Sami 2020-04

UNDER NEW
OWNERSHIP! THE LATEST

NEWS & REVIEWS
‘BLACK MIKE’
Airfix’s 1/72 Phantom FG.1
FIRST LOOKS
• 1/32 IBG PZL.11C
• 1/48’Dora Wings Lockheed Vega 5c
AMP 1/48 Supermarine S.5 Schneider Racer
• 1/72 Eduard VSB Kunkadlo (Plus a chance to
win a copy of the ultra rare ‘Tim’s Edition’)
QUICK BUILD
GONE IN A FLASH
1/48 Kinetic Gold F/A-18D ATARS
March/April
SPECIAL
ISSUE!
OUT OF
AFRIKA
BF 109
ALSO INSIDE!
GRASSHOPPER - MiniArt’s 1/35
Fw C.30A Heuschrecke
SPARROWHAWK – Italeri’s 1/72
Savoia Marchetti S.79
Vol 26 Issue 3/4 £6.99
MARCH/APRIL 2020
Printed in UK
FRENCH NAVY FLYER ME CASA

Kinetic’s 1/48 Super Étendard Special Hobby’s 1/72 CASA 212-100
MISSION
MODELS
PREMIUM HOBBY PAINTS, PRIMERS & ADDITIVES
CHANGE
THE
WAY
YOU
PAINT
WATER BASED ACRYLIC, ODORLESS, NON-TOXIC
WWW.MISSIONMODELSUS.COM
Please visit our website above for dealer locations
Model by David Parker
WELCOME
Welcome to...
Scale Aviation Modeller International
March/April 2020 Volume 26 Issue 3/4
elcome to the first issue of your have looked carefully at new page layouts here
W ‘new look’ SAMI as we move into

a new era for the magazine, and
we kick off with a special double
issue for your enjoyment! First of all, you will see
from the cover we are now ‘Under New Ownership’
as well in order to make these more readable
and accessible. From an editorial standpoint, I am
very pleased to be on board with my fellow editor
David Francis and also our now assistant Editor
Tim Upson-Smith, and we will also be welcoming
as SAMI, and our sister publication Scale Military new contributors for our build features and review
Modeller, as well as all of the associated Datafile sections, alongside some more familiar names!
and Scaled Down book series are now under the David and I would also be pleased to hear from
banner of ‘MA Publications’, who also produce anyone who would like to join the review team, and
ANDY EVANS, GROUP EDITOR Model Aircraft Magazine and the excellent Model you can contact us at andy@modelaircraftmag.
andy@modelaircraftmag.com Aircraft Extra modelling books. MA Publications com, david@modelaicraftmag.com or tim@
may be a new name to many of you, but they are modelaircraftmag.com. So, with this new format we
forward thinking and have a lot of great ideas aim to continue to bring you all the latest aircraft
to bring to the titles, and as such we have some modelling news from around the world, backed
exciting times ahead! Also, as you will see as you up with previews and reviews of the latest kits,
read on, we have had a bit of a makeover - both decals and accessories, as well building on our
inside and out - and we also now have a dynamic popular ‘first look’ and ‘quick build’ features. This
new cover design with a superb artwork from month we have a host of excellent model projects
Christian Zambruno, and Christian will be providing to bring you, including a cover build of Eduard’s 1/48
a stunning cover every month, so look out for some Bf 109F-4 and Airfix’s latest ‘Black Mike’ Phantom
really eye-catching front pages to come! We have FG.1, plus a chance to win an exclusive, and ultra-
also redesigned the page layouts to make them rare 1/72 ‘Tim’s Edition’ Eduard VSB Kunkaldo! So,
more ‘user friendly’ and from listening to your on behalf of David, Tim and myself, we hope you
feedback, we have now moved all of the ‘news enjoy this double issue and happy modelling!
and previews’ sections to their more ‘traditional’
place the front of the magazine. All of the build Andy Evans
and review sections now follow on, and again we
SUBSCRIBE – SEE PAGE 56

SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL 3
CONTENTS
52
58
76
106
66
96
80
FEATURES
52 Gone in a Flash 76 French Navy Flyer 90 Winter Yak
A Quickbuild of Kinetic Gold’s 1/48 F/A-18D Fabian Flemming builds the 1/48 Kinetic Huw Morgan builds the 1/48 Zvezda Yak-1B
ATARS Super Étendard Modernisé
96 Zero by Numbers
58 Out of Africa 80 Me Casa! Angel Exposito builds the FineMolds 1/72
Ben Smith looks at the Eduard 1/48 BF 109F-4 Vitor Costa guides you through painting Mitsubishi A6M1 Prototype
and weathering the 1/72 Special Hobby
66 Black Mike CASA 212-100 with Portuguese Tail Art 100 Legacy Bug Bandit
Jezz Coleman takes a look at the recent Snorre Sandviken builds the 1/48 HobbyBoss
1/72 Airfix Phantom FG.1 86 German Grasshopper F/A-18A in the markings of VFC-12
Iwan Hughes builds the 1/35 MiniArt Focke-
70 Sparrowhawk Wulf FW C.30A Heuschrecke 106 Boom and Bite
Huw Morgan builds the 1/72 Italeri Savoia Iwan Hughes builds the 1/48 Trumpeter De
Marchetti S.79 Havilland Vampire FB Mk.5
4 SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL

CONTENTS
REGULARS
LATEST NEWS
NEWS CENTRE
...ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS ...ALL THE
FIRST LOOKS
FIRST LOOKS – PAGE 12
70 LATEST NEWS – PAGE 8
All the latest

news from
around the
WIN A
CROAKER!
world
KIT REVIEWS
Your chance to win an
example of the ultra
rare Tim’s Edition VBŠ
Kuňkadlo. - See Page 17
7LOOKS
FIRST
ACCESSORIES
NEW KITS PREVIEWED!
KIT REVIEWS – PAGE 22
1/144 Revell Lockheed Two-Seat Starfighter

1/72 Italeri Harrier GR.1
1/72 Dora Wings TP63E Kingcobra
1/72 AZ Model Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4
DECALS
1/72 RS Models NAA-57 P-2
1/48 Tamiya Lockheed P-38 F/G Lightning
1/48 Revell Ju-52 Transport
1/48 Eduard Messerschmitt Bf 108 ‘Taifun’
1/48 Italeri Messerschmitt Bf 110C/D
BOOK REVIEWS
KITS
REVIEWED!
ACCESSORIES – PAGE 38
DECALS – PAGE 44 BOOK REVIEWS – PAGE 48
All the latest
accessories All the latest
from 13 different decals from
companies 7 different
companies
8 BOOKS
REVIEWED
8 Latest News
All the latest news from
around the world
86
12 First Looks
A preview of
upcoming and new
releases
22 Kit Reviews
The SAMI review team
build and assess a
variety of models
38 Accessories
An assortment of
new accessories from
various companies
100 44 Decals
The latest decal releases
from around the world
48 Book Reviews
SAMI’s monthly look at
new books
110 IPMS (UK)

Presented by Chris
Ayre on behalf of The
International Plastic
Modellers’ Society (UK)
114 Back Page

Diary of upcoming
shows and find out
what’s coming next
month?
90 SUBSCRIBE NOW!
SEE PAGE 56

OUT
THE GRUMMAN
F-14 TOMCAT
NO W
!
A C O MP R EH E NS I V E G U I D E
New and Updated MDF 35

by Andy Evans TOMCAT
DA ND
missiles was never

£24.99
B
y popular demand the original F-14
Modellers Datafile • 35
+ P&P
UP EW A
TED
N
Datafile has been updated with new THE GRUMMAN used, as there was never
images and fresh information and with
new kits now being available – more model
F-14 TOMCAT
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
a threat requirement to engage
six hostile targets simultaneously and the load
builds have been added. Immortalised by the by Andy Evans was too heavy to safely recover aboard an aircraft
film ‘Top Gun’, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat was carrier in the event that the missiles were not
an iconic American supersonic, twin-engine, fired. During the height of Cold War operations
two-seat, twin-tail, variable-sweep wing fighter in the late 1970s and 1980s, the typical weapon
aircraft. Developed for the US Navy after the loadout on carrier-deployed F-14s was usually only
collapse of the F-111B project, it was designed one AIM-54 Phoenix, augmented by two AIM-9
to incorporate the air combat experience gained Sidewinders, two AIM-7 Sparrow IIIs, a full loadout
against MiG fighters during the Vietnam War. of 20mm ammunition and two drop tanks. The
The F-14 first flew on 21 December 1970 and Phoenix missile was used twice in combat over Iraq
made its first deployment in 1974, replacing in 1999, but the missiles did not score any kills.
the F-4 Phantom. The F-14 served as the The Tomcat was also sold to Iran, who made use of
Navy’s primary maritime air superiority fighter, the Phoenix system, claiming dozens of kills with it
fleet defence interceptor, and tactical aerial during the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War. This revised
reconnaissance platform into the 1990s. The and updated Datafile one not to be missed!
M DF
35
F-14 TOMCAT
Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared

Cover for illustrative purposes only
for Night (LANTIRN) pod system were added
in the 1990s and the Tomcat began performing
precision ground-attack missions as the ‘Bombcat’ The F-14 was
equipped with an internal 20mm M61 Vulcan Gatling cannon
mounted on the left side, and could carry the AIM-
54 Phoenix ‘fire and forget’ missile as well
as the, AIM-7 Sparrow, and AIM-9
Sidewinder. Operationally, the
capability to hold up to six Phoenix
M DF
35
ORDER HOTLINE: 44 (0)1234 331431
F-14 TOMCAT ORDER ONLINE: www.modelaircraftmag.com
LATEST NEWS
NEWS CENTRE
...ALL THE LATEST NEWS & REVIEWS ...ALL THE
FIRST LOOKS
FIRST LOOKS – PAGE 12
LATEST NEWS – PAGE 8
All the latest

news from WIN A
around the
world CROAKER!
KIT REVIEWS
Your chance to win an
example of the ultra
rare Tim’s Edition VBŠ
Kuňkadlo. - See Page 17
7 FIRST
LOOKS
ACCESSORIES
NEW KITS PREVIEWED!
KIT REVIEWS – PAGE 22
1/144 Revell Lockheed Two-Seat Starfighter

1/72 Italeri Harrier GR.1
1/72 Dora Wings TP63E Kingcobra
1/72 AZ Model Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4
DECALS
1/72 RS Models NAA-57 P-2
1/48 Tamiya Lockheed P-38 F/G Lightning
1/48 Revell Ju-52 Transport
1/48 Eduard Messerschmitt Bf 108 ‘Taifun’
1/48 Italeri Messerschmitt Bf 110C/D
9
BOOK REVIEWS
KITS
REVIEWED!
ACCESSORIES – PAGE 38
DECALS – PAGE 44 BOOK REVIEWS – PAGE 48
All the latest
accessories All the latest
from 13 different decals from
companies 7 different
companies
8 BOOKS
REVIEWED

LATEST NEWS
..NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AR
NEWS
SPECIAL HOBBY
S
pecial Hobby are
known for wanting
to get their product
right before release so
we have no accurate
MARCH /APRIL 2020
time scales for their new
announcements. That
REVELL said we have been told that the

much anticipated 1/32 Westland
Whirlwind fighter may just make
I
t is well known that
Revell has been in its debut at E Day in September
the process of some For a comprehensive list of the
major restructuring announcements from Special
over the last few Hobby see the list elsewhere in
years and they had the news section. Highlights are
no new tool kits at all the release in 1/72 scale of an
on display this year just options. We have also had all new He 162A-2 Salamander.
modifications of existing a statement of intent with The He-162 is just waiting for
tolling like the two seat an illustration for an all the runner containing the clear
F/A-18F and the addition new tool Lockheed SR-71 sprue to be finished so it should
the Supermarine Spitfire Blackbird for release in be on the Hobby Shops shelves
Mk.I to the Techniks range 1/48 scale during 2021. This very soon. A surprise Nuremberg
both in 1/32 scale and a is a subject that is sure to announcement was the 1/72
few new versions of the be popular as the long in scale Martin B-10 which is being
1.48 scale Panavia Tornado the tooth Italeri/Testor kit produced for Azur/ Frrom and appear with new decals under the
in 1/48 scale with some is really showing its age. will initially come with decals for Special Hobby label. Fans of 1/48
very attractive marking the types French Service. Along scale will not be too disappointed
with other manufacturers Special either, highlights include an all
Hobby, seem to be concentrating new tool Grunau Baby IIB/Nord
on releasing new 1/72 scale 1300 glider as well as a selection
kits. Other highlights in this of Italian Second World War
scale include a new tool Fairey fighters; these include the Re
Albacore and a A-1F Skyraider 2000 serie I, Re.2005 Sagittario
while the Azur Sea Otter will as well as the Swedish J-20
export version of the RE.2000. If
you feel the need for a Spitfire in
your collection then you might
fancy Special Hobby’s 1/48 scale
Spitfire Mk.XII which also includes
a V-1 flying bomb, I foresee lots of
SILVER WINGS dioramas featuring this pairing!
So lots to look forward to
S
ilver Wings
have supplied from Special Hobby this year
us with a and we will bring you full
selection of parts builds and reviews as soon
constructed from as the kits are released.
the first test pieces
of their new 1/32
scale DH Tiger Moth.
They have also revealed that
their next release 1/72 scale
release will be the Gloster
Gauntlet fighter. This one
will really please fans of the
Silver Wings period!

LATEST NEWS
ROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
PLUS MODEL O MEN
S
ome very interesting injection moulded drones. Both
T
hough I do not
news from Plus Model, the Ryan KDA-1 and Firebee understand
FIRST LOOKS
with the announcement BQM-34 will be available by it cartoon
that they will be producing a the time you read this. These caricatures of aircraft
range of historic 1/72 scale will make a rather colourful are all the rage at
display, mounted beneath the moment, with
the wings of their carrier several manufacturers
planes, or on the supplied producing
ground handling trolleys. this type of kit. service scheme while the
Now a new company second is a more colourful
O Men who are part off the what if. Amusingly the
KIT REVIEWS
same group of companies F-35 includes Blue Angels
as Kittyhawk and Panda markings which certainly
have just launched there suits the type even though
caricature range with two it is unlikely to ever fly the
kits, a Chinese F-20 Might F-35 in these colours as
Dragon and F-35 Lightning II. Boeing are currently building
Each kit comes with two new F-18E/F’s for the team.
marking options one an in
ACCESSORIES
DECALS
DAS WERKS
M
ost aircraft modelers
will not have heard of
Das Works a company
that has been building quite
a reputation for high quality
LUKGRAPH
BOOK REVIEWS
Military kits. Now they are moving
T
he latest
into aircraft in the shape of the release from
Junkers entry for the competition sell well. The Das Work range, Lukgraph is a
that produced the Henkel He-162 will be imported into Europe by 1/48 scale PZL I-22
Salamander in 1/32 scale. Albion Alloys and they will also Iryda training aircraft.
The Junkers Ef126/127 design import the Uschi Van De Rosten The I-22 entered
went through several changes decals for the wood effect seen service in 1992, but
and you can produce 3 versions on the unpainted example. the eight delivered were this project and sold the
from the parts in the box. Two If you are interested in all retired by 1996 when incomplete toolings to
examples powered by twin pulse stocking either items please relations between PZL and Lukgraph, who have now
jets similar to the ones on a v-1 contact Albion Alloys for details. the Polish government brought the kit to market.
and one with rocket motors in broke down ending in Marking will include
the rear fuselage. The detail on court actions from both one of the few aircraft
this kit looks sublime and though sides. This model was to reach squadron
many may think the subject a originally tooled by service in overall grey
bit exotic Luft 46 subjects do Bilmodelmakers from and the civil registered
Gdynia in Poland. They prototype in a three colour
decided not to continue camouflage scheme.
The next release
will be 1/32 scale
De Havilland Rapide
and the photographs
seen so far are
very impressive.

LATEST NEWS
..NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AR
ARMA HOBBY
A
rma Hobby’s latest releases are the
Hurricane Mk.IIc and Yakovlev Yak-1b
fighters in their 1-star Junior range.
The Junior 1-star range includes the basic
plastic parts. But no photoetched parts or
HOBBY-2000 canopy masks. Alternatively the 2-star

master boxings are also available, these
T
his new company from
Poland has launched on to the include these details as well as alternative
market with a range of 1/72 marking options and reatial for just £5
scale Junkers Ju-87 and Douglas A-4 more in the UK. So are in my view well
Skyhawk’s. Both of these kits on their worth the extra cost for the masks alone!
original release were considered the
most accurate kits available so it is
good to see them back.. And even
better at prices far cheaper in the
UK than their Japanese originals.
AEROTECH
A
erotech models have been steadily
working their way through the aircraft
that competed in the Schneider Trophy
races of the 1920s and 30s in 1/32 scale. Now
it is time for the attractive twin engined Savoi
Machetti S65 which should be released in the
spring. Though technically the S65 is not a
Schneider racer as the type had to
Let’s hope we see more kit re withdraw before the 1929 race due to
boxed like this as I am sure the technical difficulties and crashed the
Intruder, Tomcat and Cutlass to following year while being prepared the fact that still looks to be a stunning
name just three, would find a ready for the 1930 race. That does not change representation of this long forgotten type.
market with fans of the US Navy.
ZVEZDA
this will be a very
S
ince the 1980s the
only choice if you well detailed model
wanted to model the and, in my opinion,
Mil Mi-24 Hind in 1/48 scale this scale is perfect
has been the Monogram kit. for producing this
First released in 1987 this large helicopter.
kit was good for its day but This kit is expected
needs a lot of work to bring to be available in
it up to a modern standard the autumn of 2020 and I be the Airbus A-350-1000
but now you do not need am sure the aftermarket a type that is just entering
to bother as Zvezda have manufacturers are service with British Airways
announced an all new Mil- already working on and my ride to the US
24V/VP. This version was alternative markings for Nationals this year so I
the most produced Hind the many nations that may have to lay one down
variant, with over 1,500 in have operated the type. and hope someone does
service around the world. Moving down to 1/144 the decals as the kit comes
Early illustrations show that scale we will have examples with the prototype scheme.
of the Beriev Be-200 Jet Finally, in 1/48 scale we have
powered seaplane and the replacement for the Su-
the T-134 radar training 27 the fifth generation Su-57
aircraft that is fitted with a type that has carried some
Tu-22 radar nose. The very attractive schemes
main airliner release will during its development.

LATEST NEWS
ROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD... NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
BRENGUN
s ever Brengun announced some
A very interesting new kits at the
FIRST LOOKS
Toy Fair, my favourite is that the
Rutan Quickie, previously available in
1/72 scale will be scaled up to 1/48. They
also announced that there will be a very look very delicate just like the real thing.
welcome reissue of the 1/72 scale Yak-1 Finally, if you want to add a tow tractor or
with markings for ‘Aces’. Also in 1/72 scale two to your diorama then the 1/48 scale
we can look forward to a new tool Vought Tugmaster and Clark type B
Sikorsky VS-300 helicopter, some etched tractors will be very welcome
ACADEMY
brass folding will be required for this early additions to those that model British ith the F-35 now starting to
KIT REVIEWS
helicopter but the finished model will aircraft of the 1950s and 60s. enter widespread service around
the world, it is no surprise that
several manufacturers are producing
new tool examples of the F-35. And now
Academy have stepped up to the plate
with their version. One of many criticisms
CLEAR PROP leveled at many kits of the F-35 to date
lear prop had at Nuremberg. they also has been the over scale representation
C already announced revealed that they are of the RAM panels. Academy seemed to
ACCESSORIES
that they would be going to produce a 1/72 have got around this by producing the
producing a 1/48 scale scale Su-25 Frogfoot in ram panels as decals and they certainly
Douglas A-2 Skyshark. But late 2020. Much closer seem effective on the test shot model.
to release are a 1/72 scale The first of many boxing is the F-35B
Lavouchkin LA-5 and a STOVL version used by the US Marines,
Kaman UH-2B Seasprite Royal Navy and Royal Airforce and
which are both due on eventually the Singapore Air Force. The
the next few months. only downside that I can see is that the only
marking options is for US Marine squadron
DECALS
VMFA-121 ‘Green
Knights’ as I
am sure many
KITTYHAWK readers would
ittyhawk has production in 2008 have liked an
K announced
that they are
developing a 1/48 scale
and is now in service
with the Russian Air
Force and has seen
RAF/RN version.
of the two seat attack active service in
BOOK REVIEWS
helicopter the Kamov the Syrian Civil War.
Ka-52 (Hokum) Alligator. With its distinctive twin certainly stand out on the
This heavily armed two coaxial rotors and very shelf. Look out for this
seat attack helicopter Alligator like nose plus a kits aggressive looking
was developed from large weapon load on its box art on your hobby
the KA-50 entered stub pylons this kit will shop shelf later this year.
AIRFIX KITS-WORLD
irfix have released the ust in time for the for 14 F-35Bs
A artwork for their new

1/48 scale De Havilland
Tiger Moth and if box art sells kits
J new Academy
F-35B Kits-world
has just released a set
operated jointly by
the two current RAF
Squadrons (17 and 617)
this one will fly off the shelf. that supplies markings and the one Fleet Air
Arm squadron (617).
The sheet also includes future aircraft delivered.
speculative markings for This sheet is available
the unit markings that now in both 1/72 and 1/48
may be applied to the scale from Hannants
F-35 in the future as well as well as Kits-world’s
as a number/letter jungle own web site.
so you can produce any

FIRST LOOKS
THE 1/32 IBG PZL P11.C

Dawid Branski looks at the new IBG kit
just recieved a parcel from IBG Models and
I I just couldn’t wait to share its contents!

I’m sure many of you will already be aware
that last year IBG Models announced their
1/32 scale P11.c, and some of you following
the topic have been eagerly rubbing your
hands together and waiting like me to get
a chance to build this legendary aircraft.
The late test shot I received contains
the injection moulded plastic and photo-
etched parts. The plastic looks super-crisp,
together with some really nice-looking parts
for the Bristol Mercury Vs2 engine and a
fully detailed cockpit interior. The plastic
parts in these areas are both enhanced
by the addition of parts from the etched extinguisher. I have also been supplied with
fret. Next we have the detailed wings some photographs of the IBG test build built
these feature the corrugated structure and photographed by Andzej ‘Flacha’ Ligocki.
with some restrained and realistic looking I cannot find anything negative about this
raised riveting on the fuselage. Continuing kit, except maybe that a little flash is visible
with details you can see that some panels around the fuselage and a few injection pin
in the fuselage can be positioned open to marks on the inner part of the fuselage that
reveal the machine guns, radio and fire will need to be removed, but nothing major.

LATEST NEWS
FIRST LOOKS
KIT REVIEWS
ACCESSORIES
DECALS
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the instruction
manual or decal sheet in my package as
these are still being developed, however,
by the time you read this these will be
ready and it will only be a short time until
the kits release date. When I spoke to IBG
BOOK REVIEWS
Models 3D designer Adam Andzejewski,
he confirmed that the kit has now been
released and is available to purchase,
so check retailers’ websites for stocks.
I would like to thank Adam for
providing me with that kit and I believe
that it is going to be a huge hit for
IBG Models. It is also a first for Polish
modelling being the first 1/32 scale Polish
made injection moulded plastic kit.

FIRST LOOKS
SUPERMARINE S.5 SCHNEIDER RACER

First look at AMP 1/48 Supermarine S.5 Schneider Racer by Robert Podkoński
hen I found the title “Schneinder
W Trophy Series” at the top of the

box the AMP Piaggio-Pegna
Pc.7 (reviewed in the January 2020
issue of the SAMI) I wondered which
of the planes taking part in these
races would be next.. The (seemingly)
obvious picks would be the most
famous ones, the Supermarine S.6B or
Macchi MC-72. A few weeks ago I found,
to my big surprise, that it is neither of
the above-mentioned, but the one that
in fact commenced the domination of
British planes in the contest, perhaps the
most sophisticated and diligently developed of the specific decals is different from
construction to take part in the Schneider that supplied in the instructions.
Trophy races – the elegant Supermarine S.5. On the photo-etched fret there are the
pilot’s safety belts, the instrument panel and
THE KIT a few smaller detail parts for the cockpit.Also
The kit comes in a colourful, top opening supplied is a “lattice” containing the flat wires,
box adorned with a nice drawing of the this is intended to supply the prominent
Supermarine S.5 in flight just above the bracing wires. As these are supplied all of the
waves with the fort at Calshot in the same lenght, I presume that they will have to
background. Insides one finds four sprues of be measured and shortened where needed.
parts in gray, rather soft polystyrene bagged I am sure most of us will replace thiese
together with a full colour instructions with there own favourite rigging material. winner of the 1927 Schneider Trophy contest
booklet and a smaller bag containing The detail on the polystyrene moulded in Venice, and the third presents the plane
the photo-etched brass fret, the decals parts looks satisfactory for the scale but as it appeared when broke the world speed
sheet and the transparent polystyrene there is a bit of flash here and there, but this record in 1928. The manufacturer supplies
windshield. This is not a wise idea, as both will be easy to remove with a modelling knife. colour notes using paints from the widely
decals and the plastic parts are prone The plastic provides a detailed available (At least in Europe) Humbrol range.
to being scratched as a consequence. miniature of the Napier Lion engine and
Also, in this smaller bag one finds a its reduction gear, and the cockpit looks CONCLUSION
set of pre-cut vinyl masks for the outside quite busy for it’s size. I believe that Obviously, being a short-run, this is not
of the windshield. The intensity and hues some modellers will find a method to a kit for a novice. Still, it looks buildable
of colours of the decals look quite good expose the engine, as most if not all of the for any modeller with some experience
though their location and numbering interior details will be virtually invisible with this kind of models. It is a pity that
once you have closed up the fuselage. no stand or beaching gear is provided.
There are seventeen consecutive, Yet, I am sure that the assembled model
clearly presented steps of assembly in the will draw attention and cause comments
instructions, along with a useful bracing when it lands on your display shelf.
wire diagram. On the last page all three Now I am wondering what will be the
possible painting schemes for the S.5 are next model in the series. The Supermarine
showen in full colour. These cover different S.6, the Macchi MC-72, or any of the elegant
incarnations of the same machine numbered and sophisticated Gloster biplanes? I would
: “N220”. The first scheme represents the take at least one of each of them, please!
plane during trials, the second shows it as the

LATEST NEWS
LOCKHEED VEGA 5B
First look at Dora Wings 1/48 Lockheed Vega 5B
FIRST LOOKS
or many readers the Lockheed
F Vega may not be an aircraft

they have ever heard of but
in its day it was a superstar, mainly
thanks to one pilot, Amelia Earhart.
The Vega 1 is high wing six seater
Monoplane first flew in 1927 it was
progresivley developed through a
number of variants until the Mark 5 the
KIT REVIEWS
last production variant. Amelia’s Vega
5B was delivered in 1930 and she named
it ‘ The Little Red Bus’. She had not had it
long when it was involved in an accident
and had to have a major rebuild. At this
time the fuselage was strengthened as
well as more fuel tanks, a more powerful
engine and advanced navigation aids.
In 1932 using the Vega she flew
ACCESSORIES
the Atlantic solo not only the first for
a woman but only the second time
this feat had been accomplished since
Charles Lindbergh 5 years earlier.
Her Vega 5 is now preserved at of refined engraved and raised detail and
the National Air and Space Museum the cockpit is quite well appointed though
in Washington DC and is one of six the rear cabin in this boxing is empty, which CONCLUSION
survivors with two in flying condition. it probably was for the transatlantic flight. This is a very attractive kit and though
A small etched brass fret supplies both AMT and Lindberg have produced
DECALS
THE KIT seatbelts and a few smaller details as injection moulded kits in the past, both
On opening the box you will find it packed well as the instrument panel, in the same of these are over fifty years old and no
with seven runners of grey plastic and packet you will find a set of masks , this where near the quality of this new kits.
one in clear. The main difference that I use frisk fils which should work well You have got to admire Dora Wings
immediately noticed is that the attachments on the mainly flat sided clear parts. choice of subjects form racers to classic
between the parts and the runners are The instructions clearly show were all British and American civil aircraft .
slightly thicker than the norm, and their are the parts fits with colour notes for paint These obscure but interesting subjects
more of them. Though this means more ranges from Tamiya, Mr Hobby, Ammo Mig, pack their catalogue, and even when
cleaning up, but it also means they you have Hataka and AK. On the rear page you have they do cover a more mainstream
BOOK REVIEWS
no ejector pin marks. The parts have a mix full colour profiles for ‘the Little Red Bus’ . I subject like the Messerschmitt Bf-109
would seek out some photographs of the they cover very early versions.
real aircraft which in quite a dark shade I cannot wait to see what is next from
of gloss red which I do not feel looks right this enterprising manufacturer though I am
as printed in the instructions due to the sure there will be many more Vega variants
limitations of the the printing process. in the not distant future and I thank them
The decals are beautiful printed, in for supplying us with an advance copy
particular the representation of the gold of their latest release, which should be
pin stripes that run along the fuselage available by the time you read this.
as well as the undercarriage spats.

FIRST LOOKS
VBŠ KUŇKADLO
First look at Eduard VBŠ Kuňkadlo Tim’s/2020 Spielwarenmesse edition by Tim Upson-Smith
PARTS: 24 Injection moulded
DECALS: 1 markings option, printed by Eduard
his is the first time I have ever
T previewed a kit where part of the

production run was named after
me! To say that I am chuffed is a major
understatement. The folks at Eduard
have over the last couple of years been
very patient with me asking about this kit
from when I first found out about it. The
VBŠ Kuňkadlo may not seem the most
obvious choice for a brand-new kit from
Eduard, but it is a favourite of Vladimir
Sulc. Only one VBŠ Kuňkadlo was built and
amazingly it still survives preserved in the
Prague Technical Museum. Though there
is a moder replica with a modern engine
flying in the Czech Republic. The original
was built by two brothers between 1924-26
while they were at University and earned
its name Kuňkadlo or in English Croaker/
mumbler due to the sound of its 1.1 litre
horizontally opposed Renault Clerget engine.
Now, I have been a regular visitor to
Prague since 2010 and the Technical Museum
is, along with the Czech Airforce Museum at
Kbely, one of my favourite places to visit. On bit on the wheels. On the real aircraft these
my very first trip I developed quite a liking are spoked, but in this scale this would
for the Croaker, it’s just a pretty little plane. be impossible to reproduce in plastic. So
I never for one moment thought that there Eduard have provided the tyres and rims
would ever be a kit of it. And if there was it without the spokes, so if you can find photo
would be a very short run resin kit, which etched ones of the right size and scale or
you would have to virtually carve yourself… fancy building them from scratch you have
So, you can imagine my excitement when 2 a starting point. To my eye etched spokes
years ago Eduard hinted they were going to in this scale will be over scale and scratch
make a mainstream injection moulded kit! building them a nightmare so I think I will
This kit has been developed to test stick to the supplied wheel covers though
new moulding techniques and if this is there is no evidence these were used on the
the future of Eduard kits then we are real aircraft. I could not resist clipping some
in for some real treats in the future. parts off the sprue to have a little test fit and
This is a tiny model of a tiny plane but I can happily report that the fit is perfect.
Eduard has managed to pack in a lot of detail As only one Kuňkadlo was ever
into this small package, including the minute built, there is only one colour scheme
spark plugs on the engine. The wing struts provided in this kit, L-BILG, as she appears
and the undercarriage legs are moulded in in the National Technical Museum
one piece to make assembly and alignment Prague, with blue fuselage, silver dope
easy. Eduard have had to compromise a flying surfaces and red struts.

LATEST NEWS
FIRST LOOKS
CONCLUSION
Whilst this kit may not be everyone’s
cup of tea, I think that it is fair to say that
KIT REVIEWS
we can look forward to even finer levels
of detail in future 1/72 scale releases
than we have already seen! Long live
the Eduard 1/72 Scale Revolution!
My sincere thanks to Eduard for be a mainstream release it will be an entry
releasing this kit, especially the 20 ‘Tim’s kit for Eday later this year and you have
Edition’ versions. Whilst this kit will not a chance to win a Tim’s Edition below.
ACCESSORIES
DECALS
BOOK REVIEWS
WIN A CROAKER!
our chance to win an example attended the Eduard Press conference.
Y of the ultra rare Tim’s

Edition VBŠ Kuňkadlo.
Two versions of this kit were produced
All you have to do is email the
editor at david@modelaircraftmag.
com with header line Croaker.
for the 2020 Nuremberg Toy Fair, Include your name and address in
The first version had the Toy Fairs the text field. All entries received by
Hobby horse logo along with the wording the 31st May will be put in to the draw.
Nuremberg Toy Fair the second of which The winner will be advised by Email and
only 20 examples were produced was will be announced in our July issue.
the Tim’s Edition. Named after our
Good Luck
assistant editor Tim Upson Smith. Both
versions were given to the modeling
press from around the world that

FIRST LOOKS
STATE OF THE ART AND

STATE OF THE ARK
First looks at Airfix 1/72 MiG-17, Hawker Demon and Fiesler
Storch
n an unusual move I am going to have good basis for some scratch detailing or for
I a first look at three 1/72 scale kits that

we have just received from Airfix.
adding some aftermarket parts. A very nice
pilot figure that will certainly hide the minimal
detail in the cockpit is supplied, a rarity in a
STATE OF THE ART... modern kit. Under the wings the kit supplies
MIKOYAN-GUREVICH MIG-17F fuel tanks. Not mentioned in the instructions
FRESCO (SHENYANG J-51) are a pair of rocket pods and a pair of
twin rail mounted sets, pointing to future
I always thought the MiG-17 was just an versions of this kit to come in the future.
upgrade of the MiG-15, in fact it was an One issue with the MiG-17 design for
all-new design with superior performance the modeller is with that large nose intake,
and superb agility and though it was a you only have a limited amount of space
fairly simple design it was responsible for for a nose weight. This is a bit of problem
many kills in Vietnam against aircraft that especially considering the large amount of
were far more technically advanced. plastic to the rear of the aircraft’s centre of
Although most were produced in gravity. Airfix have recognised the problem
Russia It was also license built in China, by including a small oil drum that can be
Poland and Czechoslovakia. The type placed strategically placed under the tail
saw service in no less than thirty-six to prevent your model from tail siting.
countries around the world, so it is no Though I am sure many modellers will try
surprise that Airfix have introduced an and add enough weight to make the drum Peoples Air Force and was flown by Ace
all new tool model of the MiG-17. redundant or an alternative I would use Le Hai who scored 6 kills all on the MiG-17.
I will start with the surface detail is to pin the wheels to a wooden base. This option is in an attractive camouflage
which features quite restrained engraved scheme that I think will really need an
detail, and though still over scale they DECALS airbrush to apply. The decal sheet also
are certainly not trench like that we have Markings are supplied for two options includes a good selection of stencils plus
seen on some of Airfix new tool kits. one in a natural metal finish from Russia instrument details for the cockpit.
Detail is basic but for most modellers this that served as a test aircraft in the 1970s. • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F,
will be adequate and certainly, you have a The second option is from the Vietnam Gosudarstvenny Nauchno-Ispytatel’ny
Krasnoznamenny Intitut Voyenno-
Vozdushnye Sily, USSR, 1970s.
• Shenyang J-5, Red 3020, 932nd
Fighter Regiment, Vietnam Peoples
Air Force, Tho Xuan, August 1969.
CONCLUSION
If you want a MiG-17 scale in this scale
this is currently the best there is. And if
you purchase the recent Xtradecal for the
MiG-17 that we reviewed last month. You
will be able to produce a whole range of
colour attractive schemes from Air Forces
around the world and as the Airfix kit
sells for under £12, modelling a selection
of MiG-17’s from around the world would
make a great and affordable mini theme.

LATEST NEWS
...AND NOW STATE OF THE
ARK
AIRFIX 1/72 FIESELER STORCH
AND HAWKER DEMON
FIRST LOOKS
The next two kits are in the new Airfix
vintage range and these are immediately
identifiable by the use of period box
art and the small logo ‘Vintage Classic’
under the traditional Airfix logo.
Both of these two kits are nearly as old
as I am, being first released in 1967 and
1968. And I actually remember the Storch
arriving in my local Woolworths and my
KIT REVIEWS
Dad eagerly buying two for us to make.
Though at that age this kit was far beyond
my skill level to assemble successfully,
and probably still is. The markings in both
kits are the original decal options from all
those years ago but printed to a higher
modern standard and the instructions are
also the same as the originals with a few
modern health and safety warnings added.
ACCESSORIES
CONCLUSION
These vintage kits were getting quite high
prices on the collector market and I am
sure many modellers will buy these new
releases with a sense of nostalgia. My
only concern is that these kits are far from among the cheapest you can buy now days
state of the art, and will need quite a lot at under £6 each so they are recommended
of skill to get together let alone build to but with reservations that you do not in my early modelling years when my local
DECALS
a standard that would be acceptable to expect a state-of-the-art kit. Future Woolworths was my main model shop.
most modern modellers. But though there releases in the Vintage Range will include Our thanks to Airfix for supplying
are other Storch’s in this scale the Hawker the Henschel HS-123, Bristol Bulldog, DH these kits for our First Look and they are
Demon is currently the only game in town. Heron, HS Dominie and HP Jetstream. A list currently available from all Airfix stockists.
The good news is that these kits are which almost reads like all of the kits built
US ORDNANCE
BOOK REVIEWS
First look at AMK 1/48 US Ordnance Set 1
his new release from Avantgarde • 4 x LAU-68D. As with the LAU-3 the seven
T Model Kits (AMK) has in my view

been totally overshadowed by
their truly outstanding Grumman F-14D
rockets are supplied as separate pieces.
• 4 X GBU-31 JDAM. Attaching a guidance
package to a dumb bomb produces
Tomcat. Aimed at those who want to the super accurate JADAM family. This
add more weapon choices to modellers large version uses the 2000ib Mk.84
building the AMK Tomcat or to upgrade general purpose bomb. Produced in
other manufacturer’s F-14. Actually, it is just two sections these can be used on
so much more than that as most of the a wide selection of modern aircraft.
weaponry can be added to other aircraft • 4 x GBU-38 9V0-1 JDAM this version of the
types from nations all around the world. JDAM uses the smaller MK.82 500ib bomb
The big feature of these new weapons and is mainly used by the US Air Force.
is the jaw dropping use of slide mould • 4 x GBU-16 Paveway. This weapon uses
technology, which means that the the Mk.83 1000Ib bomb as its base to
bodies of bombs and missile are all which is added a laser receiver to the nose
moulded in one piece. And that includes and a steerable tail system to the rear
al nose and tail control surface. this weapon and has been used for many
years on a wide selection of aircraft.
GROUND ATTACK The forward section is moulded as one
• 2 x LAU-3 Rocket Pod. The 19 rockets piece while the rear of the weapon has
are supplied as separate items so you a set of folded tails for posing on the
can show the pod loaded or unloaded. aircraft. But unusually you also get a full

FIRST LOOKS
AIR TO AIR used as a training aid the Bullwinkle can be

• 4x AIM-54C+ Phoenix AAM. The main seen on a wide selection of aircraft and I
long-range weapon of the Tomcat was believe this is the first time that it has been
never fired in anger and in later years moulded in injection moulded plastic.
was rarely seen on operational aircraft. • 1 x AN/ASQ-713 SAIP Pod. This is a pod used
This large missile is moulded in just two on Sea Ranges to monitor and record the
pieces the boxy complete with fins and a position and direction of an aircraft very
separate rocket nozzle. This breakdown accurately during exercise and can be seen
is used on all the Air to Air Weapons. on any US Navy and Marine attack aircraft
• 4x AIM-9L/M Sidewinder AAM. The from the mid 1980s. I really wish they had
most commonly seen weapon that included a few more of these in the sets
has been carried by most western as it is seen so frequently on aggressor
fighters since the early 1980’s. aircraft as well as their opponents.
• 4 x AIM-7M/P Sparrow. Made up from just 3
parts the Sparrow can also be used on the DECALS
Tomcats predecessor the F-4 Phantom a A comprehensive decal sheet supplied nearly
type that was popular around the world. 100 individual images which when combined
with the full colour instructions will enable
RECONNAISSANCE you to produce ordinance as accurately
• 2 x Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance marked as your aircraft, something
Pod System. The main reconnaissance you often seen forgotten at shows.
gatherer for the US Navy for over 25
years, was only carried by the Tomcat. CONCLUSION
As this is already included in the AMK Two of the items in this set can only be
set of deployed fins, which would only be Tomcat this is supplied to add to other added to the Tomcat as the AIM-54C Phoenix
seen once the weapon had been dropped. less generous manufacturers. and the TARPS as neither of these were
• 12 X GBU-12 this weapon uses the carried by any other aircraft operationally
smaller Mk.82 500lb bomb as its ECM AND TARGETING PODS but the rest of the set will be useful for
base and is moulded the same way • 2 x AN/AAS-25 Lantirn targeting pod. This anyone modelling modern western aircraft
as its larger brother listed above. bolt on pod changed the F-14 fighter into and with those beautiful slide moulded
• 12 X Mk.82 Bomb. The plain and an effective ground attack aircraft. Though parts and high quality decals can be used
simple 500lb dumb iron bomb which quite small this has the most parts of any to upgrade at least four or more aircraft.
is moulded in just one piece. item and is constructed from six parts. Our thanks to AMK for supplying
• 1 x AN/ALQ-67 Bullwinkle ECM Pod. Mainly this set for review and it can now be
purchased at any AMK stockist worldwide
including Hannants in the UK.

LATEST NEWS
A LITTLE BONE
First look at Academy 1/144 Rockwell B-1B Lancer
itting in the corner of my office is a
FIRST LOOKS
beautifully constructed Revell B-1B
in 1/48 scale which will feature in
a future issue. It is huge and even with
my preference for large models this one
is a step too far which is why I think that
Academy are onto a winner with their
new 1/144 scale kit of the Lancer, as in this
scale the completed model will be no
larger than 12 inches or 35 cm in length.
KIT REVIEWS
give this kit the paint job it so deserves.
THE KIT The moulded detail on this kit is very
The box is graced by a nice illustration of a good from the small vanes around the tail
B-1B in flight also notable is the MCP logo section and though you are missing some
which stands for Multi Coloured Parts, of the small details like the pitot tubes
shades of Matchbox kits from my youth. on the nose in this scale they would be
This means that in theory you can leave almost impossible to reproduce to scale.
the parts unpainted as the undercarriage Optional parts are supplied to show the
legs are moulded in white and the jet bomb bay and undercarriage
ACCESSORIES
exhaust and wheels in black and the doors in either the open or closed
rest of the parts in a dark grey, but to be position. In the bomb bays you
honest for most of us this feature will be have a fuel tank for the forward
redundant as it would be a shame not to bay and a choice of either dumb
bombs or JDAM’s with their
associated racks. You are also
provided with sniper pod and
its associated pylon which was fitted need for this kit is to tint the clear
to the B-1 fleet from 2007 onwards. cockpit glass surfaces to obtain the
DECALS
I am not sure why but the instructions smoky grey/yellow shade of the real
are supplied in two parts and both sections thing. And I would love an aftermarket
clearly illustrate the assembly process manufacturer to supply an opened crew
with plenty of colour notes matched to hatch with its associated ladder.
seven brands from around the world.
The only addition that is really COLOUR AND MARKINGS
Well only one choice for modern Lancers,
as they are all finished in overall Gunship
Grey, but we do have a nice selection
BOOK REVIEWS
of coloured tail bands as well as some
very nice individual artwork on the
fuselage side. You are also supplied with
a reasonable amount of stencilling as
well as complete set of wing walkways.
CONCLUSION
This is a very impressive kit and as I
had already cut some of the parts from
their runners it is progressing along the
workbench as a little diversion from my
current 1/32 scale project. And so far is
proving to be such a nice build that I have
already ordered the recent decal sheet
so I can build a few more at some point.
Look for this kit at your local
Academy stockist, and I really hope it
sells well enough that we might get
a further boxing with markings for
the 1980s Euro One camouflage.

KIT REVIEWS
MESSERSCHMITT BF 109F-4
Paul Wells reviews the 1/72 AZ Model Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4
MESSERSCHMITT BF 109F-4
MANUFACTURER: AZ Model
SCALE: 1/72
KIT TYPE: Injection moulded plastic
KIT NUMBER: AZ 7626
THE AIRCRAFT
T
he ageing ‘Emil’ 109 had begun to lose
ground to the new Spitfire Mk V’s in
Europe and a much needed updated
‘Friedrich’ mark became operational in
late Spring of 1941. The nose became more
streamlined, the engine more powerful, and
the aircraft was up gunned. The F-4 version
had rounded-off wing tips to improve its
handling characteristics and was often
described as the ‘fighter pilot’s fighter’, and
when introduced it held a dominant position needs extra steps adding, as firstly the wheel tank was then added, and the landing gear
over the Allied opposition on the Russian wells on the bottom half of the wings need cover tacked into place, and construction,
Front and the Western Desert. Aircraft used in squaring off and the structural strengthening for the most part was complete.
both arenas we are given colourful markings, plates attached either side of the tail unit
and AZ provide options for three Russian need removing. The very well detailed PAINTING
and one Libyan based aircraft used in 1942. cockpit, which once painted looked superb A coat of grey primer followed by white on
in this scale and was quickly assembled. the wing tips and theatre bands was sprayed
THE KIT The exhaust stacks need adding before the on and then masked off. The simple two-tone
Part of a limited edition of 500 pieces based fuselage halves are glued together and once scheme was airbrushed using Mr Hobby RLM
on aircraft flown by Jagdgeschwader 3, the three-piece wings and tail elevators were 79 and 78. There is a strong demarcation line
the kit it comes in a colourful end opening fixed the main construction was complete. between upper and lower halves so masking
box that also serves as a painting guide One thing of note is that the parts are only tape is ideal for the camouflage colours. The
for the four options given. The parts look numbered on the instruction map not the propeller was given a coat of RLM 70 and the
to be well defined, with not a hint of flash sprues, so make sure you know which part tricky yellow and black colours of the hub
with delicate panel line details ready to belongs to the variant you are making. The needed masking. Once dry a gloss coat was
whet your appetite. As AZ Models have a engine and machine gun cover fits nicely, added ready for the decals and weathering.
selection of other BF 109’s in their stable it and the tricky air intake filter can be added
looks like the sprues contain generic parts with just a touch of filler needed to blend it DECALING
for other marks not needed in this kit. in. The canopy was then masked and fitted, The decals look slightly strange, as each one
but beware here, as to fit is a bit snug and carries a heavy border of film, but the simple
CONSTRUCTION needed sanding on the edges to get a solution is to trim off as much as possible.
I do love a desert scheme, so a simple decent fit. Strangely only a single Then using Micro Set and Sol these adhered
choice of modelling Uffz Franz piece canopy is supplied whereas very well to the model and have good a
Schwaiger’s Libyan based 109 F-4 a three-piece canopy would have colour register and are sharply printed.
(Yellow 3) was my aim. This mark been much better. The drop
FINAL PARTS
The wheels were now added, and any
other remaining parts attached. A small
amount of post shading and a wash of
dark brown oil was applied and once dry
the model given a coat of matt varnish.
Finally, the cockpit glazing was un-masked,
and a thin aerial wire was added.
CONCLUSION
What a nice little kit we have here, for a
modest price. You get a lot of choice of
some excellent details, and the canopy
mask is a real bonus. An open canopy would
have been the icing on the cake but, with
a selection of four decal options and the
quality of the detail included, this an ideal
weekend build or with a touch of extra
effort a worthy competition entrant.

LATEST NEWS
TP63E KINGCOBRA
Marcin Dudek reviews the 1/72 Dora Wings TP63E Kingcobra
TP63E KINGCOBRA
FIRST LOOKS
MANUFACTURER: Dora Wings
SCALE: 1/72
KIT TYPE: Injection moulded
plastic with etched parts
KIT NUMBER: DW 7206
DECAL OPTIONS: 3
he Bell P63 Kingcobra was developed
KIT REVIEWS
as successor of P39 Airacobra, but
most were sent abroad, including
some by lease-lend to the USSR and some
were used as flying targets for on-board
bomber gunners. A few special versions were
developed as well, including two-seaters. Two
of them were produced by Bell for internal
use, and recently Dora Wings has issued few
versions of P63 Kingcobra, including TP63
ACCESSORIES
two-seater, both in 1/72 and 1/48 scales.
IN THE BOX
Inside of the box there are total six sprues
made of light grey plastic, two clear, with
one etched fret, one decal sheet, one sheet
of masks for the canopies, instructions and
additional sheet with painting schemes the same. They differ with aircraft number end it is partially on the wing and partially
and decal options. There are nearly 100 and location of some small stencils. on a panel which cover the undercarriage,
DECALS
plastic parts (with a few not being used), and here the decal needed to be cut to
including six clear parts (three for canopies, PAINTING AND DECALS the right shape. The long black stripes
two for the doors and one for the landing The TP63 had very simple paint scheme – located on the wings were also are quite
light) and over thirty etched parts. Quite all over aluminium, and here I used Pactra problematic because it was hard to move
a lot, considering that it is a 1/72 kit. All Aluminium applied with my airbrush. Two them from the sheet and put them on
parts and sheets are closed in string bags layers were enough, followed by one layer the wings surface without damaging
and put together in one bigger bag. The of Tamiya X-22 Clear. Once dry I painted the them. Applying all the small stencils took
instructions come as a small booklet and propeller with Tamiya X-2 Black applied some time, but when I managed to deal
it counts forty-seven assembly stages. with a brush. I then used some Tamiya with them model was almost finished.
BOOK REVIEWS
The schemes are very detailed, but I have tape to mask tips and painted them yellow.
found some minor errors (mostly in parts Then I moved on to decals, which are very FINAL ASSEMBLY
numbers or misplaced elements). There is fragile, and it was easy to damage them. I To finish I added all of the smaller details
one painting scheme (full aluminium) with had some problems with big numbers on such as the wheels, the undercarriage
three decal options, which basically are the lower surface of the wings, as at one legs and doors and I also painted the
non-skid walkways on wings, and added
the identification lights and exhaust
pipes, applying few shades of brown
and rust pigments as I went. I used also
some black pigment to imitate smoke
traces on the fuselage behind exhaust
pipes. The instruction does not mention
the antenna mast located between the
propeller and canopy, and I was able to find
an appropriate part in my ‘spares-box’.
CONCLUSION
I had a lot of fun making this model. All
parts fit well, and model requires only a
minimal amount of sanding. The cockpits
are very detailed and thanks to big
canopies and I can recommend this kit to
the more experienced modeller. Thanks
Dora Wings for the review sample.

KIT REVIEWS
MESSERSCHMITT BF 108 ‘TAIFUN’

Toni Hausler reviews the 1/48 Eduard Messerschmitt Bf 108 ‘Taifun’
MESSERSCHMITT BF 108 ‘TAIFUN’
MANUFACTURER: Eduard
SCALE: 1/48
KIT NUMBER: 8479
DECAL OPTIONS: 2
THE KIT AND COCKPIT
T
he Messerschmitt Bf 108 was a
successful and capable little aircraft,
several of which are still flying today,
and well worthy of being commemorated
in kit form. If you want to model a Bf 108
at all this is one of the very few options
available, and fortunately it’s a good one.
This Weekend Edition from Eduard follows
on the previous ProfiPACK versions, so such
luxuries as canopy masks and etched parts
are not included this time. The build starts
in the traditional way with the interior. You
have a very neat little cockpit tub with just the
right amount of detail. Some parts provided
are not used in this kit - for example, there
is an option to remove one of the rear seats
and replace it with a pair of fuel tanks. One
instrument panel is designed to be used with
a printed underlay beneath, but as this is not
provided - being, after all, a stripped-down
edition - the normal instrument panel is crankcase, with pushrods added separately
more than adequate. Seats, basic controls, - the build is straightforward enough. Take
a prominent pair of trim wheels and some the time to make sure the exhaust pipes
nice sidewall detail are all provided. Trouble are securely welded, as once the engine is
taken over the interior is well worth while, as enclosed in the fuselage the ends of the
almost every detail is clearly visible through exhausts protrude from the lower cowling
the beautifully clear canopy. I spent perhaps and can be vulnerable to a strike from a stray
longer than was strictly necessary painting sanding stick. The fuselage halves fit together
the seats to look like shiny leather, picking THE ENGINE with the engine and its bulkhead trapped
out the instruments with a silver pencil and After the cockpit, the next stage is to between them and are then glued down onto
placing all the harness seat decals, which to assemble the small-but-exquisite Argus the wing section with the cockpit assembly
me look just as good as any etched brass set. engine. While there are a lot of small parts neatly plugging the gap from below. The
- each cylinder plugs individually into the fit overall is quite good, if not completely
perfect, with some filler being used to
smooth the joins. There are some comments
online about a slight gap at the wing roots,
but I can’t say I noticed one on my example.
FUSELAGE AND PROPELLER

Next came fitting the correct rudder (the
option with the prominent balance horn is not
used on this particular scheme), trimming the
tail plane tabs slightly so they fit into the slot
and assembling the simple undercarriage,
which plugs in for a sturdy fit. The canopy
is an almost-but-not-quite perfect fit, with
a slight gap along one bottom edge - hardly
noticeable once the framing is painted to
distract the eye. The arrangement of panel
lines means there is no need to hide the seam
where it joins the top of the fuselage. The
propeller assembly, added toward the end
of the build, is meant to be held by a small

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but a handsome shade regardless - before CONCLUSION
ACCESSORIES
retaining collar inside the nose bowl which realising I’d forgotten about the red tail My original intent was to see if this kit
allows it to rotate. However, the shaft is so stripe. Fortunately, some spare red decals could indeed be built in a weekend, and
short that there is barely any length for the from an Airfix Islander turned out to be while life inevitably got in the way, I
collar to grip without being irretrievably exactly the right width and colour and were have no doubt a very respectable model
welded by the glue. I gave up and just stuck easily trimmed to shape. The kit decals could be made in 48 hours by a dedicated
the prop down in a fixed position. I wish I’d are thin, easy to handle and magnificently modeller. This basic version has enough
realised this earlier, as then I could have opaque, and were a joy to apply. The only detail to satisfy close inspection, but
fitted the (fractionally undersized) nose thing to watch out for is trying to fit the not so much that it becomes tedious to
bowl at a much earlier stage and faired final letter of the underwing registration build. At least two thirds of the problems
DECALS
it in with a little filler to eliminate the around the landing light - perhaps best were of my own making, and the rest are
step without worrying about the prop. to leave the light off until the very end. mere niggles easily solved with a bit of
The tail swastika is supplied both whole filler and sandpaper. Overall, I very much
PAINTING AND DECALING and broken into its constituent parts, or enjoyed this kit - highly recommended.
Two decal schemes are available - one you can simply use a blank white circle.
pale grey example from the Manchuria
Aviation Company, and an overall dark blue
aircraft which took part in the 1937 Manx
Air Derby. Both schemes are gratifyingly
BOOK REVIEWS
simple to paint and enlivened considerably
by the excellent decals. I chose the racing
scheme and happily slapped on three
coats of Humbrol 104 - slightly too dark,

KIT REVIEWS
JUNKERS JU-52 TRANSPORT

Jon Howes reviews the 1/48 Revell Ju-52
JUNKERS JU-52 TRANSPORT
MANUFACTURER: Revell
SCALE: 1/48
KIT NUMBER: 03918
Eduard Cockpit Masks and Etched Interior
he Ju-52 was one of the workhorses
T of the German Luftwaffe. This tri-

motor aircraft was used mainly as
a troop transport aircraft but also found
uses as cargo transport, ambulance, airliner
and even for a very brief and unsuccessful
time as a bomber. The Ju-52 was nicknamed
‘Tante Ju’ or ‘Auntie Ju’ in English. As the
common conception was the aircraft looked
after its pilots and passengers The Revell kit
originally surfaced in 1998 and has made an
appearance in nine different boxings. The
kit comes in a cream-coloured plastic that
feels quite delicate and thin, and the clear
part are very good and crystal clear.
THE COCKPIT AND CABIN paint. The cushions on the cockpit seats used to detail the area, this time a large part
With such a large model there is quite a large painted brown as well. The control panel was but more detailed piece of etch is attached
interior and this is where the model began. painted and the etched panel from Eduard to the floor of the cabin. There are also
I started with assembling and painting the added to give extra detail along with seat Eduard seats for the cabin area, but I found
interior plus the smaller parts like seats and harnesses on the pilot and co-pilot seats. these extremely delicate. Furthermore, they
bulkheads in Tamiya XF-22 RLM Grey. I picked When it comes to the cabin, the details are looked nothing like the seats on my reference
out details on items such as the control very basic, and the cabin floor is just a plain photograph. So, for the cabin seats, I stuck
sticks with leather handles using brown sheet of plastic. The Eduard interior was with the kit ones but added Eduard seat belts.

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provided. Once the paint had dried, I gave overspray the decals in matching colours
KIT REVIEWS
the kit a generous coat of Tamiya X-22 clear to hide away the damage. The results were
mixed with Mr Color Levelling Thinners acceptable and to the unaware eye, you
to give the kit a good glossy finish for the might not notice. One thing I did do was to
decals. During the decal stage, I was soon to do a test with a large decal from my spares
have one of the most challenging situations to see if it was me or Revell’s decals. I used
whilst building a model kit that I have ever an old large RAF roundel from a cartograph
THE FUSELAGE AND WINGS come across. With a nicely glossed Ju-52, decal sheet which embedded perfectly and
Once all the interior was painted and it was out with the decals, and I started off settled into the corrugation of the fuselage
everything was in place, the cockpit/cabin with placing the lettering on the fuselage amazingly, and it was very easy to remove.
ACCESSORIES
assembly was glued between the two starting with the large H and K on the port This test for me proved it was the decals
fuselage halves. One good thing I liked about side with the H over the white theatre band. and not an error by me. With the decals
this kit was the design of the fuselage, as One thing soon became apparent with these oversprayed and dry, I gave the kit a coat
there are two halves either side, but the roof thick and fragile decals is they were too of flat clear and left to dry, While this was
of the aircraft is a separate part that is fixed thick to settle into the corrugated fuselage. drying I worked on the smaller parts and
on top of the build. You could even build it I tried using some Micro Set to soften the engines with no issues to report apart from
without the roof to show the interior detail. decal and after some reasonable time added the decals on the large flaps of the wings
The wings and horizontal stabilisers are the Micro Sol to embed the decal over the which had to be sprayed with paint instead
added to the fuselage and fit extremely well, detail. I left this alone for an hour and came of being used, as I saw a similar situation
DECALS
but one weird issue on the underside is a big back to find absolutely destroyed decals to the fuselage could arise. I then attached
copyright/trademark stamp on the kit. Why with cracks damage all over the place. There all the smaller parts and sub-assemblies
someone would put this here instead of was no choice, I had to remove them, but to the aircraft, removed the masks and
putting it somewhere less obvious is beyond unfortunately, they were not easy to remove added some aerial wire using fishing line.
me, but a scalpel and sanding stick fixed and the paintwork, unfortunately, was
that. With the wings and stabilisers in place, damaged and had to be repaired. I originally CONCLUSION
I then added the masked canopy and the put this incident down to a possible faulty Well, this kit tested me, but I persevered
main aircraft was complete. At this stage, set of decals and asked Revell for some and finished the build. Don’t get me wrong,
I decided to leave the engines, large flaps, spares, which they promptly sent. After the the plastic in the box is really good and goes
BOOK REVIEWS
and smaller parts off for ease of painting. repair work was done and another two gloss together very well, in fact, the fit of the
coats added, just in case that was the cause, parts and everything else was pure joy. For a
PAINTING AND DECALS the decals went on again, with exactly the modeler that enjoys his decal sessions more
The painting was done using Mr Colour same results on most of them. I came to than anything (think Phantom stencil data)
Aqueous acrylics starting with RLM 65 on the conclusion at this stage it was almost this was my worst nightmare. So, my advice
the undersides and RLM 70 and 71 for the time to see if the kit could actually ‘fly’, here for anyone wanting to build the kit, get
splinter camouflage. I also painted on the but I stopped myself from doing this test. aftermarket decals or one of the masking
white theatre band instead of using decal The only thing I really felt I could do was to sets for painting the markings instead!

KIT REVIEWS
HARRIER GR.1 TRANS-ATLANTIC AIR

RACE, 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Carmel J Attard reviews the 1/72 Italeri Kit
HARRIER GR.1 TRANS-ATLANTIC
AIR RACE, 50TH ANNIVERSARY
MANUFACTURER: Italeri
SCALE: 1/72
KIT NUMBER: 1435
BRIEF HISTORY
T
he Harrier was designed and developed
by the British manufacturer Hawker
Siddeley back in the sixties. It remains
the most famous military aircraft with vertical
and short take off and landing capabilities
of military history. The Harrier was widely
used by the RAF and also known to have won
a race competition. This being the Daily Mail
Trans-Atlantic air race between London and
New York, May 1969, which was held to lines, is flash free and having a smooth
commemorate the 50th anniversary finish. A separate sprue caters for the clear
of the first Trans-Atlantic crossing. parts, namely the canopy, which comes
The best overall time was in two parts. The windshield also has the
achieved when GR.1 XV741 made arriving at a spot close to the Empire offset wiper fairing and wiper blade.
the best time flying between State Building in New York. There are
the Post Office Tower in London 9 stages of construction well described in THE BUILD
and the Empire State Building in New York. a nine-page instruction booklet, three of Construction starts with the cockpit tub
which are in full 4-view colour. All the kit into which a neat ejection seat is added. The
THE KIT components come on five separate sprues cockpit layout consists of a floor, instrument
The kit comes in a typical Italeri boxing moulded in grey styrene. The parts are panel, control column and seat. Decals are
having a box art depicting the named Harrier nicely moulded with fine engraved panel provided for the main instrument panel, side
consoles and seat straps. The cockpit canopy
looks accurate and is very clear and comes
in two parts enabling it to be fitted in the
open position. The nose section is a sub-
assembly that incorporates a pointed nose
cone having a pitot tube, which I replaced
with a metal one in view of its fragile
nature, and other parts forming
the forward fuselage. Then
there are the two fuselage
halves, which incorporates
the main landing gear

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lower halves. These fit well and of RAF Harrier Operational Conversion
only a little amount of work to Unit, RAF Wittering, September 1970.
achieve a smooth joint. There are Incidentally the first option has a refuelling
ACCESSORIES
five stations to take pylons, one probe provided and this fits on top of the
is under the fuselage and two starboard air intake. In this configuration
under each wing. The outer wing you need to add the tail passive radar
pylons have separate missile fairing that fits to front of fin leading edge,
rails and AIM-9L Sidewinder and this does not come with the kit. This is
missiles, and accurate drop depicted on the box art but is missing from
tanks go on the inner pylons. the instructions. All three decal options
carry the Dark Green and Dark Sea Grey
DECALS with Light Aircraft Grey undersides scheme,
DECALS
The decal sheet is of good quality and not white like the instructions imply.
and is complete with a full set Parts ‘not for use’ on this GR.1 model
of stencils. The instructions are are a long dorsal aerial normally carried
easy to follow and show location on AV-8A and the separate thimble
of each item. The decal sheet shaped nose with an aerial at top for the
includes markings of XV741, flown GR.3. These may indicate possible future
by Squadron Leader Tom Lecky- alternative Harrier version releases.
Thompson, who took part in the
Daily Mail Transatlantic air race, CONCLUSION
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May 1969. There is then XV778 I was pleased with the final assembly,
and air brake housing. The air brake can ‘Beach Buggy’ of RAF No.1 Squadron, Belize which although represents an early
be assembled open or closed, and the Airport, November 1975. This comes in red version of the Harrier it turns into a kit
little strakes at end of the door are also and blue roundels. The kit was built in this that looks accurate in outline and general
moulded on. The tail fin and rudder are configuration. The third option is for XV758 appearance and was a joy to build.
in one separate piece as is the tail cone.
A representation of the big Pegasus fan
rotor is also supplied. This blanks behind
the air intakes that are moulded integrally
with their corresponding trunking.
The four rotating jet nozzles come in
two halves and make a good representation
when assembled. The square shaped blown
in doors behind the main intake are moulded
shut, or you can apply square shaped decals
across these if so desired to represent
them open. As for the under-fuselage detail,
the kit provides alternatives for either the
deep fuselage strakes or a set of under
fuselage cannon pods. In general, the
fit of the parts is well executed
with little filler needed. The
wing is moulded in three
parts, a single upper
surface and two

KIT REVIEWS
LOCKHEED P-38 F/G LIGHTNING

Samantha Berry reviews the 1/48 Tamiya Lockheed P-38 F/G Lightning
LOCKHEED P-38 F/G LIGHTNING
MANUFACTURER: Tamiya
SCALE: 1/48
KIT NUMBER: 120
n opening the kit, you are greeted
O by the typical Tamiya contents, a

box full of sprues of well moulded
parts with no flash, clear instructions, two
separate A3 sheets each depicting one of the
marking options, decals, three ball bearings
and pre-printed masks for the canopy. All
the contents of the box are of the usual
high quality that you expect from Tamiya
and the detail of the parts again is exactly
what you would expect. The instructions
follow a clear, logical build order.
THE BUILD
For this build I have followed the painting very well detailed. The only thing I would do the turbocharges which I opted to leave until
guide as per the kit instructions for all the if I do another, is rather than using the decal the end of the build and once the airframe
interior parts such as the cockpit, bays, radio, provided for the seat harness I would add an was painted again this is just my personal
and wiring. You need to decide which variant Eduard seat harness just to finish the cockpit preference. The booms fit together well,
you wish to build before starting as each of off and give it that extra finishing touch. the ball bearing weights are again held in
them will require slightly different parts to The front nose bay tub again is well place and the detail of the wheel bay tubs
be trimmed off/ used. I went for P – 38F - engineered with good fit, the method for are wonderful. The air scoops again fit
White 33 39th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter locating and holding the ball bearing nose well and line up easily. Once the last of the
Group, 5th Air Force, Port Moresby late 1942. weight in place is in good and causes no fit wheel bay tubs were built these were all
The second option is P-38G- White 147 339th issues and it will stay secure as long as the painted up as per the instructions as were
Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, 13th model remains in one piece. The upper and the U/C legs and wheels. The bays were
Air Force, Operation Vengeance April 1943. The lower fuselage halves are attached together then masked off using the tissue paper and
build began with painting the interior parts the followed by the lower wing surfaces, wing water method. The booms fit well together
main colours while still on the sprues. This is tips and ailerons. I attached the nose cone with no real clean up required just a slight
my personal preference and I just touch up onto the model without the guns as I had brush over with a sanding stick and they
the paint when building the sub-assemblies been given a set of Quickboost resin barrels join snug with the fuselage. It is really
and detail painting and weathering. The with the kit so decided I would use those and easy for them to line up straight and then
cockpit is a nice snug fit, well-engineered and attach at the end. The next step is attaching slide the tailplane and rudders in. The bay

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04972 Junkers Ju88 A-1 ‘Battle of Britain’, 1:72
ACCESSORIES
doors covers were constructed as per the with and settled onto the kit well with
instructions and all the other parts with the no issues. The mirror decals were left
exception of the undercarriage legs, their off until after all the matt varnishing has
04977 B-25D Mitchell, 1:48
doors, the superchargers, canopy, guns, been carried out. The decals once set were
propellers and spinners were attached. sealed with more gloss. I opted not to do
any weathering on this kit with it being
PAINTING for a review. The final stages for the build
The provided pre-printed canopy masks was unmasking the undercarriage bays
were used for the canopy, it is easy to cut and adding all the parts I had opted to
DECALS
(like using Tamiya’s masking tape) and leave off until the end. With all the parts
if you do cut accurately the masks do fit added onto the airframe as required, matt
onto the canopy perfectly. I opted the leave varnish was applied to the kit. The final
the canopy off until the end. The cockpit touch was removing the canopy and cockpit 05688, Gift Set - Spitfire Mk. II ‘Iron Maiden’, 1:32
was masked off in preparation for colour masking touching in any edges as required,
scheme. After a prime with grey primer a attaching the canopy and attaching the
coat of aluminium was applied followed mirror decals on the booms/ oleo struts.
by Neutral Grey for the undersides and
Olive Drab for the top sides, not forgetting CONCLUSION
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to airbrush the canopy too. The spinners I thoroughly enjoyed this build; I have
were sprayed with Sky Blue again as per the previously built other manufactures
instructions and using Tamiya’s Acrylics. 1/48 P-38s and this kit leaves them
The prop blades were then brush painted standing. The detail building it from the © Aviation PhotoCrew
and the turbochargers airbrushed with box is wonderful and it builds into a good 03848 Eurofighter Typhoon ‘Baron Spirit’, 1:48
the mix called for by the instructions. representation of the Lightning with
Several coats of gloss were applied in very little effort. I would not hesitate
preparation for the decals. The decals are to buy and build another. Thanks to The
in good register and were easy to work Hobby Company for the review sample
07047 Land Rover Series III LWB, 1:24
Available from all good model

stockists and online from
hobbycraft.co.uk/brand/revell

KIT REVIEWS
NAA-57 P-2
Thomas Tirtaine reviews the 1/72 RS Models NAA-57 P-2
NAA-57 P-2
MANUFACTURER: RS Models
SCALE: 1/72
TYPE: Injection moulded plastic
DECAL OPTIONS: 5
S Models have put their kit of the
R NNA-57 into several boxings dedicated

to specific schemes/periods. The
one I built is the French training and liaison
aircraft, finished in silver except two of them
overcoated with camouflage. Inside the
box are three grey sprues, the darker one
containing specifics for the fuselage and
ailerons. Actually, those parts replicate the
metallic aspect of the NAA-57 and are parts
2, 4, 5 and 7 and dedicated to the NAA-64
previously released by RS Models. At first
glance you can say that this kit is half a short
run kit and half a modern one. The details
are finely rendered on every part, with subtle
recessed panel lines on the wings. Some flash
is visible on many parts and it took some time
to clean all of them up! Another bad point is
the one-piece canopy, which does not allow
you to show off the cockpit. The decals are but everything set well into the fuselage
well printed but one thing that surprised halves without too much trouble. I wasn’t
me was that the blue on the roundels is out surprised to apply some Deluxe Materials
of register and too dark for the period. Magic Putty on the join between the upper
and the lower parts of the wing, but in the
THE BUILD end, the result was convincing. I added small replace the missing ribs using small strips
The build was divided in 14 steps shown in discs of black metallic tape to replicate the of tape. Three kind of wheel struts are
black and white drawings with unbranded landing lights on the leading edges of the provided, and I opted for the aerodynamic
colours call-outs. The assembly of the wings, and then glued and masked the clear ones and glued into place before painting.
cockpit is the object of the first 9 first parts that protect them. I also sanded the I also built and painted the engine together
steps. The tubular structure is very well vertical fin to give it the same thickness with the exhaust pipes and added them
represented from the bottom to the top. I as the ailerons and had no choice than to along with the cowling to the model.
didn’t add any extra details, since the canopy
will be closed, and there were no seat belts
in the kit. All the major parts were then
painted in Zinc Chromate, except the rudder
pedals and the cover for the front panel,
which were in black and the control stick
was painted silver. In places the diagrams
are not very clear, and several dry-fitting
runs were required to obtain a good result,

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CONCLUSION
This is a nice kit, which suffers a little
DECALS
from flash, but nothing the modeller
The anti-glare panel was painted black. The cannot deal with. RS Models has released
decals were placed without issue with the another boxing with markings of
help of Micro Sol and Set, however, I did captured aircraft together with a green/
need to overpaint the decals with a lighter yellow scheme bearing a Soviet red star,
shade of blue. I then added the wheels, which also look interesting! Thanks to
PAINTING propeller and a home-made pitot tube. RS Models for the review sample.
I choose to paint a silver aircraft adorned
with Vichy markings made of yellow and
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red stripes over the front cowling and on
the tail. Here I applied Alclad High Speed
Silver from (ALC-125) mixed with two drops
of Tamiya Sky Grey (XF-19), over a grey
primer and then softly polished this with
Micromesh 6000. Some post-shading was
then added using Tamiya Smoke (X-19). I then
painted the French flag on the rudder, along
with the yellow and red stripes and the
white bands on the wings and the fuselage.

KIT REVIEWS
MESSERSCHMITT BF 110C/D
Paul Wells reviews the 1/48 Italeri Messerschmitt Bf 110C/D
MESSERSCHMITT BF 110C/D
SCALE: 1/48
KIT NUMBER: 2794
n iconic aircraft of World War
A Two the Bf 110 served with the

Luftwaffe for the entire span
of the conflict. Initially a heavy fighter/
long range bomber escort it soon became
outclassed against more modern fighters.
THE KIT
An excellent box top shows two Bf 110’s
mid-flight, and a ‘Made in Japan’ sticker
gives away the models Fujimi heritage (in
this case a reissue of the early 1975 kit), but
the parts are well defined with delicately
engraved panel lines and well up to modern
day standards. Five decal options are offered,
four ‘C’ versions and one ‘D’ version, spanning nicely. I then constructed the 400ltr fuel
1939 to 1942 aircraft and including a rare tanks along with their supports ready to
African based C night-fighter version of NJG add later. The canopy was then tacked with
3. A ‘Daschund’ belly tank is also included, PVA glue, and here I found it to be slightly
although not an option within this boxing. too narrow but acceptable. Then a coat of
The excellent instruction book shows colour Grey Primer was sprayed on, and once dry
plans of each scheme and RLM colours are any seams needing attention were tidied
marked clearly for your choice of paints. up an any lost panel lines were rescribed.
CONSTRUCTION painted Sea Grey at this stage. The cockpit PAINTING

D-2 version ‘A’ was selected as being the fitted nicely, and both fuselage halves along After the yellow theatre band was painted
more colourful choices, and who doesn’t love with the nose cone were added, with just a and masked, a black pre-shade was applied
applying a mottled paint finish! The relevant tiny amount of filler is needed. The radiator along the panel lines start the process. Then
fuel tanks and the longer tail unit are needed grilles were then added into the wings and RLM 76 was lightly sprayed on bottom and
for this aircraft. The cockpit is well detailed the two engines built and attached. Not the sides leaving the pre-shade evident. The
but wanting to display the glazing in open best fit but filling and sanding saw them underside attachments were also painted
position I added an Airwaves detail set and a fit snuggly into the wing. The tail sections and RLM 75 was sprayed onto the wings
few scratch-built items. The canopy framing and wings were then added to the fuselage
is well detailed, but a masking set makes and the joints, although not perfect, fitted
painting a lot easier, and the rear gunner’s
canopy would need to be separated if you
want to show this portion open. The cockpit
was sprayed with Humbrol Sea Grey, and
detail then it was painted and detailed with
the seat straps added before an oil wash
was applied. The undercarriage was also

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Start as
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you mean
to finish
KIT REVIEWS
and fuselage with some loose mottling Humbrol Enamels.. the modeller’s
added. This was then masked off and RLM standard for decades.
ACCESSORIES
74 added, but with a heavier mottle and
using the box top art as a guide. The fuel
tanks needed their front section painting sprayed on along with a touch of post
RLM 74 too, and Mr Hobby Aqueous is shading. Then a coat of matt varnish
always my choice of paints for Luftwaffe sealed-in the paintwork and the cockpit
subjects. A coat of acrylic gloss then masks removed. An aerial wire was then
readied the model for the decals. added and the model was complete.
DECALS CONCLUSION
DECALS
The two decal sheets provided are of This kit has easily stood the test of
excellent quality, they are thin with good time and compares well with modern
colour registration. The swastikas are mouldings. It is certainly not a complex
required for the tail are not included, so build and any fit issues are easily solved,
must be added from an alternative source. and any Luftwaffe fan will be very happy
with their purchase especially with the Discover everything you need for all of
FINAL STAGES outstanding decal options included. your hobby projects with the Humbrol
The undercarriage and underwing fittings Adding aftermarket sets will improve Spray range.
were now added and a set of Quickboost the model, but the base kit is heartily
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exhausts were used for some extra detail. recommended. Thanks to The Hobby
The prominent exhaust stains were then Company for the review sample.
Adding grime, dust, rust and

weathered effects to your models is
made simple with Humbrol Washes.
Visit www.humbrol.com where you’ll

find help and advice as well as hints, tips
and product demonstration videos to get
the best out of the wide variety of
Humbrol products available!
/humbrol @humbrol /humbrol

KIT REVIEWS
TINY TF-104G
Tomasz R. Lubczyński looks at the 1/144 Revell Lockheed Two-Seat Starfighter
TF-104G STARFIGHTER
MANUFACTURER: Revell weight into the nose as I could to prevent a
SCALE: 1/144 ‘tail-sitter’, and I also made a new floor for
the front wheel bay from thin polystyrene
sheet. Next, I cut and pivoted the flaps for
KIT NUMBER: 04008
a bit more interest. I then sanded down
leading and trailing edges of wings and tail,
ere we have the 1/144 Lockheed the fin, the fuel tank stabilisers, the landing
H TF-104G Starfighter kit from Revell.

It’s not a recent release but the
sprues look pretty good, considering overall
gear covers, the fuselage edge around the
engine nozzle and the nozzle itself to get
a better scale appearance. After fixing the
size of the model, and with the current canopy and masking it I applied a coat of
penchant for Starfighters from various Gunze C8 (Silver), which brought out any
manufacturers, I thought it would be good surface imperfections. I then drilled the
to see what could be done with a 1/144 kit. nose and added a new pitot using a needed,
I decided to go ‘straight-from-the-box’ with and on the back of the fuselage I made two
this one and chose markings for a machine changes. Just behind the cockpit I added
from MFG 2 with the side number 27+93. an antenna, and closer to the vertical
stabiliser, I drilled a hole for a position light.
THE COCKPIT AND FUSELAGE
I didn’t tinker too much with the cockpit PAINTING AND WEATHERING
details, assuming that those will not be For the camouflage I used H417 (RLM76
visible in the finished model, especially Light Blue) on the radome, brightened
with the closed cockpit. The instrument up with C69 (Off White). Next I applied
panels have some raised details- which Tamiya XF-18 (Medium Blue) on the
of course helps with the painting. That top of the fuselage, which I then unevenly
unfortunately can’t be said about the side lighten with XF-82 (Ocean Gray 2). For the
panels- completely flat, with no dedicated lower fuselage I used Gunze H307 (Gray
decals provided. Therefore, I decided to FS36320), brightened with C69 (Off White).
paint them with Gunze H77 and apply some I also painted landing gears and wheels
leftover decals from other kits. I painted with Gunze MC211 Chrome Silver and
cockpit interior with Gunze H308, slightly engine nozzle with Model Master
shading the sides with aforementioned 1415 Burnt Metal, and the tyres
H77. I also painted and detailed the ejector
seat at this point. I then crammed as much

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ACCESSORIES
with Vallejo Panzer Aces 306 Dark Rubber. Panel Line Wash and a little I used AK
Once dry I added gloss coat ready for the Interactive Engine Grime. Once I was happy,
decals, which went on easily with a little I applied a semi-matt coat. I then added
Micro Set and Micro Sol. Before adding some fuel and lubricant stain, again using
any weathering, I treated the area around AK Interactive Engine Grime, and brush
DECALS
the exhaust with Tamiya X-19 (Smoke) painted the landing hook with Vallejo
and shaded the control surfaces of the 72.053 Chainmail Silver. I then added all
wings, simultaneously covering some of of the smaller details such as the landing
the adjacent stencils. I then added some gear and fuel tanks. The only thing left
AK Interactive Grey and Blue Camouflage then was to remove the masks from the
canopy and my little TF-104 was complete
CONCLUSION
This was a very enjoyable adventure into
BOOK REVIEWS
1/144 scale which I hope you enjoy.

ACCESSORIES
YAHU MODELS
his month Yahu have
T released new pre coloured

instrument panels in all
the major scales. In 1/32 scale
Yahu has been working with IBG
to release a really nice upgrade
for the new PZL.P11c and I will say
it will be a worthwhile purchase
for anyone buying this kit when
it is released in April. Tamiya’s
P-38 Lighting gets three new
panels for the F,G and H models. I
hope Yahu knows something? As
you cannot make an H from the
contents of the current boxing
of the Tamiya P-38 Lightning?
LIFECOLOUR
Another large and impressive ifecolor has been around for over 20 years and
panel has been released for
the HK Models 1/48 scale B-17
Flying Fortress, a subject that
L produce a wide range of colours though there
are few model shops local to me that carry the
range. Fortunately, the Airbrush Company can supply
is proving very popular with the my needs by mail either as individual 28 ml jars or as a
aftermarket manufacturers. boxed set the supplies six jars with a common theme.
Finall, we have four sets that The set we have received for review covers paints
can fit almost any 1/72 scale used on aircraft of the US Navy between 1941 and
Yak-1, three of the sets supply 1944. We start with early camouflage scheme of light
the instrument panels with all gull grey with mixed blue upper surfaces this she
the small differences between was seen on early Wildcats and Corsairs, as well as
marks correctly portrayed. The on Vindicator, Dauntless and Avenger bombers. This
fourth is detail set the supplies was replaced by one of my favourite colour schemes
details for the cockpit sidewalls of white lower surfaces, intermediate blue on the
YMA7316 YAK-1B EARLY
as well as the fuel gauges, which fuselage sides and dark blue on the upper fuselage
Designed for: ZTS Plastyk,
are mounted on the upper wing. MasterCraft, MisterCraft, Bregun, and wings. This scheme can be found on many World
Amodel and Arma Hobby 2019 War 2 aircraft but also a few unexpected types
1/32 SCALE YMA7318 YAL-1B LATE like a captured Fw-190 and even modern aircraft
YMA3257 PZL P.11C (IBG) Designed for: ZTS Plastyk, like the F-5E and UH -60 Ocean Hawk painted in
MasterCraft, MisterCraft, Bregun,
Designed for: IBG retro schemes. The final paint is the upper surface
Amodel and Arma Hobby 2019
YMA4884 B-17G (HKM) turquoise blue shade used on Catalina Flying boats.
Designed for: HKM 2019 Though Lifecolor paints are acrylics it is best not to
CONCLUSION use alcohol-based thinners as these do not work well,
1/48 SCALE I have homes for both the P-38 instead use deionized water or Lifecolor’s own thinners.
YMA4887 P-38F LIGHTNING and B-17 in my ever growing to For airbrushing I tend to use 40% thinners to 60% paint,
Designed for: P-36F Tamiya do pile and I am sure I will also but I admit getting the right consistency did take a bit
YMA4889 P-38G LIGHTNING be unable to resist the PZl after of trial and error at first. But once you have it mastered
Designed for: P-38G Lightning seeing the first look in this issue. they do spray well and dry to a nice satin sheen.
YMA4891 P-38H LIGHTNING My thanks, to Yahu Models for
Designed for: P-38H Lightning supplying the samples for us to LC-CS46 USN & USMC WWII COLOURS SET
preview. In the UK this range is This set is made up of six 28ml jars.
1/72 SCALE available from Hannants with • UA25 Light Gull Grey FS36440
YMS7223 YAK-1/1B DETAIL SET prices ranging from just £2.75 • UA40 PBY Blue FS34058
Designed for: N/A for the Yak panels up to £8.30 • UA44 NS Sea Blue FS35402
YMA7312 YAK-1 for the 1/32 scale Pzl.11 Panel. • UA45 NS Intermediate Blue FS35164
• UA147 Blue Grey FS35189
Designed for: ZTS Plastyk,
MasterCraft, MisterCraft, • UA148 Insignia White FS37875
Bregun and Amodel
CONCLUSION
I am looking forward to using this set on
my latest Tamiya Vought Corsair and will
also be using the Lifecolor liquid pigments
sets to add a weathering to my model.
My thanks to the Airbrush Company for supplying
this set for review and the full range can be seen
on their website at www.airbrushes.com.

LATEST NEWS
EDUARD
his month I am taking
T a look at sets produced

for two kits the new
FIRST LOOKS
HKM 1/48 scale B17G and Airfix
Buccaneer in 1/72 scale.
1/48 SCALE
BOEING B17G SETS
Eduard has something to suit most
tastes for these kits depending on
how much detail to add, from the
more basic Löök and Zoom sets to
the full on etched detail sets and
resin wheels. As ever, for me, the
KIT REVIEWS
most essential of these sets is the
masks as I doubt I ever will get the
hang of masking off canopies!
BRASSIN
ZOOM
648 529 B-17 wheels (for HKM kit)
SS694 Buccaneer S.2C
LÖÖK Cockpit set (for Airfix kit)
644 036 B-17G (for HKM kit) EDUARD
MASK 73694 Buccaneer S.2C (for Airfix kit)
EX678 B-17G (for HKM kit)
ACCESSORIES
ZOOM CONCLUSION
FE1057 B17G Cockpit set (for HKM kit) These sets from Eduard for the
FE1058 B17G Seatbelts, Airfix Buccaneer offer some
steel (for HKM kit) panel, could be the way to go. quite simple upgrades, even
EDUARD compartment has a fantastic Whichever options you the main internal/external
481005 B17G Engines photo- printed wood effect, as does the choose they will only enhance detail set is not too involved,
etch detail (for HKM kit) one in the nose compartment. your finished model and with making it an ideal set to use
491057 B17G Cockpit photo-
The pre-coloured radios are more goodies for this kit to if you are new to photo-
etch detail (for HKM kit)
491058 B17G Radio compartment
also amazing and due to come you might want to wait etch. The Zoom cockpit set
DECALS
photo-etch detail (for HKM kit) the glazing on the B17, this before you start, just in case! offers some very nice colour
491061 B17G Nose interior photo- extra detail will be visible photo-etch enhancement for
etch detail (for HKM kit) on your completed model. 1/72 SCALE the cockpit which again will
491062 B17G Waist section
The engine set offers AIRFIX BLACKBURN be simple to add as are the
photo-etch detail (for HKM kit) BUCCANEER SETS
ignition harness as well as Brassin wheels which offer a
It is nice to see that Eduard are
CONCLUSION some extra detail for the looking after fans of 1/72 scale
straight swap for the kit parts.
If you have invested in an HKM cylinder heads, Eduard have too! The Airfix Buccaneer has been Finally, as ever the paint mask
B17 in 1/48 scale, you could announced that they will be very well received, but there are is a very welcome addition!
very few kits that cannot benefit
do a lot worse than consider releasing a set of Brassin from a few Eduard extras. And they My thanks to Eduard for
BOOK REVIEWS
some or all of these sets to add engines for the kit so it is up have obliged with a set of Brassin supplying both of these sets
wheels, canopy mask set, a photo-
that bit of extra detail to your to you if you want to use this etch set and a Zoom cockpit set. for review, of course the full
model. The colour photo-etch brass set or wait for the resin! and massive range can be
BRASSIN
sets we have looked at this If you just want to add a seen at www.eduard.com and
672 229 Buccaneer S.2C
month have to be seen to be little extra detail then you may wheels (for Airfix kit) will be available from Eduard
believed. The desk for the radio wish to consider the Zoom MASK
stockist around the world
sets which offer a set of pre- CX556 Buccaneer S.2C (for Airfix kit) by the time you read this.
coloured steel seatbelts while
a second set supplies a very
detailed multi-part instrument
panel and centre console. If
you are new to adding detail,
then the Löök set, which comes
with seatbelts along with the
pre-coloured resin instrument

ACCESSORIES
PLUS MODEL CLEAR PROP

ost of lear Prop
M us know
the
Flying Fortress
C appeared on the
scene a few years
ago with their excellent
got its name from kit of the Gloster
the large amount Whittle, and since
0.5 calibre then they have been
machine guns but releasing some very
when you see a nice kits, including some
completed model early Japanese9 Second
you rarely see World War aircraft. Now
the large amount they have started to
of ammunition produce a range of accessories 1/72 SCALE
boxes that keep starting with two sets for their CPA-72007 KI-51 ‘Sonia’
Photo-etch landing flaps (all
the guns fed. Now Ki-51 Sonia’s. The first supplies versions) (for Clear Prop kit)
Plus Model has photo-etched landing flaps CPA-72009 KI-51 ‘Sonia’ resin
produced two sets while the second supplies a set exhaust and cooling gills (all
versions) (for Clear Prop kit)
of ammunition of hollowed out resin exhaust
boxes in both 1/48 pipes and cowling gills. CONCLUSION
and 1/32 scale. If you have the Clear Prop
Each set contains 10 AL004 US AMMUNITION BOXES Models ‘Sonia’ then you
ammunition crates with WITH CARTONS OF CHARGES might want to consider
separate lids so they can be Designed for: N/A. these sets to add that
displayed close or empty little bit of extra detail.
with the lids off. In the 1/48 SCALE My thanks to
Cartons set you also get AL4083 US AMMUNITION Clear Prop Models
BOXES WITH CARTONS
four ammunition boxes for supplying these
OF CHARGES
magazines that can be placed Designed for: N/A.
sets for review www.
inside the crates and two clearpropmodels.com
AL4088 US AMMUNITION
strips of separate bullets. BOXES WITH BELT OF CHARGES
IN the belts set you get four Designed for: N/A.
ammunition belts to place
inside or drop over the edge CONCLUSION
of a part opened box. Each I really liked these sets and
set has is own decals the I am sure they will be useful
one with the yellow and red in creating a diorama of
stripes donate the cartons any large US bomber being
BIG SKY SCALE MODELS
while the one containing made ready for operations e have already reviewed
belts is plainer with a stencil
of belted ammunition.
Both have stencils and
or even as a load for a
C-47 or a parked truck!
Our thanks to Plus
W the 1/72 scale Sentinel
tractor which was
the main towing tractor for the
manufacturing details on models for the review V Bomber Force and the Tow
the sides of the crates. sample which can be bar for Handley Page Victor.
ordered direct from Now Blue Sky have released
1/32 SCALE the manufacturer at the to bar for the Avro Vulcan, this
AL3003 US AMMUNITION modelchoice.net. is far more complicated girder
BOXES WITH BELTS
like construction compared to
OF CHARGES
Designed for: N/A.
Victor. The resin is 3D printed and
will only require minimal clean
up before use and really shows
how far this technology has
come in a short space of time.
1/72 SCALE
AVRO VULCAN TOW BAR
Designed for: Airfix Old and New If you are interested in this
item Blue Sky can be contacted
CONCLUSION by Emailing Diaerama@
This would look good posed with btinternet.com but as these
the Sentinel Tractor and thanks are a limited run product it is
to its complex nature would best not too wait to long before
also look good just attached ordering and we thank them for
to the model as if waiting supplying the review sample.
for the tractor to turn up.

LATEST NEWS
HALBERD MODELS KAZAN MODEL
he latest resin DYNAMICS
T and elastic
resin wheel his is a new company to these pages
FIRST LOOKS
sets (note elastic resin and at first glance, these looks
though I have until like just another resin accessory,
now described the soft until you look a little closer. These seats
tyres as rubber) from are called ‘Hybrid Cast’ and feature
Halberd are designed stainless steel parts to represent the
for the new HK models compression part of the oleo struts and
B-17 Flying Fortress (though there is CONCLUSION an inner core, while most of the visible
nothing stopping you adding them I really like these resin hub and tyre detail is resin. Also included in the set are
to the old Monogram/Revell kit) The sets and am looking forward to getting three different types of tyre, oval tread,
KIT REVIEWS
second set supplies the older style hub my Flying Fortress to a stage when I brick tread and diamond tread. As, as the
fitted to the F-14A and compliments the can fit them. Look for an article 2028! instructions note, it was not uncommon
late D set that reviewed last month. Halberd has a Facebook page at to see two different tread patterns on
https://www.facebook.com/Halberd- one pair of tyres as seen in historic
1/48 SCALE models where you can also contact photographs of wartime Mustangs.
4806 B-17 FLYING FORTRESS WHEEL SET them using messenger or the supplied
Designed for: N/A telephone number to purchase. 1/48 SCALE
4826 F-14A TOMCAT WHEEL SET Our thanks to Halberd models KLG4803EDU LANDING GEAR SET FOR THE
P-51 MUSTANG (SET 1) (FOR EDUARD KIT)
Designed for: N/A for the samples and I hope to see
This set offers multipart landing gear legs
ACCESSORIES
future releases in due course. with moulded in metal oleos, separate
torque links, moulded brake lines and
separate hubs for the wheels.
CONCLUSION
These sets are certainly different from
the usual resin sets and I look forward to
seeing what they look like on a model.
My thanks to Kazan Model Dynamics
DECALS
for supplying these sets for review
www.kazanmodeldynamics.com
BOOK REVIEWS
1/32 SCALE
GT RESIN 32053 F/A-18E/F & EA-18G INTAKE SET
f you have Trumpeters 1/32 Designed for: Trumpeter kits
I scale Super Hornet you will be

aware of how much larger the
intake is than the legacy Hornets
CONCLUSION
I am very impressed with this range and
and is a very noticeable feature if you like seamless intakes you really
of the finished model, especially should check out this range especially
if you have not managed to as the Super Bug set is just one of an
tidy up the multi part intakes. increasing range of intake sets in both
Well GT resin has the answer 1/48 and 1/32 scale, Visit their website at
with this simple resin intake set https://gtresinproducts.com/ to see the
which is made up of a one piece full range which can be purchased from
resin trunk and a representation Sprue Brothers on if you are visiting the
of the front fans of the jet engine. need to do is some careful masking to US Nationals in San Marcos later this year
Also a major bonus is that the trunking obtain the demarcation between the GT resin have a stand in the main hall.
is moulded in white resin, which could white and the external camouflage. Our thanks to Gary of GT resin for
be left unpainted if you wish. All you supplying the information on his range.

ACCESSORIES
CMK
his month the detail sets from
T CMK focus, mainly, on two kits.

In 1/72 scale the Airfix Wildcat gets
a detailed interior plus a nice set to open up
the Dinghy compartment on the spine of the
aircraft. The 1/48 scale Hasegawa Harrier
GR.7 gets a detailed cockpit plus a set to
open the maintenance doors on the upper
fuselage to reveal the Pegasus engine.
Along with these sets, there are also two
sets of 1/72 scale figures, the first of these
offers three German First World War airmen,
the pilot in the flying suit has a striking
resemblance to Herman Goring, while the
pilot in uniform could be mistaken for Udet.
All three figures are beautifully sculpted and
would look absolutely wonderful next to an
Eduard Fokker DVII (other kits are available!).
The second figure set offers a seated pilot, a
navigator and a standing figure designed for
the new Airfix 1/72 scale Wellington. Again,
the use of these figures in a diorama setting
will really help bring your model to life.
1/72 SCALE
7434 F4F-4 Wildcat interior (for Airfix kit)
7435 F4F-4 Wildcat dinghy set (for Airfix kit)
F72353 Wellington crew, pre-
flight check (for Airfix kit)
F72362 German WW1 airman, one pilot in a flight
suit and a second in uniform plus a mechanic CONCLUSION hands of a decent figure painter will really
(for Fokker DVII or other suitable aircraft)
Everyone loves a Harrier so again these look good, I just hope my skills are up to
sets will really add something special to painting the German First World War set!
1/48 SCALE your model. And the Airfix Wildcat is a My thanks to CMK/Special Hobby
4395 Harrier GR.7 cockpit (for Hasegawa kit) lovely little kit out of the box and this new for supplying these samples, for
4396 Harrier GR.7 engine (for Hasegawa kit)
cockpit and dinghy set will only enhance it. further details on these and other
The figures sets are excellent and in the sets visit www.cmkkits.com
BASES BY BILL
his month we have another
T clever idea from Bases by Bill.

The three bases we have
been supplied with are all made from
hardwood and feature printed logos
from three manufacturers De Havilland,
Messerschmitt and Junkers so can
CONCLUSION
be used to show off a wide range of This is just a selection of the
aircraft types. They are also available manufacturers bases that are available.
in four sizes and custom versions So If you are interested in this range
can also be produced if required. or want to ask for a custom quote
visit www.basesbybill.com or phone
BASES 1-920-478-8214 they are based in the
10 in. ( 25.4 cm) $37.99 Central Time Zone of US which is GMT
16 in. ( 40.64 cm) $44.99
+6. They will also be displaying their
20 in. ( 50.8 cm) $59.99
full range at the IPMS US Nationals in
24 in. ( 60.96 cm) $74.99
San Marcos, Texas later this year.

LATEST NEWS
MODEL SCALE MAGIC
wenty years ago one of my
T model club members purchased

a 1/32 scale Tamiya Zero Real
FIRST LOOKS
Sound Action Set. This included in its
large base a large printed circuit board
that brought the Zero to life. You had
the sound of the engine running up and
perfectly synchronised with a motor
to turn the propeller. The navigation
lights illuminated as did the lights in
the cockpit just like the real thing. Fast
forward to 2019 and this kit is still on
SCALE AIRCRAFT
KIT REVIEWS
the show circuit and frequently seen
on the Milton Keynes Model Club stand CONVERSIONS
and never fails to draw a crowd. And the
kit itself can still be purchased online (SAC)
but is very expensive at not far off
£300. At last year’s Scale ModelWorld his month SAC have released
at Telford I heard of a Belgian company
that were offering electrical sets that
did a similar thing but sadly I never
T two new 1/72 scale sets, the
first is for the new tool Airfix
Buccaneer S.2. While the second supplies
ACCESSORIES
got the chance to visit there stand. which way you want the motor to two sets of legs for the Eduard Fokker
Then earlier this year a friend showed turn clockwise or anticlockwise. DR.1 Triplane, this set also supplies
me a set that he had purchased at Next comes a small speaker with replacement struts for the wings.
the show and I was immediately a small adhesive sticker so you can As always, they are cast in white
impressed and decided to order one attach it inside your model. And that metal and are direct replacements for
for myself (Ssssh do not tell the wife). is the big difference between this the kit parts, needing just a minimal
and the Tamiya Zero all of these amount of clean up with a jewelers
MODEL SCALE MAGIC PLUG AND PLAY components can fit inside your model file to take care of any mould lines.
ELECTRIC SET: PRATT & WHITNEY
with just the owner cable protruding
DECALS
I decided I would purchase one of though the tail wheel bay to the 1/72 SCALE
there 1/48 scale sets that enables supplied four cell AA battery pack FOKKER DR.1 TRIPLANE LANDING GEAR
you to add sound and motion to which is the final part of the set. Kit Number: 72172
any aircraft powered by Pratt & I could not resist assembling my Designed for: Eduard
Whitney R2800 Double Wasp. set to see how well it worked and I BLACKBURN BUCCANEER S.2C LANDING GEAR
On opening the strong cardboard was very impressed the sound is clear Kit Number: 72173
box you will find five clear bags and a from start to finish and the propeller Designed for: Airfix
small instruction sheet. The first bag is beautifully synchronised with the
and most important is the PCB into sound. Once the power switch is turned CONCLUSION
BOOK REVIEWS
which everything else attached via in the program runs through a set If you want to add some strength to
simple male-female plugs. The second sequence from start up to rundown the legs of your model (for traveling
contains some 3d printed parts to act and then about a minute or rest before to shows, or if you are like me and are
a housing for the miniature motor the whole sequence repeats itself. just very heavy-handed when building
as well as some resin parts attach in the smaller scales), having a set of
the motor to your chosen propeller CONCLUSION metal legs does have a big benefit.
be it kit or aftermarket. Next comes Very, very impressive I am already This range of metal legs is
the tiny little motor that will power hard at work at installing this set available from Hannants in the UK,
your propeller, this attaches to one into a Tamiya Corsair and so far it has and also available directly from the
of two female sockets depending on been so easy that in just two weeks manufacturer’s web site at www.
in I have almost finished scaleaircraftconversions.com,
the major parts assembly where you can also see the 900-plus
and I am ready to start undercarriage sets currently available.
painting the camouflage.
If you are interested
in this range visit Model
Scale Magics website or
view there videos online
using You Tube. I am sure
you will be impressed with
what can be achieved using
these plug and play sets
in all the major scales.

DECALS
EURO DECALS
any have eagerly awaited
M these sheets as we featured

the 1/32 scale version last
year. Just like the 1/32 scale sheet, these
decals supply markings for three of the
RAFs now retired Tornado GR.4s. Each
is painted with colourful tail art over
the overall grey camouflage scheme.
XTRADECALS
1/48 SCALE he Hawker Siddeley/ Bae Harrier
ED-48120 PANAVIA TORNADO GR.4/4A PT 2
Panavia Tornado GR.4, ZA401 crewed by
Wing Commander Ian Wood & Squadron
Leader Laurie Fisher of 13 Squadron,
T was a major success for the
British aviation industry and
was one of those types that most non-
RAF based at RAF Marham 2005. aviation enthusiasts could identify.
Panavia Tornado GR.4, ZA543 of 15 Squadron, The Jumping Bean has featured on
RAF based at RAF Lossiemouth 2005.
several decal sheets over the years
Panavia Tornado GR.4, ZG756 of 14 Squadron,
RAF based at RAF Lossiemouth 2005.
and now with Kinetics announcing the
of 20(R) Squadron/233 OCU, RAF, RAF
production of an early (GR.1 to GR.3) 1/48 Laarbruch, West Germany, 30 March 1993.
1/72 SCALE scale Harrier series we have two new Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XZ972, ‘Red 33’
ED-72-120 PANAVIA TORNADO GR.4/4A PT 2 sheets covering these early models. flown by Flight Lieutenant Jeff Glover of 1(F)
Exactly the same as listed above in 1/48 scale. Squadron, RAF aboard HMS Hermes, during
I was surprised by the wide selection ‘Operation Corporate, South Atlantic, 21 May 1982.
of schemes that could be applied to the Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XZ971, ‘G’, ‘Hod
CONCLUSION type including a GR.1 with an impressive Carrier’ of 1473 Flight, RAF, RAF Belize, Belize 1993.
There are a number of good Tornadoes shark mouth and some dolphin nose Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV760,
‘K’ of 3 Squadron, RAF, RAF Gutersloh,
out there and these markings will Gr.3 with colourful tails as well as an
West Germany, April 1989.
certainly make these models look example painted the lichen green that is Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV738, ‘B’ of No.
very different from the standard line normally associated with Harrier Gr.5. IV (AC) Squadron, during ‘Operation Matchcoat’,
aircraft, especially if equipped with a RAF Gutersloh, West Germany, 1984.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV758,
full load out of training weaponry. 1/48 SCALE ‘V’ of 3 Squadron, RAF, RAF Gutersloh,
Our thanks to Ray Horwell for X48211 EARLY RAF HARRIER GR.1/3S West Germany, April 1989.
supplying the samples, which can Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1, XV753, ‘53’ Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV809, ‘AF’ of 3
of the Harrier Operational Conversion
be purchased by phoning 01208- Unit, RAF, RAF Wittering 1970.
Squadron, RAF, during Exercise ‘Matchcoat’ 1984.
77772, you can also visit the web site Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV778, ‘16’
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1A, XW745, ‘Blue 27’ of 1(F) Squadron, RAF, during Exercise ‘Cold
at www.fantasyprintshop.co.uk. of 233 Operational Conversion Unit RAF, RAF Winter’ deployed to Tromso, Norway 1979.
Wittering, seen at RAF Woodford, 17 August 1974.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV787, ‘V’ of 1453
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV762, ‘Blue Flight, RAF, RAF Port Stanley, Falkland Islands 1983.
44’ of 233 Operational Conversion Unit,
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3 XW916, ‘CW’ of IV
RAF, RAF Wittering, 25 February 1975.
Squadron, RAF, RAF Gutersloh, Germany 1981.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.1, XV787, ‘Red Alpha’
of 1(F) Squadron, RAF, RAF Wittering, early 1970s. CONCLUSION
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XC793,
The Harrier is not a large aircraft and
‘Yellow Romeo’ of 3(F) Squadron, RAF,
RAF Gutersloh, West Germany, 1970s. with over 30 marking options to chose
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV786, from on these sheet a good display can
‘Black Echo’ of UV (AC) Squadron, RAF, RAF be produced without taking up aches of
Gutersloh, West Germany, March 1975.
space on your shelf. One thing to note is
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV802, ‘Black
X-Ray X-Ray’ of 20 [R] Squadron, RAF, RAF that you should not discard the donor
Wildenrath, West Germany, June 1971. kits decals as no stencils are supplied and
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, XV787, only enough roundels for two aircraft.
‘Red 02’, ‘Hot to Trot’ of 1 (F) Squadron,
RAF, RAF Belize, Belize 1975. Our thanks to Hannants for supplying
these sheets for review which are
48212 RAF HARRIER GR.3S
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3,
available from there website as we as the
XZ967, ‘D’, ‘Donatello’ of 1473 Flight, shops in Lowestoft and Colindale, next
RAF, RAF Belize, Belize 1993. to the RAF Museum in North London.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3, ZD668, ‘3E’

LATEST NEWS
ON TARGET DECALS
nother massive sheet from ON
A Target decals is a mini theme
Washes
featuring aircraft from the Army
FIRST LOOKS
Air Cops between 1964 and 2015, This
means a wide selection of Helicopters
including the rapid response aircraft used
by the SAS to rapidly reach emergencies
Take your models to the
around the UK from there base in Hereford. next level of realism
Also featured are the fixed wing DH
Beaver and Chipmunk both of which had
a long service with the British Army.
KIT REVIEWS
1/72 SCALE
AIR72-009 BRITISH MILITARY UPDATE
SET ARMY AIR CORPS PART 1
Aerospatiale DR3130 Alouette AH.2,
XR379, ‘Army Air Corps Historic Flight,
based at Middle Wallop, UK 2010.
Aerospatiale SE3130 Alouette AH.2, XR360,
UN Flight (UNFICYP), Army Air Corps, based
at Nicosia, Cyprus, December 1979.
Westland-Bell Sioux AH.1, XT514, ‘A’ 41
Commander Air Troop, Royal Marines, based
ACCESSORIES
at Coypool/Roborough (Plymouth), July 1967.
Westland-Bell Sioux AH.1, XT842, ‘X’, 45 Before
Commander Air Troop, Royal Marines, based at
Coypool/Roborough (Plymouth), January 1971 29 Flight, BATUS (British Army Training
painted for ACE Mobile Force’s Artic Express Unit Suffield), Army Air Corps, based at
annual winter exercise in Northern Norway. Suffield, Alberta, Canada, July 2015.
Westland-Bell Sioux AH.1, XT511 of the Westland Gazelle AH.1, ‘XZ340/5C’ of 29
‘Blue Eagles’ Display Team, based at Flight, BATUS (British Army Training Unit
AAC Centre Middle Wallop 1972. Suffield), British Army Air Corps, based
Westland-Bell ‘Sioux AL.1, XT140, ARWF at Suffield, Alberta, Canada 2011.
(Advanced Rotary Wing Flight), Army Air Westland Gazelle AH.1, ‘XZ315/P’, ARWF
Corps, based at Middle Wallop 1977. (Advanced Rotary Wing Flight) Army
DECALS
De Havilland Chipmunk T.10 (Spitmunk) WP964, Air Corps, Middle Wallop, UK, 1982.
Army Advanced Fixed Wing Training Flight, Agusta A-109A, ZE410, 8 Flight (Special
Army Air Corps, based at Middle Wallop 1978. Forces), JSFAW, Army Air Corps, tasked with
De Havilland Beaver Al.1, XP821, ‘MCO’ supporting the SAS, based at Credenhill
Foreign and Commonwealth Office for Barracks, Hereford, July 2009.
use by the British Embassy in Vientiane,
Laos 1974 during the Vietnam War. CONCLUSION
De Havilland Beaver Al.1, XP816, 19 Flight, After
New sheets from On Target always tempt
Army Air Corps, on United Nations
duties, Nicosia, Cyprus 1964. me to build a 1/72-scale aircraft and this
De Havilland Beaver AL.1, XP819, one is no different. This sheet could keep
BOOK REVIEWS
15 Flight/653 Sqn, Army Air Corps, you happy for many hours of modelling.
Khomaksar, Aden, Summer 1967.
As always the instructions are a highlight
De Havilland Beaver AL.1, XP769, No 1
Flight, Army Air Corps, Middle Wallop as they combing attractive colour
1961 (original delivery scheme). profiles with a good selection of full
Westland Scout AH.1, XP984, ‘F’, ARWF colour reference photographs. I was also
(Advanced Rotary Wing Flight), Army Air
Corps, based at Middle Wallop, July 1973. impressed, by the printing of the decal
Westland Scout AH.1, XP890, 664 Squadron, sheet as the dayglo panels and UN blue
Army Air Corps, British Army. Tasked with patches really stand out and will certainly
United Nations duties, Cyprus 1964/65.
draw the eye once applied to a model. • Perfect for creating grime, dust and
Westland Gazelle AH.1, ‘XX375’ of 2 Flight, British
Army Air Corps, based at Netheravon, UK 1982. Our thank to On Target for supplying rust effects
Westland Gazelle AH.1, ‘ZB668’, UNFICYP Flight the review sheet which can be purchased
• Apply to locomotives, wagons,
AAC (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in online from www.air-graphics.co.uk buildings and many more
Cyprus) based at Kokkina Camp, Cyprus 1990.
Westland Gazelle AH.1, ‘XX437/5F’ of
Visit www.humbrol.com where you’ll
find help and advice as well as hints, tips
and product demonstration videos to get
the best out of the wide variety of
Humbrol products available!
/humbrol @humbrol /humbrol

DECALS
PRINT SCALE
S
ome colourful markings for two
seat Hunters as well as a B-17
Flying Fortress that completed 25
missions something that only happened
to 25% of the 8th Air Forces Flying
Fortresses between 1944 and 1945. It
also features a rare example of artwork
applied to the under fuselage ball turret!
1/48 SCALE
48-173 BOEING B-17 FLYING 1/72 SCALE
FORTRESS “VENI VIDI VICI” 72-348 ROYAL NAVY HAWKER HUNTER
The crew of Veni Vidi Vici and the aircraft Hawker Hunter T.Mk 8. XL 580:719
arrived in England in September of 1943. They VL of the Air Direction Training Unit,
flew out of Knettishall, England in the 562 FAA, Yeovilton, September 1970.
Bomb Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group.
Hawker Hunter T.Mk 8 XF 289:738 VL of Heron
Station Flight, Yeovilton, September 1972.
Hawker Hunter T.Mk 8 C XF985:811 BY of 759
Squadron FAA, Brawdy, in the late 1960s.
Hawker Hunter T.Mk 8 XF 357:634 LM of 738
Squadron FAA, Lossiemouth, September 1962.
Hawker Hunter T.Mk 8 XL 584. Flag Office Flying
Training, 1967 Also known as the Admiral’s Barge. also supply black and white thumbnail
Hawker Hunter T.Mk 8 WT 772, FRADU 1975. photographs of the original aircraft.
Our thanks to Print Scale for
CONCLUSION supplying the review samples, which
Though only small in size these sheets can be ordered from Hannants.
supply some very attractive markings
supported by informative instructions- that
AIMS DECALS
L
ast month we reviewed AIMs decals
for new ICM 1/32 scale Gloster
Gladiator, now we have a second sheet
this time covering the pre war use of the
type. This means that we have 2 options
with attractive markings and one rather
plain Jane. The first colourful option is for
a Gladiator Mk.1 from 3 Squadron with a
green squadron ID marking on either side
of the roundel and across the upper wing.
The second aircraft is a Sea Gladiator and
this version will be released in the next
few months. Featuring a diamond pattern
on the upper wing as well as a black tail
fin and yellow fuselage band this is the
most colourful aircraft on the sheet.
The plainest is another Mk.1 from
33 squadron R.A.F operating in Egypt.
Painted in the pre war silver finish it has
had the familiar World War 2 squadron
codes added in a light grey colour 1/32 SCALE finishing my Sea Gladiator in the very
32DO19 GLOSTER GLADIATOR attractive scheme applied to this sheet.
MK 1/SEA GLADIATOR
If you are interested in this sheet it can
Gloster Gladiator Mk. 1 K6145 of 3 Sqn, Kenley, 1937.
be purchased from Hannants in the UK or
Gladiator Mk. 1 L7616 of 33 Sqn, photographed in
its hanger in Egypt sometime after April 1939. direct from the manufacturer by visiting
Sea Gladiator N5519, 802 Sqn. HMS ww.aimsmodels.co.uk where you can also
Glorious, June 1939. N5519 later in its see the full range of decals and accessories
life took part in the defence of Malta.
they are producing for the ICM kit.
CONCLUSION
Another attractive set for the new large
scale Gladiator and I will defiantly be

LATEST NEWS
FIRST LOOKS
KIT REVIEWS
RB PRODUCTIONS
adu Brinzan has a love of Henschel Hs129B-2, ‘Hai Fetito’ 327,
R aircraft from Romania and

blue spinner tips. As well as a the name
adjacent to the fuselage cross this aircraft
ACCESSORIES
his decal range is dominated
by Romanian Bf109’s and IAR.80s
has a skull and cross bone on the tail .
Henschel Hs129B-2, 311, white spiral ICM
painted on the spinner. This aircraft has a
. And now he has added the Hs- CM have now got in the habit of releasing
I
unit marking on the tail and also carries
129 ground attack aircraft to the the German serial on the lower tail. decal sheets for their latest aircraft almost
range in all the major scales. Henschel Hs129B-2, V, 2, . as soon, if not before the kits release. The
This new sheet supplies markings 1944-1945 ROUNDEL recent 1/32 scale Gloster Gladiator Mk.1 included
for eight aircraft, six with the cross Henschel Hs129B-2, 222b, Black spinner. a nice selection of RAF options and now this shet
design and yellow trim used between Henschel Hs129B-2, 113, Black spinner.. supplies markings for four Gladiators that all
1943 and 1944 and two with the saw operational service from across the world.
DECALS
pre war roundel that was applied 1/48 & 1/32 SCALE
in for the final year of the war after As listed above 1/32 SCALE
Romania joined the Allies with white D3204 GLOSTER GLADIATOR MK.
1 IN FOREIGN SERVICES
trim. All of the aircraft are finished CONCLUSION
Gloster Gladiator Mk. 1, Royal
in a green over light blue scheme For me these decals could not be Norwegian Air Force, April 1940.
and the instructions suggest the better timed as I am in the closing Gloster Gladiator Mk. 1, 1 Escadrille, 1 Groupe
colours to use though there is a bit stages of building Zoukei Mura’s 1/32 Belgian Air Force, Schaffen, 1938.
of a debate over the actual colours. scale Hs-129 for a future issue and I Gloster Gladiator Mk. 1, China
Guomindang Air Force, 1937.
have a feeling that it will now feature
BOOK REVIEWS
Gloster Gladiator Mk. 1, 21 Mira, Greek Air Force, 1940.
1/72 SCALE one of the options from this sheet.
1943-1944 CROSSES These decals and many other CONCLUSION
Henschel Hs129B-2. ‘Lulu” 213 interesting items from their The full colour instructions supply all you
Henschel Hs129B-2, 120, Red spinner own range of decals tools and of need to know and certainly gives you some
tips. This aircraft has a winter
whitewash scheme applied. course their paper and brass seat attractive alternatives for the RAF schemes
Henschel Hs129B-2, 225, Yellow belt sets can be found at wwww. in the kit. And I am sure we will have a few
spinner tips .This aircraft a small radubstore.com and we thank Radu more sheets for the Gladiator once the Mk.II
smiling mouth applied to the nose.
for supplying the review sample. and Sea Gladiator are released later this year.
The new decal sheet can be purchased
fro all ICM stockists at the same time as
your 1/32 scale Gladiator and we thank
them for supplying the review sample.

BOOK REVIEWS
Single No.03 who have an in-depth knowledge of the type.
Hawker What stood out for me after looking at the

photographs is just how battered and used
Hurricane 1 the aircraft appear even during their early
days of service, with many areas of wear
T
his new series from MMP, as the title and chipping visible in the photographs.
suggests, focuses on a single subject, If you were one of the lucky ones to pick up
in this case the Hawker Hurricane Zoukei Mura’s sublime 1/32 scale Hs129B-2/
Mk.I. The book opens with some very nice RIII at Telford or have managed to obtain one
scale drawings in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales. since, this is book is full of inspiration. Especially
These are followed by thirteen pages of as this kit has everything in the box including
black and white photos covering various the centreline bomb racks to produce a Romanian
AUTHORS:
Dariusz Karnas &
aspects of the airframe in detail. The photos are aircraft. And now RB productions have released a
Karolina Hołda a mix of Second World War images and restored decal sheet supplying marking for eight aircraft
PUBLISHER: airframes. There are two pages of colour photos of covering the types operation between 1942 and 1945.
MMP Books
a restored cockpit and the book is rounded off with I really enjoyed this book and as I have the
ISBN:
some colour profiles of Finnish operated Hurricanes. Zoukei Mura kit on the bench it has given me an
978-83-
65958-60-0 This series of books from MMP is ideal if you interesting dilemma in choosing the final scheme
FORMAT: just want the basic information for your next build, for my model. In the UK this title is available from
24pp Softback and its certainly worth it for the scale plans. the Aviation Book Shop and RB Productions will
My thanks to MMP for supplying also be carrying the title in their online store.
this copy for review. DF
TMU-S
Images of War
German Aircraft in Romania
Sopwith
Henschel Camels over
HS129B-2 Italy 1917-1918
he Romanian Air Force during the
T Second Work War operated an

interesting selection of aircraft from
both the Allied and Axis nations. Combine
Rare Photographs from
wartime archives
I
this with some very attractive national have quite a soft spot for the
markings and you have subjects that will Sopwith Camel from my childhood
make an attractive choice for the modellers. reading of Biggles books and
When the Romanian Air Force joined the as an adult my reading of various
AUTHOR:
Axis in 1941 and re-equipped with mainly Norman Franks biographies and autobiographies of First World
AUTHORS:
German aircraft the national marking changed YEAR: War pilots. So, when I saw this title from Pen
Horia Stoica,
Dan Antoniu, to the distinctive yellow cross with a Romanian 2018 and Sword, I was very keen to get a copy.
Vasile Radu roundel in the centre. In 1943 Romania changed PUBLISHER: The Images of War series are just as the title
YEAR: Pen & Sword
to the allied side and though still flying German Aviation
would suggest and this book does not disappoint.
2019
aircraft they changed back to the roundel in the ISBN: Each chapter opens with some historical background,
PUBLISHER:
Host Models national colours that they had used pre 1941. 978-1-52672- before the pictures start. Most are reproduced
This title is one of a series covering the use of 308-6 with one or two pictures to a page with informative
ISBN:
978 973-0- FORMAT:
German aircraft in Romania with a companion captions. As well as photos of Sopwith Camels there
30603-2 103 pp Softback
series covering British aircraft. It is bilingual with are lots of pictures of the pilots. These pilot photos
FORMAT:
95 pp softback all captions in both Romanian and English. are fantastic for figure modellers, showing as they
The book starts with the introduction of the do the wide variety of uniform and flying clothing
Hs-129 in 1943 along with a range of other types worn at the time. There are also some photos of
including the Bf-109G and Ju-88. All of these aircraft the ‘opposition’, mostly showing aircraft shot down
were reconditioned or used by the Luftwaffe by the Camel pilots. The images are fantastic,
before delivery so it was fortunate that the pilots showing, as they do, the everyday wear and tear that
of GR.8 the ground attack squadron that operated these aircraft suffered and will be invaluable for
the HS-129 were mostly experienced fighter you to be able to weather your builds accurately.
pilots having flown the IAR.80 and Bf-109E. Nothing beats images of the real thing so, as
The three main chapters cover the types used a reference for your next Camel build, this book
during Romanian’s time with Axis and then post will prove to be a very useful companion. I have
August 1944 when they joined the allies. The final several Wingnut Wings Camels in my stash and
chapter covers the pilots who flew the aircraft and with the announcement from Eduard of a brand-
includes many diorama inspiring photographs. new tool 1/48 scale kit, I will be getting a lot of
The whole book is profusely illustrated with period use out of this book. Highly recommended.
black and white photographs many of which are My thanks to Pen & Sword Books
published for the first time. These are supported by Ltd for the review copy.
informative captions obviously written by people TMU-S

LATEST NEWS
Helos No.1 The rest covers US-operated Phantoms, and
their operation in Vietnam. Of course, the US
omething a bit different from
S
was a major user, and the Vietnam War was a
Aero Research this month, a major conflict but perhaps the title could have
disc with 154 photos of military reflected the types use by Britain, and Israel.
FIRST LOOKS
helicopters from around the world With that caveat, it is well
From the 412 MM.81361 to the worth a place in your library.
YUH-61A, with everything in- Thanks to Pen & Sword Books
between! The images date back Ltd for the review copy.
as far as the 1960s and go up to MJC
the present day. Many Air Forces
SERIES:
Military Series
are represented including Islamic Republic of
Iran Army Aviation AH-1s, RAF Whirlwind and
CAT NO:
1076 several helicopters used on missile testing Tupolev
KIT REVIEWS
PUBLISHER:
Aero Research
Co.
ranges in America, amongst so many others.
Helicopters are still under represented in Tu-128
WEB:
www.Aero
the modelling world, although the articles from
Floyd Werner in these pages are going some
‘Fiddler’
ResearchCDs.
T
way to address this. That said this disc has he Soviet Union and NATO
com
plenty to inspire aspiring helicopter builders! shared a common defence
The majority of the images, 90% plus problem: that of defending
digital on these discs, have never been seen against enemy bombers in the
MEDIA
before as they come from the private Arctic Northern regions of the
ACCESSORIES
collections of dozens of photographers. USSR, Canada, and the US (Alaska)
For ordering details and to see the full in the event of war. The Soviet
catalogue visit www.AeroResearchCDs.com, answer to defending these vast
we have been advised that some of the earlier regions was one of their least-
discs are now available as PDFs, further known interceptors, the Tu-128,
AUTHORS:
details on the website. My thanks to Aero Alan Dawes,
NATO codename “Fiddler”. It was a very large
Research for supplying this disc for review. Sergey Burdin aircraft for a “fighter” and was not agile, being
TMU-S and Nikolai designed to intercept bombers, not to dogfight.
Popov
This book tells the story of the aircraft; in fact,
YEAR:
DECALS
2014 it tells you a very great deal about the aircraft,
PUBLISHER: from its conception, through its development, its
The Men Who Fonthill
Media Ltd
service, and eventual retirement. The authors
are a former RAF Intelligence analyst, a former
Flew the F-4 ISBN:
978-1-78155- Soviet Air Force ground engineer, and a former
Phantom 404-3
FORMAT:
Tu-128 and MiG-31 pilot, and between them they
have produced an in-depth and comprehensive
445 pp Hardback;
his volume from the prolific pen of
T
also available in work. It covers the history of the aircraft and
Martin Bowman offers an insight digital format its vital statistics; it also covers such things
BOOK REVIEWS
into flying the F-4 Phantom in as Soviet pilot training (with emphasis on the
combat, one of the most well-known and trainees’ route to the Fiddler), and the operational
widely-used aircraft of the Cold War era. problems associated with operating in an
Each of the 11 chapters (plus a extreme environment, especially at Anderma, a
preface) concerns a particular aspect base which is actually north of the Arctic circle.
of Phantom combat operations, from There is a comprehensive selection of
the point of view of the aircrew who photographs throughout the book, and one of the
AUTHOR:
flew it. The majority of the narrative is the appendices concerns what it terms “That photo”:
Martin Bowman
YEAR:
author’s own, but each chapter is prefaced by a this dates from 1972 and was the only clear
2017 directly-quoted passage. There are two sections photograph of the aircraft to appear in the West
PUBLISHER: of black-and-white photographs, many not seen for many years. Appendix 1 tells the story of how
Pen & Sword
before by this reviewer and naturally, this book the photo was taken by the co-pilot of an RC-135.
Aviation
should have a vast appeal to all Phantom Phans. If you have one of the 1:72 scale kits from
ISBN:
978-1-52670- The appeal for modellers is in the background A-Model or Trumpeter (or indeed one of the
584-6 it provides for your model: you will search in vain vac-forms in this scale) this will be a very
FORMAT: for detailed technical descriptions, or the sort of useful reference book, especially if you like to
272 pp Hardback
“walk-around” detail shots that dedicated modelling research the background to your subject. It will
publications provide, although in fairness this also be of particular interest to anyone with
does not purport to be that sort of book. Where an interest on aviation, particularly Cold-War
the book does rather fall short, in my opinion, is Soviet air defence and aircraft development.
in the title. Whilst the Phantom was operated by Thanks to Fonthill Media
a good number of nations, the Israeli Air Force is Ltd for the review copy.
covered in one chapter; the RAF and Fleet Air Arm MJC
are covered in another, Keeping the Bear at Bay
(and that also covers US Tu-95 intercepts as well).

BOOK REVIEWS
F9F Cougar To see the full range of available Detail & Scale
and Colour & Markings series plus many other
in Detail & Scale (Revised interesting titles (and I highly recommend “The
Edition) Attack on Pearl Harbour”). Plus, the very useful
photo galleries section, which as well as covering
T
he latest revised title from popular aircraft also has many details of types
Detail & Scale covers the that are unlikely to get much coverage like the
Grumman F9F Cougar, which Avro Ct-114 Tutor, Vought Vindicator and Ryan
in my opinion is one of the most Fireball. All this can be found on the website at
attractive jet aircraft ever produced. www.detailandscale.com and we thank them for
The Cougar was a logical development supplying us with the Cougar title for review.
of the Panther by adding a swept wing DF
and other small aerodynamic changes.
To say this book is comprehensive
AUTHOR:
is a bit of an understatement in fact, the original
Bert Kinsey
YEAR: Cougar book was like a combination of a Detail Ilyushin/
2019
WEB: www.
detailandscale.
and Scale Book and one from their Colour and
Markings series. So, the decision has been Beriyev A-50
com
made to revise the book by releasing it in two The Soviet Sentry
volumes, this one in the Detail & Scale series and
E
a future volume in the Color & Markings series. arly Airborne Early
digital The title follows the normal Detail & Scale Warning (AEW) aircraft
MEDIA
format, starting with the development of the like the Skyraider housed
design before moving onto the eight major their radar scanners in bulbous
versions including two seat and reconnaissance radomes. Later, as radar
versions. This is followed by a chapter, which technology advanced, the rotating
supplies personal recollections pilots rotodome gained favour with
who flew all the different versions aircraft designers, resulting in
of the Cougar. Next, we move on to aircraft like the E-2 Hawkeye or
the meat of the book which covers E-3 Sentry. This configuration
all of the details that modellers love also found favour behind the Iron
AUTHORS:
to have. Over 180 photographs are Yefim Gordon
Curtain, first in the Tu-126, which had the NATO
contained in this section with over 140 and Dmitriy reporting name Moss. The Tu-126 was replaced
in colour. No matter how much detail Komissarov in due course by the subject of this book, the
YEAR:
you want to add to your model this Ilyushin/Beriev A-50, reporting name Mainstay.
2014
book will be an invaluable reference. As is usual in the FlightCraft series, the book
PUBLISHER:
Finally, the title finishes with Pen & Sword is aimed at modellers and aviation enthusiasts.
reviews of all the kits available in Aviation The first section deals with the development and
2019 from the vintage Hasegawa kit ISBN: service history of the Mainstay, which is based
978-1-47382-
in 1/72 scale to the recent Sword kit 391-4 on the Il-76 Candid transport. This informative
in 1/72 scale and the Kittyhawk 1/48 FORMAT: section is supported by a large number of
scale version. The Kittyhawk kit does 96 pp Paperback mainly colour photographs. Many of these are
have several errors and these are fully very atmospheric and good examples of the
discussed with some good suggestions photographer’s art. All of them will be useful in
for making the kit more accurate. some respect to modellers working with one of the
In line with the latest releases this kits available – there are even a couple of interior
new title is available in two formats the shots showing typical mission crews at work.
traditional soft back book is available The modellers’ section deals with the various
exclusively via Amazon and contains kits and aftermarket available in 1:72 and smaller
270 photographs and 23 drawings. scales: it is not a large section, because there
If you opt for the cheaper digital are not that many kits. As usual, the reviews
version, which can be purchased from are not just “in-box” reviews, but are based
Amazon or Apple store you have 315 where possible on building the kits. There is a
photographs all of which can be enlarged good selection of photographs of completed
to enable viewing of details that you models. Finally, there is a selection of colour
might miss in the standard photographs. profiles illustrating typical colour schemes,
The only thing missing from this and GA drawings to an unspecified scale.
title is the colour profiles and unit This will prove very useful if you are building
histories which will be the subject of a model of this aircraft, particularly if it is to
the separate Colour & Markings volume be the mainstay of your collection; if you’re
due later in 2020. To be honest with not, it should prove interesting anyway.
the amount of detail contained in this Thanks to Pen & Sword Books
book I am quite glad they decided to Ltd for the review copy.
use this approach as otherwise many MJC
photographs or profiles would have been
left out to make it a reasonable size.

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER!
25% OFF Two of our Best-Selling Titles

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This popular title is typical This is where it all started! The
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MODEL
AIRCRAFT
EXTRA
THE DASSAULT No.1

containing four chapters the’ range of books, covers one
charting the development and
service of the type around the
MIRAGE
2000B/C/D/N and International Versions
of the most widely modelled
aircraft of the Second World War,
By Andy Evans
world. Twenty colour side view the Focke Wulf Fw 190. The title
drawings complimented by 146 begins with a short introduction
photographs most of which and history of the type, as well
are published for the first time. as a listing of the 79 variants
The modellers section supplies of this successful aircraft. The
six 1/48 scale builds, while the main part of the book supplies
walk around section supplies detailed builds of no less than 14
81 exclusive photographs of Fw-190s in all the major scales,
various versions. The final using kits Eduard, Dragon/
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the spectacular colour schemes

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M DF
8
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T: +44 (0) 1234 331431 E: info@modelaircraftmag.com
www.modelaircraftmag.com
1/48 F/A-18D ATARS
QUICKBUILD
Kinetic Gold F/A-18D ATARS
by Michael Chilestone
GONE IN A
FLASH he Advanced Tactical Airborne two from VMFA(AW)-224 “Bengals”, one in
T Reconnaissance System (ATARS)

provides a reconnaissance
capability to US Marine Corps
F/A-18D units, with each squadron operating
three or four examples of this specialised
a spectacular, albeit lo-viz, tiger scheme.
The Editor also passed me a selection of
aftermarket items to include, namely an
Eduard interior set (ED49916), a set of
replacement Heads Up Display (HUD) glasses
variant alongside its standard aircraft. by Flying Leathernecks (FLS48001), and a finished Eduard panels. Painting call-outs
Now Kinetic have added the type to their pair of Squadron resin ejection seats (48418). in the instructions refer to the Ammo Mig
range of F/A-18 kits, as part of the Kinetic range of paint, but there is also a table to
Gold series. As this is a reconnaissance INTERIOR cross referencing this to other brands.
aircraft, and one of the decal options is an Work starts in the cockpit. The moulded I used the Squadron seats, painting them
aircraft in full tiger stripes, I really could detail on the various panels and consoles grey, with buff cushions, and olive drab
not resist the offer to build this kit. is good, and would look very effective with straps. Test fitting showed that I needed
The box is packed with what looks like a careful painting, but to use the Eduard to cut down the rear rails in the cockpit
vast number of parts in grey plastic, a small detail set a little “creative destruction” to achieve a correct fit on the Kinetic kit.
etched fret and a large decal sheet. But was necessary to remove the moulded Assembly then moved to the rear fuselage,
some of the parts are applicable to single- detail. However, I did leave the throttle fitting the intake trunking, engine faces and
seat variants, and many others make up the quadrants in place and cut the Eduard wheel wells. Test-fitting showed that a better
large range of stores. The decal sheet is panels around them, rather than remaking fit of the intake lips (fitted in step 7 of the
designed by Flying Leathernecks and printed the throttles with tiny pieces of sprue. instructions) could be obtained by fitting
by Cartograph. It covers three aircraft, one After this, I assembled the cockpit, painted the intake lips and splitter plates before
from VMFA(AW)-332 “Moonlighters”, and it, and then added the majority of the pre the intake trunking, so the best alignment

QUICKBUILD
Cockpit detail from the box Assembled, Eduard etch added Completed cockpit
could be obtained, and a good external instructions make no mention of drilling showed this does happen occasionally.
joint achieved. Some filler was necessary out any holes, and it did not occur to me With the wings complete, I added the
internally; fortunately, this is not a readily (yes, I know it should have done!) to check airbrake, which can be shown extended or
visible area on the completed model. whether they were already there or not. retracted and the tail fins. Each fin is shown
The cover for the built-in crew ladder So that is the reason my model has empty on the instructions as a single part, but in
can also be fitted at this stage if you wings, which actually looks rather good. fact the rudders are separate. This is quite
are showing it closed. This really needs Though it is not how you will see a Hornet handy as I could show them both deflected
some care, as the fit is not particularly normally I do have a number of photos that slightly outwards, which appears quite
positive and will need a dab of filler.
The reconnaissance camera nose section
is specific to this kit, but has a different cross-
section to the bulkhead which it fi fits against,
which means some filling of the resultant
gap as indicated in the kit instructions. This
was achieved easily enough, but one does
wonder why a suitable alternative bulkhead
could not have been provided. The refuelling
probe is also fitted in this section: it can be
shown extended or retracted, and I decided
on the latter. I struggled to get a good fit,
and in the end I dispensed with the housing,
and simply cemented the cover in place,
tidying up the small gaps later with filler.
The cockpit was now fitted into the main
lower fuselage, and the nose section added.
I would suggest using great care here to get
the alignment right. I had some problems
fitting the windscreen later in the build,
and I suspect that I had the nose section
slightly misaligned. Nothing that could not
be fixed, but with hindsight greater care at
this stage may have prevented the problem.
Construction now moves on to the upper
fuselage and the wings. Here I needed to
decide whether to fold the wings. I decided
not to partly because I like to see the lines
of the aircraft, and partly because folding
them involves more work, and I’m basically
lazy. At this stage there are some details,
which are not applicable to this version
that you need to remove and you also
need to drill holes to mount the pylons
for the underwing stores before gluing
the wing halves together. However, the

1/48 F/A-18D ATARS
Nose section bulkhead showing gap

to be filled Main fuselage assembled and taped A little filler needed
The start of the long decalling process.... ...a view from the other side.... ...and the on the wing
common with Hornets parked on the ground actually in the wrong place, and this was is simple enough: two greys, FS36375
without power. I left the completed tailplanes solved by cutting the lugs off, filling the and 36320, although I could not find this
off at this stage, which will make painting holes, and fitting C30 where it should be: on indicated in the instructions. I used Tamiya
and decaling around this area slightly easier the flat area under each intake, immediately XF19 and Mr Hobby H307 respectively. The
and added them once this was completed. forward of the undercarriage bay. radome was painted in Mr Hobby H318
Before painting, I added a few more The kit undercarriage is a complex “Radome” (what else?). The main focus of
items. The fairings on the fuselage aft and sturdy affair like the real thing, the colour scheme is the markings, with
of the cockpit (E19, E20 and E33) do not and I decided to add it before painting. two standard line aircraft and the “flagship”
have a positive location point, so where Each leg built up well, despite some of the Bengals with full tiger stripes added
they went was a “best guess” based on mis-numbering on the instructions over the basic scheme. The decals for this
photos. These parts even have locating (for E21 and E18 read H21 and H18). option take up the majority of the large
lugs, which the instructions tell you decal sheet, and took over a week of decaling
to remove. Why not either mould the PAINTING AND MARKINGS sessions to apply. Matters are slightly
parts without the lugs or mould suitable With construction basically complete, joints complicated by the fact that the decals are
locating holes in to which they can fit? dealt with, and the model cleaned up, it was not numbered on the sheet, so you have
The holes for C30 under the intakes are off to the paint shop. The basic scheme to compare them with the diagram in the

QUICKBUILD
Getting there …
instructions. Examination showed that they

are arranged in sections on both the diagram
and the sheet: forward fuselage starboard,
forward fuselage port, nose, starboard
wing, and so on. It also showed that some
decals consisted of three or four portions
to make one stripe while others were just
supplied as one stripe. Separate decals are
provided where, for example, a stripe goes
over the wing and the flap and some care
is needed to make sure they all lined up..
I found that with a bit of thought I could
identify what I called the “anchor points”
for each section: these were the decals
that go on first in that section, because
they fit in a specific way: for example,
where rudder decals cross onto the main
fin in one corner. Once they are correctly
positioned, the rest of the decals in that
section can be fitted in the right places
in relation to these “anchor” decals.
I worked through them slowly and THIS IS A VERY GOOD REPRESENTATION OF THE
methodically (whilst reflecting that this
article was supposed to be a Quick Build, HORNET, WITH A GOOD LEVEL OF DETAIL.
and perhaps I should have picked one of the
other options), until I ended up with a tiger- could have masked and painted them; Next came a little weathering, as this was a
striped aircraft. As you’d expect, the decals as it was, I was fortunate to find a set “Flagship’ and would have been kept quite
performed well. Just one or two touch- from Superscale which were designed clean I limited myself to a wash in the various
ups were needed at the end, and for this I for a Hasegawa kit in my ‘spares-box’. grilles and wheel bays, and some paint
used a mix of Tamiya XF63 German Grey chipping on the arrestor hook and cockpit
lightened with some Mr Hobby H305 white. FINAL TOUCHES sill. Finally, I added the canopy, supporting it
One omission from the decal sheet, After a coat of satin varnish, I added some with a jig made from building blocks until the
apart from a few essentials, is a set of more etch from the Eduard set to the inside glue had fully set. Unfortunately, the weight
stencil markings. I could live without these, of the canopy, as well as various other Items I of the canopy proved too much for the joint
but not without decals for the prominent had left off, like the aerials, arrestor hook and over time, so a piece of plastic cut to size and
formation strip lights which is a surprising the jet exhausts. For stores I limited myself painted black was fixed in place unobtrusively
omission on such a comprehensive to the AAQ-28 data link pod on the centreline to supply some much-needed extra support.
sheet. Had I spotted the lack earlier, I and Sidewinder missiles on the wing rails.
CONCLUSION
This is a very good representation of the
Hornet, with a good level of detail. The
Supporting the canopy three decal options are well-chosen,
while it dries and implemented by a superb decal
sheet. It is let down by some puzzling
design decisions, and by the instructions,
something I have also encountered in the
only other Kinetic kit I have tackled to
date. But with a bit of thought and care, it
will make for some rewarding modelling.
My Thanks to Lucky Model for supplying
the kit which allowed me to add this very
attractive scheme to my collection.

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1/48 AFRIKA – BF 109F-4 DUAL COMBO
OUT OF
AFRIKA
THE BUILD
y now the Eduard Bf 109 needs
out with various acrylic prior to being
sprayed a matt varnish to even the finish
Ben Smith looks
at the Eduard
1/48 BF 109F-4
B little introduction. Known for

its ease of build, correct lines
and being well detailed, it was a
Weekend Edition of the F-2 version that
started me off building 1/48 kits, having
out. The next step was to bring the fuselage
together, and this went smoothly as was
to be expected, however, there is one down
side here, the exhausts have to be added
from the inside of the fuselage before
been a strict 1/72 builder in the past. So, they are glued together, which means
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the you have to paint them before they go in.
Afrika Dual Combo release, which includes However, masking them was made more
etched parts as well as resin air filters to difficult by the shrouds and in turn these
build both an F-4, which is the subject of make painting the exhaust later hard work
this feature and a G-2 variant. As is usual as well. I have since read that it’s possible
with almost every aircraft kit, construction to fit them afterwards, through the slot
began with the cockpit. This consisted of where the oil cooler fits - but I haven’t tried
the basic tub, a seat base with back, trim that yet. Construction then moved on to
wheels and a control panel. The cockpit the wings. Here Eduard provide separate
was nicely detailed and looked great, ailerons and multi-part flaps, which go
especially with the etched parts added. together perfectly without location tabs.
This was sprayed with MRP RLM 66 as were Eduard only show the flaps constructed
the cockpit sidewalls. The etched parts in the down position, and I’m not sure if
were then added, and the details picked they can be modified to be modelled in the

OUT OF AFRIKA
up position. After the wings were joined to the
KIT DETAILS
fuselage with a near perfect fit with just a little
filler added to some small gaps. The model was
then flipped, and the radiators and oil cooler
were built up and added to the undersides.
The grilles for the front and rear of these are
provided as etched parts, which adds some
nice detail, although they are hardly visible
through the openings. At this point construction
was basically complete except for the resin
AFRIKA – BF 109F-4 replacement air filter, which I had left till last as
DUAL COMBO I hadn’t really had much experience with resin.
To fit this the plastic base plate of the original is
MANUFACTURER: Eduard
required to be sanded down, and to be honest
SCALE: 1/48
I think it’s more effort than it’s worth to get
KIT TYPE: Injection moulded the piece to fit compared to the detail it adds
plastic with resin and etch
over the plastic version - but that’s just me.
KIT NUMBER: 11116

PAINTING
With the main construction completed it
was on to the painting stage. First, a Tamiya
White base was sprayed on to the nose
and tail in preparation for the MRP RLM 04
Yellow. This was then masked-off and then
it was on with some pre-shading. This was
done using Tamiya Black, which was sprayed
along the panel lines. I then added a black
and white mottle coat in-between the panel
lines, and heavier on the upper surfaces than
the undersides so to aid in achieving a ‘sun
bleached effect when the main colours were
applied later on. My chosen paint brand here
was MRP as they produce most, if not all of
the RLM German colours out of the bottle,
and they are extremely easy to use. RLM
78 was used on the undersides and RLM 79
was used for the upper surfaces, and both
of these were sprayed in light coats until the
desired worn and faded effect was achieved.
DECALS
The usual steps for applying decals were
next. Following a gloss coat the decals
settled down onto the surface details
perfectly with a little of Micro Sol and Set. A
Humbrol enamel sand wash was then applied
to the undersides along with Ammo by MIG
Black panel line wash on the upper sides.
Tamiya Desert Yellow was then sprayed
in a random mottle manner on the upper
surface panels and decals to add more colour
variation, and in an attempt to recreate the
bleaching from the scorching African sun.
The final step was a to add a coat of Matt to
bring all this together. With that done I began
to add all the smaller parts such as the
undercarriage and the model was complete.

OUT OF AFRIKA

EDUARD PROVIDE SEPARATE

AILERONS AND MULTI-PART FLAPS,
WHICH GO TOGETHER PERFECTLY
CONCLUSION
I really enjoyed this build,
especially the challenge of
recreating the sun-bleached
effect on the paintwork. I’m
pleased with the result, but
as ever I maybe could have
gone a bit heavier on the
weathering but that’s all
part of the learning curve.
I can highly recommend
the Eduard kit to anyone,
especially as its available in
a Weekend Edition as well,
perfect for someone starting
out in the hobby, purely for
it ease of construction.

OUT OF AFRIKA
SAMI Research Supplemental
Jay Blakemore examines
YELLOW
the pitfalls of analysing
Luftwaffe monochrome
photographs!
A COLOURFUL CONUNDRUM
ny modeller interested in challenges to the unwary researcher
A Luftwaffe subjects will at some

point have pondered upon a black
and white image of their subject
aircraft and contemplated the colour of
its camouflage and markings. Accurately
over and above the obvious variables
that effect the tonal quality of an image:
such as exposure, the light conditions and
the weather at the time the photograph
was taken, shade and highlights. When
deciphering wartime photographs is never researching subjects most of us will turn Obl.t Werner Schroer’s G-2 - Trop ‘Red 1’ of
straightforward, but wartime German to books, and so other variables come into Mediterranean-based 8/JG27, is usually illustrated
as having a red-painted rudder. Though in the
photographs in particular present unique play: the condition of the original negative
following picture, when compared to the red
numeral, the rudder is noticeably darker.
or photograph used at the time of printing

and the printing process itself. Perhaps most
significant, however, is the type of film used
to take the original image. Film types differed
greatly depending upon the emulsions and
chemical make-up used in their production.
Film types including panchromatic and
orthochromatic were widely available during
As other photographs of the same aircraft reveal it to have had similarly coloured wingtips also, is it the war and each would have had a profound
possible that these areas were painted yellow? In this instance it seems unlikely, though my guess is effect on the appearance of certain colours
that they were painted dark green, in order to cover-over the redundant white identification panels
in monochrome prints. A panchromatic
common to this theatre of operations.
emulsion, for example, would have

A Bf109F of JG53 resplendent in its yellow-painted Possibly the most contentious Bf109 scheme is
nose. In this photograph the yellow cowling that of Hauptman Hans ‘Assi’ Hahn, when with
appears to be a similar shade as the darker areas III Gruppe JG2 based on the French Coast in 1941.
of camouflage, possibly causing doubt as to its Despite often being portrayed as having had a
actual colour. However, if the yellow fuel warning red nose, it is pretty clear from this photograph
triangle beneath the cockpit is also examined, that the cowling was in fact yellow. This can be
this too appears extremely dark. verified by comparing the cowling colour to the
emblematic cockerel’s comb and the oil-filler
warning triangle, as these are known to have
resulted in a print featuring realistic tonal been red.
reproduction, light colours would appear
light and dark colours dark, though lacking could be maintained. Paints were supplied
colour of course. While orthochromatic by a number of different companies, and
films, being much more sensitive to blue and although aircraft manufacturers could
UV light, greatly altered the appearance of choose which commercial products
certain colours. One colour that would have they purchased, all were to adhere to The tonal differences between the upper and
been particularly affected in this way was the stipulated standards. Despite such lower cowling panels of Hahn’s aircraft, featured
in the previous photograph, have led many to
yellow, and it is the appearance of this colour regulations being issued often the realities
speculate that indeed the upper cowling was
in wartime images in particular that has of wartime production meant that painted red while the lower was coloured yellow.
caused much bafflement and controversy variations occurred, but they do aid modern While such variations in tone are undoubtedly
amongst post war historians regarding its researchers in making educated and fairly caused by light reflection, here is possible
evidence that more than one yellow shade was
use as an identification and theatre marking. accurate decisions regarding the camouflage
used, in what is reputed to be a genuine wartime
Research into Luftwaffe camouflage scheme being used on a particular airframe colour shot.
colouration is aided by the specifications in a given photograph, supposing that the
laid down by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium image can be placed to a specific period, Hans ‘Assi’ Hahn of III./JG2, being based in
(Ministry of Aviation – RLM), who established time or place. Camouflage shades aside, it France, which is commonly portrayed as
a standard for paint shades, their production is the prevalence of identification colours having a solid red nose. Such a conclusion
and application. Directives to this end used on wartime German aircraft, often is highly unlikely, but due to someone’s
were circulated to aircraft manufacturers, applied temporarily and in the field, that interpretation of his monochrome source
repair depots and front-line units via a can and has caused modern researchers material, posterity has recorded it as
series of service regulations (Luftwaffen so many problems. But does the average such and so the controversies continue.
Dienstvorschriften) designated L.Dv. 521; modeller need to concern him or herself When researching your Luftwaffe
the earliest surviving edition (L.Dv. 521/1) with such matters? Unfortunately, yes, we subjects, therefore, remember that
being dated March 1938. Other regulations, do, for model manufacturers very often get depending on the film-type originally used,
some of which were established before the things completely wrong. Being a modeller in some monochrome images yellow will
formation of the RLM itself in 1933, limited who will not even start on a kit unless I have appear almost white whilst in others it can
the number of colours and encouraged found photographic evidence of its existence, appear to be the exact opposite, looking
production from pigments that could be I am constantly bemused at the amount almost black. It should be remembered
readily obtained in Germany. Such policies of incorrect colour schemes I encounter, that tactical markings only ever worked
minimised dependence on imported raw particularly amongst my favourite Luftwaffe when aircraft in a given theatre displayed
materials and ensured plentiful supplies subjects. Colour profiles too can lead to them appropriately, and for an individual
confusion as often a particular aircraft can pilot to paint his aircraft differently would
be and has been portrayed differently in any have been very dangerous indeed.
number of illustrations. The problems arise To begin analysing a monochrome image
because the researchers and illustrators of your Luftwaffe subject you first have
have analysed the photographic evidence to consider those colours that you can be
differently. Take for example a monochrome assured of – the Balkenkruez outlines for
picture of a Messerschmitt Bf109 that shows example will be white, while the centres
it to have a very dark, solidly coloured of the Balkenkruez will more than likely
nose. The chances are that the nose is be black – though not always. The fuel
painted yellow, the colour most widely used warning triangles will assuredly be yellow
throughout the War as an identification or with white edges and so on. I find the more
Often illustrated as having as red-painted theatre marking by the Luftwaffe. But what totally I immerse myself in a given subject
cowling, Hahn’s Bf 109 seems indisputably to wear if a researcher decides that it is in fact red, the more enjoyable the build experience
a yellow-painted cowling. This seems especially so
or even black, and publishes a profile of the becomes, and I hope after reading this
when the cockerel’s comb is considered, which is
surely painted red. aircraft coloured accordingly. A well-known you too will look more closely at your
example of this would be the Bf109F-2 of photographic references in the future.

1/72 PHANTOM FG.1
BLACK MIKE
Jezz Coleman takes a look at the recent 1/72 Airfix Phantom FG.1
t’s not very often that as soon as a ejection seats which are basic, but in this side and my attention then turned to the
I model arrives it’s put straight onto

my workbench, but this particular kit
has been one I have been waiting on
for some time. I have already built several
of Airfix’s incarnations of their 1/72 F-4 kit
scale they are sufficient. The cockpit is also
a little bland, with decals for instrument
panels and switches. So, there is potential
for some detailing if that is your thing. I
then assembled the two intakes and glued
various underwing components. Here
I decided that from the many images I
had seen of ‘Black Mike’, I was going for
a minimalistic look, with only the wing
kit, so I knew there weren’t any hoops to them in place on the sides of each fuselage
jump through regarding the build process. half, and the engine nozzles also needed to
There is something quite captivating be installed into their respective fuselage
about this aircraft with it’s all over black halves. The upper spine of the aircraft then
paint scheme that not only frightened the just clipped into place and a small amount
life out of me, but also compelled me to of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement was used to
achieve a paint scheme that doesn’t look secure this along with the tail section. This
too monochrome. Some aircraft fanatics too just snapped into its position with a
are old enough to remember this actual little glue. Careful attention was needed
aircraft way back when your father had to align the outer intake housing to
hair, well at least mine did! On February ensure a good snug fit, and
24, 1988 ‘Black Mike’ set a world record I recommend some
for the fastest time flown between John dry fitting before
O’Groats and Land’s End with a time of 46 committing to
minutes and 44 seconds at an average gluing it in place.
speed of 772.19mph. Once it had been taken Next I turned my
out of service it has resided in various attention to the lower wing, which
RAF museums over the years it now lives when fitted with its component parts was
at St Athan where it is being painstakingly offered up to the main airframe and with
restored back to her former glory, so another dab of Tamiya Extra Thin, the
generations of enthusiasts and modellers two upper wing sections were attached,
can enjoy this piece of aviation history. followed by the outer wing tips. With the
Construction began with the two main assembly done this was put to one

BLACK MIKE
highlighted the panel lines and broke
up the monotone finish. I then masked
and painted the metalwork around
the exhaust area and rear stabilisers.
A clear coat of Alclad Aqua Gloss was
applied followed by an oil wash using
glued into place, and with all the various Modellers World Winter Panzer Grey.
seams cleaned up and sanded smooth, Another coat of clear prepared the
it was onto my favourite part - painting. way for the decals, which all went down
This all-over black paintwork was a bit of
a conundrum for me as I’m used to doing
something a little more colourful. So, I
KIT DETAILS
opted for a slightly different approach.
Firstly, I applied a coat of black primer.
Then wheel bays and airbrake areas were
then painted in the corresponding colours
and masked off. I then airbrushed on a
coat of Hataka Night Black which has
tanks and two inert Sparrow rounds a slight tint of blue. I then post shaded
fitted to the forward fuselage recesses. various panels using a mixture of both
Next, the canopy was masked up and NATO Black and Rubber Black, and this PHANTOM FG.1
MANUFACTURER: Airfix
THIS ALL-OVER BLACK PAINTWORK WAS A BIT SCALE: 1/72
OF A CONUNDRUM AS I AM USED TO DOING plastic
SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE COLOURFUL KIT NUMBER: A06019

1/72 PHANTOM FG.1
without any issues. All that was

left to do now was to attach all
the undercarriage and doors
along with fuel tanks and
apply a coat of Satin varnish
to being everything together.
This is a cracking kit from
Airfix and ‘Black Mike’ may not
be as shinny as her first ever
appearance back in the late
1980s but we all age with time
and loose a little of our shine.

PRE ING S
COM
THE LOCKHEED F-104
-OR OO
STARFIGHTER
DER N
A COMPREH ENSIVE GUIDE
by Andy Evans
MDF 36
he missile shaped Lockheed Modellers Datafile • 36
studied several aircraftSTARFIGHTER
T F-104 Starfighter was a single-
engine, high-performance,
supersonic interceptor originally developed
THE LOCKHEED F-104
STARFIGHTER
designs, ranging
from small designs
at 8,000lb, to fairly
A C O MP R E H E N S I V E G U I D E
£24.99
+ P&P
for the US Air Force by Lockheed as one of by Andy Evans
large ones at 50,000lb.
the Century Series of aircraft. It was also In order to achieve the desired
operated by the air forces of more than a performance, Lockheed chose a minimalist approach
dozen nations from 1958 to 2004. The F-104 - a design that would achieve high performance by
served with the USAF from 1958 until 1969 wrapping the lightest, most aerodynamically efficient
and continued with Air National Guard units airframe possible around a single powerful engine.
until 1975. The National Aeronautics and Space The engine chosen was the new General Electric J79,
Administration (NASA) flew a small mixed fleet an engine of dramatically improved performance
of F-104 types in supersonic flight tests and compared to contemporary designs. Lockheed was
spaceflight programs until 1994. USAF F-104Cs granted a development contract in March 1953 for
saw service during the Vietnam War, and F-104A two prototypes, these were given the designation XF-
aircraft were deployed by Pakistan briefly during 104. Work progressed quickly, with a mock-up ready
the Indo-Pakistani wars. Republic of China Air for inspection at the end of April, and work
M DF
Force (Taiwan) F-104s also engaged the People’s 36
STARFIGHTER starting on two prototypes late in May,
Liberation Army Air Force (China) over the and in November 1955 the prototype
Cover for illustrative purposes only
disputed island of Quemoy. The operational
service of the Starfighter ended with its retirement by the Italian Air
Force in May 2004. A total of 2,578 Starfighters were
eventually produced, mostly by NATO members.
A set of modifications produced the F-104G model,
which won a NATO competition for a new fighter-bomber. Several two-
seat trainer versions were also produced, the most numerous being the was accepted by the USAF. Based on the XF-104 testing and evaluations, the
TF-104G. The ultimate production version of the basic fighter model F-104 next variant, the YF-104A, was lengthened and fitted with a General Electric
was the F-104S all-weather interceptor designed by Aeritalia for the Italian J79 engine, modified landing gear and modified air intakes. The first YF-104A
Air Force and equipped with radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. flew on 17 February 1956 and other trials aircraft were soon carrying out
Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson, the chief engineer at Lockheed’s Skunk Works, and equipment evaluation and tests. Modifications were made to the aircraft
visited Korea in December 1951 and spoke with fighter pilots about including airframe strengthening and a ventral fin was added. Problems
what sort of aircraft they wanted. At the time, the pilots were confronting were encountered with the J79 afterburner and delays were caused by
the MiG-15 with North American F-86 Sabres, and many of the American the need to add Sidewinder missiles, but by January 1958 the first USAF
pilots felt that the MiGs were superior to the larger and more complex operational squadron was formed, and the Starfighter began its journey into
American design. The pilots requested a small and simple aircraft with aviation history! This latest volume in the ever popular Datafile series guides
excellent performance, and armed with this new-found information, you through the variants and users of the Starfighter and will be a valuable
Johnson immediately started the design of such an aircraft, following resource for modellers and enthusiasts alike and features builds of the recent
his return to the United States. In March, his team was assembled; they Kinetic Starfighter kits.
M DF
36
ORDER HOTLINE: 44 (0)1234 331431
STARFIGHTER ORDER ONLINE: www.modelaircraftmag.com
1/72 SAVOIA MARCHETTI S.79
Huw Morgan builds the 1/72

Italeri Savoia Marchetti S.79
SPARROWHAWK
BACKGROUND only manufacturer offering an early Series 1
KIT DETAILS
he Savoia Marchetti S.79 may not variant with the lower fixed upper fuselage
T be the best-known medium bomber

of the late 1930’s and World War
2, but its low profile belies what
was a high-performance aircraft for its time,
with good rate of climb, agility and damage
hump rather than the later sliding option,
of particular interest here since it allowed a
build of a rare survivor airframe built before
the Spanish Civil War, but still in service in the
Mediterranean in 1941 with 18a Squadriglia.
tolerance. Typical of the day, its modest bomb
payload and inability to carry the larger THE KIT
bombs increasingly being used limited its Italeri’s kit is typical of the company’s releases
effectiveness until the later torpedo-bomber of the early 2000’s, cleanly moulded in grey
variants appeared. Not surprisingly, the plastic which holds reasonable surface SAVOIA MARCHETTI
type’s lack of fame or notoriety has meant textures and detail with little flash, although S.79
that it’s been relatively poorly-served by the typical of Italeri there are a few sink marks
model industry to date; in 1/72 scale only an at the thicker sections. This model (#1261)
SCALE: 1/72
ancient Airfix kit and a more modern offering represents a very early production airframe
by Italeri being patchily available, and in and the kit offers four schemes, these being KIT TYPE: Injection moulded
plastic
1/48, older Classic Airframes kits have been - 28.14 Regia Aeronautica (First Production
joined by a 2003 issue by Trumpeter, while Batch) 1937, 28.11 Regia Aeronautica 29º KIT NUMBER: 1261
Azur have produced an interesting kit of the Gruppo. Majorca, 1937, 18.7 Regia Aeronautica
two-engined SM.79B. Italeri appear to be the 18a Squadriglia, 27º Gruppo, 8º Stormo,

SPARROWHAWK
The plastic is
nicely detailed
The kit’s rear fairing was opened

up to deploy the dorsal gun, here’s
an early attempt at modelling the
sliding/folding doors, the final
versions had two leaves per side
The Pavla resin engines and

the Quickboost cowlings are
more detailed and a better
shape than the kit plastic
THE BUILD
Construction was pretty straightforward,
with a reasonably presented front cockpit
having seats, control columns and
instruments courtesy of a decal, although
the radio operators and flight mechanic’s
stations have simplified detail and no
Sardinia 1941 and ?.? seats; the only tricky bit is that the two
Regia Aeronautica 29º bulkheads need to be fixed with due regard
Gruppo, Majorca, 1937 to the final angles they will need to be set
The kit is presented on two main runners at to fit within the fuselage halves. The
of ninety parts and a separate clear frame fuselage itself has some representative,
and the aftermarket has a few relevant add- albeit not entirely accurate framing, but
ons, in particular Pavla offering upgrades other than scraping out the most obvious
including new resin engines, wheels and knockout marks I left well alone since it
upper fuselage interior, Eduard have several would be largely invisible. I painted the
etched sets available and both Montex whole interior with Vallejo Model Air
and Eduard list masking sets, most parts 71.009 Eau de Nil Green to represent
and decal sheets being aimed at the later the ‘Verde Anticorrosione’ used
S.79 II Sparviero. For this build I had the for the interior of Italian aircraft
Pavla engines and wheels, some improved of the period and which is nicely
Quickboost cowlings and the Montex masks. illustrated in the photographs of

THE UNDERCARRIAGE
AND TAIL
The lower wings have the undercarriage bays
fitted to them at this point, although I went
against the recommended sequence in the
instructions and left off the undercarriage
legs themselves, having determined that
it would be possible to fit them later.
With the upper wings joined to the lower
The tail was drilled to locate the twin bracing The lack of locating recesses in the resin halves they fit to the fuselage with only
wires made from elastic thread engine backplates means that the nose and minor manipulation to get the best joint
nacelle fronts need to be shortened, dry fitting
line and the engine bearer cones can be
and testing with the cowlings being essential.
the interior in my reference book. I chose glued on, these needing a bit of sanding
to leave one of the beam windows open and superglue filler to blend the joint with
to take the 7.7mm Lewis gun fitted on the fitted the mid-war period I was interested the nacelle and wing leading edges. The
sliding transverse mount seen in early in and by 1941 was unusual in being a tail parts are a straightforward fit, the
airframes. Having the Montex Mask set for survivor of the early batch. The Squadron only modification I made was to drill the
the exterior of the fuselage glazing meant book has an excellent photograph (page vertical stabiliser to take the prominent
that with some care I could cut mirror-image 37) of this airframe showing the blotchy twin bracing wires (later versions had three)
tape masks for the interior. With the main brown-over-green camouflage and showing made from Uschi van der Rosten thread.
fuselage completed and the joints cleaned the dorsal doors open. The design of the
up with some help from superglue used in opening panels is clearly different to the ENGINES AND GLAZING
lieu of filler a decision is needed about the later sliding arrangement, and although I The Pavla resin engines have better
treatment of the dorsal gun position; in the struggled to find much by way of further detail than the kit plastic and include
kit this is closed up by a solid section which information on the earlier system, I chose to representations of the cowling support
includes the lateral fairings. I wanted to cut out the closed section and make two- frame so often omitted. Inevitably, the
model the 18a Squadriglia machine since it section bi-fold doors from plastic card. castings need some adjustment to get
them to fit the cowlings and the engine
mounts, in particular, they don’t have
the recesses on their rear faces used to
locate the plastic versions, which means
that the conical engine mounts need to
be shortened by several millimetres, dry
fitting being essential. The cockpit glazing
There’s a reasonably detailed interior

for the front part of the cockpit

SPARROWHAWK
I PAINTED THE WHOLE INTERIOR
WITH VALLEJO MODEL AIR EAU DE NIL
The upper surface
green was highlighted GREEN TO REPRESENT THE ‘VERDE
with lightened base
colour, concentrating ANTICORROSIONE’ USED FOR THE INTERIOR
on panel centres
OF ITALIAN AIRCRAFT OF THE PERIOD
is a reasonable fit, only needing some

careful trimming of the aperture and some
modest addition of filler, for which I used
De Luxe Perfect Plastic Putty which can
be smoothed with a damp cotton bud.
PAINTING AND FINISHING

Painting began with some Citadel Balthasar
Gold applied to the fronts of the cowlings to
represent the bronze of the exhaust collector
rings, followed by a plain coat of Vallejo
71.121 Light Gull Grey on the undersides,
my reasoning being that I’d add highlights
through some post-shading. The Vallejo
colours I was using appear rather soft and
easily damaged, presumably because of
their water-based nature, - the answer being
to let them dry for at least 24 hours before
handling or masking. With the grey masked
the green primary colour was be applied
to the upper surfaces, - although Vallejo
Model Air Colours are presented as ‘airbrush
ready’ I tend to thin mine with around 10%

The whole airframe was

glossed prior to applying the
decals, the decals themselves
behaving admirably.
Vallejo thinners. The base green

used was 71.092 Medium Green, with
subsequent highlight coats of the base
colour lightened with up to 50% 71.095 Pale
Green in the centre of panels, and patchily
elsewhere. I used 71.026 US Flat Brown circles of white decal sheet as backing for the
for the camouflage colour, in this case cut wing roundels just in case. With everything
with around 25% thinner, and using an dry, the final details can be added; the pre-
air pressure as low as my regulator would finished landing gear and doors, bomb bay
allow (around 0.3 Bar), and although this doors, wind generator and the crew entry
offers reasonable control of the paint being steps. Some final weathering was done with
deposited, even with a good airbrush (mine’s a mix of tan, brown and black pastel shades.
an Iwata Eclipse) leads to some overspray overspray using a Flory Models weathering
and spatter. I tidied this up a little by re- stick and gave the model several thin coats of CONCLUSION
visiting the green, again using several mixes, Mr Hobby GX100 in preparation for decalling. To build a 1/72 scale SM.79, the Italeri kits
and spraying narrow lines around the brown The kit decals went on without drama, are really the only game in town, so it’s
patches. Several iterations of painting later, although the white of the tail crosses showed pleasing that they build easily into neat
I took off some of the shine and powdery them lacking some opacity so I cut some replicas of an important aircraft. I enjoyed
this build and I’m looking forward to the next
one using a Pavla conversion set to make the
pre-War long-distance civilian-registered
version used in the Istres-Damascus air race.

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1/48 SUPER ÉTENDARD MODERNISÉ
Fabian Flemming builds

the 1/48 Kinetic Super
Étendard Modernisé
FRENCH NAVY
FLYERTHE COCKPIT
he Dassault-Breguet Super
engine nozzle. Both where painted with
Alclad II shades and and fitted into the
Working
on the
cockpit
T Étendard, is a French carrier-based

strike fighter designed for the
French Navy. The aircraft replaced
the Étendard IVM and in the 1990s, and
significant modifications and upgrades
fuselage halves along with the cockpit.
FUSEALGE
At this point I think it is a good thing to say
that this was one of the very best Kinetic kits
were made resulting in the Super Étendard I have built. It had a very good fit and was a
Modernisé. When I was looking to build pleasure to work with it. The only problem
a replica of this aircraft, I really liked the was that the windshield was a bit too narrow,
design of the Kinetic kit, so that was the which was solved by sanding the sides of the
one to go for. My version was detailed a fuselage in the windshield area a little bit. The
bit more by using some Eduard etched wings were fine, and I decided to put the flaps
parts, as well as those that are supplied in the extended position because that just
in the kit itself. Construction began with looked very cool. I needed a little filler at the
the cockpit, and here I made the necessary wing join, but nothing too serious. Same can
modifications to get the Eduard parts be said for the join on the underside, but all in
placed correctly. Then everything was all there was just a little bit putty and sanding
painted black, and while this was drying, needed. The rest of the build went without
I constructed and painted the intakes and any problems and I was soon ready to paint.

FRENCH NAVY FLYER
The ejector
Adding the engine trunking seat and
masked off
canopy
Adding the
etched parts
First I added a coat of

Alclad II Black Primer
and Microfiller…
KIT DETAILS
PAINTING DECALS AND WEATHERING
Before masking up the canopy and windshield, I The Kinetic decals are printed by Cartograph,
gave the part a dip in Johnson’s ‘Klear’. Once dry so they are very easy to use and went on
they were masked-off and added to the aircraft. without any problems. I decided to do my
Then I added a layer of Alclad II Black Primer Super Étendard Modernisé with the emblem
and Microfiller. For this build I also decided to of the city of Troyes, which I was visiting
use a new set of paints from Polish company when I went to an Airshow in St. Dizier. When
Bilmodel. My colours of choice were FS35270 the decals were dry, they were sealed with
and FS36118 thinned and sprayed on a 0.15 to 0.2 another coat of ‘Klear’ and left to thoroughly
SUPER ÉTENDARD mm needle, through my H&S Infinity airbrush. dry. Whilst this was happening I assembled
MODERNISÉ I have to say they worked really well. To make the landing gear, the airbrakes and the gear
the paint look more worn and bleached out, I
MANUFACTURER: Kinetic
added a few drops of white to both colours and
SCALE: 1/48
set some around the airframe. Afterwards the
KIT TYPE: Injection moulded gear bays and nose where masked and painted.
plastic with etch
When everything was done, it was time now to
KIT NUMBER: 48061 seal everything using a coat of Johnson’s ‘Klear’.

1/48 SUPER ÉTENDARD MODERNISÉ
….then Bilmodel FS35270

and FS36118
The wheel wells

were suitably
painted
The decals
are printed by
Cartograph
Adding weathering to
the undersides

FRENCH NAVY FLYER
THE KINETIC
DECALS ARE
PRINTED BY
CARTOGRAPH, SO
THEY ARE VERY
EASY TO USE AND
WENT ON WITHOUT
ANY PROBLEMS
WEAPONRY seal them as well. The metallic parts were

For the weapons I was deciding on a typical then painted with Model Master Chrome,
air-to-air loadout with French Matra Magic and finally I added all of the lights and
bay doors, and to painted them as well. missiles and the bigger underwing tanks to painted them with clear blue and clear red.
Then it was time to apply a wash, and here make the aircraft look a bit more interesting.
I used a selection from Mig Productions. I I then added some scratches using an AK CONCLUSION
first used a darker wash and then I picked Interactive Weathering Pen. Finally, it was Not a new kit, but still a great model
out some details and colour variations with time to remove the masking from the and I really enjoyed this build from
a lighter brownish wash. Some spots of canopy, and add the decals for the detonation Kinetic, it really is quite superb.
Streaking Grime were applied at this point. cords, and brush on some more ‘Klear’ to

1/72 CASA 212-100
Me CASA!
Vitor Costa guides
you through painting
and weathering the
1/72 Special Hobby
CASA 212-100 with
Portuguese Tail Art
he CASA 212 entered on service The inclusion of some etched seat belts
T
KIT DETAILS
with the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) would have been a nice touch to give more
in 1974. At they time Portugal was realism, so I added some from my ‘spares-box’.
using the Noratlas, so this was Unfortunately the seats represented in this kit
a huge change for Portuguese pilots, and are not accurate for a Portuguese version, as
initially it was not well received, and being a they where used only on the Spanish aircraft,
turbo-prop, it took some time to be accepted. but its not a big deal. The fuselage, well, this
I was looking forward to starting this kit as is a mixed blessing, with twelve different
I was pleased to see Special Hobby present parts needed to build up this area! Quite a
something different from their usual fare. bit of putty and scribing were needed to give
With Special Hobby it is not usual to have so the fuselage a perfect finish, and a coat of
CASA 212-100 WITH many parts or so many versions of an aircraft primer was applied to check if everything
PORTUGUESE TAIL ART in one box, but, here it is possible to build one was ok, and with a few touch-ups this was
of five or six variations of this aircraft! The complete. On the interior I decided to represent
MANUFACTURER: Special
moulding is crisp, the panels lines are fine the curtains that can be seen in almost all
Hobby
and all in all it looks a good model. As usual, Portuguese aircraft using aluminium foil,
SCALE: 1/72
the build started with the interior, and as this bent to shape and painted a canvas colour
KIT TYPE: injection moulded
is a cargo aircraft there is no interior besides and then fixed into place with CA glue. A
plastic
the cockpit, not that it makes any difference simple effect and a nice touch. Prior to closing
KIT NUMBER: 72376 as its not possible to open the rear door, so the fuselage I added all of the clear parts,
nothing can be seen inside. The interior is a and in particular the cockpit transparency
little simple with just six parts for the cockpit. was very clean with no distortion.

ME CASA!
WITH THIS KIT IT
I added a few IS POSSIBLE TO
details in the
cockpit BUILD ONE OF FIVE
OR SIX VARIATIONS
OF THIS AIRCRAFT
Filler was
needed in a lot
of places
PAINTING
Now I was ready to paint and as usual I
started with the lighter colour, in this case colours where dry, I started the weathering
Hataka Medium Green FS34102 thinned in process. Some of the FAP aircraft show signs
a 40:60 mix and applied in three coats. The of heavy weathering, but I decided to be a
next colour to be added was Hataka C012 little more restrained with this build! So the
Dark Tan FS30219 thinned 30:70 and applied first step was to add some discolouration,
freehand with my airbrush. I did the and for that I used Tamiya XF-4 on the
same with the Hataka C016 Dark
Green FS34079, and once all the
Panel lines needed to be rescribed

1/72 CASA 212-100
The first colour was

Hataka Medium
Green....
....followed by Hataka
Dark Tan....
...and Hataka Dark Green.... greens, and I worked along the airframe,
panel by panel. Once we are happy with the
amount of XF-4 it was time to cover this with
a light, highly thinned coat of the original
shade. On the brown parts I used Tamiya
XF-57 Buff, and repeated the process I did
with the greens. For the undersides I used
Hataka C039 Camouflage Grey FS36622,
and sprayed the uneven demarcation line
freehand. Once everything was dry, I applied
a coat of Hataka Gloss XP09 to seal all the
paintwork and to prepare the surface for
the next stage, a wash! As usual I used a
homemade mix of oil colours thinned with
White Spirit, and for the light grey colour I

ME CASA!
....with
Camouflage
Grey on the
undersides
used a mix of white, black and Raw Umber.

This was applied with a brush and then any
excess was removed in the direction of the I used a homemade
airflow with a damp cloth. I then ran a slighty mix of oil colours....
darker wash over all the upper surfaces and
repeated the clean-up motion. I then left the
model to completely dry for three days.
...and removed the excess
WASHES AND DECALS with a soft cloth
I decided to paint the wing leading edges.
There are decals provided in the kit but I felt
painting would be more authentic. The decals
are by Cartograf so you know they will be
quality, but the ones to apply on the tail were
a little bit too thick, and the irregular surface
didn’t help either. So, with the help of a lot of
decal softener I eventually persuaded them to
settle down. All the other decals went without
any problem. Once the decals were dry I
applied a final gloss coat to blend and seal
everything in. While the varnish was drying
I set to work on the smaller parts like the
propellers and wheels. The propellers needed
some sanding work as they were a little thick I decided to paint the leading
on the leading edges. They were then suitably edges rather than used the
supplied decals

1/72 CASA 212-100
The decals were

by Cartograf
painted, decalled and the their tips coloured spots I also applied some Tamiya yellow
yellow. The wheels were then painted and pigments, and scratches were also applied
detailed ready for installation. Time now to with a water colour pencil, to simulate the
do some more weathering. First I applied marks left by the maintenance crew.
a coat of Hataka Matt, and once dry began
to simulate some highlights and shadows
using oil colours and began the process by
applying small dots in certain areas. These
were then blended in with a flat brush damp
with White Spirit. I used dark blue and green
for the shadows, and white, buff and yellow
green for the highlights. To accentuate some

ME CASA!
Adding a Matt coat
brought everything
together
Scratches were added with a water colour pencil
Drilling the
hole for the
antennae
mount
ON FINALS
Almost there, and time to add the final
details. There are a couple of antenna on
the aircraft, and to make the support for
the aerial I used a needle to mark the spot,
and then drilled a hole, into which I placed
the short mount for the aerial wire and
then ran some Uschi Van Der Rosten ‘Rig
That Thing’ fine thread up to the tail. Also
there is a some sealant visible on some of
the cockpit windows, so this was carefully
painted on. Finally a mix of black and
brown was used to simulate the exhaust
staining on the engine nacelles, and once
dry I applied some smoke pigments to
give more texture. The interiors of the
wingtip lights were painted silver and
afterwards painted with clear shades Adding engine exhaust staining
to give a coloured glass effect. The
last thing to do was to add a stretched
sprue antennae on the upper forward
fuselage – and the project was complete.

1/35 FOCKE-WULF FW C.30A HEUSCHRECKE
Iwan Hughes builds

the 1/35 MiniArt
Focke-Wulf FW C.30A
Heuschrecke
GERMAN
GRASSHOPPER
BACKGROUND interior. The cockpit instruments are well
KIT DETAILS
his aircraft was built under license defined with decals supplied for each individual
T by Focke-Wulf with a 140hp Siemens

7-cylinder radial engine. It was taken
from the Civerva C.30 Autogyro,
which was exported to several countries for
production in the mid-30s with a total of 148
gauge. The engine is highly detailed with etched
parts to bolster the moulded intricacies.
THE BUILD
The build started with the cockpit as a sub-
being built. It was never used in operational assembled frame, floor and seats. The detail
military service by Germany, however, it was is fairly good; however, some ejector-pin marks
flown by collectors and enthusiasts and was need to be dealt with on the back of the seats,
capable of cruising at 95mph with a maximum which would be clearly visible on the completed
speed of 110mph and a range of 285miles. build. There is also no detailing on the back of FOCKE-WULF FW C.30A
the cockpit dashboards and the area on the rear HEUSCHRECKE
THE KIT dash can clearly be seen, so spending some
MANUFACTURER: MiniArt
This 2019 kit by MiniArt is one of their recent time here adding some scratch-built detail
SCALE: 1:35
series of Autogyro aircraft. It comes as seven would improve the final look. The engine is also
grey sprues, with an etched fret, a decal sheet a complete sub-assembled section with some plastic
with two variants and a colour instruction guide. very fiddly etch. I struggled with some of the KIT NUMBER: 41012
The parts are sharply moulded with some nice smaller parts with some being lost forever!!
detailing for the framework around the cockpit I did some research into the appearance of

GERMAN GRASSHOPPER
the engine online and found there to be all glued together and dried, I placed the
several exposed pipes and wires missing, so rotor assembly on the frame as a dry fit
I decided to add these using various gauges and immediately found the rotors began
of copper wire. This extra work added some to sag from the head. After approximately
lovely detail to the finished build. The main fifteen minutes, the rotors had sagged to
assembly of the main rotor frame, fuselage snapping point. To remedy this, I replaced the
and undercarriage was straightforward, and rotor blade arms with steel wire and used
I found that the kit went together well. When superglue to hold them in place on the original
it came to the assembly of the rotor head - I rotor head. I found that this little cheat fixed
found this was a different story altogether! the issue with no further sagging. Due to the
The three long (and relatively heavy) new ‘stiffer’ framework, I decided to gently
rotor blades are designed to sit in an open bend the blades by hand to mimic the natural
topped rotor head. Once these parts were effect gravity would have on the blades.

1/35 FOCKE-WULF FW C.30A HEUSCHRECKE
PAINTING AND
WEATHERING
I painted the cockpit and interior
using some reference images
from the internet. This was to
have a green frame cage for the
cockpit and a wooden frame for
the canvas airframe. The exterior
was primed with AK Interactive
‘One Shot’ Black Primer and given
a coat of White acrylic once dry.
I masked off the metal engine
cowling and painted this with
Mission Models Faded Aluminium
MMM-003. Then to add some
texture to the metal, I dabbed on
another layer of this paint with
a stiff bristle brush. I applied the
decals using Micro Sol and Micro
Set before giving the kit a coat
of satin varnish. I then used AK
Interactive Brown Blue Wash for
Panzer Grey Vehicles, which was
highly diluted to bring out the
canvas over frame appearance
IN HINDSIGHT, I WISHED THAT

I’D SPENT A BIT MORE TIME
DETAILING THE COCKPIT

GERMAN GRASSHOPPER
of the fuselage. I then used a
dark pin-wash to bring out the
raised detailing on the kit. Then
a grey clay-based weathering
wash by Flory Models was used
to add some gentle streaks. To
add more interest to the engine
and cowling, I used AK Streaking
Grime and AK Engine Fuel and Oil
Stains to colour the metal work
and cylinders, and also to create
a heated metal appearance
around the exhaust pipe. To finish
off the build, I used some black
and white pigments to create the
appearance of exhaust emissions
on the underside of the kit.
CONCLUSION
All in all, a really enjoyable
kit to build and learn about.
In hindsight, I wished that I’d
spent a bit more time detailing
the cockpit, but alas, we
learn with every new build!
Thanks to MiniArt
for the build sample

1/48 YAK-1B SOVIET FIGHTER
WINTER Huw Morgan builds the
YAK 1/48 Zvezda Yak-1B
lexksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev’s aspirated and supercharged Klimov M-106
A
KIT DETAILS
design bureau (OKB-115) was formed engines, although since development of this
officially in 1934, making its early was delayed, early flights were made with
reputation in the production of the M-105 engine. Whilst airframe and engine
light sports aircraft, but by the start of World development issues plagued the Yakovlev I-26-1
War II, had produced a light bomber which and I-26-2 prototypes, the potential competitors
was sufficiently impressive that against the from MiG (the I-200 which became the MiG 3)
background of increasing official distrust of and LaGG (the I-301 which became the LaGG-
the ‘big two’ Tupolev (bomber) and Polikarpov 3) were similarly affected, and the Yakovlev
(fighter) Bureau, the OKB invited Yakovlev to offering managed to satisfy the OKB officials
compete to produce a new fighter alongside first, encouraged no doubt by a realisation of
YAK-1B SOVIET FIGHTER Mikoyan-Gurevich and LaGG. The initial the comparatively poor performance of existing
specification called for two prototypes of a VVS equipment, and was ordered shortly after
MANUFACTURER: Zvezda
heavily armed fighter, powered by naturally its successful demonstration as the Yak-1. The
SCALE: 1:48
plastic
KIT NUMBER: 4817
The stretched fabric effect on the rear fuselage is Surface detail is excellent, despite the age of the
well done, and will respond well to careful painting original moulds

WINTER YAK
SEPARATE SIDE FRAMES ARE
SUPPLIED TO REPRESENT THE
TUBULAR STEEL STRUCTURE
OF THE ORIGINAL
Yak-1 was built as a composite structure of

metal and wood and suffered a number of
early problems with handling, mechanical
unreliability and poor firepower. Typically
for Russian aircraft in the Great Patriotic
war, the design underwent a bewildering
number of factory and field developments, Included in the kit, but not referred to in the
complicated by the relocation of production instructions is a complete sub-sprue holding all
the parts for the ski undercarriage
facilities eastwards to escape the German
advance. Most noticeable developments
were the up-gunning to a single UBS plastic parts and twenty-one in clear, the
heavy machine gun (instead of two ShKaS) moulding is sharp and the surface detail is I had a number of aftermarket enhancements
with either a UBS or ShVAK cannon firing well rendered and uniform, without flash available; etch and masks from Eduard, exhausts
and flaps from Quickboost and belts from AML
through the spinner, and a cut-down rear
deck and clear rear canopy section. These
modifications led to an unofficial designation
of Yak-1B, formalised, with other changes
into the Yak-1M of 1942. The Yak-1 was
an incredibly important Russian fighter,
being the progenitor of the whole family
of Yak-1, 3, 7, and 9, accounting in total for
over 36,000 airframes (8700 being Yak-1
variants) and representing some 58% of
Russian fighter types built during the War
THE KIT
The origins of the Zvezda issue of the Yak-1B The cockpit is made up of a
go back to a series of kits issued by Accurate floor, two side frames and an
instrument panel. Detail in the
Miniatures between 1998 and 2006, the same
plastic is very good, enhanced
basis being used by Eduard for their 2006 slightly by selected bits from the
to 2015 range. With this heritage, Zvezda Eduard etched fret
offer a tidy kit of around eighty-eight grey

Cockpit in situ
The kit’s instrument panel has some raised

detail, although adding the Eduard etch is an
improvement. The kit decal is woefully undersized.
I started the thinning process by cutting No, not a duff photo, this is how thin
a groove to guide the cutting tool the wing section ends up, shown by
some backlighting
It’s necessary to remove a section of

Here’s an illustration of the work needed to fit the resin flaps; the fuselage wing root to make way
upper wings to be seriously thinned, and lower wings to have the for the resin flaps, making sure that
existing plastic flaps removed the root joint itself isn’t damaged
or serious knockout blemishes; there are no looks straightforward, and could be suitable blue) and Squadron Commander, 427th IAP,
resin or etched parts included, although there for a beginner. Four schemes are provided, 294 IAD, 5th Air Force of the Red Army, 1943,
is a small sprue which appears to hold the and they are - 3rd Sq, 267 IAP, 236 IAD, 8th Voronezh (green/black over light blue, red
parts for a complete set of ski undercarriage. Air Force of the Red Army, Ukraine (two-tone nose). The decals look to be well printed,
Instructions are typical of Zvezda, with grey over light blue#43, March 1943 (winter and colour callouts are for Zvezda and
the main sequence complemented by side white over light blue), #8110 31st Guards Tamiya paints. Wanting to see what could be
bars showing the construction of sub- Regiment, 268 IAD, 8th Air Force of the Red achieved with the kit, I got hold of a number
assemblies or modules, overall, the build Army, 1943, Ukraine (green/black over light of aftermarket sets: the Eduard etched
brass from 2002 for the -1 (FE166) (nothing
was available for the -1B), Eduard masks
(EX658), Quickboost exhausts (QB48562)
and Flaps (QB48297) and some AML belts
(AMLE 5012) (although there are some on
the Eduard set which I ended up using)
THE BUILD
Construction began in the cockpit (where
else!) with the rudder bar, hydraulic (?)
hand pump and control stick added to
the floor, which unusually needs folding
a third of the way along to form the front
bulkhead. Separate side frames are supplied
to represent the tubular steel structure of
the original. These are very nicely detailed
with controls and secondary consoles
and the Eduard etched fret offers some
refinement, although to be honest, I judged

WINTER YAK
ZVEZDA OFFER A
TIDY KIT OF AROUND
EIGHTY-EIGHT GREY
PLASTIC PARTS AND
TWENTY-ONE IN CLEAR
that replacing the three-dimensional set, painted black, and to add individual here that the fit of the fuselage halves is
plastic with two-dimensional brass would dial faces from an Airscale decals set. The poorest, needing some superglue filler and
be a retrograde step in many instances. cockpit parts and inner fuselage walls were re-scribing. Before closing the fuselage
The seat is again folded up from a flatter painted Mr Hobby H334 Barley Grey, whose up. I added a piece of aluminium tube to
moulding (presumably due to 1998 moulding semi-gloss finish is helpful when applying represent the muzzle of the UBS gun in
technology limitations) and the seat pan a dirtying oil wash and fine details were the otherwise empty blast trough.
itself benefits from some thinning using picked out with Vallejo Model Color acrylics. Time now for the wings, and some
a cutter in a motor tool, I used the Eduard The fuselage closes up around the cockpit planning to be done; I’d decided to use the
brass belts, and although the AML ones without difficulty, taking care to line up Quickboost resin flaps in order to show
were slightly better, they were saved for front bulkhead flush with the flat deck so them drooped, - this is a bit unconventional
another day. The kit’s clear sprue is generic, as to leave the two side panels sticking up since the flaps are inset from the trailing
having parts for both -1 and -1B, including ready to be fixed to the curved upper deck. I edge so bits of the lower wing have to be cut
the respective instrument panels which added a small tab at the rear of the radiator out and subsequently re-attached. There’s
have some rather half-hearted raised detail, housing to hook the duct under and glued some heavy-duty thinning of the upper wing
there’s a decal for the instrument faces but in the very nice hollow-cast Quickboost halves required to fit the resin segments,
it’s immediately obvious that this is way too exhausts. The upper deck fits pretty well, I used rotary cutters in a motor tool until
undersized to be of any use, my solution despite on-line reports from other builders the plastic was translucent, and the inserts
was to add to the texture using the brass of gaps to fill. The lower nose panel needs have to be lined up carefully with the trailing
central instrument panel from the Eduard some juggling to get into position and it’s edge near the ailerons, leaving the flap
The clear covers over the wing fuel gauges were The Quickboost exhausts add some finesse with
Here are the upper segments in place in the wing sanded and polished flush with the upper surface their hollowed ends

The kit includes a full set of parts for the ski

undercarriage, although they’re not mentioned in the
instructions. Assembly is pretty self-explanatory, here
The panel lines and hatches on the
the completed leg and ski is shown at left
The first stage of painting was to underside were emphasised using AK
apply the light blue to the undersides, Interactive panel liner, pained on, allowed
highlighting the panel centres using to dry and scrubbed off with cotton buds
blue lightened with white dampened with White Spirit
Typically, I started painting using an

overall coat of Ammo by MiG One Shot
Primer to show up any defects. I had already
decided that I wanted to depart somewhat
from the kit’s schemes and show the model
in a winter setting with the ski undercarriage
and a winter distemper finish and have
always been taken by the grey/grey/blue
scheme, in this case exemplified by white
The upper surfaces were painted with a 41 of 267th IAP. Since I wanted a weathered
nominal camouflage of two greys Local painting with gloss prepared look, but wanted to retain the essence of
the surface for the decals, which the marked white 41, the painting sequence
went on without difficulty
would necessarily be fairly complex,
body projecting beyond the upper wing/ although each step is straightforward:
fuselage joint and needing some chunks A) With the primer coat complete and
cutting out of the fuselage root area. With colour application. At this point the airframe polished, the underside light blue was
all this grinding and cutting, it makes sense is pretty much complete and after some applied using Tamiya XF-23 followed
to fix the upper wing halves to the fuselage final additions of the gunsight and pilot’s by some highlighting in several stages
to get the best alignment, adjusting the glass head armour the canopy segments can using XF-23 lightened with increasing
thickness of the flap segment to get the be fitted after applying the Eduard masks. amounts of white up to about 20%.
lower wing to fit. It all sounds complicated, I was intending to set the central segment B) Having masked the wing and fuselage
but it really only needs some forethought open so glued on the windscreen and rear undersides with tape, I set about the
and careful cutting. With everything closed section using Pacer 560 acrylic glue and upper camouflage using Tamiya XF-82 for
up the flap areas were painted with H334 clipped in a blank section of canopy on the the paler grey and XF-63 for the darker,
Barley grey and masked pending the main sprue (part #1) to act as a temporary mask. roughly masking using Blu-Tac and tape
to represent the camouflage pattern.
C) Key areas of the airframe where the
main decals would go were now sprayed
with Mr Hobby Mr Super Clear gloss from
an aerosol can and the decals applied and
sealed in using Citadel Purity Seal satin
varnish from the can, keeping the sprayed
area as close in to the decals as possible.
The decals themselves behaved admirably.
D) Key areas of likely wear such as wing
leading edges, walkways and engine
cowling were now carefully sprayed with AK
Interactive Chipping Effect, - a water-soluble
coating which is the modern equivalent
of the hairspray technique but with added
control, I deliberately kept the area contained
in order to limit the paint damage
E) With some trepidation, I did some soft
local masking of the decals using paper
masks attached with the tiniest pieces of
Blu-Tac before spraying the white distemper
finish thinly over the entire upper surface,
emphasising the centres of panels.

WINTER YAK
F) Once it had dried for an hour or so, the
white was scrubbed off high-wear areas
and over the decals using a cut-down
toothbrush and warm water to leave a
mottled, randomly damaged surface. In
fact, I realised that I hadn’t applied quite
enough of the chipping fluid, so there
wasn’t as much damage as I’d anticipated
G) The underside was treated to a
thin wash of AK Interactive panel liner
for Blue/Gray camouflage to bring
out the panel and fastener detail.
H) I added some minor dirtying
to the wing root and gun muzzle The decals were roughly masked with bits of
areas using pastel chalks. paper fixed with tiny blobs of Blu Tac before the
winter white was sprayed.
ON FINALS
Although not described in the Zvezda
instructions, completing the ski
undercarriage isn’t difficult, the construction
being pretty self-explanatory, and there
being a number of reference photographs
on the internet. Although probably not
completely accurate, I added the Eduard
etched scissor links intended for the wheeled
legs and painted the whole lot a light grey.
CONCLUSION
This is a pretty good kit, with the main
parts going together neatly although
there are some fit issues with the wing
and having adequate levels of detail,
and straight-from-the-box it would a
competent model. The Eduard set for the
-1 is only marginally useful in dressing up
the cockpit although the external details
help the finesse of the undercarriage, but
the resin flaps need a whole shed-load of
work the get them to fit, and I’m not sure
the effect is really worth the effort.

1/72 A6M1 PROTOTYPE
Angel Exposito builds

the FineMolds 1/72
Mitsubishi A6M1
Prototype
ZERO T
he 1/72 FineMolds A6M1 Prototype kit has
some wonderful detailing, a very complete
cockpit and very well rendered wheels bays.
The panel lines are finely engraved and
the engine is also well represented, and is without a
doubt, a superb piece of engineering in this scale.
BY NUMBERS
1 I began with the cockpit and
once built up the entire area
was painted black.

ZERO BY NUMBERS
2 Next I painted the insides with
Interior Green and detailed the 3 Here you
can see how
switches and levers using Vallejo the cockpit
Model Color. The front instrument looked with
panel had the kit decals applied. all parts
assembled.
4 I then masked
off the canopy
and attached it
using Ammo by
MiG Ultra Glue.
5 I then painted the

interior of the flaps and
wheel wells with Model
Master Metallic Blue.
6 Then I started painting the airframe. To get the

caramel or amber grey tone I wanted, I prepared
a mixture of Gunze H315, H321 and H71. Once
applied, I lightened this mixture with a little
White and airbrushed this on in a subtle way over
various panels.
THE PANEL LINES

ARE FINELY
ENGRAVED AND THE
ENGINE IS ALSO
WELL REPRESENTED

1/72 A6M1 PROTOTYPE
8 I then added a Gloss coat

ready for the decals.
7 On the undersides I repeated the

same operation, and this was the
result once the flap and wheel well
masks were removed .
9 I then placed all the decals and

stencils before applying any washes. 10 Next, I added some panel line washes
using Ammo by MiG Blue Black PLW.
12 The propeller was

painted in Aluminum
11 Then I added some Oilbrushers shades on
various areas and blended them in. outsides and dark wood
on its inner faces.
14
A white and black
wash mixture was then
applied to the cowling.
13
The flaps and undercarriage doors
were also weathered and detailed.

ZERO BY NUMBERS
16
…adding
different
shades….
15 I then began to add fuel

and lubricant stains to the
undersides, Working from the
front….
17 ….to achieve the desired effect….
18 …as you can see
19 Finally I apply a thin layer of Alclad Klear Kote

to seal everything in. I then removed the
canopy masking and the build was complete.

1/48 F/A-18A HORNET
LEGACY
BUG BANDIT
Snorre Sandviken builds the 1/48 HobbyBoss

F/A-18A in the markings of VFC-12
he McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is during the bombing of Libya in 1986. The Hornet
T
KIT DETAILS
a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, is also used by the air forces of several other
carrier-capable, multi-role combat jet, nations, and since 1986, by the US Navy’s Flight
designed as both a fighter and attack Demonstration Squadron, the ‘Blue Angels’.
aircraft. It was designed by McDonnell Douglas.
At the beginning of the 1970s, the US Navy THE BUILD
started the ‘Naval Fighter Attack Experimental’ The build of the model started as do most
program to procure a multirole aircraft to builds, with the construction of the pilot’s seat
replace the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, the A-7 and the cockpit tub. The seat is reasonably
Corsair II, and the remaining McDonnell Douglas detailed, but the seat cushion has moulded
F-4 Phantom IIs. In August 1973 the Navy was in seatbelts, and they look a bit useless, so I
F/A-18A HORNET ordered to evaluate the competitors in the Air decided I’d use a set from the FineMolds Nano
Force’s Lightweight Fighter program to see if Aviation Series of belts. These are plastic belts
MANUFACTURER: HobbyBoss
any of the General Dynamics YF-16 or Northrop that are easily painted and then put into place.
SCALE: 1/48 YF-17 could also be used as carrier-based planes. The plastic is soft and easily conforms to the
KIT TYPE: Injection moulded Though the YF-16 won the Air Force competition, surface of the seat. The rest of the cockpit is
plastic the Navy was sceptical that an aircraft with one up to par apart from the HUD, unless you´re a
KIT NUMBER: 80320 engine and narrow landing gear could be easily nut for super detailing and need to put etched
or economically adapted to carrier service, parts everywhere. The cockpit has raised details
ALSO USED and refused to adopt an F-16 derivative, and that were easy to drybrush and detail the way
announced its selection of the YF-17. Since the I wanted. After adding a bit of white and red to
Furball Aero Design 48-070
Air Force did not share the design requirements the knobs and dials, and also a little clear green
‘Legacy Bug Bandits’ decals
of the Navy, the Navy asked McDonnell Douglas to the surface of the MFDs and swapping out the
FineMolds NC7 Modern
and Northrop to develop a new aircraft from clear plastic part in the HUD for a much thinner
Aircraft Seatbelts for F-18
the design and principles of the YF-17. This plane piece I cut to shape from a plastic bag, the office
True Details #48546 USAF
is what later became the F/A-18. The first flight looked good enough for me. The piping and
1970s Flight helmets
was performed on November 18th, 1978, before wires in the front wheel-well were also given a
seeing operational duty with the Marine Corps in splash of colour so that they would stand out.
1983 and with the Navy in 1984. The F/A-18 first Later I found out that this would not be very
saw combat action in April 1986, when Hornets visible, and therefore wasn’t at all necessary.
from USS Coral Sea flew Suppression of Enemy
Air Defence missions against Libyan air defences

LEGACY BUG BANDIT
AS THE VFC-12 IS A TRAINING
AND ADVERSARY UNIT, I QUICKLY
DECIDED NOT TO DROWN THE
AIRCRAFT IN WEAPONRY
FUSELAGE
The cockpit was glued in place
on top of the wheel-well and the
two parts were then glued into
the two-part fuselage. Assembly
of the nose was easily done as it
is made up of four parts that fit
together nicely. The most of these
aircraft with tricycle landing gear The instrument panel
have a tendency to be tail-heavy, details up well
so just to be on the safe side the
The kit seat is a I added some FineMolds Seat Belts
little sparse

1/48 F/A-18A HORNET
Ready to paint
The completed
cockpit
I added a
nose was filled with fishing weights secured in order for the paintjob to be a little easier mottled coat to
add more depth
with white glue before the parts were glued I always close the canopy during painting.
to the finished
together. I left the antennae off until the Normally I would use a mix of tape and paintwork
end of the build so that they wouldn´t snap glue to hold it in place, but on this model
off during handling. Adding the nose to the fit was so snug that it didn’t need any.
the fuselage wasn’t as easy as the manual
suggested, but instead took a bit of pressing, WINGS
squeezing, filling and sanding, to get it in the The wings were a little trickier as I wanted were easy to get in place. But with the
right place. After the nose was in place the the leading-edge flaps and the flaperons flaperons a few parts under the wings had
parts of it that were to be inside the cockpit in drooped position. The kit was clearly to be cut and modified to accommodate
were given the paint, and weathering before made for a neutral position on both. So, it the altered angle of the lower surface of
the canopy was masked and put into place. took some work. The leading-edge flaps the flaperons. The engines are made up
I had opted to go with an open canopy, but of a tube, with some raised detail inside
and the jet nozzles on the end. These were
painted up and glued together but were not
glued in place until after the painting and
weathering of the fuselage was finished
to save some extra masking and this was
also done with the landing gear. No sense
in making even more extra work, right?

LEGACY BUG BANDIT
PAINTING many straight and hard edges that it has
Painting began by priming the entire airframe to be masked to look good unless you are
with Alclad White Primer and Microfiller, an airbrush expert, something that I’m not.
before making shadows, spraying Matt The first coat didn’t need to be masked,
Black while using Uschi Van Der Rosten luckily, and here I used Alclad Mil-Spec Matt
Trinity Splatter Templates to create an White (ALCE101) sprayed where I wanted the
uneven pattern. The livery I had chosen, the patches. When dry, I masked the White using
spectacular arctic splinter scheme, has so painters’ tape in preparation for the next
paint coat. Then Aggressor Grey (ALCE611)
was added in the same way, followed Panzer I used Uschi Van
Schwartz Grau (ALCE250) before the last Der Rosten Trinity
Splatter Templates
details on the rear plus the anti-glare panel
to make an uneven
around the cockpit were applied using pattern
I used Alclad
paints for the
camouflage….

1/48 F/A-18A HORNET
Matt Black (ALCE102). The tip of the nose was masked and ….adding the Arctic Splinter
sprayed with Alclad Dull Aluminium (ALC-117). After the scheme to the upper…..
paint was dry all the masking apart from the canopy was
removed, and the entire airframe was given a gloss coat
using Alclad Aqua Gloss, in preparation for the decals.
Decals were added in the usual way using decal softener
and left overnight to dry. The next morning another coat
of Gloss was added and when that was dry, an Ammo by
MIG Neutral Brown Panel Line Wash was added to all the
riveting and the panel lines, before being blended using
a paper towel moistened with Mineral Spirits. When dry
everything was coated with a layer of Matt varnish.
…and lower surfaces
WEAPONRY
As VFC-12 is a training and adversary unit, I quickly decided
not to drown the aircraft in weaponry, so I only chose an
AIM-9L Sidewinder, that I painted as an
inert missile, and ACMI pod. ACMI
pods are used to track and record
a lot of things during dogfights and
most if not all planes involved in mock combat
fly with them, so it’s a wonder why so few kit-producer
supply them, Only one I know of are AMK that supplies
them with their Kfir and Hasegawa that supplies them with
the adversary F-16. This one was easy to make. I just used
the Sidewinder body and shaved off the fins and added
the sensor-arrays in the front using stretched sprue that I
painted. As a last finishing touch, I painted up a true details
resin pilot helmet and placed it on the edge of the cockpit.
CONCLUSION
So, what can be said to sum up this one…beautiful!
An Ammo by MIG Neutral Brown Panel Line

Wash was added to pick out the details

1/32 scale WWI British RFC Pilot & Lewis Gunner
KINGKIT
THE ORIGINAL KIT DEALER (Est. 1983)
Due to the continued success of our
new web site, we are looking to buy
all types of second hand models,
accessories and related books.... please
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Also sold as a combo set (MC32026) $41.00 USD
www.kingkit.co.uk THE
Unit 8, Cedar Court, Halesfield 17, Telford TF7 4PF Model Cellar
NEW
ADDRESS! TEL: 01952 586 457 PLEASE NOTE: all our figures and accessories are unassembled and unpainted
To place an order and to see more please visit our website:
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1/48 VAMPIRE FB MK.5
BOOM AND
BITE KIT DETAILS BACKGROUND

Iwan Hughes builds the
1/48 Trumpeter De Havilland
Vampire FB Mk.5
his kit was first released by

engines, a strengthened undercarriage
to accommodate greater take-off weight,
T Trumpeter in 2013 and depicts

the single-seat Fighter-Bomber
Mk.5 variant of this famous British
aircraft. A total of 930 were built for the
RAF and a further eighty-eight for export
wing pylons to carry up to eight rockets and
underwing mounts for fuel tanks or 500lb
bombs under each wing. Interestingly, no
ejector seats were fitted. At its prime, there
were some nineteen squadrons of FB Mk.5s
as well as many more built abroad under in service with the RAF across the world,
license. The aircraft had its first flight on the with the bulk being stationed in Germany.
20th September 1943 and entered service in
1946 just missing World War II. It remained THE KIT
DE HAVILLAND in front line RAF service until 1953 before This kit comes on four sprues, one being the
VAMPIRE FB MK.5 being reassigned to training duties. The clear parts, with just over fifty pieces in total.
aircraft actually remained flying until 1979 There is also a nice decal sheet with two
MANUFACTURER: Trumpeter
with the Rhodesian Air Force. The Vampire marking options for an aircraft in a metallic
SCALE: 1/48
proved to be an excellent aircraft and scheme or camouflage, and a colour painting
KIT TYPE: Injection moulded became a record setter in many feats such guide is also provided. The mouldings are
plastic
as the first jet to cross the Atlantic Ocean. clean and crisp with the panel lines and rivets
KIT NUMBER: 02874 The ‘FB’ version first flew June 1948. It was being inset into the plastic. There is basic
upgraded to have armour protection around detailing in the main undercarriage bays, but

BOOM AND BITE
I PAINTED THE AIRCRAFT USING
MISSION MODELS COLOURS
none in the forward wheel well. The cockpit detail advisable here. Once built, I needed to apply some
is reasonable with the whole section being built as a filler to the joins around the air intakes, the seam
sub-assembly. There is some detailing on the cockpit between top and bottom halves of the fuselage and
walls and the instrument panel has a decal sheet the joins between the fuselage and tail booms.
for the gauges. Weights are required in the nose to
avoid a ‘tail-sitter’ and I found that the recommended PAINTING
5g weight was nowhere near enough, so make sure I decided to show my model in camouflage as I
to ‘test sit’ your kit before closing the fuselage up! felt it is symbolised the late War/early Cold War
The parts go together fairly well with only a few RAF jets nicely. To begin with, I stuffed the open
gaps to sort with filler. The most challenging part cockpit with some sponge to preserve the work I
to get a flush fit was the tail booms onto the main had done in detailing the cockpit. Then I primed the
fuselage, as the weight caused the booms to droop aircraft all with a black primer, and once dry, I used
a bit, so lots of tape or some sort of support is a white primer to paint a ‘marbled’ effect on the

1/48 VAMPIRE FB MK.5
I USED FLORY MODELS

WEATHERING WASH TO
PICK OUT THE PANEL
LINES AND RIVETS
wings and upper surfaces to break up the

primer colour. I then used a light metallic/
aluminium paint on the undersides and the
fuel tanks. I painted the grey camouflage
parts using Mission Models colours freehand
with my airbrush using several thin coats
to let the marbling effect to show through.
I then used Blu-Tac sausages to mask-off
the camouflaged areas and used Mission that staining the paintwork on the upper
Models RAF Green by to complete the surfaces would be a good start to give the
effect, again using several thin layers to look of sun bleaching and rain marks.
do so. At this point, I applied the decals To create a bleached and uneven effect I
and sealed the kit with a coat of satin decided to use the ‘salt masking method’. I
varnish to protect the paint work from brushed water onto the upper surfaces and
the next stage, the weathering. I wanted sprinkled coarse salt all over the model.
to create the appearance of a well-used Once dry, I then added a heavily diluted mix
aircraft that had been on the flight line in of thinner and white paint 10:1, almost like
all weathers ready for action, so I decided dirty water, and airbrushed this over the

BOOM AND BITE
steps. Again, once all was all dry, I brushed
away the salt and was left with a beautifully
mottled effect. I repeated the same step on the
undersides of the using only the diluted black.
upper surfaces in very thin layers. Initially,
you will not see the effect, but after about WEATHERING
three layers, the colours start to fade ever so Next, I used Flory Models weathering wash to
slightly. Once I could see this change, I stopped. pick out the panel lines and rivets. Following
I then used a stiff bristled brush to remove that I applied a Buff Oilbrusher on the leading
all of the salt. Then I wetted the areas around edges of the wings and across some of the upper
the wing roots and flaps and re-applied more surfaces, which I then blended in using a flat
salt. Once dry, I used a heavily diluted mix of brush moist with thinners to create streaks. I did
thinner and black paint and repeated the above the same on the lower half but here I used Burnt
Umber oil paint resemble lubricant and grime
streaks. Finally, I applied some black pigment
on the horizontal stabiliser to simulate charring
from the jet exhaust and added some very soft
pigment behind the undercarriage. After a check
for any blemishes, the build was complete!

THE IPMS (UK) COLUMN
THE IPMS (UK)

COLUMN
BY MODELLERS, FOR MODELLERS
Presented by Chris Ayre on behalf of The
International Plastic Modellers’ Society (UK)
Society - sometimes referred to as the hobby. The local IPMS Branches all tend
world’s biggest plastic modelling club! The to work in different ways - some meet
Society exists to help promote this great monthly for more of a ’social’ get-together,
hobby and it does so in a number of ways. It others hold weekly modelling sessions
chiefly consists of a network of local model and there are any number of variations on
clubs spread not only across the UK but the theme. Each Branch has an individual
around the globe. There are IPMS Branches ‘feel’, fostered by its members. I’m talking
(or Chapters) in some 70 nations, most of particularly about IPMS (UK) here, of course,
these having its own national body to oversee and I would encourage you to go along to a
things. IPMS wasn’t initially ‘international’ local meeting to find out whether the club
at all - when first formed, in London back might suit you. Although IPMS membership
in 1963, it was the British Plastic Modellers’ is actively encouraged it is not compulsory
Society but that soon changed as interest and, as far as I know, no Branch insists upon
from overseas modellers quickly grew. it. There are currently well over 100 Branches
In Britain, we became IPMS (UK), readers in in the UK and you can find out where they
North America may be familiar with IPMS- meet and how to make contact by, once
USA or IPMS Canada and, over the intervening again, taking a look at the Society website.
Issue 6/2019 of the IPMS (UK) Magazine. years, those small acorns grew into the Other advantages of IPMS (UK)
huge network of Branches that now exists. It membership include; almost 120 Special
A LITTLE FAMILIAR… should be noted that all of the international Interest Groups, covering a very wide range
ello one and all… and welcome organisations are granted a charter by the of topics; a full-colour bi-monthly Magazine,
H to the IPMS (UK) Column, newly

arrived in Scale Aviation Modeller
International. I should really begin
by pointing out that the column is far from
being something new… it has appeared,
founding UK Society and each is entirely run
by volunteers. You can find a full list of all
UK Branches and international groups on
the IPMS (UK) website (details below) and
you may well find an IPMS model club near
written and produced “by modellers for
modellers”; Technical Advisory Services
and Decal/Instruction Sheet libraries and
special discounted prices with a range of
model retailers. Perhaps the icing on the
in various formats and in a variety of you. You might also be surprised at some of cake is FREE access to many model shows
publications, over the 57 years that IPMS has the countries where the Society is active… and, in particular, to Scale ModelWorld - the
been in existence and my own involvement What’s it all about then? There are a World’s Greatest Model Show - held in Telford,
began right here in this magazine way back number of benefits to Society membership Shropshire each November. I will fill you in
in 2009. I’ve had a bit of a wander over the and I would personally say that one of the with detailed information about each of these
intervening years but I’m still at it and more greatest is the opportunity to share your benefits, and more, in future issues. It’s worth
than happy to be back. I suppose the next hobby with like-minded folk. I have generally pointing out here though that the cost of an
thing I should do is explain, to those of you found modellers to be a friendly bunch, annual adult subscription to IPMS (UK), when
not familiar with the abbreviation, that IPMS happy to share their skills and interests - paid by Direct Debit, is currently exactly the
stands for the International Plastic Modellers’ meeting new friends with similar passions same as the weekend admission cost to Scale
is a great way to add something to your ModelWorld! Other options, such as Junior
Winner of the Senior and Family membership, offer even better
Best of Show value for money. If you have any plans to visit
Trophy at Scale
the show, why not join the Society and take
ModelWorld
2019 was this Fw- advantage of all the other benefits too?
200 A-0 Condor built by So why an IPMS (UK) column? There
Michael Papadakis. are a number of reasons why it exists
@ Chris Ayre
and, in the main, the intention is simply
to communicate with modellers,
whether Society members or not.
It will contain news and views on
IPMS matters but will hopefully

THE IPMS (UK) COLUMN
NOTICE
The IPMS (UK) Annual General

Meeting will be held on Saturday
9th May 2020 at the South Yorkshire
Aircraft Museum (SYAM), Dakota Way,
Doncaster DN4 7FB. The meeting will
begin at 1.00pm and members are
encouraged to attend if possible -
please bring your current Membership
Card in order to gain entry and to vote.
There are six Executive Committee
posts due for election and there may
also be Resolutions to be voted upon.
If you need any further reasons to
attend, the SYAM has a very interesting
An overview of just part of one of the exhibition halls at Scale ModelWorld 2019. @ Rod Woodhouse collection of exhibits and has an
excellent model shop attached!
also introduce those readers unfamiliar Running from the 13th to the 15th of The IPMS (UK) website address is:
with the Society to the advantages of March is Scale World, a show being held at www.ipmsuk.org
membership. There should hopefully be the State Memorial Museum of Alexander
reports on model shows, many of which Suvorov, Kirochnaya St, 43, Saint Petersburg,
are organised by IPMS Branches and, as 191015 Russian Federation. I’m not sure website; www.euromodelexpo.jimdo.com
you will see below, notice of forthcoming how many of you will be able to get along and I just want to mention that there are two
events. Finally, because it is written by me, to this one but, if you do, please send me special categories in the open competition - 1,
there is also likely to be quite a lot of waffle! a report! The museum website is at; www. Vietnam and 2, British Jets 1950 to 1990. The
Seriously, I will try my best to keep things suvorovmuseum.ru/en. A little closer to latter category certainly ‘floats my boat’
on track, but I have to be honest and admit home for most of us is the IPMS Austria and it will be interesting to see what entries
that I don’t always succeed… I hope that National Convention (also known as Go this attracts. I look forward to receiving
readers will come to appreciate this look Modelling), which takes place on the 14th a report because I don’t think I will find
at the world from the perspective of an and 15th at the Museum of Military History, the time to travel to this one - especially
ordinary member of IPMS (UK). Onwards! Arsenal Object 1, 1030 Vienna. Open between as my other half has a ‘special’ birthday
9.00am and 5.00pm each day, normal that weekend! Meanwhile, over in Essex,
SHOWTIME museum admission prices apply and there you will find Southern Expo 2020. Very
I will try my best to flag up any modelling will be an IPMS (UK) presence at this show. sadly, I have to report that this is the final
events scheduled to take place within the See www.ipms.at for more information. Southern Expo - at least for the foreseeable
month corresponding to the cover date Back to the UK for this next one… the future. The event has long been held at the
of this magazine and March 2020 has a Yeovil Model Show will be held at Bucklers Hornchurch Sports Centre, Harrow Lodge
fair few, although several of them are Mead Academy in Yeovil (BA21 4NH) on Park, Hornchurch Road in Hornchurch (RM11
out of UK shores. First up is Bron 2020, Saturday March 21st. This regular event is 1JU) as it will be this year. However, the venue
which is actually on over the weekend now well established and opens its doors is being replaced with a newer, much smaller
of February 29th/March 1st. All I can to the public from 10.00am to 4.00pm. one and, unfortunately, the organisers have
actually tell you about this one is that it The final weekend of the month been unable to yet find a suitable option. Still
is presented by Club de l’Air de Lyon Bron (28th/29th) sees a couple of two-day shows, this is a fabulous event and I’m quite sure
and takes place at Espace Albert Camus, each an ‘expo’, one in South East England it will go out in style. Take a look at www.
1 Rue Maryse Bastie, Bron, 69500 France. and the other in Germany. Euro Model Expo, southernexpo.co.uk for further information.
Also, on Sunday 1st of March is the East of as you might expect is the one still in the
England Model Show, which is held at the EU! Taking place at Emslandhallen Lingen, Membership enquiries: John
Queen Katharine Academy, Mountsteven Lindenstraße 24a, 49808 Lingen (Ems), EME Hebditch, 45 Havisham Drive,
Avenue, Peterborough (PE4 6HX). Doors is Germany’s largest plastic modelling show Swindon , Wiltshire SN25 1SL
open at 10.00am and you may find out and opens its doors at 10.00am on Saturday. Email: memberAdmin@ipmsuk.co.uk or visit
more by seeking out the Facebook page of You can find out much more at the event www.ipmsuk.org/membership/ to join online.
the Peterborough Until next time,
Scale Model Club. enjoy your modelling.
Here are a few sample Chris

spreads from recent
copies of the IPMS (UK)
Magazine

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Vol 25 Issue 10 £4.75
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SHOW DIARY IN THE NEXT ISSUE...

5th April For the May issue of SAMI – here’s just
SHROPSHIRE SCALE
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RAF Museum Cosford, Lysander
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SCALE AVIATION MODELLER INTERNATIONAL 19

AIR TO AIR used as a training aid the Bullwinkle can be

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he Bell P63 Kingcobra was developed

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MESSERSCHMITT BF 108 ‘TAIFUN’

THE KIT AND COCKPIT

FUSELAGE AND PROPELLER

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