Airfix Model World 08.2022

EXCLUSIVE AIRFIX’S
K2/Y AMBULANCE NEW TOOL BLACKBIRD

1/35 REVELL’S 1/48
August 2022
Issue 141
*Closes:
Sept 30,
2022
WIN
1/24 Italeri Scania
S730 Highline
4x2 kit*
WORLD EXCLUSIVE!
A ROYAL CONNECTION
Fit for a princess – we build Airfix’s 1/35 Austin K2/Y Ambulance – see it here first!
CHARGING RHINO
£5.49
All-new 1/48 F-4B

Phantom II from
Tamiya
08
9 772045 120111
KeyModelWorld.com
HONG KONG CORVETTE

Atlantic Models’ 1/350 HMS Peacock
EDITOR’S DESK
keymodelworld.com/
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WELCOME TO ISSUE 141

T
his month, we’re your interest. Similarly, there’s a the best results when using and we’ll be kicking off with
delighted to bring you superb build of Atlantic Models’ Humbrol’s enamel varnishes – the simplest of projects and
an exclusive build 1/350 HMS Peacock for those occasionally a tricky process – progressing from there.
of Airfix’s 1/35 K2/Y that prefer maritime subjects. and I’ve already spotted at least I hope you enjoy the issue...
Ambulance, which (to the best We also feature the last in two areas where I can improve and happy modelling!
of our knowledge) is the first the current series of Next Step my own skills. Next month will
injection moulded kit of the type in articles, tackling how to get bring the return of Back to Basics
this scale. The release timing was
almost perfect,
coming just after Stu Fone, Editor
the Queen’s stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
Platinum
Jubilee, as a
young Princess
Elizabeth
maintained and
drove one of
these vehicles
during World War
Two – and that’s
just one of the four
options on offer.
There’s another feast of new
toolings: Tamiya’s 1/48 F-4B
Phantom II is joined by a same-
scale SR-71A Blackbird from
Revell and Amusing Hobby’s
Me 262 HG III ‘what-if’ fighter. If
‘out of the box’ isn’t your style,
then the extensive upgrading
and conversion of Italeri’s 1/72
H-21 ‘Flying Banana’ may pique
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Editor: Stu Fone Advertising Sales Executive: Victoria Simmonds (USPS 4440), is published monthly by any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
Assistant Editor: John Fuller Advertising Sales Executive: James Belding Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 300, Stamford, recommended to take their own precautions
Contributors this issue: Mike Williams, Advertising Sales Executive: James Longbone Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK. before parting with any information or item of
Andy Davies, Jay Blakemore, Toby Knight, Advertising Production Manager: Debi McGowan value, including, but not limited to, money,
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KeyModelWorld.com Airfix Model World 3

CONTENTS
REGULARS
06 News
The latest happenings
in the world of plastic
modelling, including Airfix’s
hotly anticipated 1/48
Blackburn Buccaneer, Arma 60+ REVIEWS
Hobby’s 1/72 Nakajima
Ki-86, plus fast jets from Latest modelling
ICM and Kinetic products
14 Show Guide
17 Subscriber Offer
Subscribe to Airfix Model
World and claim your free
1/72 Airfix Hawker Tempest
Mk.V model kit
REVIEWS:
ON THE SHELF
88 Books
92 Aircraft
94 Military
96 Decals
100 Accessories
104 Recent Releases
114 Display Case

With a Spitfire, Mustang,
Kubelwagen and Willys
Jeep, this month’s reader
feature is a stunning
celebration of some of
World War Two’s most 50
famous machinery
18
40
4 Airfix Model World KeyModelWorld.com

CONTENTS | What’s inside?
FEATURES
18 Intermediate Build – Charging ‘Rhino’
Tamiya’s newly tooled F-4B has excited modellers since its
announcement and Mike Williams was delighted to appraise this
latest addition to the 1/48 Phantom market
26 Out and About – Final Flourish

Milton Keynes model club held its longstanding ModelKraft event
for the first time since COVID-19 struck, but with this anticipated to
be the last-ever running, Stu Fone reports on a bittersweet event
30 Intermediate Build – Flying Banana Republic

Combining Italeri’s 1/72 Piasecki H-21 with a Whirlybird conversion
set allows Andy Davies to give the ‘Flying Banana’ helicopter a
66
distinctly different appearance and proves an engaging project
40 The Next Step – Dispelling Enamel Myths

Continuing his series on decorating models effectively, Jay
Blakemore explains his preference for Humbrol enamel varnishes,
with techniques to get the best from these products
48 Out and About – Museum Wonders

With model shows firmly back up and running, a new event at the
de Havilland Museum was a welcome addition to the calendar
50 Intermediate Build – Hong Kong Corvette

Atlantic Models’ 1/350 HMS Peacock is examined by Toby Knight,
who situates his build of the hardworking Hong Kong Squadron
vessel in a convincing seascape
56 Out and About – We’re Back!

Model shows across the world are back in their stride – as Walter
Schlueter explains in his report from the first running of the North
Virginia Model Classic for two years
58 Exclusive Build – Katy

Famously operated by the then HRH Princess Elizabeth during
World War Two, the Austin K2/Y Ambulance is the subject of
Airfix’s newly tooled 1/35 kit in this test-shot build by Huw Morgan
66 Basic Build – Habu of the Skies
82 One of the most hotly anticipated kits of the year makes Richard
Spreckley giddy at high altitude: the all-new quarter-scale
Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird from Revell
74 Basic Build – Fancy Fishbed

Niklas Knutzén appraises Eduard’s 1/72 MiG-21PFM, finishing the
30 model with a striking three-colour Czech display scheme firmly
befitting the kit manufacturer’s home country
82 Basic Build – Sturmvogel on Steroids

‘What-if’ subjects lead to some unusual models – such as Amusing
Hobby’s 1/48 Me 262 HG III, with this bizarre possible development
of the jet fighter built by Garry Tobiss
WIN!
Italeri’s 1/24 Scania S730 Highline 4x2
in this exclusive competition, courtesy of
The Hobby Company. See page 38

NEWS
BEAUTIFUL NEW ‘BRICK’
While the front and rear sections are split vertically, the middle is divided
horizontally, which has allowed Airfix to incorporate the bomb bay with
remarkable detail
Exterior panel lines are rendered in engraved form, and these complement the There’s a mix of underwing pylons included, from early-style short chord items
way in which Airfix has captured the Buccaneer’s compound curves. to the later broad chord versions, with adapter rails for TV- or anti-radar Martels
THIS YEAR has seen Airfix raising sought to maximise accuracy – challenges when reproducing the features to date, from the crisply
the bar when it comes to what comparing it with reference photos Buccaneer in scale form is the moulded vents/grilles and panel
modellers expect; while the all that appears to be missing is a slot fuselage, with its area-ruled surfaces lines to the various raised panels that
upcoming 1/24 Spitfire Mk.IXc has for the Dalton Navigational computer and sinuous curves. Airfix has taken found their way onto the Buccaneer
been the torchbearer so far, the (a circular slide rule for calculating a similar approach to its smaller-scale during its lifetime. Surface riveting is
firm’s newly tooled 1/48 Buccaneer wind drift). brethren, breaking the fuselage into restrained, and kept to those areas
S.2C/D is going to run it very close. Ejection seats are seven-piece sub- three main sections to allow accurate where it was really noticeable, even
Compared to what modellers assemblies, with harnesses rendering. This is particularly notable then, they are engraved finely.
expect from Airfix (even represented by decals. around the mid-section where the Those wanting to build different
recently) the ‘Brick’ will The clear frame supplies airframe blends with the engine variants are in for a treat as there are
blow them away. The
cockpit comprises
FIRST a selection of canopies
and windscreens:
nacelles and the wings.
This new kit features easily the
two versions of tail cone airbrake
included, with each having different
more than 30 parts
and captures the
LOOK the latter with/
without a wiper blade
best rendition of the type’s surface parts for open/closed units.
complicated, almost and the former with/

Heath-Robinson appearance without miniature detonating
of the full-size airframe faithfully, as cord along the glazed span. The
designers attempted to shoehorn in navigator’s windshield is included,
extra equipment to allow for more plus alternative long/short wingtips
advanced systems. Unlike other (just the former are required for Royal
recent offerings, there’s no choice for Navy machines), plus seeker heads
decals or raised relief – it’s actually for the TV-guided Martels.
a combination of the two as Airfix Arguably one of the biggest
There are three large bulkheads spanning the Buccaneer’s fuselage – the Early and late airframes are catered for on the clear frame, including long-
middle unit provides the exhaust ‘faces’ for the engines and rear undercarriage and short-span fin tips plus options for main canopies with/without miniature
bay wall while acting as a spar for the inner wings detonating cord

NEWS | Latest updates
Staying with the exterior, and

while it wouldn’t be a ‘true’
Buccaneer kit without an option
for folded/lowered wings, Airfix’s
design has separate outer
wings and convincing wing-fold
mechanisms – ideal for those
with limited display space.
Similarly, the rendering of the
bomb bay is simply the best
representation yet seen, while
the undercarriage bays have
separate pipework to add to the Wings are supplied with separate outer sections to allow the modeller
inner walls and ‘ceilings’. to pose them in the raised or lowered configuration; note the delicate
rivet detail and integrally moulded vortex generators
Neat touches abound, from the
03832 F-86D “Dog Sabre”, 1:48
previously mentioned cockpit undercarriage legs correctly.
through to full-length intake There’s even a pair of well-
trunking and exhaust pipes, detailed crew access ladders for
while a blanking plate is included those wanting to pose the model
to protect the nosewheel bay with an open canopy, along with
during painting. Airfix has also blanking plates for the intakes
included early- and late-style and exhausts.
underwing pylons – the latter Four schemes are provided:
While some parts show
are broad chord and designed refinement, the nosewheel is a • S.2D, XN981/026/R, 809 NAS,
for the Martel missiles, although faithful replica of the massive HMS Ark Royal, August 1978
they would also be employed structure on the real airframe • S.2C, XV162/232/H, 801 NAS, 03833 Hawker Hunter FGA.9, 1:144
on RAF machines with an HMS Hermes, 1969
adapter rail to accommodate • S.2C, XV340/321 809 NAS,
Sea Eagle. Attention to detail is RNAS Lossiemouth, Scotland,
apparent in how the different 1970
pylon positions are incorporated • S2C, XV867/611, 803 NAS,
into the lower wing panels, with RNAS Lossiemouth, Scotland,
the earlier configuration closer 1969
together and later version with Thoughtfully, Airfix has
the outboard hardpoint shifted matched a specific weapons
towards the wingtip. fit to each scheme, based 03825 CH-47D Chinook, 1:144
The wheels are rendered In another neat touch, there on historical photographs of
are crew access ladders for both
faithfully as weighted items, the Buccaneer in Royal Navy
pilot and navigator provided that REVELL ACCESSORIES
and Airfix has captured the capture the originals’ robust and service, with a choice of Martels
massive structure of the main ‘homemade’ appearance faithfully (just on S.2Ds), 2in rocket pods Full range of Revell paints and selected
plus underwing or bomb-bay accessories available at Hobbycraft
loads of 1,000lb bombs. The kit’s and all good stockists
full weapons provision is:
• 2 x TV-guided Martel
• 1 x Martel TV-guidance datalink
• 2 x Martel AS.37
• 2 x 2in rocket pods (labelled as
Matra pods)
• 2 x ‘short’ Slipper fuel tanks
• 4 x 1,000lb retarded bombs
• 4 x 1,000lb free-fall bombs
Gone are the days of conventional tubs for Buccaneer kits, with
Airfix’s cockpit replicating the type’s asymmetrical appearance Bomb attachment mounts
are included for the rotary bay,
along with all the pipework
(supplied as separate parts) and
alternative pylons for TV and
radar-guided Martels – curiously,
full sets of each (four pylons) Available from all good model
are supplied. This is a feast of stockists and online from
weaponry, with plenty of spares
for 1/48 Jaguars, Harriers and
Tornados. It’s easily the best kit
yet of Blackburn’s Buccaneer,
Pairs of radar- and TV-guided Martels (just the former are shown) are
provided; these have an unusual construction, with airframe halves plus and likely to be hugely
upper and lower wing/fin units and an insert for the nozzles popular with modellers.
hobbycraft.co.uk/brand/revell
KeyModelWorld.com
NEWS
ALL-NEW NAKAJIMA ‘GALE’
ARMA HOBBY’S new 1/72 Nakajima integrally moulded hand-hold to aid

Ki-84 Hayate (70051) comes hot on attachment. Generously, markings
the heels of its previous P-51B and for six liveries are provided; the
F4F Wildcat products and is easily decals themselves are in register,
as good, if not better in places. super thin and have gloss carrier
This first boxing is an Expert Set, film – full stencilling is provided
so comes with additional along with optional colour wing
photo-etched (PE) brass walkways. Four of the
parts and tape masks for airframes wear green
the glazing and wheels.
A thoughtful example of FIRST over grey (different
shades), one is overall
design is the provision
of two different cockpit
LOOK bare metal and the
other has large patches
surround parts – one for a of green mottle over
closed canopy, the other for natural metal.
open – and the glazing comes in As 1/72 kits of World War Two
three sections. aircraft go, they don’t get much
Wing racks are present to hang better than this. Arma Hobby is to
fuel tanks, 250kg bombs or 100kg be congratulated on the standard of
bombs – these last stores each its moulding. This item costs €24.58
have a two-fin piece with an direct from: www.armahobby.com

‘GHOST OF KYIV’ FULCRUM

UKRAINIAN KIT manufacturer
ICM has returned to its
premises in the nation’s capital,
and it has enabled the firm to
release a topical 1/72 MiG-29.
Shortly after the Russian
invasion, stories began to
emerge from Ukraine regarding
a potential ace fighter pilot
known as the ‘Ghost of Kyiv’.
A photograph duly appeared
showing a spectral skull motif
and three ‘tryzub’ Ukrainian
tridents as ‘kill’ markings on the
nose of a MiG-29S Fulcrum-C.
It eventually emerged that
the purported ‘Ghost’ wasn’t
an individual pilot, rather tone scheme easily), while the This offers five different
the moniker was more of a other provides generic code shades plus a bottle of satin
collective, morale-boosting term numbers in three styles. National varnish, if you wish to render
for all Ukrainian aviators flying in insignia, stencils, that all- the current ‘digital’ camouflage
defence of their homeland. important ‘Ghost’ motif and the in paint rather than decals,
In an unsurprisingly patriotic trident markings are supplied. with help from masks by fellow
move, ICM has issued a special While it may not have the Ukrainian firm Foxbot
1/72 ‘Ghost of Kyiv’ boxing refinement of more modern (www.foxbot.com.ua).
(72140), offering the firm’s MiG- kits, ICM’s Fulcrum is still a ICM will donate 50% of the
29 9-13 tooling from 2008 and viable option – this boxing is profits to the Armed Forces
two new decal sheets. One particularly emotive and begs of Ukraine.
carries sections of ‘digital-style’ to be purchased. Note, ICM has The kit costs just £16, with it
camouflage (allowing modellers also produced an accompanying and the paint set both available
to replicate this complex four- acrylic paint set (3027) for £6.60. from: www.hannants.co.uk
ALL-NEW SOVIET KV-2

IN WHAT was almost an Features that impress plus poly-caps allow for
inevitable move, Tamiya has immediately include splendid elevation/depression of
amended its 2020-tooled cast texture, beautifully fine the main gun – another
1/35 KV-1 tank to KV-2 status. turret race teeth, and two neat feature is the 152mm
The former product was a well-rendered crew figures. A howitzer’s muzzle. While
smashing kit, but has now driver is posed to stand with it’s not completely hollow
been used as a basis for the an arm resting on the upper through to the barrel, it does
new offering (35375) – this decking, while the commander have visible rifling.
marries the hull, running gear is holding a map board. Markings-wise, the decal
and tracks from the KV-1 with Link-and-length tracks are sheet carries just Balkenkreuz
a new rendering of the KV-2’s pre-shaped with sagging for a captured whitewashed
huge casemate-style turret. between the return rollers, vehicle operated by the
German Wehrmacht, and a
‘4’ on a white diamond for
the rear turret hatch of an
unidentified Soviet machine
in overall green.
Altogether, this is a fine
upgrade and due to the
inclusion of such well-
rendered styrene figures,
makes the KV-2 a great
option for dioramas. The kit
costs £44.99 and is available
via The Hobby Company
(www.hobbyco.net)
KeyModelWorld.com
NEWS
ALL-NEW MID-LIFE UPDATE VIPER HELLDIVER

attachment system, which uses PAINTING AIDS
magnets to allow ordnance to DEAD DESIGN Models has
be swapped – no more awkward released four bespoke self-
locating pins! As the accompanying adhesive paint mask sets for
CAD images attest, detail is first Infinity Models’ recent 1/32
rate: from a busy undercarriage Curtiss Helldiver.
bay to well-appointed cockpit. If you’ve taken the plunge
Kinetic’s practice of offering a with the large-scale SB2C-4
wide selection of weapons is from Infinity (a sub-brand of
continued; the kit includes AIM- Czech firm HpH), you’ll be
9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, interested in these masks
AGM-88 HARM, GBU-24 Paveway – notably for the extensive
III and GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway canopy flazing. They include
II bombs, GBU-31 JDAM and AN/ options for markings, visual
AAQ-14 LANTIRN targeting pod. interest and the usual areas
Subsequent boxings will include requiring covering.
markings for Portuguese, Romanian The first set, VM32 041
KINETIC SUPRISED and Norwegian and Dutch airframes, and Italian Vipers, and a Block 15 (€8.27), provides self-adhesive
delighted many modellers with including examples deployed to Air Defense Fighter variant is also vinyl masks for the ‘star and
its announcement of a newly Estonia (as part of Air Policing in the pipeline. bar’ national insignia plus
tooled 1/48 F-16A Fighting Falcon, Baltic States operations) and Kinetic’s F-16A MLU NATO Viper templates for the different
representing a quantum leap in Afghanistan (in support of NATO is set to retail for just US$39.99; fuselage numbers on Infinity’s
quality over its previous offerings. operations). It also introduces further information can be found at: decal sheet (‘15’ and ‘207’).
Its F-16A MLU NATO Viper the firm’s all-new MagFire stores www.luckymodel.com Set SM32 007 (€9.36) offers
(48100) highlights just how far an interesting method, in
the company has come in just that it provides vinyl ‘Optical
14 years in terms of quality. This Illusion’ masks for the control
new generation tooling depicts surfaces – the rudder, ailerons
a Block 20 airframe after the and elevators. The idea is
NATO-wide Mid-Life Update (MLU) to sand the kit surfaces flat,
programme. It features superbly apply the masks to the painted
engineered assembly (reducing surface and airbrush a highly
the need for sanding), an accurate diluted and darkened version
shape based on General Dynamics of the previous colour to add
documents and stunning Cartograf- more visual depth.
printed decals for Belgian, Danish, Pack UC32 007 (€5.49) has
a pair of vinyl undercarriage
ACE ON SPACE: SATURN ROCKET BIBLE bay masks, while VM32 020
(€14.46) offers a complete
CRÉCY’S NEW hardback study of the Saturn IB and how it paved the activity/flight operations are not array of kabuki tape masks
NASA’s Saturn IB rocket is a sublime way for Saturn V. Helpful too are the ignored either. for the Helldiver’s capacious
reference for space modellers. glossary and the abbreviations guide. Modellers don’t just benefit from cockpit glazing.
Airfix’s 1/144 Saturn IB rocket was An overview of Saturn I and the descriptive text, as the All are available direct from:
first released in 1970 and has since IB missions is also supplied, in illustrations and images offer a www.deaddesignmodels.com
been re-issued twice, while there chronological order, and pre-flight wealth of visual detail – especially
have been two resin kits from throughout Section 2, which has all
Real Space in the same scale, and manner of visual cues on different
Dragon is supposedly primed to NASA launch vehicles, such as the
release a 1/72 version. Mercury Redstone.
This new, weighty, hardback tome And with so much information being
comprises 384 pages and is penned provided, you will be better armed if
by former NASA rocket scientist choosing to perform corrective work
David Baker, who worked on the or add extra embellishment as part of
Apollo programmes, and tells the your build(s).
complete story of the first Apollo Note that no two Saturn vehicles
launch vehicle. were exactly the same structurally.
In terms of understanding the This lavishly illustrated work is
subject via myriad NASA technical terrific value at just £27, and a
drawings and excellent period reference tool no space enthusiast/
images, Baker’s narrative is scholarly modeller should be without.
but enjoyable and informative, and It is available direct from Crécy:
provides huge understanding of www.crecy.co.uk

SOVIET STORES AND A ‘BANG’ SEAT

RS48-099 KAB-500L Corrected Indian and Malaysian Air Force
Aerial Bomb (US$8.90) Su-30MKI/MKM aircraft.
Here are two examples of this
laser-guided bomb that entered RS48-0110 B-13L (US$8.50)
production in 1976 with the The B-13L is a five-shot rocket
MiG-27 in mind, but it can also be pod that can be carried by various
carried by other Soviet/Russian Soviet/Russian jets, and which
aircraft such as SU-24 and the fires S-13 122mm diameter rockets
SU-27/30/35 Flanker family. – it’s analogous to the US LAU-10
Front fins, suspension lugs and ‘Zuni’ pod. Each launcher comes
backplates are in PE, and in two parts, with convincing
separate seeker heads in resin depth for all the rocket tubes. Two
are present, as are stencil decals. sheets of waterslide stencil decals
These are also employed by are supplied.
RS48-0134 FAB-500M-62 (US$9)

Two 500kg freefall high-explosive
bombs are provided in the box,
with separate resin tail units and
fuzes, PE suspension lugs and
stencil decals.
RS48-0135 FAB-500M (US$9)

Here are two 500kg ‘dumb’
bombs, which come with separate
fuzes, PE lugs and stencil decals.
Also among the samples is a 1/72

item, RS72-0013, the B-8M1 rocket
launcher. This 20-shot store with
tapered nosecone is appropriate
for many Soviet/Russian jet types,
including the Su-24, Su-25, MiG-
29 and others. With enough parts
for four pods, the nosecones,
bodies, rear plates and fairings
THE CHANGING nature of the Also provided are photo-etched are all cast as individual items,
war in Ukraine means that the (PE) brass harnesses and the and there are also PE details and
country’s aftermarket specialist seat pan firing handle. The detail stencil decals. (US$6)
RESKIT is back in business. Its is exquisite, but the pour stubs All these items appear to offer a
recent items include various are rather thick so you’ll need a high degree of fidelity and quality,
Soviet aircraft stores and a seat razor saw and scalpel to separate and are available direct from
for MiG fighters. them safely and neatly. This costs RESKIT: www.reskit-models.com
RESKIT is renowned for super- US$11.90.
high-quality resin accessories, The Soviet weapons shown
but its production, as you’d below are predominantly 1/48
expect, was interrupted by scale items, but all have 1/72
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. equivalents with ‘72’ prefix
Thankfully, it is now operational numbers. They are as follows:
again and has released a wealth
of new products. The first batch RS48-0094 FAB-250M-54
of samples is an array of Soviet- Bombs (US$9)
designed aircraft weaponry, but Four 250kg freefall ‘dumb’ stores
first we focus on the firm’s sublime are supplied in this package, the
1/32 resin KM-1M ejection seat, bombs being in one piece apart
which can enliven builds of the from separate fuzes (two styles
MiG-21/32/25/27. provided), but PE suspension
Item RSU32-0050 has seven lugs are also present, as well
traditionally cast resin pieces and as stencil decals. Suitable for
these comprise the seat pan, back MiG-21/23/27/29, and Sukhoi
frame, posterior cushion and back Su-7/17/20/22/24/25/27/30/34
pad, leg guards and the head box. and Yak-130.

NEWS
LARGE-SCALE ‘EASY EIGHT’ SHERMAN GERMAN

The kit (61619) depicts an early-
model Easy Eight, and comprises
30 styrene runners, separate upper/
ARMOUR
lower hull and turret components THROUGH
and individual track links. A ‘Detail-
Up’ set is provided and supplies
THE LENS
turned metal main gun and machine PEKO PUBLISHING’S
gun barrels, 90+ photo-etched metal Panzerwaffe on the Battlefield
parts and 3D-printed track link guide series now has a third
horns. At more than 2,200 parts instalment and, like the others,
overall, this will be a highly involved is a splendid reference for
project for any military modeller. military modellers.
Decals for three US Army Olive The book offers yet another
Drab tanks are provided: super cache of photos,
• Unknown unit, Germany, 1945 showing German armour and
• Eskimo, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th softskins from the early World
Armored Division, Germany, 1945 War Two period, through to
• Flat Foot Floogie, 41st Tank 1944. Vehicles are pictured
Battalion, 11th Armored Division, on the Eastern and Western
I LOVE KIT – a sister brand of E for Easy – and the ‘Enhanced 8’ Germany, March 1945 Fronts and there’s plenty of
Chinese firm Trumpeter – is to part of the designation. It entered The length of the finished model variety with classic tanks such
release a 1/16 M4A3E8 Sherman. service late in World War Two and is 471.6mm and the width 186.2mm. as the Panzer I/II/III/IV plus
The sub-type is known by its Easy employed a larger 76mm main It will be available later this year, for Tigers, Panthers, the 38(t),
Eight nickname, stemming from the gun, a horizontal volute suspension £239.99, via UK importer Bachmann armoured cars and half-tracks.
US wartime phonetic alphabet – system (HVSS) and wider track links. Europe: www.bachmann.co.uk Various close-up studies are
handy as they show different
LARGE-SCALE HARRIER PANEL forms of Zimmerit, camouflage

patterns and structural/tool/
WITH AIRFIX’S 1/24 Harrier GR.1 the dials. Separate PE parts are armour details plus there are
due for re-release this year, Airscale then overlaid to sandwich the decal. tanks in distressed or
marks the event with a stunning A sheet of clear acetate is also wrecked states.
bespoke instrument panel. provided; the idea is that you use the The images are also great
Airscale is renowned for its PE parts to help create templates for for achieving accurate crew
aftermarket improvements for cutting dial glass out of the acetate, figure poses and placement,
cockpits – mostly via finely printed and apply accordingly. even if it means reworking the
decals, but also photo-etched (PE) Pleasingly, proper mounting subjects, regardless of scale –
metal – and worked on producing plates surround the dials where several images feature Allied
a dedicated instrument panel to necessary, and switches/knobs can troops surrounding damaged/
replace the kit’s styrene item. be fashioned from stretched sprue or captured tanks, which is a
In this large scale, detail is plastic rod, for extra fidelity. different avenue for dioramas
everything. Airscale is fully aware At £11.95, this is a worthy addition and vignettes. Another
of this and its new Harrier item is to Airfix’s kit and will make a big interesting facet is vehicles
brimming with it. There’s a one- difference to modellers seeking shown in snowy scenes.
piece main panel shape, and extra refinement. To order, visit: At €28.95, this landscape
corresponding decal featuring all www.airscale.co.uk format hardback is good value
and offers plenty for any
PEEPING SPIT ‘EIGHTEENS’ military modeller interested in

German armour. It’s available
HANNANTS’ OWN brand Xtradecal • TZ214/GZ-J, A Flight, 32 Squadron, direct from PeKo (www.
has released a package of six Palestine, 1948 pekobooks.com) or in the UK
different FR.Mk.18e schemes, with • TZ233/J, 208 Squadron, Fayid, via www.panzerwrecks.com
Airfix’s new 1/48 kit in mind. Egypt, 1949
The kit offers the pure fighter, • TP972/E, B Flight, 60 Squadron,
but with the right references and Tengah, Malaya, 1949
a little scratch-building, it can be • TZ204/RG-A, 208 Squadron,
converted to an FR.18e fighter-recce Palestine, 1948
version… the subject of Xtradecal’s • TP448/GZ-?, 32 Squadron, Ein
X48230, with markings for six RAF Shemer, Suez Canal zone, 1948
examples. All but one wear Dark • Possibly TP445/H, 28 Squadron,
Green/Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Kai Tak, Hong Kong, late 1950
Grey, the other has Light Slate Grey/ The decals are of the firm’s usual
Dark Earth upper surfaces. The six high quality and retail for just £7.49
options are: via Hannants: www.hannants.co.uk

THUNDERBIRD KITS ARE GO!
A nostalgic range of THUNDERBIRDS plastic
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For more information on our products

and to find your nearest stockist visit
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INTERMEDIATE BUILD
CHARGING
RHINO
Tamiya’s newly tooled 1/48 F-4B Phantom II
was eagerly awaited by modellers,
including Mike Williams who built
it straight from
the box
A
hh! The ubiquitous variants, particularly 1/48 in recent when building. In the past few various solutions, some of which
F-4 Phantom, known times. So, what could Tamiya years, this Japanese company were more satisfactory than
and loved around the bring to the table that has not seems to think that bit further out- others. Multi-piece canopies
world by air forces, their already been covered? of-the-box (pun intended) with its have also been a headache
crews (who nicknamed it ’Rhino’) Well, it is a Tamiya product – a clever designs and solutions to fit for model designers; ditto the
and, of course, by modellers. brand most modellers consider and alignment. exhaust jet pipes and nozzles
The type has been well served synonymous with exceptional fit Notably on past Phantom kits, the among other areas. Suffice to
by most model manufacturers over and engineering, almost always air intakes have been a common say, nothing of note was seen
the years, covering all scales and bringing a pleasurable experience issue as regards design and fit with within the first read of this kit’s
Base coats of XF-19 Sky Grey and XF-1 Flat Black were followed by Citadel Dry-brushing and detail painting were all that was needed to enliven the
Black ink. This had an attractive translucency and flowed easier than black paint cockpit. Fit was foolproof and the engineering very clever

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | F-4B Phantom II
Adding a shaded effect to

the nosewheel bay, XF-2 Flat
White was built gradually over black
– intricate detailing was brush-
painted. The effect was pleasing
once the sub-assembly was complete
“Dry-brushing
and detail
painting were all
that was needed
to enliven Jet exhausts were painted as per the instructions. Though little would be seen
the cockpit” on the finished model, the flame rings were highlighted with a chrome paint pen
for added interest
instructions, though as always, the

proof would be in the making.
Extra guidance
So, what was in the box? A total
of 13 runners, two of which held
the clear parts and another pair Cockpit/nosewheel bay and exhaust
sub-assemblies fitted into the
were weapons frames. These fuselage halves positively, with
may seem familiar if you have excellent design allowing everything
built Tamiya’s 1/48 F-14A Tomcat, to ‘click’ into position without issue
as they were the same as those
included in that kit with the parts Tamiya’s spine cover section
for the AIM-54 Phoenix missiles MODEL SPEC was a superb way of eliminating
removed, leaving AIM-7 Sparrows the perennial problem of seams
McDonnell Douglas F-4B
along the fuselage length
and AIM-9 Sidewinders for use on Phantom II
the Phantom. By: Tamiya
Decals covering three colourful Stock Code: 61121
options were included along Scale: 1/48
with all the ubiquitous stencils Price: £74.99
Available from: www.hobbyco.net
so synonymous with the type. Of
particular note was the painting
and markings guides as they were,
quite simply, huge! However, this
was a benefit when painting and
adding the decals as it was clear
which colours went where and
aided placement of the decals.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Main undercarriage bays were painted before assembly to ensure all detail Fuselage, wings and intakes all fitted together neatly, although the intake units
was covered. Note the representations of the engines needed tape to hold them while the glue cured
That said, the logistics of handling

the large sheet around the work “Fuselage, wings
bench was fun… and intakes all
Rounding off the package was a fitted together
set of pre-shaped (but not pre-cut)
masks for the canopy sections. You
neatly”
will have to cut along the clearly
defined sections with a new blade
to use them which may seem a
small niggle, but if others can do it?
They worked perfectly and fitted
accurately when applied.
Stick to the steps!

Although it may sound
clichéd, work started
in the cockpit.
However, it
was not
with seats
Painting in-and-around the intakes was a lot easier prior to assembly. The and the ‘tub’
inner white sections were masked then Light Gull Gray sprayed onto the splitter as is sometimes the norm.
panels, fuselage sections and intake lips
Instead, the fuselage cockpit
sidewalls were painted and
detailed as per the instructions,
with the option for the in-flight
refuelling (IFR) probe to be
extended being chosen at this
early point in proceedings. There
then followed work around the
fuselage with a few small panels
and hatches to be fitted, and this
was the first of many times during
this build where that famous
Tamiya engineering and fit made – maybe even
me smile. All just slotted into their USAF versions
respective sections with such among others that used
precision it was almost impossible the IFR boom and receptacle
to tell where to apply the glue, as method? Anyway, the fit of these
they all fell along natural panel two respective fuselage sections
lines and section breaks. was again flawless with very clever
Tamiya also supplied a separate engineering to aid alignment.
forward fuselage section for the Moving on to the cockpit proper,
starboard half which possibly there were more than 30 parts
Once painted as far as practical, the intakes were assembled with their hints at future versions of the F-4 not including the seats – the
two-piece trunking parts, compressor faces and air data probes without the fuselage IFR probe detail Tamiya managed to achieve

No fewer than 12 pieces went into the horizontal stabiliser sub-assembly, which The heat shield first received AK479 Xtreme Metal Aluminium. Note the
was cleverly engineered, allowing for ease of fitting onto the fuselage removable stabilisers and fuselage section, aiding access for masking
was quite exceptional given the issue and it appeared far better fitted with the undercarriage later opened with a small drill to allow
limitations of injection moulding than any hand-painting. The in the build. The engine units the underwing pylons, stores
processes. Just make sure the cockpit section was then fitted to also needed to be painted and and electronic counter-measures
construction sequence is followed the top of the nosewheel bay. This put together prior to being fitted (ECM) fairings to be fitted later.
properly, as if the rear bulkheads was again a superbly designed within the rear fuselage section. Be warned, if you forget to create
are installed before the side sub-assembly comprising nine These two sub-assemblies were these openings, it would be
consoles in the rear cockpit, the parts, which render an exquisitely designed with pegs and sockets exceedingly difficult to work out
side consoles will not fit properly. detailed bay with little input to aid alignment and ease of where these parts fit later in the
Guess how this issue needed from the modeller – construction, each fitting positively build – once again, guess how I
was discovered… simply paint and construct. The to their fuselage halves for found that out?
The supplied decal for the mount for the strut was excellent structural integrity. With A quite clunky-looking structure
pilot instrument panel fitted substantial, but not the fuselage halves closed and the went together with some internal
perfectly, settling into the clunky and looked spine fitted along the top to hide braces and details to form the
recessed detailing without perfect once the join seam, attention turned to main undercarriage bays and
the wings. engine vents on the underside
of the aircraft. It appeared rather
Bent-wing bird unwieldy on first inspection, but
Before assembling the flight once installed to the lower wing
surfaces and their internal panel, all became clear that this
structures (comprising the would add structural integrity to
main gear bays), there the flight surfaces.
were holes to be The upper wings fitted to the
lower section without issues, then
the fuselage could be brought
together with them– as was fast
becoming a recurring theme,
everything simply clicked together
with positivity. The flaps could
be added here – in either their
dropped or stowed position –
just take care of the outer wing
sections adjoining these elements
as they were very delicate
and could be damaged or
snapped easily.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Alclad products were used for weathering – first shading

with Magnesium and Steel lacquers, then Dirt & Grime
and Dark Liquid Streaks & Stains washes were
liberally brushed onto the panels. Heat
staining was then replicated with Sepia and
Hot Blue ‘Hot Metal’ shades, plus Humbrol’s
Smoke weathering powder
Click to fit Two-piece trunking and separate fuselage, just aft of the exhausts. to say it was great fun to play
The bone of contention on many compressor faces all went The one-piece all-moving tailplane with shading and weathering this
Phantom kits can be the way together with ease, following the section had two panels fitted to the section of the model before it
the air intakes are constructed instructions as regards painting undersides, while the five-part was masked for painting the main
and fit to the fuselage, with their and decals. Once added into the sub-assembly that housed had two airframe. The clear windshield
associated splitter plates and fuselage, they required some tape poly-caps installed to allow section was moulded with part
internal trunking causing no end to hold them while the glue cured the outer scuff plates to be fitted of the fuselage in a comparable
of headaches during construction. – not a big issue per se, but one later, holding everything in place manner to Tamiya’s F-14 Tomcat
Not so with this Tamiya kit: all was worthy of mention. – very clever. – this eased things no end when
very well thought-out, although More very clever design was The metallic areas were painted fitting, masking and painting
some internal painting would be incorporated when tackling the in various shades as described this section. The part was glued
recommended before assembly. heat shield at the rear of the elsewhere in this article, but suffice in position before painting for
Further streaking was applied with Alclad Steel misted over fine strips General Electric J79 afterburners were complex affairs, so Tamiya moulded
of masking tape; the tailplanes and heat shield were then assembled and these with six separate panels assembled around a circular unit – positive fitting
blended with X-19 Smoke was experienced with all bar the final section

“Artist’s oils and an

A.MIG-3513 Starship
Filth Oilbrusher were
used to add streaks Tamiya supplied masks for the glazing, though they were not pre-cut so care
and stains” and a new blade was needed. The centre section of the windshield was sprayed
X-23 Clear Blue to represent the armoured glass
Black fuselage markings

were required from the
nose to the tail – the latter
being left off to ease
painting. These sections
were sprayed and masked
before any other colours.
Note the masked flaps
continuity of the finish and the

one-piece closed canopy section
was placed over the cockpit to act
as a mask when painting.
Chargers’ livery
The chosen scheme was to Sections below the spine
be for VF-161 ’Chargers’, and were supplied as decals so
repainted; more than 250
required a black tail,upper waterslide transfers took
nose and cockpit sides plus several hours to apply
stripes running the length of
the fuselage. These areas were
all painted matt black before
carefully being masked, following
the paint guide. It then became
apparent the fuselage stripes
were supplied as decals as they
incorporated the ‘USS Midway’
multi-coloured lettering. The
masking was carefully removed,
and black areas were then
airbrushed FS16440 Light Gull
Grey with the rest of the upper
surfaces. Undersides were
sprayed Tamiya X-2 Gloss White.
If the paint job was a relatively
simple affair, the same can
definitely not be said for the
decals. The sheer volume of

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
AMMO-MIG’s US Navy panel line wash set was used, with the products applied The sum of parts for the air-to-air missiles; four each of AIM-7 Sparrow and
liberally – once dry (after an hour or so), excess was removed with kitchen paper AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles
individual markings and stencil gloss clear acrylic varnish was

data decals always rears its airbrushed to seal everything,
head when making US-operated ready for the weathering processes
Phantoms: there are just so many to come. Panel lines and rivets
of them. The main unit and national were highlighted using pre-made
markings were applied first as enamel washes from AMMO-MIG,
some of the stencils have to go namely the Spanish firm’s US Navy
over some of these – fortunately, Gray Jets set (A.MIG-7419 – www.
Dirty streaking and
staining found under the
Tamiya sought to group several migjimenez.com), which contains
engines of Phantoms stencils together on one decal so just three differing shades of grey
was imparted using at least there were not as many – just apply, let them dry and
nothing more than individual items as there could remove excess to leave beautifully
artists oils and soft and
flat brushes with some have been. The outer folded wing enhanced engraved detailing.
additional Oilbrushers sections had been left off to make
things easier, though it became
obvious these would need to be
glued in position sooner rather
than later as some of the markings
covered where the joins would be.
After a long Saturday afternoon
decal session, the model was
set aside in a warm room to dry
overnight before a light coat of
Each ejection seat comprised nine parts and the excellent crew figures were
moulded with alternative poses. My figure-painting skills were somewhat lacking
so these were omitted
Main undercarriage parts were painted, decaled, weathered and assembled

completely before they were attached in the later stages

The cockpit surround fitted into place with the rear instrument panel and the Tamiya’s separate cockpit surround allowed easy fitting of the seats, then was
removed fuselage section previously just tacked into place ‘scratched’ carefully with a silver pencil to highlight the moulded detail
Phantom undersides were always seems to be the way on the missiles, but these really so the retraction arms for the ear
notorious for filth – so artist’s with fast jets and in particular enhanced the weapons, adding legs and doors fitted perfectly.
oils and an A.MIG-3513 Starship Phantoms, there seemed to be visual interest. Missiles and airbrakes were
Filth Oilbrusher were used to add myriad parts get ready for final In the manner I had become simplicity itself to fit into position,
streaks and stains. These were additions to the airframe. accustomed to throughout this as was the IFR probe and cover.
modulated with large, soft, flat In between painting, decaling, build, everything just fitted as it The seats clipped into their
paintbrushes lightly moistened with and weathering the model proper, should: positively and without locations without the need for
white spirits – the same effects small details including the IFR issue. Nosewheel undercarriage glue, followed by the cockpit
were employed for the drop tanks. probe, undercarriage, bay doors, doors were very cleverly designed, surround and canopies. The way
wheels, airbrakes and canopies Tamiya had designed the opened
Ready for bear were all assembled, painted, canopies was just fantastic as this
With everything ready for final decaled and weathered in situ is an area that a lot of Phantom kits
assembly, it was no mean feat along with the air-to-air missiles. suffer from in their ambiguity. The
getting this model finished. As More stencil decals abounded last couple of hours or
so bringing
everything
together
were spent
with a large
grin on my face, such
was the enjoyment!
Concluding thoughts
If you had not worked out by now,
this is a superb kit with so much
to implore me to tell you to go
out and buy one immediately if
you are in the market for a newly
tooled 1/48 F-4B Phantom. There
is a reason Tamiya has a stellar
reputation in this industry and this
kit just further endorses that – the
offering is pretty much faultless,
but if one were to nit-pick, the
intakes could fit slightly better
and the tyres could feature better
tread detail.
Having built Hasegawa, Academy
and Zoukei-Mura 1/48 Phantom kits
in recent times, I can conclude that
“Tamiya’s for ease of building, this tops the
separate cockpit lot. For me, it just edges the last
surround allowed easy of these alternatives in terms of
fitting of the seats” design and engineering, and
therefore fit.

OUT AND ABOUT
T
he Milton Keynes Scale
Model Club made a
triumphal return to the
local Marshall Arena
in early May, marking its first
ModelKraft since the COVID-19
pandemic-imposed hiatus.
Between the Wars The main hall benefited from
Special Interest Group a much-improved layout, which
CMR’s 1/72 resin Short offered plenty of room for
S.23 ‘C-Class’ Empire
Flying boat was built as
exhibitors/traders/visitors alike,
the Imperial Airways’ with stands also positioned on
Canopus, with a lovely two balconies, increasing the
metallic finish, by Neil available space for displays.
and Tracy Griffin
With more than 1,000 members
of the public attending, it was
the largest show of the year to
date, yet there were few, if any,
real bottlenecks, with navigation
around the tables much easier.
In a break from the usual format,
there was no formal competition,
with all models on display being
considered as entries, which
led to several surprises as some
FINAL FLOURISH class winners had brought

along items purely on the spur
of the moment.
Among the varied exhibits on the Northern England Airfields display was this Thames Valley modeller Greg Woodbridge built this neatly weathered II(AC)
Vickers Valletta T.3 by Roy Climo, built from Valom’s limited-run 1/72 kit Squadron Meteor FR.9 using Airfix’s 1/48 kit
Don’t adjust your eyes, this really is a lilac-coloured Junkers Ju 52/3M! One of Revell’s 1/25 ’49 Mercury was the basis for this stunning livery from IPMS Norfolk
several colourful exhibits on the IPMS Rutland table, it was built from Revell’s 1/48 kit modeller Mike Easter, who used Zero’s Candy Paints for the striking colours before
by Mack McCrudden adding the kit decals

OUT AND ABOUT | Modelkraft 2022
West Suffolk IPMS modeller Martin Laurance took an interesting approach with Among many eye-catching exhibits on IPMS Cleveland’s display was an Airfix 1/72
Revell’s 1/72 Tornado GR.1, finishing it in Ukrainian Air Force ‘digital’ camouflage and Victor K.2, depicted as it appeared at Pittsburgh airport after being ‘zapped’ by an
markings and placing it in an airfield setting with a refueler truck RAF recovery team with a Strategic Air Command band ‘obtained’ from a USAF unit
Several stands featured a mix of scale

and wargaming subjects, including the
MAFVA Warwickshire Armour Modellers’
table, with Will Williams’ battle elephant
vignette combining white metal and
resin figures with careful brush painting
From discussions with traders,

it seems there was plenty of
business, and the event aided
the club’s efforts to raise money
for the local Willen Hospice and
Medical Detection Dogs UK, with
£6,000 split between them.
Sadly, just before AMW went
Yorkshire Black Sheep modeller Michael Lomax added two well-weathered
to press, we were informed that, Tamiya 1/48 F4U-1 Corsairs to an Essex-class aircraft carrier lift section for a
due to increases in venue hire simple, yet effective, scene
costs, the Milton Keynes club
will not be holding an event in
2023, making this the final
ModelKraft. Stu Fone
One of several superb vignettes on

the Great War SIG stand was this 1/35
wrecked Mk.IV Male left next to a field
being ploughed by a farmer. Based on
a photograph, this evocative scene was
built by Marcus White
View More Online

www.KeyModelWorld.com
The Tower of Brachiosaurus/Towering Along to the Riverside featured iterations Phill Smith’s 1/35 Bergepanther was created from the Italeri kit, using an On Track
of Tamiya’s 1/35 Brachiosaurus Diorama Set, with dinosaurs modified to alter their conversion set, before being placed in this maintenance scene on the North Home
stances, adding up to an eye-catching display from IPMS Farnborough Counties MAFVA stand

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s i t :
Vi
SCALE
Featuring
DESTINATION
Coming this month
NEWS
We highlight forthcoming items such as the 1/48 new-tool F-16A MLU
NATO Viper from Kinetic. This story has CAD renderings and discusses
the structural nuances and weapons provision.
NEW RELEASES AND RE-ISSUES

Fresh toolings include Tamiya’s all-new 1/12 Team Suzuki Ecstar
motorcycle, the 1/72 Piaggio P.108B Italian bomber from Special Hobby,
Suyata’s fun caricature Titanic With Port Scene & Vehicle, and Italeri’s
re-worked 1/48 MiG-27 Flogger, which also provides the option of
completing a MiG-23BN. There’s also a full examination of Arma Hobby’s
all-new 1/72 Ki-84 Hayate fighter. All our reviews feature many parts
photos and decal scans, and in some cases there are video clips too.
BUILD ARTICLES
Get the lowdown on a variety of build projects – these include AMK’s
stunning F-14D Tomcat, the new-tool 1/72 P-51B/C Mustang by Arma
Hobby, and MiniArt’s fascinating 1/35 Ball Tank.
ACCESSORIES AND REFERENCE

Check out a wealth of aftermarket coverage, including the new 1/24 Hawker Harrier
instrument panel from Airscale, RESKIT’s recent Soviet aircraft stores, and new 1/24
markings from Xtradecal with Airfix’s forthcoming Spitfire ‘Superkit’ in mind. Books
on our desks recently are Crecy’s amazing works on NASA’s Saturn 1B rocket and
the Luftwaffe’s Dornier Do 217, as well as Canfora Publishing’s A World of Dioramas
Volume II. Tomcat fans will also enjoy our dedicated F-14 quiz and photo feature.
223/22
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
FLYING BANANA
Andy Davies adds African

flavour to Italeri’s 1/72
Piasecki H-21 helicopter,
using Whirlybird’s Congolese
CH-21B conversion set
A
n improved version company Piasecki. Its odd at the rear, so the rear assembly US Forces agreed to provide
of the earlier HRP-2 appearance stemmed from the sat higher than the front. Due to CH-21Bs to support the military
Rescuer, the H-21 was need for two sets of overlapping this unusual fuselage shape, the operations of the Forces Armées
the fourth tandem-rotor rotor blades, resulting in the H-21 was often referred to as the Congolaises (FAC – Congolese
design from American helicopter fuselage being slanted upward ‘flying banana’. Army). All six were flown by
Parts featured restrained panel lines and excellent surface detail. This 2011 The rotor-heads were complex and comprised crisply moulded linkage detail.
reissue included several new items, such as two styles of rear vertical stabiliser Eduard provided additional PE parts to enhance these areas further,
to allow different versions of the H-21 to be modelled including missing supports and bracing

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | CH-21B Work Horse
US, Canadian, French and

Japanese service. The familiar top-
opening box contained 118 parts
on three runners, one being clear
for the canopy, door glazing and
fuselage windows. Shapes were
generally accurate, although some
detail appeared rather basic, such
as the engine facing fuselage
walls and interior bulkheads. Two
external fuel tanks were supplied
but unfortunately these were Scrap resin, 0.5mm lead wire and
PE from the Eduard set was used to
inaccurate in both shape and size. further detail the engine bay. This area
H-21s were often seen carrying was also visible through the two large
a single tank usually located on apertures at the rear of the fuselage
the starboard side, so alternatives
were designed to better match MODEL SPEC
the originals and 3D-printed by H-21 Flying Banana
the author. While the rotor-heads By: Italeri
were crisply moulded, featuring Scale: 1/72
excellent surface detail, PE parts Stock Code: 1315
from Eduard’s 72332 exterior set Price: £24.99
(www.eduard.com) were used to Available from: www.hobbyco.net
enhance them further.
The conversion element was
covered product sourced from the
from late 1962 aptly named Whirlybird company –
onwards. see panel: Give it a whirl.
However, the
CH-21B was found to be Under the skin
unreliable and underpowered, In a break with modelling tradition,
with all six lost in accidents during construction commenced with the
the first six months of 1965. fuselage halves. Due to the large scratch-building. Various sizes of
Belgian crews, based at oval windows and open cargo/ Evergreen styrene strip (https://
Kamina airbase, in the south of the Banana box crew doors, the interior would be evergreenscalemodels.com) and
province. Interestingly, a Central Originally released in 1999, highly visible, so it was decided plastic card stock were used along
Intelligence Agency (CIA) front Italeri’s 1/72 H-21 was obtained to include as much extra detail with references taken from various
company, Anstalt WIGMO, gave via a 2011 reissue. This included as possible. Unfortunately, the online walkaround galleries.
maintenance support to large parts several new parts plus an updated kit did not feature any interior Detailing began with the cabin
of the FAC between 1964 and and colourful decal sheet, rib or stringer detail and so sidewalls, where consideration
1968, providing aircraft and pilots providing schemes for H-21s in this needed to be added via had to be given to the position
Unfortunately, the inner surfaces of the fuselage were devoid of detail – it was Once the main cabin had been dealt with, the rear engine bays received
decided to replicate the inner structure using 1mm Evergreen plastic strip, while similar treatment, referring to several online walkarounds. The rear portion was
basic cabling was added via 0.7mm lead wire primed using Alclad’s White Microfiller and Primer

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
“Despite being
more than 20
of the floor and bulkheads due to years old, Italeri’s
possible interference with the fit of
the fuselage halves. The ribs were
H-21 is still an
measured, marked with a pencil excellent kit”
and pre-curved into appropriate
lengths. Strips of 0.5mm styrene
were attached between the ribs,
then various control boxes and
cables were formed from scrap
resin and 0.7mm lead wire.
The process was repeated in
the upper and lower engine
bays, as these would also be
visible on the finished model.
With regard to the upper
example, it was decided to
improve the interior detail and
include a 4mm brass rotor
shaft, bracings and associated
framework. A replacement floor
was added, along with support
frame details, which were added
to both end plates. The bays
received a coat of Mission Models
MMP-067 Yellow Zinc Chromate
(www.missionmodelsus.com), then
washed with Wilder’s LS28 Matt
Light Brown oil paint (www.wilder.
su) diluted with ABT-112 Matt Effect
Thinner (www.ak-interactive.com).
On the real aircraft, metal meshes
were fitted to the rectangular part instead, using
cooling vents and these were scrap styrene and
fabricated from sections of fine 0.3mm lead wire sourced
metal mesh sourced from an online from Plus Model (www.
auction site and added to the rear plusmodel.cz). Eduard provided a
of the vents in the fuselage sides. pair of PE frame faces to replace
The rear engine bay featured the styrene parts, allowing them to
an oval frame containing the be painted prior to fitting. non-slip material).
rear face of the Pratt & Whitney Returning to the cabin interior, This was angled from the
R-1820 Cyclone radial powerplant. the first port of call was the cargo rear cargo door, running along sk) and masked with 10mm Tamiya
Originally, it was planned to fit a floor. Referring to online images, the length of the cabin and then tape. The two angled doorway
full engine but because little if it appeared there was a specific angled again to the forward door. areas were painted MRP-221 Dark
anything would be seen, it was pattern that included a central The whole area was painted MRP- Grey and the central walkway,
decided to modify and detail the kit walkway (presumably made of 245 Light Sea Grey (www.mrpaint. MRP-AO65 Medium Grey.
With the walls painted Zinc Chromate, the engine face was fitted and PE
frames added. This area would receive further detailing and an oil wash of
Raw Umber before the fuselage halves were glued together
Images of the main cabin interior

revealed different coloured sections
of the cargo bay floor – these
were painted three shades of grey.
Shelving was corrected, supports
added and the cockpit detailed

Further unpeeling between which was sandwiched Once painted, modified

Attention now turned to the a cube of scrap resin, drilled to bench seats and styrene
forward bulkhead; Italeri had accept the forward rotor shaft. webbing were fitted and an
included both the shelved unit to The rear bulkhead featured a overhead conduit fabricated
from styrene rod. Light lenses
the left side and the hoist cover central doorway with a curtain. were added in appropriate
shroud to the right but these were The kit part featured a very rough positions – time precluded a
both inaccurate in shape and approximation of this curtain plan to add LED lighting
design. As such, the shelves were but it was decided to construct
replaced with 1.0mm sections a replacement using aluminium
of plastic card and rod and a foil, folded to shape and painted
shaped piece of scrap resin used Tamiya’s XF-62 Olive Drab
to modify the shroud. A missing (www.hobbyco.
fuselage frame was fabricated net). The
from 2mm styrene card and fitted
to the outer side
of the forward
bulkhead, moulded example
was removed from the
bulkhead via a scalpel and the
replacement fitted into position
using Gators Grip PVA glue (www.
gatorsmodelstudio.com). Seatbelts, an
Work then commenced on the oxygen bottle,
plumbing
canvas bench seats and back- and ancillary
support webbing. Italeri provided equipment
these parts in styrene, which were added to
the cockpit. As
suffered from being overly thick. It
was often when
would have been preferable to use operating in
PE parts but unfortunately, none hot conditions,
were available, so the kit parts rotor head
shrouds were
were thinned via sanding stick. sometimes
The metal frame cross supports removed, so
were incorrectly positioned and scrap PE was
shaped to act
removed, being replaced with as exposed
items that ran to the bottom of base plates
the leg, rather than midway down.
Following this, the seat frames
were painted MRP-38 Light Grey
and the covers received XF-58
Olive Green lightened with a drop
of XF-2 White; then, a wash of
Abteilung 502 ABT007 Raw Umber AFRICAN
The interior of the was applied. The webbing was ADD-ONS
upper engine bay was painted MMP003 Red, lightened
Eduard’s 73223 set provided
improved using styrene using a few drops of MMP039
card, U-shaped strips and a length of PE for most exterior detail and
British Sand Yellow. included a clear acetate sheet
brass rod. Even with metal meshes in
place the details would still be visible A prominent overhead lighting for the oval windows and sliding
through the large side vents conduit ran the length of the cockpit door glazing. The firm’s
CX473 masking set was also
used for the transparencies.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Several PE parts were fitted to the rotor heads, included pitch actuator arms Rotor head and canopy parts were dry-fitted to check clearance. Mr. Surfacer
and prominent vertical hinge pins. The disc is the lower weather protection cover 1000 was used to fill the upper fuselage seam line and small sink mark
cabin roof and this was replicated featured solid arm rests rather followed by a lightened mix across
with a length of Evergreen 6mm than the tubular frames of the real the blades, adding variation and
half-round rod. Cuts were made thing, so these were removed and a weather-beaten appearance.
at intervals along the length of the replaced using 1mm styrene rod. Finally, the tips were masked and
rod via a fresh scalpel blade and a Following painting using MRP-38 painted MRP-122 RAF Marking
sanding stick used to replicate the and MMP003, pre-painted seat Yellow. Following painting, the
ribbed appearance of the fabric. belts and lap harnesses were parts received a wash of ABT510
Interior lights were added in the added from the spares box. Starship Filth, to ‘pop’ the
form of 1.5mm and 2.5mm lenses Again, using reference recessed panel lines.
from the Little-Lenses range (www. photographs,
modellingtools.co.uk), attached
with PVA glue. This part would be
fitted to the right fuselage
half prior to gluing the
body together. lead wire was used to
That just left replicate electrical cables
the cockpit and pressurised gas/fluid
and while Italeri provided most lines. Prior to gluing the
of the parts required, several fuselage together, two strips
required modification to offer of 10mm masking tape were fitted
better definition and detail. The to the inner fuselage wall, behind
instrument binnacle featured the seat webbings, to protect the
a separate instrument panel cabin windows from overspray
with raised detail. Rather than during the painting process.
hand-paint the individual dials,
Mike Grant Decals CJK072 Banana split
Cockpit Details markings (http:// The rotor blades were
mikegrantdecals.com) were used, primed using Ultimate
saving time and appearing very Modelling Product’s Primer
realistic once completed. The seats UMP128 Black (www.umpretail.
Several missing underside panels

were added with PE and 0.5mm
plastic card. The overly thick kit
fuel tank cradle was discarded
in favour of the delicate PE parts com) – very
provided in the Eduard set similar to Badger’s
Stynylrez product.
Following this, a marbling
coat was applied using a
combination of Red Brown, Dark
Grey and Dark greens. The upper
surfaces were airbrushed MRP-
364 Light Grey, sprayed at low air
pressure (12psi/0.8 bar), allowing
a hint of the marble coat to
remain visible. The lower surfaces
received MRP-173 Tyre Rubber,

With the upper fuselage painted satin white, the inner portions of the lower ADC Gray was applied to lower and tail surfaces, while canopy areas received
fuselage panels were sprayed matt white and light grey for a basic pre-shade faded True Blue – the finish was often sun-bleached
Congo colours and tail surfaces plus True Blue ADC Grey (www.ak-interactive. measured then masked and True
FAC CH-21s first appeared in cheatlines and cockpit framing – it com), allowing the subtle variations Blue applied by airbrush.
an overall natural metal finish, was decided to paint the model in of the marble coat to remain
however, some aircraft still had this particular scheme. visible. This was repeated until the Sunny weather
panels featuring the original USAF Following masking of the cockpit desired opacity was achieved. These aircraft operated in harsh
International Orange paintwork, and door glazing, the fuselage Selected panels were masked conditions, with heat, humidity
which became heavily faded and was treated with Alclad’s ALC-302 and a lightened mix of the ADC and the working environment
damaged in the hot African sun. Grey Primer and Microfiller (www. Grey applied to panels to simulate playing havoc with the paintwork,
The original USAF insignia was alclad2.com). Mr. Paint’s MRP-4 the effects of sun bleaching on the while oil and hydraulic fluid also
also overpainted with dark yellow, White was applied to the upper exposed paintwork. A darkened accumulated around engine
in an attempt to disguise the fuselage after which a marbling mix was also to the lower engine hatches and rotor heads. A pin
original operator. Two of coat of Dark Grey, Dark Earth and bay hatches to give the impression wash of ABT510 Starship Filth
the six aircraft supplied Dark Blue was airbrushed over the of shadow, oil and dirt staining. was applied to a few panel lines,
to the FAC featured the remaining areas. Lower surfaces, Following masking, the canopy mainly around the engine section,
original USAF scheme tailplanes and undercarriage was sprayed True Blue – again, which was allowed to run part way
of Insignia White upper legs received a thin coat of AK with lightened areas. Whirlybird’s along each via capillary action.
fuselage, ADC Gray lower Interactive’s Real Colors RS-221 cheatline decals appeared very After about five minutes, a cotton
dark (almost black), so to match bud dampened with ABT-112 was
the colour of the canopy framing run over the surface to minimise
and ensure continuity, the cheat the ‘diagram effect’ often seen on
line width was first models with dark panel washes.
This technique results in fine
GIVE IT A WHIRL
Whirlybird’s WBA72126 conversion set contained a variety of elements to produce
a Congolese CH-21B: resin parts consisted of three items – under-nose radome
and blade aerial plus nosewheel light housing. Also included was a vinyl mask
to overpaint the fuselage USAF insignia, while a decal sheet was provided for
five FAC CH-21s, two in
natural metal:
FG-322
FG-697
And three in ADC Grey,
White and True Blue:
FG-869
FG-677
FG-673
In addition to the national
insignia and serials,
several stencil markings
were suppled, as were
the blue fuselage cheat
lines for the Grey/White
aircraft. On the real FAC
CH-21Bs, stencils were
often overpainted or
removed, this varying
between airframes.
Airfix Model World 35

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Instead of using overly dark decals Various panels were masked to

provided by Whirlybird, the fuselage allow lightened and darkened
was masked in two parallel lines variations to be added. References
and the blue cheatline applied by appeared to indicate replacements
airbrush, so the tone matched the were often fitted – understandable,
colour of the canopy framing given the working environment
Replacement windows were fitted Two clear navigation lights were

via needle-nose tweezers, using painted Clear Red and attached to
Gator’s Grip PVA glue. This allowed the fuselage. Also visible is the winch
Using photographs supplied in the ample time to align them correctly plus assembly (above the forward entrance
conversion set, the exact position of avoided any chance of fogging the door), replacement external fuel tank
the noticeable gap in the cheat line clear acetate despite a firm bond cradle and step for the rear hatch
could be determined. It was important
to get this right as the national
insignia was located specifically
medium-grey lines – an authentic featured a marked rusty red tone. wooden base of medium grade abrasive paper
finish, closely matching period Being readily available, AMMO- was selected and was cut to a shape roughly the
photographs. A light application MIG and AK Interactive weathering painted UMP Black, same as the base and fixed using
of Smoke (black) pastel powder products were used to represent then to represent a spray adhesive. A heavy book
was also applied to the areas the surfaces. A suitably sized rough soil base, a sheet was placed on top of it and left
beneath the engine exhausts and
a dusting of A.MIG-3022
Vietnam Earth (www.

migjimenez.com) applied to the
underside of the fuselage and
around the main undercarriage
legs. AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-3011
Airfield Dust was then brushed
over the wheel tyres and to the
underside of the fuselage, beneath
the nose undercarriage leg. With
that, the model was finished.
Fresh vignette
Adding more visual interest it
was decided to include a small
vignette base, using reference
photographs supplied with the
Whirlybird instruction sheet. Due to
the high iron content of the terrain
in this part of Africa (now known
as Zaire) the ground textures
36 Airfix Model World

Along with the worn

barrels, other 3D-printed
parts were also added,
including a pair of
ammunition boxes,
two rifles and a short
boarding ladder
Aiming to add more interest

to the vignette base, four
somewhat battered oil
drums were 3D-printed,
painted and suitably
chipped, again using period
photographs for reference
overnight in order to ensure Aircraft Grey was applied; once a paintbrush tapped against a and A.MIG-2011 Heavy Chipping
maximum adhesion. dry, a piece of sponge material cocktail stick. Effects fluid applied. Once touch-
Photographs showed CH-21s was dabbed in a diluted and Moving to the dusty areas, H47 dry, these were over-sprayed with
were usually parked on darkened mix of the base grey Red Brown was airbrushed over H460 Rotbraun and water applied
rectangular concrete plinths that and mottled on to the concrete the sandpaper and once dry, a by brush. Chips were added with
stood proud of the surrounding surface. This was repeated with a coating of spray adhesive was a cocktail stick and a cut-down
soil. A section of 4mm styrene lightened mix until a satisfactorily applied; ground cocoa powder paintbrush before being washed in
card was cut to shape and primed aged appearance was achieved was sprinkled to simulate dried ABT007 Raw Umber.
with Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black as a and finally, a mud and debris. The plinth was
base that would add depth to the light splatter of attached to the base using CA Gone bananas
concrete colour. The surface was heavily diluted glue and A.MIG-2109 Vietnam Despite being more than 20
rough-sanded using 80-grade Dark Grey was Ground acrylic base was added years old, Italeri’s H-21 is still an
wet-and-dry paper and to add applied using to areas close to and around the excellent kit, providing a solid base
some relief, small holes were part- edges. Self-adhesive, wargaming for this particular project. There
drilled into the surface. After that, 6mm Desert Grass Tufts were are several aftermarket parts now
a coat of Mr. Hobby H332 Light used to simulate tufted grass – available ,which enhance it and
once in position, suitably coloured cater for known inaccuracies easily.
earth textures were applied to As can be seen, the Whirlybird set
mask their adhesive bases. provided everything required to
Several dented oil build a Congolese CH-21B. Finely
drums, ammunition cast resin parts, comprehensive
instructions and excellent decal
sheet made building this rare
variant of the ubiquitous ‘flying
boxes, a ladder banana’ an absolute pleasure. Both
and rifles were the Whirlybird set and Italeri
3D-printed, painted, kit are therefore highly
weathered and added to recommended to those
the base. Each container was interested in early
airbrushed with AK476 Steel and unusual rotorcraft.
Self-adhesive tufted grass was applied to the base using tweezers. Sandy
soil powder was then sprinkled over this and then secured using heavily
diluted PVA, covering the adhesive base

COMPETITION Italeri 1/24 Scania S730 Highline 4x2
WIN ITALERI’S ALL-NEW 1/24

SCANIA S730 HIGHLINE 4X2!
Two lucky AMW

readers have the
chance to win an
Italeri 1/24 Scania
S730 Highline 4x2
kit, which retails for
approximately £84.99,
courtesy of importer
The Hobby Company
Features in this new

kit include:
• New fully detailed cabin
and interiors
• Updated engine cylinder heads
• Openable driver door
• Openable radiator grill
• New side skirts, spoilers, tanks
and exhausts
• Chromed adhesive
• Photo-etched parts
• Rubber tyres
• Decals sheet for Special Edition
Scania V8 50th Anniversary
• Reclining cabin
How to enter
Note, the entry method is
now purely online. Readers
will need to go to the
KeyModelWorld website and
click the AMW ‘Competitions’
link on the drop-down menu.
SCAN TO ENTER
Didn’t win or want to know

more about Italeri’s products?
Visit: www.hobbyco.net The closing date for this competition is September 30, 2022. For full terms and conditions, please visit the KeyModelWorld website.

This Eduard 1/48 scale Macchi
Mc.202 Folgore suffered no damage to
the decals during the flatting process.
Here too, the finesse of the finish can
be judged by the soft sheen noted
across the wing root and fuselage
DISPELLING
ENAMEL MYTHS
Jay Blakemore shows how to get
M
any current toxic enamels of yesteryear, so
modellers use why do some modellers still insist
the best out of enamel paints and acrylic paints and/ on using enamels and why am I
or varnishes to finish among their chief advocates? It is
in particular Humbrol varnishes, their models, though this has not my intention in this article to look
which have recently acquired a poor always been the case.
On the surface it seems to make
specifically at Humbrol enamel
varnishes and to hopefully dispel
reputation among some sections of perfect sense to use fast-drying, some of the adverse comments/
odourless alternatives to the reviews and modelling myths
the modelling community slow-drying, strong-smelling and associated with these products
on internet chat sites and
other forums. Indeed, Humbrol
varnishes seem to have garnered
a terrible reputation. I personally
have been successfully using
Humbrol enamel varnishes for
five decades and see no need to
change, and hopefully this article
will go some way to demystify
the application process and
make these versatile products
more accessible to all.
Humbrol products mix easily with
white spirit, which has the advantage
of being inexpensive and readily
available on the high street. It is also
Humbrol enamel varnishes have gained something of a bad reputation over ideal for cleaning enamel paints from
the years, though the author has been using them successfully for five decades brushes and airbrushes and most
and has seen no reason to change brands enamel paints can be diluted with it

THE NEXT STEP | Using Humbrol enamels
Humbrol’s thinner is of course the

preferred solvent with which to mix
enamel varnish/paints, though it is
not cheap. The author saves his own
thinners for those shades that seem
not to mix well with white spirit. Always
experiment with colours that are new
to you before committing them to
your airbrush or model
For improving the appearance of a finished model there can be few products
as indispensable as micro-mesh-type finishing cloths. Used wet or dry, enamel-
painted surfaces can be sanded to eliminate all blemishes
Volatile organic paints contain polymer emulsions

compounds and their binders are an acrylic
First, perhaps we should compare polymer, which means that when
the paint types. Acrylics are they begin to dry they release
composed of pigments (colour), ammonia, water and propylene
plus a vehicle and a binder. glycol into the air. Propylene
Vehicles are the liquid element glycol is often used in the food
that holds the pigments in and cosmetic industry and
suspension, usually water, and is therefore deemed safe for
binders act like cement, allowing humans to inhale, but it can have
the pigments to stick together a disastrous effect in aquatic
and form a paint film. Acrylic environments (worth considering
if you empty your used water or

unused paint down the sink).
Although there are water-
based enamels, those designed
specifically for the modelling
world are oil-based (also called
solvent-based or alkyd paint).
The vehicles and binders are
one and the same, being highly
refined vegetable oils such
as flax (usually described as
linseed), safflower, poppy, and
walnut. These oils dry slowly
through oxidation, creating a
hard, smooth film of paint on
contact with the air. A skin forms
over the paint surface, while
the paint underneath continues
to harden over time. Used
Using sanding cloths throughout can ultimately lead to a flawless finish, though it can be a laborious process that begins
with the basecoat. Eduard’s 1/48 Bf 109 received a dark brown enamel basecoat, which was dry-sanded with 3,200-grade alone, oil paints don’t release
cloths before any colour was added. A flat surface leads to perfect masking without colour bleeds any chemicals into the air as

they dry. But if you add thinning to use enamels was correct, yet
agents, such as solvents or with basic precautions all paints Using one of Eduard’s wonderful 1/48 Spitfire Mk.Is, we will examine the
‘flatting’ process. Having used masks to paint the upper wing markings,
mediums containing petroleum are safe to use. Indeed, even layers of gloss enamel have been airbrushed over the entire airframe until
distillate, as in the products when using water-based acrylics, deemed of sufficient depth and the model left to dry for two days. Flatting
we’re all familiar with, then their the following common-sense begins on the port wing and nose using dampened 3,200-grade cloths.
White sanding residue can be seen in the engraved panel lines on the
harmful contents will evaporate precautions should be observed: wing and on the nose forward of the cockpit
into the air as they dry. Never paint in an enclosed space
It should be remembered but open a window to increase
that not all acrylic paints are airflow and use an extractor if 1
water-based and therefore airbrushing, and a mask too. If
free of toxins, and in common you are pouring your wastewater
with enamels, they contain down the drain/sink after using
certain chemicals that become acrylics, it is worth remembering
hazardous when they vaporise that this also might not be safe for
at room temperature as the paint the environment.
dries. Such toxins are described Why then choose enamels? The
as Volatile Organic Compounds advantages of enamel paints
(VOCs) and are found in all are many; they are resistant to
solvent-based paints (and many acids, alkalis and water, making
water-based coatings, albeit in them durable and most can be
smaller quantities). Paints with mixed with, diluted and removed
fewer of these chemicals are using inexpensive white spirit.
described as Low VOC, though Those produced by one brand
there is no official standard to will usually blend well with other
determine content levels. manufacturer’s products for an
All paint products contain endless range of combinations.
coloured pigments, and some Their slow-drying nature means
of these may be toxic, such as they brush on smoothly and
cobalt, manganese, cadmium are less likely to dry within
and chromium. Those paint an airbrush nozzle and cause 2
products free from VOCs are blockages. If this occurs, then a
described as being No VOC/ quick blow-through with white
Zero VOC. Check the paint spirit usually clears it without a
containers you are using to see lengthy strip-down. Their slow-
if they are so marked. drying quality also means they
can be used for numerous
Health & safety effects without recourse to
The above may suggest any expensive weathering products.
decision the reader takes not Matt, satin and gloss paints can
A smooth shiny surface is ideal for the application of decals; therefore several
layers of gloss varnish should be applied over the camouflage colours by way
of preparation. Successive thin coats are preferable, until sufficient depth is
achieved. Knowledge of how much varnish is required comes only with
practice and the occasional failure

Wing roots can be particularly challenging, and dampened 3,200-grade cloth … allows the complex curved surface to be sanded with less chance of a rub-
is wrapped around the handle of a paint brush, this... through. The upper, raised edges of the curved panels are avoided, while...
... care must also be taken to avoid sanding across the slightly raised edge Raised detail, such as the cannon bulges should generally be avoided, unless
where the wings mate with the fuselage there is dust contamination on these areas themselves
be mixed in any combination Seemingly the most common Viscosity voicings that they take too long to dry or
allowing a wide variety of complaint concerns Humbrol’s Other common complaints conversely that they never dry
finishes; the latter characteristic matt varnish, and pictures are revolve around the viscosity and remain permanently sticky,
being particularly applicable to plentiful of finished models of Humbrol varnishes: they are attracting dust. Yes, Humbrol
the final varnish coat. But for covered in what appears to be too thick to brush on smoothly, paint and varnish will do all these
the author their most endearing ‘sugar-frosting’ or a white, waxy will not go through an airbrush things if not diluted and here
quality is that they can be wet- coating that appears once the without blockages occurring is the crux of the argument –
sanded to produce flat and/or varnish has dried. This issue is and form bumps or undulations whatever process being used,
polished surfaces, ideal for decal not confined to just Humbrol (orange peel) on the model’s these products require diluting
application or super-smooth products, yet is straightforward surface. Further issues include (as do all enamels).
professional finishes. to explain and rectify. It’s
due to the inclusion of matt
The blame game appearance agents in the
We will open with a bold paint products; these additives
statement: problems encountered include silicas, waxes, organic
when using Humbrol varnishes materials and even fillers, which
are due to user error and, less so, form a ‘micro-rough surface’
environmental conditions. While when dry and so deflect light
controversial, this conclusion has to give a matt appearance.
been reached by my making all They also create the cloudy
those same mistakes in the past appearance seen in matt
– the difference then was there varnishes and to a lesser degree
was no alternative to Humbrol in satin coatings. Humbrol
enamel products as they were products may appear cloudier
all that were available. This than other brands and for a
meant working out how to use it good reason, they are extremely
correctly if I was going to improve concentrated, and this is a good Other areas to avoid are the small, raised details, such as air intakes and fuel
my modelling skills. thing, as will be explained. filler caps – this is to avoid rubbing through to the bare styrene

the more likely it is to run into
When flatting attached
protuberances such as depths or hollows on models
this delicately formed tail where it settles and pools. Panel
plane, a supporting finger lines, moulded curves such as
should be used to counter
the weight being applied
wing roots or folds in clothing
to the opposite surface are all areas that are notorious
for this problem. As the varnish
layer is deeper in these areas,
larger quantities of matting
agent collect and dry to a cloudy
appearance – regardless of
whether brush or airbrush is used.
It is therefore imperative that
thin coats are built gradually. If
airbrushing, this means mastering
your air pressure control and
the amount of product that is
released with each press of
the trigger. Avoid hesitation
and keep the airbrush moving,
pausing only when the paint
stream has passed away from
the model; the airbrush nozzle
should never come to rest over
the model while paint is flowing.
Correct procedure rapidly, though it won’t be solid

Upon opening your Humbrol for approximately 24 hours.
paint/varnish, it must be stirred This means several or even
until the solids, usually deposited many airbrushed coats can be
at the bottom of the tin/jar, have built in fairly rapid succession,
dissipated and the liquid is of a each hardening sufficiently in
uniform and creamy consistency. preparation for the next.
Then pop the lid back on, shake it The brush user, however,
and repeat – in short you cannot requires more patience. One
mix the paint too much. Whether thinned coat must be allowed to
brushing or airbrushing, it then dry thoroughly before another is
requires diluting. Humbrol has applied; otherwise, it will soften
its own thinner, which is perfect and lift as new paint is added.
for the job, but isn’t cheap – I This leads many inexperienced
reserve this for specific colours or impatient modellers to apply
or important airbrushing tasks. an initial thick coat in expectation
Instead, inexpensive white spirit of getting ahead, but this has It’s advisable not to sand for prolonged periods but regularly stop and then
is used. With certain colours consequences: the thinner will remove the residue with a tissue and...
experimentation may be needed still evaporate, but mainly on
before committing to a model, but the surface, forming a ‘skin’ of
the varnish is mixed easily with dried paint. In turn, this slows
the cheaper liquid. the drying process of the paint
If applying by brush, add just beneath, meaning when the
enough thinner to allow the model is next handled, the ‘skin’
paint or varnish to flow smoothly breaks and the soft enamel
– you don’t want it running off beneath is exposed, leading
the model by adding too much. to an impression the paint isn’t
For airbrushing add anywhere drying. This can be further
between 50-75% of thinner/ exacerbated if the painting
white spirit depending on the environment is slightly too cold
depth of product required and or damp.
apply in thin coats to avoid
runs. Numerous light coats Pooling
are preferable to one or two Thinned paint requires careful
thick layers. The thinner will application, especially matt or
... check for signs of colour. If there are indications on the tissue, then this
evaporate quickly leaving just satin varnishes as the more
means you have rubbed through the varnish layer. This would be expected,
a thin coating of paint, which diluted (less viscous) the paint though, if you are sanding over a paint ridge, where masking has been used
in turn will become touch-dry and the more liberally it’s applied, to form a camouflage pattern, for example

One of the great aspects of performed without rub-throughs

Rub-throughs are to be
enamels is they are resilient once expected where a paint ridge damaging the underlying surface.
hard and, if previous paint layers has formed beneath the For improving the appearance
have been allowed sufficient varnish, such as those caused of a finished model there can be
by masking, such as around
drying time (at least two days), the edges of these roundels few products as indispensable
then subsequent layers can be as micro-mesh-type finishing
removed to a certain extent. cloths. These share certain
Therefore, if you have allowed characteristics with standard
matt varnish to pool in the abrasive papers in that they
folds of a cape, for example, come in different grades, from
then while still in a semi-dry coarse to very fine. But the
state, the cloudy layer can be similarities end there, for finishing
‘washed off’ using a soft brush cloths are extremely flexible and
dampened with white spirit. Be the grit elements ‘float’ within a
warned, however, that too much soft layer of material making the
‘washing’ or an overly vigorous abrasive action far less harsh
scrubbing action, will eventually than that of sandpapers. The
– and invariably – also remove cloths can be cut to a convenient
previously dried layers, subtlety size and wrapped around brush
and care once again being the handles, cocktail sticks and
key points to remember about sanding blocks to accommodate
hard-to-reach areas, curves and
Some areas should be corners, and can be used either
avoided altogether, wet or dry. The most useful
such as the aft fuselage
section of the Spitfire,
grades are: 2,400; 3,200; 3,600;
which is covered in raised 4,000; 6,000; 8,000; and the
rivet heads. If decals are finest being 12,000. The lower
being applied in such values are ideal for sanding,
areas, then silvering
is likely even while those of 8,000 and above
if glossed are for polishing.
Deep lustre
Depth of varnish is the key to
successful wet-sanding. What
you don’t want to do, of course,
is rub through to the paintwork
beneath, and you definitely
don’t want to damage decals.
But with constant visual checks
of the area being sanded
this technique. If this method

is used and a rough surface
created once the washed varnish
has dried, then additional layers
of protective varnish will facilitate
wet-sanding to remove any
ridges formed.
Micro-finishing cloths
Any blemishes in the paintwork,
such as orange peel, trapped
dust and debris particles, or
ridges made as a result of
washing, masking or the addition
of overly thick decals should
be reduced or eliminated if a
perfect in-scale appearance is
to be achieved. With enamels
this is not a problem, though it
does take effort and practice,
with Humbrol’s gloss varnish The finished Spitfire Mk.I. The smoothness of the
varnished surface can be appreciated when looking at
built over time and in sufficient the sheen on the wing roots and curved nose panels
depth to allow wet sanding to be

Polishing can be limited to just
those areas that are to receive
decals, which will save time.
Raised details should of course
be avoided. Used in conjunction
with decal softening solutions,
this process should result in
decals that appear painted on,
especially if subsequent coats of
varnish applied over the decals
are wet-sanded too, eliminating
those unsightly ridges at the
decal edges.
Over the top

All the above may seem like a
lot of work, and so it is, but it is
the finish that often separates a
truly stunning model from a run-
of-the-mill attempt. One way of
speeding up the process might
The large, relatively flat surfaces on Zoukei-Mura’s 1/48 F-4Es made it a joy to wet-sand during all stages of the
finishing process. The final finish was accomplished using an eggshell mix of matt and satin Humbrol varnishes be to take a joint approach, with
the majority of paintwork being
and by just working on a small almost immediately expose the Solving silvering undertaken using acrylics, with
section at a time, clues do underlying styrene. Always sand Silvering is the name given to the just the topcoats using hard-
appear to warn of rub-throughs around features such as hinges, phenomenon of tiny air bubbles wearing wet-sanded enamel
and so prevent catastrophe. cannon bulges, intake vents. If becoming trapped beneath the varnishes. This approach will cut
By constantly wiping off the you are sanding over a decal clear carrier film of a decal and down on unpleasant odours and
wet, cloudy sanding residue, and inadvertently rub-through reflecting the light, appearing as a over-long exposure to enamel
the appearance of colour on a the varnish, your constant blotchy, silver rash. The effect can overspray (if this is a concern), but
tissue will immediately warn of checks will at first reveal the ruin an otherwise well-finished note that some acrylic paints will
a rub-through to the paint. This edge of the decal’s carrier film. model, though preventing it react badly to being oversprayed
is to be expected if sanding If you spot this, then you stop is relatively simple. Applying with enamels – experimentation
over a paint ridge, for example, sanding in that spot and continue an overall gloss coat prior to is advised. It might be ideal for
where masking has caused a elsewhere. Further coats of gloss application will help prevent such gamers who constantly handle
substantial rise of the painted varnish and further wet-sanding problems occurring, but only their models during play and
surface, or over dust particles, will eventually lead to a perfectly if that gloss coat is flat will you therefore require the use of a
where successive paint layers smooth model ready for the final eradicate the problem completely. hard-wearing topcoat.
have risen over the trapped topcoat, which may be a matt or Using the methods described The author uses only enamels
debris to form a tiny hump. It egg-shell sheen. As mentioned above, the gloss varnish should and all the models featured are
is exactly these ‘humps and earlier, by mixing Humbrol gloss, be wet-sanded smooth, using finished as described above. It
lumps’ that wet-sanding is aimed semi-gloss and matt varnishes, 3,200- or 4,000-grade cloths, and has admittedly taken years of
at eradicating. What you must any number of final finishes can then polished with dampened toil and practice but, as stated
avoid, though, is wet-sanding be achieved. Gloss varnish can 12,000-grade cloths until at the beginning, I see no
over raised detail, for you will also be buffed to a high shine. the surface is mirror smooth. reason for change.

Aviation & Military Book Centre
Military & Civil Aviation – Military Weapons & Equipment – Naval Vessels
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OUT AND ABOUT
Corsairs aren’t often depicted in

Argentinian Armada colours, so this
Hasegawa 1/48 F4U-5 drew plenty of
attention, with Matt Harris creating a
suitably weather-beaten finish to this
naval fighter and ground attack subject
W
elcoming a new
show to the
modelling calendar
always brings a
frisson of anticipation, and this is
especially true when it’s held in at
the UK’s oldest aviation museum,
the de Havilland Museum.
With model clubs and traders
intertwined between historic
aircraft exhibits – including three
of the firm’s famous Mosquitos
– it was the ideal opportunity
to discover this hidden gem of
aircraft history. Even better, the
food stall was near the entrance,
so everyone was enticed by
the aroma of freshly grilled
MUSEUM WONDERS
Fenland & Spalding modeller Bill Pickering gave his Revell 1/32 Hawker Necessity is often the mother of invention, as Gary Richardson discovered
Hunter FGA.9 a faded camouflage, completing it as a 208 Squadron machine on after finding several damaged decals in his AMT 1/25 Pontiac Grand Am – so he
detachment to Kuwait in 1961 decided to build it with one side ‘uncovered’, making for an eye-catching model
Belkits’ 1/24 Metro 6R4 rally car was the centrepiece of this magnificent The aptly named Just For Fun Modellers included many amusing exhibits,
‘drifting’ scene by Andy Kurland, who added working lighting before dirtying the of which ‘Lost in the Dessert’, comprising Airfix’s 1/76 Reconnaissance Set,
model to replicate a mud-clad off-road racer Matchbox figures plaster ‘custard’ and real banana pieces took the pudding

OUT AND ABOUT | de Havilland Museum Show
Father and son team Shane and Jacob Cowlie built a splendid A-10A The Doughnut Models stand included a tribute to all the Indiana Jones films;
Thunderbolt II diorama using Airfix’s 1/72 kit plus fine sand; tracks were created Tracy Griffin combined styrene kits with die cast models to replicate many scenes
by Jacob and set with PVA to replicate fleeing vehicles from the franchise – how many can you count?
Sprues-R-Us member Martin Smith produced a gorgeous metallic finish for his Steve Abbot took a break from his usual auto subjects for this all-resin 1/32
Kittyhawk T-6 Texan, building it as the boxtop’s Dazzlin’ Deb Dragon Rapide by Lukgraph, finishing it in a striking Scillonia Airways livery
sustenance – just what was there was plenty of room for vintage autos drew much will be in the Show Guide and
needed after a long drive! exhibitors, traders and visitors attention throughout the day. online at www.keymodelworld.
This may not be the biggest alike to peruse the models and Comments received throughout com. The de Havilland Museum
venue, but the enthusiasm shown merchandise at leisure, and the the day praised the layout and is well worth a visit – see www.
by the organisers and staff was outdoor seating meant those organisation, and of course there dehavillandmuseum.co.uk for
infectious, reminding me of how wanting a rest could do so and was the opportunity (taken up by further details.
other museum shows used to enjoy the sunshine. A further many) to take photos for use in Stu Fone
be back in the late 1990s/early bonus came in the shape of a future modelling projects.
2000s. Spread over two halls display of vintage Vauxhall cars, Plans are already afoot to hold View More Online
www.KeyModelWorld.com
plus a mezzanine/balcony area, and these beautifully maintained a show in 2023, and details
This duo of T-34s on the Chelmsford Model Club table came courtesy of Mick Who says that Warhammer won’t make for a good diorama? No one was
Pitts, who finished his Italeri T-34/85 (left) with Croatian markings, while Phil Wort arguing with this stunning ‘Death Korps of Krieg’ scene, by Bedfordshire
provided a war-weary T-34/76 using Tamiya’s 1/35 offering Independent Modeller Rob Wood, adding Forgeworld figures to a wintery base

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Atlantic Models’ single-piece waterline hull

is sprayed Light Weatherwork Grey on the MODEL SPEC
sides, with an Extra Dark Sea Grey deck HMS Peacock
and NATO Black boot line
By: Atlantic Models
Stock Code: ATK35001
Scale: 1/350
Price: £50.75
Available from: Atlantic Models
www.atlanticmodels.net
Toby Knight examines Atlantic Models’ with heavier armament and this case, the waterline version
designated as Emilio Jacinto- was selected. Also provided in
recent 1/350 HMS Peacock kit in this class corvettes. resin is the main superstructure
plus the bridge, which sits on top.
build of a Royal Navy Hong Kong Multi-media magic Additional white
Squadron workhorse Atlantic Models’ kit consists of a metal parts
finely cast resin upper hull and include the
P
eacock-class patrol and was expected not just to lower hull, should the modeller rigid-hull inflatable
corvettes were built by patrol Hong Kong waters, but prefer to do a full hull build. In boats (RHIB), boat
Hall, Russell & Company, also to operate further offshore,
Aberdeen, for the Royal being capable of remaining at sea
Navy to replace ageing Ton-class (if necessary) during typhoons.
minesweepers being used as The three vessels, HMS
Hong Kong patrol vessels. Peacock, Plover and Starling,
Five ships were produced, remained on station from 1983
of which two were sold to the until the handover to China in
Irish Navy. The class was well 1997, when they were sold to the
equipped for a variety of roles Philippine Navy, being refitted

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | HMS Peacock
… as was the bridge structure.

This is a small component,
which meant that painting the
wing decks is a challenge
The main superstructure was

treated similarly with Light
Weatherwork Grey and Extra
Dark Sea Grey – deck fittings
were painted by hand...
crane and 76mm gun, while the been a residue/contaminant on Gun gripes to choose from the two offered in
gun director, propeller frame and the hull as when the masking One of the kit’s main problems Veteran’s box is difficult; there are
windlass are among the numerous tape was removed so were concerns the white metal few decent photographs of HMS
components on the large, single, areas of black and grey paint. rendering of the forecastle- Peacock in Royal Navy service.
photo-etched brass fret. Thankfully, this was rectified mounted 76mm Oto-Melara Superglue was used to attach the
The hull was first sprayed with easily; the offending areas were gun. While it is acceptable, the gun barrel PE parts, but care must
Colourcoat’s NARN52 Light sanded and then airbrushed alternative provided by Veteran be taken to ensure these don’t
Weatherwork Grey enamel with the corresponding colours. Models’ VTM35017 Oto 76mm/62 foul the turret. In this case, the
(www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk), While not personally an cal gun (available via Starling result of not checking before the
which accurately represents advocate of washing kits (and Models: starling-models.co.uk) glue dried resulted in the barrel
the colour used on Royal Navy not wanting to light that debate is a more accurate multi-media being raised slightly.
ships since 1968. A partial boot touchpaper), modellers may offering, with resin turret, turned- However, disregarding my
stripe was then masked and want to consider whether they brass barrel and a small PE fret. mistake, the Veteran upgrade is
sprayed with AK Interactive’s clean surfaces beforehand Identifying the correct gun barrel highly recommended.
Real Color RC082 NATO Black or are happy to risk paint
(www.ak-interactive.com). The peeling. The same enamel The superstructure comes together
deck edges were then masked, colours were applied to the neatly, with excellent fit; window
decals should be added at this
before NARN54 Extra Dark main superstructure and bridge stage, but problems with these
Sea Grey was airbrushed; no sections without any issues. Fit curling excessively meant they
attempt was made to cover the is good throughout and, other were painted later
integrally cast features, as these than minor flash located around
would be brush-painted later. the bridge-wing windows,
Unfortunately, there must have all parts are well cast.
Test-fitting items such

as the superstructure
onto the hull is always
recommended, to ensure
a neat join when glue is
committed eventually

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SETTING
THE SCENE
With the main parts in place, the
hull shape was marked on a small
piece of 10mm foam board and
then cut for the seascape. As
usual, Liquitex Gloss Super Heavy
Gel (www.liquitex.com) was used
to simulate the waves, ensuring
any peaks were smoothed over.
This was then sprayed with a
combination of Tamiya XF-17 Sea
A sheet of 10mm-thick foam board was painted and secured to a wooden base, with a heavy gel used to sculpt the
Blue (www.hobbyco.net) and XF-
waves. Note the waterline shape has already been cut to accept the ship
18 Medium Blue. Next, a thinned
coat lightened with XF-23 Light
Blue and XF-5 Flat Green was
airbrushed over the top to add
the appearance of depth. The
foam board was then glued to
a wooden base from Oakwood
Studios (www.oakwood-studios.
co.uk) and put to one side,
pending completion of the ship.
As the intent was to portray

the ship at low speed, the model
must fit snugly into the seascape;
note the non-central and angled
mounting for visual interest
With the gun put to one side,

attention returned to the main
superstructure, adding the
railings around the exterior,
plus a white metal gun director
(with PE embellishments) and
signal deck. The DF antenna
Veteran Models 76mm Oto Melara
was also attached to the top
gun is tiny yet comes as a small kit of the bridge, while paintbrush
with its own PE and turned brass metal bristles were used as aerials
parts to add to the turret; the detail is on the roof corners. Flash was
far superior to the kit item
evident on several white metal
The process of adding the PE parts, so this was removed a
components started with the
sharp knife.
superstructure; here, the railings have
been added, while the lattice main The gun director was
mast is partially complete then secured with Blu Tack
on to a wooden stirrer stick
and painted before being
attached. The hull and main
superstructure pieces were
mounted similarly on old paint
pots, which provided both a
sturdy handle and a degree of
stability when working on these
sub-assemblies.
Tricky lattice
The four-piece PE mast resulted
in a struggle… each side comes
as a single piece and must be
Attention then shifted to the assembled at right angles. Parts
stern, where the white metal boat were repeatedly broken (despite
cranes and PE railings started to
add ‘business’ to this section use of superglue) while trying
to hold them as other items

were attached – eventually, a

Further test-fitting is required
semblance of the structure was as the PE parts are attached
achieved. However, a later check to ensure there is no fouling.
revealed alignment issues, so The main deck railings would
be added prior to adding
the entire mast plus yardarms, the superstructure as it was
platform and railings were otherwise far too fiddly
de-bonded and stripped of paint
before starting again.
This time, the mast sides were
glued directly to the rear of the
bridge before the back piece
was then attached. Once firmly
secured, the front part was
added, presenting a sturdy lattice
construction. Platform and railings
were rebuilt and simply fixed to
the mast top and everything was
then sprayed with NARN52 Light
Weatherwork Grey.
The mast top was built separately
using the brass rod provided in
the kit rather than an alternative
white metal casting. Attaching
the yardarms first provided
locations for the antenna array
While railings might be small, the effect when all are added is striking; the RHIB fuel container storage frames are at the
and anemometer yard, which stern – as these weren’t identical they were covered in tissue paper to simulate tarpaulin
both sit at the very top. The entire
construction was then airbrushed A final test-fitting of the superstructure was conducted
to ensure it would sit correctly once all the PE and
and, once dry, was fixed to the white metal extras had been added
rear of the mast platform.
Boats and bits

With this completed, the focus
moved to the hull, where boat
cradles and cranes were added;
again, the white metal parts on
the former suffered from flash,
but once removed they were

fitted without issue. The boat
cradles came as PE components,
as were the additional parts
for the RHIBs; the former were
added to the deck along with the
outboard motor rack, while the
latter were detailed then painted
with a dark grey acrylic and
faded red (for the interior floor).
The RHIBs were attached to the
seascape using AK Interactive’s
Water Foam, which provides
the effect of frothing water
around each boat.
Shifting to the
Peacock’s stern,
the PE railings

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
Hull numbers
With all the parts in place, the
model was sprayed with Mr.
Hobby B-516 Mr. Super Clear
Semi-gloss (www.albionhobbies.
com) to seal the paint in readiness
for enamel-based washes.
Atlantic’s decals were slightly
problematic, with the bridge
windows discarded as they kept
Next it was time to add the RHIB to the seascape – while there was an empty space off the ship’s port stern quarter, this curling. It took several attempts
was later filled by a large RHIB wake with the hull pennant number,
with the best approach being to
position the backing paper close
to the desired position and then
sliding the decal on to the hull,
using a cotton bud to remove any
excess water. There were just
three pennant numbers needed
and the ship name either side of
the stern; the only other decal was
the white ensign – added at the
end to prevent any damage.
Once the decals had dried,
Once the RHIBs were secured, another coat of Mr. Super Clear
the initial wakes were added. These were Semi-gloss sealed everything in
later changed to more accurately depict the
characteristic disturbances left by these small boats
readiness for weathering. These
ships were based in Hong Kong
– which were pre-painted with tarpaulin covers. Once dry,

NARN52 Light Weatherwork Grey they were painted with Vallejo
– were added. The boat fuel tank 70.868 Dark Seagreen (www.
stowage racks were somewhat creativemodels.co.uk).
problematic, though, due to The bridge was the last area to
vagaries in the instructions, receive PE additions, in the form
which resulted in them being of the front frames, ESM sensors,
assembled slightly differently, doors and the Danbuoys. These
due to a change in interpretation. were added last because their
They were attached in the gap fragility meant holding the model
between the stern transom and would have been too difficult,
side railings, but as they didn’t even with it mounted on a
look the same it was decided paint pot.
to cover them in small pieces
of paper soaked in PVA
glue, emulating
unrepresentative, so these were

The hull was mounted on an old pot
of paint with Blu Tack to allow ease enhanced using white and diluted
of handling. Here, the boat cranes, Light Green Blue paint. The prop
76mm gun and other ancillary wash was then marked – with
equipment have been added
this cutting through the bow
wave – using the same method.
While more convincing, it was still
rather ‘flat’, despite use of extra
Water Foam, so a 3D effect was
created with the aid of Wilder’s
HDF-SN-01 Textured Snow
(www.wilder.su), which added
a ‘bubbly’ appearance. A final
coat of diluted Liquitex Gloss
Medium Varnish was then applied
to reduce the shine, as churned
water is less ‘glossy’.
Fair winds
This was an interesting project
with some difficulties, but many
more positive aspects. The fit of
Atlantic Models’ kits is always
top notch and makes them a
and seemed to be often in port; replicate how water reflects light, Green Blue and a fine brush; pleasure to build, though the
based on reference photos all ensuring that each layer was dry once touch-dry, a diluted mix of modeller should always read the
appeared to be well maintained before applying the next. this colour was added to mute instructions thoroughly as there
and ‘clean’; weathering was Additional treatments were any harsh contrasts. Note, RHIBs are copious notes to assist in
therefore kept to a minimum. given to the wakes of both ship have a distinctive bow wave and adding extra parts not shown
Initially, all recessed areas and RHIBs with 70.972 Light wake; initial efforts were deemed in the drawings.
received a light wash of AK-305
Streaking Grime for Light Grey
Ships – with excess removed
with white spirit – plus streaks
were added to the rear of the
funnel and down the hull sides
adjacent to the fuel canister rack.
Rust effects were few and
far between, so this was
constrained to around the
anchor, using AK-046 Light Rust
Wash plus AK-013 Rust Streaks,
albeit sparingly.
Making shipshape
Once completed, the hull and
superstructure were airbrushed Port side of the main superstructure with mast and Starboard side showing the Danbuoy marker mounted
with Testor’s Dullcote Matt varnish railings added; the ship’s nameplate was painted and then just aft of the bridge wing. Light weathering has been
(www.testors.com). The bridge dry-brushed carefully with red to pick the letters out applied at this stage
windows were then carefully Once the pennant number and ship’s name
picked out via a small brush decals were applied, several 3D-printed
loaded with X-18 Smoke for a crew members were one of the last
additions prior to final assembly
tinted appearance.
At this point, the superstructure
was carefully added to the hull
with superglue and once dry was
given a further spray of Dullcote to
prevent any ‘frosting’ from excess
adhesive. The ship was then
attached to the seascape using
Gorilla Glue (uk.gorillaglue.com)
and left to cure. Next, two coats
of Liquitex Gloss Medium Varnish
were applied to the seascape to

OUT AND ABOUT North Virginia Model Classic 2022
WE’RE BACK!
ship displays and also a children’s
make-and-take table.
A huge raffle table featured
plenty of items to win, plus authors
such as Dana Bell and Aaron
Walter Schlueter reports the COVID-19 pandemic began. took to run a show covering such Hamilton were happy to discuss
All of the vendor tables were sold a wide range of models, with the their work and sign autographs for
on a successful return for
out and the sellers were reporting quality at national level. There people purchasing their books.
the North Virginia Model brisk business – some said they were 676 builds spread over Next year’s show will be planned
Classic, with the American did as well or better than they had 83 categories, 133 contestants as soon as we have caught our
show not having been at a model show in Virginia earlier and 340 walk-ins with a total breath, so stay tuned. If you want
held for two years in the year. attendance of 616. to learn more, please see our
In addition, our host and sponsor, This year’s theme was the Korean website: www.novaipms.org
O
n April 16, 2022, after the Fairfax High School Choral War, with numerous entries in this As always, pictures can tell more
a two-year absence, Boosters, did very well and are category. Adding greatly were than words. So without further
the Northern Virginia hence looking forward to next paper models that could give the ado, here is a selection of photos
Chapter of IPMS USA year’s show as much as we are. plastic ones a run for their money, taken at our show!
held its first model show since We are very proud of the effort it N-gauge train layouts, gorgeous Walter Schlueter
(All photos by Walter Schlueter)

Hig h Q ua lity 1/ 48 3D Printe d Mo de l Kit
Figure Included
Scheuch - Schlepper 1/48

Tow and Recovery Vehicle for Me163B
10 September
SEE SCALE MODELS OF EVERY VARIETY THROUGHOUT THE TANK MUSEUM
CLUB EXHIBITORS & TRADE STALLS
“HOW-TO” SESSIONS, TALKS AND LIVE DISPLAYS
Registered Charity no: 1102661

EXCLUSIVE BUILD
Airfix’s newly-tooled
1/35 Austin K2/Y ambulance is
built straight from the box by
Huw Morgan in this exclusive feature
were built at Austin’s Longbridge
plant from 1940 to 1945. In the
ambulance version, the rear box
body was provided by coach
builders Mann Egerton using a
wood frame covered in sealed and
painted canvas, and could carry
four stretchers or up to ten sitting
wounded. Often nicknamed Katy,
the K2/Y was popular with Allied
troops and served on all wartime
A
ustin’s K2/Y was a in the 30cwt-class (about 1,400kg) beam axle at the front. Power fronts, and subsequently in Korea.
heavy ambulance first produced in 1938, the chassis was provided by a six-cylinder One notable point is the then HRH
used widely by all of which was later used for several 3.5-lit Austin D-series petrol Princess Elizabeth was trained to
Commonwealth forces special and utility vehicles. engine offering 60hp, mated to drive and maintain a K2/Y when
during World War Two and for The K2 had a conventional box- a four-speed transmission with she turned 18 in the latter stages of
some years afterwards. It was section ladder chassis with driven notoriously wide gear spacing. A World War Two.
based on the Austin K30 light truck live axle at the rear and a forged total of 13,102 K2/Y ambulances
All-new offering
The K2/Y hasn’t been well served
MODEL SPEC by hobby manufacturers; Accurate
Austin K2/Y Ambulance Armour issued a 1/35 resin kit in
By: Airfix the early 2000s and Airfix has
Stock Code: A1375 included a 1/76 version in its
Scale: 1:35 catalogue since 1978. However,
Price: £33.99 like buses, this year two 1/35 scale
Available from: www.airfix.com new-tool models are expected
– this example from Airfix and
another from Gecko Models. The
former’s K2/Y is due for imminent
release, and is presented on
three sand-coloured styrene
runners holding approximately 125
All parts are moulded sharply, as evidenced in the finesse of the radiator grille parts plus a single clear frame; it
– also note the embossed Austin logo located just above represents a late-model type with

EXCLUSIVE BUILD | Austin K2/Y Ambulance
Several parts have numerous ejector-pin release marks; the most significant The clear frame contains ten crystal-clear components and appears to include
are on the cab/body bulkhead, which is highly visible if the doors are opened parts for other variants
The conventional
ladder-type chassis
is straightforward for
construction, albeit
slightly simplified in
terms of its structure
Here the cab bulkhead has been filled with Mr. Surfacer
500, then sealed with superglue and scraped/sanded
flush with the surrounding styrene
the rectangular roof vents and

canvas half-doors. There’s also a
small photo-etched (PE) brass fret
with parts for the bridge loading
plate and badge plates on the roof.
A full interior is provided, including
four deployed stretchers, and the
rear doors can be posed open
or closed – there’s no option for
the driving cab doors though, as
just rolled-up screens are offered.
The rear mounting steps can be
modelled closed or unfolded.
The unused clear
components
included hint
strongly at further
variants to come
from Airfix.
Moulding quality
was excellent,
especially since the
kit examined was
a pre-production

EXCLUSIVE BUILD
Although the front beam

axle is intended to be
assembled with the wheels
straight ahead, utilising
the slack in the moulding,
combined with gentle
bending, allows for some
dynamism to be introduced
Airfix’s PE added refinement to both the front mudguards and the roof-top Rear boarding steps are supplied in both folded or deployed configurations,
vents – note, the chassis had already been primed at this stage being represented via two and three-piece sub-assemblies, respectively
The completed chassis was painted overall G4 Dark Green, with black rear
axle and engine pan, while MC214 Dark Iron was used on the exhaust; rust
tones were created via pigments
test-shot, with no flash, shrinkage

or distortion, although ejector-pin
release marks were rather
prevalent, and particularly visible
on some parts. Engineering
appeared generally good, although
as with other recent Airfix releases,
some small units were made
up of several items that needed
careful alignment where arguably
a one-piece moulding would have
simplified proceedings, yet there is
some evidence of sophistication in
the hollow end to the exhaust pipe.
Bringing Katy to life

Construction began with the
straightforward ladder chassis, with
two main longitudinal members
being joined by several cross
braces. The main members both
had ejector-pin release marks in stages during the
and while these would be largely build, the chassis being
invisible in the built model, they coloured G4 Dark Green
were nonetheless filled with Mr. – using Mr. Paint’s MRP-343
Hobby’s Mr. Surfacer 500 (www. Dark Green G4 (www.mrpaint.
albionhobbies.com) and sealed sk), with matt black for the
with superglue before sanding. engine pan and rear axle, Mr.
The whole model was painted Hobby MC214 Dark Iron for the

prop shaft and a mix of Vallejo clever in that the inner and outer
(www.creativemodels.co.uk) rusty skins are separate, which makes
colours for the exhaust. painting much easier. Once the
The front beam axle is supplied rails for the lower pair of stretchers
with the wheels set straight ahead, were fitted, the rear face of the
although careful bending and cab bulkhead, floor, body sides,
opportune use of engineering interiors of the door frame
tolerances allowed a small offset to and the rear doors were
be introduced, adding a degree of treated with an off-white
dynamism onto the front end. The tone, while the seat
wheels were painted at this stage, backrests were
using MRP-343 Dark Green G4 for 70.871 Leather
the hub and Mr. Hobby H77 Tire Brown. The interior
Black for the tyres, but were left off was then dirtied
until the end. The rear mudguards slightly via a highly
were then attached, together with diluted brown mix
the racks for the petrol cans; these that was sprayed
were mostly painted Dark Green into corners; an
G4, but with H77 Tire Black for the effect enhanced
rubber mud flaps and matt black using different colours
for the fuel containers. of pastel chalk. While the
floor initially received the
Box of delights same off-white tone as the rest
With the chassis essentially of the interior, the final instructions
completed, attention shifted to the will show this as unpainted planks, were brush-painted with Tamiya the green appeared to have worn
body floor and interior, the first job so late in the build a set of wood- XF-60 Dark Yellow (www.hobbyco. through, complemented by adding
being to fill and sand the rather pattern decals (intended for 1/48 net) and given swirling oil paint steel chipping – applied with a
prominent ejector-pin release scale World War One aircraft) were streaks. When this was dry, liquid sponge to adjacent areas of the
marks on the cab side of the front used to add variety. In anticipation masking fluid was applied before cab that would have been metal.
bulkhead – with the vehicle doors of introducing wear and tear on spraying a topcoat of MRP-343 The simple dashboard was painted
open, this would be highly visible. the cab floor, patches of what Dark Green G4. The masking was very a dark grey tone and details
The engineering of the body is would have been wooden boards then removed, leaving areas where picked out using Vallejo Model
FIRST-AID LIVERIES
Being a test-shot, the kit to hand had no box, and initially lacked decals or
detailed painting schemes, as neither were finalised when the build was started.
In the absence of any kit scheme, and in a nod to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,
it was decided to finish the model as the well-documented A1212251, in all
green, as photographed with the then HRH Princess Elizabeth while in the
Auxiliary Territorial Service as a 2nd Subaltern in 1945. Note that as the build
progressed, the proposed schemes and decals for the kit’s release were set
and a pre-production sheet of decals arrived during the final stages. The four
schemes offered are:
• Austin K2/Y Ambulance, 30 Corps, Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army
Service Corps, Northwest Europe, 1944
• Austin K2/Y Ambulance, British Army, North Africa, 1940
• Austin K2/Y Ambulance, British Army, Alexandria, Egypt, 1942
Austin’s K2/Y ambulances had prominent red crosses on all sides, so
the external body parts and cab roof were first painted white, and masks • Austin K2/Y Ambulance, A1212251, Auxiliary Territorial Service, England, 1944
made using a circle cutter – The Queen’s Katy
It was planned to show a worn cab floor, with the paint scuffed to reveal the
underlying boards, so a grain effect was created using an XF-60 Dark Yellow
base coat and a crude swirl of Burnt Umber oil paint

EXCLUSIVE BUILD
aged look and was dirtied slightly

in the corners and around handles
using highly diluted XF-67 Dark
Earth plus pastel chalks, although
the effect wasn’t overdone since
this was an ambulance after
all. Inner panels could then be
assembled onto the floor, ensuring
that the panels were aligned and
square so the outer skins would
fit. Testing these against the
outer panels is essential as the
location for the inner panels isn’t
completely clear.
Medical insignia
Color paints; decals While the kit decals include all
were used for the two the large Red Cross circles, these
main instrument dials weren’t available at the appropriate
and the data plate on the stage in the build, so they were
transmission housing. painted instead.
Stretchers and seat padding were After spraying with white primer
painted ready for final assembly and XF-2 White, masks were
using a variety of khaki and cut from wide masking tape and
canvas colours and, once again, artists’ masking film using a circle
dark yellow and oils for the wood. cutter, which allowed the dark
The interior of the rear body was green main colour to be applied.
painted off-white to represent an There were various styles of Red
Wood pattern decals intended for After painting with G4

1/48 scale World War One aircraft Dark Green, the masking
were employed to add a grain fluid was scrubbed off
effect on the rear cabin floor the wooden floor panels
to reveal the previously
treated areas; chipping
was added to the metal
areas with a sponge
Once treated with diluted Dark Brown and various pastels to impart a dirty With all work on the interior completed, the various panels and stretchers (plus
patina, the wood pattern decals appeared most convincing associated racks) were ready for assembly

Construction proceeded without

issue, with test-fits of the
exterior panels ensuring there
would be no subsequent issues
when these were added
later; note the
arrangement of the
stretcher racks
With all the interior

panels built, but minus
the roof, the well-formed
interior takes shape.
Further interest was
added by having the door
to the cab left slightly ajar
Cross markings employed on K2/Y outer panels could now be fitted,

Having sprayed the
ambulances during World War Two together with the front wings, tyres with H77 Tire
but in this instance, side and cab engine bonnet and front panel, Black, a circle cutter
roof circles of 29mm diameter, a this last item also receiving the was used to create
masks to ease painting
main roof diameter of 50mm and crystal-clear windscreen glazing. the wheel hubs
a single split rear door circle of Curiously, a neatly detailed radiator
29mm diameter were used. grille is provided, although there’s
The large white circle for the roof no engine or engine compartment,
was in fact painted in the reverse and virtually nothing of the actual
sequence to the others to make radiator is visible.
masking easier, the green main Before fixing the completed body
colour being airbrushed first, and to the chassis, the latter was dirtied
a mask cut to enable the white to by spraying diluted XF-67 Dark
be sprayed – careful positioning Earth into corners, while various oil
meant the raised ventilators could paint washes added further grime.
be avoided. All the white circles The wheels were then treated with
had crosses sprayed using XF-7 a heavier dusty wash, which was
Red through templates that were
hand-cut from artists’ masking
film, which can give a cleaner
edge than Kabuki-type
tape. The painted

EXCLUSIVE BUILD
The white circle on the roof was sprayed after the main green colour, as it was All the red crosses were created using templates cut from artists’ masking film,
realised this was easier to mask because it didn’t need to cover the ventilators which can give a cleaner edge than tape equivalents
Airfix’s production kit decals arrived late in the build, so a test was conducted
using one of the large Red Cross decals on a Lancaster wing panel; the markings The rear doors
are very thin and need careful handling, but settle well into the moulded detail were to be posed
open to reveal
the interior, but
here they have
been decaled and
weathered prior to
being attached
wiped off the tread areas, although units, it would not be expected to are very thin, they do require
as the vehicle being modelled was show heavy weathering or much care when handling, so as not to
used in a training role in external damage. stretch or tear them.
Territorial Army Among the last items of detailing
were the addition of decals for the Final word
unit codes and the bridging plate Airfix has come up with a terrific
– localised glossing of the surface addition to the range of Allied
was used to ensure a good bond soft skins available in 1/35, one
and minimise silvering, followed that has been sadly lacking, given
by X-35 Semi Gloss Clear to bring the K2/Y Ambulance’s ubiquity.
back the satin finish. The kit is moulded superbly, is
The decals behaved excellently, easy to build and in its intended
being thin and separating quickly state has excellent detail straight
from their backing. from the box, especially in the
Although the driving cab and ambulance body.
large Red Cross However, the existence of the
markings were detailed radiator and lower engine
painted on pan begs the question whether
this model, in a full engine bay might become
the interests available at some point, if not from
of this review Airfix in a future release then from
one of the aftermarket companies; certainly,
kit’s crosses the diorama possibilities would
was applied be tempting. Well done Airfix
to an old Airfix for producing something worth
Lancaster wing as adding to any armour and
a test: as the decals military vehicle collection.

Open 7 Days a week Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00 Sunday 11:00-16:00
71-73 Bridge Street Row East, Chester CH1 1NW
BASIC BUILD
HABU
OF THE SKIES
Richard Spreckley builds Revell’s highly anticipated
1/48 scale new tooling of the SR-71A Blackbird
straight from the box
L
ockheed’s futuristic- flow turbojets, each producing
looking SR-71A Blackbird, more than 25,000lbs thrust,
capable of sustained it could reach speeds
Mach 3 speeds, first flew of Mach 3.2 at up to
in 1968 – just 65 years after 85,000ft and still
Orville Wright teased the Wright holds the record
Flyer into the air. for the fastest
The Blackbird’s design was a
development of CIA-operated
A-12 reconnaissance aircraft,
to meet the demands of high
altitude, long-distance missions
over Warsaw Pact or
other hostile countries.
Powered by two Pratt
& Whitney J58 axial-
air-breathing manned aircraft payloads. Commonly known as cross-section, making it

(2,193.2mph) to this day. the ‘Blackbird’, it was also named effectively the first ‘stealthy’
Designed purely for ‘Habu’ (pit viper) by locals when aircraft. The type was in service
reconnaissance, it carried it first deployed to Okinawa, for more than 35 years, both
various ‘mission packs’ with Japan, and ‘Lady in Black’ or with the US Air Force and NASA
signals intelligence, side-looking ‘Sled’. Its futuristic ’blended’ – the latter using it as a flight
airborne radar or optical camera design resulted in a low radar test bed well into the 1990s.
Clear parts are supplied Cold War symbol

on two styrene runners, MODEL SPEC Comprising 206 styrene parts
comprising the windscreen, Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
canopies, nosewheel and and measuring more than
By: Revell
airframe lights 68cm long, Revell’s impressive
Stock Code: 04967
Scale: 1/48 new tool release has been
Price: €92.99 highly anticipated. The firm’s
Available from: www.revell.de/en innovative display option is
apparent immediately, with a
substantial display stand that
allows the model to be elevated
with either or both of its J58
engines presented as standalone
elements below. Its size is readily
visible as the box is opened, with
the horizontally split fuselage
halves essentially filling the

BASIC BUILD | Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
Room on the bench

The first task was to clear
the decks and make room to
build this large model. With
relatively few parts, the 40-page
instructions are well laid out and
provide clear guidance on how
to proceed, utilising a modular
approach where sub-assemblies
are constructed before being
primed, painted and (where
appropriate) detailed.
Construction began by
attaching a substantial
internal keel and
bracing ribs to the
lower fuselage,
making for a robust
structure, followed by work
on the cockpit. The four-piece
C2/SR-1 ejection seats were
surprisingly lacking in detail
when compared with rest of the
kit; although it was thought this
may have been due to the lack of
visible features if the canopies are
“Revell’s impressive new tool closed. That said, this is an issue
release has been highly anticipated” that can be rectified easily with
aftermarket seats, if desired.
length. The styrene parts are

moulded beautifully, with crisp
panel lines and detailing.
On first inspection, the cockpit
instrument panels appeared
well represented, with the only
omission being harnesses for
In what must be a first for Blackbird
the SR-71’s C-2/SR-1 ejection kits, one of the initial tasks is to add
seats. The J58 engine detail is an internal spine and rib structure
impressive to say the least, and that provides excellent strength
and stability
once assembled will make a
great talking point without the Construction of the engine nozzle
need for any scratch-building or assembly is well detailed, although the
tertiary intake doors were marred by
aftermarket additions.
several sink marks
There are few clear parts: the
glazing is moulded integrally
with the windscreen and
canopy frames, with those
areas requiring paint appearing
‘frosted’. Of note, consideration It is important to select the
is needed if the model is built correct nose type for the
with closed canopies, as little of airframe being built (a choice
of two is provided), but
the interior is visible through the
assembly is straightforward
small ‘windows’.

BASIC BUILD
The nacelles, nozzle and shock the nosewheel undercarriage in the base pins of the legs and ‘roof’ to the sidewalls, rather
cones were kept separate until bay, after which attention inserting 0.5mm styrene rod to than to the upper fuselage (as
all exposed internal surfaces shifted to the associated increase the area being secured suggested by Revell). This was
had been painted. Provision landing gear; assembly took to the bay. due to a potential fit issue, and
of an additional afterburner place in stages. At this point, to prevent any fouling with the
section is an excellent feature, it was noted the attachment Interior detail retraction jacks and landing gear,
as it enables the engines to be pin from the nosewheel leg to Having test-fitted the kit’s which also need to be installed
displayed separately and still the fuselage was not strong main undercarriage bays, it at this point.
allows the model to have its enough to support the model’s was decided to paint and then With all the sub-assemblies
powerplants fitted as well. A weight. Reinforcement was assemble them, along with constructed and prepared, the
similar approach was used for added by drilling 0.5mm holes adding the corresponding focus shifted to painting. The
cockpit tubs first received a coat
A black gloss primer was of Mr. Paint’s MRP-LPG
added to all items that Fine Surface Primer Gray
would later receive a
metallic finish, regardless
(www.mrpaint.sk), followed by
of whether this was the MRP-112 Medium Sea Grey,
stand, intake shock cone being post-shaded by adding
or undercarriage bay a hint of MRP-004 White to
the base tone. Undercarriage
bays would have a metallic
After airbrushing the metallic base finish – preparation was key to
tones to the exhausts, they were achieving a smooth appearance,
weathered using brown and dark grey so after initial priming all items
washes to replicate the heat-stressed
appearance were sanded with fine-grade
abrasive paper. Next, fine coats
of MRP-172 Super Gloss Black
were airbrushed, building the
sheen and tone gradually; once
satisfied, the initial colour of
MRP-146 Dark Aluminium was
sprayed, with post-shading to
Replicating the undercarriage bays’ metallic hues was challenging, but their add depth effects. The main
appearance was improved after a dark brown wash to accentuate the detail undercarriage legs are black,

Revell’s ejection seats have minimal detail, but with careful painting and Revell has engineered the air intakes and associated shock cones beautifully,
weathering the finish is more than acceptable it was a shame that most of this detail would be hidden once assembled
similarly with 71.024 Khaki Metal Color Aluminium. Firing

Brown. The distinctively coloured handles on the ejection seats
headrests were painted 70.926 were first painted with 71.078
Red, before a more vivid tone Gold Yellow RLM 04 over a base
was dry-brushed on the edges. of Vallejo 70.958 Pink; once dry,
Seat harnesses were picked black stripes were added using a
out with Hataka’s fine-tipped brush.
HTK-A065 US
Army Olive Coming together
The highly detailed instrument
decals were added to the cockpit
panels, with patience and a
degree of care needed to
ensure they overlaid
the raised detail
correctly – Microscale’s Micro
so these received MRP-005 adding the decals, stencils and Drab (www.hataka-hobby.com), Sol (www.microscale.com) eased
Black, along with the wheel hubs weathering. with A285 Faded Blue-Grey (FS this process. Once the markings
and main frames of the ejection Returning to the cockpit 25530) dry-brushed lightly over had dried, they were treated to a
seats. Once satisfied with the elements, Vallejo’s 70.895 the seats, undercarriage legs further gloss varnish coat, after
results, the landing gear, wheel Gunship Green (www. and wheel hubs to accentuate which 76.514 Dark Brown Wash
hubs and undercarriage bays creativemodels.co.uk) was the moulded detail. Further dry was brushed liberally over the
were duly sprayed with MRP-127 hand-brushed on the seat back brushing over high areas of wear cockpit and undercarriage bays. It
Super Clear Matt Varnish, prior to rests, with the cushions treated was done sparingly with 77.701 was left to dry partially, before
SLED SCHEMES
Revell’s busy decal sheet supplies markings for four schemes, along with full
airframe stencilling and walkway lines for a single airframe plus instrument
panel and side console items for both cockpits. Sadly, there are no NASA
liveries included. The choices are:
• 61-7958, US Air Force, World Speed Record attempts, July 27-28, 1976
• 61-7955, Lockheed flight test airframe, Palmdale Plant 42/Edwards AF Base,
The instrument panels’ cluttered A cocktail stick is used to etch 1972-1984
appearance is captured faithfully, with scratches caused by the refuelling • 61-7972, US Air Force, Los Angeles to Washington DC record, March 6, 1990
the kit decals adding welcome detail probe before the paint had dried fully • 61-7967, US Air Force, Det-2, Edwards AF Base, October 10, 1997
After installing the instrument panels, the cockpits received a dark wash to
highlight the moulded features

BASIC BUILD
Similarly, the surrounding nacelles, All the pre-printed elements

which included the outer wing are masked prior to the primer
sections, fitted snugly around the being airbrushed onto the
intake and exhaust segments fuselage; note the mix of tape
and foam used for this task
Mr. Paint’s MRP-LPG Fine Surface Primer Gray was used to provide a uniform After a further primer layer, those areas where sanding had either removed or
surface and highlight any remaining blemishes or seams, notably on the nacelles reduced the engraved detail were re-scribed accordingly
any excess was removed with a producing a highly polished runner attachment points for the
cotton bud. The same technique chrome sheen. Tyres on the fuselage components are quite
was applied to the wheel hubs, SR-71 are an unusual off-grey thick, and placement of these
which received a coat of 76.501 colour, due to the rubber being must be a continuous headache
White Wash. impregnated with powdered for designers. Unfortunately, on
All parts with a non-metallic aluminium to enable them to Revell’s kit they are located
finish then received a final coat withstand high temperatures on the wing and
of MRP-127 Super Clear Matt and pressures. After masking chine edges,
Varnish; all metallic components the wheel hubs, this tone was
were finished with gloss varnish. replicated via a mix of
Molotow’s 703.102 Liquid MRP-112 Medium Sea
Chrome pen (www.molotow.com) Grey and MRP-004
is ideal for ejection seat White. The
buckles and pneumatic struts
on the landing gear assembly,
Reproducing requiring careful removal,

the Blackbird’s as these areas are easily
paint scheme damaged. Once cleaned up,
might sound
straightforward
the construction is a pleasure,
at first, but with excellent fit and minimal
required careful fettling required. It is important,
consideration; though, to identify which
initially, a black
basecoat was scheme will be applied as there
built in a series are two options for nose cones,
of thin layers depending on the designated
year of the aircraft selected. For
practical reasons, the ejection
seats were omitted at this
stage, largely due to making
masking easier over the cockpit.

With no aftermarket products seen on the Blackbird’s exterior. Post-shading was then
available, the clear cockpit parts After priming and sanding, applied using various black
were masked for painting both MRP-005 Black was used as a hues to create a varied
internally and externally using base layer. Then, with constant finish to the otherwise
monotone airframe
Tamiya tape cut to size. reference to photos, post-shading
began using varying degrees of
Black or blue? MRP-017 AMT Black, -217 Dark
The SR-71’s name is synonymous Blue and -077 NATO black. This
to its famous finish – or so was a long process, as each
many of us think. While it is element had to dry so the full
often mistakenly identified as effect could be assessed prior
being black, it is actually a very to adding the next tone. The
dark blue and was designed to chosen scheme depicts airframe
dissipate the heat generated 61-7958 which, on July 27 and 28,
by the aircraft’s high speeds 1976, attained two world speed A large white cross was painted
more effectively. That said, this records: 2,092.29mph on a on the underside to help track
probably doesn’t change the fact 1,000km closed circuit the aircraft visually; this was
that base colours should be black, and then 2,193.17mph replicated using tape and kitchen
but goes some way towards on a 15/25km roll to cover the large surface
explaining the tonal variations straight course. area, before thin layers of white
MRP-004 were sprayed on,
varying the depth of tone in the
process. Once a satisfactory
finish was attained, the
aircraft was sealed
Additional tonal contrasts were

added using several metallic
shades, with reference photos
used as a guide
Plenty of masking was needed to set the cross, although the amount of tape
could be reduced by using kitchen towel; thin layers of white were built gradually

BASIC BUILD
POWERPLANT DUO
Revell offers a pair of Pratt & Whitney J58 engines and these were a
mini project on their own; fortunately, there are plenty of reference
photos available. In hindsight, it’s a shame there isn’t an option to allow
these to be installed in the airframe with the access hatches open.
Each engine comes as four main pieces, which are assembled around
the front compressor and rear afterburner cone units. These items were
primed and painted first, with an MRP-172 Super Gloss Black basecoat
for the metallic tones. The fan blades appear to have been subject
to high heat and stress (understandably), with MRP-146 Dark
Aluminium airbrushed next, followed by MRP-155 Burnt Metal
Blue for the blades and MRP-152 Pale Burnt Metal on the central
‘hub’. The afterburner interiors are slightly more challenging, with
reference photos showing a light tan/ceramic finish with distinctive
burn marks. The former were replicated via a mix of white and
MRP-396 Sand Tan, followed by careful airbrushing of
MRP-180 Exhaust Soot for the burns.
The moulded detail on the engine components was

superb; once assembled, a gloss black primer acted
as an undercoat for the various metallic tones
Ancillary equipment, mainly comprising the
large sets of pipework, was then added to
the completed powerplant, after which
the cabling was hand-painted
Both units were sealed with gloss varnish and
detail highlighted via a dark grey wash; a gloss varnish
provided the final sheen on the fan blades, with satin varnish for
the afterburners. A similar process was followed for the exterior: the
‘burner ‘petals’ received MRP-152 Pale Burnt Metal – this was mixed
with MRP-008 Duraluminium for post-shading. Leading edges were
hand-painted with a mix of AMMO MIG A.MIG-0267 Aotake Blue, -0189
Metallic Orange and -0191 Steel (www.migjimenez.com). The external
pipework was painted in MRP-146 Dark Aluminium with MRP-009
White Aluminium accents.
The engines were then assembled, leaving the
pipework off at this stage, and the fans
and afterburners masked, after which
an MRP-168 Grey Blue primer was
applied, followed by MRP-149 Gun
Metal post-shading. Once all
ancillary parts were attached the
engines received a gloss varnish
before a dark grey wash; a
final coat of satin varnish
completed the
As a final touch, the engines received a dark wash to accentuate the powerplants.
moulded features, with any excess removed via kitchen towel – a gloss finish
provided a suitably convincing sheen
72 Airfix Model World

“Revell’s 1/48
SR-71A Blackbird
is a superb kit of
a classic design”
which although time-consuming coat of MRP-127 Super Clear

really finish the model so Matt Varnish; once dry, canopy
are worth the effort. Once supports were fashioned from
completed, a coat of 0.2mm styrene rod painted red
MRP-279 Super Clear Gloss and attached using reference
Varnish sealed everything. photographs as a guide.
Revell’s three-piece stand is
Final details a neat inclusion and could be
A general wash did not seem assembled without painting,
appropriate for this build, but although it was decided follow
some final detailing was added. the firm’s suggestion to do so,
Starting with the refuelling with a primer coat followed
aperture, scratches and marks by MRP-146 Dark Aluminium
left by the refuelling probe were and a gloss varnish. The 1/48
replicated with a sharpened SR-71A Blackbird is a superb
lead pencil. The same technique kit of a classic design that still
with gloss varnish and allowed to worked into the surface. The was used around the cockpit evokes an age of innovation and
fully cure over 48 hours. principal colours applied were to represent the various nicks ‘pushing the envelope’. It is a
AMMO-MIG’s ‘Shader’ system A.MIG 3515 Ochre and -1259 and scratches caused by the huge model when completed,
was used to add more depth Starship Grime. Another coat of pilots and groundcrew. Next, but finding room for it in any
and colour accents, spraying gloss varnish was then applied Tamiya’s Weathering Master Set collection is well worth the effort.
varying levels of A.MIG-0862 ready for decaling. A (87079), comprising sand, light With the detailed engines, well-
Night Blue, -0859 Violet, Revell’s markings performed sand and mud pigments, was engineered all round, and unique
-0855 Starship filth and -0850 well, with just a small amount of employed to create dust effects stand to display it, this is a must-
Orange, followed by the firm’s Micro-Sol required to help them on the wheels. The whole aircraft have addition to any Cold
Oil Brusher system, which was settle. There are many stencils, then received a light airbrushed War display.
A brown wash was

used to weather
the underside white
cross, with any excess
removed using a
kitchen towel
Revell’s decals adhered

well to the model’s
curves, requiring just
small amounts of Micro
Sol to help them conform

BASIC BUILD
FANCY FISHBED
Niklas Knutzén
M
ikoyan-Gureyvich’s Compared with the preceding exported widely, with customers
MiG-21PFM (NATO MiG-21PF Fishbed-D, it featured including Afghanistan, Egypt,
enjoys building nickname Fishbed-F) the upgraded RP-21 Sapfir Vietnam and Cuba, and was
entered service with (Spin Scan) intercept radar and employed in both the air defence
Eduard’s superb the Soviet Air Force in 1964. avionics plus provision for a and ground attack roles.
1/72 MiG-21PFM A second-generation variant,
it was the first to be classed
centreline GP-9 twin-barrelled
23mm gun pod. It was used by
While several nations operated
the type for more than a decade,
Fishbed-F as ‘all-weather’ capable. most Warsaw Pact countries and in terms of production it was
Cockpit assembly was straightforward, with parts fitting snugly thanks to Eduard’s pre-painted PE components certainly enlivened the cockpit tub, with
Eduard’s excellent engineering the detail far superior to that offered by the standard styrene parts

BASIC BUILD | MiG-21PFM Fishbed-F
While most of this

The cockpit sidewalls were treated similarly; again, the PE parts added unit is hidden within
considerably to the interior’s refinement the fuselage, the four-
part exhaust pipe and
nozzle is a delight,
with the fine detail
later highlighted via
a wash
Once these sub-

assemblies had dried,
they were secured into
the right-hand fuselage,
but not before the air
intake was airbrushed
with Dark Aluminium
superseded just four years later the instructions are presented albionhobbies.com) and Mission
MODEL SPEC by the improved MiG-21S/ as a 24-page A5 colour booklet, Models (www.missionmodelsus.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PFM MIG-21M Fishbed-J. which also provides a short com) products, but as I prefer
Fishbed introduction to the type. the Slovakian Mr. Paint range
By: Eduard Opening the box Deviating slightly from a (www.mrpaint.sk), I converted the
Scale: 1/72 First impressions were positive, standard aircraft kit, construction colours accordingly.
Stock code: 70144 with a sense of quality exuding starts with the nosewheel bay,
Price: £12.92 from the contents. The box is a with sidewalls added to a ‘roof’ Pick a colour
Available from: www.eduard.com sturdy, top-opening style adorned as a first stage, although this There are choices required at
with striking artwork of a German also forms the bottom of the this early stage; some airframes
MiG-21PFM; being a ProfiPACK cockpit tub. This sub-assembly have a classic MiG Turquoise
offering, the five styrene runners is then flipped to allow the interior, while others have light
are supplemented by a pre- instrument panel and consoles grey cockpits. As the chosen
painted photo-etched (PE) metal to be added to the ‘office’, with scheme was to be Black 4410 –
fret and a sheet of pre-cut masks. the PE representations preferred with its commemorative D-Day
Two decal sheets are included; over the moulded styrene and livery – the former colour was
one supplied national insignia decal alternatives as the detail to be used. Eduard’s build
and airframe-specific markings, was more refined. Eduard stages aren’t numbered, but the
while the second is generic, with matches the colours against progression is clear and easy to
stencils. In typical Eduard fashion, both Mr. Hobby/Mr. Color (www. follow. Fortunately, Mr. Paint MRP-
001 Russian Cockpit Turquoise
matched the shade provided on
“First impressions were positive, with a sense the pre-painted PE parts, which
of quality exuding from the contents” was a welcome bonus.
The cockpit comprises ten
styrene and nine PE components
(not including the ejection seat,
which is built later); fit is superb
throughout and most styrene
pieces were assembled prior
to painting, leaving just the
instrument panel out to ease

BASIC BUILD
Cockpit installed
and the fuselage
glued together;
the pre-painted PE
rally adds to the
busy appearance
of this area
The only seam that required attention was aft of the nose gear bay. A
small amount of superglue was followed by sanding and re-scribing of
any damaged panel lines
airbrushing. Mr. Paint’s MRP-

077 NATO Black was used as “With the exhaust
a pre-shade, followed by MRP- finished, the focus
008 Duraluminium as a base shifted to the
tone for the cockpit floor. This
was then treated with MRP-001
sidewalls”
Russian Cockpit Turquoise and,
once dry, a sharp toothpick was
used carefully to scratch the top
layer to expose the underlying
metallic sheen, replicating where
the pilot’s boots would have
scuffed the floor. All PE items
were then added, after which
a coat of MRP-048 Super Clear half, together with a mounting
Gloss varnish was applied, in ring for the air intake nose
readiness for a wash to cone, before the left side
accentuate the was mated. It’s worth
detail. Next, taking time to dry-fit
the airframe before
adding glue, as this
will aid alignment so
that any seams are resolved
with just a few passes with a
MRP-125 latter comprising various metallic which are added to the sanding stick. For those wanting
Super Clear Semi-gloss varnish shades. My preferred gloss respective fuselage halves. a natural metal finish, the extra
sealed the work to date. varnish – wash – satin varnish Everything was then pre-shaded time spent treating the seams
The four-part main landing gear method was used on both units, with MRP-077 NATO Black, and via sanding and polishing will
bay followed, then the seven- which made the moulded details sprayed with MRP-001 Russian pay off dividends later. One
piece jet pipe/exhaust; both really ‘pop out’. Cockpit Turquoise. The cockpit advantage with a separate spine
were assembled and painted With the exhaust finished, the and exhaust assemblies were as provided by Eduard is there’s
as per the instructions, with the focus shifted to the sidewalls, added to the right-hand fuselage no upper fuselage seam to tidy,
as this will later hide the join.
The fit was superb throughout, with
the wings and tailplanes added
without any problems; the fuselage
Adding the deltas
spine and vertical fin were added Next are the main wings, which
once painting was completed have a full-size bottom piece
(including a section of lower
fuselage), on to which separate
upper components are placed
– but not before clear inserts
are added on each side for the
underwing lights. The main
undercarriage bay is also added
before joining the main wing
to the fuselage. Note, Eduard
suggests the fuselage spine is
added at this stage, but as my
airframe had a special scheme, it

FISHBED LIVERIES
No fewer than five decal options are included, enough to please any builder,
with a one-page placement guide dedicated to each, plus a generic two-page
stencil guide. Two pages are set aside for markings on the weapon pylons and
munitions. The choices are:
• 22+02, Jagdfliegergeschwader 1, Holzdorf/Drewitz, Germany, 1990-91
Spine and fin were assembled before being primed and pre-shaded in • Black 7909, 11th Fighter Regiment, Czechoslovak Air Force, Zatec, Czech and
readiness for the display scheme
Slovak Federative Republic, March 1991
• Red 5015, 921st Fighter Regiment ‘Sao Do’ (Red Star), Vietnamese People’s
Army Air Force, Noi Bai, Democratic Republic of Vietnam, 1968
• Black 8312, Egyptian Air Force, Inshas, Arab Republic of Egypt, early 1980s
• Black 4410, 11th Fighter Regiment, Czechoslovak Air Force, Zatec, Czech and
Slovak Federative Republic, spring 1990
After a base coat of white, the red section was masked and airbrushed on the
fin; this would be followed by the blue for the spine and lower surfaces
The airframe was primed with black before being sprayed with MRP-003 Super
Silver; once dry, masking began for the display scheme, first setting the blue area
was dry-fitted and then set aside the last stages before painting as wing antennas, air scoops seat, canopy, nose cone and
– along with the nose ring (Part was to add the horizontal tails and intakes, were also secured pitot tubes, but these were all left
D33) – until the end of the project plus wing flaps and ailerons, before any painting started. until after painting and decaling.
to ease painting. along with small air intakes on Eduard suggests replacing the Note, the canopy was masked
The rudder was added though, the rear fuselage – these last wing fences with PE alternatives, and then secured temporarily
along with the exhaust cone items benefitted from being but the styrene versions with Blu Tack to act as a ’blank’
(Part F17), before focus moved to opened via a mini drill. seemed more than acceptable, protecting the cockpit opening
the nose, where the instrument After consulting reference so they were retained as I also when airbrushing.
panel coaming (Part H22) and photos, I opted for an open considered the damage their
windshield were attached, airbrake, so Part D55 was removal may cause. Display livery
followed by the nose added, along with the ventral The final stages of the First, the windshield and canopy
panel. One of fin. Multiple small fittings, such instructions address the ejection were treated with MRP-001

BASIC BUILD
delicate side, so care is needed

The previously painted spine
was added to the fuselage, not to scratch them; in hindsight
helpfully covering the seam; they perhaps should be sealed
the airframe was then with liquid decal film.
gloss varnished
With painting and decaling
completed, it was time to add
weathering. Reference photos
reveal that this airframe was
kept fairly clean, so that was
the approach adopted here.
I mixed my usual wash of dry
pastels, water and a drop of
dishwashing detergent, and then
added light dirt, grime
and oil streaks
“Eduard’s 1/72 MiG-21PFM was

a straightforward build”
Russian Cockpit Turquoise as the white and blue (as per the perfect register. Just be prepared via other dry pastels and Tamiya
interior colour for the frames. The Czechoslovakian flag), so I for the sheer number, as there weathering sets. Once satisfied,
airframe was then sprayed with started with a white primer are lots of them, especially the the airframe was sealed with
several light coats of MRP-085 over this component, then the stencils, with this stage taking MRP-125 Super Clear Semi-
Black Fine surface primer, and red section was masked and two days. The only criticism that Gloss, after which the landing
the undercarriage bays received airbrushed with a mix of can be levelled is the decals gear, pitot tube, airbrake and
MRP-146 Dark Aluminium, before MRP-002 Insignia red and were arguably a little on the canopy were attached.
being masked in preparation for MRP-224 Yellow. With the red
the main fuselage colour. Several colour dry, this was in turn
blemishes were noted on seams, masked, and the blue section
but these were corrected using set and sprayed with Mr. Hobby
a fine-grade sanding stick and H15 Bright Blue as per the
re-priming where necessary. instructions. At this stage, the
Eduard suggests MMC-001 Super blue areas for the fuselage and
Fine Silver, but instead MRP-003 canopy were masked and these
Super Silver was preferred. received the same colour.
A study of reference photos After several days’ drying time,
revealed that Czechoslovakian the model was sealed with
MiG-21s are painted silver rather MRP-048 Super Clear Gloss
than just having a natural metal varnish, leaving this to dry for an
finish, which made painting equal length of time before the
easier as there was no need markings could be applied.
to mask panels for differing
metallic tones; interest would Finishing touches
be created via a wash and I really enjoyed the decaling
pastels. The spine on the real element; Eduard provides Tonal variations were created around the exhaust via light applications of MRP-
aircraft was painted in red, beautifully printed markings, with 147 Burnt Iron to replicate heat-stained surfaces

Decaling proceeded
smoothly, although the
markings themselves
were quite delicate,
adding yet more
colour to the already
bright airframe
Adding the stencilling

was a time-consuming,
yet necessary task, with
two nights devoted to
the decaling in total
The undersides received

a slightly heavier wash
than the rest of the
airframe, in particular
around the airbrake and
beneath the engine
Fishbed fun
I really enjoyed this project;
Eduard’s 1/72 MiG-21PFM was a
straightforward build, with clear
steps in the instructions and
overall really good fit. It would
be ideal for those who haven’t
worked with PE parts before,
since it includes just a few items,
mainly for the cockpit. This
particular boxing also includes
pre-cut paint masks for the
clear parts and antennas, plus
five interesting paint schemes,
The undercarriage, doors and airbrake were among the final
which makes it great value pieces added to the build, as these could easily have been
for your money. damaged if attached earlier
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BASIC BUILD
STURMVOGEL
ON STEROIDS
Garry Tobiss
explores a
possible evolution
of the Me 262
jet, courtesy
of Amusing
Hobby’s newly
tooled 1/48-
scale kit
M
esserschmitt’s Me 262 the operational Me 262 included in favour of a more-conventional
was the world’s first a more-acute sweep on the wings arrangement represented by
operational jet fighter, and the engines moved from Amusing Hobby’s kit.
and German engineers under the wings to the wing roots.
sought to improve on the design To me, an overhead profile shows Weighty matters
with proposals, including the HG echoes of the American F-117 Yet again, modellers have been
III. This was the third high-speed Stealth fighter and, curiously, the treated to a ‘what if’ design, to
variant considered, although it original design for the HG had a contrast with aircraft that actually
never made it off the drawing ‘V’ shaped tail, just like the F-117. flew. The kit box sported colourful
board. Major design changes from However, this was abandoned artwork showing fictitious combat
Two large pieces made up the fuselage and wings – meaning perfect Many of the kit parts formed the main undercarriage bays and small sections
alignment, a pre-set dihedral, and no wing-root seams to deal with of the two engines, for which intake trunking was also included

BASIC BUILD | Messerschmitt Me 262 HG III
between an Me 262 HG III with

what appears to be a formation MODEL SPEC
of Convair B-36 Peacemakers, Me 262 HG III
suggesting a date of around By: Amusing Hobby
1949. Inside, there was one small Stock Code: 48A003
clear frame, two sandy-coloured Scale: 1/48
styrene runners, plus a decal Price: £26.95
sheet and a high-quality colour Available from:
instruction booklet. Paint codes www.albionhobbies.com
have been matched to AMMO-MIG
products (www.migjimenez.com),
and this includes suggestions for
weathering effects.
This clearly wasn’t a complex kit
to build, but the surface detail was All the cockpit components were well moulded, notably on the side consoles
superb with very fine engraving and instrument panel, although there were no dial decals for the latter
and moulded detail. Operational
Me 262 aircraft often had rivet and engine representations. Each of ALC-305 Gloss Black Base and amount was not specified but
panel line features covered with a the intakes was assembled and then ALC-101 Aluminium (www. quick experimentation showed
putty, to create a smooth airframe. then time spent making the join alclad2-online.co.uk). Engine parts that around 20g was sufficient.
This approach was considered seams less visible, because these were then painted ALC-112 Steel; Small pieces of plastic card were
(albeit for just a nanosecond) for could be seen through the large ALC-113 Jet Exhaust was used to used to seal off an area next
this project, but rejected, just to apertures at the wing leading- highlight areas assumed to be to the intakes and then Deluxe
show off the kit’s features. edge roots. Photos of Me 262 exposed to the most heat. This Materials BD-38 Liquid Gravity
Two large pieces made up the examples in museums showed the assembly was just partly visible (www.deluxematerials.co.uk) was
fuselage and wings and most of internals were aluminium, but RLM through the main wheel wells. carefully poured in and locked
the parts went into 02 Grau would probably also have Amusing Hobby recommended using the same firm’s Super ‘Phatic
building the been a reasonable choice. nose weight be added, to ensure glue. This wicked between the
interior bays In this build, the whole interior the model stood on its tricycle small metal spheres and bonded
and basic was airbrushed with Alclad II’s undercarriage – a specific them together.
“This clearly wasn’t

a complex kit to build”
The fuselage interior was assembled without issue, and a small amount of Although small, the kit’s nosewheel bay is still a busy area, with undercarriage
scratch-building was added to the bottom of the cockpit tub leg, retraction arm, a pair of doors, plus a two-piece nosewheel

BASIC BUILD
Amusing Hobby
suggests ballast is
added to the front
fuselage, to prevent
the model from
being a tail-sitter,
with Liquid Gravity
poured into the
lower fuselage half
References indicated
the most likely colours
for the interior would be
RLM 02 Grau or natural
metal – the latter was
chosen for this project
Spartan cockpit a slightly lighter shade of the could have a field day creating the
Seven parts made up the ‘office’, base colour. wiring looms for this area.
including the actual tub, but detail No seat straps were provided, so Small enhancements made with
on the panels was sufficient to these were sourced from Eduard’s plastic card were added to the
provide plenty of opportunity to 3D-printed 3DL48017 Fw 190F-8 bottom of the cockpit tub, and the
bring out the best of the moulding SPACE (www.eduard.com). Scuff unit was then fixed to the upper
technology. All components marks were added to exposed fuselage part. Next, both fuselage/
were first airbrushed using edges, using medium grey and wing parts were joined and the
Mr. Color C116 RLM 66 silver pencils. Note that the rear fuselage plus tailplane added.
Black Gray. Photos of Me back of the instrument panel An inspection of all seams then
262 instrument panels had the bulges for each followed, with just a small amount
were then used as a instrument and this also of filler being required to make the
reference, to pick out needed to be painted, as rear-fuselage join less evident. A
the various switches, it could be seen through small amount was also needed
levers and the cockpit canopy – this on the nose, to correct some
buttons. No seemed odd but was left over-vigorous seam scraping.
instrument as it was. Super-detail fans
To mottle or not...
This variant never flew, so all
the potential schemes are
arguably guesswork, but
basing the final colours on
those used for operational
Me 262s seemed a
decals were supplied, so the reasonable option. The kit
larger dials were enhanced using instructions identify late-
Airscale’s 1/48 decal set AS40 war German colours, so
LUFT Luftwaffe Instrument Dials these were used for the
(www.airscale.co.uk). Sidewalls build. All the primers
were also treated to Airscale and shades came from
placards (AS48 SCH) or strips Albion Hobbies (www.
made from spare decals. Photos albionhobbies.com).
showed that the seat backrest The process
cushion was a leather colour, so started with Mr.
this was hand-painted accordingly, Finishing Surfacer
with the edges enhanced using 1500 Gray primer

A view of the Eduard harness The cockpit from a

straps added to the pilot’s different perspective, to
seat. Also note the rear of the highlight the front ‘face’
instrument panel – with the of the instrument panel,
integrally moulded covers for with dial decals from
each dial – which was visible Airscale used to enhance
through the canopy, so was its appearance
subsequently painted
“This variant never

flew, so all schemes
are guesswork”
applied direct from the spray can. and applied with an Iwata Eclipse
This goes everywhere, so spraying HP-C airbrush (www.airbrushes.
was performed outside and it com). One of the kit schemes
served to provide a key for the meant continuous camouflage
subsequent paints, with the added sections across the wings and
advantage of highlighting any fuselage but the option chosen
areas that still needed attention – here was to try and replicate those
luckily, there were none. Next to be wonderful mottled schemes seen
applied was Mr. Hobby H417 RLM on German aircraft of the era.
76 Light Blue, which was diluted This meant additional masking
equally with Mr. Leveling Thinner was required to first cover the
Parts for the rear fuselage and tailplane were conventional – the use of
interlocking tabs on the horizontal stabilisers was a clever design
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
Amusing Hobby provides for two notional markings schemes in the instructions,
one clad in RLM 70 Schwarzgrün/RLM 81 Braunviolet, while the other wears RLM
81 Braunviolet/RLM 82 Hellgrün with a degree of mottling on the nose and tail –
both have RLM 76 Weissblau undersides. Curiously, the decal sheet has a third
fuselage code (E3+), allowing modellers to come up with other options, but no
other information is supplied.
Minimal filler was needed on this project, mainly around the front/rear fuselage
join. The model was then masked in readiness for the primer coat

BASIC BUILD
fuselage using tape and

White Tac ‘worms’ down to
the boundary between the
wings and fuselage. Next,
H422 RLM 82 Light Green was
airbrushed onto the wings and
tailplane followed by H421 RLM 81
Brown Violet – this was applied
freehand, using the kit scheme as
general guidance. The tape was
then removed and the fuselage
painted with the same two colours
but swapping to an Iwata CM-C
airbrush, because this offered
much finer control. The trick was
to get the paint flow and pressure
so that it was just enough to make
the small mottle, starting from a
solid area and then working down.
It took extra work to complete but
the finished result was worth it, in
my opinion.
Making your markings

Different options for the national
insignia allowed for experiments
with distinctive styles of markings.
Again, Me 262 schemes were
used as a guide to create an
airframe that wasn’t one of the two “The decals had a
suggested, but since everything very matt carrier and
was a ‘guesstimate’, there could
be no complaints. The decals had
were quite delicate”
a very matt carrier and were quite
delicate, so needed a degree of
respect when handling them. Two coat of AK Interactive’s AK 894 removed gently, using a damp
were applied to the undersides, Intermediate Gauzy Agent Shine paper towel. Next to be added was
to see how they performed, and, Enhancer (www.migjimenez.com) a matt varnish, to mute the gloss
based on this test, it seemed the was brush painted. finish, seal everything and provide
carrier would be very visible on Step one of the weathering was a key for the pigments. The latter
darker colours. then to apply Ultimate Modelling consisted of a light grey tone
Most of the film was therefore cut settled using AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG- Products’ UMP005 Weathering dabbed on randomly to the
away from the remaining decals 2029 Decal Set and A.MIG-2030 Wash Dark Dirt (www.umpretail. upper surfaces, to represent
– this was fiddly but prevented Decal Fix solutions. This resulted com). This was added as a thick slight paint oxidisation. Other
problems later. Each decal was in the markings conforming well to coat over the whole airframe, to weathering included picking out
teased carefully into place, using the surface detail. Everything was highlight all the surface detail. areas of wear with a silver pencil,
a wooden toothpick, and then left to dry overnight and a sealing After 30 minutes, the excess was to complete the effect.
Work on the
camouflage began
with airbrushed
H417 RLM 76 Light
Blue. Once dry,
this was masked
in preparation
for the two-tone
camouflage
This layer had
two purposes:
to unify the
model’s surface
in readiness for
further painting
and to highlight
any surface/
seam blemishes
– thankfully, there
were none

Wheels came next, with

everything bar the tyres painted
H70 RLM 02 Gray – a wash was
then applied, to highlight the detail.
Note, the main gear doors were
the only niggle with this kit –
they suffered from ejector
pin marks in awkward spots
that had to be dealt with,
although these were more of a
nuisance rather than a real drama.
Finishing meant adding the two
aerials plus a pitot tube – the kit
part for the latter was replaced The basic scheme was achieved using freehand airbrushing, with
with a small length of aluminium masking removed from the fuselage to allow for mottling effects
tube (www.albionhobbies.com).
‘What if’ success

This was a really simple kit to
build, suitable for everyone from
beginners to experts, and the
result is a striking model. This
variant may have never flown
but it really was a cool design.
There were numerous options for
camouflage schemes, those in the
kit barely scratched the surface
of what was possible, so let your
An almost ‘solid’ colour scheme was applied to the fuselage top,
imagination go wild and see with gradually fading mottles extending down the airframe sides,
what can be created. as per reference photos of late-war German fighters
MATERIALS
AT A GLANCE
Alclad II
www.alclad2-online.co.uk
• ALC-101 Aluminium
• ALC-112 Steel
• ALC-113 Jet Exhaust
• ALC-305 Gloss Black Base
AMMO-MIG
www.migjimenez.com
• A.MIG-2029 Decal Set
• A.MIG-2030 Decal Fix
AK Interactive
Amusing Hobby’s decals were then added, with care taken to www.ak-interactive.com
remove any excess carrier film, with a second gloss coat applied • AK 894 Intermediate Gauzy
ready for the weathering stage
Agent Shine Enhancer
Deluxe Materials
www.deluxematerials.co.uk
• BD-38 Liquid Gravity
Mr. Color/Mr. Hobby
www.albionhobbies.com
• C116 RLM 66 Black Gray
• C125 Cowling Color
• H70 RLM 02 Gray
• H417 RLM 76 Light Blue
• H421 RLM 81 Brown Violet
• H422 RLM 82 Light Green
The fine
• Mr. Finishing Surfacer 1500 Gray
engraved panel
lines and rivet • Mr. Leveling Thinner
representations Ultimate Modelling Products
were highlighted
www.umpretail.com
using a dark-toned
acrylic wash • UMP005 Weathering Wash
Dark Dirt
KeyModelWorld.com
ON THE SHELF
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Modern South Korean Air Power (ROKAF) history is examined, training, ongoing modernisation
By: Robin Polderman highlighting how this air arm has efforts and the nation’s indigenous
ISBN: 978-1-950394-07-4 effectively been on permanent aircraft development programmes.
Price: €38.95 alert for almost 70 years. ROKAF The author brings the narrative
Pages: 256 Format: A4 organisation is then explained, and full circle by ending on an analysis
Web: www.harpia-publishing.com this is followed by descriptions of the ongoing tensions between
of all current in-service aviation the Republic of Korea and North
The Republic of Korea is arguably types – modellers will find this Korea (with a brief description
unique in existing in a state of section invaluable, both in terms of that country’s air force), an
armistice – but not peace – with of the high-quality photos and the increasingly assertive China,
its immediate neighbour to the well-written narrative. While the recent provocations by Russia
north, an experience that has had weapons carried are identified (in conjunction with China) and
significant impact on its military initially with the parent aircraft, the longstanding friction with Japan,
capability, with its air force the munitions also receive a separate along with its major alliance with
subject of this in-depth study. chapter; again, this is a treasure the US. This is an invaluable
A concise introduction provides trove for modellers, with several reference for any modeller
a geopolitical context before unusual weapons loads noted. interested in the history or types
the Republic of Korea Air Force Subsequent chapters address operated by the ROKAF. SF
ALL ABOUT POLISH ‘FISHBEDS’ LONG-SERVING LONG-RANGERS

out 1/144 scale plans (ideal for
Polish Wings 32: Mikoyan photos, recording every MiG-
those with Minicraft’s kit or
Gurevich MiG-21MF 21MF flown by Poland. Early on, a
wanting to convert Academy/
By: Adam Gołąbek handy table charts the airframes
Revell offerings). However,
ISBN: 978-83-66549-69-2 by tactical number, serial and
the familiar layout means the
Price: £17 Pages: 96 Format: A4 dates for production/delivery/
chapter divisions are merely
Web: www.mmpbooks.biz withdrawal. There is much
sub-headings in the main copy,
to explore, in terms of colour
while another quirk involves the
Stratus has arguably delved schemes and how they changed,
history of the B-52’s design and
more deeply into the Polish Air plus unit badges/heraldry and
development being followed by
Force than any other publisher. weapons. There is a continuous
that of the aircraft company that
This latest book focuses on that narrative, but no clear chapters,
produced it. There’s no doubting
legendary Cold War beast, the with all pages featuring imagery
the detail and quality of the
MiG-21, specifically the MF sub- of MFs from various angles
information, but it isn’t arranged
type in Polish service. For anyone (mainly) on the ground, either
in the most coherent way and
considering builds of said aircraft, parked or taxiing. There are also
can lead to scrabbled ‘hunting’ to
whether as part of a wider Polish examples of squadron badges
check interesting facts or details.
AF theme or simply to fill a gap and nose art, and in its second
Boeing B-52A-F Stratofortress On the other hand, the imagery
in their Fishbed collection, this half the book gives way to colour
By: Kev Darling is a strong point of the book –
softback volume offers myriad profiles and these are matched
Pages: 95 ISBN: N/A period photos offer valuable
with a photo of the real aircraft.
Price: £25 Format: A4 reference on every spread,
Colour chips and paint codes
Web: www.guidelinepublications. with a generous portion being
feature occasionally, plus special
co.uk colour shots that aid tonal study.
schemes – it’s fascinating to
These and the profiles cover
see how the type’s camouflage
Covering the prototype versions the prototypes, production and
changed over its operational
up to the B-52F Stratofortress, test-bed airframes, so there’s a
service. Selected photos are
Guideline’s Warpaint guide is a great mix of appearances and
useful for anyone contemplating
welcome reference to all bar schemes. Perhaps like
dioramas, as they show items
the last two variants of its subject matter,
such as ladders, towing arms
Boeing’s long-serving this book isn’t the
and weapons, so modellers View more,
bomber. It contains most attractive or
can produce authentic scenes. including exclusive
a mixture of textual glamorous, but is
Another thoughtful inclusion is online reviews at:
history, information www.keymodel very good at what
that of individual aircraft histories
tables, period photos, world.com it does best and
printed with those depicted by
full-colour profiles will serve with great
colour profiles. CC
and even a set of pull- distinction. JF

ON THE SHELF | Books
LUFTWAFFE WARRIOR STUDY POTENT ARMOURED PUNCH

While Luftwaffe fighters have
always been popular, the bombers LandCraft 9: Bradley
also make fascinating modelling Fighting Vehicle
subjects – and none more so than By: David Grummitt
Dornier’s Do 217. A development ISBN: 978-1-39900-94-0-9
of the manufacturer’s Do 17 ‘Flying Price: £16.99 Pages: 64 Format: A4
Pencil’, it performed standard Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
bomber duties but the story gets
more interesting, as different sub- Present in frontline US Army units
types began to perform other roles: since 1981, the Bradley Infantry
nocturnal heavy fighter, Fritz X Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is the subject
and Hs 293 guided-bomb carrier of a recent LandCraft publication.
plus reconnaissance. Both main variants (M2 and M3)
Chris Goss tells the full story of the are covered, along with respective
Do 217 and its crews, incorporating sub-types, as each was upgraded
personal accounts, colour artwork to improve combat effectiveness
Dornier Do 217: A Combat and and a stunning array of black- and survivability.
Photographic Record in Luftwaffe and-white period photographs. For those unfamiliar with this Dragon and Meng kits in 1/72
Service 1941-1945 Missions and technical aspects are book series, there’s a common and 1/35 – some are built straight
By: Chris Goss explored in detail and the imagery structure: history of the vehicle, from the box, while others feature
ISBN: 978-1-90653-758-6 Price: £35 is second to none, showing airframe development, variant descriptions, varying degrees of aftermarket and
Pages: 184 Format: 313x235mm details, such as the characteristic profiles of camouflage schemes, scratch-built upgrades/additions.
Web: www.crecy.co.uk rear airbrake, cockpit, defensive walk-around photos and an A kitography and accessory/
armament and stores. There are also overview of operational service. decals listing follows – the first
Crécy Publishing’s new book on the images and text on development/ This last chapter addresses the of these is divided between
Dornier Do 217 tells how this twin- prototype airframes, including use of Bradley IFVs in Iraq and 1/35 (Tamiya, Meng, Orichi,
prop morphed from bomber to stop- the Do 217 K-03/DFS 228 Mistel Kosovo, alongside units based Academy and Kinetic) and ‘other’
gap night-fighter, guided-bomb combination. This is a stunning in Germany during the Cold War. scales, although this latter part
carrier and recce aircraft. It’s also a hardback, and invaluable for anyone Spliced between these is a section concentrates on 1/72 (Revell,
reference goldmine for modellers. embarking on Do 217 builds. CC devoted to modelling aspects Dragon, Trumpeter). This is a great
of the M2/M3 Bradley, providing introduction to the Bradley and
brief builds of Trumpeter, Tamiya, ideal as a basic reference. SF
“UNARMED, UNESCORTED, UNAFRAID”
by US Navy and US Marine Corps IROQUOIS INVESTIGATED
RF-8 Crusader squadrons during
The Huey in Vietnam shots are contained in the second.
the Vietnam conflict.
By: David Doyle Pages: 112 Being period photos from the 1960s,
The author, a former USN
ISBN: 978-0-7643-6275-0 the quality in terms of sharpness and
Photographer’s Mate Second
Price: US$19.99 cropping isn’t always the best, but
Class, provides a gripping report
Format: 235x235mm the reproductions are strong and the
of operations over South East Asia,
Web: www.schifferbooks.com benefit of this period is the advent of
with a heady mix of pilot accounts
full-colour imagery.
and operational records that
Arguably, this Legends of Warfare There’s plenty of detail for
immerses the reader in the events
guide to the Bell UH-1-series modellers to enjoy, from the internal
between 1964-72. This is backed
helicopters – officially designated structures, control layout and
throughout by high-quality archive
Iroquois but commonly known as the colours, engine fixtures, combat
and military personnel photos.
Huey – is a two-part study, covering load-outs, deployment decorations
While there have been other such
its development and its deployment and even crew appearances – so
titles on Vietnam, this is arguably
in Vietnam. That’s not to say these if you’re a Huey fan or planning
the first to put tac-recce units front
sections aren’t linked, as both a build project, this is a superb
Eyes of the Fleet Over Vietnam and centre. All aspects of a mission
begin with a textual element, and reference volume. JF
By: Kenneth V Jack are covered (although there may
detailing the proposal, prototyping
ISBN: 978-1-63624-074-9 be just one or two elements in a
and production stages provides a
Price: £35 Pages: 230 particular anecdote) – planning,
thorough explanation of the sub-
Format: 187x260mm tasking, threats encountered and
types seen in the subsequent
Web: www.casematepublishers. how the information collected is
combat chapter.
co.uk then analysed/exploited. What
However, images are the main
is apparent immediately is the
appeal, with construction scenes,
“First in, last out” was a common huge camaraderie that exists on
standard equipment (including
description of US tactical ship, even more so among and
the piloting controls and displays),
reconnaissance (tac recce) and between squadrons. While aimed
crew/load area, engines and typical
air-defence suppression crews, more at the enthusiast or historian
armaments filling the first section,
and this engrossing narrative is than modellers, there’s plenty of
while combat scenes, loading, crash/
focussed on the former, as flown information for build projects. SF
damage and specialised materiel

ON THE SHELF
SCENIC MODELLING SECOND HELPING TOLDI TREATISE
Dioramas via Canfora Publishing,
The 38M Toldi Light Tank
offered a wealth of ideas and
By: Péter Mujzer Pages: 121
solid how-to advice. Thankfully,
ISBN: 978-83-66673-04-5
Volume II is now available from
Price: €23.75
the same publisher, and there’s
Format: A4
even more to get your teeth into –
Web: www.shop.kagero.pl
whether you wish to emulate the
dioramas shown exactly, or simply
Obscure types can be frustrating
use the methods yourself. Twelve
prospects when there are few
different projects are explored
kits of the vehicle and limited
with gallery-style finished model
references – happily, IBG
shots, plus in-progress images
Models and Hobby Boss are
to take you on your learning
major manufacturers offering
journey; both the novice and
38M Toldi tank kits, and this
more experienced modeller can
Photosniper guide is the perfect
benefit from what’s on the pages.
accompaniment. The guide reveals
A World of Dioramas II The subjects vary massively, from
the Hungarian type’s fascinating deployments/engagements. Period
By: Per Olav Lund traditional World War One military
history, being developed from photos are aplenty, helping to
ISBN: 978-9-19847-769-6 scenes, to polar exploration,
fellow Axis power Sweden’s break up the text and depicting
Price: €29.90 abandoned houses and caravans,
Landsverk L-60 and proving a range of scenes, details and
Pages: 128 Format: 280 x 230mm Star Wars and even angling! There
to have a mobility advantage locations superbly – there’s much
Web: www.canfora.se really is something for everyone
over contemporary rivals, but to study for finer detail and ample
here, from large and complex
sorely lacking in armour and scene inspiration. Aiding modelling
Sweden’s Canfora Publishing scenes, to small dioramas or
armament capabilities. Detailed efforts specifically, the final
has produced another volume of vignettes. Each project opens
chapters cover the state of sections include plans (no scale is
diorama inspiration and instruction with narrative on what inspired
Hungary post-World War given), technical drawings (covering
by a true master of the art. Per it, and how the diorama was
One, its army and associated the tank, its powertrain, armaments
Olav Lund is renowned for his awe- planned. This, coupled with
restrictions, re-armament, tank and control mechanisms), markings
inspiring diorama skills, and scenes Canfora’s high-quality design and
development and the vehicle and insignia plus full-colour side
that tell an interesting story. His coffee-table styling, makes the
itself. The latter chapters examine profiles. Overall, it’s a high-quality
first book from 2015, A World of book desirable indeed. CC
testing, production, sub-types, guide to a fascinating if often
combat organisation and specific overlooked tank. JF
DUG-IN FORTIFICATION
also unchanged, with text-based WEHRMACHT TANKER ACCOUNT
introductions in each chapter,
followed by the images – this tells Brandenburg – Escape from the (from Soviet forces) from the Halbe
the story effectively: the island was Halbe Pocket! Pocket. The many photos, maps
the site of a bloody battle between By: Axel Urbanke and and document scans offer plenty
US and Japanese forces in 1944. Joachim Senholdt of inspiration for military modellers,
Strategic disagreements, military ISBN: 978-3-941437-44-9 Price: €72 especially those seeking ideas for
politics, battlefield assumptions Pages: 344 Format: 240 x 287mm dioramas; figure specialists also
and underestimations all played Web: www.luftfahrtverlag-start.com have much visual detail to absorb.
their part in immense loss of life, Vehicles such as the StuG III, Hetzer,
while the Japanese tactic of using Publisher Luftfahrtverlag-START has Sd.Kfz. 250 and Panzer IV grace
dug-in fortifications to disguise produced a stunning book on the the pages. The book does signify
troop numbers and locations was career of German tank commander quite an investment, but it offers a
very effective. As such, many of Joachim Senholdt and his unit’s huge amount of detail and modelling
the photos are troop-based, which escape from the Halbe Pocket inspiration, the quality is second
Battle of Peleliu 1944 is more helpful for figure painters (in the Spree Forest southeast of to none and it will certainly appeal
By: Jim Moran Pages: 241 and diorama builders, but there are Berlin) between March-April 1945. to those who love delving into the
ISBN: 978-1-52677-821-5 shots of vehicles, ships and aircraft. This thumping dual English-German history of what they’re representing
Price: £16.99 In particular, knocked-out tanks tome came about purely by chance in scale form. CC
Format: 190 x 245mm and amphibians will give a wealth after a serving German officer
Web: www.frontline-books.com of inspiration. Other elements read Urbanke’s previous book, Die
include maps, paintings from a Panther-Abteilung “Brandenburg”
Pen & Sword’s popular Images Life magazine journalist stationed 1945, and offered the publisher
of War series has moved to a on Peleliu, details of decorated access to a diary belonging to his
new imprint (Frontline Books), veterans plus clippings and letters father – commander of that unit’s
but continues to provide the from the island. As such, the overall 2nd Company. This first-hand
same formula of collating period package is perhaps better aimed reference material forms the basis
photobooks – such as this Battle at military history aficionados, but of this new book, which covers
of Peleliu guide. The format is modellers will find value here. JF Senholdt’s career, but includes his
experiences during the escape

PENNINE MODELS, Bark Laithe Farm, Flasby, Gargrave, BD23, 3QD • Tel: 01756 748867
OPEN: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30-4.30
Pennine Model Shop

What3Words: Bothered, Another, Cooked - Email: penninemodels@gmail.com
1/48
Limited edition kit of US WWII figh-

ter aircraft P-51D Mustang in 1/48
scale. From the kit you can build
Mustangs with or without dorsal
fin assembly, flying with the four
Groups (31st FG, 52nd FG, 325th FG
and 332nd FG) from the 15th AF du-
ring WWII from Italy.
# 11159
www.eduard.com
ON THE SHELF
SPINAL SWELLING CURTISS’ CLAWS
MiG-21SMT Similarly, a wide array of stores is

By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 supplied but most are suggested as P-40M Warhawk/Kittyhawk Mk.III Markings choices are:
Item no: 84180 Price: €19.85 not for use, so aftermarket additions By: Special Hobby Scale: 1/72 • P-40M, NZ3072 Wairarapa
Web: www.eduard.com may be required. Two large decal Item no: SH 72382 Price: €17 Wildcat, 16 Sqn, RNZAF, Espiritu
sheets provide all stencilling, Web: www.specialhobby.eu Santo, 1943
Having most recently been available national insignia and serials: • P-40M, White 125 Gypsy Rose
in Revell packaging, Eduard has • MT, 96.40.15/Blue 15, Dolgoye Special Hobby’s P-40 returns Lee, 44th FS, 19th FG, Munda,
restored the 1/48 MiG-21SMT to its Ledovo, Soviet Union, early 1980s as a P-40M variant, combining July 1943
range as a Weekend Edition kit. • SMT, Yellow 31, 515th IAP (Fighter common Runners A and B with • Kittyhawk, A29-347/SV-M Little
There are no changes to the parts Regt), Tököl, Hungary, late 1970s a new Frame C for the fuselage, Audrey, 76 Sqn RAAF, Los
(including the larger spine housing • MT, 96.40.14/White 14, Dolgoye plus relevant glazing from P-40E Negros Island, 1944
an enlarged fuel tank) so either an Kedivi, Soviet Union, early 1980s and P-40N releases. The result is • P-40M, White 185, 72nd FS, 23rd
SMT or the preceding and largely • SMT, Yellow 20, 582 IAP, Chojna, a well-detailed replica, notably in FG, China, autumn 1943
similar MT sub-type can be built. Poland, late 1970s the cockpit, while surface detail is • P-40M, 43-5651 Martin Francisco,
rendered as fine engraved lines. Brazilian AF, Natal, 1943
GET YOUR AIR MILES

PARASOL PREDATOR
Miles M.2H Hawk Major This is a limited-run product,

Fokker D.VIII chequers and stripes that adorn the
By: Kovozávody Prostějov without locating pins and featuring
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 airframe. With its simple structure
Scale: 1/72 Item no: KPM0285 basic detail, but these are super
Item no: 8085 Price: £16.48 and low parts count, this is an ideal
Price: €15.10 little kits if you are willing to invest
Web: www.eduard.com introduction to World War One
Web: www.kovozavody.cz a little extra effort, and represent
subjects. There are five schemes:
great fun. Seat straps, dials for
First released in 2006, Eduard’s • Jasta 8, Mercy-le-Haut, France,
KP has released four newly tooled the flat instrument panels and
D.VIII features delicate surface October 1918
1/72 boxings of the delightful markings are supplied in decal
detail and a well-appointed • Jasta 36, France, October 1918
Miles M.2H Hawk Major, with form. The schemes are:
interior, notably the cockpit. Being • 183/18/002, 7. Eskadra Lotnicza,
this example catering for civilian • G-ADAS, Sao Carlos Francisco
a ProfiPACK offering, the three Polish AF, 1919
machines. A single grey styrene Pereira Lopes museum, Brazil
styrene runners are augmented by a • Marine Feld Jagdstaffel II,
runner supplies just 28 parts, plus • G-ADCF, test aircraft, Shell, 1935
photo-etched brass fret. Thankfully, Belgium, 1918
a printed acetate sheet offers • ZK-AEQ, Manawatu Aero Club,
the four-tone lozenge camouflage • 157/18, Jasta 6, Bernes, France,
alternative styles of windscreen. Milson, New Zealand, 1946
is supplied in decal form, as are the August 1918

ON THE SHELF | Aircraft kits
UNCOMMON SPITFIRES NEW MUSTANG REFRESH
North American P-51D Mustang a convincing seat with belts

By: Airfix Scale: 1/48 moulded in situ, ‘paper’ and metal
Item no: A05131A Price: £28.99 fuel tanks, and separate flying
Spitfire Mk.Ia include an open/closed canopy and Web: www.airfix.com control surfaces. Both airframes
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 pilot’s hatch plus different aerial are fitted with the dorsal fin fillet,
Item no: 84179 Price: £14.22 masts depending on the airframe Two new USAAF Eighth Air Force but have different propellers,
Web: www.eduard.com chosen. There are four schemes: colour schemes are on offer with canopies and windscreens to
• P9372/GR-G, Plt Off Antony C Airfix’s re-released 1/48 P-51 kit. tally with the selected schemes.
One of the big plus points with Bartley, 92 Sqn, RAF Croydon, As with various kit manufacturers, These are:
Eduard’s approach to kits is that March-April 1940 Airfix likes to get the most from • P-51D-15-NA, CY-G The Millie G,
once the signature special boxings • L1004/LO-Q, Flt Lt Alexander VR its moulds and, at the same time, Maj Edward Bonfoy Giller, 343rd
are released, there’s the chance to Johnstone, 602 Sqn, RAF Drem, offer more choice for modellers. FS, 55th FG, Wormingford,
feature lesser-known aircraft, and May 1940 On that front, it has just re-issued Essex, 1944-45
such is the case with the Spitfire • X4036/AZ-D, Plt Off Robert FT its respectable 1/48 with optional • P-51K-1-NT, 44-11373/B6-U
Mk.Ia. Styrene parts are unchanged Doe, 234 Sqn, RAF Middle Wallop, parts and two fresh liveries. This Frisco Kid, Lt John Carl Casey,
from the firm’s previous Mk.Is, with August 1940 means there’s a good cockpit 363rd FS, 357th FG, Leiston,
six runners; extra detail comes in • R7057/SD-L, Plt Off James H with separate sidewall inserts, Suffolk, 1944
the form of decals for the instrument Lacey, 501 Sqn, RAF Colerne,
panel and seat harness. Options May 1941
GUSTAV ACES
EARLY FLYING PORCUPINE
Short Sunderland Mk.I/II to provide the cast ‘hedgehog’

Bf 109G-6 with underwing 30mm gun pods
By: Special Hobby Scale: 1/72 exhausts, and these are joined by
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 and comes with a fully furnished
Item no: SH72438 Price: €51.10 3D-printed resin propeller boss
Item no: 84173 Price: £12.03 interior, while external panels are
Web: www.specialhobby.eu parts. The four liveries are:
Web: www.eduard.com rendered with fine recessed lines.
• Mk.II, W3983/RB-R, 10 Squadron
Four schemes are offered:
Having re-released its imposing Royal Australian Air Force,
Modellers looking for a great • Wk Nr 27169/Red 13+~, Fw Heinrich
1/72 Sunderland Mk.V, Special Pembroke, Wales, 1941
value-for-money Bf 109G-6 should Bartels, 11./JG 27, Kalamaki,
Hobby has now issued a Mk.I/II • Mk.II, W3981/ZM-W, 201
look no further than this lovely Greece, November 1943
boxing. It shares most of the Squadron RAF, Pembroke,
Weekend offering from Eduard. • White 10, Oblt Alfred Grislawski,
former’s styrene parts, but adds Wales, 1941
Eschewing the photo-etched extras 1./JGr 50, Wiesbaden-Erbenheim,
new items in cast and 3D-printed • Mk.I, L2160/NM-X, 230 Squadron
found in other releases, here the Germany, September 1943
resin, allowing modellers to RAF, Skaramagas, Greece,
detail is provided solely by the • Black <<, Maj Ludwig Franzisket,
build this sub-type’s particular April 1942
beautifully moulded styrene parts, I./ JG 27, Fels am Wagram, Austria,
traits, such as twin Vickers ‘K’ • Mk.II, T9114/E, 461 Squadron
presented on five styrene runners. early 1944
gun blisters or a more prominent Royal Australian Air Force,
It can be built as either a standard • Black <<, Maj Kurt Ubben, III./JG 77,
upper turret. Resin has been used Pembroke, Wales, spring 1943
G-6 or the Rüstsätze U4 sub-variant Foggia, Italy, May 1943

ON THE SHELF
CLASSIC SOVIET ARMOUR GENERAL PURPOSE HAULER
Joseph Stalin JS-3 is rather inaccurate regarding its

By: Airfix Scale: 1/72 shape. The single-length rubber
Item no: A01307V Price: £6.99 band-style tracks are basic, but
Web: www.airfix.com the kit’s low parts count makes it G7117 the total to seven frames. This
ideal for beginners. One area that By: ICM Scale: 1/35 means there’s a faithfully replicated
First released in 1962, Airfix’s is crying out for improvement is the Item no: 35597 Price: £35.80 suspension and chassis plus a
JS-3 returns in Vintage Classics turret; Airfix supplies this circular Web: www.hannants.co.uk superb rendition of the type’s
packaging; the parts are item, whereas the real turret was engine and transmission. These are
unchanged while a reprinted decal more egg-shaped – modellers may Modellers wanting to build US joined by a similarly well-appointed
sheet supplies markings for an be able to correct this with filler. World War Two logistics vehicles cab interior that features separate
unidentified Soviet Army machine Similarly, the turret hatches will need are spoilt for choice with two foot pedals. Options include raised/
from 1945/46. Comprising just three enlarging and reworking to reflect manufacturers releasing several lowered cargo seats and a choice
parts ‘trees’, this kit is showing their correct D-shape. Those issues kits: ICM and MiniArt (see p95). of open or canvas-covered rear
its age with simplified detail, and aside, it is a straightforward build. The former’s recent offering takes deck. Markings are included for
its original G7107 boxing (35593) three overall Olive Drab US Army
‘FREE MONKEY’ CANNON and adds a new styrene runner for machines, plus a blue-grey US
the cargo bed canvas tilt, bringing Navy-operated truck.
TOP-QUALITY ARMOUR
3cm Bordkanone MK 103 pose struck by any troop that

By: 16.02 Scale: 1/35 fired the weapon. One mount
Item no: VK35002 Price: £16.99 is cone-shaped and sits on a
Web: www.fromemodelcentre.com circular baseplate, while the other Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf.H Nibelungenwerk well-appointed cupola interior on the
involves a thick wooden post Mid Prod August 1943 turret to the previously mentioned
German sub-brand 16.02, part surrounded by a metal tripod. A By: MiniArt Scale: 1/35 tracks. Schürzen plates come as PE
of Custom-Scale, has released high-quality model throughout, Item no: 35337 Price: £51.99 items, with separate panels allowing
a stunning kit of the ground- this is particularly evident on the Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk modellers to alter the configuration.
based 3cm Bordkanone MK 103 breech cover (with moulded detail This is great value for money; there
cannon. Better known as an inside and out) and the multi- MiniArt’s high standards are again are four schemes:
aircraft gun, it was also used as baffle muzzle brake, which is on view with its ‘baseline’ offering • Black 721, 3rd SS-Pz.Div
an anti-aircraft gun. This new kit hollow and has proper holes along of the Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf.H (there ‘Totenkopf’, Ukraine, autumn 1943
depicts the latter and comes on its length. An ammunition box for is no interior); despite this, it still • White 325, 20th Pz. Div, Belarus,
two styrene runners, offering two attachment to the gun cradle is comprises 54 styrene runners plus winter 1943-44
different mounts that brought also provided, plus a short length three photo-etched (PE) brass frets. • White 604, 12th Pz. Div, Eastern
about the nickname ‘Baumaffe’ of 30cm rounds and two spare Consequently, it is packed with Front, summer 1944
(free monkey) – alluding to the ammo boxes. detail, from a complete main gun • Black 25, 16th Pz. Div, Ukraine,
breech and spent case-catcher plus winter 1943-44

ON THE SHELF | Military kits
GAMING ASSAULT GUN CHEVROLET HAULER
Sturmgeschütz IV plates to the link-and-length type G7107 1,5t 4 x 4 Military Truck for the truck and one for the three
By: Revell Scale: 1/72 tracks. As might be expected, w/Metal Body and Crew figures plus a photo-etched brass
Item no: 03502 Price: €23.49 there’s a degree of simplification, By: MiniArt Scale: 1/35 fret and length of fine chain. It’s a
Web: www.revell.de/en with engineering tools moulded Item no: 35383 Price: £47.99 masterful package, combining a
integrally with larger components, Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk beautifully detailed truck plus crew
Those opening this re-boxed but the detail is crisp. There’s a for an instant diorama. There are
Matchbox kit as part of Revell’s general Panzer Grey scheme, with Ukrainian firm MiniArt has four schemes:
link with World of Tanks are in for a decal sheet supplying a selection repackaged its G7107 with a set • 378688, 12th Armd Div, 7th Army,
a pleasant surprise, as it was one of colourful symbols, but an overall of figures posed as if carrying US Army, 1943/44
of the former firm’s last products. It Dunkelgelb or three-tone out repairs; it features a late-war • W-376240, 298th Eng Cbt Bn,
comprises three styrene runners and camouflage would be more version with metal cargo deck 1st Army, US Army, France, 1944
the quality is superb throughout, appropriate; for those wanting a sides. In a typically thorough • EB21-2311, Brazilian Expeditionary
from the single-piece upper hull and ‘traditional’ build there are German, approach, these changes are Force, Italy, 1945
casemate plus optional Schürzen Soviet and American insignia. incorporated via new styrene • Captured machine, Wehrmacht,
runners, so there are 24 in total Eastern Front, summer 1943
UBIQUITOUS CELEBRATION
LATE-WAR PANZER
Willys Jeep MB 80th Anniversary • 2031693S Carolina, 2nd Armd Div,

By: Italeri Scale: 1/24 48th Medical Bn, Normandy
Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf.J Early Production tracks – distinctions between early/
Item no: 3635 Price: £29.99 • 2020384-S Doug/Gilda V.II, 101st
By: Dragon Scale: 1/72 late-production kits aren’t clear
Web: www.hobbyco.net Airborne Div, 327th Glider Inf
Item no: 7409 Price: £24.99 but there are several spare parts
Regt, Berchtesgaden, Germany
Web: www.hobbyco.net in this boxing. Detail is crisp and
Italeri’s 1/24 Willys Jeep has been • 20419061-S, 6th Armd Div, 50th
refined, with panel lines and raised
re-released to celebrate 80 years Armd Inf Bn, France, summer 1944
Often viewed as a backwards step in hull deck features appearing neat.
since the type was first produced. • 20566852 Policia Militar, Pelotáo
Panzer IV development, the last sub- Note, Schürzen plates are shown
Styrene components are held on de Policía (Police Squad), 1st
type – the Ausf.J – is the subject of on the box art, but not the painting
three runners with separate vinyl Regimiento de Fanteira, Vth Army,
Dragon’s small-scale kit depicting instructions:
tyres – note, heat is required to join Brazilian Expeditionary Force,
early-production tanks. It comprises • Red 733, 3. Pz.Div. ‘Totenkopf’,
several items. Decals add visual northern Italy, 1944
ten runners, a lower hull part, a Eastern Front, 1944
interest to Olive Drab schemes: • 20126892-S Bumby, US Navy
selection of separate wheels, a small • Black 524, Western Front, 1945
• 20327528S/43200, 1st Inf Div HQ, Seabees, Naval Construction
photo-etched brass fret containing • White 621, 6./Pz.Regt. 2, 2. Pz.Div.
Omaha Beach, Normandy, France Bn 6, Guadalcanal, 1942
grilles plus DS Styrene single-length ‘Das Reich’, France, 1944

ON THE SHELF
VISIONS OF TEETH AND EYES CHICAGO WRITE-OFF

Syhart, which provides decals for
two specially marked aircraft. The
first (188-ET) celebrates the 70th
anniversary of EC3/11 ‘Corse’ in
2013 and features shark mouth
artwork and a unit insignia on the
underside, while a ‘1943-2013’
legend adorns both sides of the
fuselage. The other option (188-EF)
is no less striking, commemorating
the formation of SPA88 in 1917
– here, the artwork is mainly on
the tailfin, comprising a black and
yellow snake, with the fuselage
spine painted in the same colours;
two snake eyes are positioned on
Mirage 2000-5F ‘70 ans EC3/11’ and the upper wings. A separate sheet
‘100 ans SPA88’ supplies the stencils. Detailed TWA 727-100 Twin Globe are large items, as are strips of
By: Syhart Decals Scale: 1/48 painting and marking notes are By: Decales Global Scale: 1/144 windows for each side; these
Item no: 48-108 Price: €14 included for both airframes, while Item no: DG-14255 Price: US$12 and the windscreen feature
Web: www.syhartdecal.fr the decals are printed to the firm’s Web: www.joydecals.com grey ‘glass’ areas. Note that no
exacting standards, with perfect detailed painting or positioning
Fans of Mirage 2000s and register, strong opacity and crisply Suitable for any 1/144 kit of the instructions are included in the
anniversary schemes are in for a defined colour demarcations. This type, Decales Global’s markings set, so research and/or an element
real treat thanks to this sheet from set is also available in 1/72 (72-108). supply the livery for Trans World of ‘modeller’s licence’ must be
Airlines (TWA) Boeing 727-100s employed. A trio of serial options
with small logos behind the fore are supplied, with the second of
entry door – a large full-text these airframes eventually being
legend was used later. All decals written-off in a belly landing at
feature combined carrier film, so Chicago-O’Hare International
will need very careful cutting and airport in 1988:
removal from the backing sheet, • N850TW
INSPIRED BY VICTORY but they are printed crisply with • N852TW
Ford GT Ford Chip Ganassi Team is overall red with white trim – no register issues. Cheatlines • N853TW
#67 24Hr Le Mans GTLM ’19 no paint shade is suggested for
By: Decalpool Scale: DP203 the former, while all elements
Item no: DP203 Price: US$15 in the latter shade are supplied
ROTARY RESCUERS
Web: www.decalpool.com as decals. Manufacturer and USCG HH-65 Dolphin & MH-68A Angeles, Kodiak, New Jersey and
sponsor logos, safety motifs Stingray Search & Rescue Aircraft Savannah Coast Guard Air Stations.
Modellers with Revell’s 1/24 Ford and racing numerals (strangely Part 2 Air Graphics highlights the basic
GT Le Mans racing car can apply separate from the surrounding By: On Target Decals Scale: 1/72 kits required for both helicopters
an alternative livery with these green panel) are also supplied, Item no: 72-039 Price: £17.50 and identifies upgrade sets from
Decalpool markings – that of the along with window surrounds, Web: www.www.air-graphics.co.uk its range for the HH-65 alterations;
#67 car raced at the Circuit de metallic grille additions and modellers will need to scratch-build
la Sarthe in 2019. This was a red internal embellishments. Air Graphic’s second batch of search the changes to convert an A-109 to
GT operated and rescue helicopter schemes MH-68 configuration.
by the Ford concentrates on two types operated
Chip Ganassi by the US Coast Guard – the
Team, driven by MH-68A Stingray (based on the
Andy Priaulx, Augusta A-109) and HH-65 Dolphin
Harry Tincknell (Eurocopter/Airbus Helicopters
and Jonathan AS365) – and offers 24 schemes.
Bomarito to Three are for the MH-68, all clad
23rd overall in the standard white/International
and fourth in Orange garb, with airframes from
their LMGTE different squadrons based at
Pro class. The Jacksonville, Florida, between
livery was February 2002-08. Turning to the
inspired by HH-65A/B airframes, examples
1967 winners feature those assigned to the
Dan Gurney Detroit, Miami, Hawaii, New Orleans,
and AJ Foyt’s Alabama, Corpus Christi, Humbolt
Ford GT40 and Bay, San Francisco, Traverse City,
Los Angeles, Jacksonville, Port

ON THE SHELF | Decal sheets
EVALUATION ZEKES SHANGRI-LA ‘SCOOTER’

Hinomaru bearing ‘Keep off’
A-4E Skyhawk VA-152
legends painted over the
‘Wild Aces’
Japanese motif, which provide
By: MILSPEC Decals
an unusual and eye-catching
Scale: 1/72 Item no: MS 72-020
appearance. All four options
Price: US$10
were captured on Saipan Island
Web: www.milspecdecals.com
by US Marines during June
1944 – the first two were later
While later A-4s from VA-152
Zero over Saipan transported to America aboard
(nicknamed variously as
By: H-Models Decals Scale: 1/48 the USS Cipahee (CV-12) for testing:
Friendlies, Mavericks and
Item no: HMD48063 Price: £14.50 • Yellow 61-121
Fighting Aces) are served poorly
Web: www.hannants.co.uk • Yellow 61-131
by kit manufacturers – just
• Yellow 61-120
Fujimi’s 1/72 A-4B has markings
H-Models’ 1/48 Mitsubishi A6M5 • Yellow 61-180
for this squadron – there’s a
Zero Model 52 decals are
thriving aftermarket scene, such
perhaps named somewhat
as this example from MILSPEC
misleadingly, as the set
for an A-4E assigned to the
provides for a quartet of
USS Shangri-La during the unit’s
airframes captured on the
last operational cruise from
ground at Saipan. It comprises
March-December 1970.
three sheets – one bears just
The chosen aircraft is the insignia and artwork, ‘NAVY’
plain Hinomaru (‘red dot’)
so-called ‘CAG-Bird’ which has legends and full stencilling –
national insignia, the second
a 500 MODEX code, also known there are even ‘arrows with aces’
all serials, personal markings
as ‘double nuts’, and carries more for both underwing drop tanks (if
and unusual fuselage elements,
colourful markings than a standard fitted), making for a very colourful
while the third contains upper-
squadron aircraft. Everything a Skyhawk. Full airframe details are:
wing motifs with a black outline,
modeller needs decal-wise is • 150001/500/AJ, VA-152, CVW-8,
although these feature a slight
supplied on a single sheet: unit USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), 1970
register issue. Arguably most
interesting is a set of fuselage
FINNISH FALCONRY
SHERMANS COMING ASHORE
US M4A1 75mm Sherman for those wanting to make a
By: Star Decals Scale: 1/35 paint mask for the turret national
Item no: 35-C1231 Price: US$9 insignia. The four choices are:
Web: www.star-decals.net • M4A1, Black F-24 Four Roses, 3rd
Armd Div, August 1944
Released to coincide with the • M4A1, Yellow G2 Goldie, 66th
75th anniversary of the D-Day Armd Regt, 2nd Armd Div, Utah
landings, this sheet is focused on Beach, D-Day +1
the 75mm main gun-equipped • M4A1 DD, Red 5 Available
M4A1 Sherman, including snorkel- Jones, 70th Tk Bn, Post-D-Day,
fitted and Duplex Drive ‘Donald Normandy
Duck’ variants. The M4A1 was • M4A1, Yellow 11 Plenty Tough II,
characterised by its cast hull, Poss HQ Coy, 32nd or 33rd Armd Curtiss Hawk 75 in Finnish Service translucent and would benefit
with one or more additional Regt, 3rd Armd Div By: SBS Model Scale: 1/48 from undercoating with a similar
armour plates on Item no: D48018 Price: €10 tone to prevent the underlying
the side to protect Web: www.sbsmodel.com camouflage being visible through
the ammunition – them. Note that the first option is a
often the location of Options for Curtiss P-36 Hawk Wright Cyclone-powered airframe
artwork or vehicle liveries in 1/48 aren’t plentiful, featuring a different cowling
symbols. The decals so its great to see aftermarket compared with the remainder,
are as expected supplier SBS step forward with using Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasps:
from Star, with these Finnish-operated Hawk 75A • A-4, CUc-502/Yellow 2, LLv.32
excellent opacity and schemes. All decals are held on (Lentolaivue – Fighter Sqn),
register, although one sheet – there are the Hakaristi Lappeenranta, summer 1941
being printed on (hook-cross) markings, serials and • A-2, Cu-551/White 1, LLv.32,
matt carrier there tactical tail numerals, but fuselage Nurmoila, summer 1943
is a greater risk of bands and cowling rings must be • A-3, CU-571/Blue 1, Suulajärvi,
silvering. There’s also painted. Paler tones – such as Spring 1942
a helpful template the white areas of the national • A-2, CU-574/Yellow 4, LLv.32,
insignia – appear somewhat Nurmola, spring 1944

ON THE SHELF
PUPPET-STATE DEFENDERS
As if the prospect are supplied, with just notes • G-6 Blue >, Capitano G Spigaglia,
of a large-scale indicating decal placement on these Nucelo Comando, 2° GC,
Messerschmitt Bf 109G areas. As such, further research will Villafranca, November 1944
just wasn’t striking be beneficial for any of the schemes: • G-14, Wk Nr 464444, Magg Carlo
enough, these stunning • G-14, Wk Nr 464380/Yellow Miani, Nucleo Comando, 2° GC,
Euro Decals markings 1, Maggiore (Major) Mario Aviano, February 1945
provide for Italian- Bellagambini, 5ª Squadriglia (Sqn), • G-10, Wk Nr 491353/Black 7, Cap
operated examples 2° Gruppo Caccia (GC), Osoppo, Ugo Drago, 4ª Sqn, 2° GC, Aviano
of the German March 1945 February 1945
fighter, with an eye- • G-10, Wk Nr 491354/2-2, 2ª Sqn, 1° • G-10, Wk Nr 491501/Black 11, Serg
catching assortment GC, Lonate Pozzolo, February 1945 Magg Loris Baldi, 4ª Sqn, 2° GC,
of liveries. All are • G-10, Wk Nr 491356, Magg Adriano Aviano, February 1945
Aeronautic Nazionale Visconti, 3ª Sqn, 1° GC, Lonate
Repubblicana airframes Pozzolo, February 1945
– this being the air • G-14/AS, Wk Nr 785039/3-13, 3ª
force of the puppet Sqn, 1° GC, Lonate Pozzolo,
state commanded by March 1945
Germany in the late- • G-14, Wk Nr 491461/1-10, 1ª Sqn, 1°
war period. As such, GC, Malpensa, March 1945
Balkenkreuz, modified • G-14/AS, Wk Nr 785853/Blue 1, 1ª
wing insignia and Sqn, 1° GC, Malpensa, April 1945
tricolore flags are • G-10, Wk Nr 491493/2-8, 2ª Sqn, 1°
supplied, along with GC, Vizzola Ticino, May 1945
Messerschmitt Bf 109Gs of Werk Nummers, airframe characters, • G-6, Yellow 8, 2ª Sqn, 2° GC,
the Aeronautica Nazionale unit emblems and some stencil Cascina Vaga, June 1944
Repubblicana elements – all are printed superbly • G-6, White 5, 3ª Sqn, 2° GC,
By: Euro Decals Scale: 1/32 with bright, strong tones and perfect Villafranca, July 1944
Item no: ED-32130 Price: £28.95 register. One minor quibble is that • G-6, Black 2, 1ª Sqn, 2° GC,
Web: www.fantasyprintshop.co.uk no upper/lower painting instructions Villafranca, October 1944
HAULING FOKKER VARIED GENERALS

Airlift International F27 includes all the black de-icing
By: Decales Global Scale: 1/144 ‘boot’ sections on the wing and
Item no: DG14224 Price: $10 vertical stabiliser. As is usual
Web: https://joydecals/com from this firm, the markings are
printed on a single sheet of
Airliner aficionados looking for carrier film, so each item must
an unusual scheme for their be cut from the surrounding
1/144 Doyusha, Eastern Express, backing prior to application. Basic
F-RSIN or Welsh Models Fokker airframe stencils, plus windows
F27 Friendships may wish to and access doors/hatches are
consider this Decales Global supplied, but builders will need
product for defunct carrier Airlift to check the references for other
International. Modellers will fuselage and wing labelling.
need to refer to the kit painting Being laser-printed, it may
guide for the wing and engine be necessary to neaten the M47 Patton 4 Middle East selection includes alternative serials/
nacelle colours, but the fuselage boundaries on the larger War & Peace hull numbers and markings to
is overall white, onto which black markings as these can By: Star Decals Scale: 1/35 augment the main set of options:
the decals are added – this occasionally appear slightly rough. Item no: 35C-1088 Price: US$9 • Yellow B-45, Possibly 2nd Marine
Web: www.star-decals.net Tank Bn, US Army, NATO Exercise,
Turkey, 1953
This evocatively titled Star Decals • 824069 Cambronne, 8e Régiment
set provides for a varied array of de Dragons, French Army, Op
M47 Patton tank liveries, suitable Musketeer, Port Said, Egypt, 1956
for kits by Italeri, Revell, Tamiya • 12th Tank Regt, Jordanian Army,
and Takom, among others. Items West Bank, Six-Day War, 1967
are held on a pair of sheets, with all • 235101, 39th Div Tank Bn, Turkish
featuring perfect register and strong Army, Invasion of Cyprus, 1974
tones, although the company’s • 121906/AFET, Turkish Army, 1964
usual matt carrier film is employed, • Jordanian Army, West Bank,
so silvering may be an issue. The Six-Day War, 1967

Landing light
Cockpit panels
Flickering exhaust
Original soundtrack
Wings & Tail navigation lights
Anti-collision lights
Time
to Jet !
ON THE SHELF
LOCKED AWAY GLITTERING DELTA VISION RHINO’S TAIL

‘BOOTS’ F-4B Phantom Early Fin Tip
B-29 Superfortress Wheels Fairing and Rudder (Separate)
Diamond Tread By: CMK Scale: 1/48
By: Plus Model Scale: 1/72 Item no: 4431 Price: €7.30
Item no: AL7047 Price: €8.11 Web: www.cmkkits.com
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
US Field Safe While Tamiya’s newly tooled
By: Hauler Scale: 1/48 Boeing B-29s had two main styles 1/48 F-4B Phantom II has gained
Item no: HLX48394 Price: €7.82 of undercarriage wheels, with many plaudits, one problem
Web: www.hauler.cz radial or diamond tread, and it’s F-106A Vacu Canopy for those building the kit is the
the latter provided in this all-resin By: Brengun Scale: 1/144 lack of provision for the early-
Hauler’s 1/48 Field Safe accessory set from Plus Model. While no kit Item no: BRL144151 Price: €5.26 style tailfin fairing. Happily, CMK
is a surprisingly detailed is specified, the fittings appear Web: www.brengun.cz has catered for this need with
representation of a standard close to the Academy offering, this resin set. Along with the
design employed by US Army so will need alteration for Airfix’s Intended for the F-Toys/Platz kit, this extra section fitted to the top of
forces on combat operations, so older product. The mainwheels pair of vacuum-formed canopies the vertical stabiliser, there is
is perfect for diorama builders or each come in three parts, with is ideal for upgrading the pair of a separate cast rudder (which
adding visual interest to quarter- separate inner and outer hubs, offerings supplied in the latter firm’s allows for posing/deflection),
scale models. While the armoured which should ease painting, while F-106A Delta Dart package. One plus a small photo-etched brass
casing is supplied in resin (the door the nosewheels are single-piece is a closed representation of the fret supplying hinges for this
and combination are separate cast items. A pre-cut paint mask set is glazing, while the other is a two- component. Note, cutting away
components), an interior shelving also included. part replica allowing for an open the styrene rudder is required.
section is provided in the form of canopy – both feature crystal-clear
photo-etched brass. While this transparent sections, aiding vision
involves careful bending and fiddly into the models. Removal from the
installation into the cast casing, the surrounding material will require
appearance is superb. care, while the use of white glue
such as PVA will avoid any ‘fogging’
on the clear material. ‘WELLIE’ BITS
BUSY PROBES Wellington Mk.II
By: Eduard Scale: 1/72
TRIM WEIGHT Item no: 73766 Price: £11.34
ZERO ARMAMENT Web: www.eduard.com
A6M2 Cannon Barrels and Cockpit
Guns Following Airfix’s
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 latest version of
Item no: 648723 Price: £4.16 its 1/72 Vickers
Web: www.eduard.com Wellington kit,
Eduard has
F-16XL/F-CK-1 Prototype Pitot Eduard has jumped on the adjusted its
Tube & AOA Probes increasing trend of 3D-printed photo-etched
By: Master Model Scale: 1/72 modelling accessories, with these upgrade set to
Item no: AM-72-131 Price: £5.20 weapon parts for its recent 1/48 suit this Merlin-
Web: www.master-model.pl Mitsubishi A6M Zero kits one of the Bf 109F/G/K Aileron engined variant.
latest additions. The set provides Mass Balances In typical fashion, there are two frets
Pitot tubes on prototype aircraft a pair of the fuselage-mounted By: BarracudaCast Scale: 1/32 – a pre-coloured example provides
are complex items, with various machine guns, featuring full breech Item no: BR32471 Price: $8.95 instrument panels, consoles and
protrusions and vanes to allow detail and perforated barrels, plus Web: www.barracudacast.com seat harnesses for the interior
developers to record how the outlets for the wing cannons – these but appears unchanged from
aircraft performs; as such, they protrude slightly Delicate items such as mass previous iterations. Undecorated
are challenging to replicate in from the leading balances can easily be broken or brass components also feature
styrene form. Master Model’s edge. As such, lost, even in larger scales, which considerable carry-over from
turned brass and photo- there are four makes these teardrop-shaped preceding versions, but there has
etched brass replacement for resin parts and protrusions from Barracuda been modification and expansion to
either Monogram’s F-16XL or three small manna from heaven to replace suit the Rolls-Royce engine nacelles.
Kiddyland’s F-CK-1 provides the photo-etched damaged or missing items.
main pitot in the former material brass items (one There are eight in total, held
and the attitude vanes in the latter is a spare) for on two casting blocks, with this
– modellers will just need to drill a the full weapons style suitable for any 1/32 Bf
hole in the radome. Three angle- – detail is 109F/G or K kit – simply remove
of-attack probes are included for therefore fine from the surrounding resin and
the fuselage sides. and crisp. secure with superglue.

ON THE SHELF | Accessories
CARRIER FOLDS TINY ‘ANTLERS’ FLOTATION THIS IS GROUND

SQUARE CONTROL
FuG 220 Antennas
By: Shelf Oddity Scale: 1/144 MAN EMMA FSA 70 Mobile
Item no: SO51445 Price: €4 Tower
Web: www.shelfoddity.com By: Brengun Scale: 1/144
Item no: BRL144132 Price: €18.44
A6M2 Zero Model 21 Folding Delicate structures such as Web: www.brengun.cz
Wingtips early air-intercept radar dipoles
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 are difficult to replicate in 1/144 German Kriegsmarine Liferaft/ Modellers with Revell’s 1/144
Item no: 648731 Price: £4.16 scale, so this Shelf Oddity set Rettungsfloss Bundeswehr Vehicles set are in
Web: www.eduard.com will be most welcome. The single By: CMK Scale: 1/72 for a treat, courtesy of Brengun,
photo-etched brass fret supplies Item no: N72038 Price: €8.30 with a neat conversion that turns
It was perhaps surprising Eduard enough aerials for two arrays – Web: www.cmkkits.com the MAN 650 cargo truck into a
didn’t include a folding wingtip one configuration is intended mobile air traffic control vehicle,
option in its recent 1/48 Mitsubishi for Bf 110G night-fighters, while While Revell’s 1/72 S-100 has as found on many Cold War
A6M Zero Model 21 kits, but the the second is suitable for Do earned many plaudits, some airfields and field deployments.
Czech firm has produced these 217 and Ju 88G kits. Instructions items are in need of upgrading, The open cargo deck is replaced
aftermarket examples for the carrier- are supplied on the company such as the rigid liferaft. CMK by a resin box-bodied cabin,
based fighter aircraft. The set is website, with clear guidance on has stepped up to the mark with the ‘tower’ window frames
another addition to the company’s positioning and alignment. with this lovely four-piece replicated in photo-etched brass
ever-expanding range of 3D-printed replacement, comprising a – a pre-printed acetate sheet
accessories, with the tips and the single resin square ‘ring’ – with supplies the glazing. Various
folding mechanism produced in integrally cast handles and ropes alterations to the vehicle front
this manner and featuring excellent – plus photo-etched brass straps include a new cab top, radiator
engraved detail. However, for a replicating the fabric base and facing and bumper.
simpler approach, a photo-etched separate oars. This will make
brass facing can be used to replace for a noticeable upgrade given
the addition to the mainplane – this its prominent position on the
could prove useful as it will neaten S-boat’s deck.
the edge where the styrene tip has
to be removed.
YAK PANEL
AMERICAN
EXHAUST ARMAMENTS BRADLEY BLING
OPENINGS
Mk.33 3” Automatic Twin Gun (x2) M2A2 Bradley
By: Black Cat Models Scale: 1/350 By: Hauler Scale: 1/72
Item no: AC350096a Price: €10.79 Item no: HLH72128
Web: www.blackcatmodels.eu Price: €13.55
Web: www.hauler.cz
Black Cat Models’ range of Yak-1B Late
P-40E Warhawk & Kittyhawk 3D-printed maritime accessories By: Yahu Models Scale: 1/72 Hauler’s two-fret photo-
Mk.Ia Exhausts now features US Navy fittings, Item no: YMA7318 Price: £2.50 etched (PE) set is
By: CMK Scale: 1/72 such as these Mk.33 versions of Web: www.yahumodels.com designed for the Revell
Item no: Q72335 Price: €3 the 3”/50 caliber gun (denoting 3in M2 kit and provides
Web: www.cmkkits.com shells fired from a barrel that was Part of Yahu’s popular and a comprehensive upgrade to the
50 times the length of the calibre). easy-to-use ‘JustStick’ range, styrene components. Much of the
Intended for sister-company There are a pair of these fittings this one-piece, pre-cut and integrally moulded detail on the hull
Special Hobby’s recent 1/72 and, unusually, these are three- pre-coloured instrument panel is replaced by much finer PE items,
P-40E kits, this quick and easy part representations, with each makes decorating the interior of from mudguards to the driver’s
upgrade supplies three pair of weapon separate from the one- a 1/72 Yak-1B kit a breeze. Detail hatch, rear-hull and turret stowage
exhaust nozzles for each side piece mount. As expected, detail is superb, with recessed dial boxes, plus fittings for optics, gun
of the airframe. As might be is incredibly fine, with the control bezels featuring legible readouts muzzle and light covers. However,
expected from this resin offering, mechanisms and breech sections and a gloss effect that suggests the biggest change is to the side
the detail is far superior – each most impressive. However, with the appearance of glass skirts, with an option for single-
pipe section has an integrally such small pieces and structures, coverings over each. Perhaps or multi-panel versions, to which
cast seam on the outer edge removal from the printing block best of all, the ‘instruction’ are added 66 bolt heads on each
plus a hollowed tip (the styrene and handling must be careful. sheet includes comparisons side, plus carriage handles for the
parts are just flat at the nozzle). with styrene panels from ZTS smaller plates.
Care will be needed when Plastyk, Mister Craft, Brengun,
removing each part from the Amodel and Arma Hobby kits,
casting block, but otherwise making modification and fitting
preparation is minimal. exceptionally easy.

ON THE SHELF
FIXED FIRING WRECK SMOOTH RUBBER DEUTSCHE

CLEARANCE DIRECTIONS
US Navy WWII Flightdeck Carrier German Traffic Signs 1930s-40s
Tilly Crane By: MiniArt Scale: 1/35
By: Black Cat Models Item no: 35633 Price: £12.99
Scale: 1/350 Web: www.miniart-models.com
Browning cal.50 Fixed Item no: AC350107 Price: €8.29
By: GasPatch Models Scale: 1/72 Web: www.blackcatmodels.eu Perfect for diorama builders
Item no: 19-72205 Price: €6
working on German World
Web: www.gaspatchmodels.com A common sight on US Navy War Two or post-war scenes,
Beaufighter Mk.I/VI Mainwheels
carriers during World War Two, MiniArt’s 1930s-40s road
Part of the firm’s ‘Elite Accessories’ Early Wheel Disc/Smooth Tyre
the Tilly crane was vital for signs provide a range of
line, these M2 .50 cal Browning By: CMK Scale: 1/48
clearing wreckage from the street names, directional and
machine guns from GasPatch add Item no: 4436 Price: €7.36
deck. This exquisite 3D-printed driving instruction symbols on
to something of a mini-range of Web: www.cmkkits.com
offering comes as a five- appropriate posts. There are
this weapon type, with this set piece ensemble that features three sets of duplicated runners,
featuring fixed mounted examples. Designed for Revell’s quarter-
excellent detail, plus a seven- with the first supplying square,
There are a pair of guns, with scale Beaufighter kits, these resin
man handling team that includes rectangular and round facings,
each comprising four 3D-printed wheels form an ideal and easy-
two seated driver figures. the second including arrow-
resin parts – a pair of barrels to-use upgrade for the aircraft’s
Instructions are available via the shaped and triangular examples
with different muzzle profiles undercarriage. Both are three-part
firm’s website. Any carrier scene and the third offering rectangular
is supplied for each weapon. fittings, with the inner and outer hub
will be enlivened by this high- and further directional signs.
Detail is superb, with the breech faces separate – the outer section
quality addition and assembly Decals are supplied to decorate
featuring engraved detail, a short features a five-spoke design that
appears straightforward. each marker.
ammunition belt including visible incorporates convincing depth.
rounds, while the barrels exhibit The tyres are also well-detailed,
perforated cooling sleeves. with annular ribbing and embossed
Dunlop labelling on the sidewalls –
the tread is smooth, while weighted
DROP-IN PANELS flat-spots ensure alignment and an
attractive scale appearance.
METEOR MASKS
DAUNTLESS COLOUR OF
WHEELS DANGER
SBD-5 Wheels Remove Before Flight III
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48 By: Plus Model Scale: 1/48
Item no: 648713 Price: £4.16 Item no: AL4108 Price: €5.08
Web: www.eduard.com Web: www.plusmodel.cz
AW Meteor NF Mk.11/12/13
Designed for the Accurate These quarter-scale ‘Remove Before
By: Special Mask Scale: 1/72
Miniatures Douglas SBD Dauntless Flight’ tags from Plus Model are
Item no: M72031 Price: €4.30
kit – which has also been re-boxed unusual in that they are paper rather
Gladiator Mk.I Early Web: www.cmkkits.com
by Eduard, Revell, Italeri and than photo-etched metal, but even
By: Yahu Models Scale: 1/32
Academy – these resin wheels form on the backing sheet they retain the
Item no: YMA3259 Price: £10.60 Modellers with Special Hobby’s
an ideal upgrade for the attractive appearance of representations in
Web: www.yahumodels.com Armstrong-Whitworth Meteor
but quarter-century old kit. All the latter form. The advantage these
night-fighter kits will appreciate
parts are resin – the mainwheels have over metal components is the
Yahu has arguably surpassed this set from subsidiary firm
are two-piece affairs with the outer thinness of the paper, which allows
itself with this top-quality Special Mask, which provides for
hub separate, and there is a choice for a better in-scale appearance –
replacement set for ICM’s early the canopy and undercarriage
of smooth, covered examples or furthermore, it eases touching-up
Gladiator. The two-piece drop- in any iteration. All items are
uncovered with six spokes. Detail the colour where an individual item
in instrument panel is as fine as pre-cut and feature a self-
is superb, with the tyre tread and is removed. However, these will be
we’ve come to expect, coming adhesive backing, so there
Goodyear sidewall logos standouts. fiddly to handle and attach, and
pre-painted in the early wooden is no measurement involved
A tailwheel is also supplied, they lack the strength and rigidity
tone and assembled with even and application is trouble-free.
featuring a neat one-sided castor provided by PE examples.
the dial glazing, but it’s the Instructions are supplied for
ancillary equipment that stands mechanism and a fuselage fairing. correct placement, with just
out, from the cleverly designed minor liquid masking required
strip gauge to the separate for sections on the main canopy.
compass (replacing kit part D18) With careful use, the set may
plus controls. This will enliven be suitable for re-application on
the cockpit interior considerably. another kit.

THE HEREFORD MODEL
CENTRE
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Tel: 01432 352809
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EMAIL US ON: sales@herefordmodelcentre.co.uk
(9:30am til 5pm) www.herefordmodels.com
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Paint Ranges from • Vallejo
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• Ammo by MIG Jimenez • Revell
Tamiya. • The Army Painter Company
www.bombcathobby.com
Via Raffaele De Cesare, 99 - 00179 Roma // +39 06 8629 2644 • Humbrol • Mr Hobby • Tamiya.
Feel free to change styling or layout if you think a slightly different layout would wo
better or add other labels as you see fit
Hurricane Mk II a/b/c
preorder at www.armahobby.com
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ON THE SHELF
AFV CLUB (www.bachmann.co.uk) CMK (www.cmkkits.com) 1/35 HAULER (www.hauler.cz)
1/48 1/72 3525 MD 500 Defender 1/48
AR48112 U-2A Dragon Lady 7490 Beaufighter Mk.II Late Type (Airfix) 6757 T-34/76 Mod.1943 w/Commander HLX48404 Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn (Tamiya)
Cupola No.183 Factory
7499 Lancaster Mk.I/III Mainwheels and
AIRFIX (www.airfix.co.uk) Tailskid w/Wheel 6817 M7 Priest Early Production
ITALERI (www.hobbyco.net)
1/35 P72001 Focke Wulf Fw 190A/D Seat
1/72
A1376 Sturmpanzer IV Brummbär Q72399 Focke Wulf Fw 190D-9 Exhausts
1463 V-22A Osprey
‘mid-version’ (IBG)
1/48
Q72400 Focke Wulf Fw 190D Main Wheels
(IBG) 2817 MiG-27/MiG-23BN Flogger
1/48
4449 Lancaster Mk,I/III Exhausts (HKM)
6965 Sd.Kfz.171 Pz.Bef.Wg Panther w/
1/32 Zimmerit
5144 M35 Armament Subsystem Upgrade
AH-1G (ICM/Revell) EDUARD (www.eduard.com)
ARMA HOBBY 1/48

(www.armahobby.com) DEAD DESIGN MODELS 82182 Z-226MS Trenér
(www.deaddesignmodels.com) 1/35
1/72
1/72 5621 SLC Maiale with Crew
70040 F-6C Mustang ‘Expert Set’
NM72 031 Mosquito B.XVI Canopy Mask 5623 MTM Barchino with Crew
(Airfix) 6589 M109 A2/A3/G
NM72 035 HP Victor (all versions) Canopy 1/24
Mask (Airfix)
3622 VW Golf GTI First Series 1976/78
NM72 037 A-4E/F Skyhawk (Has)
VM72 137 G4M1 Betty Canopy Mask (Has)
1/48 ICM (www.hobbycraft.net)
NM48 046 B-26K Counter Invander 1/48
BRENGUN (www.brengun.cz) National Markings & Insignia (ICM) 48278 B-26K Counter Invader (early)
1/144 NM48 065 Bf 109E-4 Canopy Mask
(Wingsy)
BRL144173 Fiat G.50 (Mark I)
NM48 070 OV-10D Bronco Markings &
BRL144174 WWII German Tank Tools 3663 Mercedes Benz G230 Feuerwehr
National Insignias Mast (ICM)
BRP144017 Messerschmitt Me 309V-4
NM48 071 Vampire F.3 Canopy Mask (Airfix) 3957 Volvo V12 Intercooler Low Roof +
Accessories
UC 48 020 A6M2b Model 21 Rei Sen/Zero
Undercarriage Bay Mask (Eduard)
1/32 1/32 KP (www.kovozavody.cz)
NM32 018 In & Out A-4E/F Skyhawk Canopy AH-1G ‘Arctic Cobra’ 1/72
Mask (Trumpeter) 1/35 KPM0282 Miles M.2H Hawk Major ‘Over
NM32 026 In & Out A6M2b Rei Sen/Zero Spain’
35010 Truck Body Military Vehicle (KUNG)
Canopy Mask (Tamiya) KPM0283 Miles M.2H Hawk Major
35572 Laffly V15T with Hotchkiss MG
1/72 ‘International’
35720 Brewster Body Shield US Infantry
BRL72262 AN/ALE-39/47
DRAGON (www.hobbyco.net)
DS3515 Battle of France, spring 1940:
BRL72263 F/A-18C/D Wheel Set
1/72 German Combat Vehicles
BRL72264 Mk.77 Napalm Tank
7636 Sd.Kfz.142 StuG.III Ausf.B
BRL72265 FuG 200
7696 Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G
BRL72266 He 162A (Special Hobby)
7697 Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G Steel Wheel w/
1/48 IR Sights
BRL48160 F-704 Buddy Tank (Early Type 7698 Befehls Panther Ausf.G
1960s-70s)
KPM0284 Miles M.2H Hawk Major ‘In
BRL48161 D-704 Buddy Tank (Late Type Military Service’
1980s-2010s) 1/24 KPM0290 Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.X
BRL48163 GBU-38 JDAM Bomb 24042 Benz Patent-Motorwagen 1886 KPM0291 Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.XI
1/32 ‘Easy version’ ‘USAAF’
BRL32046 US 74 gal Drop Tank 1/16 KPM0292 Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.
BRL32047 US 110 gal Drop Tank 16013 WW2 Assault Engineer-sapper XI ‘RAF’

ON THE SHELF | Recently released
KPM0304 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIA ‘Far 1/88 RODEN (www.bachmann.co.uk) TAMIYA (www.hobbyco.net)
from Home’
06785 Star Wars Book of Boba Fett: Boba 1/35 1/48
Fett’s Starship
816 1947 PD-3751 Silverside bus 32601 British Main Battle Tank Challenger
2 (Desertised)
SCALE AIRCRAFT
CONVERSIONS
(www.scaleaircraftconversions.com)
1/72
72192 Petlyakov Pe-8 (Zvezda)
KPM0317 Miles M..38 Messenger ‘In Civil 1/87
1/48
Service’ 02171 BR 02 & 2’2’T30 Tender
48417 Curtiss SNC-1 Falcon II (Dora Wings)
KPM0318 Miles Messenger Mk.I ‘Monty’s 1/76
48418 P-51H Mustang (Modelsvit) 32603 Tiger I Early Production (Eastern
Planes’
03297 Churchill AVRE Front)
KPM0319 Miles Messenger Mk.I ‘RAF’ 1/35
35008 Messerschmitt Bf 109G-1 (Border)
1/32
32164 AH-1G Cobra (Late) (ICM)
SPECIAL ARMOUR
(www.specialhobby.eu)
1/72 1/72 1/12
03834 F/A-18F Super Hornet SA 72027 Captured Sd.Kfz. 250 Ausf.A (Alte 14139 Team Suzuki ECSTAR GSX-RR ‘20
03340 Merkava Mk.III Ausführung)
PEEWIT
(https://peewit.wix.com/masks)
03841 F-15E Strike Eagle
1/72 SPECIAL HOBBY
1/35
75008 Messerschmitt Bf 109G
03292 Marder I – 7.5cm PaK 40 (Sf.) Auf
Undercarriage Bay Mask (AZ Model) 1/72
Geschützwagen FCM 36(f)
75013 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc SH 72406 Piaggio P.108B ‘Quadrimotore’
03337 Unimog 2t milgl
Undercarriage Bay Mask (Airfix) 1/48
77004 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc
SH 48212 Siebel Si 204E German Night
camouflage mask (Airfix)
Bomber & Trainer
TORO MODEL
(www.toro-model.pl.com)
M72266 Henschel Hs 126A/B Canopy Mask
(Sabre Kits) 1/35
M72264 Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 Canopy 35F146 Polish Cavalry Officer in Charge (3)
Mask (Special Hobby)
M72265 Harvard Canopy Mask (Special 1/32 TRUMPETER
Hobby) (www.bachmann.co.uk)
03827 DH 82A Tiger Moth
M72268 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc 1/700
Canopy Mask (Airfix)
06722 HMS Type 23 Frigate – Monmouth
1/48 SPECIAL MASK (F235)
41001 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I/II
Undercarriage Bay Mask (Eduard) 1/72
M72039 Gloster Meteor Mk.8/9 (SH/MPM)
REVELL (www.revell.de/en)
03837 Stearman PT-17 Kaydet
1/700 SUYATA
1/25 (www.bachmann.co.uk)
05231 Queen Mary 2
07712 ’69 Camaro SS 396 No scale
05178 Wasp Class US Navy Assault Carrier
1/35
HP001 Arya
09593 L4500A mit 3.7cm Flak 37
SL002 Titanic Port Scene & Vehicle
1/24
1/144
07516 Mercedes-Benz 1625 TLF 24/50 Fire
05177 Type XXI German Submarine Tender

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AIRFIX MODEL WORLD BASIC GUIDE TO MODELLING B-17G FLYING FORTRESS
A brilliant fully illustrated guide With over 150 photographs,

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DISPLAY CASE
DISPLAY CASE
1 2
vehicle used on airfields – hence

A selection of classic
3 the need for visibility from large and
World War Two military often unwieldy aircraft!
vehicles and aircraft
makes for another fine 4 Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc
Convincing weathering can take
array of reader projects years to master, but 12-year-old
this month Harry Ward seems to be
firmly on the path to
NEXT success, as his 1/72
1 Arma Hobby North
American Mustang
MONTH Airfix Spitfire Mk.Vc
The next issue of Airfix demonstrates.
Mk.III
Model World (issue 142) This recent kit was
Adding to those
will be on sale in UK finished with custom
who’ve enjoyed Arma
shops on August 4 shades mixed from
Hobby’s superlative new
Tamiya and Humbrol
1/72 P-51B/C Mustang kit,
paints, with oils used to
Peter Flint used Mr. Color
add signs of wear and tear.
paints, pencil-applied chipping and
Flory Models’ Black wash to finish
his take on an Australian-operated
Mk.III. FB244/CV-V was flown by the
RAAF’s 3 Squadron from Fano, Italy,
during 1944.
2 Tamiya Type 82 Kübelwagen

Simon Webb tackled Tamiya’s 1/35
Kübelwagen – a kit first released in
1997 – in an out-of-the-box project.
The Volkswagen-designed vehicle
4
was captured with convincing
painting highlighting the raised
bodywork sections and tyre tread,
while the interior and its namesake
bucket-seats were treated in a Submit YOUR project!
contrasting colour. Want to feature your recently finished
project in Airfix Model World?
3 Italeri Willys Jeep Send a high-quality photo (1MB or
Madrid, Spain-based modeller larger) of the model against a white
Raúl Rodríguez González added background and tell us about any
scratch-built detail to enhance aftermarket products or special
Italeri’s Willys Jeep, including the techniques. Up to four per month will
canvas ‘hood’, fire extinguisher, appear in the magazine, with more
radio, engine and other small online at: www.keymodelworld.com
fittings, plus the backdrop. The Email your submissions to:
striking livery is that of a ‘Follow Me’ stuart.fone@keypublishing.com

NEW
MOULD 1:3 5
AUSTI N K2 / Y AM BULANCE
A13 75 AUSTIN K2/ Y AMBULANCE
One of the most famous vehicles of its type, the Austin K2/Y Ambulance was used extensively by
British and Commonwealth forces throughout WWII, both in the combat zones of the world and on
the home front. Built around the chassis of the Austin K30 light truck, the casualty compartment was
developed in conjunction with the Royal Army Medical Corps and therefore proved to be highly
functional. Able to carry either four stretcher cases or ten seated casualties, one of the main reasons
AUSTIN K2/Y AMBULANCE
30 Corps, Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Service Corps, why the K2/Y was so successful was because it was so rugged and reliable, requiring only a
North West Europe, 1944. minimum of maintenance - an ambulance should always be ready when you need it.
The rear cabin was typically constructed of painted canvas on
a timber frame, with the highly visible
red cross on a white disk
positioned prominently on all
sides to hopefully ensure the
vehicles occupants didn’t
AUSTIN K2/Y AMBULANCE come under fire.
British Army, North Africa, 1940.
AUSTIN K2/Y AMBULANCE

British Army, Alexandria, Egypt, 1942.
AUSTIN K2/Y AMBULANCE Special Features Include:

Auxiliary Territorial Service, England, 1944. •PHOTO-ETCHED PARTS
Length 178mm Width 68mm Pieces 146
•INTERIOR DETAIL
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EXCLUSIVE AIRFIX’S

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26 Out and About – Final Flourish

30 Intermediate Build – Flying Banana Republic

40 The Next Step – Dispelling Enamel Myths

48 Out and About – Museum Wonders

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56 Out and About – We’re Back!

58 Exclusive Build – Katy

66 Basic Build – Habu of the Skies

74 Basic Build – Fancy Fishbed

82 Basic Build – Sturmvogel on Steroids

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