airfix’s main landing gear
doors (Parts 77 and 80) received
PE embellishments, but the rear
doors (Parts 76 and 79) were
replaced by thinner items, which
were scratch-built from 20-thou
(0.6mm) plastic card. For the
www.airfixmodelworld.com 51
 ADVANCED BUILD
AVRO VULCAN B.2
 Airfix’s canopy was cut with a razor saw before Flightpath’s PE was added. Further work
was needed to make the modified windscreen fit both the fuselage and rear canopy cut angle.
 A piece of 40-thou (1mm) plastic card
was glued to the inside of the windscreen
and trimmed until just a thin rim remained.
This was painted black, but the exterior was
treated at the same time as the canopy.
Flightpath’s
windscreen and WEM
PE windshield wipers
gave the forward
fuselage a much-
improved appearance.
nosewheel bay, a slightly oversized
10-thou (0.25mm) outer ‘plate’ was
added, along with small styrene
lugs for the hinges and a PE ‘towel
rack’ antenna. The kit’s crew entry
door was removed, and once the
inner moulded features were
removed by sanding, it received
52 Airfix Model World
 PJ Production’s Martin-Baker Mk.3
ejection seats were undersized slightly, but
were the only items that would fit in the
cockpit — the firing handles were fashioned
from copper wire.
a similar plastic card liner to the
nosewheel doors.
After all these parts were
painted, the aircraft serial number
was applied to the nose and main
undercarriage bay covers. Crew
ladders were then attached to
the modified access door, before
 Three of WEM’s 1000lb bombs were damaged, but fortunately they could be hidden in the
bomb bay! Just two seven-store carriers were attached, as there was insufficient depth for
the third, so the third will eventually be scratch-built...this will be based on the full-size
exhibit at Newark Air Museum.
it was secured to the underside;
scratch-built actuators provided
additional strength.
R e f e r e nc es
Avro Vulcan 1952 Onwards (B2
Girded glazing Model), by A Price, T Blackman,
AJK Edmondson, C McNab (Haynes),
Airfix’s single-piece canopy
ISBN: 978-1-78521-083-9
provided suitable clarity, but
lacked refinement — Flightpath’s On Target Special: V-Bombers,
Vulcan upgrades contained by Glenn Sands and Gary Madgwick
superb PE framing, although (Aviation Workshop), ISBN: 978-1-
it was challenging to shape. It 90464-322-7
was decided to separate the www.avrovulcan.org.uk
windscreen from the main canopy;
the former would be fixed, while
the latter could be removed to
display the cockpit and crew
compartment detail. Two PJ
Production Martin-Baker Mk.3
ejection seats were adapted in
height to fit the cockpit, by adding
small pieces of plastic card to the
base. Checks were then made to
ensure there was space between
the canopy and seats. With the
windscreen in place and the wipers
attached via Gator’s Grip (www.
gatorsmask.com) the cockpit
looked busy, albeit slightly strange
without the rear canopy.
As the bomb bay was open, it
would have been remiss of me
not to include bombs, and WEM’s
1,000lb stores were well-cast
representations, albeit with brittle
fins; unfortunately, three featured
‘clipped’ fins and were placed out
of sight (hopefully). There was
an unpleasant surprise though,
when the tissue paper masking  The bombs were airbrushed a suitable green hue, with a hand-painted
was removed from the intakes, as yellow ring, before being attached to the seven-store carriers.
sections of paint were damaged.
To repair this, the intake was
sanded before it received more
airbrushed gloss white. After the
camouflage had been reapplied,
intake Foreign Object Damage
(FOD) covers were fabricated from
styrene sheet.
The bomb aimer’s window was
fashioned from clear acetate
and fixed with Gator’s Grip, while
Microscale’s Kristal Klear formed
the rear crew ‘portholes’. The
last piece of the puzzle was a  The scratch-built FOD guards were attached to the intakes via rods, and
held in position by Blu Tack.
Master refuelling probe, which
was connected to the Airfix boom, Fitting tribute
before the latter was attached to This was an extensive
the nose, although it required project, which wasn’t
considerable sanding to join anticipated at the outset.
neatly with the airframe. There were several ups and
downs, such as when tins of
paint had to be scrapped and
mixing didn’t turn out as intended.
Thankfully all traces of such bad
luck have been concealed; at least
that’s my hope! Airfix’s Vulcan
isn’t without it’s difficulties, due
partly to its age, and occasionally
these could be exacerbated by the
aftermarket additions. But it’s the
sole 1/72 kit of the type and even
out of the box will build into a
decent replica.
 IN FOCUS
NAWDC F-16B

 As with many US Navy aircraft, F-16B

920458 could serve as a study in how
colours fade over time, highlighted by
the application of fresh paint along
panel lines and other areas of high wear.
 A close-up of the starboard wing,
showing the static discharge rods on
the trailing edge and the missile rail
formation light. Weathering buffs should
note how prominent the panel fasteners
and rivets are, along with the access
panels on the upper fuselage.

A study of the port rear fuselage, again

highlighting the tonal variations between old
and new paint. Note the drooped flaps and
open airbrakes on this parked aircraft.

54 Airfix Model World


M
ade famous by the movie
Top Gun, the US Naval
Aviation Warfighting
Development Centre
(NAWDC), formerly the US
Navy Fighter Weapons School,
operates a mix of aircraft in the
aggressor role.
The subject of this photo
montage, F-16B BuNo 920458,
Bort 04, was one of 12 F-16A/
Bs now with NAWDC that were
destined for the Pakistan Air
Force, but were embargoed
in 1990 due to that country’s
nuclear weapons programme.
Initially, the F-16s were stored
at the Aircraft Maintenance and
There’s an in-depth supplement on
TOPGUN/NAWDC in the latest issue of
Combat Aircraft, on sale August 2, 2018.
Here the much-stained underside is
apparent, along with evidence of extensive
touch-up paintwork on the vertical fin.
IN FOCUS
NAWDC F-16B
Regeneration Center at Davis-
Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona,
but were then donated to the
USAF and US Navy. Along with its
sister jets, it’s used by TOPGUN
instructors, based at Naval Air
Station Fallon, to fly dissimilar
air combat training against
TOPGUN students. As shown
here, it currently wears a rather
weathered ‘Flanker’ camouflage.
All jets in this unit wear different
adversary liveries, this being
one of the older examples. A few
newer schemes are also starting
to emerge, all being either mid-
brown/tan or various shades
of blue. Jamie Hunter
 Being a Block-15 airframe, 920458 is fitted with the early style wingtip missile rail, for
carriage of AIM-9 Sidewinders or Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation pods. Note the
single underwing pylon, which is often used for an AN/ALQ-167(V) countermeasure pod.
 Up close and personal with the cockpit, showing how the crew ladder fits against the
fuselage, the smeared finish on the radome, and the surprisingly conspicuous panel fasteners.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 55
 ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
FIVE INTO TWO
R
evell’s most recent iteration
of its quarter-scale Ventura
purports to be an RAF
Mk.II version. In general,
it’s a straightforward kit, with
good detail and a minimal parts
count; for anyone wanting to build
a Ventura out of the box, it’s a
good option…but isn’t perfect.
Although branded a Mk.II, it would
The engines were detailed
with 10-thou (0.25mm)
lead wire. Each cylinder
received a pair of cables,
first installed together in
the crankcase, and the loose
ends attached individually
to the top and front of the
cylinder head respectively.
56 Airfix Model World
Revell’s 1/48 Ventura Mk.II receives
aftermarket and home-spun detail,
courtesy of Massimo Santarossa
be more correct to say it’s a GR.V
masquerading as the earlier
variant. Revell recognised this fact,
and addressed some, but by no
means all the differences. The goal
for this build, therefore, was to
create an accurate Mk.II airframe,
correcting most of the kit’s errors
while adding embellishment.
A host of aftermarket items,
including photo-etched (PE) metal, Another area for rapid
resin, and scratch-built parts would modification was the wings. Revell
be used, while a new decal sheet highlighted the drop tank notches
completed the shopping list. must be filled, thus inserts cut
from sheet styrene plugged the
Pachyderm snack openings. However, one area the
How does one eat an elephant? manufacturer missed was the
One bite at a time, of course. location of the wing-tip lights.
With the number of detail sets
and amount of scratch-building
needed, the project seemed rather
daunting initially. The solution
was to break the project into sub-
assemblies. Starting with smaller
tasks, and working towards the
more complex, was a good way to
ease into this venture, like a short
jog before the marathon.
An early quick-fix concerned the
powerplants, and the fastest way
to detail a radial engine is to add
ignition wiring. Using fine drill bits,
mounting holes were made in each
cylinder head and the crankcase
harness, into which 10-thou
(0.25mm) lead wire was secured
with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue.

Navigation lights should face
forward (unlike those in the kit),
and there should be an outward-
pointing formation light located
just behind. These were replicated
with short lengths of plastic rod,
filed to shape.
Detail dilemmas
Five Eduard PE sets (see
Materials at a glance) were
incorporated into this build, which
meant constant cross-checking
at every step to see what to
change and what could be left.
Moreover, the decision had to be
made whether to employ the PE
at all; on more than one occasion
there was no advantage gained
by its use.
Wherever possible, replacement
detail was constructed in isolation
prior to removal of any styrene.
The reason behind this was simple;
I needed to determine if I
could build the (often)
complex PE
structures
(see panel).
Had the kit
detail been
removed prematurely, there would
be no going back, which would
have been problematic if assembly
of the brass had gone awry. With
careful planning, and working
slowly, the various PE components
were folded into shape…the
resulting detail being more than
ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
worth the effort.
Included among the exterior PE
items were several replacement
airframe panels. Some were
redundant as the kit features
were acceptable, or the new items
were incorrect for a Mk.II aircraft.
Those that were used could not
simply be mounted to the kit’s
surface as they would stand
proud, so a No.12 X-Acto blade was
 The kit navigation lights were moulded singly, and at an angle (left), but were modified
used to scrape recesses in the with styrene rod to replicate the correct number and orientation of the fairings (right).
styrene to the appropriate shape
and depth, thus allowing the PE
part to fit flush.
Despite Eduard designing its PE
for this specific kit, the locating
wasn’t perfect, and the wheel
wells were a case in point. The
brass parts assembled easily and
mated to the styrene base without
issue. Problems developed when
the wheel well enclosure was
married to the bottom wing. The
metal parts were slightly too wide,
thus making a tight fit impossible,
although the solution was simple,
and the offending edges were
filed and trimmed. Similarly,
the PE landing gear doors were  The level of detail achieved by adding aftermarket PE was demonstrated with the bomb
adjusted to match the kit part bay parts, but a wise cautionary step was to build the PE before removing the styrene, just
dimensions, again with a file. in case assembly didn’t go according to plan.
Lockheed Ventura Mk.II Plastic was removed carefully from areas
MODEL SPEC
due to receive PE panels with a #12
By: Revell
X-Acto blade, so they fitted flush
Stock Code: 04946 with the model’s surface.
Scale: 1/48
Price: £32.99
Available from: www.revell.de/en
www.airfixmodelworld.com 57
 ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II

Cause and effect
Several areas were detailed via
scratch-building, but the bulk of
the work concerned the radio
operator’s compartment, as Revell
incorrectly moulded a full-span
cockpit bulkhead, much like that
on a Model 18 Lodestar (from
which this type was developed).
The Ventura, however, had a wall
just behind the pilot. This had the
effect of making this void visible,
and detail was needed to fill the
otherwise empty space.
Using the unmodified kit bulkhead
as a template, a new item was
created that would form the
back of the radio compartment.
This space was then built, one
piece at a time, with various
portions of plastic and wire to
form appropriate detail. The key
in such a task was to look beyond
the finished product to see the
underlying shapes; not to see a
radio but the circles and squares it
comprised, or more prosaically, to
see the trees within a forest.
Not to be left out, the pilot’s
position also received attention.
The seat was reshaped, while the
observer’s ‘throne’ was installed
without its backrest, as usually this
would be stowed on the side wall
or rear cabin if no crew member
occupied the position.
Once completed, the innards
received Model Master 1715 Interior
Green, while the cockpit and radio
compartment was painted in an
equal mix of Interior Green and
2062 RAF Interior Green, as the
sidewalls here were panelled, unlike
contemporary aircraft with visible
frames and ribs. The remaining
details were accentuated with
various colours before receiving a
coat of Alclad ALC-600 Aqua Gloss

The inside of the nose windows

was coated in liquid mask so the
parts could be painted interior green.
Leaving them unpainted would have
resulted in an unrealistic shiny appearance.

 On occasion, Eduard’s PE embellishments were slightly larger than the kit parts, which  Plans for the new radio compartment were sketched before cutting commenced. It’s
resulted in a poor fit; this was remedied by filing the edges until they mated satisfactorily. always worth doing this to save time flitting between build and references, and for keeping
Note the fuel tank pylon slot has been blanked with sheet styrene. work on track.

 The kit cockpit bulkhead served as a template for the scratch-built radio compartment rear
wall; this was then attached to the wing spar and test-fitted many times with the fuselage.

58 Airfix Model World


varnish. An oil wash of Lamp Black
and Burnt Umber was applied to
any recesses, while highlights were
treated to dry-brushing. After a
matt varnish coat, pigments were
brushed onto surfaces to indicate
the wear caused by the crew
members’ presence.
Neat seams
While closing the fuselage halves,
a dry-fit revealed several of the
 Test-fitting the cockpit components; note the lack of sidewall detail compared to other
aircraft of that era. This was due to the Ventura’s airliner lineage, thus the cockpit had
panelling, not exposed framing.
Eduard’s instrument panel was
a vast improvement on the
styrene, but was overly shiny,
so it was matt varnished. As
the instruments had glass
faces, these were replicated
with a drop of PVA.
 A second vital component of such
alterations was knowing exactly which
areas were to be removed from the original
styrene. Here the kit bulkhead has been
marked with sections to be discarded.
added components fouled either
each other or the kit styrene, thus
they were filed carefully and the
airframe test-mated once more.
This process continued until all was
satisfactory, and the fuselage was
glued section by section, which
meant the fit could be monitored
constantly and adjusted, to prevent
a step forming between the halves.
The clear nose section was
attacked in much the same
ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
PE ‘HOW TO’
Working with photo-etched brass and metal requires a different approach than
plastic. Here are some of the basic steps:
 Components are removed either
with a dedicated PE cutter, or parted
with a sharp blade on a hard surface,
such as a ceramic tile or glass sheet.
 Any burrs or attachment points
were removed with a fine metal file.
Note, the smaller the part, the more
diminutive the file should be.
 Parts were folded into shape with
a purpose-made tool or flat, needle-
nosed pliers.
 Glue, either CA, PVA, or epoxy,
was applied to the seams with a
fine piece of wire or sharp cocktail
stick. Soldering is an option for more
advanced modellers (but just for
metal-to-metal joins).
 The result of these metal origami
sessions was a sub-assembly that
would be difficult to mould in styrene,
and was more to scale.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 59
 ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II

CANUCK PATROLLERS

 After the interior and various

equipment/cabling details were painted, the
parts were highlighted via a combination of
an oil panel wash and dry-brushing.
way as the rest of the airframe,
with the parts assembled,
painted, weathered, and then
matt varnished. The .50 cal nose
guns were also installed at this
stage, and their barrels allowed to
protrude, as they were sufficiently
short not to hamper construction.
Again, the sub-components were
test-fitted and installed, before
the nose halves were closed, and
using Tamiya glue, PVA, and CA
as needed, the completed
Aviaeology produces top-quality, screen-printed decals and offers four different section was mated with
sets for the Lockheed Ventura, covering aircraft of the RAF, RCAF, and USN. the fuselage. With
 As supplied, the kit’s engines were more the horizontal
Venturas in Canada Pt.1 included 11 airframes (the second scheme was chosen for than acceptable. While the ignition wires
this build), complemented by comprehensive notes on airframe nuances and period stabilisers
improved their appearance markedly, this
photos for each subject: attached next, the
was enhanced by a black oil wash.
model started to take shape.
• B.II, AE929/01 ‘Vivian’, 34 Operational Training Unit (OTU) RAF, Aug-Dec 1943 The last major sub-assembly
• B.II, AE934/EX-Y, 34 OTU RAF, Aug-Nov 1943 was the wings. With the wheel
• B.IIA, FD640/B2 ‘The Blissville Jinx’, 34 OTU RAF, Jan 1944 well PE installed, the rest of the
• B.IIA, FD675/S2 ‘Fancy Juggler’, 34 OTU RAF, 1943-44 engine nacelle could be completed.
• GR.V, FN974/K2 ‘What Did I Do!’, 34 OTU RAF, 1943-44 As mentioned previously, minor
• PV-3, B11, VP-82, USN, NAS Argentia, late 1943 adjustment of the metal parts was
• PV-1, 125-B-6/B6, VP-82/VB-125, USN, NAS Argentia, early 1943 needed, while the kit exhausts
• B.II, AE860, RCAF ski test aircraft, Rockcliffe, early 1943 were replaced with more accurate
• B.II, AJ430, RCAF ski test aircraft, Rockcliffe, late 1943 resin items from Quickboost. Dzus
• B.II, AJ164, RCAF ASW equipment test aircraft, early-mid 1943 fasteners were replicated with the
• B.II, AJ247, RCAF ASW equipment test aircraft, early-mid 1943 aid of a beading tool, the result
being eye-catching and easy to

60 Airfix Model World


accomplish. The wings were then
mated to the fuselage without a
hint of putty.
Just one more part must be
installed before painting and that
was the canopy. The Mk.II aircraft
differed from other Venturas, as
it featured viewing blisters in two
of the window panes. Fortunately,
AlleyCat Models makes a resin
canopy for just this purpose; it
was a lovely clear resin part, but
despite it being designed for
Revell’s kit, the fit wasn’t 100%.
It was first dipped in Johnson’s
Future floor polish (also known as
Klear and reformulated as Pledge
with Future Shine) to prevent
fogging, then installed with CA
ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
 Various shades of green were used in
the cockpit to denote different materials,
from the wood of the door to the seat
leather. Eduard’s pre-painted seatbelts
worked even better than expected.
one section at a time, all the while
pushing it carefully into position.
Fear of damaging the part
prevented too much force being
applied, and resulted in a slight
step between it and the fuselage,
but fortunately this didn’t detract
from the overall look of the model.
Fabergé egg
The design of the kit’s upper-
fuselage turret was quite
ingenious, although the styrene
guns and interior were rather
sparse, for which Eduard provided
additional PE detail. Instead of
trapping these parts within clear
turret halves, Revell designed
the interior frame as the main
structural member. This was  The nose section received its fair share of aftermarket detail. Nose guns were installed
sandwiched between the clear at this point as the barrels didn’t protrude much, and wouldn’t get in the way later.
parts, and the mounting ridge
provided a positive gluing surface,
which resulted in an almost snap-
together fit. The thought behind
this was brilliant in its simplicity.
With all the glazing installed, it
had to be masked. As with other
World War Two bombers, there
were many windows that needed
attention, and thankfully Eduard
provided a bespoke self-adhesive
mask set; as expected, it made this
task quick and painless. The bulk
of the masks worked well, but the
windows with the blisters had to
www.airfixmodelworld.com 61
 ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
 Revell’s canopy lacked the characteristic
observation bulges of the Mk.II variant,
but Alley Cat Models provided an accurate
replacement. It was dipped in Future,
with any excess removed by paper towel;
this enhanced the part’s appearance, and
protected it from CA fogging.
be masked the old-fashioned way,
which wasn’t an issue…it just took
a few more minutes to complete,
with several pieces of Parafilm.
Combat colours
After the PE and resin
components had been primed and
the window frames airbrushed
Interior Green, the Temperate
Land Scheme was replicated with
three Model Master shades; 2049
Sky Type S, 2060 RAF Dark Green,
and 2054 ANA617 Dark Earth.
Painting followed traditional
lines, with the underside sprayed
Sky Type S, which when dry
then received a hard-edged
demarcation via Tamiya Tape for
Curves. This is a vinyl product, not
the usual paper-based medium,
so it can be shaped around bends
and curves with ease.
 A fine-tipped beading tool was pressed into the plastic to form some of the many dzus
fasteners on the engine nacelle panels. Their appearance was enhanced further with silver pencil.
 Eduard’s canopy masks are becoming almost as indispensable as a #11 blade. Designed to fit
Revell’s kit, they made the task of protecting the glazing quick and easy.
62 Airfix Model World
Dark Earth was applied to the
upper surfaces, followed by a
lighter shade created by adding
2104 Panzer Interior Buff to the
base colour. This was applied
in a random, cloudy pattern,
concentrating more on horizontal
surfaces, which would be more
exposed to the sun. Thin rolls
of Blu Tack set the camouflage
demarcation, with tape filling the
gaps, before RAF Dark Green was
applied in the same manner as the
Dark Earth, with a paler shade also
applied to the upper surfaces.
De-icing boots (the black strips
along the leading edges of the
wings, horizontal and vertical
stabilisers) weren’t engraved in the
plastic, although Revell provided
decals for the tail fins. After
checking references, the boot
positions were set with Tamiya
Tape for Curves, and airbrushed
with Tamiya’s XF-69 NATO black.
With all the necessary shades in
place, the model received three
coats of Aqua Gloss and was set
aside for a few days to cure.
Revell provided markings for two
aircraft, one from 21 Squadron
RAF, the other from 487 Squadron
RNZAF. That said, Aviaeology
decals were employed instead,
which provided markings for 34
OTU, RAF, based in Penfield Ridge,
New Brunswick, in 1943. It is easy
to heap praise on these decals
as they performed faultlessly.
The colours were accurate and
opaque, and they reacted well to
MicroScale decal solutions, the
result of which was an enjoyable
session at the work bench.
Once sealed under another
gloss coat, the model received an
 ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II

Tamiya’s Tape for Curves came into its

own when the vertical stabiliser de-icing
boots were masked. It was easy to
use and could be bent into fairly tight
curves, without creasing/lifting.

 The landing gear struts benefited from

aftermarket and scratch-built extras;  Excess wash was removed with a damp cloth, being sure to wipe in the direction of
note the use of lead wire in place of PE airflow. A cotton swab was employed in tight spots, such as the wing/fuselage join.
brake lines, as the latter lacked the 3D
appearance of the real pipes. After paint
and an oil wash, the detail almost leapt
out at the viewer.

MATERIALS
AT A GLANCE
Eduard (www.eduard.com)
49799 Interior
48900 Exterior set
48902 Bomb bay
48901 Landing gear
49798 Seat belts
EX538 Canopy masks
AlleyCat Models
(www.alleycatmodels.co.uk) overall application of Flory Models 2015 Flat Clear lacquer, and was aside to protect it. With the best
8048C Canopy washes, Grime being applied to laid to rest for 48 hours. will in the world, the handling the
Ultracast (www.ultracast.ca) the underside and Dark Dirt to model suffered during the build
48233 Wheels upper surfaces. Once allowed Four steps back would have invariably damaged or
to dry, excess was wiped away Up to this stage, the bomb bay destroyed the fine detail provided
Quickboost (www.quickboost.net) with a damp cloth or cotton hadn’t been addressed, which in Eduard’s upgrade set. Thus,
48586 PV-1 Ventura Exhaust swab, taking care to wipe in the might appear an omission. The it was left off until the last
Aviaeology (www.aviaeology.com) direction of the airflow. With PE for this area had in fact possible moment, after the bulk
48030 Venturas in Canada Part 1 the washes dry, the model was been one of the earliest to be of the painting was finished.
given two thin coats of completed, but was set The bomb bay PE was

www.airfixmodelworld.com 63
 ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
 The bomb bay PE parts were left
off until close to the end, to prevent
damage, and the area was masked in
preparation for painting, being careful
to avoid taping over any decals.
While it resembled a medical procedure,
the bomb bay was painted Interior
Green, before receiving aluminium
highlights, while an oil wash and dry-
brushing accentuated the detail.
To simulate the oil
and dirt thrown up by the
landing gear, the wheel wells and
gear doors were splattered with a
thin black oil wash, with the aid of
a wooden stirring stick to help flick
the paint from a loaded brush.
64 Airfix Model World
installed with either CA or PVA as
necessary, and painted/weathered REFERENCES
in a similar fashion to the kit
Naval Fighters No. 86, Lockheed-Vega
interior and wheel wells. Although
PV-1 Ventura and PV-2 Harpoon,
it added amazing detail to the
by Steve Ginter (Ginter),
bay, a downside was it changed
ISBN: 978-09-42612-86-8
how the bay door actuating arms
were mounted. The extra bulkhead IPMS RT Journal Vol.35 No. 2, Vol. 35
thickness, and size and shape of No.3, Vol.35 No. 4, Vol.36 No. 1,
the mounting holes, resulted in the Vol. 36 No.2 (IPMS Canada),
styrene parts not fitting as easily ISSN: 0380-8114
as Revell had envisaged. The result
Erection and Maintenance
was a fair amount of filing, shaping,
and repeated test-fitting before Instructions for Army Model RB-34
these pieces were secured. Series, British Models Ventura BI, II,
IIA and IV, 25 November 1943
Gear up (AN 01-55EA-2) – walk-round photos
The kit undercarriage bay doors
had two prominent and robust
mounting pins, to attach them to
the bays. To use the Eduard PE,
these were removed and replaced
by rather small piano hinges, which
was cause for concern due to their
fragile nature. Care was taken as
they had a small surface area for
gluing, and could be broken easily.
Each door was tacked in position,
and once secured enough to stand
on its own, thin CA was run along
the mounting edges to reinforce
the bond considerably.
While Eduard supplied PE
lever arms for the door-closing
mechanism, it omitted the
associated push tubes that
connected the doors to each
other and the gear strut. These
parts were fashioned from
20-thou (0.5mm) styrene rod and
attached, using reference drawings
to confirm their location. With
the doors and gear struts now detail and appearance, and were
interconnected, much strength was replaced by resin items from
added to the assembly, and the Ultracast. After these were painted
small piano hinges no longer bore NATO Black and weathered
all the weight of the doors. suitably with a wash and pigments,
The tyres as provided by Revell they were mounted and the model
were somewhat anaemic in their finally stood on its own ‘feet’.

Finishing touches
More weathering was added to
impart an appropriately used
(though not abused), appearance.
Oil stains were added to the
nacelles with a mixture of Burnt
Umber and Lamp Black; these
were then drawn backwards with
a wide brush. This process was
repeated until the characteristic
staining found on radial-powered
aircraft was achieved. More
engine-induced filth was added
with exhaust stains courtesy of a
very thin mixture of 2005 Burnt
Umber and 1749 Flat Black. Various
brown shades of pigments were
dusted on the model to show dirt
accumulation, especially where the
wheels would have deposited it,
and on the wings where crewmen
would have walked.
Paint chipping was kept to a
respectable minimum, while
nacelle dzus fasteners were
highlighted with a Prismacolour
ADVANCED BUILD
VENTURA Mk.II
pencil, as were random areas
of the airframe…with more
attention focused on areas where
the groundcrew would have
access. All that remained was the
installation of the last fragile few
pieces, such as the pitot tubes,
guns, and aerials. Antenna wires
were fashioned from black quilting
thread, secured with CA, while any
‘shiny’ spots on the airframe were
muted with matt varnish.
Quarter-scale hunter
Revell’s Ventura built into a very
good model out of the box; it
may be somewhat basic, with
several errors, but will satisfy
most builders. It’s also a good  Once the gear doors were attached by
canvas for anyone who enjoys their hinges, they were connected to each
detailing their projects, especially other and the gear struts with plastic rod,
with aftermarket additions. The which created a more realistic appearance and
added rigidity to the joins.
model’s size makes it ideal for
scratch-building; in fact there  Ultracast’s wheels featured superb casting.
is far more potential than was After being painted NATO Black, the sides
exploited here (rivets could have were misted with dark grey, and treads
been added for example). This highlighted via an oil a wash, before pigments
was an enjoyable project, and replicated a dusty and well-used appearance.
the availability of a modern 1/48
Ventura fills a gap in the
modelling wish list.
Acknowledgements
I would like to say a heartfelt thank
you to the Ventura Memorial Flight
Association in Edmonton, Alberta, for
its assistance. The team was extremely
generous with its time and knowledge,
allowing me to climb over and through
the Ventura being restored, answering
all manner of questions, and sending
me home with a wealth of information.
A truly first-class operation. More
 Final weathering was added via oil wash and pigments. The former was dragged backwards
details are at www.rcafventura.ca.
from the cowls and nacelles, while the latter were applied to high-traffic areas.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 65
 IN FOCUS
VENTURAS IN CANADA

CANADA’S

FLYING PIGS
The first 188 airframes were
produced as Ventura B.Is; the
balance was in the form of B.IIs,
which featured more powerful
engines. An additional 375 Mk.IIs
were ordered in November 1940,
but many of these were taken
over by the US Army Air Force
(USAAF). Various requisitions for
Aviaeology’s Terry Higgins and Carl Vincent examine the more bomber-nosed Venturas
were placed subsequently under
history of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s first Venturas the Lend-Lease programme, and
the majority of these were also

A
worthwhile range of new focused mostly on the scale Type background retained by the US, where the
material has come to light modelling-centric aspects of the The Lockheed Ventura was type was designated B-34 (and
since the 2014 publication type in all its variants, this piece designed in response to an RAF later RB-34 when classified as
of Aviaeology’s four-part is intended to complement it bomber requirement, based on the ‘restricted from combat use’).
‘Venturas in Canada’ decals series, by providing a compact history Lockheed 18 commercial transport Although officially given the name
and a related two-part article on of the earliest (pre-GR.V) RCAF (mirroring the Hudson, which was Lexington in the USAAF, the British
RCAF Ventura camouflage and Venturas. At the same time, it has derived from the Lockheed 14). An ‘Ventura’ moniker seemed to
markings in Random Thoughts also brought aspects of those order for no less than 300 – RAF endure throughout its career.
(IPMS Canada’s quarterly publications up to date, in line with serials AE658 to AE957 – was The first B.Is and B.IIs entered
publication). Where those articles ongoing research. placed on June 6, 1940 when service with the RAF’s No.2 Group,
the type was little more than a Bomber Command in September
Ventura AE658 was the prototype bomber-nosed variant; the dual-head pitot and design concept; the prototype, 1942, equipping 21, 464 (RAAF),
what appears to be unshrouded exhausts may have been unique to this airframe, AE658, didn’t fly until July 31, and 487 (RNZAF) Squadrons,
while the larger DF loop aerial seems to have been standard Ventura B.I equipment. 1941. Oddly enough, after its which commenced day-bombing
The Boulton-Paul turret was a rarity south of the Canada-USA border, although it prototype duties were completed, operations in November. The
seems reasonable to assume Lockheed’s Vega plant may have several for testing it was passed to the RCAF, where type’s nickname
Hudsons and Venturas, and this was removed before the aircraft was exported to it was taken on strength almost was ‘the Pig’,
Canada, and an RCAF inventory example installed in its place.
exactly a year after its first flight. referring both to

66 Airfix Model World


Above: Lockheed Ventura bomber
prototype AE658 inflight; the Bolton-
Paul turret appears to have the gun-
mounting hardware installed, but not the
weapons themselves. It later became a
Ventura B.I in service with No. 34 OTU in
Canada. (The Terry Higgins collection)
IN FOCUS
VENTURAS IN CANADA
its porcine contours and its heavy
controls in critical parts of the
flight envelope. On operations,
their bomb load, performance,
and defensive armament were all
a substantial improvement on the
twin mediums that preceded them
in RAF service. However, these
advantages were still insufficient
to prevent heavy losses – the
type was neither particularly
successful, nor popular in that role.
Nonetheless, operations continued
until September 1943, before being
withdrawn for other employment.
Unfortunately, a more detailed Ventura B.II AE929/O1 was typical of some of the longer-surviving original
account of Bomber Command’s batch of Venturas used by No. 34 OTU, as the factory-applied Dark Green and
Dark Earth over Sky day-bomber finish has been re-painted in many areas. Note
Ventura operations is beyond the
where the older three-letter codes have been replaced by the aircraft/school
narrow scope of this article, but is
available elsewhere. squadron numerals, and the fuselage panels surrounding the new Type C roundel
(supplanting the earlier Type A). The nose art (above) appears to have been just
Across the Atlantic, the South
partially completed by the time this aircraft was involved in a
African Air Force (SAAF) also
February 22, 1944 landing accident, which resulted in its May
operated these early bomber-
Ventura II c/n 4502, originally built as RAF s/n AJ362, was transferred to the
USAAF from the factory on August 16, 1942. It appears to have served as a
turretless B-34 Lexington trainer before being struck off on December 8, 1944.
Although research indicates this aircraft was probably not one of those scrounged
from US inventory by the RCAF, it’s typical of many that were, in terms of finish
and configuration. (The Terry Higgins collection)
www.airfixmodelworld.com 67
 IN FOCUS
VENTURAS IN CANADA

Above: One of a series of photos covering the salvage of Ventura II AE868/E2, of 2

Squadron, 34 OTU, after a mishap, presumably near the airfield in January 1943.
This aircraft was subsequently struck-off charge on February 2 of that year.
(The Carl Vincent collection)

the Southwest Pacific Area of with all BCATP aircraft, regardless

Operations. On arrival in June of origin, they became the
1943, these machines were in property of the Plan Administrator
such a state that just six could – Canada – and so became RCAF
be made operational and these aircraft, despite retaining their RAF
were pressed into service with 3 serials. The total of 129 included 21
Squadron on Fiji. Interestingly, a Mk.Is and 108 Mk.IIs, with serials in
photo of one of these machines the AE, AJ, and FD ranges. Notably,
Another RCAF Station Stanley 1944 photo; this time a close-up of Ventura IIA
FD640’s factory artwork. Note how carefully the No. 34 OTU sign writer was in shows it to have had ASV.II radar Mk.IIs with FD-prefixed serials were
preserving the drawings when applying the ‘S2’ codes. Originally the home of No. installed, indicating a probable actually B.IIA sub-types, which
17 EFS, BCATP, when the school operations there ended in January 1944, Stanley maritime-patrol role. featured certain items of American
may have served later as a form of temporary reserve air park. equipment, such as Martin Model
(VMFA archives via the Aviaeology collection) RCAF Ventura Is and IIs 250CE dorsal turrets, fitted with
Back in North America, the RCAF twin .50 cal machine guns.
nosed Venturas, and no less where they served until replaced acquired a fairly large percentage The first RCAF batch of 67 aircraft
than 183 airframes, a mixture by Martin B-26 Marauders. It of the Ventura bombers were nearly all delivered through
of B.Is and B.IIs, were ultimately should also be mentioned that ordered by the RAF. These were June, July, and August 1942, with
transferred from the RAF. In SAAF the Royal New Zealand Air Force transferred for use in the British two stragglers arriving in January
hands, they were operated with (RNZAF) inherited a small number Commonwealth Air Training 1943. As far as can be ascertained,
considerable success, primarily (reportedly 19) of clapped-out Plan (BCATP), specifically No. 34 they were standard Ventura Is and
in the Mediterranean Theatre, ex-USAAF RB-34s for use in Operational Training Unit (OTU). As IIs with no special equipment or

Ventura B.II AE934/EX-Y is the subject of this issue’s build

article (see p.56). Here it is depicted slightly earlier than the photo
of its 27 October 1942 runway excursion (see p.70), highlighting the earlier style
Type A1 national insignias, with larger areas of white and yellow.

68 Airfix Model World

 IN FOCUS
VENTURAS IN CANADA

Formerly B-34 Lexington 41-38062,

Ventura FD640/B2 was typical of the Martin-
turreted B.IIAs in retaining the factory-applied RAF Day
Bomber Scheme. In service with the OTU from late 1943-early 1944, this
aircraft received ‘The Blissville Jinx’ inscription on its nose while being repaired
after an emergency landing (due to ignition trouble) at Blissville, New Brunswick.

modifications. As with the earlier
Hudsons, they were delivered
without the British-supplied
Boulton-Paul turrets, for these
were freighted to Canada and
installed after the aircraft arrived
from the USA.
It wasn’t long before the RAF
realised this number of aircraft
was grossly inadequate, in the
face of normal attrition, to
maintain a medium bomber OTU
at a viable strength. Apparently
reinforcements were intended
to be in the form of new radar-
equipped Ventura GR.V maritime-
patrol aircraft acquired under Lend
Lease. As it turned out, 27 of the
RAF’s first allocation of this variant
were assigned to the RCAF and No.
34 OTU. However, of these, just
20 were actually delivered, and
all but five of those were returned
immediately. This left the OTU
in an increasingly parlous state
so, on August 11, 1943 a British
Supply Commission requisition
was issued for: “…60 used USAAF
B34’s” to be delivered to No. 34
OTU from September through
November 1943: “…to replace 27
PV-1’s (the US Navy equivalent
to the GR.V) that did not arrive”
– the last statement being only
partially accurate.
The process of examining and
selecting the aircraft at USAAF
bases commenced immediately.
Some of those selected seem
to have undergone a degree of
reconditioning before transfer, but
the details aren’t known. One could
speculate the worst of the available
inventory might have already been
freighted to New Zealand in June.
Whatever the case, deliveries were
strung out from October 1943
through February 1944. Some (all?)
of these ex-B-34s had the twin .50
cal Martin turret installed, making
them Ventura IIAs.
No. 34 Operational
Training Unit
The medium bomber OTU at
Pennfield Ridge, New Brunswick,
was by far the largest Ventura
operator in the RCAF, no matter
the marque. This was the fourth
of the RAF’s OTUs (together with
31, 32, and 33) that, at Canadian
request, were transferred from
the UK to Canada during 1941-42.
Formed at Greenock in Scotland,
No. 34 OTU was moved to Canada
by sea, arriving in April 1942. The
original intention was to base the
unit at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
(where several early Venturas
were delivered), but it was almost
immediately sent to Pennfield
Ridge on a ‘temporary’ basis,
although this status became
permanent in August 1942. The
reason it was moved, from the
busy Yarmouth station to Pennfield
Ridge, may have been the latter
became vacant when No. 2 Air
Navigation School was moved from
there, because of the persistent
rain and fog which enveloped the
airfield. Whether it was felt that
these conditions would accustom
the OTU trainees to typical UK
weather is uncertain, but OTU
flying operations commenced in
June 1942.
No. 34 OTU was, apparently,
one of the least successful of the
transplanted RAF OTUs; there
were several reasons for this. The
Ventura was in some respects a
‘hot ship’, in that it was particularly
difficult to land, and it was prone
to serviceability problems, while
the unit itself suffered a shortage
of qualified flying instructors, and
a greater shortage of dual-control
equipment. The latter two factors
drastically inhibited the easy
conversion of pilots, just out of
teh service flying training schools,
to such a potent aircraft as the
Ventura. To quote the RCAF Official
History: “The first course of pilots
completed only 25 percent of their
scheduled flying hours during the
first month of operation. When
the first full crews ‘graduated’,
they had made no cross-country
night flights ‘owing to lack of dual-
control aircraft in the conversion
flight’ and had done no air-to-
air firing exercises because of
‘lack of towing apparatus and
also because the towing aircraft
available – Lysanders – are far too
slow for the work.’ ”
Although matters improved
gradually over the next two

Airframe AJ288 (c/n 4426) was another Ventura that became a B-34 out of the
factory, complete with factory applied ‘Yep! We’re get’en in his hair’ artwork,
during summer 1942. The aircraft is interesting as it appears to have a prototype
Martin 250CE turret installation, which sits lower in the fuselage than production
installations. Could it be the prototype Ventura B.IIA? (The Terry Higgins collection)

www.airfixmodelworld.com 69
 IN FOCUS
VENTURAS IN CANADA

Built originally for the RAF as Ventura IIA FD675, this aircraft was not taken up in operational RAF Ventura
and became USAAF B-34 Lexington s/n 41-38127. Refinished in US Olive Drab and squadrons were extremely high,
Neutral Grey, it was most probably operated as a bomber crew trainer, before transfer but these squadrons would very
to the RCAF in late 1943. In No. 34 OTU hands, FD675 suffered a Cat B accident on soon be re-equipped. This last
March 22, 1944 but was not struck off until April 19, 1947. The reference photos assumption was quite accurate;
used for the profile (see p.68) are believed to have been taken around that time. except for the first crews to be sent
overseas after graduation, their
successors were all reprocessed
through Mitchell and Boston OTUs
in the UK. Whether their previous
training at No. 34 OTU was taken
into account during this process
is uncertain. Nevertheless, a very
large percentage of the aircrew
in the highly effective Boston and
Mitchell squadrons of the 2nd
Tactical Air Force were graduates
of No. 34 OTU. The unit closed in
May 1944 and the facilities were
transferred to the RCAF. It seems
faintly possible that training may
have shifted to anti-submarine
operations in the last months of
the OTUs existence, as several
years, the aircraft type would number of aircraft being under Ventura GR.V’s were taken on
never become popular. Before the long-term repair, particularly strength, but no concrete evidence
second batch of Ventura II/IIAs was from landing accidents, such as of this has come to light.
delivered (starting in late 1943), swerving off the runway.
aircraft availability was To make matters worse, morale Central Flying/Air
poor with normal unserviceability, amongst trainee crews was Armament Schools
and write-offs due to crashes. generally low as it was realised Throughout the war the Central
This was compounded by a large not just that casualty rates Flying School (CFS) at Trenton,
Ontario, was responsible for nearly
all RCAF instructor pilot training.
As such, at various times during
its existence it would have a varied
fleet of seemingly disparate types
on the books in an effort to keep up
with evolving training demands. Of
the 43 aircraft (of some 16 types)
reported to be on strength at the
school at the end of October 1944,
there were three Ventura IIs and
four Ventura IIAs. The CFS Daily
Diary entry for October 31 notes:
“Ventura aircraft continuing to
arrive for OTU Instructors’ Course
which is to commence at this unit
shortly. Seven of the total 14 have
now arrived.” Further research has
yet to reveal how this particular
type selection came to be, but one
can speculate it may have been
connected to training requirements
for the RCAF’s operational fleet
of Ventura GR.V anti-submarine
aircraft, for which a short-lived
Operational Training Squadron
had been established at Pennfield
Ridge. The diary’s October 22
entry noted a Hudson departure
with the school’s command staff
aboard, destined for Moncton, New
Brunswick, where they would be:

Ventura B.II AE934/EX-Y, after swerving off the runway at RCAF Station Yarmouth,
Nova Scotia, October 27, 1942. Typical of such scenes, the guns were removed
quickly and an armed guard posted to the scene. Note the refinishing around the
Type C roundel, where the earlier type A has been overpainted. Other OTU Venturas
operational at that time still had the earlier roundel. (The Carl Vincent collection)

70 Airfix Model World


“…checking on equipment arriving
in Ventura aircraft with which the
OTU Instructors’ Course is to be
equipped.” Curiously, it further
noted in the same entry that: “...a
liaison visit will be paid to: ”...the
Mosquito-equipped: “…No. 8 OTU
at Greenwood,” Nova Scotia.
A few days earlier (October 19)
a memo from the office of the
RCAF Director of Aeronautical
Engineering, RCAF HQ, Ottawa,
indicated the CFS-destined
Venturas (presumably all
ex-No. 34 OTU veterans now in
storage somewhere in Eastern
Air Command [EAC]) were to
be stripped of all operational
equipment (especially
armament-related items) to, in
effect, create pure pilot trainers.
However, both marginal notes
on the memo and the very short
time lapsed until actual arrivals at
Trenton indicate that little (if any)
of this work was completed, before
the school was flying its ‘hand-me-
down’ Venturas.
It seems reasonable to assume
turrets and other guns (if present)
may have been removed from
some airframes, while the bomb
gear and radio/navigation
equipment would have remained
untouched. A November 2
response to the above memo, from
the Directorate of Air Training,
supports this, noting: “a small
allotment” of the Venturas might:
“…be used by the CNS [Central
Navigation School] and AAS [Air
Armament School]” and should
therefore: “…be complete.” The
Director further emphasized he:
“…would much rather the aircraft
remained operational” and: “…
the machine is more useful [as
a training platform] if it is up to
operational weight and, hence,
flies like an operational aircraft.”
IN FOCUS
VENTURAS IN CANADA
Ventura G2, s/n unknown, in the Scoudouc boneyard at war’s end. Originally a Relief Landing Field for RCAF Station Lakeburn
(Moncton, New Brunswick), it became No. 4 Repair Depot in September 1941…by war’s end it was one of the busiest repair and
maintenance facilities in the EAC. A range of the latter’s operational and BCATP training types, including Anson, Canso, Digby,
Hudson, Liberator and other Ventura airframes are visible.
He closed his argument with: “…I, strength in the training community. early 1950s. But, as with squadrons
therefore, suggest that it would In fact, the AAS would operate a of radar-equipped anti-submarine
be uneconomical and undesirable small fleet of these later Venturas, Venturas operated by the RCAF and
to remove the equipment unless converted to both Target Tug- and USN in Canada and Newfoundland
absolutely necessary.” Ventura IIAs Bombing & Gunnery Trainer- from 1943 onwards, that’s a
FD668 and FD731 are confirmed optimized roles, through into the separate story.
as being CFS-operated examples Ventura FN974/K2 was one of the five rare GR.Vs operated by No. 34 OTU, and
in the November to March 1945 sported another example of how factory artist-in-residence George McCraw’s
period, but to date, photos of fuselage artwork was preserved carefully by Pennfield Ridge’s sign painter. The
bomber-nosed Venturas in its finish is the early USN PV-1 factory scheme of Blue Gray (Fuller Paints TL-8550 or
markings have been elusive. TL-8704) uppers and Light Gray (Fuller TL-8657 or TL-8703) lowers. On the actual
As speculated above, the AAS did aircraft the demarcation would have been very softly feathered.
use several of these early-mark
Venturas. In fact, later in 1945, the
CFS would become increasingly
responsible for providing
administration and equipment
for the AAS, which was located at
nearby Mountain View Airfield. In
the immediate post-war months,
any remaining Venturas would
disappear from the roster one by
one. A lone Ventura II recorded
in the Jannuary AAS month-end
summary page seems to have
been the final RCAF record of use.
By then, the later GR.Vs, by then
surplus to Canada’s maritime
patrol needs, were coming on
www.airfixmodelworld.com 71
 OUT AND ABOUT
THE OVERLORD SHOW

US Soft-Skins, S
outhern England again
played host to period
and replica World War
Two military vehicles, at

Soviets and
the annual Overlord Show, which
was held during the late-May
Bank Holiday weekend.
Organised by the Solent

Smoke
Overlord Executive Military
Collectors Club, the three-day
event in Denmead, Hampshire,
brought together many of the
UK’s best-restored military

 A Gulf War-configured SAS DPV makes its way around the arena, during a display of Special Forces vehicles. Mounted on top of the vehicles. For modellers of these
Defender 110 is a MILAN anti-tank missile. (All photos Glenn Sands) particular subjects, it’s a one-
stop reference goldmine. All
the vehicles are available for
close-up inspection and owners
are happy to explain specific
modifications and any unusual
unit markings. Add a model stall
selling a selection of armoured
fighting vehicle (AFV) kits, and
piles of rare second-hand books
on tanks, soft-skins and militaria,
and the event is the ideal place
for any AFV modeller to spend
the weekend.
This year’s show hosted more
SAS-style Desert Patrol Vehicles
(DPVs) than previously, with
genuine examples parked
alongside expertly created
replicas. From an original Pink
Panther used in Oman during
the 1970s, through to Gulf War
Defender 110s, the level of detail
was exceptional. One of those on
 Based on the German Sd.Kfz.251, this post-war Czech OT-810 has been part of the 2nd Battle Group collection for more than 20 years. It display had been a gate guard
is slowly being converted to represent a pioneer vehicle of an SS Panzer Division. at the secretive Hereford base,

72 Airfix Model World

 OUT AND ABOUT
THE OVERLORD SHOW

before being acquired by its

present owner, who restored it to
full DPV configuration.
The undoubted star of the
show was Ian Hughes with
his ex-Czech T-54 main battle
tank. It had temporary Chinese
Army schemes applied, due to
its recent involvement in a TV
documentary. The crudeness of
the Cold War design was evident,
which often resulted in the tank
literally disappearing in a cloud
of exhaust smoke as it drove
around the arena.
Other movie stars present
at the show included a Czech
OT-810 (a post-war design based
on the German Sd.Kfz.251), which
appeared in Saving Private Ryan Star of the show was this former Czech T-54 owned by Ian Hughes. Despite the type entering service in the 1950s, it’s till in service with
and still wore its SS Panzer several nations. The two large drums mounted on the rear are extra fuel tanks, which can be discarded once empty.

 Soviet equivalent to the Willys JEEP was the GAZ 67. This ultra-rare late-model GAZ 67b  This year’s Overlord show had two early model M151A1 Mutt utility vehicles on show, one
model featured an upgraded chassis and larger fuel tank. of which sported a full canvas tilt.
Division markings from the film.
Wartime Allied vehicles are
still the most popular types to
restore, and this was reflected
in the vast number of Willys
Jeeps and CCKW-353 ‘Deuce-
and-a-half’ trucks present. The
Vietnam War is a new theme for
military vehicle collectors and
two early model M151 MUTTs
and an M35 — the modern
equivalent of the World War Two
cargo truck, were on show in full
period colours.
For me, this show is
inspirational and always leaves
me scoping new AFV kits for
the ever-increasing stash, but
it’s not just the model side that
interests me. Looking at the
various configurations of Willys
Jeeps at the show clarified an
ongoing dilemma…I do really
 A Unic Kégresse P107 2cm Flak 38 of the 21st Panzer Group. A French designed half-track pressed into service by the Germans following want one - a ‘real one’ - for
the fall of France. the drive way. Glenn Sands

www.airfixmodelworld.com 73
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA

Hasegawa’s ship kits have a reputation

for quality. Here, Andy Davies
builds its 1/700 IJN Furutaka
to find out if it’s justified

MARITIME N
amed after a peak in
Hiroshima Prefecture,
Imperial Japanese Navy
(IJN) Furutaka was
commissioned at Nagasaki, Japan
in 1926.
It was the lead vessel in a two-
ship heavy cruiser (Itto-Junyokan)
class, the first to serve in the
Japanese Navy, which served as
the basis for the succeeding Aoba-
class. Furutaka was assigned to the
6th Sendai (Squadron, also called
Cruiser Division), commanded by
Rear Admiral Aritomo Goto in 1939.
It supported Japanese invasions
of Guam, Wake Island and Papua
New Guinea, and was involved
at the battles of Coral Sea and
Savo Island. The ship’s war ended
at the Battle of Cape Esperance
on October 11-12, 1942, when a
formation of US cruisers and
destroyers surprised Goto’s force,
and managed to ‘cross the T’…
exposing the Japanese vessels to
heavy fire. The flagship Aoba was
damaged extensively, and when
Furutaka moved out of line to
engage the enemy, thus shielding
the crippled cruiser, it was hit by
multiple shells and torpedoes,
finally sinking at 0228hrs on
 This limited-edition release featured a full hull option with the parts moulded in dull red styrene, along with propeller shafts, bilge keels, October 12, with the loss of more
twin rudders and stand components. than 100 crew.

74 Airfix Model World


In the box
The stylish top-opening box
contained ten styrene runners
(nine grey and one red), which held
214 parts, with frames repeated
for items such as davits, torpedo
tubes, gun barrels/directors and
boats. A single photo-etched (PE)
brass fret was included, along with
white metal propellers, turned
brass main gun barrels, a wooden
base, gold-coloured nameplate
and two decal sheets, one for
the aircraft and the other for the
ship’s ensigns and aircraft. The
styrene items were contained
within plastic bags, to reduce the
possibility of accidental damage.
This was one of Hasegawa’s
Japanese Navy Heavy Cruiser
MODEL SPEC
Furutaka, Full Hull Special
By: Hasegawa
Stock Code: CH115/43165
Scale: 1/700
Price: £44.99
Available from:
www amerang.co.uk
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA
 Surface detail on the main decking was splendid, with all lockers, hatches and anchor
chains moulded integrally. The characteristic brass strips, fitted to the linoleum decking,
were also present.
 Funnel detail was impressive, as all pipes and vent guards were moulded integrally. Great
care was needed in removing the delicate foremast piece (left).
better offerings and released
originally in 2007. The mouldings
were crisp with well-defined details,
particularly the replication of the
main deck’s linoleum-covered
surface, aircraft handling cradle
rails and complex bridge structure.
All four white metal propellers
featured a slightly rough texture,
which required a few swipes with
a sanding stick prior to painting.
The PE extras were comprehensive
and included details for the ships Thoughtfully, Hasegawa provided a
comprehensive supplementary set, which
handrails, jack/flagstaff, crane,
included four types of scout aircraft, ship’s boats,
handling cradles, mast ‘starfish’ secondary gun turrets and anti-aircraft guns.
platforms, searchlight towers
and superstructure. A wooden  The main deck was painted with Lifecolor’s IJN Kure Grey, before all hatches, searchlight
base was supplied, and this bases, and fore and aft decks were masked via Aizu and blue Jammy Dog masking tape.
was furnished with red styrene
supports and a gold-coloured self-
adhesive nameplate. The clear and
concise instructions also provided
a brief history of the ship and a
painting/decal guide.
Getting underway
Being a limited-edition boxing,
a full-hull option was included
and the fit of upper and lower
sections was excellent; the
decision was made to build and
paint them separately, then join
them later. Assembly began with
the main deck, which received
Alclad ALC-302 Grey Primer
www.airfixmodelworld.com 75
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA
A coat of Lifecolor IJN Linoleum
Deck followed, after which the
masking was removed. The upper hull
then received UA647 IJN Kure Grey.
and Microfiller. This was followed
by a pre-shade of Tamiya XF-68
NATO Brown, after which the
part was airbrushed in Lifecolor
UA644 IJN Kure Grey. The steel-
covered fore and aft decks, main
gun turret bases, deck hatches
and searchlight bases were all
masked and UA647 IJN Linoleum
Deck was applied. Once dry, the
characteristic brass linoleum tie-
down strips were scraped carefully
via a curved scalpel blade, then
highlighted with silver pencil.
The lower hull underside had
two bilge keels and four propeller
shafts attached and, while the
fit was good, Deluxe Materials’
Perfect Plastic Putty eliminated
any visible seams. It was then pre-
The linoleum deck was weathered
using a mix of the base Kure Grey
lightened with Mr.Hobby H2 White.
This was applied between the brass
tie downs on the deck.
Perfect Plastic Putty filled the small
seams along the keel bilges, and was
then blended and neatened with a
moistened cotton bud.
76 Airfix Model World
left-hand side of the bridge tower.
Smaller sets of steps were also
attached amidships between the
main and upper decks.
Bridge windows and portholes
were infilled with ABT110 Black
oil wash, while XF-66 Light Grey
highlighted the window frames.
Next, spare IJN handrail PE was
attached to the bridge roof and
gun director, and radio antennas
were added from 0.5mm lead wire.
At this point, the foremast was
secured to the bridge assembly
with cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive,
as a small amount of tension would
shaded with Mr. Hobby H463 Red
Brown, followed by light layers of
UA648 Antifouling Hull Red. AK
Interactive’s AK475 True Metal
Brass wax paste was applied to
the white metal propellers, and
when dry, these were buffed to a
realistic sheen.
Commanding position
The bridge tower was reasonably
well moulded, but benefited
from extra detailing, particularly
regarding ladders, handrails and
aerial arrays, none of which were
included in the kit. Eduard’s IJN
Ladders (99039) provided the
necessary items; these were cut
to length and fitted to the masts,
main funnel sides and on the
SHIP SCHEMES
Hasegawa provided a generic
Furutaka-class decal sheet, which
supplied dual language (Japanese
and English) nameplates for Furutaka
and Kako, along with ensigns, flags
and comprehensive aircraft unit
codes and markings. Technically, one
could build the latter ship from this
kit, but Kako is also available as a
separate release (CH118/43168).

Since the kit barrels did not feature
hollow muzzles, the brass replacements
were most welcome. These fitted
easily after 1mm holes were
drilled in the blast bags.
be placed on this unit once the
rigging lines were added.
Focus then shifted to the
funnels, and although the detail
was somewhat soft in this area,
the Furutaka’s characteristic
arrangement was portrayed
accurately. The side-vent grilles,
handrails and vent pipes were
present and moulded onto the
outer surfaces, and the caps
featured reasonably well-defined
cages (given the limitations of
styrene moulding), although again,
PE items would have been my
personal preference.
The main and secondary gun
turrets had good surface detail
for the scale, but the prominent
access ladders were not included
(instead these were fabricated
from North Star’s generic Ship and
Sea Ladders Set NSA700060).
Turned brass barrels featured
convincing hollow muzzles, and
these improved the appearance of
the main armament guns greatly;
they fitted easily after 1mm holes
were drilled into the blast bags, and
were secured via CA.
PE playtime
Handrails were pre-cut to length,
which made fitting them to the
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA
Hasegawa’s PE components
replaced styrene parts on the
more intricate areas, including
the searchlight towers, crane,
aircraft catapult, handling
cradles, support frames and
mast ‘starfish’.
platforms were provided for the
fore and mainmasts, as were the
bow jackstaff and stern flagstaff.
Finally, extra ladders were added
to the main gun turret sides,
foremast, funnel, gun directors and
various walkways.
Quest for colour
The two ships of the Furutaka
class, Furutaka and Kako were both
painted in slightly different shades,
due to Kako being modernised
at the Sasebo shipyard, while
Furutaka went to Kure. There
 The assembled and painted bridge tower
with the foremast fitted. Extra ladders from
Eduard’s 99039 IJN Ladder set were used,
as this was prominent on the real ship.
decks a straightforward task. A
Small Shop ‘Hold and Fold’ PE
folding tool was used to angle the
parts, so they conformed to the
deck and superstructure surfaces.
These sections then received ALC-
302 Grey Primer and Microfiller,
before being attached with Gator’s
Grip Thin Blend PVA glue. Following
this, the aircraft catapult, cradles
and ships crane were assembled,
primed and painted Kure Grey,
prior to being fitted to the hull.
Delicate PE searchlight towers
replaced the solid styrene parts,
and these added greatly to the
model’s final appearance. Starfish
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 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA

rapidly, with sun, rain, salt and rust

With superstructure, funnels and bridge
attached, it was time to check the fit of all playing their part. Weathering
the lower hull. Luckily, this was almost began with the lower hull and for
perfect, with just a small amount of this, Lifecolor’s LP04 Hulls and
filler needed at the bow join. Wooden Decks provided LPW20
Dried Salt and LPW17 Surface
Shadower. The former was applied
with an 000 brush, allowed to dry
for ten minutes, and then streaked
vertically using a cotton bud
moistened with LP-RE Remover.
Once dry, it was still possible to
further blend and diffuse the
salt into the hull surface or leave
pronounced traces along certain
panel-plates. This was followed
by an application of Surface
Shadower, which effectively tied
the colours together.
The next part of the process was
The aircraft platform and torpedo to add lighter and darker hues to
tubes were added to the stern, with the Kure Grey base colour. This
the latter able to be angled into
was achieved by adding H11 Flat
the firing position if desired.
White and H51 Light Gull Grey
to lighten and H83 Dark Grey to

were four different IJN greys, and

these were named after the Naval
Arsenals (shipyards) that handled
the vessels; Sasebo, Kure, Maizuru
and Yokosuka. Each yard had its
own shade, although following
prolonged active service these
would probably have appeared
somewhat similar. The exact grey
tone was therefore determined by
which yard they last visited, so a
ship may have worn different
hues throughout its career.
Painting began with random
pre-shading of XF-10 Flat Brown
and XF-54 Dark Sea Grey over
the entire hull, to offer discernible
colour variations in the final finish.
Lifecolor’s CS36 Imperial Japan
Navy WWII Set 1 provided the a spare PE set, while plastic card Thinner, to protect the finish darken the original tone. These
necessary Kure Arsenal colour rudders were added to the two during handling. Finally, several mixes were applied sparingly to the
(UA644), which was applied motor launches. light layers of Mission Models’ centre of panels, along hard edges
to the various sub-assemblies. The main and secondary funnel MMA004 Matt Clear Coat varnish and into any shadowed areas.
The six main gun blast bags caps were airbrushed XF-69 NATO were applied in readiness for the Following this, surface details were
received H21 Off White and detail Black, and then highlighted with extensive weathering. emphasised by dry-brushing an
was accentuated with Tamiya’s XF- 83 Medium Sea Grey. With H11-H51 mixture over the parts.
TAM87133 Panel Line Accent Color the basic painting completed, the Life on the ocean waves To accompany the Lifecolor
(Grey). Lifeboat interiors got a coat model was treated with Mr. Hobby The harsh Pacific environment set, AK Interactive’s Naval Ships
of XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan, and GX100 Super Clear Gloss varnish, caused the painted surfaces of Weathering range was also
additional oars were added from diluted with Mr. Color 108 Levelling ships to fade and deteriorate employed, with AK305 Streaking

78 Airfix Model World


 Next, the ship’s handrails, searchlight towers, funnel side superstructure,  The ship’s boats were painted away from the model, before being detailed with spare PE,
secondary gun turrets, aircraft handling cradles and catapult were added, and then weathered using AK Interactive’s products.
and everything fitted faultlessly. At the same time, the funnel caps
were painted NATO Black and dry-brushed with light grey.
for Light Grey Ships, AK302
Wash for Grey Decks applied
to the upper hull, gun turrets
and superstructure, and AK304
Brown Streaking Grime for Red
Hulls for the ship’s underside.
These products were applied via a
00-brush and a moistened cotton
bud for final blending. Selected
areas of the bow, foredeck, main
deck edges, bridge tower, turrets
and superstructure then received
AK306 Salt Streaks for Ships; this
was blended into the hull sides by
cotton bud, and random patches
were applied to the upper level of
the anti-fouling red areas. Brass
BRASS EMBELLISHMENTS PE doors were secured to various areas
of the superstructure and aircraft
hangar, before fitting the lifeboats.
Abteilung’s 007 Raw Umber oil paint was
applied, to replicate heavy weathering.
Hasegawa provided a wealth of PE components; these included handrails,
searchlight towers, superstructure frames, catapult, aircraft handling cradles and
a crane. While most ship-board items were supplied, it was felt it would have been
more useful if extra vertical ladders and boat davits were also furnished.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA
tie-down strips were highlighted
with ABT007 Raw Umber oil wash,
which also shaded the upper
bridge roofs, upper hull portholes,
anchors and ladder details.
To replicate heavy use, ABT510
was applied to the funnel side
vents, torpedo launchers, catapult,
crane, handling cradles and aircraft
hangar. Further visual interest was
added to the lower hull, courtesy
of AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG PO24 Light
Rust pastel powder, applied in
varying degrees to the anti-fouling
red, concentrating on the ship’s
keel. The funnel caps were treated
to small amounts of A.MIG-3001
Black pastel powder, to achieve
a suitably sooty look, and a tiny
quantity was applied to the rear
mast and aircraft hangar roof.
Scout’s honour
Furutaka carried two observation
aircraft of various types during its
career. Early machines included
the Kawanishi E7K Type 94 ‘Alf’
and Nakajima E8N Type 0 ‘Dave’
biplanes; photographic evidence
revealed Aichi E13A Type 0 ‘Jake’
and F1M Type 0 ‘Pete’ aircraft were
also carried. A supplementary
runner included no fewer than
www.airfixmodelworld.com 79
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA

MATERIALS
AT A GLANCE
Abteilung502 oil paints
(www.abteilung502.com)
AK Interactive (www.ak-interactive.com)
Alclad II (www.alclad2.com)
AMMO-MIG (www.migjimenez.com)
Deluxe Materials
(www.deluxematerials.co.uk)
Gators Grip glue (www.gatorsmask.com)
Lifecolor paints (www.airbrushes.com)
Mission Models paints applied and the canopy of the
(www.missionmodelsus.com) Jake was hand-painted with a fine
Mr. Hobby (www.albionhobbies.com) brush. Both machines received
North Star Models MMA005 Semi Matt varnish and
(www.northstarmodels.com) were weathered with ABT007
Small Shop PE folding tool Raw Umber and ABT510
(www.thesmallshop.com) Starship Filth. The aircraft
were then glued to the PE
Tamiya paints (www.hobbyco.net)
cradles and these in turn
Uschi van der Rosten
were attached to the catapult
(www.albionhobbies.com)
and hanger roof rails. Spare floats
and wings were used from the
four different scouts and it was supplementary runner and fitted in
the modeller’s choice on which to their appropriate areas, with small der Rosten’s ‘Superfine’
use. The selected E13A Jake and cages for wing stowage fabricated and ‘Fine’ lines were used
F1M Pete were painted XF-11 IJN from spare PE railings. throughout; the latter for the two
Green, with XF-76 IJN Gray Green main lines running the length of
for the undersides followed by All wired up the ship (via the masts) and the
kit decals. Once these had dried, Rigging Furutaka was quite former for the remainder. It’s
yellow leading-edge areas were straightforward and Uschi van best to work from the inside out,

 The rigging diagram for this class was straightforward, with the fore and mainmasts
being the most involved element. Uschi’s ‘Fine’ and ‘Superfine’ elasticated line was
employed here, and was attached with 20-second CA.
 These ships had been in much action by 1942, and were therefore heavily weathered. The
hull received AK Interactive’s Brown Streaking for Red Hulls, before being highlighted with
A.MIG-3006 Light Rust pastel powder.
 The four white metal propellers were treated with AK Interactive’s True Metal Brass
modelling wax. Once dry, these were polished via cotton bud, before being weathered with
ABT 007 oil paint.

Streaks and grime effects were

applied courtesy of diluted
Abteilung 502 Raw Umber and
Starship Filth oil washes.

80 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
IJN FURUTAKA

searchlights, courtesy of the Little-

Cars range, extended cable lines
across the rear deck, PE lifebelts
and the Rising Sun (Kyokujitsu-ki)
Naval Ensign attached to the rear
flagstaff. This left just the base
which, following a mahogany-
coloured wash, was sprayed with
MMA005 Semi-Gloss Clear Coat
varnish. The gold self-adhesive
Japanese nameplate was attached
to one side of the base while the
English version, included in the
decal sheet, was applied to a black Extra ladders and
plastic base, which was then walkways were added
added to the other face. from North Star Model’s
generic Vertical Ladders/
Sea ladders set. These were
fitted to the funnel sides,
main gun turrets, bridge
tower and stowage decks.

Great package
This was a highly enjoyable model,
with no issues noted; Hasegawa’s
usual high quality made life much
easier, with parts’ fit and general
detail both excellent. While quite
expensive, the kit nevertheless
offered good value, particularly
with the addition of the full-hull
option, PE, white metal and brass
parts, all of which raised the model
above the norm. In an added
bonus, the supplemental runner
and decal sheet ensured a healthy
supply of spare parts for
future IJN projects.

finishing with the two main lines,

Multiple weathering
which were attached to the bow
products were used in
jackstaff and the stern flagstaff, via finishing this project. The
the forward gun turret’s ‘T’ pole. variety allowed several
As in previous ship projects, CA techniques to be employed,
was used to attach the lines to the which in turn created a
yardarms and jack/flagstaff. There diverse surface finish.
was concern the fumes could
adversely affect the rigging line,
causing it to distort, so to prevent
this air was blown over the part
while the line was attached.
A near disaster was averted
(and the rigging’s strength
demonstrated accidentally) when
tweezers snagged an overhead
line, while being withdrawn
between those around the rear
funnel, which pulled the model
over until it was suspended
from the bench by the rigging!
Amazingly, everything remained
intact and Furutaka lived to fight
another day, yet another example
of why Uschi’s product is this
modeller’s rigging line of choice.
Once this stage was completed,
the final details could be added,
including small clear lenses for the

www.airfixmodelworld.com 81
 OUT AND ABOUT
MAFVA NATIONALS 2018

Armour Fascination
 Jeffrey Adams combined Dragon’s
1/35 M2A1 with aftermarket stowage
and front wheels, extra equipment
from his spares box and added a
subtly weathered finish for his
Best-in-Show-winning half-track.

M
ilitary modellers It’s a regular ode to all things
had their annual armoured, with traders from
get-together at the across Europe making the trip
Miniature Armoured to help modellers lighten their
Fighting Vehicle Association’s wallets, but also a social forum,
Nationals show and competition, with many a discussion around
held again at the St Ivo Leisure the main exhibit hall, as builders
Centre, St Ives, Cambs. caught up with each other’s

 The 1990s Balkans

Conflict generated many strange vehicle
combos, including a BTS-2 armoured tractor fitted with a 40mm
anti-aircraft gun, as depicted in eye-catching fashion by Paul Badman.
 Andy Lang’s Sd.Kfz.304 Springer demolition vehicle, utilised S-Model Kettenkrad tracks
below the scratch-built hull, with Tamiya colours airbrushed freehand for the camouflage.

 There was a definite ‘rust’ theme in the competition, and this ‘Put out to Pasture’
tractor vignette was one of three weather-beaten entries by Mark Humphries.

82 Airfix Model World

 OUT AND ABOUT
MAFVA NATIONALS 2018

 This stunning Stalingrad

diorama by James Skiffins
has it all, drama, explosions
and wreckage, complemented
by superb painting on the
buildings and rubble.

m ore onl
w i
 Tamiya’s 1/35
Vie

ne

T-55 Enigma was portrayed

in Iraqi Army desert camouflage, and
exhibited a suitably combat-weary appearance, all
courtesy of Mark Gilbert’s fine building and painting skills.

 Thunder Models’ 1/35 Bergepanzer 38 early received a realistic heavily rusted finish, and
formed the centrepiece for Paul Badman’s ‘Forgotten Treasure’ vignette.
.

latest projects. This won deservedly

year’s competition was by Jeffrey Adams
an engaging affair, with for his re-worked and
several standout entries, such superbly presented
as Paul Badman’s Serbian BTS- Dragon 1/35 M2A1 half-
2/40mm Bofors ‘Frankenstein’ track, while the Junior prize
ensemble, James Skiffins’ action- went to Andrei Timofeev for
packed ‘Stalingrad’ diorama, his delightful winter T-35/85
and (among several tributes vignette. Next year’s show
to rusting) Mark Humphries’ will move back to the regular
abandoned tractor vignette. Father’s Day weekend.
Senior Best-in-Show award was Stu Fone/Chris Clifford

 Chris Lloyd-Staples modified the basic (unknown) resin kit extensively to produce this  We don’t know which
delightful North African Campaign-inspired Fordson War Office Truck (WOT) 2 vignette. kit junior modeller Andrei
Timofeev used for his
T-34/85 vignette, but
this excellent build was
complemented by an
equally impressive snow/
ice scene.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 83
 IN FOCUS
MANNED ORBITING LAB
A Titan IIIC rocket lifts off
from Cape Canaveral on
November 3, 1966 carrying a
mock-up of the MOL with the
Gemini 2 spacecraft. (USAF)
84 Airfix Model World
Former NASA
scientist David
Baker tells the
fascinating story
of the USAF’s
Manned Orbiting
Laboratory project
T
hunder reverberated
across Cape Canaveral,
Florida just before 9am on
November 3, 1966 when
the twin solid rocket boosters
of a massive Titan IIIC rocket
carrying a mock-up of
America’s first military
space station, climbed
away from Launch
Complex 40.
Weighing 616 tons
(626 tonnes), the
three-stage rocket
carried a Gemini
spacecraft on top, which
was making its second trip
into space. The Gemini 2 had
been specially modified to support
one of the most secret projects
of the Cold War – a space station
designed to support a crew of
two USAF astronauts. Its purpose
was to spy on Soviet Russia
and communist China, taking
photographs with a resolution of
at least 4in (10cm).
Highly classified, the mission
itself was also known as Ops-
0855 and, in addition to NASA’s
refurbished Gemini 2 spacecraft, it
comprised a boilerplate model of
the Manned Orbiting Laboratory
(MOL), a structure weighing
21,300lb (9,660kg) on a flight
that aimed to qualify the basic
elements of one of the most
remarkable projects of its time. It
had a been a long time coming – 12
years – and was the USAF’s bid for
a top-secret human spaceflight
programme to parallel NASA’s
very public flights.
In fact, it was more than top-
secret, as it was eventually

absorbed into the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA) and
the National Reconnaissance
Office, the Byeman system using
the secure classification network
‘Keyhole’, or KH. It would grow
in importance until that truly
significant day in November 1966
when the first boilerplate hardware
was sent into orbit. Boilerplates
were structural replicas of the
real machinery, sent up to test the
integrity of rocket and payload
without wasting a piece of
operational hardware.
Into the black
Three years before Russia put
Sputnik 1 in orbit on October 4,
1957, the USAF had assumed
it would take control of the
US space programme. Not the
publicly planned ‘civilian’ project
supporting the bid for the world’s
first artificial Earth satellite, known
as Vanguard, but another, much
bigger and highly classified, space
project totally unknown to the
public. It emerged right at the time
the decision was made to build
intercontinental ballistic missiles
(ICBMs), capable of delivering
nuclear warheads from launch
sites in the US against targets in
Russia and China.
The need for comprehensive and
reliable data on precise geographic
coordinates, for military targets,
was something that worried
defence and intelligence chiefs as
they recognised the absence of
quality maps of the Soviet Union.
Even by the late 1950s, the best
cartography available to NATO
forces was that captured from
the Luftwaffe at the end of the
war, for it was that organisation
Robert L. Crippen, MOL astronaut who later accompanied
John Young on the first Shuttle flights poses with the suit
specially adapted for the military space station. (USAF)
A mock-up of the Gemini
spacecraft adopter section
with integral tunnel attached
to a hatch in the base
heat shield of the re-entry
module. (McDonnell)
that had carried out the most
comprehensive survey before
and after the German invasion of
Russia in June 1941. Something
much better was required for the
atomic age.
Most of these early developments
with rockets, missiles and early
concepts for space projects –
long before anything had been
placed in space – occurred during
the years of the Eisenhower
administration (1953-1961). From
his position in charge of Allied
operations from D-Day to the end
of the war in 1945, and his tenure
as Army Chief of Staff, Dwight
D Eisenhower knew the value
of intelligence, and sought ways
to obtain information about the
Soviet Union that would result in
the development of the famous
Lockheed U-2, a CIA project. But
his fear of these aircraft being
vulnerable encouraged his interest
in the practical employment of
satellites – then still just a concept
– for maintaining continuous
overwatch of the Russians without
endangering the lives of aircrew…
or attracting the attention of the
Soviet military.
While these background thoughts
and deliberations were being
IN FOCUS
MANNED ORBITING LAB
discussed, technical developments
with camera systems and
intermediate-range ballistic
missiles such as Thor, development
of which, along with the Atlas ICBM
and shortly Titan, had begun in
1954, opened new possibilities. It
was becoming clear that when the
big rockets became operational
they could be used to place in orbit
spy satellites, which would replace
the risky business of penetration
missions and overflights of Russia
and China. The fact that these had
already been underway for several
years, resulting in numerous shoot-
downs, emphasised the fears.
So, it was when Russia launched
Sputnik ahead of America’s
publicly discussed Vanguard
project, that the public felt the
Soviets were ahead. In fact, they
had a more powerful rocket than
Atlas with greater lift capacity, but
in plans for an integrated military
space programme, the US was far
ahead of Russia. In October 1957
Khrushchev saw the propaganda
potential in spectacular space
‘firsts’, but the Americans had the
Corona spy satellite programme
already in development, under the
classified Keyhole designations
known as KH-1, but publicly
declared as the Discoverer series
for carrying out basic research.
Corona would not begin
producing results before
www.airfixmodelworld.com 85
 IN FOCUS
MANNED ORBITING LAB
Eisenhower was succeeded by
President Kennedy in January
1961 but it, and its successors were
well under way and significantly
outstripping anything the Russians
could launch at the time. In fact,
by late 1960 and as a presidential
candidate, Kennedy had been
briefed on the new reality about
missile and rocket forces in
relation to the USSR and had
chosen not to use that information
when accusing the Eisenhower
administration of allowing the
Russians to leap ahead. Only when
he entered the White House and
faced pressure from the military
to fund a massive expansion
programme, did he declare
satellite-based intelligence had
shown him the true picture.
The importance of this story is
that the Kennedy administration
The US Air Force selected the
giant Titan IIIC rocket for the MOL
programme using Launch Complex
40 at Cape Canaveral. (USAF)
86 Airfix Model World
was aware of the leverage gained
from the new age of clandestine
intelligence gathering (for both
internal political as well as public
declarations to suit purpose)
and this encouraged the US Air
Force to expand its ambitions
in developing a strong military-
focused space programme.
Spies in orbit
NASA had been formed in 1958 as
a response to the national shock
over Sputnik 1 and it was taking
the Americans a few years to
catch up. But the public was totally
unaware of the overall space-based
capabilities already evolving to the
significant advantage of the US
military, because these were highly
classified projects. Which is why,
when Yuri Gagarin became the
first man to reach space and orbit
 The adapter structure between the Gemini spacecraft and the MOL station, with an
access tunnel clearly visible for crew transfer. (McDonnell)
Earth in April 1961, Kennedy sought
advice on his own ‘catch-up’ push
and chose from a series of options
the challenge to put men on the
Moon by the end of the decade.
But the USAF had its eye on
a stronger space programme
and wanted to put its own
personnel in space, to significantly
expand the reconnaissance and
surveillance capabilities inherent
in the unmanned satellites. When
Kennedy laid down the Moon
goal, NASA set up the two-man
Gemini programme, to provide a
means of practising rendezvous
and docking, long duration flight
and spacewalking. In 1962 the
USAF held secret talks with NASA
and manufacturer McDonnell
Aircraft, with a view to buying
Gemini spacecraft for its own
requirements under the Blue
Gemini programme.
A year later, the USAF began
formal studies of a military space
station – the Manned Orbital
Laboratory (MOL) – which it then
envisaged as a habitable module
25ft (7.62m) in length, launched on
a Titan rocket with a crew of two
carried in a Gemini B spacecraft
on top. The USAF had another
space project, called DynaSoar
(for ‘dynamic soaring’), which was
publicly discussed as a spaceplane
for carrying out research…but
which was really designed for
hypersonic, hemispheric strike
against targets on the other
side of the globe. The Kennedy
administration cancelled DynaSoar
in 1963, already reduced to the
status of a research project

 This component of the MOL structure with hat-section stringers and circumferential
rings has a cut-out for the optical equipment. (NRO)
designated X-20, and approved
further studies on a MOL.
At this date the future role of
MOL as a spy station had not yet
fully emerged. New generations of
KH-series satellites were doing a
fine job of scanning and mapping
major portions of the Soviet Union.
The basic Corona KH-1 camera
system had returned unprocessed
film in a re-entry body called a
‘bucket’, snatched from mid-air
as it descended by parachute.
Introduced in August 1963, the
KH-4A system carried two buckets,
the second being fed with exposed
film after the first was full and
jettisoned for return to Earth. It
was the expanding capabilities of
the film-recovery programmes that
encouraged the USAF to explore
expanded and rather bizarre
applications for MOL.
One concept envisaged a vast
fleet of spy satellites orbiting the
Earth, shepherded and tended by
three MOL laboratories strapped
together in a triple-configuration,
with killer-satellites policing the
orbital space lanes and knocking
out Russian satellites sent up to
interrogate the flotillas of armed
gunships. Guns had been taken
into space before; the Russians
had already launched a vehicle
with a cannon, and there was
even a proposal for NASA’s Lunar
Modules to be bought off the
production line to be converted
into gunships, defending the
guardians of the space lanes! But
that was just the start.
Enter DORIAN
Even as late as 1964 the MOL was
defined as a general all-purpose
military space laboratory, using the
powerful Titan IIIC and a Gemini
spacecraft for carrying the two-
man crew. By early 1965 there
were pressures to mate the MOL
with a new, very high-resolution
telescope to forge the most
powerful spy station envisaged.
It was then MOL divided into
an ‘open’ programme sanitised
for public consumption, and the
‘closed’ configuration which was
very highly classified. It had been
The Air Force wanted
a backpack for its
astronauts, allowing
them to inspect
satellites in orbit
and developed the
Astronaut Maneuvering
Unit, which ultimately
was never used. (USAF)
MOL – Exploded view
 The various elements of the MOL
including the forward and aft modules
where the Dorian optics would have been
located. (G. De Chiara)
IN FOCUS
MANNED ORBITING LAB
that way with the Discoverer/
Corona programme, which hid
from public view the actual
purpose and capability of the first-
generation spy satellites.
President Johnson formally
approved development of MOL
on August 25, 1965 and the
configuration was finalised,
consisting of an equipment
module with a length of 19ft
(5.8m) and a diameter of 10ft (3m),
providing a pressurised volume
of 400ft³ (11.3m³) in which the
crew would live and work. Access
from the Gemini spacecraft to
the equipment module was via a
tunnel, connected to a hatch in
the Gemini heat shield. Behind the
equipment module, the mission
module had a length of 35 ½ft
(10.8m) and it was this section that
contained the optics. The primary
mirror for the folded Newtonian
telescope had a diameter of 71
½in (181.6cm) and the system
was fed with 13,570ft (4,136m) of
9in (23cm) film capable of 7,500
stereo pairs.
The optical system and
www.airfixmodelworld.com 87
 IN FOCUS
MANNED ORBITING LAB
 Gemini 2 was the only manned
spacecraft to carry US Air Force markings,
and returned to Earth after the unmanned
flight of November 3, 1966. It now resides
in the Air Force Space and Missile Museum
at Cape Canaveral. (USAF)
telescope went by the code name
DORIAN (or KH-10) and would
have provided images down to a
resolution of at least 6in (15.2cm),
but almost as soon as it had been
approved, questions were asked
about the need for astronauts; why
not dispense with the operators
and use DORIAN as an unmanned
system? To support this argument,
a variant of MOL was proposed
with several re-entry vehicles
capable of sending back to Earth
four or more buckets of film.
Paradoxically, MOL planners
were missing the point. Advances
in autonomous and computer-
controlled satellites had made
great strides and the HEXAGON
(KH-9) system carrying four
buckets and a separate mapping
camera re-entry vehicle was
already in development. Launched
by Titan IIIC, KH-9 would not
fly before June 1971, by which
time the massive KH-11 was itself
already in development capable
of continuous transmission of
digital images. This would begin
operations in 1976 and bequeath to
NASA the Hubble Space Telescope
as a direct application of the KH-11.
Back in the late 1960s the
design configuration of MOL
was finalised, hydrogen/oxygen
88 Airfix Model World
fuel cell electrical production
replacing outmoded solar cell
arrays, considered vulnerable to
orbital manoeuvring, and a mixed
gas environment of oxygen and
helium for the crew to breathe.
There were spin-offs fed across to
the Gemini programme, notably
the Astronaut Maneuvering
Unit (AMU), which had been
carried in the adapter section of
NASA’s Gemini 9 spacecraft, but
which astronaut Eugene ‘Gene’
Cernan had been unable to test
in orbit due to visor-fogging from
inadequate suit ventilation.
Between 1965 and 1967 the
USAF recruited a total of 17 MOL
astronauts, many of whom were
transferred to NASA and six
flew on the Space Shuttle. One,
Michael J Adams, was killed in
an X-15 flight in 1967, the only
fatality in this hypersonic research
vehicle. Another, General James
A Abrahamson became head
MOL – finAl configurAtion (1969)
 This cutaway shows the pressurised areas in pale blue and the location of the optics in of NASA’s human spaceflight
the unpressurised section. (G. De Chiara) programme before promotion to
 A view through the interior of Gemini 2 shows the mock-up of the hatch in the heat run President Reagan’s so-called
shield with ratchet levers which would have been used by the crew to open it and move into Star Wars initiative.
the station through the tunnel. (USAF) As for MOL itself, the only piece
of hardware ever flown was that
launch on November 3, 1966 when
a mighty Titan IIIC gave brief hope
to the USAF for a military spy
station in space. With operational
planning dates receding into
the mid-1970s, the Nixon
administration cancelled MOL
on June 10, 1969 in preference
of a new generation of massive,
unmanned spy satellites launched
by Titan III. Never again would the
USAF come so close to having
its own space station.
 MIL-SPEC
AIRBRUSH-READY
QUICK-DRYING
ENAMEL PAINT

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 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MANNED ORBITING LAB
Fantastic Plastic
has a reputation
for exotic
subjects, so
Andy Davies
went decidedly
off-piste with
its 1/48 US Air
Force Manned
Orbiting
Laboratory
p
rior to NASA’s Skylab, the
US Air Force planned to
operate its own space
station, known as the
Manned Orbiting Laboratory
(MOL), which would serve as a
military orbital reconnaissance
platform (see p.84).
The programme was cancelled
in 1969, as unmanned satellites
proved more cost-effective. While
there have been many real-space
releases, there have been just two
of the MOL, including Fantastic
Plastic’s newly tooled 1/48 resin
offering. The surprisingly small
box contained 47 resin parts,
30 steel ball-bearings, two decal
sheets (replicated), a steel needle,
two wooden dowels and a basic
instruction sheet…not the usual
mix of contents for a modern resin
kit. The ball-bearings assisted the
 The MOL’s 20in (508mm) ‘fuselage’ was split into two sections, each comprising four alignment of the ‘fuselage’ sides
curved lengths; unfortunately, most were warped badly. and capsule adapter, and the
90 Airfix Model World
wooden dowels aided connection
between the two overly large stand
pieces. Five core-support rings
were provided, with three for the
lower fuselage and two for the
upper section, around which the
hull would be constructed.
Orbital workshop
The main hull was tackled first.
Two side panels were joined with
cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive, and
the rings located into shallow
grooves provided on the inner
surface walls. Once these were
positioned correctly, the remaining
side panels were added and
this resulted in a solid tubular
structure. Unfortunately, two of
the fuselage parts were slightly
too narrow, and this left a 4mm
gap along the hull’s length. The
upper fuselage rings appeared
to be the correct diameter, which
meant trimming the lower items
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MANNED ORBITING LAB

to size wasn’t an option, as the

two hull sections would then be of
different radii.
The easiest way to solve this issue
was to fit a plastic shim into the
gap, so a strip of 3mm Evergreen
plastic card was inserted and then
secured with CA; a thin skimming
of Deluxe Materials Perfect Putty
(applied via damp cotton bud),
filled any remaining gaps. As
the fuselage skin was covered in
longitudinal ribs, these needed
to be added to the newly created
section, so two 1mm plastic rods
were attached and blended with
yet more filler.

 A hairdryer was used to heat the parts and, once the resin had softened, the sections
Two-man taxi
were straightened carefully, taped to a flat piece of wood and left to cool.
The Gemini-B capsule was cast
crisply and incorporated fine detail, With two sections glued together,
particularly on the grooved panels the three ‘core’ alignment rings
surrounding the crew area. The could be added. To strengthen
module itself was a single-piece the joints, each fuselage length
item, thankfully it was unaffected had semi-circular indentations,
by warpage; however, the adapter into which ball-bearings
Manned Orbiting Laboratory were glued with CA.
MODEL SPEC

ring was misshapen badly. It was

(MOL)
heated gently with a hairdryer
By: Fantastic Plastic and manipulated by hand until the
Stock Code: N/A correct diameter was achieved.
Prior to the parts being mated,
Scale: 1/48 the capsule was painted Tamiya
Price: US $120 XF-69 NATO Black, while Mr. Hobby
H418 Light Blue was applied to the
Available from:
adapter ring.
www.fantastic-plastic.com
The Gemini-B’s edges were dry-
brushed lightly, using a mix of the
base colour and XF-66 Light Grey
to accentuate the details. Careful
alignment of the two sections was
required, as release arms, which
were handed, had to be fitted in

www.airfixmodelworld.com 91
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MANNED ORBITING LAB
the correct orientation and these
were painted X-7 Red. Suitably
sized blue decal sheet was applied
to replicate the capsule windows,
then a red decal strip added to
the rear of the escape hatches. A
steel needle antenna was added
next, and finally a white band was
painted around the rendezvous-
docking nose.
Space tones
The admittedly speculative
colour scheme was selected
from a mixture of National
Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
reference drawings, period artwork
and various museum models.
Alclad’s ALC-306 White Primer
 Surprisingly, there was a 4mm gap along one of the lower fuselage’s seams, due to the
diameter of two of the side pieces being too narrow. A length of 4mm plastic strip was
glued into the gap with CA and filled with Deluxe Materials Perfect Putty.
The ball-bearings ensured correct
alignment of the upper/lower
fuselage sections, which were joined
with CA. The hull then received
white and grey Alclad primers.
92 Airfix Model World
and Microfiller prepared the main
hull for painting, after which the
laboratory module was airbrushed
H1 Gloss White. The upper mission
module was then sprayed H331
Dark Sea Grey, while the lower part
received H333 Extra Dark Sea Grey.
Highly reflective metal sections of
the forward unpressurised service
compartment were fashioned
from Bare-Metal Foil’s 004 Ultra
Bright Chrome. These were fitted
using an 00-brush to fix the foil
to the surface, a blunted cocktail
stick to press it into the ribbed
detail and a cotton bud to remove
air bubbles. Reaction control
thrusters were fitted at this point,
but unfortunately most of these
required remedial work, as several
were misshapen and suffered air-
bubble damage; gaps were filled
and parts corrected. Following this,
the outer surfaces were painted
ALC-117, with the insides XF-7 Flat
Red to match reference photos.
Fantastic Plastic supplied a
simple convex dome for the
fuselage rear, to represent the
hull’s aft pressure bulkhead. Using
recently declassified reference
material, it would appear a concave
bulkhead with gold-coated Mylar
protective covering would have
been employed instead. The kit
dome was wet-sanded to match
the diameter of the fuselage,
then reversed and fitted flush.
 After the laboratory section was airbrushed gloss white, sections of Bare-Metal Foil
Extra Chrome were added, to replicate the metallic areas. The Horizon Sensor fairing (centre
right), located on the underside, was fabricated from laminated strips of 5mm plastic card.
Self-adhesive 008 Gold then
replicated the thin Mylar film,
which was attached loosely so the
skin appeared wrinkled…as seen in
many photos of space vehicles of
the period.
It was then time to attach the
capsule/adapter to the fuselage
and thankfully, everything aligned
and fitted perfectly, aided again by
ball-bearings, with CA providing
a solid assembly and minimising
damage to the paintwork.
Intel gathering
The station’s Electronic Intelligence
(ELINT)/Surveillance role required
several additional pieces of
equipment, which were fitted to
Following fuselage
assembly, the Gemini-B
capsule and adapter
shroud were dry-fitted.
Unfortunately, the latter
was warped badly and
needed reshaping with
the aid of a hairdryer.
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MANNED ORBITING LAB

The pressure bulkhead was configured

incorrectly as a convex item, but
was inverted to produce the correct
concave shape, and Bare-Metal’s gold
foil was employed to replicate the
Mylar anti-radiation shield.

 Tamiya’s NATO Black was airbrushed onto the capsule, followed by H418 Light Grey for
the adapter shroud. Matt red acrylic was then applied to the attachment/release clamps.
Painting on the main hull included Mr. Hobby Extra Dark Sea Grey, which was airbrushed
onto the mid-section and Tamiya’s Rubber Black for the lower.

Along with the red strips, a longer

white item (representing the
rendezvous-alignment marking) was
added via the same technique. The
tape was extremely thin, with good
adhesion, ensuring it conformed
well to the ribbed surfaces.

 Thin red stripes surrounded the rear portion of the Gemini capsule. Lengths of 0.7mm
Aizu tape were painted and applied appropriately.

KIT SCHEME
Fantastic Plastic’s decals
represented the markings applied
to the dummy ‘boilerplate’ version
of the MOL, which was used to test
flight configuration, shape, size and
handling characteristics. Just the
USAF and Air Force legends were
used for this project.
the basic ‘airframe’. After studying
more reference material, a list
of the required parts was made,
and detailed drawings produced,
to ensure everything was scaled
correctly. The first items were two
large trapezoidal fairings, which
housed the Acquisition Telescopic
Optics sensors, and these were
fitted to either side of the fuselage
along its midline. These were
fabricated from laminated strips
of 5mm plastic card and
shaped with a micro-
saw, a fresh
scalpel blade
and various sanding sticks from being attached to the fuselage.
Ultimate Modelling Products. The inner faces were carved to
Following much wet sanding, match the profile of the fuselage
multiple coats of ALC-306 White sides and attached with CA. Due
Primer and Microfiller were applied to the raised detail
to remove any traces of the
lamination process. Once smooth,
the fairings received several
coats of XF-2 Matt
White, before

www.airfixmodelworld.com 93
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MANNED ORBITING LAB

 Reaction-control thrusters were added to the relevant fairings. Note, all these small  Two large fairings were added to the hull sides after being fabricated from laminated
items needed different degrees of sanding and filling to obtain the correct shape, and to fit. 5mm plastic card. The shapes were measured from declassified drawings, obtained via the
A central observation window was fashioned from scrap plastic and clear acetate. NRO website, and blended into the hull with Perfect Putty.

along the length of the pressurised
laboratory section, filler neatened
the area prior to masking and
respraying with matt white.
The same construction method
produced the under-fuselage
box structure housing the large
Horizon Sensor. While several
theoretical roles were considered
for the MOL, by far the most
interesting was the ELINT
mission. Due to the availability of
a few surviving drawings, it was
decided to build the model in this
configuration, as it was felt the
model’s basic ‘boilerplate’ dull
overall silver/metallic scheme
appeared visually uninspiring.
Listening in
A study of reference drawings
helped determine the size and
position of the specialised
equipment, which included
deployable detection antenna
panels, a 3ft scanning dish and twin
boom-sensor arrays. Fortunately,
the length of the boom arms (with
their expandable antenna heads)
was included, along with the
position of the parts when stowed,
making scale measurements
relatively straightforward.
The first scratch-built item
was the detection antenna. An
extension/retraction arm was
fashioned from 4mm plastic
card, which was cut to form an
angled joint. This was then located
into a slot drilled into the rear
bulkhead. Scanner panels were
built individually via strips of 5mm
plastic card, fitted to a length of
1mm brass rod. The front ‘faces’
were then painted in Mission
Models’ MMP-048 Primary Blue to
replicate the receiver panels, with
the rear areas finished in XF-69
NATO Black. The arm was painted
ALC-102 Duraluminium and then
added to the rear fuselage, after
which the scanners were attached
to the tip with slow-drying CA and
aligned carefully.
A spare 1/48 photo-etched (PE)
brass afterburner flame-holder
was pressed into service for the
3ft-diameter scanning dish, along
with a steel pin for the central feed
horn. The antenna was airbrushed
ALC-117 Dull Aluminium, with ALC-
108 Pale Gold misted randomly
over the surface to add more
visual appeal. Albion Alloys’ 4mm

As this model was to represent the The assembled

ELINT-equipped version, the specialised parts were painted
parts were measured and fabricated from appropriately, and
plastic card, spare PE and brass rod. A strips of blue decal
spare 1/48 PE afterburner component added in the case of the
represented the 3ft scanner dish. scanner panel faces.

94 Airfix Model World


 Few diagrams showing the deployed array were available on the NRO website.
Fortunately, measurements were given for each part, which meant scaling the new
components was a simple task.
MATErIALS
AT A GLANCE
Tamiya paints (www.hobbyco.net)
Mr. Hobby paints
(www.albionhobbies.com)
Mission Models Paints
(www.missionmodelsus.com)
Bare-Metal foil (www.bare-metal.com)
Oakwood Studios
(www.oakwood-studios.co.uk)
Evergreen plastic card
(www.Evergreenscalemodels.com)
Microscale Industries
(www.microscale.com)
AK Interactive (www.ak-interactive.com)
Alclad II Metallic paint
(www.alclad2.com)
Little-Lenses (www.modellingtools.co.uk)
Ultimate Modelling Products
(www.umpretail.com)
Aizu tape (www.amazon.co.uk)
and 3mm aluminium tubes were
used for the extension arms, and a
piece of scrap resin was modified
to represent the knuckle joint. A
further slot was drilled into the
rear bulkhead and the assembled
arm slotted into position, which
was angled to avoid interference
with the other arrays and secured
with Gator’s Grip PVA.
This left just the two large
boom arms, which would prove
problematic to build, due to the
odd angles shown in the official
drawing. It appeared the lower
boom was to have been fitted
along the fuselage centreline,
with the upper unit deployed
horizontally at 90° to port. The
lower boom was connected to the
fuselage via an extension jack,
which allowed it to be extended
‘downwards’ by approximately
20°. A 2mm diameter hole was
drilled into the hull, after which
a short length of 2mm brass rod
was inserted into a suitable IM
extension jack (sourced from
the spares box) and attached to
the fuselage with CA, forming a
sturdy join.
The booms were fabricated
with two 6mm plastic card strips,
cut to 5in (127mm) lengths and
joined at 90°, after which various
items of spare PE were attached
to add extra visual interest. Once
assembled and primed, the various
items were painted AK Interactive
Xtreme Metal AK480 Dark
Aluminium, with AK671 Metallic
Smoke for the expandable sensor
panels. The kit-provided base was
a clumsy affair and did nothing
to enhance the model, besides
which it would have interfered
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MANNED ORBITING LAB
With the design finalised, the boom
arrays received AK Interactive’s Xtreme
Metal Aluminium and Gun Metal. The
sensors were added via 4mm red lenses
and the array seccured with a short
length of brass rod. Fortunately, the
booms did not droop and remained level
after fitting.
with the lower boom arm. This was
discarded in favour of a wire coat
hanger and beautifully crafted
solid wood base from Oakwood
Studios. The wire was simply
reshaped to suspend the model
above the base, as if in ‘flight’.
Mission success
Fantastic Plastic continues to
produce models of rare and exotic
types, of which the MOL is a prime
example. This was a big and heavy
kit, and while there were issues
with distortion of some resin parts,
basic modelling skills and a degree
of experience of working with this
material will result in a formidable
replica. Its MOL is recommended
highly to all fans of US space
craft, particularly those interested
in speculative Cold War
surveillance projects.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 95
 ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP

Flyhawk’s stunning
1/72 M1A2 Abrams
receives scratch-
built upgrades
to create an
urban combat-
modified vehicle,
courtesy of Juanjo
Domínguez Calvo

V
ietnam War General
Creighton William
Abrams Jr’s name was
immortalised when it
was chosen for the US Army’s M60
successor, the M1 main battle tank.
Developed at the height of the
Cold War, the Abrams was involved
heavily in the First and Second
Gulf Wars, in 1991 and 2003,
serving with the US Army and
Marine Corps, where they proved
vastly superior to Iraqi T-72s. It
has been exported to Australia,
Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco and
Saudi Arabia. From a western
perspective, the type is upgrades, and is currently at
viewed as possessing M1A2 standard, with a 120mm
arguably the best main gun and modernised fire-
balance of control. Subsequent modifications,
the armour known as System Enhancement
triangle Packages (SEPs) have improved
(protection, firepower and speed). the Abrams’ combat capability
Since entering service in 1980, even further, with remote-weapon
the M1 has received numerous stations, reactive armour and new

 The parts quality was outstanding, with Flyhawk even providing realistic anti-slip  Razor saw on the cheap; it was fashioned by chipping a razor blade with a sharp knife to
texture on the upper hull – a feature missed frequently on larger-scale offerings. produce a notched edge, and was more than satisfactory for removing small parts.

96 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP

Prominent TUSK reactive armour blocks were based on styrene beams, which were Flyhawk’s side skirts served as mounts
‘tiled’ with thin plastic card; the overhanging sections were then bent with a knife for the scratch-built armour, and each
blade to form a 90° angle. of the 31 armour tiles per side received
eight individually punched rivets. Bolt
heads were fashioned from sections of
heat-stretched styrene runner.

ammunition. The most recent
Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK)
enhancements centre on the
vehicle’s ability to fight in built-
up areas and offers protection
against improvised explosive
devices (IEDs).
Impressive styrene
The kit came in a sturdy top-
opening box, and its weight
provided the first hint of the busy
contents, which comprised ten
styrene runners (including one for
clear parts), a photo-etched (PE)
brass fret and a decal sheet…in
total more than 160 components.
Its packaging was similarly
impressive, with all runners
bagged separately and delicate
parts protected, while the overall
level of detail was breathtaking.
Helpfully, attachment points were
very small and ejector pin marks
were all in hidden places. While
the instructions were generally
comprehensive, the markings
guide lacked sufficient clarity,
notably for the overall sand
schemes, while just one profile
view of the camouflaged option
was provided, so modellers must
check reference photos for the
reverse-side pattern.
Building this kit was a real
pleasure, and the fit was probably
the best seen to date by this
modeller. When removing parts
from the runners, a custom-
made razor saw was employed
to minimise damage to the most
delicate items; this was created
by hitting a razor blade at an
angle with a craft knife, to create
a rough sawtooth. With tape
wrapped around the upper section,
it made it an extremely effective
(and inexpensive), cutting tool.

MODEL SPEC M1A2 SEP Main Battle Tank

By: Flyhawk
Stock Code: FH 3300
Scale: 1/72
Price: US $35.17
Available from:
www.flyhawkmodel.com

 While Flyhawk’s tracks were well-moulded items (right), OKB Grigorov’s resin  The running gear was attached temporarily, and after the resin track sections were glued
aftermarket replacements (left) exhibited superior detail. together, they were warmed with a hairdryer and bent to shape.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 97
 ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP

Wheel skills
Making additional copies of kit parts, either to replace damage items or (as
here) to provide extra equipment, isn’t as difficult as it sounds. As the styrene
components were to be used for stowage, moulds were made of the various items
by pressing them into a piece of Oyumaru Moulding Compound (available from
craft and online retailers), which was immersed in hot water to make it flexible.
After the master was removed, two-part resin was poured into the mould (with
care taken to work it into the corners) and then set aside to dry. Despite my best
efforts, there were still air bubbles in several components, but these weren’t
visible on the model.

Certain sub-assemblies,
such as the turret’s rear
stowage, required no
embellishment…such was
their quality out of the box.

The kit side-skirts were used to
support the scratch-built reactive
armour packs, and the front and
rear ends were removed, with the
latter also thinned to hide their
true thickness. As the real add-
on packs comprised two rows of
armour tiles, a line was scribed
along the middle to represent
the separation. With the general
shapes achieved, it was time for
the detail, which meant each tile
received eight rivets…496 in total!
This wasn’t the most interesting
task but, by doing it little by little
(as a break from other areas) it
was manageable. Waldron’s sub-
miniature punch-and-die set (www.
waldronmodelproducts.com) was
employed to cut each rivet from
a sheet of thin styrene, before
attaching them with liquid cement.
Once all had been added, bolt
heads were added to the armour
attachment brackets, utilising
various thicknesses of stretched
styrene, which was sliced into
equal (albeit short) sections. While
this was time-consuming, the new
items really looked the part.

Once the parts were neatened, TUSK additions and NATO-

construction began with the lower
hull, which comprised separate
sides and individual torsion bars,
with spacers provided to ensure
correct separation and alignment
with the busy rear plate. At this
point it was decided to copy the
inner road wheels, ammunition
belts and other items (see panel),
to add extra stowage/equipment,
and detail several scratch-built
parts planned for this project.
Urban warrior
One of the goals of this build was
to not just make ‘another’ Abrams.
While researching this project,
the contrast between sand-toned
standard green/brown/black
camouflage was striking, and it
was decided to attempt this, even  Towing eyes were fashioned from coiled  The kit’s PE cables and handles were
if it owed more to artistic licence copper wire, cut into loops and attached acceptable, but were replaced with copper
than reality. to a styrene bracket. The plastic mudflaps wire for greater realism. Locating points
were replaced by more convincing items, were marked by dipping the tips into black
As the kit didn’t include TUSK
fashioned from surgical blade packaging. paint, then pressing them against the hull.
components, these were scratch-
built and work started with the
most prominent items, the side
skirt reactive-armour ‘tiles’.
Evergreen styrene ‘beams’
provided the basic shape, to which
strips of thin styrene (cut to the
width of each tile) were attached, T-Model’s US Military Equipment set
with small gaps left between them. provided an additional .50 cal machine
Once the glue cured, a blade was gun for the remote weapon station,
which was attached to a scratch-built
used against a flat surface to bend
mount and ammunition holder.
the thin styrene strips to 90°.

98 Airfix Model World

 ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP

 Voyager Model’s scraping tool meant  Armoured glass was fashioned from
removing mould seams from the single- scrap clear styrene runner numbering tabs;
piece barrel was a breeze, and was used these were polished, and then cut to shape
later for the .50 cal guns. with the aid of a scribing template.

 Turret additions included replacement identification panels either side of the main gun,  Scratch-built gun shields were created from strip and sheet styrene for the commander’s
metallic paper smoke dispenser covers, and tape strips to represent Velcro fasteners. and loader’s cupolas, with bolt heads made from short sections of stretched plastic.

Making tracks
Concurrent with work on the side
skirts, the wheels were attached
temporarily to the hull with Micro
Liquitape (www.microscale.com),
so the tracks could be test-fitted
(this product can be removed
easily with isopropyl alcohol/
rubbing alcohol). While the kit
items were more than acceptable,
it was decided to employ OKB
Grigorov’s superb resin S72239
Tracks for M1 Abrams T158L (www.
shop.okbgrigorov.com). These
came in six well-cast lengths
and were far superior to the
styrene items. These were joined
to form the tracks on each side,
after which they were heated
gently with a hairdryer, to enable
them to be bent to shape (using
the running gear as a guide),
and cut to the correct length.
Thoughtfully, OKB Grigorov
supplied extra links; these would
be added later as stowage. Final
test-fitting was then conducted
with the armour packs, to ensure
nothing fouled.
The hull halves mated perfectly,
with just a few drops of Tamiya
Extra Thin Cement needed, and
any minor gaps were neatened
easily with filler. Although
Flyhawk’s detail was very good
overall, several easy-to-add
improvements could be made.
First were the front mudflaps;
these were moulded integrally
with the upper hull, and were
overly thick and (obviously) rigid.
They were removed with a scriber,
and replacements fashioned
from foil surgical blade packets.
Next, towing eyes were scratch-
built from copper wire and scrap
plastic, while the kit’s PE handles
and cables were improved by
replicating these from thin copper
wire. A handy tip for marking the
location point for wire handles
is to dip the ends in black paint
and, while wet, mark them on
the hull. Later, holes were drilled,
and the wire items secured with
cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 99
 ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP

Rather than a
basic black/white
modulation, it was
decided to add
various tones to the
black primer, from
an initial yellow hue
to white (generous
amounts were mixed
beforehand).

It was released late in the build that

the underside v-shaped blast plate had
been omitted; this was scratch-built
from plastic card, with styrene bolts
cut from lengths of stretched sprue.

Downtown armament
The turret was next on the ‘to-
do’ list, and the kit parts were
excellent…particularly the rear
storage area, which benefited from
fine detail and PE additions. This
could have been a challenging
element, as in other (arguably
over-engineered) kits I’ve seen,
but construction was simple,
and everything went together
smoothly — albeit after studying
the instructions before glue was
committed. In the end, the sub-
assembly was most impressive.
Usually, removing the mould (or
join) seam from a gun barrel is
problematic, even with Flyhawk’s
single-piece item, but it was
decided to trial Voyager Model’s PE
scraping tool (www.voyagermodel.
com), which made this effortless,
the kit’s PE serial numbers
(which were challenging to add
without making a mess), metallic
paper smoke dispenser covers,
and Velcro attachment points
fashioned from strips of Tamiya
tape. When working on the
various gun shields, it was noted

Minimalist markings even working well on the machine

gun barrel seams. At this point, the
rest of the TUSK gun shields and
turret additions began to get their
initial shapes. An additional .50 cal
machine gun was obtained from
Bronco off-shoot T-Model’s A72001
Modern US Military Equipment
(www.cn-bronco.com/en) and
positioned over a scratch-built
styrene mount.
The PE combat identification
The decaling stage was almost non-existent, with just serials at the hull front and panels, located on either side of
rear, and several more for the identification panels. Remembering that no specific the main gun, were deemed too
tank was being built, it was decided to cover the serials with black stripes, as seen
thin, and damaged easily, so they
were replaced by plastic card
on some real vehicles.
items. Further additions included
they had armoured glass sections,
so these were made from the
numbering tabs of spare clear
runners. After being sanded,
polished and cut to the desired
shape and size (using a metallic
engraving template as a guide),
they were masked and painted.
But a glaring omission was
noted late in the build…TUSK-
modified vehicles featured a
V-shaped armour plate under the
hull as protection against IEDs.
Fortunately, this wasn’t difficult to
scratch-built, and was fashioned
from plastic card, with more
stretched-styrene nuts.

100 Airfix Model World


 Mission Models MMS-001 acted as the
primer, after which paper and tape masks
were applied so the modulation would
conform to the hull and turret shapes.
NATO standard
The hull and turret were
airbrushed with Mission Models’
MMS-001 Black Primer (www.
missionmodelsus.com), while
smaller sub-assemblies received
AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-2002 Grey
Primer. Initially it was intended
to try the black and white colour
modulation technique, but finally,
a mix of yellows was employed,
to maintain the green tone’s
vibrancy. A bespoke ‘modulation
set’ was made with Mr. Hobby
acrylics, to ensure consistency
across the model.
These shades were then
airbrushed, with paper and Tamiya
tape masks used to emulate how
the angular hull would catch
light, and was achieved in several
stages, from the initial yellow hue,
to pure white. Prominent raised
features were then highlighted
by brush. With the modulation
completed, it was just a matter of
ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP
 The main components were
airbrushed in stages, with gradually
lighter tones applied until the
desired effect was achieved. While
it appeared stark at this stage, the
contrast would be muted later.
airbrushing a highly diluted layer of
MMP-034 NATO Green.
The camouflage pattern was set
by drawing the outline lightly with
a lead pencil, and masking with
A.MIG-8012 Camouflage Masking
Putty; given this was the first time
I had used the product, the results
were impressive. One aspect to
bear in mind though, although the
putty isn’t ‘adhesive’, it conforms
so well to raised detail, it could
break fragile items when being
removed…as was the case with the
rear storage area. Next, MMP-033
NATO Brown was applied over
the green and, after additional
masking, MMP-035 NATO Black.
Sand-coloured areas on the
scratch-built components were
replicated with brush-painted
A.MIG-025 FS 33446 US Modern
Vehicles. Highlights on edges,
rivets and other raised features  Highly diluted NATO Green served as the base colour, and after the camouflage pattern
came via paler versions of the base was outlined with pencil, it was set with AMMO-MIG’s Masking Putty, and the next shade
colours and a fine-tipped brush. (NATO Brown) airbrushed.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 101
 ADVANCED BUILD
M1A2 ABRAMS SEP

 The process was repeated for the final colour, NATO Black, before efforts turned to the  Several filters were applied with a soft, flat brush, before the model received a dark brown
sand-toned TUSK modifications; those on the hull and turret were hand-painted. pin wash. The effect was accentuated by splashes of the same colour on upper surfaces.

The side skirts and the turret
identification panels were then
masked, before they too received
A.MIG-025, after which they were
shaded with brown and white
hues, mixed with Tamiya XF-57
Buff. Finally, the main exhaust
was airbrushed with a rust one,
to replicate the wear observed on
real vehicles.
Getting dusty
To enrich the tones and unify the
camouflage, two thin layers of
an enamel-based tan filter were
applied with a soft flat brush. Next,
a dark brown pin-wash was applied
in all recesses; any excess was
removed with a rounded brush or
thinner-moistened sponge. The
same brown wash was then diluted
further for a more translucent
finish, and was splashed over
the hull to provide further tonal
variation. Rust-coloured filters and
washes ‘decorated’ the rear hull,
to emulate the effects of a desert
climate on the camouflage.
One factor to always consider
with a desert-deployed vehicle
is dust…and this was replicated
with layers of bespoke enamels
and pigments from the AMMO-
MIG range, built gradually until
the desired effect was achieved.
Enamel dust products were applied
panel by panel, and worked into
the surface with a short-haired
brush, but pigments were diluted
with thinner before being added;
it’s always a good idea to mix two
or three shades of each to obtain
greater variations in hue. The
final touch for the radiator grilles
and exhaust was a black pigment
treatment, to create smoke stains.
All that running gear
Attention then turned to the
smaller refinements, with the
commander’s cupola receiving
several; the .50 cal was painted
with Vallejo 70.995 German Gray,
before metallic highlights were
added courtesy of a lead pencil.
Vision ports were supplied as clear
styrene items, but these were
replaced with metallic reflective
plastic, as this appeared more
convincing when compared to
reference photos. The previously
masked and painted glazing
completed the cupola which, when
added to the turret, enhanced its
bearing considerably.
Flyhawk provided a PE paint mask
for the wheels, but as the intent
was to utilise a similar modulation

102 Airfix Model World

technique as on the rest of the
model, the rims were painted
and highlighted first, before the
rubber was applied with a fine
brush and steady hand. The tracks
were airbrushed with rusty acrylic
tones, after which they received an
enamel wash, with the track pads
brush-painted XF-85 Rubber Black.
Dust layers were then applied to
the tracks and wheels, courtesy
of the same enamel and pigment
 The tracks received basic weathering, before being added to the main
tones used on the hull and turret. hull; Flyhawk’s method for this was simple, yet brilliant, as they were
Once everything had dried attached to the inner wheels, after which the outer units were secured.
thoroughly, the running gear was
attached to the main hull; the
inner wheels were positioned
first, followed by the tracks and
then the outer wheels. This was
probably one of the easiest
methods I’ve encountered. All
the extra equipment and crew
accoutrements were then added,
including resin bags, cooler and
ammunition boxes, which were
hand-painted with various Vallejo
acrylics. The final act was to add
lettering to the ration boxes, with
an India ink pen.  The combination of filters, pin washes and dust effects reduced the
contrast between the camouflage colours, just as it would on a real vehicle,
Armoured epiphany while the modulation added further visual interest to the finish.
I’m not an expert on tanks by
any means, as they only recently
caught my attention from a
hobby perspective, and this was
just my third armoured fighting
vehicle (AFV) model, despite
building kits for 40 years. That
said, Flyhawk’s Abrams impressed
me more than most (if not all)
I’ve built do date, but it wasn’t
just the sturdy packaging, superb
engineering, exquisite detail or
clear instructions that won me
over, it was the way the parts
fitted…perfectly. This is definitely a  Replicating the dusty appearance of a desert-deployed tank was
‘must have’ for fans of small- challenging, but in the end, a selection of AMMO-MIG products was applied
scale AFVs. in thin layers over the model, and resulted in a convincing patina.

 Final additions included tankers’ accoutrements, namely packs, cooler/ammunition boxes, jerrycans, ration packs (with
hand-drawn labels) and water bottles.
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 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
MINI-BUFF HISTORY
A-6 Intruder Units 1974-96
By: Rick Morgan
ISBN: 978-1-4728-1877-5
Price: £13.99 Format: 184 x 248mm
Web: www.ospreypublishing.com
In its 121st Combat Aircraft volume,
Osprey describes the post-Vietnam
War history of US Navy and
Marine Corps A-6 Intruder units,
covering 22 of the type’s 33 years
of service. It’s surprising how much
information is crammed into the
96 pages, especially when 15 are
EVERYMAN CARGO CARRIER
Einheitsdiesel and Variants
By: Chris Mrosko, Brett Avants
ISBN: 978-1-947552-02-9
Price: US $18
Format: Letter (216 x 279mm)
Web: www.sabotpub.com
Sabot’s second Foto File turns its
attention to the German Enheits
Lastkraftwagen (Standard Lorry),
which was employed on all fronts
during World War Two. There aren’t
any captions, but most photos (all
black and white) are of sufficient
quality and clarity for modellers
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
106 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
96 pages
dedicated to 30 full-colour profiles
of the aircraft, portraying various
schemes, weapons loads and unit
liveries. What then follows is a
deliciously entertaining narrative,
mixing crew accounts with political
and inter-service intrigue over the
type’s development and future, and
the amazing increase in capability
afforded by precision-guided
munitions. All this is set against
the background of a jet capable of
carrying more stores further than
any other in-service US Navy or
USMC type at that time. Not for
nothing was the A-6 nicknamed the
‘Mini-Buff’ (for the B-52), due to its
prodigious load-carrying capability.
Conflicts in the Mediterranean and
Persian Gulf are covered in depth,
and a whole chapter is devoted to
the Intruder’s finest hours, during
Operation Desert Storm, where A-6s
again proved themselves capable
and adaptable aircraft, striking
targets over land and at sea with
impunity. Modellers will appreciate
the detailed photos and colour
profiles, which portray several
unusual weapons fits. SF
46 pages
and diorama builders alike. Most of
the pages are devoted to the basic
cargo-carrying version and this
is depicted in various operational
and propaganda shots, with the
vehicles in various states of repair;
several show the aftermath of
collisions, combat or accidents,
while others provide detail on
how the vehicle was camouflaged.
Attention then turns to specific
variants, namely the mobile field
kitchen (complete with stove), and
box-bodied communications van.
In all cases, particular nuances are
easily visible, such as equipment
stowage, how jerrycans were
strapped to various points on the
vehicle, and modifications to cope
with differing weather conditions.
Notably, two river-crossing scenes
scream inspiration for a diorama
with a difference. For modellers
with 1/35 Azimut kits or IBG’s
recent high-quality offerings, this
slim book is manna from heaven,
and there’s plenty for fans of
smaller-scale products, such as
MAC Distributions’ and Zebrano’s
1/72 trucks. SF
MULTI-ROLE MIDDLEWEIGHT
80 pages
GTK Boxer A0/A1/A2
By: Ralph Zwilling
ISSN: 1271-1958 Price: €14.95
Format: A4
Web: www.bookworldws.co.uk
Combat-proven with German and
Dutch forces in Afghanistan, the
GTK Boxer is set to become the
British Army’s new Mechanised
Infantry Vehicle, which makes
Tankograd’s busy 80-page
reference ideal. It’s jammed with
superb colour photos of the first
three versions to enter service
(A0, A1 and A2), and covers the
armoured personnel carrier (APC),
ambulance, driver-training and may be, the standout item must
command sub-types. Full vehicle be Dirk Degenhardt’s excellent
and close-up studies are provided, 1/35 five-view scale drawings
and the photos are notable for of an A1-variant APC. The dual
their clarity and resolution. It’s language (German/English) text
not just home-nation locations provides a full background to the
either, as Afghanistan-deployed vehicle’s design, development and
APCs are also depicted, and operational service and modellers
the informative captions detail will find this volume ideal for
local/field-modifications, such as adding detail to their prototype or
partially over-sprayed lights and A1/A2 models, courtesy of Hobby
different remote weapons station Boss (1/35) and Revell (1/72 and
configurations. Good as the photos 1/35) respectively. SF
HEAVY METAL PROWLER 82 pages
Puma Heavy APC Part 3
By: Michael Mass, Adam O’Brien
ISBN: 978-965-7700-06-8
Price: £26.99
Format: 215 x 279mm
Web: www.aviationbookcentre.com
Desert Eagle’s third volume on
Israeli Puma armoured personnel
carriers (which are all based on the
Centurion tank hull) examines the
less-common, but vitally important
support variants. After the
standard introductions to Centurion
derivatives and the Puma family
of vehicles as a whole, the reader
is immersed in the various mine
clearance, bridge laying, command comprehensive captions provide
and control, and engineering a wealth of information. At times,
support machines. Capabilities are there’s almost a field-handbook tone
often mixed, so there are vehicles to the content, with explanations
photographed with mine rollers/ on how the equipment is installed
ploughs, plus area/mine clearance and operated. Once again, authors
projectiles; some of this equipment Michael Mass and Adam O’Brien
is specific to the Puma, whereas have produced the perfect guide
others, such as Nochri mine rollers, to this well-known Israeli type.
are common attachments on Modellers will find the clear photos
most Israeli heavy armour, notably (including many close-up shots) of
Merkava tanks. There is a royal feast great use when building their 1/35
of high-quality colour photos — each Hobby Boss, Legend Productions or
version receives equal attention and Tiger Model kits. SF
 NEW
TOOLING!
VICKERS
WELLINGTON
Mk.IA/C

A08019 1:72
VICKERS WELLINGTON
Mk.IA/C
• Accurately represented geodetic and
fabric surfaces
• Optional detailed interior
• Undercarriage can be posed up or down
• Optional bomb load and positional doors
• Canopy open or closed

VICKERS WELLINGTON MK.IC

No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron Aircraft, Royal Air Force
Feltwell, Norfolk, England, 7th July 1941. For his actions in
climbing onto the wing in-flight and attempting to smother an
engine fire, Sergeant Pilot James Allen Ward was awarded the
Victoria Cross.

VICKERS WELLINGTON MK.IA

“R” Robert, No. 20 Operational Training Unit, Royal Air Force
Lossiemouth, Scotland, December 1940. Aircraft recovered from
Loch Ness in 1985 and now on display at the Brooklands Museum
of Motor Racing and Aviation, Surrey, England.

Length 273mm Width 366mm Pieces 141

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 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
GERMANY’S WONDER WEAPON
V2 – The A4 Rocket
By: Murray R Barber
ISBN: 978-1-90653-753-1 Price: £50
Format: 232 x 310mm
Web: www.crecy.co.uk
In the annals of rocket and missile
development, Germany’s V2 is
arguably the most significant, paving
the way not just for long-range
weapons, but also kick-starting
the space-race. Murray Barber’s
encyclopaedic volume offers an
exhaustive analysis of the type’s
INDIGENOUS ATTACKER
EMB-314 Super Tucano
By: JPZ Moralez
ISBN: 978-0-9973092-4-9
Price: £19.99 Format: 280 x 210mm
Web: casematepublishing.co.uk
Harpia has built on its well-
received EMB-312 Tucano treatise
(see p.76, July 2018 issue) with a
bumper 80-page volume devoted
to its successor, the EMB-314
Super Tucano. It follows a familiar
format, with development and
design, combined operators and
combat section, and culminates
108 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
296 pages
design, development and operational
service, the effect it had on the
UK and Europe, and its influence
on the Allies’ subsequent missile
and space programmes. What
makes this book stand out is the
inclusion of numerous testimonies
by German veterans, along with
access to historical archives for
period photographs and technical
diagrams, all supplemented by digital
renderings of the V2 itself. This is a
warts-and-all narrative, addressing
the unseemly scramble by US,
British and Soviet technical staff
to acquire information, equipment
and personnel…regardless of any
war crimes that may have been
committed. Similarly, the system’s
failings are highlighted, notably the
poor construction methods and
low-quality welding, along with the
battles by the Wehrmacht to keep
control of the system out of the
hands of the German SS. Regardless
of whether one is building a Takom,
Dragon/Cyber-hobby, Special
Armour/MPM, Kora or Revell V2 kit,
or is merely interested in the system
and its history, this is arguably the
ultimate reference. SF
94 pages
with technical specifications and
30 colour profiles (showcasing
several spectacular liveries).
However, it’s the opening chapters
that delight most, especially
when it’s revealed the Super
Tucano’s inspiration came
from two Brazilian Air Force
Lieutenants, who saw what was
being developed for a US trainer
aircraft competition and decided
to add weapons! Needless to
say, the narrative is thoroughly
engaging, and is backed by first-
class photography, portraying the
aircraft in training, maritime patrol
and counter-insurgency roles.
There are explanations of how
Brazilian pilots are trained, along
with the various weapons carried
by the aircraft. Its success in the
export market is highlighted by
the variety of nations now flying
the type, all of which are covered
here: Afghanistan, Angola, Burkina
Faso, Chile, Colombia, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Indonesia,
Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, and the
Philippines. If one is just interested
in the type or has a 1/48 Hobby
Boss kit, this is an ideal guide. SF
SPLENDID ‘THUD’ TREATISE
184 pages
Republic F-105 Thunderchief
By: Jaroslaw Dobrzyński
ISBN: 978-83-65281-79-1
Price: £20
Format: A4
Web: www.mmpbooks.biz
It’s been some time since a good,
all-round study of the mighty
‘Thud’ has been published,
so it’s great to see this new,
weighty softback. It proceeds in a
workmanlike and sensible fashion,
beginning with the type’s inception
as a Cold War tactical nuclear
bomber, and its operational
service, before explaining the Thunderbirds demonstration
Thunderchief’s transformation team. Walk-round shots (and
into a standard ‘dumb’ bomber in factory drawings/photos) ensure a
Vietnam…and its segue into Wild pleasing amount of close-up detail,
Weasel anti-radar missions via the and 20 colour profiles – with
two-seat F-105F/G. The weapons occasional plan views – give much
and tactics passages are most inspiration when considering how
revealing and will help modellers in to finish one’s Thud, regardless
understanding the type’s relevant of the sub-type or scale; a real
loads, and visual support in this bonus is the fine set of fold-out
respect comes via excellent 1/72 plans. The choice of suitable
colour/black and white photos. F-105 kits is still relatively good
The general imagery throughout (Trumpeter, Revell-Monogram/
is superb, though, showing the Hobby Boss, Hasegawa,
nuances of the bare-metal/ RetroWings and others), and one
lacquer schemes, as well as the can have a field day ensuring
South East Asia camouflage tones accuracy courtesy of MMP’s
and patriotic hues of the USAF’s excellent reference book. CC
A DECADE OF ‘LIGHT BLUE’ 390 pages
RAF in Camera
By: Keith Wilson
ISBN: 978-1-47389-796-0
Price: £40
Format: 283 x 223mm
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Keith Wilson’s two previous studies
of RAF aircraft, in the 1950s, then
1960s, is now followed by this work,
which focuses (unsurprisingly),
on types in service during the
‘Glam Rock’ years. The 1970s was
a decade in which many RAF were
then ageing, yet still soldiered on
while new types entered service.
All are highlighted here, via myriad Each decade has its own chapter,
photos in colour and black and white. and many of the photos have not
This was the age in which Hawker been published before…giving fresh
Hunters still operated (just) from perspective. The highlights are
bases such as Muharraq, in Bahrain legion but include gems such as
before disbandment, and jets such the Alcock and Browne anniversary
as the Buccaneer still deployed Phantom FGR.2, 84 Squadron
to Singapore. Delightful images Whirlwind helicopters in Cyprus, the
fill this weighty hardback, which last operational Gloster Meteor F.8
shows three important machines and (oh joy), a Sycamore HR.14 flying
in particular, the Phantom and its over Tower Bridge. Sublime content
replacement the Jaguar, and the for fans of British Cold War aircraft,
Hawk, in all their operational glory. and a fine third instalment. CC
 THE LATEST MILITARY
TITLES FROM HAYNES
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p109_AMW_Sept18_ad.indd 1 13/07/2018 10:05

 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
JG 54 LIVERIES
Fw 190A-5/A-8 Grünherz
By: Eduard Item no: 2122
Price: €37.45 Web: www.eduard.com
Eduard is renowned for its multiple-
kit offerings, and the Grünherz
double set provides painted photo-
etched metal frets and canopy masks
with the basic styrene. There are six
runners, two for standard parts and
four for the airframes…so if one buys
Eduard’s ‘small parts’ overtrees, four
models can actually be built. This is
the best 1/72 Fw 190, with a superbly
detailed cockpit, and well-appointed
wheel wells and powerplant. JG
RE-BOXED RECCE
MiG-25RBT Foxbat
By: Hasegawa
Item no: 07462 Price: £89.99
Web: www.amerang.com
While it’s great to see ICM’s
reconnaissance Foxbat
re-packaged, it’s hard to see why
Hasegawa’s limited-edition offering
would be preferred over the
original, which is less than half the
price. The parts are unchanged,
with eight styrene runners
(including one for clear parts),
and these offer a highly detailed
cockpit, full-length intakes and a
wealth of exterior refinement. All
110 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/72
54 was well-known for its unusual
camouflage, and Eduard supplies six
colourful choices:
• A-5, Black 7 + —, Lt E Lang, 5./JG
54, Soviet Union, summer 1943
• A-5, White 4 + —, 4./JG 54, Immola,
Finland, summer 1944
• A-5, White K, I./JG 54, Orel, Soviet
Union, summer 1943
• A-8, Black 11 + ~, Mörtitz, Germany,
November 1944
• A-8, White 2, Uffz J Händel, IV./
JG 54, Nasielsk, Poland, Aug/Sept
1944
• A-8, Yellow 2 + I, 9./JG 54,
Villacoublay, France, summer 1944
1/48
components are moulded crisply,
and the complex undercarriage
is replicated faithfully. The type’s
characteristic centreline fuel tank
is included, as are the underwing
attachment points for bomb racks
(the RBT’s secondary role was as
a high-speed bomber), although
none of the latter are supplied.
Two markings options are supplied,
both for overall light grey Russian
Air Force airframes, but it’s
debatable whether Red 72 was
an RB, RBV or RBT variant, while
Red 55 currently resides in the
Khodynskoe Pole Exhibition of Air
Engineering, near Moscow.
FOREIGN JUNGMEISTERS
Bücker-133C
By: RS Models Item no: 92223
Price: €18 Web: www.rsmodels.cz
RS Models’ Bu 133 is a gem,
supplied on two styrene runners
plus a photo-etched (PE) brass fret
and separate resin engine cowling.
Despite its size, this means
there’s a gorgeously detailed
cockpit, with PE seatbelts and
integrally moulded framework on
each fuselage half. The engine is
similarly endowed, with styrene
exhaust collectors and PE ignition
cables, all of which fit inside a
NAVY TWO-SEATER
Fairey Firefly Mk.I
By: Trumpeter
Item no: 05810 Price: £44.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
Trumpeter’s British World War
Two subjects seem very much hit-
and-miss, and its 1/48 Firefly is no
different. It comprises seven styrene
runners and a small photo-etched
brass fret for the engine and radiator
grilles, and while the exterior detail
is splendid, with engraved panel lines
and rivets, the interior is strangely
lacking, with a very basic cockpit and
1/72
well-cast resin cowling. Surface
features aren’t scrimped on either,
with the type’s fabric-covered
exterior replicated accurately,
along with PE stitching for the
underside. The decals are superb,
with crisp colour boundaries,
strong opacity and perfect
register. There are five schemes:
• 35 ● 1, Legion Condor, Tablada,
Spain, 1936
• U-54, Swiss AF, Thun,
Switzerland, 1946
• LY-LAD, Kaunas, Lithuania, 1938
• Yugoslav Partyzan AF, 1945
• 1504, South Afrian AF, 1945
1/48
observer’s compartment. There are
also shape issues, including incorrect
engine exhausts and rudder, poorly
presented mainwheels and skinny
propeller blades, while the FR.1's
distinctive ASH radar pod is omitted.
The schemes are:
• FR.I, DK477/219/LM, 766 NAS,
RNAS Lossiemouth, 1949
• Mk.I, PP433/281/P, 827 NAS, HMS
Triumph, 1950
• Mk.I, Z1832, A&AEE Boscombe
Down, July 1943
• FR.I, DK438/277/N, 1771 NAS, HMS
Implacable, 1945

FOUR-JET STORM
RB-45C Tornado (RAF)
By: Valom
Item no: 72123 Price: £34.99
Web: www.tigerhobbies.co.uk
For such a historically important
aircraft, there are few kits of the
B-45 Tornado, so Valom’s recent
releases have been welcomed
eagerly. As a limited-run offering,
it requires styrene tabs to ease
alignment, but the four styrene
runners, separate oblique camera
nose fairings, eight resin components
and photo-etched brass fret provide
STRIKING BIRD OF PREY
JASDF F-15J Eagle J-MSIP
Modernized
By: Platz
Item no: AC-23 Price: US $35.39
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Platz’s F-15Js are arguably
the best 1/72 offerings of the
type (see AMW December
2017 issue), can be converted
easily to the -C variant, and
provide a full complement of
Japanese AAM-3 and -4 air-to-
air missiles. It comprises eight
styrene runners, all packed with
beautifully moulded components,
with options for raised/lowered
intakes, open/closed canopy and
1/72
a pleasingly detailed interior, and
there are fine engraved panel lines
on the exterior. It’s designed to be
built with wheels down, although
it should be simple to convert it to
flying configuration. The bomb bay
is moulded shut, and none of the aft
camera positions are indicated, but
this just gives more scope for super-
detailers to add a personal touch.
Markings for two of the four aircraft
operated by the Sculthorpe Special
Duties Flight are provided, both in
overall natural metal, with basic RAF
insignia and tail flashes.
various equipment fits, including
a nose-mounted infra-red search
and track sensor. There’s much to
savour, from the full-length intakes
to the sumptuous cockpit, plus
delicate engraved panel and rivet
detail on the exterior surfaces.
Note several raised lines on the
tailplanes and fuel tanks will need
sanding, as they are slightly over-
scale. The decal sheet is gloriously
colourful, notably the one-piece
items for each vertical fin. There
are two schemes:
• 92-8906/906, 306 Sqn,
Komatsu, 2017
• 12-8928/928, Air Development
and Test Wing, Gifu
APOLLO RECOVERY
SH-3A/D Sea King
By: AFV Club
Item no: AR14405 Price: £17.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
A two-kit offering, AFV Club’s
airliner-scale Sea King is a delight,
containing parts for either SH-3A
or -D variants, but can also be built
as a Canadian CHSS-2/CH-124 or
Indian Mk.42. The exterior detail
is outstanding, with fine engraved
panel lines and a hint of rivets,
while the interior features slightly
over-scale structural frames and
a well-appointed cockpit. Options
TRAINER WITH TEETH
CAC CA-3/5 Wirraway ‘First Blood
Over Rabaul’
By: Special Hobby Item no: SH 72331
Price: €17.50 Web: www.cmkkits.com
Special Hobby’s 1/72 Wirraway
makes a welcome return, offering
a new resin solid rear canopy
along with the original two styrene
runners, and three cast components
for the engine and cowling. There is
pleasing exterior detail, particularly
the representation of fabric-covered
surfaces, but being a limited-run kit,
there are no locating pins, which may
make assembling the well-appointed
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 111
ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
1/144
include open/closed crew and
cabin doors, and deployed/folded
rotors and tail boom…impressive
for such a small kit. The four colour
schemes include ‘Old 66’, perhaps
the most famous Sea King,
which was involved in five Apollo
recovery missions:
• SH-3D, 152711/66, HS-4, USS Iwo
Jima, April 17, 1970
• Mk.42, IN553, INAS 330, INS
Shikra, Mumbai, 1980
• CH-124, HS-50, HMCS
Bonaventure, 1965
• SH-3A, 148996/004, HC-1, USS
Coral Sea, 1972
1/72
cockpit (including separate
framework) challenging for less-
experienced modellers. Highlights
include the busy ‘office’ and resin
engine…it’s just a shame most of the
latter will be hidden by the cowling.
There are four Royal Australian Air
Force schemes:
• CA-3, A20-71/U, 24 Sqn, Rabaul,
January 1942
• CA-3, A20-47/GA-B, 21 Sqn,
Malajsko, 1940-41
• CA-5, A20-103/D, 4 Sqn, New
Guinea, 1942
• CA-3, A20-101/T ‘The Secret
Weapon’, 23 Sqn, 1940-41
 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
GREAT WAR DAZZLER
Albatros D.V
By: Eduard Item no: 8113
Price: €29.95 Web: www.eduard.com
Modellers who enjoy building World
War One aircraft will welcome
Eduard’s re-released Albatros
D.V. ProfiPACK status means that
besides the well-moulded styrene,
one receives photo-etched metal
components, great decals and
extensive tape masks to help render
the very attractive liveries. The
lozenge pattern is in decal form, and
rib tapes are also supplied. Notable
FATBACK SOVIET
MiG-21 SMT
By: Revell
Item no: 03915 Price: £36.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Eduard’s MiG-21 SMT is Revell’s
latest re-boxing subject, but that’s
no bad thing as these Fishbeds
are the best in the scale. The SMT
was defined by its enlarged spine
to accommodate extra fuel, and
the feature is reproduced faithfully
here. Fine detail abounds, with a
pleasing cockpit and multi-part
seat, a clear instrument panel
112 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/48
features include fine wing radiator
reproduction, and a pleasing engine.
A rigging guide is provided, while the
PE fret offers refinements such as
flying surface control horns, cockpit
instrumentation and seatbelts. The
schemes include:
• 2299/17, Oblt Bruno Loerzer, Jasta
26, autumn 1917
• Lt Georg von Hantelmann, Jasta 15,
early 1918
• 2263/17, Lt Otto Kissenberth, Jasta
23b, summer 1917
• 2065/17, Oblt Richard Flashar, Jasta
5, Boistrancourt, France, July 1917
1/48
sporting moulded dials, busy
undercarriage bays, optional
airbrake panels and a decent
underbelly gun pack. Relevant
stores include FAB-100 and -250
bombs, S-24 rockets, and AA-1
Alkali beam-riding missiles, but
there are many more that will
be useful as spares. Two Soviet
liveries are provided, but the
decals have matt carrier film, so a
suitably glossy finish will be vital
before decaling:
• White outline 05, post-1973
• Red 86, 296 IAP, Altenburg AB
DOOMED DELTA
Mirage 4000
By: Modelsvit
Item no: 72052 Price: €35.95
Web: www.bassin-maquette.fr
This Modelsvit kit, specially
commissioned by French retailer
Bassin Maquette, depicts the
ill-fated Mirage 4000 prototype.
What’s offered here improves
on previous Modelsvit products,
with crisp moulding/panel lines,
a very impressive cockpit and an
excellent one-piece lower wing/
fuselage component. Photo-
CONVAIR TWIN-TUB
F-106B Delta Dart
By: Trumpeter
Item no: 01683 Price: £30.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
This two-seat Delta Dart is a natural
progression for Trumpeter, which has
already produced the ‘A’ model F-106
in 1/72 scale. Little is changed, save
for the reworked fuselage halves
and canopy to reflect the ‘B’ layout.
As with the real trainer, which could
carry all weaponry fielded by the ‘A’,
this boxing also comes under-wing
tanks, an AIR-2 Genie nuclear rocket
and four AIM-4 Falcon missiles; the
1/72
etched (PE) metal parts comprise
instrument panels, seatbelts,
antennas, missile fins and more,
while another bonus is a set of
self-adhesive vinyl paint masks.
The engine/exhaust unit is also
worthy, the combined canopy/
avionics bay cover can be posed
open or closed, and there are six
Matra Magic missiles. And even
though the richly coloured decals
are matt in finish, there’s no visible
carrier film. The colour schemes
are for the prototype as seen at
the Paris Salon in 1981 and 1987.
1/72
weapons bay can be posed closed,
but Falcons can only be displayed
in the 'ready-to-fire’ position. There
is plenty of desirable detail, via fine,
recessed panel lines and excellent
moulding. The cockpit is impressive,
although the instrument panels
exhibit dials alone…later F-106Bs also
featured tape-style instrumentation.
Three colour schemes are:
• 57-2535, 194th FIS, California Air
National Guard
• 58-0900, 27th FIS, Loring AFB,
Maine
• 57-2514, 119th, FIS, 177th TFW, New
Jersey ANG
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p113_AMW_Sept18_ad.indd 1 18/07/2018 12:04:27

 ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
AFRICAN/AFGHAN BATTLER
T-55A Late Mod. 1965
By: MiniArt
Item no: 37022 Price: £57.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt has addressed yet another
Soviet T-55 sub-type, in the shape
of the Mod.1965 (late), and its full
interior boxings continue to redefine
detail levels. Compared to previous
releases, there are new RMSh
workable tracks, rear sprockets and
idler wheel cylinders, with a mere
84 styrene runners, and 16 track link
and pin sections. There are hints at
a future mine-plough release with
GREAT VALUE PACKAGE
T-34/85 with Soviet Tank Riders
By: ICM Item no: 35369
Price: £27.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua
Not content with its early T-34/
figure combo, ICM has replicated
it by providing the same four-
man team (35640) with a long-
barrelled T-34/85 (35367), and all
for a price lower than the separate
offerings. Interior detail is minimal,
but the exterior is more than
adequate, with convincing cast
114 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/35
optional fittings, plus rear fuel drums
and snorkel, and a choice of fixed/
moveable torsion bars, early/late
auxiliary fuel tanks and stowage,
open/closed hatches and day/night
searchlights. As ever, with MiniArt, an
excellent mix of schemes is provided:
• White 172, 55th Marine Inf Div,
Pacific Fleet, Ethiopia, 1980
• White 236, Soviet Army 1970-80
• Ethiopian Army, Ogaden War, 1977
• Macedonian Army, 1999-2001
• Taliban unit, Afghanistan, 2001
• White 405, Northern Alliance
Forces, Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan,
Dec 2003
1/35
texture on the turret. Tracks are
supplied as two-piece vinyl items,
and the tow cables are provided in
the same material. The figures are
pleasingly detailed, and are armed
with PPSh-41 sub-machine guns.
The schemes are unchanged from
the original T-45/85, and depict
vehicles from spring 1945:
• White 242, 7th Guards Tk Corps
• White 201, 7th Guards Mech
Corps
• White 315, 4th Guards Tk Army
ASSAULT/ANTI-ARMOUR
SU-85/SU-122
By: Rubicon Models
Item no: 280034 Price: £20
Web: www.rubiconmodels.com
Big anti-tank…or bigger artillery,
that’s the dilemma facing
modellers with Rubicon’s self-
propelled gun package. The three
styrene runners enable one model
to be built, with a choice between
the long-barrelled SU-85 and
stubby SU-122, reflecting their
functions as anti-armour and
howitzer respectively. This may
CONJOINED BATTLE-TAXI
BV 206 Bandvagn
By: Takom
Item no: 2083 Price: £49.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
It may surprise some modellers that
in the not too distant past, armour
kits with interiors were the exception,
yet as with Takom’s newly tooled
BV 206, they are now mainstream.
It comprises seven styrene runners,
separate upper hulls for the front
and rear units, and vinyl hydraulic
lines and two-piece tracks. Together,
1/56
be to wargaming scale, but the
detail is remarkable, and accurate
to boot — separate casemates are
provided for each gun and there’s
provision for open crew hatches.
Similarly, the running gear and
tracks are provided as single
units, but the tread and wheels
both appear plausibly accurate.
A generic decal sheet is supplied,
with Soviet and Czechoslovakian
markings, along with patriotic
slogans for the former and a broad
selection of casemate number and
unit/formation insignia.
1/35
these depict the basic armoured
personnel carrier variant, providing
detailed innards for both vehicles,
while the linkage appears workable.
All doors and hatches may be
positioned open/closed, allowing the
inner refinements to be displayed.
The three Italian and Spanish
schemes are:
• Regimiento de Cazadores de
Montaña 66, 2002
• Regimiento de Cazadores de
Montaña 66, 2009
• 9° Reggimento Alpini, 2008

BEST VALUE EVER?
E-50 Medium Tank with 88 Gun
By: Modelcollect
Item no: MA72002 Price: US$29.99
Web: www.modelcollect.com
Modelcollect’s baseline E-50
(UA72018) is impressive, but falls by
the wayside when compared to the
‘Master Level’ limited-edition, which
offers a new upper hull, turret and
three extra styrene runners, plus a
large photo-etched brass fret and
turned brass barrel. It means the
E-50 is one of the first releases in
UPGUNNED ARMOUR
British Sherman VC Firefly
By: Asuka
Item no: 35-009 Price: US$47.80
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Tasca’s Sherman kits caused a real
stir when they first appeared, due
to their quality and accuracy. They
were rebranded under the Asuka
label and are now distributed by
Platz. This re-released VC Firefly
is a corking option with heaps of
refinement. Highlights include
superb HVSS units, with spacers
to set the suspension height, a
well-rendered differential cover
and the choice of full side skirts or
1/72
this scale to feature a fully detailed
interior (with driver’s position
and transmission), complete with
ammunition, augmenting the existing
well-appointed engine. This is a jaw-
dropping product, offering more than
most 1/35 kits, and there are six crew
figures (commander, loader, gunner,
drive and two re-arming personnel)
for an instant vignette. Modelcollect’s
generic German World War Two
decal sheet is included, offering
various types of turret numbers, unit
markings and Balkenkreuze.
1/35
just the mounting strips. Photo-
etched details include engine
screen mesh, light guards, and
optional stamped- or open-spoke
wheels. The tracks are rubber
band-style lengths, although
they are convincing. The colour
schemes are:
• T148495, A Sqn, 24th Lancers,
8th Armd Bde, Normandy, 1944
• T-212680 ‘Belvedere’, B Sqn,
Staffs Yeomanry, 27th Armd Bde,
Normandy, July 1944
• T-228615, 1 Sqn, 2nd Armd Regt,
Polish 1st Armd Div, UK, 1944
• T-288935, C Sqn, NZ 20th Armd
Regt, 4th NZ Armd Bde, 1944
LET ‘ER RIP!
M163 Vulcan Air Defense System
By: Academy
Item no: 13507 Price: £27.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
It sounds crazy — take an
armoured personnel carrier and
bolt a 20mm Gatling gun on
top, but that’s the M163 Vulcan,
which served with the US armed
forces for 26 years. It has not
been served well in kit form, with
Academy’s re-release one of just
two offerings; it mixes parts from
its M113A1 ‘Vietnam’, M113A2
and M113A3 kits, with the latter
AIRCRAFT HAULER
German Heavy Tractor SS-100
By: Tamiya
Item no: 32593 Price: £19.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Tamiya’s continued releases indicate
1/48 is a popular scale for builders of
armour models; its SS-100 is a double
winner, as it was widely used by the
Luftwaffe as well as Wehrmacht, so
has a valid place on airfield dioramas.
It’s a prime example of the firm’s ‘less
is more’ approach — there are just
five styrene runners, plus a separate
slide-moulded body shell. This does
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 115
ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
1/35
supplying individual link tracks
as an alternative to the vinyl
single-length items. No interior
is supplied, but options include
open/closed hatches, rear hull
fuel tanks, gun travel locks, hull
stowage, side skirts and applique
armour packs. The mix-and-match
approach to runners means there
are a lot of spares. The three US
Army schemes are:
• 5th AD Arty, 1st Bde, 24th Inf Div,
Fort Irwin, November 1988
• 5th AD Arty, 3rd Bn, 3rd Armd
Div, Germany, November 1987
• Fort Irwin, March 1988
1/48
mean there is less detail than on
other offerings in this scale, but on
the flip-side, assembly appears to be
a breeze. The cab is a well-appointed
sub-assembly, although it seems
to omit foot pedals, and a splendid
four-piece driver figure is included,
portrayed with both hands on the
steering wheel. Four decal options
are provided, one Luftwaffe machine
wears two-tone camouflage, while
the remainder (comprising single
examples of Luftwaffe, Wehrmacht
and Kriegsmarine vehicles) are
overall Panzer Grey.
 ON THE SHELF
CARS AND BIKES
SILVER ROADSTER
Shelby Series 1
By: Revell
Item no: 07039
Price: £29.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Revell has a well-earned reputation
for 1/24 and 1/25 scale auto kits,
and its Shelby Series 1 is typical.
There are seven styrene runners
(including one for the glazing), four
vinyl tyres and a separate body shell,
which between them offer sufficient
detail to please most modellers,
yet provides an ideal canvas for
super-detailers. It can be built solely
OFF-ROAD ROCKET
Subaru Impreza 1993 RAC Rally
By: Hasegawa
Item no: 20297 Price: £49.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
This is the second outing for
Hasegawa’s RAC Rally-configured
Impreza, and it’s unchanged from
the original release, offering ten
styrene runners, four vinyl tyres
(with ‘reverse’ decals for the
manufacturer’s logo), lengths of
steel wire, fabric and thin vinyl
sheet, and a self-adhesive mask
set for the glazing. Surprisingly,
flash was present on several
parts in AMW’s sample, although
116 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/25
as a left-hand-drive open-topped
roadster, and offers a well-appointed
‘interior’, but this leads onto a
common auto-kit conundrum; items
such as foot pedals are supplied,
yet seatbelts are omitted (despite
it being a legal requirement for real
cars in most countries). The complex
engine and transmission is the
undoubted highlight, and it’s a shame
most will be hidden on the underside,
as kit options are limited to just an
open/closed bonnet. Generously, 11
European and US registration plates
are provided, along with blue and red
trim for the car centreline.
1/24
this should be simple to remove.
Otherwise, the quality is as
one expects from Hasegawa,
supplying well-defined features
(notably on the dashboard), and
a busy cockpit and transmission.
The decal sheet is impressive,
with sharp colour demarcations
and good opacity, but the
cigarette sponsor logos are either
absent or replaced by a series
of half-curves, to comply with
current advertising legislation.
Two schemes are possible, either
#2 (crewed by Colin McRae and
Derek Ringer) or #5 (Ari Vatanen
and Bruno Verglund).
CENTENARY SPORTS CAR
Ford GT 2006
By: Polar Lights
Item no: POL955 Price: £39.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
Ford’s GT (designed to celebrate
the company’s 100th anniversary
in 2003) was reproduced
originally by AMT, and has
recently been re-boxed by Polar
Lights. Inside are nine pale blue
styrene runners, one of which is
chrome-plated for the alloys and
brightwork, and another frame
supplies crystal-clear glazing, plus
separate upper and lower body
ALL-DAY RACER
Opel Manta 400 GR.B
By: Belkits
Item no: BEL-009 Price: £49.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Model kits are like busses…nothing
for ages and then two at once, as
Belkits has quickly followed its Tour
de Corse vehicle (see Aug 2018
p.86) with Jimmy McRae’s car from
the 1984 24hr Ypres Rally, when
he finished fourth with co-driver
Arthur Rob. Unsurprisingly, the
contents are almost identical, with
the sole change being the decal
1/25
halves and four vinyl road tyres.
This is intended as a snap-fit
offering and can be built without
either glue or paint, although this
will mean the orange racing livery
is missing, as it isn’t supplied on
the decal sheet. Both the engine
and cockpit are well appointed
sub-assemblies, with decals
adding a finishing touch to the
dashboard. A template is supplied
for those prepared to paint the
orange trim, but thankfully the
black edging is supplied in decal
form (and there are duplicates, in
case of accidents).
1/24
sheet, so modellers will benefit from
the impressively detailed styrene
components, two photo-etched
metal frets, fabric for the seatbelts
and four treaded vinyl tyres. An
engine isn’t included, but Belkits
has concentrated its efforts on the
cockpit, which is a faithful replica of
the real machine, including safety
equipment and the extensive roll
cage. The colour scheme is overall
white, and helpfully all the sponsors’
logos and vehicle stencils are in decal
form; these exhibit strong colour
balance and perfect register.
 703/18

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 ON THE SHELF
MARITIME KITS
FULL-HULL SUB-HUNTER
Russian Navy Missile Destroyer
By: Pit-Road/Skywave
Item no: M45
Price: US $31.59
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Modellers with long memories will
remember Pit-Road/Skywave’s
1/700 Soviet maritime kits, which
for their time (mid-1990s) were
cutting-edge products. Fast forward
two decades and they’ve made an
overdue return; its Udaloy has been
re-boxed with two new runners to
update the weapons/sensors and
provide an option for a full-hull as
well as waterline configuration. It
TOP-NOTCH U-BOAT
Type VII C/41
By: Revell
Item no: 05154
Price: £6.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Occasionally, a kit crosses the
review desk that combines detail
with simplicity, a modicum of
modelling challenge and great
value…such is Revell’s 1/350 Type
VII C/41 submarine. It comprises
five styrene runners (three of
these hold the hull halves and
upper decking respectively), and
the parts ooze quality, from the
commendably fine ‘wintergarten’
railings to the exquisite engraved
118 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/700
has aged well; there is no sign of
flash, and the detail is moulded
crisply, notably on the hangar
exterior and bow section, while the
new Runner B provides a bonus
BMP-2 and submersible. Note, a
full radar suite is offered, but most
Udaloys carried either none or just
one Cross Swords radar for its SA-N-
9 Gauntlet missiles. Six schemes are
supplied, catering for five vessels:
• 480 Udaloy, 1981
• 626 Admiral Kulakov, 2012
• 412 Marshal Vasilevsky, 1984
• 541 Admiral Zakharov, 1990
• 499 Admiral Spiridonov, 1986
• 563 Admiral Spiridonov, 1990
1/350
deck plank representation. The
hull curves appear to have been
captured accurately, along with
the keel, which features the
correct recessed mid-section,
and the type’s mixed anti-aircraft
defences (two twin 2cm and a
single 3.7cm FlaK) are included.
Those seeking greater fidelity
may wish to drill the free-flooding
holes, but otherwise this is a
great introductory kit, with oodles
of potential for embellishing via
scratch-building or aftermarket
products. There are two schemes:
• U 998, 5. U-Flottille, Kiel, 1943
• U 1004, 31. Flottille, Hamburg,
1944
LAST OF THE AYANAMIS
Japanese Destroyer Ushiho
(1945)
By: Yamashita Hobby
Item no: NV7 Price: £16.50
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Recently, Japanese model ship
manufacturers seem to have
made a quantum leap in moulding
technology, and Yamashita’s
1/700 Fubuki-class destroyers are
a case in point. Its Ushiho is the
ninth such release, and depicts
the final ship in the Ayanami
sub-class as it appeared in 1945,
with additional anti-aircraft
armament replacing one of the
main gun turrets. It comprises
21 styrene runners (including
LARGE-SCALE ACK-ACK
IJN Type 96 25mm Triple AA Gun
By: Pit-Road
Item no: G-47 Price: US $31.59
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Here’s a tantalising cross-over
for modellers who build Imperial
Japanese Navy subjects, a 1/35 Type
96 triple 25mm anti-aircraft gun…
providing the best of maritime and
military genres. This is a first in
styrene, as the firm had previously
released a resin/white-metal version
in the same scale. It comprises six
runners, and the parts’ quality is
excellent, with hollow muzzles for
1/700
three for clear parts, such as a
searchlight, signalling lamps and
bridge windows), plus a separate
main deck; the detail is stunning,
from individual torpedo tubes and
well-replicated anti-slip decking,
to the main guns (complete with
blast bags) and examples of Type
2 and Type 3 radars. Individual
deck winches and cable reels are
also provided, so all that remains
is perhaps railings and/or depth
charges, such is comprehensive
nature of the kit. Just a single
scheme is offered, but thanks
to the unused parts, one could
conceivably build any Ayanami or
Akatsuki sub-class vessel at most
points during its service.
1/35
each barrel, faithfully replicated
sights for both gunners, guns that
can elevate and traverse, and a
toothed mounting base, to represent
the real unit’s ratchet mechanism.
There are no decals, but the colour
guide supplies three options, either
a basic ‘Dark Gray’ or (for those
depicting a specific ship’s weapon)
Kure, Sasebo or Maizuru Gray
unit – references will be needed
to determine where a vessel was
refitted/overhauled and thus the
tone of paint used. So, who’s got the
courage to scratch-build the rest of a
ship to fit this superb model?
THE PEOPLE • THE EQUIPMENT • THE ACTION • THE PASSION
NE
W
This first, landmark issue of
!
Aviation Photographer harnesses
the passion of aviation photography
from around the world. Over 116
high-quality pages, the most
eminent photographers take you
inside their thought process and
share the stories behind some of
the most breath-taking aviation
images ever produced.

In clu d in g :
How t o g et t he best out
of a n a irsh ow
How t o g et yo ur
ima g es p u b lished
Ja mie Hu n t er ’s defining
p h ot og ra p hy moments
R ich Coop er ’s
‘ Sh ot s of t h e Year ’
Ka t su h iko Tokunaga’s
most recen t gear test

…T H E B E S T I N T H E B U S I N E S S G I V E Y O U T H E F U L L I N S I G H T I N T H E F I R S T I S S U E O F A V I A T I O N P H O T O G R A P H E R

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 ON THE SHELF
FIGURES
WHERE’S THE BLAZE?
American Fire Truck Crew (1910s)
By: ICM
Item no: 24006
Price: £9.20
Web: www.icm.com.ua
ICM’s newly tooled firefighters
are intended for its Model-T 1914
fire truck (24004) and comprise a
ON THE
1/35
WARPATH
Raid
By: Master Box
Item no: MB35138
Price: £10.50
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
The latest in Master Box’s Indian
Wars Series depicts two braves
manoeuvring stealthily towards
an unseen objective. Each figure
comprises 11 splendidly moulded
parts, and the detail is exquisite,
from the moccasin tassels on
the legwear to the braided hair
and determined expressions on
the faces. One warrior is armed
with a bow and knife, while the
second wields a tomahawk and
shield, with a bow slung over his
shoulder in a wrap. Modellers
will need to add a string to
the leading brave’s bow, but
otherwise this is a delightfully
self-contained package, equally
suited so a vignette on its own,
or mixed with other releases in
this series.
120 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/24
driver and another
figure indicating
which way to go.
There’s a single
styrene runner,
which contains 22
well-moulded parts,
although there are
prominent seams on
the arms and legs,
which are separate
(along with the
heads) from the two-
piece torso. Each helmet has a two-
part crest/badge, and as no decals
are supplied, one will need to hand-
paint any detail. Poses are natural,
with the driver relaxed and with his
hand on the steering wheel, while
the second occupant is standing on
the running board and twisting as
he points.
ROCKET 1/35
TROOPER
SS Grenadier with Panzerfaust
By: Sovereign 2000
Item no: S2KF027
Price: £9
Web: www.sovereign2000.uk.com
This delightful six-piece figure
depicts a late-war SS Grenadier,
armed with a Panzerfaust 30 and
MP 40 sub-machine gun, but also
carrying an ammunition belt/box
and spare barrels for an MG 42,
and is probably part of a patrol.
The sculpting is first-rate, and the
parts comprise a main body/legs
and left arm, separate head, MP
40, ammunition box, right arm and
Panzerfaust. Minimal neatening
will be required, and the detail is
magnificent, especially on the larger
item, with integral ammo belt, MG
42 barrel straps, pistol holster and
bread/bag/water bottle combo.
BAND OF SOLDIERS
1/72
US Infantry It comprises three identical
By: Italeri soft styrene runners, each
Item no: 6120 holding 19 parts, of which 16
Price: £8.99 are infantrymen, all in different
Web: www.hobbyco.net poses, and includes a .50 cal
machine gun crew, mortar team,
Italeri’s small-scale 48-figure set radioman, bazooka operator
invokes nostalgia for when this and what appears to be a pistol-
type of ‘toy soldier’ was vogue. wielding dispatch rider.
However, moulding
technology has
improved vastly,
and its 2008
ensemble features
crisp detail
(notably on the
rifle slings), and
just minor flash,
although ejector
pin blocks will
need removing.
JARHEADS
1/35 JUNGLE 54mm
AT PLAY PATROLLER
Vietnam Recon
By: Sovereign 2000
Item no: S2KW5411 Price: £12.30
Web: www.sovereign2000.uk.com
For once, the artwork doesn’t do
the figure justice, as this is an
amazing piece of sculpting and
casting, with just a tiny sliver of
flash to be removed before it can
be painted. It depicts a Rambo-
esque US Marine Corps Force Recon
soldier, wearing jungle camouflaged
trousers, ammunition bandola,
and a heavy equipment pack. The
detail is superb, notably the facial
USMC Tank Crew at Rest expression, belt buckle, cropped hair
By: MiniArt and overall skin/muscle physique,
Item no: 37049 Price: £10.99 which reflects the punishing patrols
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk Recon teams undertook. The left
arm and shotgun-holding right hand
Until recently, tank crew are separate items and are just as
figures seemed so formulaic… good as the main torso.
but MiniArt’s US Marine Corps
offering breaks the mould. All
are clad in standard service
coveralls, with just one wearing
body armour; however, it’s the
poses that stand out. One marine
is lying down, while another,
wearing an issue ‘Boonie’ hat is
sitting, turning as if addressing
a fellow tanker. The remaining
two are standing, one leaning
nonchalantly and watching the
scene, while the other is about to
throw an American football. This
is a welcome offering, despite the
presence of considerable flash.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE WITH HINTS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Welcome to the re-printed
Scale Modelling – Step-by-Step …
whether you are a total novice,
returning to the hobby after a long
lay-off, or an experienced modeller.

While flexibility and experimentation

form a large part of building scale
models, there are some standards
that are set in stone and many
construction, painting and airbrushing
methods are featured here. Primarily,
though, this instructional 100-page
publication is aimed at beginners
who, if they choose to stick with
it, will have entered a fascinating
and fun arena in which to develop
their creativity. On these pages we
also endeavour to welcome lapsed
modellers back to the fold and to
help update their skills. Enjoy, and get
building!
and much more!

Subsc
riber
call fo s
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 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
GUN PACKS AND BRISTOLS
RAF Bristol Blenheim Mk.I/If
By: Xtradecal
Item no: X72298 Price: £7.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Aviation modellers will appreciate
Xtradecal’s latest collection of 1/72
Blenheims, which caters for Mk.I and
Mk.If variants, and is ideal for Airfix’s
CENTENARY AIRLINER
Boeing 737-100 Baza Lotnictwa
Transportowego
By: Martola
Item no: 144D009 Price: €10.98
Web: www.martola.com.pl
Modellers seeking different
liveries for their 1/144 Boeing
737s should consider Martola’s
splendid anniversary set, which
commemorates 100 years of
Polish independence. As with
many airliner decal products, the
majority of trim is supplied, all
the modeller needs to do is paint
122 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/72
recent offerings. The busy
sheet offers 11 schemes,
from pre-war to Battle of
Britain and Mediterranean-
based machines; the latter
provide the most colourful
liveries, with Middle Stone/
Dark Earth over Azure Blue
camouflaged aircraft:
• Mk.I, K7078/139, 139 Sqn,
RAF Wyton, late 1937
• Mk.I, K7133/44-L, 44 Sqn,
RAF Waddington, 1938
• Mk.I, L1426/RX-M, 25 Sqn,
RAF Northolt, August 1939
• Mk.If, K7177/VT-N, 30 Sqn,
Meleme, Crete, May 1941
• Mk.I, YN-B, 601 Sqn, RAF
Hendon, summer 1939
• Mk.I, L1257/ZK-I, 25
Sqn, RAF North Weald,
February 1941
• Mk.I, K7040/114/V, 114 Sqn,
RAF Wyton, March 1937
• Mk.I, K7107/VT-B, 30 Sqn, Ismaila,
Egypt, April 11, 1940
• Mk.If, WQ-P, 604 Sqn, RAF Hendon,
spring 1939
• Mk.I, L1381/VA-G, 113 Sqn, Greece,
1941
• Mk.If, L6782/ZD-A, 222 Sqn, RAF
Duxford, 1940
1/144
the fuselage white and the wings
and horizontal stabilisers grey,
with aluminium leading edges.
Here, the cheat lines are the same
red as that of the Polish national
insignia, which for this aircraft are
worn on the top and bottom of the
wings. Helpfully, the emergency
escape areas are supplied on a
single decal, while the striking
centenary artwork on the vertical
fin is supplied in halves. A single
airliner, N893BA/0110 is offered,
and this smart scheme will
certainly draw attention.
CAMOUFLAGED BARRELS
J/A/S 29A/B/C/F Tunnan Part III
By: Moose Republic Decals
Item no: 48021 Price: £16.02
Web: www.mooserepublic.se
Moose Republic’s third ode to
Swedish Tunnans is a two-sheet
package, and is designed to fit
Pilot Replicas’ kit. While most
J 29s were natural metal, all
choices here are for camouflaged
airframes (part of trials to
determine suitable tones for the
J 35 Draken), with variations on
Swedish Olive Green 325 and
either dark green or dark blue
disruptive patterns. For those
not wanting to attempt masking
the nose bands, red and yellow
examples are supplied as decals,
END OF AN ERA
Mirage IVP ‘Dissolution EB 2/91
Bretagne’ 1964-1996
By: Syhart Item no: 72-093
Price: €9 Web: www.syartdecal.fr
Heller’s Mirage IVP is the subject for
this gorgeous EB 2/91 retirement
scheme, which celebrated 32 years
of service for the type in 1996. Just
the basic artwork, stencils and
national markings are supplied, so
the red nose stripe/spine and red/
white vertical fin must be painted
first, but there is a mask for the
1/48
and there is sufficient stencilling
for a single airframe. The eight
schemes are:
• A 29B, 29563/Red K, F7,
Såtenäs
• S 29C, 29952/Yellow F/11, F11,
Skavsta/Nyköping
• J 29A, 29114/Yellow M/13, F13,
Bråvalla/Norrköping
• J 29F, 29484/Red 47/3, F3,
Malmen/Linköping
• J 29F, 29547/Red 15/F3,
Malmen/Linköping
• J 29F, 29660/Red S, F3,
Malmen/Linköping
• J 29F, 29643, Red H, F3,
Malmen/Linköping, autumn
1966
• S 29C, 29440/40, F11, Skavsta/
Nyköping
1/72
underside coat of arms. Colour and
registry are excellent, and all decals
exhibit strong opacity, so there
shouldn’t be any bleed-through
of underlying tones. Most of the
commemorative markings are multi-
part items, which will aid application
and avoids copious areas of carrier
film. Paint codes are supplied for
Humbrol, Revell, Tamiya, Mr. Hobby
and Model Master hues. The single
scheme is for aircraft n°15/CD, which
is painted in standard grey/green
camouflage.
 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS

HEBREW DEFENDERS 1/32

NORDIC NEUTRALS
1/48

their task that much easier,

Israeli Air Force F-4E/RF-4
Kurnass
By: IsraDecal
Item no: IAF-99 Price: US $48
Web: www.isradecal.com
Modellers wanting to build large-
scale Israeli Phantoms just found
thanks to IsraDecal’s
comprehensive package,
which allows any fighter-
bomber or reconnaissance
airframe to be built, and
at any point during their
service. Unit insignia for
all five squadrons that
operated the type (69/
The Hammers, 105/
The Scorpion, 107/The
Knights of the Orange
Tail, 119 The Bat and 201/
The One) are included,
and a photo montage
provides guidance on how
Israeli Phantom markings
changed over the years.
There are four sheets
supplied, and these cover
stencils, several styles
of code numbers, low-
visibility formation ‘slime’
lights, unit and national markings,
and would be equally applicable to
either Tamiya or Revell kits. The
decals are well-printed, with sharp
colour demarcations, and while
most colours exhibit strong opacity
(notably the yellow), the white
items appear slightly translucent.
Fokker DXXI in Finnish Service
By: SBS Model
Item no: D48016 Price: €10
Web: www.sbsmodel.com
Here’s another pleasing
collection from SBS Model, which
caters for Finnish-operated
Mercury engine-powered Fokker
D.XXIs during early World
War Two. These are ideal for
Special Hobby’s kit, and provide
alternative markings, with basic
national insignia, aircraft codes
and nose/tail artwork for two
airframes. Four-view diagrams
mean there’s no need to guess
one side of the camouflage,
and the colour guide provides
Federal Standard codes for the
different camouflage schemes.
Thankfully, there shouldn’t be
any issues with underlying tones
being visible through the decals,
despite the considerable white
areas, and even over the yellow
underwing panels. Four options
are supplied:
• FR-81/Black 7, Sgt Martii
Sillanpää, 1/LLv 24, Joutseno,
early 1940
• FR-83, 2/LLv 12, Nurmoila,
summer 1942
• FR-114/White 2, 2/LLv 12,
Mantsi, summer 1941
• FR-108/Blue/white 6, Capt
Eino Luukkanen, 3/LLv 32,
Siikakangas, spring 1940

1/48
INTER-WAR POLES LIMEY RHINOS 1/48

McDonnell Douglas F-4K

Phantom FG.1
By: Xtradecal
Item no: X48186 Price: £8.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk

Having pleased Phantom

Bristol Fighter in Polish Service
By: Model Maker Decals
Item no: D48094 Price: €9.31
Web: www.modelmaker.com.pl
Model Maker’s Bristol Fighter
sheet is ideal for those with
quarter-scale kits from Eduard,
Roden or Revell, and offers five
Polish airframes clad in various
liveries. Perhaps the most
attractive are the three-tone
camouflaged machines, with
doped silver undersides, while
other options include dark green
uppersurfaces (PC.10 perhaps?)
with doped linen/silver lower
surfaces; note the colour codes
are supplied as Federal Standard
references. Colour density and
register is excellent, and should
be sufficient to prevent bleed-
through from the different paint
tones. These markings are also
available in 1/72 scale (D72094).
The schemes are:
• F.2B, Warsaw, July/August 1920
• F.2B, 20.9, High School of
Pilots, Grodziądz, 1922/1923
• F.2B, BR.20.29, Training Sqn, 3
Aviation Regt, Poznan, 1926
• F.2B, 20.71, 5 Intelligence
Sqn, 3 Aviation Regt, Poznan-
Lawica, Sept 1923
• F.2B, BR.20.98/05, Officers’
School of Aviation, Dęblin, 1928
fanatics with its 1/72 offerings,
Xtradecal has now turned its
sights towards Hasegawa’s
1/48 scale kits with this, the
first in a series of releases…
and what a selection! There’s
a striking ‘Raspberry Ripple’
scheme trials airframe
(although no comment is
made regarding the under-
nose fairing which must be
added), along with one of
several Royal Navy aircraft
that received ‘unusual’
markings when it cross-
decked with USS Saratoga.
Finally, two RAF International Air Ark Royal (cross-decked with USS
Tattoo (IAT) attendees are included, Saratoga), 1978
one in air-superiority scheme with • XT597, A&AEE Boscombe Down,
a black spine and fin, and the other 1990
in standard early 1970s Dark Green/ • XV574/Z, 111 Sqn, RAF Fairford IAT,
Dark Sea Grey uppersurfaces. The 1986
four airframes are: • XV571/A, 43 Sqn, RAF Greenham
• XV590/001/R, 892 NAS, HMS Common IAT, 1974

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 123

 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
MID-AIR REPLENISHMENT
Handley Page Victor K.2
Collection
By: Xtradecal
Item no: X72299 Price: £7.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
With Airfix’s forthcoming Victor K.2
just around the corner, Xtradecal
is hot off the mark with this
comprehensive cache of markings
for 18 aircraft. Twelve of the options
are in Hemp and Light Aircraft
Grey, and some represent First Gulf
TRACKS IN THE DUST
US 1st Armored Division North
Africa ’42-43
By: Star Decals
Item no: 35-C 1046 Price: US $8
Web: www.star-decals.net
This collection of markings
is notable, as it provides the
opportunity to add welcome
124 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/72
War participants, as well
as those in operation in
the 1980s. The remainder
wear Dark Green and Dark
Sea Grey over white, and
there is a Falklands veteran
present, but Airfix kit decals
are necessary for stencils,
Day-Glo markings etc. The
squadron badges and nose
art are excellent, being rich
in colour, and there’s even
a shark mouth airframe:
Examples include:
• XL512, Flt Lt AM Skelton, 57 Sqn,
Wideawake AB, Ascension Islands,
May 1, 1982
• XL231 ‘Lusty Lindy’, 55 Sqn,
Muharraq, Bharain, 1991
• XL189, 57 Sqn, RAF Marham, 1984
• XM717 ‘Lucky Lou’, 55 Sqn,
Muharraq, 1991
• XH669, 57 Sqn, RAF Marham, 1987
• XL231, 232 OCU, RAF Marham,
1983
• XL164 ‘Saucy Sal’, 55 Sqn,
Muharraq, 1991
1/35
splashes of colour
to an Olive Drab M4
Sherman and four
M3A1 Stuart tanks.
The 1st AD’s yellow
turret bands will need
to be painted, but the
same-shade stars
and numbers are all
present, as are Stars
and Stripes decals
and individual vehicle
names. The choices
comprise the following:
• M4, ‘3’, F Coy, 1st AR,
1st AD, Kasserine
Pass, 1943
• M3 ‘New Hamsphire’,
13th AR, 1st AD, Kasserine
Pass, 1943
• M3, ‘5’ ‘El Diablo’, 1st AR, 1st
AD, Tunisia, February 1943
• M3, ‘10’ ‘Hotcan’, 1st AR, 1st AD,
Tunisia, February 1943
• M3, ‘17’ ‘Zombie’, 1st AR, 1st AD,
Tunisia, February 1943
SUPREME ‘STIFF’ COLLECTION
1/72
The First and the
Last – F-104G, CF-104,
F-104S ASA/ASAM,
TF-104G, CF-104D in
NATO Service
By: Armycast
Item no: ACD 72 012
Price: €12.50
Web: www.armycast.cz
No Starfighter fan
should miss this
dazzling array of
markings, for various
sub-types flown
by NATO air arms.
Single- and two-
seaters are present,
from countries such as Belgium, • CF-104, 12702, 6 OUT RCAF,
Greece, Italy and Denmark, and Cold Lake, 1964
there’s a delightful cross-section • F-104G, 63-13647, Esk 726
of liveries…from early bare-metal Royal Danish AF, Aalborg, 1965
and air-defence grey, to tactical • TF-104G, TF-906, Hellenic AF,
camouflage and low-vis grey 1989
hues. The three sheets are busy, • CF-104, 8-786, 182 Filo, Turkish
not just with unit and national AF, Diyabakir, 1993
insignia, but also many stencils • F-104G, 26+30, JaboG 34,
for several aircraft. Some of the German AF, Memmingen, 1987
19 liveries are: • TF-104G, RS-08, RSV, Italian
• F-104G, 16625/K-FN, AF, Pratica di Mare, July
331 Sqn, Royal Norwegian AF, 2005 (last Starfighter flight
Bodo, 1965 worldwide)
PEOPLE POWER 1/48
Presentation Spits, Part
III: Spitfire Mk.IX
By: Foxbot Decals
Item no: 48-016
Price: £10.20
Web: www.foxbot.com.ua
Foxbot’s theme of Spitfire
Mk.IX airframes paid for
by donations in World
War Two continues with
this sheet, which caters
for six aircraft. All are
in Day Fighter Dark
Green and Ocean Grey
over Medium Sea Grey,
and almost all have little
flourishes to make them
more interesting, from the
sponsor names to coloured
spinners. The choices are:
• LF.IXc, MK285/FU-T
‘Carleen May III’, RAAF,
August 1944 Marsden’, 132 Sqn RAF, Detling,
• LF.IXc, MH763/RN-S, 72 Sqn RAF, late 1943
Corsica, summer 1944 • LF.IXe, PT959/CFB, Gp Capt CF
• LF.IXc, ML242/SK-A ‘Times of Bradley, 132 Wing CO, Twente,
Ceylon’, 165 Sqn, Sqn Ldr ME April 1945
Blackstone, Predannack, 1944 • Mk.IXc, BS461/ZD-B ‘Turf Club I’,
• LF.IXc, MH486/FF-F ‘Ethel 222 Sqn, Hornchurch, 1943
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 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES

GUNFIGHTER 1/48
FIRE
1/48 CANNON BAY 1/32
POINT- 1/144

BOOTS QUENCHER INTERIOR DEFENCE

F-8 Crusader
Wheels
By: Eduard
Item no: 648387 Price: €5.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Intended for Hasegawa’s F-8E
Crusader (and released to
complement Eduard’s re-boxing),
these superbly cast resin wheels
should also be compatible with
Monogram/Revell and Esci kits.
The main units are two-piece sub-
assemblies (with separate brake
housings), and the nosewheel is a
single-part item; a small decal sheet
supplies stencils. No ‘weighted’
bulges are apparent, but otherwise
the detail is of the highest quality,
and the self-adhesive mask set will
simplify painting.
1/35
LET THERE
BE LIGHT
Wheel Extinguisher
By: Plus Model
Item no: AL4074
Price: €13.30
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Here’s a welcome accessory
for any modern airfield scene, a
trolley-mounted twin-cylinder
fire extinguisher. It comprises 19
resin components, two lengths
of lead wire and a decal sheet.
Several parts require neatening
and flash removing, but assembly
appears straightforward. Based
on the cylinder labels, it would
appear these depict a dry-
powder appliance.
KITTY’S TREAD
Tracks for Pz.VI Tiger I early
By: OKB Grigorov
Item no: S48049
Price: €16.70
Web: www.shop.okbgrigorov.com
LAUNCHER
Ramp/Trailer for Bachem Natter
By: Brengun
Item no: BRS 144032
Price: €14.16
Web: www.brengun.cz
Nose Detail Set B-25 Gunship
By: Profimodeller Modellers
Item no: 32197 Price: €12.35 needing a
Web: www.profimodeller.com launcher/
carriage
Hong Kong Models’ B-25s may be for their
works of art, but there are several Natters will
areas which could be improved, appreciate
and the interior of the cannon- Brengun’s
armed versions is a case in point. resin and
Profimodeller’s photo-etched (PE) photo-
brass and resin upgrade provides a etched brass
comprehensive solution, with new accessory,
bulkhead facings (plus actuator which can
arms for the hinged section), be posed
reinforcement strips, muzzle plates, in firing or
and interior structure for the upper transport
nose panel. As a bonus, the kit’s .50 configuration.
cal ammo boxes receive several PE The main frame is addressed by
refinements, including handles. seven well-cast parts; the side
frames have pre-set supports
1/35 (to ensure the correct angle with
STICKS, the central rail), and all feature
EGGS…AND FIRE a convincing wood grain texture.
1/48 Attachment brackets are
supplied as metal components,
and these should reinforce the
main structure.
TRUNK ON LEGS 1/48

OKB Grigorov’s top-quality resin

Assorted Lamps
By: ResiCAST
Item no: 35.2399 Price: €27.50
Web: www.resicast.com
Hanging, wall-, desk- or floor-
mounted, all options are possible
with ResiCAST’s resin product,
which offers 15 different styles
of lamp, plus several styles
of bulb (cast as clear items).
There’s much to offer here,
with interchangeable bases and
shades, adding to the already
considerable variety. A length
of lead wire is included for the
longer ‘neck’ associated with
floor-mounted units, but could
also be used for wall lights.
tracks should fit most 1/48 Tiger I
(early) kits, and are supplied as two
sets of three lengths (note these are
handed for each side of the running
gear), plus 12 individual links. Detail is
superior to styrene equivalents, and
while these may require more work
to assemble (they will need heating
before being wrapped around the
running gear), the results will be
more than worthwhile.
German Grenades & Mines Set
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35258 Price: £12.35
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt’s weapons collection
features the main types of
German mines and grenades,
along with two cases of Molotov
cocktails (in decent-quality wine
bottles). There are examples
of Model 39 Eihandgranate
(‘egg’ grenades), the famous
Stielhandgranate (stick
grenades) and their associated
bundle charges, along with
Tellermine 42/43 blast mines
and HHL-3 magnetic anti-
tank grenades. Thoughtfully,
transport boxes, featuring
realistic wood grain, are also
provided, and a decal sheet
supplies box labels and mine
warning signs.
Asian Elephant
By: CMK
Item no: F48341 Price: €19.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
CMK has followed its 1/72 pachyderm
releases (see Sep 2017 issue, p.95)
with this up-scaled version, which
is also available in a three-piece
offering (48345). The animal’s
appearance has been captured
faithfully, including this species’
characteristic twin forehead bulges,
small ears and ‘toe-like’ features on
the feet. Its pose could correspond
to either a stationary or walking
elephant, and would look great in a
vehicle/aircraft recovery diorama.

126 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com


BUCKETS OF 1/72
SUNSHINE
Trident I C4
By: Belcher Bits
Item no: BL-23 Price: C$34.99
Web: www.belcherbits.com
Belcher’s Cold War subjects are
always worth considering, and its
1/72 resin Trident I is no exception.
It comprises eight resin parts and a
length of styrene strip (for one of the
cable covers). Detail is minimal, due
to the missile’s design, but the cables
and actuators around the nozzle
match those in reference photos,
and this should be easy to assemble.
Minor modifications to the basic
airframe are required, but these are
explained clearly in the instructions.
1/48
HOG AND
VIPER GUARD
AN/ALQ-184 (short) ECM Pod
By: Eduard
Item no: 648362 Price: €9.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Countermeasures pods are
finally receiving their rightful
attention from aftermarket
companies, as few modern
aircraft are seen without them.
This beautifully cast resin and
photo-etched brass package
supplies the short version of
ALQ-184, as seen on F-16s and
A-10s (but check references for
which units used them). The
detail is sublime, being much
finer than on styrene offerings,
and is a simple enhancement to
any Hog or Viper.
REFURBISHED
1/76
ARMOUR
Tiger I Ausf.E (mid/late version)
By: Dan Taylor Modelworks
Item no: C-76142 Price: £5.50
Web: dantaylormodelworks.com
Whether one has Airfix’s
ageing 1/76 Tiger I or Fujimi’s
more modern offering, this
photo-etched brass set is ideal,
providing new/replacement
side skirts, exhaust shrouds,
mudguards, track retaining
strip and engine grilles. Much
of the instructions is devoted
to correcting the former’s Tiger
(including templates for new
hull side panels), which lacks
detail. Dan Taylor has also
released a turned brass barrel,
stowage bin and decals for
Airfix/Fujimi Tigers.
WORKERS’ 1/35
IMPLEMENTS
Railway Tools & Equipment
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35572 Price: £10.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt is definitely the railway
diorama builder’s friend with this
wonderful collection of repair
equipment. Seven styrene runners,
plus separate glazing (for an
emergency light) are supplied, and
while small sections of wire are
needed for the buckets, everything
else is present for a wooden
wheelbarrow, two unditching
beams, plus spade/shovels, oil cans,
hammers, crowbars, a pickaxe and
fire extinguisher. This set is well
worth acquiring, as many of these
items would also be equally suited to
military scenes.
EAGLE ‘BURNERS
F-15C/D/E/K P&W
Exhaust Nozzles (Closed)
By: KA Models
Item no: MA-48032
Price: US$18
Web: www.ka-models.co.kr
This incredible two-component
accessory will undoubtedly invoke
cries of “how did they do that?”
as KA Models has cast these
exhausts, complete with actuator
rods, as single-piece items. They
depict Pratt & Whitney units in
the closed position, and are drop-
in replacements for Academy/
Revell 1/48 fighter and attack
F-15s; best of all there’s no casting
block to remove, just cut the eight
attachment pins for each part.
EQUINE
EXTRAS
Riding Horses
By: CMK
Item no: F72329 Price: €12.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Comprising four resin parts, this
neat two horse set offers plenty
of potential for dioramas. Each
animal has a main torso/legs,
and separate head; one is fitted
with a saddle and reins, while
the other is bareback. Both are
portrayed standing still, and will
benefit from careful painting
(once the casting flash has
been removed and the pieces
neatened), to highlight the
delicate features on the tails,
mane and head.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 127
ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
1/48
‘TOOM GEAR 1/72
Phantom FG.1 Wheels
By: Eduard
Item no: 672174 Price: €7.45
Web: www.eduard.com
These delightful resin wheels
are designed as direct
replacements for Airfix’s
styrene items in its new-tool
Phantom kits. They feature
crisp raised detail, notably the
manufacturer legend on the
sidewalls, and mainwheel brake
unit representation. The larger
tyres are bulged at the base,
but the nosewheels are not,
reflecting the distribution of
the aircraft’s weight at launch.
There’s also a handy self-
adhesive mask set.
BLACKJACK 1/72
1/72
BLING
Tu-160
By: Brengun Item no: BRL72142
Price: €16.48 Web: www.brengun.cz
Trumpeter’s impressive Tu-160
receives exterior embellishments
from this excellent upgrade, which
comprises two photo-etched brass
frets. There are new afterburner
rings, replacement auxiliary intake
doors, airframe antennas and 24
static-discharge rods for the wings,
horizontal and vertical stabilisers.
However, the highlights are the
undercarriage additions, with an
array of intricate hydraulic cables
to add to the main units, improving
their appearance greatly.
 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
STORMING 1/48
‘OFFICE’
Hawker Hurricane Mk.I
By: CMK Item no: 4352
Price: €10.30 Web: www.cmkkits.com
Airfix’s quarter-scale Hurricane gets
an interior make-over with CMK’s
13-piece upgrade, which supplies
a replacement instrument panel,
footrests, sidewall controls, control
column, rudder pedals, seat (with
integrally cast harness) and gunsight.
There’s also a new compass,
mounted on an accurate triangular
frame; this also supports fuel and
landing gear controls. Instrument
dials are printed on an acetate sheet,
which acts as a backing plate for the
panel, and makes a big difference to
the cockpit’s appearance.
1/72
PANZER
PIECES
Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.B
By: Hauler
Item no: HLH72055 Price: €9.64
Web: www.hauler.cz
The Pz.Kpfw.II is a small beast
in 1/72 scale, yet despite this,
Hauler adds a bevy of extras
to S-Models well-appointed
kit. This two-fret set supplies
photo-etched brass track guards
(and their supports), jacking
block, exhaust cooling grille,
tools, lifting brackets, and a
multitude of latches and straps.
Clever design means there are
few complex folding sessions
required, although the clasps are
tiny in this scale.
128 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
COOL ROOMS
1/35
Air Conditioning Units
By: Royal Model
Item no: 751 Price: €22
Web: www.royalmodel.com
The Middle East is a constant
source of inspiration for
dioramas, so it’s perhaps
inevitable air-conditioning
machinery will feature; Royal
Model’s delightful resin and
photo-etched (PE) brass set
supplies one each of four
different styles/sizes. The
basic units are represented as
beautifully cast single-piece
items, to which PE grilles and
wall brackets/feet are added.
This is such a simple accessory,
but one that will make a huge
difference to a scene.
WARHAWK 1/72
UPGRADE
P-40EK Engine Set
By: CMK Item no: 7388
Price: €13.80 Web: www.cmkkits.com
Special Hobby’s P-40s are the
subject of this comprehensive resin
refresh, which adds an engine,
associated bulkheads and oil cooler
vents. Clear direction is given as to
where to cut, and the powerplant’s
support structures are included.
High-quality casting means there is
much detail on display; best of all,
new convincingly thin cowling panels
and nose air intake are supplied, in
place of the removed kit pieces.
‘TWEAKED’ 1/48
TONKA
Tornado F.3 ADV Exterior
By: Eduard Item no: 48943
Price: €22.95 Web: www.eduard.com
There’s much to please on Revell’s
new-tool 1/48 Tornado F.3, but
certain aspects are beyond
the current styrene moulding
technology; modellers can relax
though, as Eduard has released
an excellent photo-etched brass
upgrade. Improvements include
airframe opening grilles, reinforcing
strips for the fuselage inflatable
‘bags’, intake antenna mounts and
thrust reverser, undercarriage bay
and flap detail. A template is supplied
to aid application of the vertical fin
vortex generators (correcting the kit
locations), and the drop tanks benefit
from fuel caps.
1/144
ANTI-
BOMBER
EXTRAS
Me 163B Komet
By: Brengun
Item no: BRL144134 Price: €5.99
Web: www.brengun.cz
Brengun’s tiny Me 163B twin-
kit gets suitably diminutive
‘decoration’ from this photo-
etched metal fret, which
supplies sufficient parts for both
models. The cockpit receives
most attention, with a new
floor, control column, rudder
pedals, seat (with harness),
instrument panel and rear
coaming. However, the exterior
isn’t neglected, and this receives
spoilers (recesses must be
scraped for these parts) with
miniscule actuators, a ram-air
turbine propeller, several aerials
and an access ladder.
EXTRA AVTUR 1/72
EE/BAC Canberra Improved Tip
Tanks
By: Freightdog Models
Item no: FDR72122 Price: £6.50
Web: freightdogmodels.co.uk
The newly tooled 1/72 Canberra
B.2 from S&M Models answered
many an aircraft modellers’
prayers, but suffered from minor
accuracy issues. Thankfully,
Freightdog has stepped forward
with a solution for the wing tip
tanks, as the styrene tanks were
slightly undersized. These single
piece cast resin items are drop-
in replacements, and include a
correctly positioned conduit for
the tank-tip navigation light.
FRIEDRICH 1/48
FRIPPERY
Bf 109F Cockpit
By: Eduard Item no: 648279
Price: €29.95 Web: www.eduard.com
One great advantage of Eduard’s
kits and accessories is modellers can
choose the detail level, from basic to
masterpiece. Its Bf 109F interior falls
squarely into the latter, replacing the
styrene components with an array
of finely cast resin parts. Further
refinement is afforded from the
photo-etched brass and metal frets,
the latter being pre-painted for the
instrument
panel, seatbelts
and cockpit
controls. Minor
alterations are
needed to the
kit, but these
are all clearly
identified.

DRAGON (www.hobbyco.net)
1/72
7567 M4A3(76)W VVSS Sherman
7577 Sd.Kfz.231 Schwerer
Panzerspähwagen (8-Rad)
1/48
5569 Fw 190A-5/U-14
1/35
3583 M727 MIM-23 Tracked Guided
Missile Carrier
3605 M1120 Terminal High-Altitude
Area Defense Missile Launcher
3609 ¼ Ton 4x4 Truck w/MG34
Machine Guns
3611 M48A5 105mm Gun
6095 Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.D with
tropical air filter
6900 Kingtiger Late Production with
new Pattern Track
6912 German Railway Gondola Typ
Ommr with 2cm Flakvierling 38
6916 IJN Type 2 (Ka-Mi) Amphibious
Tank
9157 60cm Mörser ‘Karl’ Gerät 040
with crew
ITALERI (www.hobbyco.net)
1/72
1394 F/A-18 Hornet Tiger Meet 2016
1396 Hawk T.1
1409 F-35A Lightning II
1418 MB-339A PAN 2018 Livery
7074 Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind
1/56 (28mm)
15771 8.8cm Flak 37 with crew
1/48
2671 A-4E/F/G Skyhawk
2750 F-117A Nighthawk
2781 F-4J Phantom II
1/35
6555 M6 Gun Motor Carriage WC-55
6557 Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger Ausf.E Early
6560 M163 Vulcan Air Defense System
1/24
3658 Lancia Delta HF Integrale
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 129
ON THE SHELF
RECENTLY RELEASED
3925 Freightliner FLD 120 Special
3933 DAF XF105 Space America
3934 IVECO Hi-Way E5 Abarth
SCALE AIRCRAFT CONVERSIONS
(www.scaleaircraftconversions.com)
1/144
DC-8 (Minicraft)
1/72
72160 Aero L-29 Delfin (AMK)
1/48
48356 IDF F-CK-1C/D (AFV Club)
1/32
32133 Junkers D.1 (Wingnut Wings)
ZVEZDA (www.hobbyco.net)
1/72
7316 Yak-130
1/35
3641 Panzer IV Ausf.E
3675 Russian T-90MS
3685 Russian Contemporary Tank Crew
 ARCHIVE TREASURES
DH 100 VAMPIRE

O
ccasionally an archive
photo is discovered
that has little (if any)
supporting detail, but
shows a tantalising scene; this
month’s gem was inspired by
Airfix’s re-released 1/72 Vampire
T.55/J 28 C trainer.
Here we see a line-up of three
Vampire Mk.Is and two Swedish
Air Force J 28 As. After much
research it has been established
it was taken at English Electric’s
Samlesbury facility, probably in
late 1946. The first J 28 has just
Swedish markings, but appears
to have inherited its port aileron
from a natural-metal aircraft,
while the second airframe has
received an F 13 Wing label. All
three British F.1s (TG/341, /386
and /329) were ordered for
the RAF under Contract No.6/
ACFT/4182/C.4(b) on May 13,
1944. They were constructed
by English Electric, although at
least one, TG/386 (which was the
first Vampire to be fitted with a
single-piece Perspex canopy),
served with de Havilland as a
trials aircraft until it was
struck off charge in 1953.

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE SEPTEMBER 6, 2018*

130 Airfix Model World *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
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Thursday23/11/2017
VENTURA B.II AND B.IIA Three identification lights central on fuselage

1 / 72 SCALE DRAWINGS ahead of bomb bay are red (front), amber

(middle), and green (rear).

Landing light fixtures on both

wings – folded flat against wing
lower surfaces when not in use.

Navigation lights, red (port) nd green (starboard).

Amber formation lights, both wingtips.

Ventura B.IIA
Illustrated with nose glazing and ventral guns not mounted.

© Terry Higgins, Aviaeology Publishing 2018

 Nose compartment bombaimer’s window
frame is hinged to port for emergency egress.

Black de-icer pads fitted

to each wing slot area on
lower wing surfaces.

Note cut-out portion of wing

flap designed to allow flaps
to be deployed at the same
time that bomb bay doors
are opened.

Clear dome covering two lighting fixtures

red (above) and clear (below).
1 / 72
SCALE
Typical attitude for loaded B.II / B.IIA aircraft, illustrated with all guns mounted.

Note: 150% scaling for 1/48

 2 x .303 cal Browning M2
machine guns on flexible mount.

Ventura B.IIA
Martin 250CE turret
(2 x .50 cal Browning
M2 machine guns).

Note: black de-icer boots present on all wing, tailplane, and fin leading edges.

Ring-and-bead gunsight for forward-firing

fixed .50 cal guns controlled by pilot. The
bead portion of the sight is mounted outside
of the cockpit ahead of the pilot’s windscreen.

© Terry Higgins, Aviaeology Publishing 2018

 VENTURA B.II AND B.IIA
2 x .50 cal Browning M2s
1 / 72 SCALE DRAWINGS
right-hand gun staggered to the
rear of left-hand gun.
flash-hiders shown in scrap views
appear to have been present only
on later GR.V (USN PV-1) aircraft.

Reportedly taken at RCAF Station Stanley, Nova Scotia in 1944, these photos show one
of the imported B-34s, numbered M-144 during its time as a USAAF trainer, during
which the nose inscriptions were probably applied. The c/n (4542) and mid-fuselage
artwork are most likely factory markings. Note the mid-1943 red-outlined ‘stars
and bars’, turret-well cap typical of the USAAF trainers, and the RAF serial, AJ404,
reapplied with part of the last ‘4’ overlapping the US insignia. The meaning of the ‘No.
21’ marking isn’t known. (VMFA archives via the Aviaeology collection)

Ventura B.I/II
Boulton Paul turret
2 x .303 cal Browning
M2 machine guns.

• Observation blister above right-hand panel of escape hatch.

• Blister on pilot’s (left-hand) side window.
• Sunblind on steel-cable slides (stowed to the rear when not in use).

1 / 72
SCALE

Note: 150% scaling for 1/48

Untitled-1 1 16/03/2018 14:53:19