Airfix Model World Issue 088 (March 2018)

SAVE OFFLINE

ARCTIC SWIFT 1/32 Wessex HC.2 from Fly Model

JUMP JET PIONEER 1/72 Short SC.1 from Planet Models and history

Mar 2018 Issue 88

60+ PRODUCT REVIEWS

SHAR FLIES AGAIN

Improving Airfix’s re-issued Sea Harrier FA.2

PLUS

1/35 T-34/76 TANK • 1/48 DASSAULT OURAGAN AND HISTORY NORFOLK & SUFFOLK AVIATION MUSEUM • LATEST NEWS...

JOLLY GREEN EMILY

Hasegawa’s new 1/72 Kawanishi H8K2

£4.50

BRITISH BATTLE TAXI 1/35 FV 432 Mk.2/1 from Takom

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EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME

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WELCOME TO ISSUE 88

I

’m sure I’m not alone in this, but have you ever had a certain kit release prompt a particularly frenzied period of pre-build research? It happened to me just before Christmas, when S&M Models’

new 1/72 Canberra kits finally became available. We all have certain pet subjects that still seem to remain unaddressed properly in kit form, and the Canberra B.2 was mine. When Airfix released its 1/72 PR.9 and B(I).8 boxings, I had everything crossed that a bomber canopy variant would follow…but alas, no. Italeri did tentatively throw its hat in the ring for a Canberra B.2, but nothing materialised. Airfix’s decision not to tool what’s arguably the most popular ‘Cranberry’ sub-type has always puzzled me, but no matter… S&M’s move lit a real fire within me, which burned right up until I received the kits I bought – and there’s still no sign of the flames dying down!

Reference books have been plucked from the shelves, and decal folders opened at the relevant points; I’ve always been a ‘decal hound’, and luckily purchased every Canberra sheet I could find in anticipation of a B.2 being released. I’ve now decided on the scheme, a fetching 9 Squadron B.2 in Medium Sea Grey, Light Slate Grey and white…but there’s no question that other Canberra builds will follow this inaugural project. From my own experience, the wonderful thing about research is there’s always something new to discover… whether it be a technical detail, colour scheme or something from the subject’s history. This is why, for me, modelling is such

a multi-faceted, engaging and enjoyable pursuit. There never seems to be any lack of inspiration either, with so many products being released. I’m always pulled in different directions while editing AMW, but I’ve found this edition’s build subjects especially fascinating, and FV 432 and Short SC.1 models will fill my display cabinet in the future. I hope your own modelling will be invigorated by this month’s content. Enjoy the issue!

Chris Clifford Clifford, Editor [email protected]

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE! A subscription to Airfix Model World offers great savings on cover price. See pages 76-77 for details. Editor: Chris Clifford Assistant Editor: Stu Fone Editor's Secretary: Melissa Smith Contributors this issue: Garry Tobiss, Brian Wakeman, Kev Smith, Ra’anan Weiss, Bill Curtiss, Dave Oliver, Tony Buttler Designer: Tom Bagley Chief Designer: Steve Donovan Group Editor: Nigel Price Production Manager: Janet Watkins Commercial Director: Ann Saundry Group Advertising Manager: Brodie Baxter Advertising Manager: Sarah Jarman Advertising Sales Executive: Elizabeth Ridge Classified Sales Executive: Hollie Keeling Ad Production Manager: Debi McGowan Group Marketing Manager: Martin Steele Marketing Manager: Shaun Binnington Subscriptions and Mail Order: Liz Ward Managing Director: Adrian Cox Executive Chairman: Richard Cox

Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XQ, UK. Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PP. Tel: 020 7429 4000. Fax: 020 7429 4001. Printed by: Warners (Midland) plc, Bourne. Printed in England (ISSN 1471-0587). Subscriptions: Please refer to main advertisement within the magazine. All applications stating name, address, date to commence and remittance to: Subscriptions Department, Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK. Telephone/9.00-5.30 Monday-Friday GMT +44 (0) 1780 480404, Fax: +44 (0) 1780 757812 E-Mail: [email protected] Airfix Model World (ISSN: 1471-0587) is published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd, P0 Box 300, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK and

distributed in the USA by UKP Worldwide, 3390 Rand Road, South Plainfield, NJ 07080. Periodicals postage paid at Rahway, NJ and at additional mailing offices. Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling toll free 800-428-3003 or fax 757-428-6253 or by writing to Airfix Model World, 3330 Pacific Ave, Ste 500, Virginia Beach, VA23451-9828. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, c/o 3390 Rand Road, South Plainfield NJ 07080. All items submitted for publication are subject to our terms and conditions. These are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely available from www.keypublishing.com The entire contents of Airfix Model World is © copyright, and no part of it may be reproduced in any form or stored on any form of retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher.

“AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby Hobbies Limited and is used under licence. We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly recommended to take their own precautions before parting with any information or item of value, including, but not limited to, money, manuscripts, photographs or personal information in response to any advertisements within this publication.

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The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2016 was 12,730 print and digital copies monthly.

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CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?

REGULARS 06 News The latest happenings in the world of plastic modelling.

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10 Show Scene At-a-glance model show calendar.

76 Subscribe and Save! A subscription to Airfix Model World offers great savings on cover price. See pages 76-77 for details.

78 On the Shelf Fourteen pages of reviews highlight the latest modelling and reference items from around the world.

98 Archive Treasures Our new closing item each month offers a stunning reference photograph. This month, the Sea Harrier FA.2 takes centre stage.

22

60+ REVIEWS Latest modelling products

36

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CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE?

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FEATURES 12 Advanced Build – Jolly Green Emily Garry Tobiss adds Eduard aftermarket details to Hasegawa’s recently released Kawanishi H8K2 flying boat.

22 In Focus – Arctic Swift Fly’s substantial 1/32 Westland Wessex receives a wintry finish, courtesy of Brian Wakeman.

28 Intermediate Build – British Battle Taxi Kev Smith relies on his past Army service to ensure accuracy with Takom’s FV 432 armoured personnel carrier.

36 Advanced Build – Accidental Warrior IsraCast’s 1/48 multi-media Dassault Ouragan is built and weathered superbly by Dave Oliver.

44 In Focus – Middle Eastern Hurricane

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Ra’anan Weiss makes his AMW debut by telling the story of Dassault’s Ouragan in Israeli service.

48 Intermediate Build – Deliberate Force SHAR Assistant editor Stu Fone employs scratch-building and aftermarket on a testshot of Airfix’s pending 1/72 Sea Harrier FA.2 re-release.

56 Intermediate Build – Soviet Scrapper Bill Curtiss builds ICM’s 1/35 T-34/76 almost straight from the box…and has fun with weathering.

64 Out and About – East Anglian Gems Modelling reference aplenty awaited Dave Oliver at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum.

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66 Advanced Build – Jump Jet Pioneer Dave Oliver enjoys a slice of British flight test history with Planet Models’ 1/72 Short SC.1.

72 In Focus – A Short Trip in the Vertical The fascinating career of the Short SC.1 is explored by aviation historian Tony Buttler, AMRAeS.

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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES

BREAKING

NEWS

LUFTWAFFE AND RAF GEMS

A RE-WORKING of Airfix’s new-tool 1/48 Stuka is now available (A07115), allowing modellers to portray Ju 87B-2 and R-2 sub-types. Just as with the B-1 from last year, there’s a detailed engine and a well-appointed cockpit, but this boxing provides the different engine cowling and exhaust layout, and external fuel tanks for the ‘R’. The two Luftwaffe colour schemes represent aircraft in standard splinter camouflage, but one of these (B-2) has over-painted swathes of RLM 79 Sandgelb. Also from the World War Two arena is the re-released 1/72 Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV (A04061), but with new parts for the undernose gun turret fitted to some examples of this variant. One scheme is for an RAF 107 Squadron aircraft in Dark Earth and Dark Green over Night, while the second option (with nose turret) is a

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Free French Air Force machine in North Africa desert tones. The final release from Airfix highlighted this month is a special three-kit 1/72 Gift Set, dubbed RAF Centenary (A50181) which, obviously, marks 2018’s 100 years of the Royal Air Force. Here, one receives the new-tool Spitfire Mk.Ia, original Eurofighter Typhoon and Sopwith Camel. The latter two items are not brand-new toolings; the Tiffie is actually the 1990 kit, and the Camel is the vintage 1957 2F1. Gift Set status also means acrylic Humbrol paint, brushes and cement are included. www.airfix.com

TANDEM HOVER

FANS OF Harriers have waited a long time for a 1/48 first-generation twoseater, but with Kinetic’s stunning ‘T-Bird’, it’s been worth it. Comprising eight styrene runners, its Harrier Two Seater Trainer (K48040) can be built as one of seven different sub-types (T.2, T.2A, T.4, T.4N, T.8, TAV-8A and TAV-8S), which served in the RAF, Royal Navy, US Marine Corps, or the Spanish or Thai Navy. Thankfully, all the necessary nose cones, panels and vertical stabilisers are supplied, with options for open/closed canopies, airbrake and auxiliary intake doors. The detail, both internal and external, is very impressive, notably the single-piece cockpit tub, and the wheel and airbrake bays, while the four-piece (including internal rear windscreen) glazing is crystal clear.

There is a huge selection of weaponry, shared with the firm’s earlier single-seat releases, but just the fuel tanks, gun pods and rocket pods are applicable to trainer Harriers. However, the kit lacks Stencel ejection seats for the TAV8s, and accurate instrument panels for the T.8, along with any practice bombs/dispensers or US rocket pods (the latter applicable to USMC, Spanish and Thai aircraft). Where this kit really scores, though, is the number of schemes; the markings are printed by Cartograf with typical pin-sharp accuracy, offering three RN T.8s, two RAF T.4/4As and single examples of RAF T.2, RN T.4N and USMC, Spanish and Thai Navy TAV-8s. For more details, visit: www.luckymodel.com or www.kineticmodel.com

BAD AND GOOD NEWS

REVELL-GERMANY’S parent firm, Hobbico Inc, has filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code…while it seeks finalisation of its comprehensive restructuring. In conjunction, Hobbico also announced its plan to sell Revell-Germany. Because Hobbico’s bankruptcy filing was made in the US and is strictly limited to the company’s US operations, Revell-Germany is unaffected. Additionally, RevellGermany suppliers, vendors and customers will not be impacted by the process. “Our Revell-Germany operation is not filing for bankruptcy

protection,” said Louis Brownstone, President of Hobbico Inc. “It will continue to provide the same high level of service to our customers. We are optimistic the filing will better position US operations for future growth.” Stefan Krings, President of RevellGermany, says it’s very much business as usual: “Looking ahead, our top priorities remain continuing to build our business with our highvalued vendors and suppliers, while simultaneously providing the same high level of product support to our customers.” Unbowed by Hobbico’s Stateside turmoil, Revell-Germany exhibited at the Nuremberg Toy Fair with new products for 2018, and Krings added: “We are convinced we can continue the growth path of 2017 with our attractive range of novelties.”

TON-UP THISTLES

(Belgian Air Force – Bart Roselle) REVELL HAS re-released its 1/72 F-16 in a Belgian Air Force special scheme. As exemplified here by this stunning official BAF photo, kit 03905 will represent the 100th Anniversary F-16 MLU of 1 Squadron, as rendered last year at Florennes. The kit has 98 parts and reflects Mid Life Update features, such as ‘bird slicer’ antennas on the nose. For further details visit: www.revell.de/en

CRANBERRY LANDING This is a traditional limitedrun product, so there are no locating pins, and minor niggles include incorrect mainwheels, missing mudguards on the nosewheels, and no real rendition of the B.2’s characteristic engine starter breech covers. Many modellers will have a lot of fun with these kits, though…especially with the myriad liveries possible via aftermarket decals. Visit: www.sandmmodels.co.uk MODELLERS HAVE waited years for a decent mainstream 1/72 Canberra B.2, but S&M Models’ 1/72 'Cranberry' kits are now available. They were due to be on sale at Telford last year, but production issues meant they were delivered not until just before Christmas. But there’s not just the B.2, as a T.4 has also been issued. Both kits share identical runners, save for an additional transparency with the B.2, for the frontal bomb-aimer’s glazing with direct vision window. The standard overall is

good, with fine panel line engraving and choice detail in areas such as the undercarriage bays. Moulded instruments can be found on pilot and back-seater panels and, pleasingly, the bomber-style cockpit glazing integrates the upper fuselage behind it, so all one must do is mask the two windows before painting/airbrushing. Decals for one RAF scheme are provided with each kit; the B.2 is WK162 of 100 Squadron, while the T.4 is WT488, of 231 OCU.

NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES

HIGH SCHOOL ARMOUR TUNIC TONE BOX SETS

JAPAN’S PLATZ has mined the country’s rich vein of anime/manga culture to produce two new themed releases. Girls und Panzer is a TV show and comic, in which school girls in another universe partake in tank battles for sport…yes, really! Two machines from this imaginative arena have been boxed in 1/35 scale by Platz, both in branded packaging; the first is a re-issue of the TASCA/ Asuka Firefly Vc, while the other is AFV Club’s Centurion, which has

been re-worked to depict the first iteration of the A41, with 17-pdr and co-axial 20mm machine gun, sent for live combat trials (the tanks arrived in Antwerp on May 19, 1945, but the war ended before they could join the fighting). To the best of our ken, it’s the first time this variant has been available in 1/35 scale. The kits are being imported to the UK by Tiger Hobbies and should arrive this month. For further details visit: www.platz-hobby.com and www.tigerhobbies.co.uk

LIFECOLOR’S LATEST camouflage paint compilations deal with Russian and British infantry uniform colours employed during World War Two. Both are a refreshing change to the seemingly endless aircraft and vehicle sets, and the firm is to be commended for the superb selections…with the caveat these colours became worn and faded to varying degrees once issued to 'Ivan' and 'Tommy'. Each contains six 22ml bottles of acrylic paint, and there are suggestions for additional shades to cater for different styles of battledress. The Russian Infantry Uniforms WWII set (CS42) supplies the

SPIRIT IN THE SKY

BOEING’S B-2 bomber has been on many modellers’ wish-lists, but with AMT/Italeri offerings becoming increasingly rare, it’s step forward Chinese firm Modelcollect, with its all-new 1/72 tooling. And what a beast this is! The famous blended-wing design measures more than 30in (76.2cm) across, and features

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engraved panel lines on the six-piece body/flying surface, with each of these parts packed separately in foam for protection. It comprises eight styrene runners (including one clear), and offers a fully detailed cockpit/rest area interior (with pre-printed photo-etched metal instrument panels and consoles), entrance ladder and full-length

intakes and exhausts. There are busy undercarriage and bomb bays; the highlights in the latter are the accurate eight-position staggered rotary launchers, although both areas are ripe for extra embellishment. Options include open auxiliary intake doors, with visible General Electric F-118 engine core exteriors. When compared to reference photos, this kit may lack ‘goldstandard’ refinement, but most features are included; even the characteristic ‘puffer’ ducts (as decals). A full bomb load is offered, but these are BDU-56/ Mk.84 bomb shapes, rather than the combat load of JDAMs or Massive Ordnance Penetrator. As a final plus, the Two Bobsprinted decal sheet is stunning, with options for three of the early B-2s ('Spirit of America', 'New York' and 'Mississippi') and full airframe stenciling. More details are at www.modelcollect. com, and UK distributor www.tigerhobbies.co.uk

following: UA446 Helmet, UA 447 M35 Tunic, UA448 M3541 Tunic, UA449 M43 Tunic, UA450 M35-41 Trousers and UA451 M43 trousers, suitable for soldiers throughout the war. Similarly, the British Infantry Uniforms WWII package covers the standard camouflaged attire and equipment colours: UA440 Water Bottle Bag, UA441 Green Tone Gears, UA442 Yellow Tones Gears, UA443 Battledress Light Tone, UA444 Battledress Dark Tone and UA445 Leather Jacket. All Lifecolor painting and weathering products are available in the UK from The Airbrush Company: www.airbrushes.com

SLICK SHADES

AMMO-MIG has released more colours in its super-handy Oilbrushers range. Splendid for creating washes, rendering oil-dot weathering and other tasks, these are useful in the extreme, but the new hues are superb, particularly for chipping effects and other work involving metallic substrate. They are: A.MIG-3535 Gun Metal, -3536 Steel, -3537 Aluminium, 3538 Silver and -3539 Gold. More on the range and other AMMO-MIG products is at: www.migjimenez.com

AIRFIX AT COSFORD

THE RAF Museum Cosford is hosting exciting Airfix-related events in the coming months. Firstly, half-term Airfix Make and Paint days are scheduled for February 17-23, and October 27-November 2; these are run jointly by Cosford staff of members

of the local Shropshire Scale Modellers Club, with entry priced £3 per person. Available 1/72 kits will include the Sopwith Pup, Sea Harrier, Mitsubishi Zero and Albatros. Also of note is the free-toenter talk being given by Airfix’s Researcher Simon

Owen, on February 21, in which he’ll discuss recent and pending Airfix tooling, and how it relates to this year’s RAF centenary celebrations. Places for the talk can be booked on the RAF Museum Cosford website: www. rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford

EARLY BUBBLETOP

MUSTANGS ARE popular in all scales, but there has been a notable increase in 1/32 kits over the past few years, but these have now been joined by Revell’s newly tooled offering. It’s an early version P-51D5NA (03944), which doesn’t have the characteristic vertical tail fillet featured in other releases, and the labelling and box contents hint at follow-on versions with said item…and potentially a Commonwealth machine. There are nine styrene runners, plus separate upper and lower full-width wings (ensuring perfect dihedral), with delicate engraved panel lines and rivets. The interior is dominated by the highly detailed cockpit and oil cooler

intake, and Revell is to be commended for the accuracy in the former, including an N-9 gunsight as fitted to early P-51Ds. It may not challenge Tamiya’s 1/32 Mustang directly, but appears accurate dimensionally and at £36.99

has the budget market nailed, with a balance of intricacy and parts count that should appeal to most modellers. Plenty of options are offered, with raised/lowered, undercarriage, flaps and ailerons, open/closed canopy and engine vents, and a choice of underwing drop tanks and bombs. Two colour schemes are included: 44-13410/E2-C ‘Lou IV/Athelene’, Colonel Thomas Christian, 375th FS, 361st FG, Bottisham, summer 1944; and 44-13714/B6-B ‘Desert Rat’, Captain Herschel Pascoe, 363rd FS, 357th FG, RAF Leiston, 1944. Further information is at: www.revell.de/en

SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE At-a-glance model show calendar

E MODEL DISPLAY

) MODEL COMPETITION J TRADE STANDS

 REFRESHMENTS

m AIRCRAFT DISPLAY  MILITARY DISPLAY  AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY

FREE PARKING MAKE AND PAINT

East of England Model Show 2018 Date:

March 4

Hosts:

Peterborough Scale Model Club

Address: Queen Katharine Academy, Mountsteven Avenue, Walton, PE4 6HX

March

17-18 Southern Expo 2018 Hosts: Peter Bagshaw, Robin Bellamy Address: Hornchurch Sports Centre, Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1JU Times: Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £3, senior citizens £2, children £1 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ southernexpo

April

3-4 16th Exposition Internationale Hosts: Le Maquette Club Thionvillois Address: Jean Burger Hall, Pasteur Street, 57100 Thionville, France Times: Sat 2-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm Prices: Adults €3, under-13s free E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mct57.org

24 Yeovil Model Show Hosts: Ken Bugler Address: Bucklers Mead Academy and Leisure Centre, Yeovil, BA21 4NH Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £5, children £2.50, under-5s free E-mail: [email protected] Web: Yeovil Model Show (Facebook)

7-8 Modellexpo 08 – Open 2018 Hosts: IPMS Stockholm Address: Skytteholmsskolan, Ankdammsgaten 14-16, Solna, Sweden Times: Sat 12-4pm Sun 10am-3pm Prices: Adults SEK 80, IPMS members and under-15s free E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ipmsstockholm.se

17-18 Fantazmagoria 2018 Hosts: Film & TV Model Club Address: The Locomotion Museum, The National Railway Museum, Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, DL4 2RE Times: Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm Prices: Free E-mail: [email protected] Web: Fantazmagoria 2018 (Facebook)

25 Stoke-On-Trent Model Show Hosts: Stoke-on-Trent Model Club (IPMS) Address: Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, Beaconsfield Drive, Stoke on Trent, Staffs, ST3 3JD Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £3, accompanied under-16s free E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.stokemodelclub.co.uk

3 Aldingbourne Modelex Hosts: Aldingbourne Modellers Address: Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre, Olivers Meadow, Westergate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 3YA Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £2.50, under-16s free E-mail: [email protected] Web: Aldingbourne Modellers (Facebook)

7 Welling 2018 Hosts: Welling Model Club Address: Falconwood Community Centre, The Green, Welling, Kent, DA1 2PG Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £2 E-mail: [email protected] Web: TBC

Times:

10am-4pm

Prices:

Adults £3, under-15s free

Email:

peterboroughscalemodel [email protected]

Web:

www.peterborough scalemodels.co.uk

14 Hosts:

Scale Model Exhibition IPMS Dorset and Poole Vikings Model Club Address: Parkstone Grammar School, Sopers Lane, Poole, BH17 7EP Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £3.50, children £1 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.poolevikingsblog. wordpress.com

14 Hosts:

Sword And Lance 2018 Darlington Military Modelling Society Address: Darlington College, Haughton Road, Darlington, DL1 1DR Times: 9.30am-4.30pm Prices: TBC E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.swordandlance.co.uk

21-22 Hosts: 8 Shropshire Model Show Hosts: Shropshire Scale Modellers Address: RAF Museum Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8UP Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Free E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.shropmodels.org.uk

Moson Model Show Mosonmagyaróvár Modelling Club Address: UFM Aréna, Városi Sportcsarnok, Mosonmagyaróvár, Gorkij út 1 Times: Sat 8am-7pm Sun 7am-5pm Prices: Free E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mosonshow.hu

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

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ADVENTURE XXL!

THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXHIBITION FOR MODEL MAKING AND MODEL SPORTS 19 – 22 APRIL 2018 DORTMUND, GERMANY

PLEASE VISIT ALSO

The great world of aircraft model-making – and much more: ∂ Forum with exciting lectures for active model flyers ∂ Flight shows ∂ Exhibition of special aircraft models ∂ Hot races with multicopters www.intermodellbau.com

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ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

Garry Tobiss tackles Hasegawa’s superb new-tool 1/72 Kawanishi H8K2, with extra help from Eduard aftermarket offerings

 In columns from left to right – Eduard’s resin engine components, Hasegawa’s styrene equivalents, followed by the exhausts, and cowling and nacelle.

Old favourite revisited  Eduard’s Brassin engine set (672158) also supplied a small PE fret with push rods and ignition coils, as shown here.

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Hasegawa first released a 1/72 Emily more than 50 years ago, and that was definitely a product of its time,

with raised panel lines and limited detail compared to modern offerings…although in 1967 it was regarded as a game-changer. The firm’s announcement of a newly tooled version of this enigmatic and impressively sized aircraft, engineered with the latest moulding technology, had modellers champing at the bit. The parts were supplied on 22 styrene runners (including two clear), plus four poly caps for the propellers. A large decal

MODEL SPEC

D

eveloped to a 1938 Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service requirement, and entering service in 1941, Kawanishi’s H8K (Allied codename ‘Emily’) was the fastest flying boat to enter service in significant numbers during World War Two. The H8K2 was the most numerous variant with 112 produced. Despite its large size, Allied pilots treated the Emily with great respect because the heavy defensive armament made it extremely difficult to destroy. A crew of ten manned the aircraft and the four Mitsubishi MK4Q Kasei 22 engines gave a top speed of 290mph (465km/h). Emilys were active throughout the Pacific theatre, being used for transport and reconnaissance, and were armed with bombs, depth charges or torpedoes for attack missions.

Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 Flying Boat Model 12 By:

Hasegawa

Stock Code:

01575

Scale:

1/72

Price:

£119.99

Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.com

ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

Long-legged patroller

sheet, together with painting masks for some of the clear parts, completed the package. As a bonus, a colour poster was included with this particular release, which showed the interior detail, although builders will need to brush up on their Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana characters…the descriptions are just in Japanese!

In a break with the usual sequence, the build started with the engines and wings. Hasegawa’s engines were acceptable, but as Eduard’s aftermarket replacements were available, these were used instead. Each unit comprised a large number of resin and PE components, including vast numbers of tiny tubes for the rear of the powerplant. As none of these minute items would be visible after assembly, they were left off, but everything else was assembled and then painted ready for their installation on the mainplanes. There were options for the stores, namely a choice of torpedoes or bombs, which required different holes to be drilled in the wing underside for the respective pylons/adapters. The latter was chosen for this build, after which the wings were assembled, followed by

 When completed, the aftermarket engines featured a breathtaking amount of detail; even more was provided for the rear, but as this would be hidden once the nacelles were closed, it was omitted.

Emily markings Three options were provided but the only difference between them was the markings on the tailfin. • T-31, Takuma Naval Flying Group • N-26, 802nd Naval Flying Group • 801-86, 801st Naval Flying Group

 Hasegawa is to be commended for its rendering of the wing surfaces, combining fine engraved panel lines with subtly textured and scalloped areas, to represent fabric-covered sections and control surfaces.

 Each of the wings, and horizontal/vertical stabilisers was constructed from upper and lower halves; note the four small holes drilled into the lower wing section between the engine nacelles, for the bomb racks.

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ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

Big Ed -ons Eduard’s (www.eduard.com) aftermarket products were used extensively during this build, and these included resin and photo-etched (PE) brass engines (672158) and machine guns (672157). It also combined a series of individual PE brass and metal sets for the interior and exterior into a substantial ‘Big Ed’ pack, specifically for this model. In total, BIG72128 H8K2 Emily comprised the following:

 Numerous upgrades, mainly for the fuselage, were provided in H8K2 Emily exterior (72652), although the engine parts weren’t used here.

 H8K2 Emily nose interior (72650) supplied components for the vicinity of the nose gunner’s position, including new access hatches and equipment.

 H8K2 maintenance platforms (72653) enabled all eight wing leading-edge engineering stands to be added, but these weren’t used.

 H8K2 Emily rear interior (72651) offered enhancements for the mid-section of the fuselage and tail gunner’s position.  The H8K2 Emily cockpit interior (73592) comprised pre-painted PE metal enhancements for the instrument panel, sidewall equipment and brass interior seats, framework and bulkhead details.

 Wing spars/supports were moulded integrally with one of the interior bulkheads, to which an aft unit was connected by five sturdy styrene braces.

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the addition of the completed engines and cowlings. Next came the interior. This was also relatively well detailed out of the box, but a large amount of Eduard PE was added to provide a substantial degree of enhancement. A reasonable question would be what’s the point, when virtually nothing will be seen once the aircraft is complete? Each to their own, but personally I enjoy understanding the interior of the aircraft when building, and once the brass items had been added, the innards were ready for painting.

Colours were identified with numbers from the Mr. Hobby Aqueous and Mr. Color ranges. The main colours can be mixed to obtain the correct

hues or alternatively, Mr. Hobby produces a specific three-tone Mr. Color set for Kawanishi aircraft. This package (CS668) wasn’t available in the UK for this build, so was sourced from Germany; however, Albion Alloys (www.albionhobbies.com) will be importing this set to the

ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

 These parts formed the base of the main crew areas, specifically the cockpit (left) and mid/rear fuselage (right); the latter included a bulkhead for the tail turret (upper right).  All areas of the interior benefited from plain brass enhancements, such as these in the forward fuselage, notably the crew ladders and equipment racks.

Hasegawa’s kit can be built into an excellent model straight from the both, with plenty of detail supplied for the cockpit and other crew stations. However, many of these parts were replaced with PE items, with the latter medium also providing bulkhead embellishments and features omitted in the kit.

UK shortly. Mr. Color paints are lacquer-based, so must be treated with extreme care. The use of a respirator — ideally a full-face unit to protect the eyes — plus something for vapour extraction is essential. Preparations

 Similarly, the mid-section was improved by Eduard’s aftermarket products, specifically the rear element, with the styrene replaced entirely by PE.

began with a coat of Mr. Surfacer 1500 Gray primer from a rattle can, which blended the PE with the styrene to provide a uniform super-smooth surface. The paints were diluted with roughly equal amounts of Mr. Leveling Thinner and, as usual for Mr. Color, these responded

superbly when airbrushed. First to be applied was C384 Cockpit Color (Kawanishi), which turned out to be a light green/yellow shade. Once this had dried fully, pre-painted PE components from Eduard’s cockpit interior set (73592) were added; it would have been difficult, if not

impossible to mask these items if attached prior to painting. Checks were needed before and after the PE was added, just to ensure nothing affected the fit of the kit parts. Employing so many aftermarket products inevitably meant there was duplication, and examples

www.airfixmodelworld.com 15

ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

"various areas were highlighted with a silver pencil"

included the ammunition storage racks, which came as resin parts in the guns set (672157) and PE items in the rear interior product (72651). Back to the painting, and once the cockpit colour was applied, surface detail was then enhanced with a dark

wash, before various areas were highlighted with a silver pencil. A decision on how to display the waist gunner positions was needed at this point, because the glazing was attached to the inside of the fuselage. Open was chosen, so the appropriate clear

parts were added and the fuselage halves were then joined, followed by adding the assembled nose area. Speaking of the crew, a very detailed set of 11 crew figures was supplied (from a total of 16, which would leave plenty of spares), but not

used for this build. The problem of how to avoid breaking the delicate resin guns during assembly meant none were added until the very

 Eduard’s Brassin cannon and machine guns also supplanted the kit items as shown here (styrene gun at bottom left, below the resin replacement). Note this set duplicated the PE ammunition parts, with the resin item favoured.  Not to be outdone, the tail gunner’s position also received aftermarket enhancements.

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ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

 Mr. Hobby’s CS668 N1K2-J Kawanishi Color set comprised C383 Dark Green (Kawanishi), C384 Cockpit Color (Kawanishi) and C385 Red (Japanese Navy Marking). These shades are only available in this set.  Replicating the instrument and engineering panels was simplified greatly by Eduard’s pre-painted PE components, which matched the peculiar interior shade of Kawanishi aircraft faithfully.

 Remaining pre-painted items were added to the forward fuselage halves, after they’d been primed and then airbrushed Mr. Color C384 Cockpit Color (Kawanishi).  The completed right-hand fuselage, highlighting the interior’s busy nature.

last stages of the build. This meant constructing the glazed nose and rear gunner positions temporarily, so they could be painted and then removed to have the guns added later.

To PE or not to PE? Eduard’s exterior upgrade set (72652) was substantial, but many parts weren’t used. The engine ignition wires were duplicates of those in the Brassin engine set (672158) and all the

window outlines remained on the fret. This was a personal preference, because at 1/72 scale, even thin PE seemed over-scale compared to photos of the actual aircraft. One area enhanced significantly was around the main beaching gear, where various PE parts were formed to create two impressive and very visible structures. Note, surface detail on the kit fuselage had to be removed to allow the new additions to fit

 While the basic styrene parts exhibited pleasing detail, Eduard’s comprehensive PE additions were a whole new ball-game in terms of replicating the fixtures and fittings.

correctly (see photos). Brass components were also provided to replace the moulded control surface actuators on the wings, but it was decided they provided marginal improvements for much additional work, and these were omitted. Finally, the radar aerials for the nose were also supplied; rather than supplant the styrene items entirely, these were instead used to augment the kit parts in a ‘blended’ approach.

With the fuselage complete, it was time to add the tailplane and wings, with the latter designed to fit onto support brackets/spars. Brief consideration was given to sandwiching the wings around these, because of concerns they wouldn’t slide onto the frames very easily, but this approach was rejected. The spars did need plenty of scraping and sanding to allow the wings to slide over them and position correctly, without running the risk of www.airfixmodelworld.com 17

ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

 Each fuselage side was modified by removing all moulded detail around the undercarriage/ beaching gear assembly, to enable the aftermarket-enhanced unit to be attached. Although the kit and Eduard self-adhesive masking sets eased the process greatly, application of more than 150 individual pieces was laborious, but well worth the result.

 The painting guide suggested the fabric-coated sections of the undersides should be a different hue to that of the aluminium areas; in this case Alclad’s Dull Aluminium sufficed, creating a subtle, yet visible tonal variation. Although not specified in the instructions, colour differentiation was also represented on the upper surfaces to match wartime photos, while also disrupting the monotone upper surfaces.

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splitting the wing halves. The glazing – all pre-dipped in Johnson’s Future Klear floor polish – was then added. As well as the main windscreen and turrets, this included many tiny windows, which all had be masked subsequently. Hasegawa provided masks, but so did Eduard and the reader may ask, reasonably, why? The answer was the kit offering catered for just the main areas, which left the many small fuselage and wing windows to be masked separately. Happily, Eduard filled this minor oversight with its own product (CX 493), so both were used. Patience was required during this stage, as there were 110 tiny masks in the Hasegawa set and another 43 from Eduard!

Big green blob The Emily had a simple colour scheme, with silver undersides and dark green upper surfaces. Primer was used for any parts of the model with PE, but this did not include the wings and fuselage. Pre-shading was also avoided, to allow experimentation with other techniques. Alclad’s ALC-305 Black Gloss was applied to the undersides first, followed by ALC101 Aluminium. The areas around fabric-covered parts of the wings were then masked, before they received ALC-117 Dull Aluminium. Glazed areas were painted the interior colour and then the upper surfaces airbrushed C383 Dark Green (Kawanishi). Another masking extravaganza around the upper wing fabric sections followed. This was not identified in Hasegawa’s painting guide, but wartime photos of Emilys As described by one critic: the “big green blob” after decaling and detail painting, and ready for weathering.

Materials at a glance Alclad II (www.alclad2.com) ALC-101 Aluminium ALC-117 Dull Aluminium ALC-305 Gloss Black Base Eduard (www.eduard.com) 672157 H8K2 Emily Guns 672158 H8K2 Emily Engines BIG72128 H8K2 Emily CX 493 H8K2 Emily fuselage windows Infini Model (www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk) IR-0701B Fine Black Lycra Rigging 70 Dernier Mr. Hobby (www.albionhobbies.com) CS668 Kawanishi N1K2-J Colors Lifecolor (www.airbrushes.com) LC-LP03 Liquid Pigments Rain and Dust set Ultimate Modelling Products (www.umpretail.com) Dark Dirt Weathering Wash

showed a distinct difference in weathering patterns, between the aluminium and fabric surfaces. The latter was then recreated with a lightened version of the Kawanishi green. This also served to add visual interest to what would otherwise have been a monotone finish. Two coats of Klear were then hand-painted, with care taken to ensure brush strokes followed the direction of the airflow. All the decals came next. Walkway decals had huge areas

ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

"wartime photos of Emilys showed a distinct difference in weathering patterns"

of clear carrier film, but it looked rather thick, so all lines were carefully cut and applied separately, to minimise the risk of silvering. This took time, but paid dividends because even small amounts of film seemed to show evidence of the dreaded silvering – produced when tiny air bubbles are trapped beneath the clear carrier film. The same technique was used for the lettering; everything was cut back to just the coloured parts. Acrylic matt varnish covered the upper surfaces to seal everything in preparation for weathering.

Any thoughts of pride in the work so far were blown out of the water by helpful passing remarks from my wife – “it looks like a big green plastic blob” – ever my fiercest

critic. This merely inspired the efforts to weather the Emily. The process began with Ultimate Modelling Products’ (www.umpretail. com) acrylic ‘Dark Dirt’, which is designed to be applied generously all over the model, left to dry and then any excess

 The kit’s beaching gear and wing floats were complex affairs, with the former benefiting from PE upgrades, courtesy of Eduard.

removed. Previous builds highlighted this can darken the entire surface, so the dirt was painted just along panel lines and other features. This particular wash didn’t adhere to the Alclad-coated surfaces, so a dark oil wash was used for those areas. Next was Lifecolor’s LPW 11

Rain Marks from the Liquid Pigments Rain and Dust set (LCLP03), which was brushed onto the green areas with random squiggles and left to dry. A wide brush was then dampened with Lifecolor’s Remover product (from the same set) and the pigments worked around the surface. The result was a

 Weathering demonstrated via the floats – first was the basic wash (left). Once dry, any excess was removed and the rain marks added randomly. www.airfixmodelworld.com 19

ADVANCED BUILD KAWANISHI H8K2 EMILY

"This was a superb kit of a fascinating subject"

realistic degraded surface appearance. Panel lines were then partially picked out with a silver pencil. A combination of dark brown and silver pencils emphasised the lines in the large Hinomaru decals, which also stopped them appearing as large red blobs. The same effect was created on the yellow leading edges. A slight disaster occurred while detailing the underside, though, when a piece of stray masking tape stuck to one of the Hinomaru and partly ripped it. Extremely careful surgery was then

required to tease the decal from the masking tape and re-apply it. The moral of the tale was to keep the construction area clean and tidy! Problem solved, it was time to tackle the finishing touches. All the masks were removed to reveal virtually no paint bleed below them, and a surprising amount of interior detail could be seen through the glazing. Each wing float was assembled, painted and weathered in the same way as the rest of the aircraft, and the small amount of rigging created with Infini

 Next came the flat brush, dampened with Lifecolor’s Remover product, to blend the mark, before the final stage to highlight panel lines with a silver pencil.

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Model’s Fine Black Lycra Rigging (www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk). The beaching undercarriage was then attached, followed by removing the nose and tail glazing to allow the guns to be added, before the clear parts were re-secured. For the waist gun positions, the weapons were positioned by passing them through the window opening on the opposite site, after which glue was applied. Final additions included the nose aerials, followed by the various antenna fittings on the fuselage top. Note, Eduard’s H8K2 maintenance

platforms (72653) set was partly assembled, but not used here.

Feet wet This was a superb kit of a fascinating subject, which filled the box admirably and was a real pleasure to build, with a very substantial model being the result. Eduard provided the usual excellent standard of both resin and PE upgrades, and this made a great kit even more detailed and impressive. The final response from the local critic was that it now looked like a proper aircraft!

 One of the eight maintenance platforms supplied in the Eduard set. These provided options for an interesting diorama, but were not used for this build.

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23/01/2018 10:09

INTERMEDIATE BUILD WESTLAND WESSEX

MODEL SPEC

Brian Wakeman up-scales to Fly Models’ 1/32 Wessex, and includes aftermarket extras for good measure

SWIFT Westland Wessex HC.2 By:

Fly Model

Stock Code:

32010

Scale:

1/32

Price:

£79.99

Available from: www.fly814.cz

ritain’s Wessex helicopter was a licence-produced version of Sikorsky’s S-58, and was the workhorse of the RAF and Royal Navy (RN) for four decades. Manufactured by Westland Helicopters at its Yeovil plant, it entered service in 1961, continuing a licensing ‘tradition’ between the two manufacturers. This relationship began with the

Dragonfly (S-51) in 1950, followed by the Whirlwind (S-55/H-19) and ended with the Sea King/ Commando (S-61/H-3) antisubmarine, rescue and troop transport helicopter. The type has been relatively well served by kit manufacturers, but many boxings focus on RN versions. When Fly Model announced three different

 Minimal preparation was needed; parts were sanded to remove a slightly rough texture and ejector pin marks were filled. Each interior rib was numbered to ease construction.

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packages of this magnificent machine in 1/32 scale, helicopter fans were bowled over. First to be released (and the subject of this build) was the RAF HC.2, followed quickly by an RN HU.5 and HAS.3.

Impressive contents Fly’s fine rendition of the Wessex comprised eight styrene runners (including one clear), two photo-

 Test-fitting revealed the fuselage halves would not join properly when the roof section was in place, so approximately 5-6mm was removed from the rear of the latter.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD WESTLAND WESSEX

KIT COLOUR SCHEMES Fly supplied four liveries, including civilian and military options, with brightly coloured and camouflaged machines. Full airframe stencilling was supplied, with markings in two tones, to cater for light and dark backgrounds. • XT680, 84 Squadron, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus 2003 • G-BYRC (ex-XT671), Daniel Brem-Wilson, Biggin Hill, 2009 • XR503, Royal Aircraft Establishment Bedford, Thurleigh, 1994 • XV728/A, 72 Squadron, RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, 2002

etched (PE) brass frets, a paper sheet (seat covers) and 59 crisply cast resin parts. In hindsight, it would have been ideal to somehow have a spare pair of hands, especially for the aftermarket folded rotor mechanism (see panel) and small aerials, as I couldn’t help but break several items on several occasions. Frustrating it may have been, and at times it felt as if I was fighting to finish the model, but perseverance won in the end, with the result being a faithful replica of this rotary workhorse. Despite being a limited-run offering, the lack of moulding blemishes was pleasing, and overall

there were minimal ejector-pin marks to eredicate on the fuselage interior (and these were addressed easily with filler). The resin components were a real highlight, notably those for the cockpit and rotor assembly, and were packed with detail.

Inner space From the start, it was necessary to refer constantly to the 20-page instruction booklet, along with reference photographs, as the former was poorly designed in places. Initial efforts dealt with removing the floor pan, ceiling and bulkheads carefully from their runners, to avoid damaging the moulded detail. The fuselage’s inner rib structure was provided as a series of separate styrene lengths, and these were measured and cut to size before fitting. Alignment was tricky, despite being numbered on the instructions (numbers were pencilled onto the fuselage interior to aid assembly), and the individual lengths were fiddly to attach. PE fishplates finished the 3D effect, with a few manipulated lengths of Plus Model 0.5mm lead wire (www.plusmodel. cz) added to replicate pipes, cables and other trunking. Time was taken with the inner assemblage, notably the various resin parts for the cockpit (seats, central consoles, cyclics and collectives), as much would be visible though the extensive glazing; the latter also incorporated optional open/closed side windows. The kit’s high-quality resin parts required little preparation after they were removed from their casting blocks, and painted after assembly. Similarly, the way Fly captured the rear bulkhead and

 Turning to the cabin floor and cockpit bulkhead, diluted Wilder’s Nitroline NL32 Dark Rainmarks Wash provided a realistic effect, highlighting the engraved detail and representing a grimy surface.

The resin cockpit components were superb, both in terms of quality and detail, but required careful removal from their casting blocks.

 A ‘Hold & Fold’ tool is recommended for the seat ‘fabric’, which was represented with printed paper. This was one of the more frustrating aspects of the build.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD WESTLAND WESSEX

 With all interior components attached, the cabin looked busy; of course, modellers have the option of super-detailing this area should they wish.

 Sub-assemblies were painted before attachment and decals were supplied for the instrument panel dials. Test-fitting the gearbox revealed it could be added after painting.

The cockpit was highly visible through the kit’s extensive glazing, so painting and weathering efforts were well rewarded. Much filler was needed to smooth the seam immediately in front of the canopy, which required several treatments for an invisible join.

 Thick plastic card shims ensured a snug fit for the one-piece underside, which was detailed with PE grilles and panels before being added to the fuselage. Any remaining gaps were treated with filler and sanded.

ceiling soundproof quilting was truly exquisite. Once the main interior had been assembled, it was sprayed

Lifecolor LC632 Admiralty Medium Grey 507B and LC631 Admiralty Dark Grey 507C (www.airbrushes. com). For the cockpit and cabin insulation quilting, Colourcoats’ ACRA08 Verde Mimetico 53192 (www.sovereignhobbies. co.uk) was chosen, as this appeared the closest match to the fabric’s tone

“THE RESIN COMPONENTS WERE A REAL HIGHLIGHT, NOTABLY THOSE FOR THE COCKPIT AND ROTOR ASSEMBLY” 24

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in reference photographs. Fixtures in the 16-troop cabin proved more troublesome, as the canvas fabric seats (provided as a combination of styrene/metal frame and thick paper items) proved rather time-consuming, but effective once assembled. Each paper ‘seat’ (comprising the floor and back, with extra to wrap round the frame) was removed from the backing sheet and folded with a PE ‘Hold & Fold’ tool. Floor detail, with the circular tie-down points, was painted and weathered separately, followed by dry-brushing. This was deemed realistic in appearance after application of Wilder’s

NL32 Nitro-line Dark Rainmarks Wash (www.airbrushes.com) to highlight the engraved lines and rivet detail; excess was removed with a moist cotton bud.

Polished interior Prior to mating the fuselage halves, dry-fitting revealed a small 5-6mm section of the aft roof must be removed; this was done with a razor saw, before the part was attached to the bulkhead. Strips of plastic card strengthened all major joins on each fuselage half, notably the forward engine compartment. One element that could be overlooked easily at this stage was the four cabin windows, which must be added before the

INTERMEDIATE BUILD WESTLAND WESSEX  Fly provided an option for a folded tail rotor section; as this wasn’t in keeping with an RAF machine, styrene tabs were added to reinforce the butt join. PE mesh grilles were bent to shape carefully around a small metal cylinder.

seating…these were secured with white glue, before the fuselage halves were mated. Lastly, the single-piece lower fuselage (and its PE accoutrements) was attached — again a test-fit revealed a less-than-perfect join, so thick styrene shims were added to the underside of the cabin floor — before any remaining gaps were filled and sanded. The tail rotor section was a neat little unit, comprising a main styrene structure with PE grilles (these must be bent to shape before being secured). Fly provided an option for this section to be folded, which was a common sight on RN airframes (for ship-board stowage), but not RAF machines. As this was a land-based Wessex, it was joined directly to the fuselage, with small styrene tabs added to

reinforce the butt join. With the kit being of the limited-run variety, perseverance was needed when attaching the canopy. Fine scratches were polished with Novus 1 & 2 compounds (www.novuspolish. com), before the frames were masked carefully. Wilder’s QM04 Quick Mask Yellow was brushed over the top to prevent leakage, before the glazing was attached to the fuselage with white glue. Additional refinement, in the shape of two Scalewarship detail sets (see panel) improved the kit’s exhausts and rotors markedly; the latter were portrayed in the folded position, decreasing the overall size of the finished model.

Fly supplied numerous small airframe vents and steps as PE items, and these were folded and secured to their allotted positions, before being primed with UA026 FS 36375 Light Compass Ghost Grey. Similarly, the tail rotor and main hub were enhanced with

PE; these were painted Xtracolor X255 RAL7001 Silbergrau, along with three of the four main rotor blades. The final item was coloured X19 (BS356) RAF Rescue Yellow, as depicted on several reference photos. At the same time, the gearbox was assembled, adding

SPIN DOCTOR Scalewarship (www.scalewarship.com) is perhaps better known for its large-scale maritime accessories, but also offers extras for 1/48 and 1/32 helicopters. Its Wessex Exhaust Panel Set (PE0183) and Wessex Rotor Blade Folding Parts (PE0182) were employed here. Assembly was time-consuming, but having previous experience of a similar (albeit 1/48 product) for a 1/48 Wessex build (see AMW, July 2015) helped immensely. Both the blade cradle and stirrups were sprayed Xtracolor X31 (BS538) Post Office Red after being primed. Perhaps the most challenging aspect was locating the 3D-printed rotor ‘knuckles’ on the hub, but study of reference photos aided this process. To prevent inadvertent damage during handling, all parts were left off the model until the final stage, with 0.4mm lead wire replicating various hydraulic cables.

 The rotor folding package is more comprehensive, with separate hub- and blade-heads, a replacement upper rotor plate and a PE fret with blade holders, brackets, stiffeners and support straps. It’s worth spending time studying the instructions and working through the stages without glue first, as this modeller found them confusing at times.  There are several options within the exhaust set, depending on how much surgery one is prepared to undertake, including spacers, circlips, mounting brackets and a complete replacement fuselage panel. The 3D-printed exhausts are commendably thin, but correspondingly delicate. A small length of brass rod was needed for the half-ring at the exhaust edge.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 25

INTERMEDIATE BUILD WESTLAND WESSEX

 Before the canopy was added, the overhead console had to be attached to the inside, before CA was applied with a cocktail stick to the glazing; this was then held in position until the glue had set. Blemishes were then removed with Novus 1 & 2 compounds, before the windows were masked with tape and Wilder’s QM04 Yellow.

 White is just as challenging in terms of creating an authentic result. Not being a fan of pre-shading, a combination of diluted Lifecolor and Xtracolor paints were airbrushed freehand, allowing hints of the primer to show through. Note the resin engine cover, provided by Fly in place of an intake mesh assembly.

 The green colour had immediate impact, this being applied with a slightly feathered edge to replicate the occasionally haphazard application of the temporary winter camouflage.

 Combining the Scalewarship folding set and kit rotors was tricky, but once painted and decaled the result was stunning. The by-now separate rotor hub was detailed with lead wire.

resin struts to the main structure (a test-fit highlighted this could be added after main painting, and not before as suggested in the instructions). Tamiya AS12 Bare Metal Silver acted as the base colour, while the supports were picked out with LC24 Matt Natural Metal, before the whole unit received a diluted LPW24 Frame Dirt wash to highlight the detail.

worn on ‘Arctic Express’ exercises in Norway. The latter was chosen, given its stark appearance and its potential for subsequent weathering. The underside received

to opt for a more unusual subject. Two schemes sprang to mind, either a former RAF 2 Flying Training School airframe in Uruguay Navy colours or an RAF winter scheme, similar to those

Colourcoats’ ABB 16 (BS986C) British Army Blue-Black Disruptive, several panels being highlighted with LC02 Matt Black and X02 (BS642) RAF Night

Arctic warrior While the kit decal options were varied (see panel), it was decided

REFERENCES Warplane No.68 (Orbis) Wessex, by Patrick Allen (Airlife), ISBN: 978-1-85310-050-1 Warpaint 65: Westland Wessex, by Charles Stafrace (Guideline)

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD WESTLAND WESSEX

Black. Once cured and masked, the gangly undercarriage (minus the wheels) was assembled, followed by small PE steps on the fuselage sides; these were positioned with fine tweezers, but were tricky to attach. Added realism was provided by scratchbuilt undercarriage brake lines, inserted into drilled 0.5mm holes. Final additions included the four defensive aids sensors, which were a common feature on RAF Aldergrove-based helicopters. At last the major painting

began. It was felt there was little point applying the full late twotone NATO Green/Lichen Green camouflage, as the white distemper would cover one of these colours. A matt white undercoat prepared the surface for thin layers of X141 Gloss White, which were applied unevenly to produce a mottled finish. A similar approach was made with the green areas, with X18 (BS285) NATO Dark Green airbrushed freehand over a base layer of UA546 Matt Dark Green. This was applied more uniformly, to produce

an overall glossy sheen. The kit decals were applied over a coat of LC73 Clear Gloss, followed by light weathering with a mixture of Lifecolor Liquid Pigments and Wilder oils; these appeared perfect for recreating wear and tear. Careful positioning of aerials, radio wires, the rescue winch, a partially open cargo door and cockpit sliding window ensued, after which the rotors were attached. With all openings sealed with low-tack tape and damp tissue, a final varnish mix of 75:25 Xtracrylix

Satin/Matt varnish created a suitable airframe sheen.

In the hover After approximately 250 hours’ work, the impressive Wessex was complete, and what a spectacle it turned out to be, despite the occasional frustration. Perhaps the only real ‘fly’ in the ointment was attaching the rotors, and in hindsight, keeping the blades in their in-flight configuration would have been quicker and easier.

 Further weathering, in the form of diluted LPW06 Deep Rust and LPW07 Eroding Dark Rust streaks on the fuselage sides, added to a worn appearance…while harmonising any underlying tones.  The camouflage was sealed with gloss varnish, before an oil wash was added and a further varnish layer applied in preparation for the kit decals. A selection of Wilder’s Weathering Oils (LS02 Winter White, LS09 Black Brown and LS10 Dark Grey) provided the basis for the final detail and panel line wash.  Assembling the PE rotor saddle was a slow process, but patience here was rewarded by the results, as this subassembly (and attached rotors) was a delicate structure. Note, small pieces of plastic card strengthened the brass saddle, as recommended in the instructions.

Aeroclub’s Lycra thread replicated the exterior antenna cables, this being attached to the two ‘double-T’ masts with CA. The wires were then painted Citadel Boltgun Metal.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 27

INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432

Kev Smith appraises Takom’s FV 432 Armoured Personnel Carrier…a vehicle he knows intimately through his own Army service

BATTLE TAXI I n 1962, GKN Sankey (now BAE Systems) was awarded the contract to design and develop the FV432 Family of armoured personnel carriers (APCs). The first production vehicles were delivered to the British army in 1963 and, besides standard troop carriers, the company was also charged with producing the FV

434 Armoured Fitters’ Vehicle. Around 3,000 FV432s were built by 1971 when production ended and remarkably, approximately 1,500 are still in frontline service The first production vehicle was the Mk.1, followed by the Mk.2 and finally the Mk. 1/2. Late-production ‘432s are distinguished by the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical

 Takom has reproduced the floorplate detail faithfully, which looked superb after painting and weathering.

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(NBC) pack on the right side of the vehicle, which is almost flush against the hull. The ‘432 replaced the Saracen 6x6 APC, but in turn was usurped extensively by the GKN Sankey/BAE Warrior.

Boxing clever Takom offered 496 parts spread across eight grey styrene runners,

and one clear frame, and in addition there were two photoetched (PE) brass frets; the larger of these carried components for the large stowage cage seen usually on command and support vehicles, while the smaller fret housed the light guards and more diminutive details. A small decal sheet included dials for the driver’s station, and a handy jig was also provided to help with construction of the link-and-length tracks. The instruction booklet was well presented, and the diagrams laid out logically…and large enough to follow without any problems. All

 There were several annoying ejector pin marks on the interior details, but careful scraping/sanding rectified the issue.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432

KIT COLOUR SCHEMES Takom’s FV 432 came with decals for four schemes: • Berlin Brigade, 1980 (urban ‘block’ camouflage) • Royal Scots, 7th Armoured Brigade (desert sand) • Unknown unit (NATO green/black) • OPFOR - training unit (green/sand)

very useful, and a huge bonus was that a colour guide was included for the painting of the interior… something other manufactures should consider. Enough decals for four different liveries were present. After the customary inspection of the instructions, it became apparent very quickly there would, before any major assembly, be a serious amount of interior detail painting. With that in mind, basic sub-assemblies were built

in preparation. Just a command vehicle would have the three Clansman radios fitted, while a standard section machine would usually carry a single unit. After painting, the radios and batteries were detailed with plastic rod and thin wire to represent the vast amount of cabling crammed into these vehicles. The two banks of batteries also needed wiring to bring them in line with the rest of the interior. Takom’s driver’s station was also well detailed, but the aircraft-like harness was missing so was scratch-built with Tamiya tape cut to length, and painted with the appropriate enamels. Interiors of Army ‘432s changed from silver to white from 2002…a factor that must be considered if an earlier vehicle is being replicated. As this build would emulate a later ‘432, this was a detail that couldn’t be ignored. Starting with the floor plate, this was undercoated with Tamiya X-2 Matt White. The anti-slip tread was detailed beautifully, and benefitted immensely from drybrushed dark aluminium acrylic paint, enhanced further with dark oil paint washes. The side plates were left unattached at this stage, but the spatter panels received lightly misted AMMOMIG A.MIG-025 US Modern Sand, over the top of Tamiya XF-61 Dark Green. The NBC pack was painted satin white and weathered as a separate part, then glued to the sidewall. Takom’s interior came

 The firewall benefited from the addition of electrical cables running to the communication junction box.  The driver’s station was superb, but could be improved by adding the missing seat harness.  For setting the road wheels and tracks, Takom included a handy jig. It was used for assembling the runs of link-and-length track, but caution must be observed, as the jig needs to be changed for the right- and left-hand runs.

 A small photo-etched brass fret carried enough to add finesse, but the finer parts were best left off the model until the last possible moment.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432

FAR-EASTERN REFINEMENT Released after this build was completed, but worthy of mention, is the photo-etched metal detail package available from Korea’s Tetra Model Works. This comprehensive array of mostly brass parts (ME-35049, 1/35 British APC FV 432 Detail-up Set) offers a wealth of replacements/additions for Takom’s kit, and they include: • mesh stowage bin • mudflaps with light units • GPMG ammo box and cartridge collector • Toolbox fasteners/padlocks • Light guards • Tool clamps • Mounts for smoke grenade launchers • Striped high-vis boards for road use • Pre-coloured driver instrument cluster • Number plates

 Swing arms were attached to the lower hull, courtesy of a strong butt-join, without locating pins. The arms were left for 15 minutes after they were glued, before alignment was checked with the supplied jig.

For details of this and other items in the range, visit: www.tetramodel.com Tetra products are available in the UK via Sovereign Hobbies: www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk

Wear on the wheels’ rubber portions was replicated by scuffing with a modelling saw blade.

together gradually, and much time was spent on plumbing all of the communication boxes fitted around the vehicle; these allowed the crew to talk to each other through the intercom system. It has been known for a vehicle commander to point out his driver’s errors in no uncertain

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terms ‘live’ over the battle group net by mistake! Two Bergen rucksacks, a ration box, and three roll mats were fitted into the stowage area, to give that lived-in look. In reality, every space would be crammed with equipment during exercise/deployment, but this isn’t always possible in scale

modelling. Bench seats were the last of the details to be attached before the top of the hull was fitted. These were designed to fold up on the real vehicle, and this feature was used to expose the rear battery bank. There are two splatter panels missing from the commander’s/driver’s roof, but if

the modeller wishes, the items can be scratch-built easily from 10-thou (0.25mm) plastic card.

Tread carefully Attaching the suspension and running gear was relatively straightforward, but problems could occur because there aren’t

INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432

any pins or rods to align the swing arms in the correct position on the lower hull…just the jig alone. The swing arms have a curved joint that lines up with the hull and care must be taken when fitting them; the jig sits over the top of the swing arms and aligns them correctly. Drive and rear idler wheels were then fitted to the jig, and the track links were built to fit the shape of the jig. A pleasing touch was that track sag

had been taken into consideration. In this instance, Takom employed link-and-length tracks, which in this modeller’s opinion makes this phase painless. Do note, though, the jig has a wrong way, and a correct way for the left and right track run, so be sure to set the correct direction before the track sections are mated. Once the track was constructed, Tamiya Soil Effect Brown Diorama Texture Paint was worked between the links to

replicate a build-up of soil. Road wheels weren’t fitted at this stage, but their ‘rubber’ portions were distressed before all parts were constructed and placed to one side.

Put a lid on it Attention turned to the vehicle’s roof, the underside of which was detailed with the trunking for the NBC System. When building the exterior, though, it’s just a case of following the instructions. There

was a slight fit issue when the roof was offered to the lower hull, where the bulkhead married with the roof itself; the walls needed minor sanding to thin them, then it was a case of running Tamiya Extra Thin Cement around the join and holding all in place until set. The modeller then has two decisions to make…mortar hatches can be modelled open, and a large stowage bin is offered as another option. A compromise was made

 The NBC filtration pack (centre) is dry-fitted, and would eventually be painted and weathered separately. Missing cabling has been added, and note the ejector pin marks, which would later be hidden behind bulkheads.  The kit’s tow cables were a little weak and lacked definition, so picture hanging wire was employed to great effect in replicating the real material.

 Like all the other electrical installations, no wiring was moulded in any way. In this case, plastic rod was used to replicate the missing detail.  The replaced tow cables looked convincing when manipulated to replicate natural sag.

 Instalment of the radio and electrical cabling underway. Plastic rod and thin wire detailed this area of the model. www.airfixmodelworld.com 31

INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432

 Areas of the driver’s station under construction…with even more home-spun cables!  A combination of airbrushing and hand-painting was employed while adding colour and life to the interior sections.

 From 2002, the FV 432’s interior changed from silver to white. Padded panels were coloured as per the instructions, but they could be painted darker tan if desired. The two bulkheads need a little sanding, for a good fit when marrying the roof to the hull.

The firewall was a superbly detailed assembly, which responded well to painting and subtle weathering. Considered weathering accentuated the superb detail Takom achieved in reproducing the floor sections.

 In reality, any space would be crammed with personnel kit, stores and ammunition during exercise/deployment. To replicate this, a dive into the spares box produced a few appropriate items, while scratch-built roll mats were cut from paper and positioned suitably. The Bergens were reworked so they would fit among the other items. Hull walls have been dry-fitted to ensure good alignment. This is always a good idea… especially in this case, with the amount of extra cabling added.

The splendid PE stowage bin was an optional part (as was the side bin) and, as a later command version was being modelled, these were duly attached.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432

 Early stages of weathering: damp areas are hand-painted over the dust layers. Aluminium builders’ tape was used to great effect to create the tarpaulins.

on this model, with one hatch left open to display a modicum of interior detail. The commander’s hatch came with a finely rendered 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), but three-quarters of the flash eliminator was removed, to represent a blankfiring barrel. The weapon was also missing a carrying handle, so this was fashioned from plastic card and rod, then secured in place. Meanwhile, the rear crew door was home to the boiling vessels (BVs, and these were topped up with water constantly, so the crew could enjoy a ‘brew’ at every opportunity. Two blue electrical cables for the BVs were fashioned from thin wire twisted together, while other details include adding the two

until an appropriate shade was achieved. After application of said mixed green, XF-85 Rubber Black was used for the camouflage black bands. To break up the overall appearance, raised details were then picked out with Humbrol 226 Interior Green; this was a subtle effect, but contributed to a pleasing finish overall. While the upper hull was set aside to dry. The rubber tyres were painted Tamiya XF-85 and weathered separately. To create better adhesion, the decals were laid on top of previously applied Tamiya X-22 Clear Varnish.

Warriors came with the new camouflage system, which incorporates poles and hanging basket-style attachments, which form a cocoon over the vehicle. By the end of 2002, though, the Army’s ‘432s were upgraded with the same equipment so to add interest, it was decided to incorporate this into the model. Plastic rod was cut to length and inserted into the holders, and the net was made from commercially bought netting, cut to size. After draping the net over the frame, diluted PVA glue was applied by brush to set the net in place.

missing handles from the tops of the vessels. The web strap and buckle were brought to a higher standard with Tamiya tape and plastic card.

Green and black cab The model was undercoated with grey auto primer, and left overnight to dry thoroughly. This is an important step, as primer covers minor blemishes, and acts as a suitable key for the following base coats. Before a mix of Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green and X-28 Park Green was sprayed on the model, all workable hatches were closed and any openings and clear parts, were masked and protected. No ratios were recorded though; the paint was simply mixed by eye

 Just one of the mortar hatches could be posed open with the chosen format, but it was essential to expose all that work on the interior. www.airfixmodelworld.com 33

INTERMEDIATE BUILD FV 432  Tamiya Soil Effect was worked into the tracks, then removed with a finger, leaving the material between the links.

Taxi for ten

After this had dried, a thick paste made from PVA glue and tea leaves was then applied to the net. The process was repeated numerous times, until a convincing appearance was achieved.

In need of a wash To fade the rather bright green, Humbrol 83 Ochre was misted over the model… concentrating mainly on horizontal panels, particularly at the front and rear where dust would accumulate. Further brush-

applied washes followed to build the layers in all the nooks and crannies. To further the effect, pin washes accentuated all the model’s numerous raised details. Slowly, a very convincing impression of a dust-covered vehicle was emerging. The darker, wet areas were addressed by gradually applying runs and streaks via AK Interactive 2032 Grease, by brush. Care was taken to build the effect slowly, as the contrast between dark and light areas needed to

 Airbrushing of the dust layers was concentrated to the lower and rear areas of the vehicle.

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be very high…and it would be easy to overdo the effect. Lower areas of the vehicle then became the main centre of interest. Streaks were tracked down from logical areas, where moisture would linger around fixtures and fittings. With an airbrush, the two contrasting areas were softened subtly in selected areas, via a light overspray of 83 Ochre. Lower areas were then harmonised with the upper hull by applying dark washes and splashes.

MODEL SPEC

The kit was a joy to build, and there’s something to excite every Cold War armour modeller, whether it’s built from the box, or as in this article, with minor scratch-building. Having served on the ‘432 myself, I can say the accuracy is impressive. Takom is to be congratulated on a producing a model of an important British military vehicle which, until now, has been ignored by mainstream manufacturers. The firm has since also released the more modern Bulldog version, which would make a fine display case partner to the model built here! FV 432 Mk.2/1 w/Interior By:

Takom

Stock Code:

2066

Scale:

1/35

Price:

£41.99

Available from: www.pocketbond.co.uk

 Base colours were hand-painted over the weathering coat, to suggest use by the crew.

code can’t be used with other offers.

WWW.TIGERHOBBIES.CO.UK

Tiger Hobbies, Unit 18B, Goldthorpe Industrial Estate, Commercial Road, Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire, S63 9BL Telephone: 01709 890 940 Email: [email protected]

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23/01/2018 10:12

ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

Dave Oliver tackles IsraCast’s 1/48 Dassault Ouragan multi-media kit, adding extra detail along the way

eginning any advanced model project can be slightly daunting, whether it’s deciding on which aftermarket items to include, or the age-old issue of getting the correct paint for the intended scheme in a timely manner. This is doubly true for resin models, as these require additional planning in that quite often, the established sequence of assembly isn’t the best way to progress; careful consideration must be given to which items should be assembled or painted first. Such was the case with IsraCast’s (perhaps better known for its decals) very comprehensive 1/48 multi-media Ouragan. However, the firm’s reputation for quality, combined with clear CAD-based instructions, made the build much easier.

B  Resin casting was first class, with no air bubbles or imperfections, even in the larger components. Careful removal of the large resin plugs was the order of the day, to protect the superb detail.  When attaching the outer wings to the centre-section, due diligence was vital to maintain the correct dihedral. Note the well-detailed undercarriage bays.

Joining the dots There were more than 70 resin components in the sturdy box, 36

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including four clear items for the fuel tanks and blue-coloured undercarriage legs (apparently a different formulation of resin), two vacform canopies and a small photo-etched (PE) brass fret. Before the build commenced, all parts were removed from their casting blocks, which posed an issue with the outer wing sections, as these were located along the leading edges. The solution was to cut the waste resin a short distance from each wing, with the remainder sanded carefully, to preserve the profile. Throughout this process it was checked constantly against the wing root to prevent subsequent alignment problems. Once assembled, the join was relatively good, with just minimal filling and sanding required to eliminate small gaps

MODEL SPEC

A C C I D E N T A L

Dassault Ouragan MD-450 By:

IsraCast

Stock Code:

48042

Scale:

1/48

Price:

$82

Available from: IsraCast, www.isradecal.com

ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

 As each fuselage half was, in fact, composed from two-piece assemblies, much dryfitting was required to produce a satisfactory join.

PICK AN OURAGAN IsraCast’s generous markings options involved eight schemes, which covered the Ouragan’s two decades in IAF service, with bare metal, blue/brown/grey and tan/ brown/green/blue-grey camouflaged airframes. There were French (for transit aircraft) and Israeli stencils, along with spare numerals; the latter enable almost any Israeli Ouragan to be built. A concise painting guide contains detailed profiles of each specified livery: • #28, 113 Sqn, November 1956 • #75, 113 Sqn, 1957 • #47, 113 Sqn, 1958 • 4X-FEE, ferry flight markings 1962 • #22, 113 Sqn, 1964 • #93, 107 Sqn, 1966 • #80, 107 Sqn, June 1967 • #22, 113 Sqn, 1971

and any height discrepancies between components. Each fuselage half was in two sections, with the rear third needing to be secured to the forward section with cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive, after much dry-fitting to ensure no problems arose later in the build. Rather than provide a separate cockpit tub, this was cast integrally into each fuselage half, and this required a degree of fettling to enable as seamless a join as possible. Having finished preparing the larger items for painting, it became apparent (from numerous reference photos) that the real aircraft was a veritable pin-cushion of rivets, a feature not replicated in the kit. It was decided to rectify this by marking the rivet lines onto the fuselage and wing exteriors by pencil, with lengths of Dymo Tape used as a straight-edge guide. Once completed, an RB Productions Riveting Tool (www.radubstore. com) then produced the desired scale rivet effect. At first, curved metal templates were employed, to try and follow the pencil guide lines, but this was problematic due to the fuselage’s compound curves. After a deep breath, they were riveted freehand instead, which was a character-building experience to say the least!

 Removing excess resin from the wing leading edges required a methodical approach, which involved much wet sanding and constant checking to ensure the correct shape was retained.

 The cockpit sections were cast integrally with the fuselage halves, and required judicious modification to ensure a smooth seam.

 To reproduce the type’s extensively riveted exterior, a guide was drawn on the wings and fuselage with a pencil…it was vital to cross-check the separate parts while matching the detail.

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ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

“THE SIDEWALLS AND FLOOR BENEFITED FROM RESIN AND PE ENHANCEMENTS”

Pilot’s pit After much finishing and testfitting, work started on the cockpit, by attaching many of the smaller intricate PE details to areas such as the sidewalls, which could otherwise have easily been damaged or lost during the cleanup process. Tamiya 87042 Surface Primer Gray prepared the subassemblies, before each received LifeColor UA735 Deep Cockpit. All parts were then dry-brushed lightly with Citadel Runefang Steel, with areas of high wear (such as the cockpit floor and ejection seat) being subjected to heavier

treatments. Seat cushions were dry-brushed with progressively lighter shades of UA256 Olive Drab Base Colour to produce a worn effect, while the harness was painted UA029 Grey, before being highlighted. The PE instrument panel was a real pleasure, due to the high level of detail present. Dials received a heavily diluted white mix, which created the illusion of depth due to capillary action, while other

random switches were painted red and yellow to add colour. With all major parts finished, the whole area was highlighted with AMMO-MIG’s Oilbrusher A.MIG3500 Black, before the floor and ejection seat received a pin wash of A.MIG-3512 Brown.

Warload and wings Period photos of the aircraft showed a mixed weapons load, consisting of rockets and bombs, but just the former

 Although time-consuming, the riveting added a subtle level of extra detail to the aircraft’s exterior.

 References highlighted the type’s typical mixed weapon load, so the kit’s four rockets were supplemented with two 500lb bombs from the spares box; these were stippled with Mr. Surfacer 500 to replicate a cast texture.

 The sidewalls and floor benefited from resin and PE enhancements, but these weren’t added until after the exterior rivets had been replicated, to avoid any damage/breakages.

 Two sizes of wing tanks were provided, with the larger items deemed appropriate for this subject. Clear resin nose cones provided the transparencies for the navigation lights.

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ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

 Two well-rendered vacform windshield/canopy transparencies were supplied, and these demanded careful trimming of the excess plastic (although one acted as a spare).  IsraCast’s PE instrument panel was a delight, and responded well to a thinned white wash in the dials. The lower section was a separate resin/PE combination, including rudder pedals which had to be bent to the correct shape.  The ejection seat was a fine miniature replica, the only additions being a harness and firing handle…a well-worn appearance was created by dry-brushing with LifeColor acrylics.  Cast in blue resin, the undercarriage legs required minimal assembly, but care must be exercised when attaching the scissor links. Once painted, a black wash highlighted the crisp detail.

 Despite careful preparation when preparing the fuselage halves, there was still a mismatch at the rear. The parts were immersed in hot water until they were malleable enough to be pushed into the correct position. This process was aided by the deliberately unglued vertical fin slot, to allow adjustment when the latter was fitted.

were supplied in the kit. However, a brief rummage through the spares box yielded two suitable 500lb bombs, which were pressed into service. Belatedly it was discovered IsraCast also provides suitable resin aftermarket items (IC-48048), with six 250kg units per pack. The undercarriage legs were cast superbly in blue resin, and required just minor enhancement, in the form of lead wire lengths to replicate hydraulic cables. No significant modifications were needed for the associated bay doors once they’d been neatened. With no locating tabs on the mating surfaces, extra care was necessary when aligning the

fuselage halves, otherwise the cockpit and panel lines would not match correctly. To allow time to correct any issues, 60-minute epoxy glue was employed; while it allowed for plenty of adjustment, this decision also entailed holding the fuselage halves for at least 50 minutes until it had set!

Despite major efforts throughout the build to ensure this, it was apparent immediately on mating them that the rear sections weren’t straight. To rectify the problem, the aft fuselage was immersed in hot water, until the resin warmed sufficiently to become malleable, after which the

offending sections were pushed into shape. Fortunately, it was decided prior to this to leave the tailfin cut-out unglued deliberately, so the latter could be adjusted to sit correctly. Returning to the model the next evening, it was obvious plenty of filling would be necessary to

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ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

“THE EJECTION SEAT WAS A FINE MINIATURE REPLICA”

correct the rather large gaps, but this can often be the case with resin kits. Mr. Surfacer 500 was duly applied with a cocktail stick and then sanded, before the seams were finalised with a light coating of Mr. Dissolved Putty. Any panel lines lost during this process were reinstated with an RB Productions’ scribing tool. Dry-fitting the wing and fuselage revealed several issues, which resulted in the former’s entire centre section being sanded until it conformed to the latter’s contours. This paid off, however,

as once glued to the rest of the model, just minor filling was necessary on the upper surfaces, while significant steps at the front and back of the wing assembly were addressed, before the panel line and rivet detail was restored. Wing-tip tanks were then attached, during which the most troublesome aspects were the delicate stabiliser fins, which were re-attached on numerous occasions after being knocked off.

Canopy cutting The vacform transparencies were well moulded, and IsraCast helpfully supplied two items, one of which served as a spare

 Addition of the intake lip, exhaust nozzle, tail and wings resulted in significant gaps, despite earlier efforts to ensure correct alignment and fit.  With all major gaps filled, and any rivet detail and panel lines reinstated, the tip tanks were added; these required little additional work.

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in case of damage to the first. Separating vacform parts from their surrounding styrene is always a delicate process, particularly when dealing with clear items. The outer edges were trimmed gradually (with a new blade fitted to the scalpel), to ensure sufficient material was retained to match the aircraft contours; an act that involved repeated dry-fitting of the item against the airframe. Once a satisfactory fit had been achieved and the piece had been masked, the canopy was tacked with Microscale Kristal Klear (www.microscale.com). However, on its own, this adhesive proved insufficient to hold the part in position, so CA, applied sparingly on the tip of a scalpel blade, was used to form a much stronger bond. A bead of Mr. Dissolved Putty was then added to conceal any gaps…once dry, the model was ready for its camouflage.

Two-tone time Having experienced issues when painting resin models in the past, nothing was left to chance to ensure the best possible surface on which to apply the top coat. First, the model was washed with diluted detergent and left to dry, after which it was only handled when wearing latex gloves. Alclad’s ALC-302 Grey Primer & Microfiller then served to harmonise the surface and helped identify any areas that needed further work, such as the air intake, tail and spine. Once rectified, a further primer layer was misted onto the model, before it was sanded lightly with 800-grade Micro-Mesh abrasive cloth. A pre-shade of UA207 Schwarzgrau/Panzergrau was added to the panel lines and areas that would receive minimal light, contributing to the eventual irregular finish and acting as a

ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

 Camouflage demarcation was set by cutting Tamiya tape to shape with a handy Gyro-Cut tool.  After priming and pre-shading, misted layers of HTK-A172 Medium Brown were applied, ensuring the pre-shade remained visible, notably at panel lines and the wing-fuselage join.

useful reference when spraying the top coat. Due to the relatively obscure nature of the aircraft, sourcing an accurate paint set took a little research, but eventually, Hataka’s HTK-AS34 Israeli Air Force (IAF) set (www. hataka-hobby.com) was obtained. This provided an accurate match for early IAF colours. Not having

used the paint before, online research, along with advice from friends, proved invaluable. A bottle of UMP002 Ultimate Airbrush Thinner (www.umpretail. com) was also purchased and painting began. The underside received airbrushed HTK-A173 Silk Grey in three misted coats, followed by post-shading with progressively lighter shades of the base coat colour, to produce a worn effect.  Once the disruptive pattern was added, selected panels were postshaded with lighter mixes of the base colours. The initial effect looked quite stark, but would be muted during weathering.

Once the upper/lower surface demarcation line was masked, the top surfaces and fuselage sides were sprayed HTK-A172 Medium Brown, with care taken to preserve the pre-shading. The camouflage pattern was then created by cutting Tamiya tape to shape with a Gyro-Cut tool (www.craftyproducts.co.uk). Early IAF aircraft featured an unusual dark camouflage tone, and this was matched with HTK-A171

www.airfixmodelworld.com 41

ADVANCED BUILD ISRAELI OURAGAN

 With the markings applied, a tan filter was hand-brushed over the aircraft; this helped to harmonise the camouflage and make the decals appear painted.

REFERENCE GOLDMINE IsraDecal Publications (www.isradecal. com) has produced an invaluable reference guide (IAFB14) to the type, to accompany the kit release. Compiled by renowned authors Ra’anan Weiss and Shlomo Aloni, it offers a wealth of information on the Ouragan, including detailed service and operational history, weapons and explanation of IAF colours and markings. The mainly black and white photos cover all aspects of its IAF career, including the inevitable crashes and accidents, along with more humorous interludes such as dousing pilots after their first solo flight. Closeups of the cockpit, weapons, ejection seat and undercarriage bays will aid modellers greatly, while the narrative also serves as an insight into the difficulties of operating an early jet fighter…and expands greatly on this issue’s Ouragan In Focus feature.

Grey-Blue. Unfortunately, the initial application resulted in an uneven surface, which had to be sanded and repainted before a satisfactory finish was achieved. Post-shading was then added in a similar fashion to the Medium Brown, with the palest shades focussed on areas of high wear, such as the wing leading edges and aircraft spine. Two overall coats of Johnson’s Klear were then brushed and left to dry overnight.

BIG shark mouth Cartograf’s decals were a joy to work with, and settled into panel lines with minimal decal solution; even the large nose artwork required very little fettling to conform with the fuselage contours. The markings were then

 Final weathering employed AMMO-MIG’s Oilbrusher products to create dust effects and detail pin washes. LifeColor’s Liquid Pigments then added the final touches.

sealed with airbrushed LC77 Satin Varnish, which also served as a base layer for weathering. The rather stark appearance of the two-tone camouflage was softened with a Sin Industries P242 Tan filter, followed by an overall MIG Productions P221 Brown Wash, to highlight the rivet and panel line detail. Specific areas were then treated to A.MIG-3516 Dust and A.MIG-3512 Dark Brown pin washes. Finally, the model received an overall coat of LifeColor Liquid Pigment LPW05 Colonial Dark Sand, to simulate a dusty patina, with special emphasis around the cockpit and wing roots; this was complemented with P037 Gulf War Sand. After the ordnance and undercarriage had been attached,

a similar process was conducted on these items, to harmonise them with the rest of the airframe. Fine details were then highlighted with the aid of A.MIG-3500 Black, to complete the build.

Storming results Early jets have always been an area of interest for me and many other modellers, and this aircraft proved a relatively obscure and enigmatic example from that era… one whose identity baffled many aviation enthusiasts at my local model club! As with all resin kits, slightly more preparation was required than with their styrene counterparts, but the rewards are well worth the extra effort, and helped to create a splendid scale representation of this unusual and overlooked aircraft.

“A TAN FILTER WAS HAND-BRUSHED OVER THE AIRCRAFT” 42

Airfix Model World

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23/01/2018 10:15

IN FOCUS ISRAELI OURAGAN

M I D D L E

E A S T E R N

Ra’anan Weiss offers insight into Israel’s unplanned acquisition of the French Dassault Ouragan srael explored then-currently available first-generation jet fighters from 1950 onwards, but just a small number actually entered service. France had no ready-for-purchase indigenous designs at that time, but was sympathetic and willing to sell other aircraft. Israel ordered the Dassault Mystère II in 1954 and was thus expected to become the first Middle East nation to introduce second-generation jet fighters. Soon afterwards, the Israelis realised the Mystère II

I

was plagued with issues. A group of six Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilots commenced the conversion course in August 1955, and would form the nucleus of 113 Squadron (also known as Tayeset Ha’Tsira’a — Hornet Squadron), which was to operate the type from Hatzor Air Base. The course covered eight sorties in the Ouragan (Hurricane) from August 9, 1955 and introduced Israeli pilots to French-designed cockpits and local flying procedures. A lack of available Mystères delayed Israeli

conversion though, and the first flights were only accomplished on September 9.

Ouragan introduction The French were fully aware of the Mystère’s deficiencies and delays, and offered an immediate delivery of 12 Ouragans as a stop-gap solution; this was duly accepted by the Israeli Ministry of Defence, which then negotiated (successfully) for the acquisition of a further 12 airframes. As a result, 113 Squadron was probably the

first IAF unit to convert from one aircraft type to another before it had been activated formally, doing so on October 4, 1955. Those first 12 Ouragans were drawn from the French Air Force inventory and prepared for immediate delivery to Israel under the auspices of Operation OurIs (Ouragan-Israel), which commenced on October 6, 1955. The additional dozen aircraft were delivered by November 26, 1955. Introduction into IAF service on 113 Squadron was rapid, smooth and trouble-free, with the initial pilot cadre of six tripled on October 28, when a dozen 117 (The First Jet) Squadron Meteor pilots were Ouragan #42 after the October 1956 hostilities. This aircraft was one of the first metal-finished airframes to be applied with the standard shark’s teeth, while still retaining yellow and black identification stripes.

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IN FOCUS ISRAELI OURAGAN

Jet tutoring

Aircraft number 42, shortly after entering service with the IAF, still with the civil registration letters applied.

posted to the unit. On April 12, 1956 the Ouragan was credited with its first air-to-air kill, when a pair of 113 Squadron jets intercepted Egyptian Vampires over the Negev Desert and shot down one of them. This clash was a dot along the timeline of escalation between Egypt and Israel, leading to the OctoberNovember 1956 Sinai War (known in the West as the Suez Crisis). Israel’s Ouragan complement was boosted in May 1956 by the delivery of a further six airframes. Dozens of pilots were trained to fly the Ouragan during that year, but many were assigned subsequently to 101 (The First Fighter) Squadron and converted onto Mystère IVs.

Sinai involvement Exactly one year after activation, 113 Squadron went to war; its 18 pilots conducting 134 operational sorties between October 29 and November 3, 1956 in support of Operation Kadesh, Israel’s involvement in the Sinai War. The Ouragan proved an extremely robust airframe and none were lost to ground fire. Notably, two formations of Ouragans (each comprising six aircraft) escorted C-47s during the initial parachute drop on objectives near the Mitla Pass, during the afternoon of October 29 (Day 1). On Day 2, Ouragans flew just ten air support missions over Sinai, but at least 50 the following day, which represented the peak of the IAF air campaign. Generally, air-to-air engagements between Israeli Ouragans and Egyptian MiG-15s on October 31 were inconclusive, except for two encounters. In the first, 113 Squadron’s junior deputy commander ran out of fuel after disengaging from combat, and belly landed his Ouragan in the

Groundcrew arm this Ouragan, tail-code 47, with T-10 rockets; these were the type’s main air-to-ground armament during most of its IAF service. During operation Kadesh, Ouragans fired approximately 460 rockets at Egyptian targets.

desert; fortunately, he was unhurt and the aircraft returned to service after repairs. The result of the second was a claim by the senior deputy commander for a damaged MiG.

IAF air activity declined from Day 4; the squadron reportedly flew 28 attack sorties on that day, 18 on November 3 and just three the following day, bringing the type’s involvement to a close.

Post-Suez, the IAF revamped and improved its flight training programme, and altered the syllabus to reflect the shift from piston- to jet-engined fighters. Previously, primary training was conducted on PT-17 Stearmans, followed by advanced training with T-6 Harvards and post-graduate training on the P-51 Operational Training Unit (OTU). The new syllabus retained the Stearman during the primary phase, but the Harvard became the basic flight trainer, with the advanced section conducted on Meteors. Post-graduate training was to be on Ouragans, and 113 Squadron was re-roled as an OTU — Course 1’s Solo Day was on November 29, 1956, with its cadets graduating as fully fledged fighter pilots on February 21, 1957. Running the OTU had two important implications; the unit’s flying hours were relatively high compared to others, which also led to the Ouragan’s high peacetime attrition rate. To counter this, Israel purchased an additional 40 airframes from surplus French Air Force stocks (many of these came from storage at Chȃteaudun), which were ferried in six batches from 1962 to 1965. By April 1, 1965 there were 54 Ouragans in IAF service, and this led to the formation of a second Ouragan unit, with 107 (Knights of the Orange Tail) Squadron activated at Ramat David in October 1965. This enabled 113 Squadron to focus on OTU activity, while 107 Squadron was

Pilots from 113 Squadron pose in front of Ouragan #70, after participating in Israel’s 12th Independence Day flypast in early May 1960. Note the Mickey Mouse motif on the fuselage side.

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IN FOCUS ISRAELI OURAGAN

An OTU pilot receives a traditional ‘wash’ after completing his first solo flight in March 1966. Ouragan #62 was lost in an accident on January 1, 1968, when it stalled after taking off with a towed target, then struck the runway. Fortunately, pilot Yosef Har’el was injured just slightly.

designated as a regular fighter unit. During this same time-frame, the IAF selected a successor to the Ouragan and Mystère, with its first order of McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks placed during 1966. Time was supposedly running out for the Ouragan as an IAF fighter, but this final phase of service lasted longer than expected, including two further wars.

Pre-emptive strike By 1967, the Ouragan was the least advanced fighter in the IAF, and with its relatively low Ouragan #45 before a flight, shortly after the Six-Day War. The aircraft is armed with 66gal (300lit) napalm bombs and T-10 rockets. It was withdrawn from service in 1973.

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speed was considered easy prey. However, due to the IAF’s undersized fighter order of battle, it was pressed into service during the June 1967 Six-Day War as a ground attack asset, participating in the initial pre-emptive strike on Egyptian air bases. Planners produced four ‘range circles’; the first extended over the Sinai Peninsula, with subsequent zones covering the Suez Canal, Nile Delta and Upper Egypt areas respectively. Naturally, Ouragan squadrons were tasked to attack air bases within the first zone, but

the IAF’s fighter shortage dictated Ouragan sorties would also be conducted against targets over the Suez Canal itself, well within the second circle. Unlike other IAF assets, which utilised just bombs or specialised anti-runway munitions, Ouragan pilots targeted the runways initially with bombs and then rockets. This combination was extremely successful; in several cases, when bombs missed the runway due to crosswind, the rockets completed the mission. Damage was obviously maximised

when both bombs and rockets struck designated targets. Ouragans attacked four Egyptian air bases during the opening wave, with four 107 Squadron formations (each comprising two aircraft) striking Bir Tamada and El Arish. Bir Gafgafa was targeted by four pairs from 113 Squadron, with three tasked against Fayid and one supporting 107’s efforts at Bir Tamada. This division of assets reflected the units’ comparative sizes, with 113 Squadron equipped with 35 Ouragans, and 107 Squadron 16, of which 33 and 15 respectively were serviceable on the morning of June 5, 1967. The first wave was an overwhelming success, with the majority of Egyptian aircraft at Bir Gafgafa and Fayid, most (if not all) at Bir Tamada and all at El Arish destroyed. Few Egyptian aircraft took-off from these locations during the attack, and an Ouragan was credited with a MiG-21 kill over Bir Gafgafa, shooting it down during a strafing pass when the Egyptian fighter attempted to get airborne. Three Ouragans were lost to the heavy anti-aircraft artillery encountered over Egyptian airfields, and many others were damaged. However, the type’s ruggedness meant pilots could return to base despite being hit... three were so badly damaged they played no further role during the short-lived conflict.

IN FOCUS ISRAELI OURAGAN

Aircraft #49 in 1968, after being painted at one of Israel Aircraft Industries' workshops, before being returned to the IAF.

1969, fighting between Egypt and Israel escalated into the War of Attrition, with Ouragans flying air-to-ground missions west of the Suez Canal, until a ceasefire in August 1970. An experimental Skyhawk OTU was formed that year to evaluate its potential as an Ouragan replacement. Following its success, parallel Ouragan and Skyhawk OTUs eased the transition period as the former was retired from service. As with the type’s arrival, its departure was marked by a major The aircraft line of 107 Squadron at Ramat David, prior to the deployment to Lod AFB and during the ‘waiting period’ before the Six-Day War.

Friendly fire During the second wave, the Ouragan squadrons flew seven close support and five air superiority missions. Two Jordanian airfields, Amman and Mafraq (two and four formations respectively) and two Syrian bases, Damascus-Mezze and Marj’ Ruhayyil (one formation apiece) were attacked. Despite heavy antiaircraft defences, just one Ouragan was lost over enemy territory, but one damaged 113 Squadron aircraft was shot down by IAF Hawk surface-to-air missile batteries, after the pilot, Yoram Harpaz (due to either aircraft damage or injury), failed to respond to radio calls from the formation lead and strayed into the Dimona nuclear reactor no-fly zone. Over the remaining five days, Ouragans flew just air support missions, suffering a further five losses. In total, 113 Squadron flew 450 sorties and lost seven Ouragans, with 107’s crews conducting 325 sorties for the loss of three aircraft.

The combined combat loss ratio of the two Ouragan squadrons was therefore 0.013% (1.3 combat losses per 100 sorties), despite being less advanced than other assets...although this was achieved with total air superiority. However, a consequence was the available fleet had shrunk to the point by which two units were unsustainable; 107 Squadron

therefore relinquished its Ouragans in July 1967.

Fighting to retirement Hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbours continued in the immediate post-Six Day War period, and Ouragans conducted missions primarily over Jordan, and against Palestinian Liberation Organisation targets. From March

training syllabus revision, with the Skyhawk replacing the Fouga Magister as the Flight School’s advanced trainer in October 1972. The Ouragan remained in service for one more term before a flypast was staged at Hatzor on March 8, 1973, followed by a memorable parade to honour 20 years' service from a type the IAF hadn’t originally planned to acquire.

Aircraft #28 (formerly 58) during Operation Kadesh. The aircraft is painted with yellow and black identification stripes on both sides of the fuselage, and above and below the wings. The original large digits were erased and replaced with new, uniformly sized numbers below the cockpit and on the tail.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SEA HARRIER FA.2

DELIBERATE FORCE

SHAR Stu Fone casts a critical eye over Airfix’s re-released 1/72 Sea Harrier FA.2 and corrects some of its shortfalls

R

egarded as the last allBritish-designed fighter, the Sea Harrier (SHAR) FA.2 represented a necessary upgrade to the earlier FRS.1, in light of lessons learned from the 1982 Falklands War. Chief among these was the addition of a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-120B AMRAAM and a Blue Vixen pulse-

To enable Pavla’s resin office to fit, styrene must be removed from the L-shaped locating frame and the rear cockpit decking.

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doppler radar. Combined with a more powerful Mk.106 Pegasus engine, fully integrated chaff/flare dispensers and a ‘glass’ cockpit, the FA.2 had much improved capability over its predecessor. The type served from 1988 to 2006, notably supporting operations in the Balkans and Middle East, before being phased out due to defence cuts, although the Royal

Navy would continue to operate the Harrier, in the form of the ground-attack GR.7/9, as part of Joint Force Harrier until 2010.

SHAR examined Airfix’s 1/72 Sea Harrier FA.2 first emerged in 2010, sharing many components with the earlier FRS.1 release. Those (including myself) who were wowed just three years later by its GR.1 were underwhelmed with the naval variant (despite it building into a reasonable model), as it suffered from several accuracy issues. Apart from new decals (see panel)

the contents of the reissue were identical, with four styrene runners (including one for transparencies), with external detail represented via engraved panel lines…but these were considered generally to be too deep. Cross-checking with references and scale drawings revealed the rear fuselage was tapered too sharply from behind the airbrake. It was also apparent both upper and lower fuselage ‘humps’ were misshapen, and the wings were too narrow in chord (from leading to trailing edge), with a poorly shaped tip section. The drop tanks

 While Eduard’s PE details (left) resulted in an immediate improvement to the cockpit, these were unfortunately based on Airfix’s colour guide and were far too light, while lacking the depth and finesse of Pavla’s resin components.

INTERMEDIATE BUILD SEA HARRIER FA.2

featured an incorrect taperedteardrop profile, while the gun pods were undersized and the outrigger housings were featureless. By comparison, the wheel bays were much better, and the airbrake bay had the correct internal structure, but the undercarriage was oversimplified, with extended oleos. Finally, there were panel line inconsistencies, notably on the upper wing surface.

Start your cutting Initial construction involved the cockpit, with Pavla’s resin items favoured generally over Eduard’s photo-etched (PE) metal items, although the opportunity was taken to fit the latter to the otherwise discarded styrene parts for comparison. Styrene was removed from the fuselage halves to allow the tub (with integral rear panel) to sit snugly. A testfit revealed no initial problems,

so the office components were primed and then airbrushed with Humbrol 164 Dark Sea Grey, to which a drop of white was added (to replicate Admiralty Grey). Unfortunately, the resin was rather brittle, so eventually the kit control column was reinstated. Details were handpainted with various Vallejo (www. creativemodels.co.uk) and Tamiya (www.hobbyco.net) acrylics, before being treated with a dark grey wash. The vertical and dorsal fins were cut from the fuselage halves, in readiness for corrective work and replacement resin items to follow. Where the underside item had been, a 30-thou (0.75mm) thick triangular fillet was added to each half, to ensure the resulting ‘keel’ was vertical. Intake bell inners and outer elements were primed white, before the fan blades received

Both rear fuselage fins were removed in preparation for the aftermarket products and corrective work on the rear. Note the ‘keep’ notice on the lower unit to (hopefully) prevent it being thrown away!

KIT SCHEMES Airfix opted for a frontline 1990s overall Medium Sea Grey machine with four bomb tallies on the forward fuselage (of an eventual total of six), and the well-known blue/white ‘Admiral’s Barge’, which commemorated 25 years of SHAR operations. • ZD608/128, 800 NAS, HMS Invincible, Operation Deliberate Force, July 1995 • ZH809 ‘Admiral’s Barge’, 899 NAS, NAS Yeovilton, 2004  Other standout areas included the wheel and airbrake bays, which required careful work with a micro-chisel to reduce the height of the moulded relief as provided (bottom left) to approximately 2mm (bottom right)

 Milliput was employed to correct the aft airframe, and was blended to the approximate profile while still wet. After being left to cure properly, it was sanded and any blemishes treated with filler. When compared to the original parts, the improvement is very noticeable.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SEA HARRIER FA.2

airbrushed Alclad ALC-112 Steel (www.alclad2.com) and all parts were then assembled, before the complete unit was secured in the right-hand fuselage. Both wheel bays were added without modification, but a micro-chisel was employed to reduce the depth of the airbrake bay’s moulded structure to approximately 2mm. Because of the expected extra weight from the deepened rear fuselage, a small

RESIN AND BRASS Airfix’s initial SHAR FA.2 release generated a flurry of aftermarket detail/upgrade products. The following were employed for this build: Eduard (www.eduard.com) • 73356 Sea Harrier FA.2 Freightdog Models (www.freightdogmodels.com) • 190gal fuel tanks Pavla (www.pavla.cz) • C72096 Sea Harrier FA.2 Cockpit • U72117 Harrier/Sea Harrier 30mm Gun Pods • U72118 Sea Harrier Intake and Exhausts • U72122 Sea Harrier FA.2 Nose • U72123 Sea Harrier FA.2 Control Surfaces  Eduard’s Sea Harrier FA.2 Set (73356) supplied a wealth of interior and exterior detail and fittings.

 Resin air intakes and exhaust nozzles by Pavla were a major improvent on the styrene components, eliminating any seam lines.

 Initially, Pavla’s Control Surfaces seemed perfect, but the brittle and warped resin (on the vertical fin) caused significant problems.

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 Pavla's resin cockpit set was a delight, with crisply cast detail.

amount of Liquid Gravity (www. modellingtools.co.uk) was added in front of the intake section, after which the cockpit sub-assembly was secured with cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive and the main body halves mated. The fit was excellent, with minimal filler required, and the soft styrene made scribing new panel lines much easier — notably around the engine access hatches (using metal templates and a vicemounted pin). Pavla’s aftermarket components were added next; while the nosecone was a simple drop-in replacement, the intakes were a challenge as they had a different inner radius to the styrene bell. So, the edges of the latter were thinned, along with the removal of resin from the former’s aft section, until a good fit was achieved. The resin intakes were then primed white and secured to the fuselage with CA. Once satisfied with the fuselage joins, the rear section was deepened by adding Superfine White Milliput (www.milliput.com), which was blended while still wet to the existing curvature and plastic card keel. This was left for two days to harden, before it was sanded and checked for flaws; several filling/sanding sessions followed until the desire effect was achieved and the dorsal fillet reinstated. At this point, it was decided to check how well the windscreen fitted over the new coaming. Unfortunately (and despite claims

 A test-fit of the windscreen revealed the Pavla coaming was slightly too wide and featured too steep a profile, and excess resin was removed with a sharp knife. Note the PE head up display, which replaced the fragile resin item.

of Airfix’s item being too wide), the coaming was too broad and high, and a gap remained at the front even after judicious trimming. To remedy this, small shims were added on either side (also correcting the windscreen angle), while filling/sanding blended the front section with the fuselage contours.

Winging it

MODEL SPEC

To correct the incorrect chord and wingtip profile, it was decided to remove the outer leading edge, from immediately aft of the vertex generators, and insert a 20thou (0.5mm) shim. This would solve the chord issue and, in conjunction with additional

styrene strip on the wingtip, the shape problem too. Once everything had dried, the leading edge and tip were sanded to the correct profile, before gaps and cut marks were filled. Any detail lost during this process was reinstated later in the build. The kit flaps and ailerons were removed, before testfitting revealed the Pavla items were undersized slightly, so 20-thou shims were added. Again, the resin’s brittle nature came to the fore, with the (broken) fuel dump sections, being discarded in favour of replacements fashioned from styrene and Albion Alloys’ 0.5mm tube (www.albionhobbies.com).

Sea Harrier FA.2 By:

Airfix

Stock Code:

A4052A

Scale:

1/72

Price:

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Available from: www.airfix.com

The rear section was deepened by adding Superfine White Milliput

INTERMEDIATE BUILD SEA HARRIER FA.2

Reference documents revealed several inaccuracies on the kit wings, notably the chord between the inner and outermost fences, wingtip shape and several panel lines (highlighted in red).

 The kit’s outrigger housings were featureless mouldings (left), so these were removed and new units scratch-built from strip and block styrene (right), including sidewalls, fairings (with RCS vent) and leading-edge strake.

 Plastic card shims increased the wing chord, while resin ailerons and flaps came from Pavla. Fuel dump vents were replicated with styrene and brass tube. Inaccurate panel lines were filled and sanded in readiness for scribing.  Airfix’s undercarriage was rather basic in appearance, but a combination of PE tie-downs and brake lines, and scratch-built details made a big difference.

Corrections to the outrigger housings started with the moulded underside items being removed, after which a new fairing and strake were fettled from styrene rod and strip, with apertures for the reaction control system (RCS) cut with a micro-chisel. Creating new side walls was much simpler, with 2mm and 3mm high strips of 20-thou plastic card fitted and then trimmed to the correct size and shape. After any blemishes had been remedied, the wing was secured to the fuselage with liquid cement, and any gaps made good with Vallejo Acrylic Putty and Squadron White Stuff (www. squadron.com). All vents and grilles

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were added next, with recesses cut for the underside RCS nozzles and chaff/flare dispensers; most were from the Pavla and Eduard sets, but two small inlets above the intakes came from an old Esci kit.

Wheel trouble Airfix’s undercarriage was basic and inaccurate, but rather than replace these items completely, it was decided to modify them instead. The nosewheel required a new door anchor mechanism, as just half was moulded on the kit part (this wasn’t a short-shot issue, the part is misshapen); it also benefited from tie-down points, an extra light and PE door.

Similar work was undertaken on the mainwheels, although Eduard’s PE brake lines and door helped immensely. By far the most difficult alterations were the outriggers, which required a scratch-built lower fairing and retraction arm, with PE tie-down points. Undercarriage legs received 127 US Ghost Grey, with any fairings painted 165 Medium Sea Grey and the wheel hubs satin white…these would later be weathered as per the rest of the airframe. It had been intended to use Pavla’s vertical fin, but it was warped badly, and broke in several places when straightened, despite being immersed in hot water.

Instead, the kit tail was recovered from the spares pile, with the resin intake and pitot housings transplanted, before gaps were filled and sanded. A final addition was the short vertical strip on the port side of the rudder, which was fashioned from scrap styrene. The pitot was created from Albion Alloys’ 0.5 and 0.3mm tubing.

Motley munitions Airfix supplied a decent weapons selection, with single and dual AIM-9 Sidewinder rails (the latter rarely seen on FA.2s) and underwing AIM-120 AMRAAM

INTERMEDIATE BUILD SEA HARRIER FA.2

…fuel tanks and gun pods were replaced with aftermarket items

launchers for the outboard pylon, two fuel tanks, Aden gun pods and a pair of excellent Sea Eagles. As this was an Operation Deliberate Force airframe, the load was two AIM-120Bs, two fuel tanks, two gun pods and a centreline 1,000lb bomb (other examples substituted

AIM-9L Sidewinders for the AMRAAMS, and not all carried bombs and gun pods). Rather than cut and refit the incorrectly positioned kit AIM-120 fins, replacements were taken from a Hasegawa weapons set (7209), along with two LAU-129 rails,

converted into UK-style launchers. As mentioned previously, the fuel tanks and gun pods were replaced with aftermarket items (Freightdog and Pavla respectively), while a Flightpath (www.djparkins.com) bomb was scrounged from the spares box,

and an arming vane robbed from a Revell Tornado GR.1 kit.

Navy greys Compared to the build stages, painting was fairly simple, although it took several attempts to achieve the desired appearance. After

Eduard suggested the RCS ducts and chaff/flare dispensers were attached to the fuselage surface, but these were actually flush and recessed respectively. A micro-chisel was employed to remove unnecessary styrene, with filler repairing any surrounding damage.

 This spread of the kit (left of 1,000lb bomb, centre) and aftermarket ordnance highlights the incorrectly shaped styrene fuel tank and gun pod (also undersized), and the wrongly placed fins on the AIM-120. After Pavla’s vertical fin snapped during attempts to straighten it, the kit part was rescued from the spares box and a ‘franken-fin’ created by adding the resin pitot housing and leadingedge inlet. A small bracing strip, fitted to the port side of all Harrier rudders, was fashioned from styrene.

With all major components added, the model was ready for painting…it was surprising just how many changes were made to the basic styrene offerings during the build.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD SEA HARRIER FA.2

 “Make it mucky” was the editor’s guidance, and thanks to an excellent underside study of the SHAR in a reference book, the sooty, grimy exterior was replicated with airbrushed matt black and various oils (applied in a similar fashion to oil dot weathering) respectively.

 Before the underwing/fuselage stores, canopy and ladder were fitted, the airframe received its final embellishments, in the form of pitot tubes, pitch/yaw vanes, various antennas, anti-collision lights and the prominent refuelling probe.

being primed with Mr. Surfacer 1000 Gray (www.albionhobbies. com), the model received airbrushed 165 Medium Sea Grey (including the airbrake bay), with lighter and darker mixes added subsequently for tonal variation. Equivalent shades from Tamiya (XF-83), Mr.Hobby (C335) and Vallejo (71.050) were then employed to create further difference on individual panels. Humbrol 164 Dark Sea Grey was used for the nosecone, with the radome collar and tip painted 123 Extra Dark Sea Grey. Undercarriage bays were then masked and sprayed satin white. After two days’ drying, gloss varnish was applied in preparation for decaling. The chosen scheme was ZD608, which participated in Operation Deliberate Force in 1995. At that time, no GPS was fitted (from personal experience, the nearest RAF

such as the engine covers and wings, this was lightened further to avoid being too stark. Details and weapons were then painted with a variety of Vallejo acrylics and Humbrol enamels. Once a final matt varnish layer had cured fully, the various sub-assemblies and smaller, delicate parts were brought together and added to the model. Eduard’s PE miniature detonating cord presented a final challenge, as this must conform with the interior of the canopy… which wasn’t the easiest place to get thin brass to bend against.

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Jaguars got to ‘integrated’ GPS in the mid-1990s was a Garmin unit attached with Velcro to the cockpit coaming!), so there should be two blade antennas immediately after the cockpit, and the aft upper antenna should be omitted. It also required a Doppler panel on the underside (this unit was plated over when GPS was fitted), and this was taken from the spares box. Note decals 19 and 20 should not be used for this option, as they represent GPS antennas. While time-consuming, no problems were encountered as Airfix’s markings conformed well to the fuselage and wing contours, without silvering. A further gloss varnish layer readied all necessary parts for weathering. This was kept to a minimum on the upper sides, but as the brief was for a ‘mucky jet’, the undersides received extensive exhaust and oil stains, with a photo from the Aeroplane Icons Harrier book (see References) acting as a useful guide. Due to the kit’s deep panel lines, just dark grey oil wash was applied, and in areas

Balkans SHAR It’s always useful for a modeller to have a crack at modifying a lessthan-perfect kit, and while there was the occasional frustrating aspect, in the end this was a satisfying experience. For those wanting a good basic SHAR FA.2, this will build into a decent model straight from the box, but for those desiring accuracy, more work is needed...but for me that was half the fun!

REFERENCES Hawker Harrier Warfare with Vertical Velocity, by Tim McLelland (Key), ISBN: 978-1-909786-82-0 (available from www.shop.keypublishing.com) Aeroguide 32: Sea Harrier, by Roger Chesneau (Ad Hoc), ISBN 978-0-946958-44-0 Sea Harrier: The Last All-British Fighter, by Jamie Hunter (Midland), ISBN: 978-1-85780-207-1 Modellers Datafile 11: The British Aerospace Sea Harrier, by Andy Evans (SAM Publications), ISBN: 978-0-9551858-2-3 World Airpower Journal Volume 41, BAe Systems Sea Harrier, by Jon Lake (AIRTime), ISBN: 978-1-86184-047-0 Aviation News Volume 11 Number 22, Scale Plans BAe Sea Harrier, by Mike Keep (Alan W Hall)

Pennine Models at Haworth

Saturday 24th February 2018 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ, UK UK and Overseas Traders expected at OnTrack 2018: Armourfast Avid Reader Black Lion Decals Breveco Modelling Britnell Bases Bull Models Dan Taylor Modelworks Den Bels Models Dorking Models Friendship Models Giesbers Models Gramodels Guideline Publications Kit Krazy Landmark Models Matador Models MAN Models Milicast Model Trans Modellbau Mr Models Paper Panzer Pol Models Resicast Rossagraph / Quickwheel S & M Models Sgt's Mess SHQ SK Miniatures Sovereign 2000 Starmers Armour Early War Miniatures/20mm Zone Sphere Products And even more expected!

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£25

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Excellent Demonstrations, Displays & Presentations Large Prestigious Model Competition Dedicated 'MAFVA Zone'

TRIMOTOR/ BEAVER/HERON

VALIANT

£35

FRONTLINE FIGHTERS

£19.95 DAMBUSTERS

£30

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£25

Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm 33/35 Mill Hey, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8NQ Tel: 01535 642367 [email protected]

Manufacturers of hard plastic multipart figures in 28mm & 54mm scales. Digitally designed and manufactured in The UK. Huge range covering Ancient and Napoleonic periods. Over 50 figure sets available with many more due for release. New 1/100 scale aircraft range with many new releases planned for 2018.

www.victrixlimited.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1539 724415 www.facebook.com/victrixlimited

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23/01/2018 10:18

BASIC BUILD T-34/76

 Building commenced with the rear engine deck and grilles, before the glacis plate was populated with a machine gun mount and driver’s hatch.

 The hull rear plate received exhaust shrouds and pipes before it was added to the upper hull.

Soviet ScrApper Bill Curtis tackles ICM’S 1/35 T-34/76 almost straight from the box

r

ussia’s T-34 was the most-produced tank of World War Two – with 35,467 of all marks built – and one of the longest-serving; examples were active during the Balkans conflict of 1991-99. Its longevity stems from its development at the Kharkov

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Plant 183, under the leadership of Mikhail Ilyich Koshkin in 1938, which combined thick, sloped armour, an efficient main gun and good speed…the holy trinity of tank design. The type’s rugged quality was a bonus, and its reliability, ease of manufacture and maintenance made it a

valuable asset on the battlefield. In 1942, the hexagonal cast turret (known locally as the ‘nut’) was introduced, with a commander’s cupola incorporated in the spring of 1943. The T-34/76 came as a nasty surprise for German troops in the latter part of 1941, when it was first committed en masse. It proved to be a winning concept and a significant leap forward in tank design, combining robust

suspension (developed from the American Christie design) with a diesel powerplant (as pioneered by Germany). While the T-34 did have deficiencies, its influence on the future designs and concept of the main battle tank is unquestionable.

Contents check ICM’s T-34/76 late 1943 offering was the second release of this Soviet tank by the firm, and

BASIC BUILD T-34/76

comprised five styrene runners, separate upper and lower hulls and four lengths of vinyl track, which incorporated accurate waffle-pattern tread. It featured the correct hexagonal turret and raised commander’s cupola, along with exterior fuel tanks and several stowage items. Mould quality was generally good, with minimal neatening needed before assembly. Work commenced on the upper hull, with the engine deck and glacis machine gun housing secured with Tamiya’s Extra Thin liquid cement. Engine grilles were then fixed into their respective covers and, once dry, these sub-assemblies were joined to the hull. As the vehicle hatches were to

be closed, it was decided not to fit a full machine gun at this stage; instead, just the protruding barrel section would be employed later. Next, four vents were attached to the underside (these were hidden after the grilles were fitted), although if desired, one could use aftermarket photoetched metal mesh in place of the styrene items, to allow visibility of the innards. A fourpart driver’s hatch was then added, before the rear plate sub-assembly, complete with exhausts and armoured covers, was connected. Here, the fit was poor, but gaps were treated with Vallejo filler, which was smoothed with a wet brush and then allowed to dry.

 Assembly of the internal mounts for the running gear suspension arms was challenging, as their orientation was crucial to the wheels fitting correctly.

Running gear The lower hull was a one-piece item, into which were added the eight axle holders, with care taken to ensure correct location and orientation. As all hatches would be closed on the finished model, both the driver’s steering levers and seats were omitted at this point, and consigned to the spares box. The rear track guard ends were attached after their profile was thinned with a sharp scalpel blade and file, to give a more accurate scale appearance. Running gear suspension arms were then connected in their respective positions; close attention was needed here, to ensure those next to the idler wheels were fitted correctly. Once satisfied, the two-piece

drive sprocket housing was added, and this fitted perfectly. Finally, the hull halves were joined with liquid cement, and held with masking tape; after this had dried, filler and sanding were required to eliminate the seams. Idler and drive wheel halves were then neatened with a file and mated. The running gear comprised ten sets of double wheels, which all required the seams to be removed prior to assembly. As the aim was to represent a relatively new vehicle, the tyres weren’t damaged or distressed in any way, and the wheels were set aside to await priming. ICM represented each of the T-34’s six hull-mounted equipment hangers/grab rails

 The upper and lower turret join required attention, as did the top of the recuperator housing, immediately aft of the vertically split main gun barrel.

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BASIC BUILD T-34/76

as a single-piece rod of varying length, with integrally moulded brackets at each end. Four of these fragile items were fitted to the hull side, with a further two on the engine deck but, despite cautious handling, two were broken…thankfully, repairs were

a simple matter. Front tow hooks were also attached to the hull at this stage.

Firepower Construction on the turret commenced with the gun breech, to which the co-axial machine

 Prior to dry-fitting the assembled running gear, it was decided to attach all hull fittings, including external fuel tanks and equipment hangers/grab handles. The latter were notably fragile, and broke easily despite careful handling.

gun was added. The turret shell was then neatened, before the mantlet housing/sides were attached, along with the gun/ barrel mounting and breech assembly. A poor join between the turret and its base revealed itself after test-fitting and, once

secured, this was subsequently filled and sanded. The mantlet front plate was next; to this, the three-piece barrel housing and vertically split barrel was attached, and the joins sanded. There were five components for the

 Both hull and turret were primed black initially; after being left for 24 hours to dry, AK Interactive AK177 White was then airbrushed on panels and edges.  Rather than produce a standard overall green machine, it was decided to replicate twotone camouflage. Here Russian Brown has been airbrushed freehand over the base layer of Russian Green.  Wheel painting was eased greatly by securing them temporarily to cardboard, with double-sided tape, before airbrushing A.MIG-023 Protective Green. Once dry, the wheels were mounted on bamboo sticks, to facilitate tyre painting and weathering.

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BASIC BUILD T-34/76

 The minimal decals were applied onto a gloss-varnished surface, after which pin washes were used to highlight panel lines and weld seams.

 Detail painting began with the spare track links and exhausts, which received four different rust hues from a Lifecolor paint set.

commander’s cupola, and this was constructed in the closed configuration, before it was glued to the turret roof, along with the loader’s hatch, grab rails, vision ports and ancillary equipment/ fittings. The type’s characteristic hull-mounted external fuel tanks comprised six well-moulded parts, including the brackets, and these were added prior to the spare track links, antenna mount, a selection of engineering tools, the two cable and light (minus the lens).

next was applied, otherwise the paint may lift when sanded. A similar airbrushing concoction was mixed with AK177 White Primer, which was sprayed onto edges and any panels that would potentially reflect sunlight, creating a suitably stark base for a modulated finish. AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-7107 Soviet Camouflage Colour Set (www.migjimenez. com) was employed for the disruptive pattern, and the whole hull received A.MIG-019 4BO Russian Green, followed by A.MIG-020 6K Russian Brown, which was airbrushed freehand in a series of irregular shapes

Which colour?

MODEL SPEC

Initially, an overall Russian Green machine was considered, but perusal of various online and archive references revealed this livery wasn’t universal. Numerous variations were studied, such as a three-colour scheme echoing a German pattern, and several with even more elaborate attire. However, it was decided to attempt a two-colour camouflage of 4BO Russian Green and 6K Russian Brown. At this point a confession must be made: the model doesn’t represent a specific ‘real’ vehicle,

as the chosen scheme was applied to an earlier T-34 variant. The model was washed and allowed to dry before AK Interactive’s AK178 Black Primer (www.ak-interactive.com), diluted with proprietary thinner and a drop of Vallejo’s 71.362 Flow Improver, was applied in thin coats. Each layer was left to dry thoroughly before the

and stripes. The wheels were finished in A.MIG-023 Protective Green, before the tyres were brush-painted Vallejo Panzer Aces 70.306 Dark Rubber. ICM’s decal sheet supplied the ‘34’ turret number, which was applied after the model received two light coats of 71.058 Gloss Varnish. In preparation for detail painting and weathering, satin varnish was misted onto the model in two sessions, which sealed and harmonised the finish. The saw blade was painted 70.864 Natural Steel, with 70.310 Old Wood for the handles, and when dry, a Dark Umber oil

T-34/76 Late 1943 Production By:

ICM

Stock Code:

35366

Scale:

1/35

Price:

£22.99

Available from: www.icm.co.ua

www.airfixmodelworld.com 59

BASIC BUILD T-34/76  Mixed pigments were applied dry and then fixed with Tamiya X-20A Thinner, dripped from a brush; this relied on capillary action to wet the entire surface.

 Chipping effects on the engine deck were achieved via a sponge loaded with A.MIG-023 Protective Green, while those on the turret were 70.822 German Cam Black Brown, applied with a fine-pointed brush.

 AK Interactive’s Streaking Grime replicated subtle rain and dirt marks on the vertical and sloped surfaces; this was built gradually, to prevent a stark appearance. Once dry, light green washes were applied to the engine deck, followed by a brown wash to both hull and turret.

wash was applied, to create depth and imply wear on the woodenpainted sections. Oxidisation of the exhausts and spare track links was replicated by a combination of Lifecolor hues: UA701 Rust Dark Shadow, UA702 Rust Base Color, UA703 Rust Light Shadow and UA704 Rust Light Shadow 2 (www.airbrushes. com), which were applied while the underlying shades were wet, to enable blending. Wear and tear on the main hull was created with an A.MIG-023 Protective Green-laden sponge which, after the excess had been removed, was then dabbed lightly onto areas that suffered chips and scratches. This was kept to a minimum, to avoid overdoing the effect. Chipping on the turret was achieved

with 70.822 German Cam Black Brown, applied with a fine pointed brush. Thinned mixes of dark- and mid-brown oils formed suitable pin washes; these highlighted panel lines, weld seams and raised features, with heavier treatments enhancing colour variations on the hull. AK’s Streaking Grime (AK02) was applied to turret and hull sides, in various densities — a flat brush, dampened with thinner, was used to draw the wash downwards and vary its concentration. A further, thin wash of a SIN Industries’ Green Filter (no longer in production) was applied to the forward engine deck, followed by a brown wash to the sides and turret top, before a further green-toned wash was applied in selected areas.

Pigment time Dark-, medium- and light-toned mixes of various AK Interactive, AMMO-MIG and Pinnacle (www.model-supplies.org.uk) pigments were readied, with the darker blend applied first. The vehicle was positioned on its side, so the dry powder could be added to a horizontal surface, and was concentrated around the axle housings and hull/ track guard join. As progressively lighter pigments were applied, they generally overlapped the previous layer(s) and expanded onto surrounding areas, but were built gradually, to guard against excessive accumulations.

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BASIC BUILD T-34/76

Finally, the lightest shade was applied with less density, before everything was sealed with acrylic thinner. This process was repeated (albeit to a lesser degree) on the turret, and hull front and rear, with that on the former scrubbed into the underlying paintwork with a brush. Lastly, pigment was applied randomly to the top of the track guards, to represent thrown earth from the tracks and any nearby shell explosions.

Getting it straight The running gear was dryfitted, followed by the drive and idlers…a quick check revealed the latter two weren’t aligned with the roadwheels. After a failed attempt to adjust the styrene axles to address this, it

was decided to remove the drive and idler axles and fit a metal rod instead. The correct spacing was measured with Vernier callipers, and this was transferred to the metal rods before they were trimmed to size with a rotary

cutter. Superglue secured one idler to the new axle, before it was inserted through the vehicle and the remaining item attached; this process was also repeated for the drivewheel. ICM’s vinyl tracks were rather

troublesome as, even after several washes in warm soapy water, they defied all attempts to glue them together. Instead, MiniArt’s T-34 Wafer-type Halved Workable Track Links Set (35216) was employed Subsequent applications of the mixed pigments added depth, notably to those deposits around the suspension and rear of the hull, as these areas were inevitably muddier than others.

 Similarly, pigments were added to the hull front, but this time they were made permanent with thinner airbrushed at 6psi/0.42bar, sprayed from approximately 12in (30cm) distance. The same process was employed at the rear, but with differing distribution and density.

After discovering an alignment issue with the drive and return wheels, remedial work commenced by filling the original holes, and drilling replacements for the new metal rods.

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BASIC BUILD T-34/76

 The drive sprocket axle housings also required modification to accept the new items, with holes drilled for the metal rods; the return roller casing was altered in the same manner.

 To replace the kit’s vinyl tracks, MiniArt’s T-34 Wafer-type Halved Workable Track Links were used. These clip together, but the soft styrene led to several broken pins.

 The tracks were built in a series of sections on a wooden jig; individual links being secured with Tamiya Thin Liquid Cement and fitted before they had dried fully.

 This was invaluable considering the insufficient room to pass the tracks between the mudguards and wheels. Guide horns were removed for those specific links.

(www.miniart-models.com). Although these were designed to simply click together, the styrene was soft, which resulted in several broken pins, so they were brushed with liquid cement, and fitted before this had dried fully. With the reworked drivewheel in place, it was realised the tracks

the drive wheel, sliding the track into position and then wrapping it around the rearmost wheels. A combination of folded paper and tweezers held the track securely, until the glue dried. To ease construction, links were assembled in batches, and each then added to the model before the ends were joined. Masking tape discs were

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wouldn’t fit between the latter and the track guards. This was resolved by removing the guide horns from those links around

cut and placed over the wheels, before the tracks were airbrushed suitable brown, rust and metallic hues. Further rust and earth colour pigments were added with a brush, and then fixed with X-20A Thinner. A final touch was the simulation of polished sections of track and guide horns, created by rubbing lightly with a 2B pencil.

As the model was handled a great deal during this saga, much of the previously applied pigments were damaged or otherwise smeared. It was scrubbed with an old brush, to rework the existing treatments; on the horizontal plates, circular motions were used, while on vertical surfaces the pigments were dragged downwards. Where necessary, additional pigment was added to achieve the final finish. An aerial was fashioned from heat-stretched sprue and attached with Superglue, before a clear Little Lens (www. modellingtools.co.uk) light was fitted with the aid of white glue. A final check of the wheels deemed it necessary to add more pigment, but essentially the project was completed.

 Further weathering included oil and grease marks at the base of the turret, where it abutted the hull. Once dry, circular masking tape templates were cut to cover the wheels, while the tracks were painted.

Looking back This was my second ICM build for AMW, the first being a German P 204 (f) Panhard, and the difference couldn’t be more apparent, with the T-34 inferior in terms of quality and fit. The amount of filler needed on the turret and hull was not excessive…but the wheel alignment problem caused much remedial work. My personal thoughts are still not completely resolved, as the latter could have been a selfinflicted issue, due to the lack of a proper dry-run to check the fit and alignment earlier in the build. Nonetheless, the finished model certainly looks like a T-34, and the painting and finishing were a joy.

 Metallic and rust hues were airbrushed onto the tracks, before the same pigment mixes as the hull were applied, both wet and dry.

 Extra dry pigments were applied randomly to the track guards, glacis and rear plate to simulate earth thrown by the tracks…and from shells exploding near the vehicle.

OUT AND ABOUT NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK AVIATION MUSEUM

East Anglian Gem

N  A significant number of exhibits are devoted to the rich local aviation heritage, including this beautiful replica Boulton & Paul P.6, complete with a comprehensive history of the Norwich-based manufacturer. In fact, the museum’s main hangar was built by the company in 1937.

 The ubiquitous Jet Provost T.3A was represented by XN500, which was purchased by the collection in 2012. This aircraft led a hard life as a trainer, with no fewer than three crashes and rebuilds in its log book! It now enjoys a quiet retirement, and is displayed in the museum grounds.  The Ken Wallis Hall contained a wide selection of modern and historical aircraft, with a rare English Electric Lightning F.1DB (one of just two pre-production examples to survive in the UK) accompanying a Falklands War veteran, Sea Harrier FA.2, ZA175. 801 Naval Air Squadron Commander Nigel ‘Sharkey’ Ward RN scored one of his three kills in this airframe (at the time an FRS.1) on May 21, 1982, shooting down an Argentine Mirage V/Dagger.

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estled just outside Flixton, the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum contains a comprehensive collection of aircraft and more than 30,000 individual items on display, requiring the best part of a day to view in its entirety. Most of the larger aircraft exhibits are outdoors, along with a Bloodhound surface-to-air missile, and those preferring the fresh air can enjoy the Adair Walk, set in approximately two acres of the museum’s grounds. Indoors, there are sections devoted to the USAAF 446th Bomb Group (which operated B-24s), RAF Bomber Command (including components from a 9 Squadron Wellington and a Lancaster prop from the film ‘The Dam Busters’), RAF Coastal Command and Sea Rescue, Flight Training and the Royal Observer

 This Gloster Meteor F.8 was purchased by the museum in 1975, after years of active service both at home and overseas. Restored and repainted as WF643, 611 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, it now stands as a museum gate guardian, along with a rather imposing Gloster Javelin FAW.9R and Dassault Mystére IVA.  A wide selection of classic model kits, plus boxes and artwork, was exhibited most effectively in a period setting, and brought back many happy childhood memories.  A separate building is dedicated to RAF Air-Sea Rescue and Coastal Command, with the scratch-built launches just a small selection of the many scale models on display. Other smaller buildings house memorabilia from local squadrons, including such novelties as a fully functioning World War Two-era link trainer.

Corps. This is a great venue, with an almost overwhelming amount of reference material for the scale modeller, including a useful line-up of Martin-Baker ejection sets. Special mention must also be given to the enthusiastic and friendly volunteer staff, whose in-depth knowledge (and often first-hand experience) of the exhibits contributed to a very enjoyable and educational day out. Dave Oliver

Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum The Street, Flixton, Bungay, NR35 1NZ Opening times: November to March – Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; 10am to 4pm April to October – Sunday to Thursday; 10am to 5pm December 15 to January 15 – closed Free admission (donations appreciated) Telephone: 01986 896644 Email: [email protected] Website: www.aviationmuseum.net

ADVANCED BUILD SHORT SC.1

Dave Oliver builds Planet Models’ diminutive 1/72 Short SC.1 mixed-media kit

JUMP JET PIONEER

T

he first impression of Planet’s offering was the small size of the subject, with the resin fuselage sections measuring just 9cm long! Nevertheless, the company Rivet detail was applied to the fuselage and wings with a Rivet-R Mini tool from RB Productions.

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Airfix Model World

managed to get a great deal of detail into such a small surface area, with the high standard of moulding being apparent immediately. Panel lines and other various external features

were all well represented, with no air bubbles or distortion in the main wing or fuselage pieces; just the nose boom required gentle straightening with the aid of hot water.

The only noticeable omission on the surface was rivet detail, but this was rectified by an RB Productions riveting tool and Dymo Tape, to add extra finesse to the surface…a feature readily apparent in reference photos of the actual prototype.

Cockpit in detail A YouTube video showing the aircraft tethered to a platform during flight trials provided inspiration for creating an ‘in-flight’ vignette. A pilot figure was purchased to fill the vacant ejection seat, and add a focal point in the highly visible cockpit interior. The kit instrument panel was very crisply moulded, but unfortunately no instrument decals were supplied. Several dials from an Airscale 1/72 instrument decal sheet, along with discarded

ADVANCED BUILD SHORT SC.1

decals from the spares box, were removed with a punch-and-die set and then positioned carefully, with a drop of Micro Sol keeping them in place. The large vacform cockpit transparency was then addressed. Great care was necessary while removing the excess clear plastic without cutting into the moulding, or hazing the clear part by applying too much pressure. A new scalpel blade was used, with approximately 2mm of clear plastic being left so the part could be trimmed to shape, once the fuselage was assembled.  The lift jet intakes were painted and weathered with a black oil wash before assembly of the fuselage, as the part would be covered by photo-etched brass intake mesh.

Micro-modelling With the rivet detailing having been applied before assembly, and no undercarriage bays to worry about, joining the fuselage halves was a time-consuming, but relatively straightforward operation. The cockpit tub fitted into the front of the fuselage with a minimum of fettling, as did the engine intakes and exhaust… testament to the care taken by

 Markings for three schemes were offered on the decal sheet, representing the two prototypes and modified final version. Once the major sub-assemblies completed they were glued in place, with no significant fit issues, apart from a minimal amount of work required on the main engine intake.

Office decor The already highly detailed cockpit section was a prominent feature on the model, and several aftermarket items were used to embellish this focal point.

 A pilot figure was essential to portray the aircraft in flight. The only other extra refinement added to the cockpit was ejection seat handles, fashioned from lead wire.

Planet Models in the kit’s design and production. Extra focus was needed when gluing together the fuselage halves, due to the lack of locating pins. Unfortunately, though, a rather pronounced

seam line was left on the upper fuselage, and Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Dissolved Putty filled the gap at the front of the fuselage. The more pronounced space in front of the tail required more work, only

to be covered by the tail fillet on final assembly. After this process, some panel line detail had to be restored with a sewing needle in a pin vice before the wings were fitted, requiring a minimal amount of filler on the trailing edge of the wing root. Final preparation of the canopy then took place. Being such a focal point, great care was taken to ensure it fitted correctly, and one had to be careful not to squeeze this large and delicate part out of shape; damage that

 No decal was supplied for the instrument panel, so various instruments from a 1/72 Airscale decal sheet were utilised to ensure more authenticity.

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ADVANCED BUILD SHORT SC.1

 Cutting the detailed but delicate vacform canopy was laborious; Super Glue was necessary to secure the large transparency in place, so much of the masking was left off to establish that the glue had not fogged the canopy.

 Extra detail was added to the diminutive undercarriage legs, with copper wire employed to simulate oleo scissors, and lead wire for hydraulic lines.

A match made in… Ensuring the halves of a resin fuselage are aligned correctly can be a fraught process when constructing any limited-run kit…

would be impossible to remedy. Once the glazing was attached, it was masked with Tamiya Masking Tape for Curves and, being a vinyl-backed adhesive tape, there was much less chance of any paint leaching underneath… providing crisp lines to the finished canopy framing.

A shining example

 Aligning the fuselage halves was a case of much dry-fitting and careful placement of internal components. Despite care being taken, there was still a pronounced seam running along the length of the join. Thankfully the wings just slotted in place with minimal fettling.

 With all gaps filled, items such as the camera pod, pilot and ejection seat were glued in place. The very fine photo-etched brass intake cover had to be rolled gently into shape with use of a modelling knife handle.

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With the major assemblies fixed permanently, the fuselage was cleaned thoroughly with warm soapy water. From this point, the model was only handled while wearing latex gloves, as bitter experience has shown how any misplaced fingerprints can easily spoil a delicate natural metal paint finish. Alclad ALC-309 Black Primer was then sprayed over the model to provide a key for the subsequent metal coat,

but missing surface detail (and a rather stubborn seam on the nose) became apparent so these were dealt with accordingly. The first metal paint used proved unsatisfactory, more to this modeller’s inexperience with the product than anything else. Once the paint had been stripped, primer was reapplied and five coats of Alclad were then sprayed, with the surface being buffed gently between applications to achieve the high shine present on the real aircraft. Planet’s decals went on easily, conforming to surface detail with a small amount of Micro Sol. The relatively clean appearance of the airframe meant weathering would be kept to a minimum, with an AMMO-MIG Dark Brown Oil Brusher wash to highlight selected panel lines and rivet detail.

 After all the smaller surface parts had been attached, the model received a coat of Alclad Black Primer, to reveal any small imperfections in the finish.

ADVANCED BUILD SHORT SC.1

 Achieving a realistic metal finish was a challenge. Five coats of Alclad Chrome were applied to produce the same appearance as on the real aircraft (its smooth finish allowed the decals to adhere perfectly). Once the decals had cured, all panel lines were infilled with a pin wash.

 With the undercarriage attached, the model was effectively finished. Minor repairs to the rather delicate Alclad lacquer finish were required, but imperfections and chips in the red wingtips and tail were left untreated to simulate wear.

Scratch-built base

the aircraft from the tethers to give the appearance of flight required experimentation, to provide a scale representation of the cables that would also realistically support the aircraft. Precision steel wire from Albion Alloys was used, with 0.3mm wire for the cable and 0.4 wire for the anchoring points. Small holes of corresponding diameter were then drilled into the base to secure them in place. The loading ramp at the front was constructed

Providing a suitable display setting for the model was the final job. Reference photos of the aircraft tethered to a specially built test pad provided the inspiration to scratch-build an approximation

of the real thing. Various types of plastic card girder sections were used to create the supporting frame, while PE anti-slip sheet (manufactured by Airscale) was cut into sections to provide a realistic upper surface. Suspending

Aftermarket, paint, tools Airscale (www.airscale.co.uk) AS48-RAF RAF Cockpit Instrument Dial Decals Airwaves (www.hannants.co.uk) AEM035 Floor Plate Diamond Pattern PJ Production (www.pj-production.be) PJ721131 1960s RAF Pilots Seated in Aircraft Eduard (www.eduard.com) 00113 Mesh/Gauze Hexagonal Alclad (www.alclad2.com) ALC309 Black Primer and Microfiller ALC107 Chrome RB Productions (www.radubstore.com) RB-T010 Rivet-R-Mini Tamiya (www.hobbyco.net) Masking tape for Curves

“Five coats of Alclad Chrome were applied to produce the same appearance as on the real aircraft” www.airfixmodelworld.com 69

ADVANCED BUILD SHORT SC.1

 Construction of the test pad was relatively simple. The anti-slip plate and mesh came via a PE sheet cut to size. Wooden coffee stirrers provided the raw material for the ramp.

 The model was test-fitted to the tethers, to ensure a realistic in-flight appearance.

from wooden coffee stirrers cut to shape, while supporting struts were made from plastic card. After priming, the assembly was airbrushed with Lifecolor UA714 Warm Base Color from the firm’s Weathered Wood set. Areas of wear were then dry-brushed with UA717 Cold Base Color, before Mig Productions’ ABT015 Shadow Brown Oil Wash was applied to unify the finish.

MODEL SPEC

 Tethers were fixed to the base by drilling small holes in the plastic card, then gluing them in place with cyanoacrylate (Spuer Glue). The whole assembly was coated with Tamiya Grey Primer. Short SC.1 By:

Planet Models

Stock Code:

PLA26672

Scale:

1/72

Price:

¤44

Available from: www.cmkkits.com

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Airfix Model World

Top test-bed This was certainly an unusual subject, and the quality of moulding and design made it relatively straightforward compared to some other limited-run kits on the market. Although not without minor challenges, it would be a suitable project for any modeller wishing to attempt their first mixed-media kit.

SPHERE PRODUCTS Stands to reason www.sphereproducts.co.uk

WORKSTATIONS, PAINT RACKS, TRANSIT CASES, STORAGE SYSTEMS. CUSTOM DESIGNS. FIGURE, AIRCRAFT & AFV PAINTING STANDS. XURON CUTTERS, WILDER TWEEZERS. [email protected] +44 (0)7825 569434

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23/01/2018 14:52

IN FOCUS SHORT SC.1

XG905 performs an untethered hover, in a view that provides good underside detail. Note the downward-facing air nozzles under the nose and rear fuselage, and beneath the outer wing. These provided control during jet-borne flight.

A SHORT TRIP IN THE

VERTICAL

Tony Buttler AMRAeS explores Britain’s first true Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, the Short SC.1

T

he S.C.1 was designed specifically to explore the new realm of vertical take-off and landing – together with transitions to and from conventional forward flight. As such the SC.1 was the first British jet-powered vertical take-off aircraft to also be able to fly normally. Two examples were built; they proved a great success, had long careers and did much to clear the ground for the critical Hawker P.1127 Harrier programme that would follow.

Airframe The first British jet-powered ‘aircraft’ capable of performing a vertical take-off and landing was the Rolls-Royce ‘Flying Bedstead’

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Test pilot Tom Brooke-Smith poses on top of the SC.1, showing how roomy the cockpit appears to have been.

of 1953, but this ‘test rig’ was not designed for conventional flight. A follow-on was needed, and the outcome was the two extraordinary Short SC.1 prototypes. First designed as the Short PD.11, these aircraft carried the serials XG900 and XG905. The diminutive SC.1 was designed to investigate the problems associated with VTOL and to make transitions to and from horizontal flight, at altitudes of up to 5,000ft (1,524m). Its powerplant was five 2,130lb (9.5kN) Rolls-Royce RB.108 engines designed specifically for VTOL applications, with four mounted vertically in a central bay, plus one propulsion unit in the tail. The lightweight RB.108 was first run in July 1955 and the four vertical units could swivel through a range of 35°, to assist during acceleration and deceleration transition. The propulsion installation was conventional, except that its axis was inclined to make up a difference in the level of the dorsal air intake, and the central propelling nozzle. The air intake for the lift engines was protected by

IN FOCUS SHORT SC.1

wire mesh, and included a set of spring-loaded longitudinal louvres, pivoted at their ends so that they would normally assume a closed position. When the lift engines began to run, the resultant depression in the plenum chamber over the louvres was enough to pull them open, to provide an uninterrupted intake. Ahead of this came a set of forward-facing retractable gills, which were closed during normal flight but usually open when the lift engines were running. SC.1 had a two-spar delta wing, swept 54° at the leading edge (10% thickness/chord ratio at the root), a stumpy body with an all-metal structure, and a non-retracting wide track fixed undercarriage (with twin wheels on each of the cantilevered legs). The fuselage was built around channel-section frames with stringers attached to the skin, and a large unpressurised cockpit contained a MartinBaker ejection seat. The rear fuselage was built integrally with the fin, and titanium sheet was positioned all around the engines for fire resistance. A total of 200gal (909lit) of fuel was carried in the wings. Conventional elevators, ailerons and a rudder were fitted for traditional flight (flaps were not considered necessary), but in low speed jet-borne flight the aircraft was controlled by downwards-facing air nozzles positioned under the nose and XG905 on public display at the Farnborough Air Show in 1960. (Terry Panopalis)

 No decal was supplied for the instrument panel, so various instruments from a 1/72 Airscale decal sheet were utilised to ensure more authenticity.

The first SC.1 was XG900, seen here in the hover. (All photos Key collection unless stated)

Seen here are the aircraft’s nosewheel, and the exhausts of the four lift engines.

rear (for pitch), and under both outer wings (for roll). In addition, the fore-and-aft nozzles could swivel differentially to provide yaw control by sideways rotation. Bleed air for this system came from all five engines, since it was necessary to provide control not just during vertical ascents and descents, but also in the transition to standard forward flight. Although Short held prime responsibility for producing the aircraft, both RollsRoyce and the Royal Aircraft Establishment Farnborough made vital contributions to the development of the autostabilisation and control systems, for management at all forward speeds down to zero.

Debut ‘hop’ The first SC.1 XG900, with just the propulsion engine installed, made its maiden flight from Boscombe Down on April 2, 1957, with company chief test pilot Tom Brooke-Smith in the cockpit. In this form, XG900 could be flown purely as a conventional aircraft and the type’s aerodynamic flight trials, as such, were concluded in autumn 1957. XG900’s lift jets were installed during the winter of 1958/59. However, the first trials with lift engines (and tethered cables) were conducted at Belfast with the second machine, XG905, in a specially designed gantry, positioned over a grid. The gantry had a raised platform, and the grid floor deflected www.airfixmodelworld.com 73

IN FOCUS SHORT SC.1

XG905 performs a tethered flight. Note the extended undercarriage.

the latter, Flight reported how the SC.1 “provided unexpected evidence of its efficiency as a vacuum cleaner”. In fact, operating from the freshly mown Farnborough grass, XG905 picked up so much greenery that this clogged and masked the wire mesh intake guard over the lift jets, and effectively starved them of air. Brooke-Smith had to terminate this first public performance very abruptly. Both SC.1s were at Farnborough in September 1960, and in 1961 XG900 was displayed both at Farnborough and in June at the Paris Show.

Transition hot exhaust gases away from the aircraft to prevent re-ingestion. A first restricted gantry flight was made on May 23, 1958; free hovering flight trials over the grid (with the tethers removed)

began on October 25, and in November the aircraft was landed deliberately on the soft turf of a football pitch. Tom Brooke-Smith did most of the early flying, though Jock Eassie

assisted during the gantry hovering trials. XG900 went to the September 1958 Farnborough Show on static and XG905 was present at the September 1959 event. At

The biggest objective, of course, was to complete double transitions…that is to complete transitions both to and from jet-supported flight. Prior to this the two machines had steadily narrowed the gap in the flight envelope, between wing-borne

This view of XG905 on the test grid shows the forward retractable gills in their open position, while the louvres over the four vertically mounted RB.108s are closed.

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IN FOCUS SHORT SC.1

A well-detailed study of XG905’s rear fuselage and jet pipe.

and jet-borne flight. They had been flown extensively in the latter regime up to a maximum forward speed of around 35kts (65km/h), and as wingsupported aircraft down to the lowest possible speed of 134kts (248km/h). Now the speed was reduced very gradually in the wing-supported condition to 75kts (139km/h) via jet lift, while at the lower end the speed was increased in increments of l0kts (18km/h) to 80kts (148km/h). The gap was then bridged at RAE Bedford for the first time on April 6, 1960, making the SC.1 the first fixed-wing, jetpowered aircraft to perform a double transition anywhere in the world. Later in the 1960s, the SC.1 would complete transitions with a full electrically signalled control system (rather than just the mechanical/manual version employed previously). To begin a conventional flight, the SC.1’s propulsion engine was pushed to full power and the aeroplane would take off at a high angle of attack, at around 140kts (259km/h). After the four lift jets had been brought into

action the aircraft could switch to hovering flight, by shutting down the propulsion engine and then changing the lift-enginetilt angle to provide a negative thrust component (tilting the lift units created a very powerful effect). At the same time the SC.1’s nose would be brought up

to about 10°, to help reduce the speed without losing altitude (as the only significant attitude change made during normal flight). As a result, the aeroplane could be brought to a standstill from 140kts (259km/h) in approximately 1,200ft (365m). To reverse the process, the propulsion RB.108 was opened and the lift engines moved to provide 15° positive inclination. Aerodynamic controls took effect at 30kts (56km/h), and when 140kts (259km/h) had been reached, the lift units could be shut down and the upper surface restored to ‘clean’ condition. Forward acceleration here was comparable to a modern jet fighter’s take-off and indeed, this process overall was not unlike a conventional take-off, except that the SC.1 was not on the ground. Conventional landings were made at a fairly brisk speed with a nose-high touchdown, the braking parachute being used to slow the aircraft. The SC.1 was also capable of performing a then new manoeuvre called a ‘rolling VTO’, which permitted an increase in take-off weight. Here the aircraft would build sufficient forward speed to reduce any possible effects of hot gas ingestion, but not to a velocity that produced any lift. In March 1961, XG900 was allocated to RAE Bedford’s Aero Flight and in June 1967, XG905 joined XG900 at Bedford to undertake VTOL research

with the Blind Landing and Experimental Unit...but tragedy lay waiting. On October 2, 1963, XG905 suffered the loss of the gyro input to the autostabiliser, which made the aircraft uncontrollable and it turned over and crashed, killing test pilot JR Green. Airframe XG905 was not repaired until May 1966 and XG900 was grounded at the same time. Back in the air, XG900 flew until September 1968, and then in March 1969 was allocated to ground running operations. XG905 was finally retired in April 1971. Today the first SC.1 is preserved in the Science Museum in London, while XG905 resides in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The SC.1 was a demanding aircraft, in part because it had five engines…four of which had to be shut down during conventional flight, primarily because they would soon drain the fuel supply. This meant they all had to be started again in preparation to land, which meant high pilot workload in the circuit. However, in the air the type proved easy to handle and simple to fly, but with a mundane performance. The SC.1 was not handsome, but its arrival was a landmark in British aviation history and the two examples contributed substantially to VTOL research. In completing this article the author is indebted to the Flight Global Archive.

XG905 photographed at Bedford during flying trials. Note the open cockpit canopy. (Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust)

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ON THE SHELF BOOKS

WINGNUT EXTRAVAGANZA

Stringbag! A Modeller’s Guide to the Art of WWI Aircraft By: J Veen and F Hendrickx ISBN: 978-0-993258-83-1 Price: £25 Format: A4 Web: www.insidethearmour.com Sir Peter Jackson’s Wingnut Wings has revolutionised the production of large-scale World War One aircraft kits, supplying staggering detail, with almost encyclopaedic instruction booklets. It’s also generated a host

of ‘how-to’ guides, with advice on how to extract the last drop from each of these styrene offerings; this compilation adds a neat twist. There are six builds, comprising the AEG G.IV (late), Hannover CI.II, DH.9A Ninak, Roland D.IVA, Hansa Brandenburg W.29 and Albatross B.II, with three by each author, both talented modellers in their own right. What makes this different from the average tome, however, is the clear separation of technical aspects from the general build chapters (which are also busy with hints and tips). This allows full attention to be paid to the nuances of each process, all tailored to World War One subjects and applicable to any kit of this time period. It covers creating leather and wood effects, castor oil stains, carving a wooden propeller, adding rigging, and simulating the ‘see-through’ appearance of canvascoated wings in comprehensive detail. The narrative is accompanied by high-quality photographs throughout, with extensive captions, and offers masses of information for modellers to absorb. SF

COOL VIPER GUIDE

F-16 Fighting Falcon By: N Deboeck, R Pied ISBN: N/A Price: €22 Format: 240 x 240mm Web: www.hmh-publications.com One could be forgiven for thinking: “What, another F-16 book?” Sure, there has been much published on this iconic lightweight fighter over the years, but there’s always a fresh spin to employ, and airframe updates are always worth studying for accuracy. This second book from the Duke Hawkins imprint delves into F-16s (almost universally now

135 pages

106 pages

branded ‘Vipers’) from around the world, and the stunning imagery focuses on various sub-types from the USAF/Air National Guard, UAE, Greece, Romania, Poland, Belgium, Pakistan, Oman and others. The walk-round style afforded to many photos is not uncommon, but here the shots are sharp and well lit, aiding modellers no end. Studies of jets in deep servicing reveal a wealth of detail, but there’s also plenty of outwardlying features to savour, such as the recent airframe strengthening strips, different air intakes for Pratt & Whitney and General Electric engines, Mid Life Update refinements and stores such as ALQ-131 (shallow) ECM, HARM and Maverick missiles, and JDAM GPS/GBU-12 laser-guided bombs. The captions give just enough information without crowding the imagery, while certain studies, including those of the magnificent Royal Singapore Air Force Black Knights machines, are truly inspiring. A great-value book for jet fans. CC

TEUTONIC PATTERNS

32 pages

German Camouflages By: Carlos Royo, Jaume Ortiz ISBN: 978-84-96658-62-2 Price: €12 Format: 210 x 149mm Web: www.andreaeurope.com For a novice figure painter (and even those with more experience), the recreation of German Army camouflage in any scale can be one of the most challenging aspects of the genre. This splendid little booklet from Andrea, though, is the perfect primer for the task…and offers easy-to-follow steps in reproducing Pea Dot, Palm Tree, Splinter, Oak Leaf and Italian uniform patterns convincingly. Unsurprisingly, the example figures (in 1/35 and 1/16) are also Andrea products, but this matters not, as the techniques can be applied to any subject. The recommended paints are from the same maker, although it’s easy to match equivalent brands and a degree of mixing will undoubtedly come into play. It’s fascinating to see how the patterns progress in

each stage, and there are photos of the finished item to help the visual study. Weaponry is not ignored either, because painting advice for small arms wooden furniture and gunmetal is also imparted. The publication closes with two colour panel pages showing Andrea paints/codes from the ACS and XNAC ranges. All in all, this is a highly useful product, for very little money, and it certainly punches above its weight. CC

SUPER-DUPER JUMBO

188 pages

Airbus A380 By: Robert Wicks ISBN: 978-1-78521-108-9 Price: £25 Format: 276mm x 214mm Web: www.haynes.co.uk Just when airliners seemed to have reached a maximum size with Boeing’s 747, along came Airbus to prove everyone wrong, with its massive A380 doubledeck design, capable of carrying a maximum of 853 passengers. In typical Haynes style, the type is dissected methodically, addressing its inception, design, and troubled development and introduction into service, before delving into its anatomy and powerplants. A chapter is devoted to the various innovations that arose from the project, with groundbreaking work on large-scale composite materials, wing design, corresponding fuelmanagement system and complex 22-wheel undercarriage, all to bear and lift the airliner’s 575 tonnes. There are also two covering how airports must be managed to ensure compatibility with this huge aircraft,

and how groundcrews conduct a full turnaround (including technical checks, anti-icing procedures and pushback/towing). With more than 250 colour photographs, almost every aspect of this huge airliner is captured, and this is supplemented by profiles, seat layouts, access, and turnaround diagrams, and cutaways of the airframe and engines. For modellers with offerings from Revell and/or Heller, this manual is manna from heaven, providing a wealth of detail on this impressive beast. SF

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ON THE SHELF BOOKS

SVENSKA DEFENDERS

Swedish Jet Fighter Colours By: Mikael Forslund, Thierry Vallet ISBN: 978-83-65281-01-2 Price: £40 Format: 303 x 216mm Web: www.mmpbooks.biz Vintage fighter aircraft operated by Sweden have already been explored by MMP in a previous volume. If one wishes to extend the knowledge base and modelling reference to further forward in time, though, here’s the perfect accompaniment.

272 pages This weighty hardback begins with coverage of SAAB’s twin-boomed J 21R, via historical text and period photos. A camouflage and markings sections for that type follows, which includes excellent colour profiles, plan and scrap views. The same format is afforded to every other successive Swedish jet fighter; de Havilland Vampire, J 29 Tunnan (including the camouflaged machines flown on UN duty in the Congo), J 32B Lansen, DH Venom, Hawker Hunter and J 35 Draken, before arriving, of course, at the mighty J 37 Viggen. The latter pioneered the famous Swedish Air Force ‘splinter’ pattern, and there are enough photos and artworks to help recreate this pattern from scratch, rather than employing (arguably much easier) aftermarket masks. Finally, the JAS 39 Gripen gets its own section, and many modellers may not know one example also wore the splinter camouflage, while the remainder of the fleet received the standard low-vis greys. Technical data tables, and illustrations/photos showing special liveries, round off a splendid study. CC

WEHRMACHT’S PREMIER UNIT

Panzer Regiment 1 By: Wolfgang Schneider ISBN: 978-3-935107-81-1 Price: £24 Format: 301 x 215mm Web: casematepublishing.co.uk Many histories have been produced on German World War Two armoured units, but this chronicle by Wolfgang Schneider, himself a former soldier, serves to provide a tanker’s view of the Wehrmacht’s oldest Panzer unit. It charts the regiment from conception in the early 1930s (as part of Panzer Division 1), through ‘official’ formation on October 1, 1935, to its eventual surrender to American

112 pages

troops in May 1945. The text is in German and English and offers an insightful operational overview, starting with the Polish Campaign in 1939, but also addresses issues such as unit identification markings (non-standardised until 1938), organisational structure, tank allocation and tactics development (a surprisingly ad-hoc process). There are more than 270 black and white photographs, with a notable emphasis on people rather than tanks, and the pre- and early war periods feature predominantly, as they are sourced from personal archives. This lends the book a degree of emotional context not seen in other publications, as it reflects the lives of individual soldiers, their colleagues, unit camaraderie and how they were able to survive the war. It also means the photos aren’t all pin-sharp, although there is plenty for modellers to appreciate in terms of specific vehicle appearance and potential for diorama scenes. SF

LONG-LIVED ARMOUR

136 pages

T-54/55 The Soviet Army’s Cold War Main Battle Tank By: Anthony Tucker-Jones ISBN: 978-1-47389-109-8 Price: £14.99 Format: 195 x 247mm Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk For the Soviets, the T-54/55 was the equivalent to Britain’s Centurion, being the first armoured vehicle designed purposely to be a main battle tank (MBT), rather than a light, medium, heavy, cruiser or infantry machine. It outlasted several successors, and examples remain in service worldwide; more than 70,000 were built, serving with at least 80 countries. This makes the author’s task to produce a visual study of this ubiquitous machine even more challenging, but he rises to it with aplomb, packing the 136 pages with 150-plus black and white photos. Eleven chapters chart the types’ genesis as the T-54, development into the T-55 and subsequent specialised variants, licence-produced machines (both Warsaw Pact and Chinese), upgrades, involvement in conflicts worldwide (including the wholesale destruction of Iraqi

THE BEAR BIBLE

Tupolev Tu-95 & Tu-142 By: Y Gordon, D Komissarov ISBN: 978-1-85780-378-5 Price: £44.95 Format: 289 X 224mm Web: www.crecy.co.uk Few books that pass across AMW’s review desk are this weighty and impressive, but the same attributes apply to the subject in question. The members of Tupolev’s Bear family have always been fascinating subjects, and while I worked at RAF Leuchars, I often wondered what

T-54/55s by Coalition forces in 1991) and its various swansongs. Close-ups of the T-54 are ideal for modellers with MiniArt’s offerings, while those of the later T-55 will benefit the latter’s and Takom’s 1/35 kits. Similarly, diorama builders will appreciate the assembly point, combat and aftermath scenes, notably the coverage of blown-up vehicles in Iraq and Bosnia. While many subtypes are touched upon lightly (notably engineering, bridgelaying and anti-aircraft versions), this is a useful introduction to the myriad variants of T-54/55. SF 560 pages it must have been like for the F-4/ Tornado aircrews to intercept these huge aircraft. Crecy’s thumping study is an expanded and revised edition of a previous book, and leaves no stone unturned in describing every single facet of the Tu-95 and Tu-142 sub-types. Illustrated profusely with period photos, from development and very early service, to presentday operations, any modeller contemplating a build of Trumpeter/ Dragon/Revell offerings (or more boutique kits), has the mother lode in reference. Besides Soviet/Russian Air Force and Navy machines, those operated by Ukraine and India are also explored, and there are detailed fleet lists for each nation. The line drawings are useful, in helping to understand structural differences across variants (although just profiles are offered, no plan views), and there are even illustrations of unit badges and aircraft names, force titles and mission marks. Also with many factory drawings and photos of weaponry, it would be impossible to produce a more detailed account. CC

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ON THE SHELF BOOKS

FEET-WET FIGHTERS AND BOMBERS

USN Legendary Jets By: Dani Zamarbide ISBN: 843-6-535572-42-2 Price: €29.90 Format: A4 Web: www.ak-interactive.com AK Interactive’s Scale Modelling Guides are rapidly becoming ‘must have’ items, if the USN Legendary Jets volume is anything to go by. This step-by-step tutorial features 12 stunning builds by noted modellers, all employing varying degrees of

scratch-building and aftermarket accessories — and accompanied by excellent colour photographs. If this wasn’t enough to whet modellers’ appetites, there’s a gorgeous 29-page gallery devoted to a photo study of CVN-77 USS George W Bush’s 2017 deployment in support of operations over Syria, which is packed with aircraft, weapons and even deck-handling equipment. Onto the builds themselves…there’s a 1/32 A-4E Skyhawk and F-8E Crusader, 1/48 A-7E Corsair, F-4J Phantom, F-14A Tomcat (2), A-6E Intruder, F-5E Tiger II Aggressor and F-21 Lion, and a 1/72 A-7E, AV-8A Harrier and F-18F Super Hornet. Each receives a precis on the additional work conducted, before the construction phases are laid out in extended-caption format; unsurprisingly, AK Interactive’s products feature heavily. Techniques shown vary from basic additions (drilling chaff dispensers or adding brake lines), and adding pin-washes, to extensive work on undercarriage bays and wing-fold mechanisms; at times, small-scale models appear much larger, such is the breadth of detail and quality of work. SF 186 pages

DESERT ABRAMS

M1A1 SA in Iraqi Service By: Chris Mrosko, Brett Avants, Pearce Browning ISBN: 978-1-947552-01-2 Price: US $25 Format: 217 x 279mm Web: www.sabotpub.com Sabot has released another indispensable photo study of the M1 Abrams, covering the M1A1 SA sub-variant in Iraqi service for its fourth volume of Warmachines. With more than 90 top-quality colour photographs and eight profiles (depicting four machines), this type’s service is

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documented faithfully. Phase I training of Iraqi recruits is covered initially, highlighting wear and tear on the sand-coloured paint (revealing the underlying Olive Drab) and includes close-ups of boresight alignment of the main gun barrel. Attention then focuses on the unit markings, before the author’s modelling backgrounds lead to a busy section devoted to weathering and battle damage. Rust, chipped paint, heat staining, improvised explosive device spatter, collision marks and dents all feature, and there are walkrounds of field-modified Abrams with add-on wire mesh armour fitted to the turret. There’s a bonus of Cartograf-printed 1/35 decals of Iraqi Army unit markings (including self-adhesive and spraypainted examples for the 9th and Special Divisions), national insignia and registration plates (not fitted to all). Colour definition, opacity and register is perfect and would be applicable for any suitably modified 1/35 M1A1 kit. In short, for modellers building an Iraqi Army Abrams, this is THE guide. SF

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MORE UNDERWATER EXPLOITS

U-Boot im Focus No15 By: Luftfahrtverlag-Start ISBN: 978-3-941437-35-7 Price: €22 Format: A4 Web: wwwluftfahrtverlag-start.de It’s amazing to think this engaging U-Boat series is on its 15th issue, but LuftfahrtverlagStart obviously isn’t running out of stories or imagery. This edition offers the usual variety,

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and highlights include two splendid colour conning tower illustrations (and period photos), showing a one-off Mediterranean scheme worn by the Type VII C U-431. The extensive Boat in Focus chapter explores the patrols off Newfoundland, America and in the Caribbean by U-84, a Type VII B, while very human photos and narrative tell the story of the last voyage of Kptlt Joachim Schepke (U-100). Photos with a Story offers fascinating photos with captions, showing views of U-704 and U-260, and U-Boat crew graffiti on the walls of the St Nazaire pens, among other treats. There’s also an excellent black and white image of radio aerial repair being conducted by a U-Boat captain and one of his crewman, and useful deck detail is apparent. Anyone interested in U-Boats, from a historical and/ or modelling perspective, should purchase all releases in this fine series...which provides plenty of variety in coverage. CC

DEFENDING THE REICH

96 pages

Jagdgeschwader 1 ‘Oesau’ Aces 1939-45 By: Robert Forsyth ISBN: 978-1-4728-2291-8 Price: £13.99 Format: 248 x 185mm Web: www.ospreypublishing.com Arguably the most famous Luftwaffe fighter Geschwader, JG 1 was home to many well-known aces, or ‘Experten’…not least Walter Oesau, whose name was inherited by the unit after his death in May 1944, after being shot down while at low level by USAAF P-38s. Other fighter pilot luminaries in the ranks of JG 1 included Heinz Bär, Hanz Philipp, Herbert Ihlefeld, Hans von Hahn, Wilhelm Moritz and Alfred Grislawski. Their stories, and the travails of the Geschwader itself, are narrated splendidly by author Robert Forsyth. The beginnings of the unit, in that it was formed from the assets of other fighter gruppe pilots and groundcrew, are explained, before the real ‘meat’ of Luftwaffe Reich Defence missions and tactics are imparted. A true plus-point of this, the 134th in Osprey’s Aircraft of the Aces series, is how it explores individual pilots. A fine example

involves the passages on Heinz Bär, whose transfer from JG 77 (prompted by a difficult relationship with commanding officer ‘Macky’ Steinhoff), placed him in JG 1, after he commanded a training unit. Despite (unjustly) being accused of cowardice in the face of the enemy, Bär became one of the Luftwaffe’s foremost (and toughest) fighter leaders. Words on the unit’s brief spell flying the He 162 jet close the book, which also contains 33 colour profiles of various Bf 109s, Fw 190s and He 162s. Cracking stuff. CC

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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS

SPLENDID BIPLANE COMBO

Avia B.534 Early Series By: Eduard Item no: 70103 Price: €29.95 Web: www.eduard.com Low cost, and comprehensive extras, seem a rare mix so Eduard’s re-packaging of its B.534 as two-kit ProfiPACK edition is a boon. It shares the clear/small parts and control surface runners with previous B.534 releases, but two new frames depict two- and early four-gun fuselages, for I. and II. Serie variants. Two small pre-painted PE frets are supplied for the interior, and masks cater for

the windshield, wingtip and tailplane edging, and undercarriage. There’s a comprehensive rigging diagram and decals for eight khaki/natural metal aircraft; notable examples include: • I. Serie, D8, 34th FS, Air Regt 4, Hradec Kralove, July 1937 • I. Serie, G4, 36th FS, Air Regt 2, Olomouc, June 1937 • I. Serie, 55, Jagdfliegerschule 4, Fürth, Germany, 1940 • II. Serie, S14, Research and Test Establishment, Prague, 1936 • II Serie, H1, 38th FS, Air Regt 3, Vajnory, August 1937

KEEP ON REFUELLING

Vickers Type 1170 VC10 K4 RAF Tanker By: Roden Item no: 328 Price: £31.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk At last there’s an injectionmoulded 1/144 K.4, thanks to Roden. Its parts are identical to the firm’s K.3, as both were Super VC10s, but the K.4 lacked the extra internal fuselage fuel tanks as it retained its passenger seating, and there’s a different arrangement of windows (and 76 individual

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masks). Engraved panel lines are complemented by pleasing grilles on the engine nacelles, but there are no retracted drogue cones for centreline- or wing-mounted refuelling units. Being a limited run kit, there are no location pins, and more than the average amount of flash, but the latter is remedied easily. The decals feature gloss carrier film, and full airframe stencilling. The single scheme represents the former 101 Squadron airframe currently at Bruntingthorpe, ZD241/N.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

MULTI-ROLE HUNTER

Russian MiG-31B/BM Foxhound By: Trumpeter Item no: 01680 Price: £39.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk After the glut of modern 1/48 Foxhounds, Trumpeter’s 1/72 MiG-31B/BM is a welcome sight. There are 19 styrene runners and a separate lower fuselage half; mould quality is first rate, with the undoubted highlight being the single-piece upper fuselage and wings…at last, no unsightly seam! Best of all, the firm’s ‘mad riveter’ has been suppressed, so surface detail is delicate and well

rendered. A busy cockpit is covered by a four-piece canopy (which can be posed open/closed) and other options include a raised/lowered infra-red sensor. While there’s a full complement of AA-6 Acrid, AA-9 Amos, AA-11 Archer and AA-12 Adders to hang under the fuselage and wings, no AS-17 Krypton are supplied for the multi-role BM variant. Unusually, there is even unit data provided for the two liveries (although generic numbers are also included): • MiG-31B, Blue 74, 786th IAP, 3rd AD, VVS, Moscow Military District • MiG-31BM, Red 34

UBIQUITOUS JUNKERS

Ju 88A-14 By: ICM Item no: 48234 Price: £27.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua ICM’s Ju 88 range has expanded to include the first 1/48 release of the Ju 88A-14. For those familiar with its earlier offerings, there are the same nine styrene runners as the Ju 88A-4 kit, all featuring superb engraved and moulded detail. This means one gets a sumptuous interior (all visible through crystalclear glazing) and two delightful Jumo engines (with separate panels to allow these to be displayed). There

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is one recurring omission, and that is the lack of a raised platform in the cockpit, but ICM’s Ju 88s are easily the best on the market (in this scale). Four schemes are supplied, but there is debate over whether the last two are late A-4s, as they are fitted with dive brakes (removed on the A-14): • 3Z+GP, 6./KG 77, East Prussia, summer, 1941 • S4+AL, 3./KGr.106, France, summer 1942 • 3Z+EH, 1./KG 77, Sicily, autumn 1942 • 3Z+DB, Stab I./KG 77, Sicily, summer 1943

ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS

LANCERS, ROCKETEERS AND CHIEFS

USAF F-15E ‘333rd Fighter Squadron’ By: Academy Item no: 12550 Price: £24.99 Web: pocketbond.co.uk Academy’s F-15E is the second newly tooled example of the type in the past year (with Great Wall Hobby’s). It comprises nine styrene runners, and supplies jaw-dropping rendering of airframe rivets and full-length intakes. However, Academy’s design approach has its pros and cons.

RAF 1946-ISH…

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There is excellent moulded detail, and large locating pins…yet parts are occasionally oversimplified. Weapons include AIM-120C, AIM-9X, a full complement of 12 GBU-38 JDAM bombs and LANTIRN or Sniper targeting pods. All three featured aircraft are SJ-tailcoded Seymour Johnson-based 4th Operations Group, 4th FW machines: • 881674, 333rd FS ‘Lancers’ • 881700, 336th FS ‘Rocketeers’ • 890503, 335th FS ‘Chiefs’ 1/72

HIGH-ANGLE ATTACK

SBD-5 Dauntless By: Italeri Item no: 2673 Price: £29.99 Web: hobbyco.net Here, Italeri has mated Accurate Miniatures' plastic with new decals. Five grey styrene runners (and one clear) carry components with sublime detail, from the beautifully rendered cockpit floor and sidewall detail, and convincing engine, to the centre-wing underside surface and separate dive brakes with lightening holes. But the fit is ever so slightly challenging in places, and needs patience. Centreline and underwing bombs/racks are

GALLIC FLOATPLANE

Martin Baker MB.6 Night Ferret NF Mk.2 By: AZ Model Item no: AZ7581 Price: €16 Web: www.azmodel.cz With all the Luftwaffe ‘what-if’ subjects available, it’s encouraging to see AZ Model do the same for the RAF, providing a two-seat MB.6 night fighter (based on the MB.5 prototype). It builds upon the firm’s earlier MB.5 release, and comprises the two main runners from the latter, with a third for the new fuselage (with

superior surface detail), wing-tip fuel tanks, an extra cockpit, and a separate lengthened canopy. Despite the relatively low parts count, the interior is busy, with representation of the radar screen for the back-seater, although this area lacks sidewalls. A wellconsidered, if unusual kit. The three notional schemes are: • TF213/EW-G, 307 (City of Lvov) Sqn, Hungary/Ukraine, late 1945 • TF310/LK-B, 87 Sqn RAF, Coltishall, winter 1945 • TF599/WM-P, 68 Sqn RAF, Geilenkirchen, spring 1946

Audron G.IV Hydravion By: Copper State Models Item no: 1028 Price: €71.39 Web: www.copperstatemodels.com Copper State’s efforts (consciously or not) to emulate Wingnut Wings, but in 1/48 scale, is no bad thing… especially when the products such as this exquisite Caudron are the result. The French recce-bomber is reproduced superbly via six runners of styrene parts, and the quality is such that this could arguably

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supplied, too. Italeri offers splendid decals (with matt carrier film), and five schemes are represented… three being in US Navy shades: • SBD-5, NZ5060, 25 Sqn RNZAF, Piva, Solomons, April 1944 • SBD-5,‘1’, VMSB-231, USMC, Marshall Islands, 1944 • A-24B-1-DT, 254298/84 ‘Fly Bar’, 407th BG, USAAF, Aleutian Islands, 1943 • SBD-5, 4.F.9, Flotille 4F, French Aeronavale, Arromanches, Indochina, 1947 • A-24B, 254541, Group de Combat 1/18 ‘Vendée’, Free French AF, France, 1944 1/48

be attempted by less-experienced biplane modellers. The instructions offer ample, clear diagrams for rigging, detail-hounds will favour the copious PE details, and the construction ethos will ensure strength to what is, essentially, a very delicate-looking airframe. All three schemes portray doped linen aircraft, and the decals are simply roundels, fin flashes and airframe numbers for aircraft at St Raphael Naval Air Station, autumn 1917: C 2259, C1051 and C 1057.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 83

ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS

ANTI-RADAR RHINO

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F-4G Phantom II Wild Weasel By: Revell Item no: 04959 Price: £59.99 Web: www.revell.de/en

these can be added easily. ALQ-119 ECM, and AGM-78/AGM-45 missiles are present, but no AGM-88s. The underwing strengthening strap fitted to later Phantoms is not present, but one can buy this separately or scratch-build. The only other niggle surrounds the poor kit seats, but plus points include slatted wings/ stabilators, moulded instruments, separate airbrakes and an F-15 centreline tank. The decals offer markings for two aircraft: • 69-7558/SP, 52nd TFW, Spangdahlem, Germany, 1987 • 69-0237/WW, 37th TFW, George AFB, California, 1982

Revell’s 1/32 Phantom tooling, which already spawned the F-4E/F, was tweaked into an F-4G in US packaging three years ago. Now, the latter is re-released with new decals. The ‘Golf’ was developed from the F-4E, a result being the cannon was usurped by antennas for the AN/APR-38 system. This kit reflects the structural change, with the new under-nose fairing, but it’s not 100% correct; also, antennas around the airframe are missing, but

DIMINUTIVE BOMBER

Dornier Do 17Z-2 By: Mark I Models Item no: MKM14464 Price: £19.99 Web: www.4pluspublications.com Here’s another helping of smallscale goodness from the Czech Republic's MARK I, with this pleasing rendition of the Do 17Z-2… the second ‘Flying Pencil’ subtype with the enlarged and more heavily glazed cockpit section. The moulding quality is generally good, via engraved panel lines, although some finer nuances are missing, such as aileron trim tabs

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(possibly due to the constraints of the scale). Defensive machine guns also feature, but are essentially just solid cylindrical lengths with ‘stoppers’ to fix them in the glazing; the latter is well rendered, if slightly thick. Four colour schemes come via the beautifully printed decals: • U5+DT, III./KG 2, Greece, April 1941 • U5+EH, 1./KG 2, Greece, May 1941 • A1+KZ, 15.(Kroat)/KG 53, Croatia, July 1942 • 3.Zrakoplovno Jato, ZNDH ‘402’, Croation AF, Croatia, spring 1945

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

RE-ENGINED SPOTTER

IMAM (Romeo) Ro.37bis By: Special Hobby Item no: SH48185 Price: €37.50 Web: www.cmkkits.com Special Hobby has matched Classic Airframes’ 2004 tooling with its own resin. Anyone that’s built a Classic kit will know the challenging fit. That said, old hands will relish the chance to upgrade the styrene with resin, which includes seats, exhausts, radio gear and a rear machine gun mount. The plastic components are somewhat basic, but the engine is reasonable

and full cockpit framework is supplied. Photo-etched brass includes seatbelts, wheel spokes, instrument panels and more. The four colour schemes are: • 12●15, Grupo 4-G-12, Aviación Nacional, Spanish Nationalists, Logroño, 1938 • MM 10821/120-12, 120a Squadriglia, 72° Gruppo OA, Regia Aeronautica, Valona, Albania, late 1940 • MM 10889 ‘Cocco Bello’, Italian Co-belligerent AF, October 1943 • B1-102, Escuadrilla de Informacion, Uruguayan AF, BA No.1, Boiso Lanza, late 1941

REICH DEFENCE / WILD BOAR

Focke Wulf 190A-8/R11 Nightfighter By: Revell Item no: 03926 Price: £36.99 Web: www.revell.de/en We built Revell’s new-tool 1/32 Fw 190F in the June 2015 issue. The firm has now re-worked the tooling, so one can build either an A-8 or A-8/R11 ‘Wilde Sau’ night fighter, the latter with Neptun radar. The detail is dominated by a complete engine, but the cockpit is no slouch, with a refined instrument panel and side consoles, gun sight and more. The mainwheel bays also

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sport the characteristic concave dimples. All guns are reproduced splendidly, separate control surfaces offer versatility, and straight/blown canopies are given. Thankfully, Revell shunned the usual matt carrier film for these decals, which are superb, but erroneous identity data is given on the instructions for the night fighter (the decals are spot on, though). The correct machine is listed below: • Fw 190A-8/R11, White 9, Oblt Gunther Migge, NJGr 10 • Fw 190A-8, Red 3, JG 301, May 1945

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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS

MODELMAKING ART

T.55 Mod.1963 By: MiniArt Item no: 37018 Price: £57.99 Web: www.miniart-models.com MiniArt is raising the bar for detailed armour, and its newly tooled T-55 Mod.1963 exemplifies this approach. The Tardis-like box seems bigger on the inside, such is the mass of runners contained therein (91 in total, with just ten for the individuallink tracks), accompanied by two photo-etched brass frets. All this

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builds into a staggeringly accurate replica of this Cold War tank, with full engine, suspension, fighting compartment (including a complete ammunition load) and turret…the challenge will be how to display all this on the finished model. All hatches can be posed open/closed, but surely the former will be chosen, to reveal the sumptuous interior. This abundance is reflected in the 12 schemes, with examples from Cuba, Vietnam, Finland, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria and the Soviet Union.

SECOND-GEN PANZER V

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ANTI-AIR RODENT

9K35 Strela-10 SA-13 Gopher By: Trumpeter Item no: 05554 Price: £57.99 Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk Fans of Soviet/Russian surfaceto-air systems will appreciate Trumpeter’s SA-13 Transporter Erector Launcher and Radar (TELAR), a major element of Regimental Air Defence Battalions. There are 17 styrene runners, two photo-etched brass frets and brass wire, which build into an accurate replica of a 9A35 TELAR. The moulding is

A BEAR OF A GUN

Sd.Kfz.171 Panther Ausf.A Early Production By: Dragon Item no: 7499 Price: £20.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Dragon’s 1/72 Ausf.A appeared to be the final piece in its Panther range, sharing top-quality moulded parts with other offerings and DS Styrene tracks. However, closer inspection reveals it comprises the Panther D runners, plus a small frame with correct mantlet side plate and turret vision block. Unfortunately, the turret, which has the Ausf.D-type cupola (it

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should be a rounded cast item), but Ausf.A-style square weld seams, means it’s wrong for both variants! Dragon also hasn’t made life easy for itself with the schemes, as one was treated with Zimmerit (221), but the turret and hull lack this feature. The second (701), should feature partially whitewashed camouflage, but was one of the rare machines without Zimmerit and deployed on the Eastern, not Italian, Front: • Red 221, I./Pz.Rgt.4, Anzio, Italy, 1944 • Black 701, Pz.Rgt.23, 23 Pz.Div, Southern Russia, winter 1943/44

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

30.5cm Mörser ‘Bär’ By: Amusing Hobby Item no: 35A014 Price: €49.95 Web: www.modellbau-koenig.de German ‘Paper-projects’ seem to be all the rage, and this Mörser ‘Bär’ (Bear) is one of the more extreme, mounting a 12in (305mm) mortar on a modified King Tiger chassis. It comprises 26 runners (half are for the two-piece individual link tracks), separate upper and lower hulls, a small PE fret for the engine

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to Trumpeter’s high standards, with the standout item being the missile/radar turret, complete with viewing screen and actuators; the individual link tracks have separate guide horns. If there is one minor gripe, it’s the lack of driver’s compartment detail to accompany the option for the latter’s open/closed hatch, along with missile reloads, which occupied a considerable portion of the interior. Four unidentified schemes are supplied, with two camouflaged and two overall green machines. 1/35

grilles and copper wire for the tow cable. This all leads to a busy affair, despite the lack of interior detail, with a hybrid torsion bar/leafsprung suspension and interleaved roadwheels, while the exterior is festooned with mid-/late-war tools, but the barrel cleaning equipment appears undersized. A jig aids also aids track construction, but requires diligence. Two camouflage schemes are offered…standard three-tone and a more complex ‘ambush’ livery, with generic numerals and Balkenkreuze.

ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS

ALL-PURPOSE MERCEDES

Typ L3000S By: ICM Item no: 35420 Price: £26.20 Web: www.icm.com.ua ICM adds another 3-tonne-class vehicle to its superb German World War Two truck range, with a newly tooled Mercedes-Benz L3000S. It comprises four styrene runners and seven solid vinyl tyres; the wellmoulded parts being devoid of sink marks/flash. In typical ICM style, it comes with a detailed engine,

transmission and suspension, and a busy cab. It’s the small points that elevate this kit, from the spare fourpart jerry cans, to the individual foot pedals and bumpers with integrally moulded width indicators. There are four Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe schemes, including overall Panzer Grey, Dark Yellow and camouflaged examples: • WH 272104, Ukraine, summer 1941 • WL 34548, Russia, summer 1942 • WH 858842, North Africa, 1942 • WH 76836, Italy, summer 1944

POWERHOUSE TROOP CARRIER

Russian BMP3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle By: Modelcollect Item no: MA72007 Price: US $29.99 Web: www.modelcollect.com Modelcollect had already issued a ‘vanilla’ 1/72 BMP-3, then re-released it with explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). Now, the firm offers the latter but with interior detail, photo-etched (PE) brass and 11 figures (plus a military working dog). The innards involve

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1/56 (28mm)

CLASSIC QUARTET

M4A2/Sherman Mk.III By: Rubicon Models Item no: 280055 Price: US $32 Web: www.rubiconmodels.com Rubicon really does its homework; this splendid gamers’ package, which offers the means of building one of four different M4A2/ Mk.III Shermans offers stunning detail and accuracy. The following vehicles can be built: M4A2 with large hatch hull, high bustle turret, 75mm gun and M34A1 mantlet; M4A2 with small hatch hull, low bustle turret and 75mm gun with M34 mantlet; M4A2 with small

hatch hull, high bustle turret and 75mm gun with M34A1 mantlet; Sherman Mk.III with small hatch hull, low bustle turret and 75mm gun with M34 mantlet. The HVSS suspension, closed spoke wheels and ‘Economy’ drive sprockets are moulded integrally with the tracks (T48 blocks). One can also fit standard fenders alone or with skirts, and templates are provided for creating appliqué armour from plastic card. The decals are excellent, with heaps of unit badges, and serials for US, British and French tanks. Six partial crewmen are also supplied.

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a full turret basket with seats, and troop seating, while the PE offers items such as turret baskets, mudguards, grilles, armour plate and other structural nuances. Link-and-length tracks are supplied, as are separate assault rifles for some of the excellent figures; some are seated so they can sit in open hatch holes, or inner seating, and drivers are included. The company also offers its generic decal sheet with all manner of Soviet and export user markings. Simply superb.

OFF-ROADER WITH BITE

G-233014 w/ Kornet-D By: Zvezda Item no: 3682 Price: £24.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Meng has already produced a 1/35 GAZ Tiger (see AMW December 2016), but this didn’t deter Zvezda from releasing its own versions. This new offering comes equipped with the Russian Kornet-D missile system, which adds plenty of extra interest. The bedrock of the build is

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the chassis, which oozes detail, but the interior is also well appointed, with a busy front section, radio gear and spare ‘shots’ for the launcher tubes. There are also convincing texture-moulded ‘boot’ sections into which (on the real vehicle) the missile launchers retract; one can pose the vehicle either way. Chunky rubber tyres also feature, and the rear doors can be fitted open or closed. Decals represent Russian stars, Guards badges and generic code numbers.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 87

ON THE SHELF AUTO KITS

"STRIPED TOMATO"

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’76 Ford Torino By: Revell Item no: 07038 Price: £22.99 Web: www.revell.de/en

seats (later changed to bucket seats). It comprises nine styrene runners (including one transparent and one chrome-plated), with separate body shell and chassis; several are moulded in black or red styrene, with the intent to minimise painting. Although rarely seen in the show with the bonnet raised, there’s a full engine supplied, and even the removable roof light. Revell hasn’t offered registration plates for any of the 1,300 vehicles produced by Ford, in response to the show’s popularity, just the original 537 ONN.

Revell’s red with white arrowstriped ’76 Torino is recognisable instantly from the TV series and movie Starsky and Hutch, as the vehicle used by the eponymous detectives, described memorably as a “striped tomato” by original actor Paul Michael Glaser. It’s a re-boxing of Revell-USA’s 2015 kit, and depicts the vehicle as it first appeared, with bench-style front

CAR-VAN PROGENITOR

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LIGHT WHEELED TRACTOR

Hanomag RL-20 By: Plus Model Item no: 485 Price: €79.50 Web: www.plusmodel.cz Hanomag’s 1.9lit tractor was a common sight in the late 1930s and during World War Two, but was a rarity in model terms until Plus Model’s newly tooled 1/35 resin offering. Considering its size this is a busy kit, with 70 resin components, a photo-etched brass detail fret, acetate sheet and length of copper wire. The

WHITE MARIA

Model T 1912 Light Delivery Car By: ICM Item no: 24008 Price: £24.30 Web: www.icm.com.ua For all the Model T’s ubiquity, ICM’s 1912 Delivery Car is the first styrene kit of the type in any scale. The firm’s standard Model T runners for the engine, suspension, transparencies, wheels and trimmings are combined with three new items for a replacement chassis, bodywork and lights. For those

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unfamiliar with the parts, there’s a replica engine (just crying out for ignition and fuel lines), faithfully reproduced suspension and the vinyl tyres are moulded in offwhite/cream, negating the need for painting. Perhaps the single oversight is the lack of poseable engine covers, although this is possible with judicious (and careful) cutting. There may be just the box top scheme, but it’s gorgeous…overall gloss black with smart yellow, red and gold logos, for a Texaco Motor Oil vehicle.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

Ford Transit UK Police By: Italeri Item no: 3657 Price: £29.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net Esci’s venerable, but still commendable, Transit gets a new airing courtesy of Italeri, which tweaks the transparent runner to include roof-mounted lights for a Police vehicle (commonly called a ‘Maria’); otherwise it’s identical to the original moulding. As one of Esci’s later kits, it’s bursting with detail, and while mould seams are heavy in places, it compares well

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casting is to Plus Model’s exacting standards, and while the chassis requires careful preparation, there is little such work needed on the remaining parts. Detail levels are impressive, from the suspension and steering to the diesel engine. The driver’s area is similarly busy, and can be tarp-covered if desired. Two schemes are offered, one military, the other civilian; the former is Panzer Grey and the latter blue; other common colours were bottle green, light blue-grey and a shade of turquoise. 1/24

with more modern offerings. The transmission and suspension appear accurate, and each door receives a separate liner with grab/window handles. Besides the right-hand drive configuration, there’s an option for a left-hand vehicle (not applicable to these schemes), although the rear is devoid of detail. Markings are supplied for an overall white vehicle with red/orange stripes, registration number B35VYT, with alternative badges for British Transport Police, and Kent, North Yorkshire, Sussex and Metropolitan constabularies.

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NAMEPLATES & ETCHING MODEL SHOP CHURCH STREET MODELS Airfix & Revell kits: 1/72 Tanks & Planes, 1/48 Planes, Ships – various Cars- 1/24, 1/25 & 1/32. Paint- enamel & acrylic, weathering powders, washes, glues, Plastruct, balsa wood, scenery, abrasives & tools. 10A Church Street, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 7QE, 01256 358060 Mail Order Welcome Mon-Sat 09.30-17.30 Closed Tues

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ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS

NIPPONESE PIXELS

JASDF F-15J 303rd TFS 60th Anniversary By: DXM Item no: 71-7219 Price: US $17 Web: www.dxmdecal.com

1/72 readers aware. This sheet offers an F-15J scheme with splendid pixelated/digital pattern over the standard Japanese low-vis greys, applied to mark the 60th anniversary of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s 303rd TFS. DXM supplies the digital sections as individual decals, along with the attractive tail art worn by airframe 62-8864, in 2014. Myriad stencilling is also provided, as is excellent colour/decal placement guidance. Humbrol and GSI Mr. Color paint codes are quoted, although as to which F-15J kit the decals might be sized, DXM doesn’t say… Platz’s new toolings get our vote though (see AMW December 2017 for a full build).

We discovered Double Xcellent Model (DXM) products during a netsurfing session recently, so we had to make our

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Modelmaker Decals’ products are new to these review pages, but it’s a splendid range with much variety. This offering provides a rendition of the stunning Norsestyle tail art applied to a pair of Danish Air Force F-16AMs in 2016, to mark the RDAF’s 66 anniversary. The motifs lay over the type’s standard threetone camouflage, and Modelmaker also supplies national insignia and full stencilling. Beautifully printed items, they will add real pizazz to a 1/48 F-16 build. The two aircraft in question are E008 and E-598 of Eskadrille 727, based at Skydstrup, Denmark.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

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Schlacht Bf 109Es By: Iliad Design Item no: 48032 Price: US $12 Web: www.iliad-design. com Iliad’s new collection of 1/48 scale markings for Schlacht (fast ground attack) Bf 109Es should delight modellers who favour World War Two Luftwaffe subjects. The liveries represent aircraft flown on the Northern European and Eastern Fronts, as well as in North Africa, with the aircraft from the latter arena wearing RLM 79 over RLM 78. Units include SG 1, ZG 1 and (Sch)/ LG 2 and, interestingly, there’s a unit badge we haven’t seen before in decal form. The options are: • Bf 109E-4B, U + , Georg Dorfell, II./SG 1, Russia, 1941 • Bf 109E-7, S9+DR, 7./ZG 1, near

El Alamein, August 1942 • Bf 109E-4B, <  + A, II.(Sch)/LG 2, Russia, summer 1941 • Bf 109E-4B, + C, II./LG 2, Russia, 1941 • Bf 109E-4B,  + H, 6.(Sch)/LG 2 • Bf 109E-4B,  + M, 5.(Schl)/LG 2, Russia, 1941

THE ‘EDELWEISS’ BOYS

TWO VIKING VIPERS

F-16A Royal Danish Air Force 66 Years Anniversary By: Modelmaker Decals Item no: D48092 Price: €8 Web: www.modelmaker.com.pl

GROUND-ATTACK EMILS

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KG 51 History By: Xtradecal Item no: X72285 Price: £7.99 Web: www.hannants.co.uk Hannants’ own brand has previously delved into individual units for themed sheets of markings, but this is the first Luftwaffe example…and it’s a beauty. Kampfgeschwader 51 ‘Edelweiss’ was one of wartime Germany’s most illustrious bomber wings, and here, eight liveries are provided… each being for a different aircraft type. Mostly traditional twin-engined bombers are represented, but there are also fighters employed for day/night bombing; a liaison machine appears too, along with a cool Ju 88C-6 with painted false nose glazing: • Do 17M, 9K+DA, Geschwaderstab • He 111H-1, 9K+AA, Obst Josef Kammhuber, Geschwaderkommodore, 1940 • Ju 88C-6, 9K+NR, 7.(Eis) Staffel, Russia, 1943 • Bf 110D, 9K+CA, Geschwaderstab, Balkans, 1942

• Bf 108, CO+QV, Geschwaderstab, Paris-Orly, summer 1940 • Me 410A-1, 9K+B, Ofw E Kaiser, 10. Staffel, Hildesheim, Germany, 1943-44 • Fw 190A-8, Red 14, 11. Staffel, Germany, Oct-Nov 1944 • Me 262A-2a, 9K+B, 2. Staffel, Germany, late 1944

ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS

SOVIET RADIAL AIR GUARDS

Lavochkin La-5FN Part 2 By: Foxbot Item no: 48-024 Price: £9.99 Web: www.foxbot.com.ua Intended for Vector’s resin and Zvezda’s styrene (plus the latter’s many re-boxings) La-5s, Foxbot’s second look at this Lavochkin

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fighter offers seven mid- and late-war subjects, the majority from Guards Fighter (Ftr) units, with several featuring extensive patriotic slogans on the fuselage. All wear standard Soviet AMT11/12 (grey/green) over AMT-7 (pale blue) camouflage, and the typically sparse airframe stencilling is supplied, with sufficient items for one machine. The seven schemes are: • White 69, Sr Lt IS Kravtsov, 3 Guards Ftr Regt, Baltic Fleet AF, Leningrad, summer 1944 • White 17, 790th Fighter Regt, 129 Ftr Div, Lithuania, autumn 1944 • White 70, Capt AI Mayorov, 2 Guards Ftr Regt, 1st Baltic Front, autumn 1943 • White 44, Capt AP Trefilov, 523 Ftr Regt, 303 Ftr Div, Belarus, autumn 1944 • White 75, Capt EM Yaremenko, 5 Guards Ftr Regt, 3rd Ukrainian front, 1944 • White 185, unknown unit • White 93, Sr Lt VI Orekhov, 32 Guards Ftr Regt, Bryansk front, autumn 1943

FLYING BARN DOORS

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IN DEFENCE OF CHAD

Mirage 2000D 30th Anniversary Ouadi Doum Raid By: Syhart Item no: 72-103 Price: €8 Web: www.syhartdecal.fr The French Air Force is always a reliable source of striking and/or colourful schemes. This example is slightly different, as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the attack on Ouadi Doum Airfield (Chad) in 1987, by French Jaguars and Mirage F.1s, with Mirage 2000D 3-XN/632, EC3/3 ‘Ardennes’ repainted in a similar ‘coffee and cream’ camouflage. Painting

options are provided for Humbrol, Mr. Hobby and Model Master products, while comprehensive airframe stencilling is included. As a bonus, there are four photographs of the real aircraft, highlighting its well-kept appearance and semi-gloss finish, especially when contrasted with a nearby grey/green Mirage 2000D. Colour density is exceptional, as is the register, notably on the unit’s boar’s head insignia and the fuel tank motifs. A small correction sheet supplies corrected roundels (the red on the main product is too dark).

NORTH CAROLINA BOSS BIRD

AW38 Whitley By: DK Decals Item no: 72044 Price: £11.20 Web: www.dkdecals.cz This bumper compilation is ideal for 1/72 Whitleys. While most options cater for Airfix’s recent Mk.V and Mk.VII offerings, Fly’s Mk. II and Mk.III releases are also recipients…while those seeking a conversion challenge could attempt the single Mk.IV. The majority of choices wear standard RAF Bomber Command Dark Earth/Dark Green/Night camouflage, with the occasional overall Night machine. An Extra Dark Sea Grey/Dark Slate Grey/White Coastal Command

airframe is joined by a rare example with Night undersides. Just one of the three sheets are shown, but register, opacity and clarity are all first rate, notably the various bomb tallies. With 15 schemes, there are too many to list, but highlights include: • Mk.II, K7220/Y, Parachute Training School, Ringway, 1941 • Mk.III, K8947/KN-Q, 77 Sqn RAF, October 1939 • Mk.IV, K9048/MH-P, 51 Sqn RAF, April 1940 • Mk.V, P5005/DY-N, Fg Off L Cheshire, 102 Sqn RAF, November 1940 • Mk.VII, BD622/WL-U, 612 Sqn, 1942

F-4E, 4th TFW, Seymour Johnson AFB, 1984 By: MILSPEC Item no: 72-019 Price: US $8 Web: www.milspecdecals.com Released previously under the CAM Decals label, Seymour Johnson’s ‘Big 4’ Phantom (Commanding Officer 4th Tactical Fighter Wing’s aircraft), can now be modelled accurately, thanks to these updated markings, courtesy of MILSPEC. The F-4E, serial number 74-1040, wore two styles of tail markings during

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1984, and there are different US insignia for each (with either ‘full’ or ‘empty’ star). The attention to detail is exemplified by the single-piece v-shaped stripe, which has two kinks along its length to cater for the transition between aircraft spine and main fuselage. It’s accompanied by improved artwork to highlight the nuances between the two schemes, but note kit decals will be needed for items such as formation ‘slime’ lights. Finally, a correction insert provides re-worked ‘SJ’ and ‘4’ markings for the tail.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 91

ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS

PAPUA NEW GUINEA RARITY

Air Niugini BAe 146-200 By: Decales Global Item no: DG-14993 Price: US $9 Web: www.joydecals.com Decales Global scores twice with this interesting and useful markings sheet, which features Papua New Guinea’s national carrier (a comparatively rare subject) and one of its shortlived types, the BAe 146…the sole example of which (VH-NJW) was

in service for approximately ten months. The airlines’ signature Bird of Paradise logo is the standout item, with sharp colour delineation and perfect register, and is printed on a teal-hued background, making painting much easier. Windscreen and passenger windows are printed as solid items, with the latter being aligned with the entrance door outlines. Note, each marking must be cut from the solid gloss carrier film before application.

TRAINERS AND SUB-HUNTERS Fouga CM170 Magister – Westland Sea King HAS.1 By: Model Art Item no: 72/068 Price: £9 Web: www.modartdec.com Here, Model Art offers a wonderful selection of liveries for the famous V-tailed Fouga jet trainer in French service, and ‘old-school’ Royal Navy Sea King HAS.1 helicopters from the 1970s. The latter (six in total) are all in RAF Blue Grey, with

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mostly white markings, although some of the multi-toned unit badges add extra colour. Meanwhile, the nine Magisters all wear the standard semi-matt silver with Day-Glo panels, and the execution of the unit motifs on these is sublime; all the decals are printed beautifully, though, and have gloss carrier film. Examples include: • HAS.1, XV671/040/R, 824 NAS, HMS Ark Royal, 1974 • HAS.1, XV663/141/E, 826 NAS, HMS Eagle, 1971 • HAS.1, XV696/411/BL, 820 NAS, HMS Blake, 1974 • HAS.1, XV695/303/ PW, 819 NAS, Prestwick, 1973 • CM170, 339/ CU, GI 313, Aulnat-ClermontFerrand • CM170, 26/33XE, SLVSV, StrasbourgEntzheim, 1975 • CM170, 240/7JF, EC 3/7 ‘Languedoc’, Saint-Dizier, 1975 • CM170, 468/7NP, EC 4/7 ‘Limousin’, Istres, 1981

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

HUNTER AND PREY

King Tiger/Tiger II part 3 By: Star Decals Item no: 35C 1095 Price: US $8 Web: www.star-decals.net In its third dive into late-war King Tigers, Star focusses on s.Pz.Abt.506 and 507 vehicles, providing two options from the latter and (thanks to generic numerals) at least ten from the former. Notably, these include red and black characters, as there is ongoing debate as to the actual colour of turret numbers. There’s a mix of early and lateproduction tanks, along with a Befehls command vehicle. Extras include alternatives for several

MUDDY LEGEND

Ford Escort RS By: DMC Decals Item no: 24-325 Price: €10 Web: www.dmc-decals.dk This is the first we’ve seen of DMC’s products…but we’re impressed. The printing is superb, and plenty of research has obviously been conducted to maintain accuracy. This option

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s.Pz.Abt.506 tanks captured by US troops, and highlights where the (painted) white stars are positioned on the turret. Otherwise, just basic markings are included, with three different styles of Balkenkreuze, and a unit shield for s.Pz.Abt.507. The basic schemes are: • Tiger II late, Black 402, s.Pz. Abt.507, Osterode, 1945 • Tiger II late, Black 121, s.Pz. Abt.507, Osterode, 1945 • Tiger II early, Red 109, s.Pz. Abt.506, Western Front, 1944-45 • Tiger II Befehls, Red 03, Stab s.Pz.Abt.506, Western Front, 1944-45 1/24

is ripe for Italeri’s recently re-released Escort RS1800 Mk.II, and offers markings for the RS MLD999P of Team Avon/Sutton Racing, in the 1976 RAC Rally. Sponsor motifs are particularly well rendered, and the names Pentti Arikkala and Mike Greasley are present. Note that just a single photograph of the car is provided with the decals, so research is required for proper placement.

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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

STORES HOUSE

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JUG PANEL

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He 111H-6 bomb bay By: Eduard Item no: 72635 Price: €22.45 Web: www.eduard.com

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P-47D late By: Yahu Model Item no: YMA3223 Price: £7.50 Web: www.yahumodels. siemianowice.com Hasegawa’s 1/32 P-47D Bubbletop needs little aftermarket help to produce a spanking build. In this larger scale though, one real focal point is the instrument panel (especially if the canopy is posed open). Yahu’s photoetched metal late-model P-47 panel comes pre-painted and with all instrument detail in situ; it also has separate sections to cater for P-47D-28 and -30 airframes, and can be employed on Trumpeter’s kit, too.

Takom’s M9 ACE (Armored Combat Earthmover) gets a photo-etched brass makeover from Hauler with this splendid two-fret update set. While one supplies new engine vents, armour panels, stowage boxes, jerry can holders and a multitude of grab handles, the other is a heavyweight item, for a spare drive wheel sprocket, armoured light guards and a shield for the driver’s position. The kit may be good, but Hauler’s parts can help turn it into a showstopper.

POST-WAR WHEELS

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Harrier GR.9A Control Surfaces By: CMK Item no: 7372 Price: €10.30 Web: www.cmkkits.com Airfix’s Harrier GR.7A/9A has earned many plaudits, but CMK’s replacement control surfaces offer superior planform and trailing edge thickness. Careful design means surgery to fit the flaps is simplified greatly, with cuts along two prominent panel lines, before the curved wing section and separate flap (with profile to match the new insert) is added – this means it can be positioned up, down or in transition (note – if the engine is off, then flaps are up). Ailerons and rudder are direct replacements for the kit styrene.

Truck tool box By: Highlight Model Studio Item no: HME-029 Price: €12 Web: highlightmodelstudio.com Highlight Model Studio’s photoetched metal tool box looks to be an instant classic; with careful assembly (it’s worth studying the photos of this set on the website) no paint is required. It comprises 14 pieces, five of which (top and sides) feature a typical treadplate finish, with reinforcing strips for each corner. The base plate may look small initially, but when the side ‘lips’ have been bent (note there are no etched lines to facilitate this), it will fit snugly.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

US Navy Forklift Early Type By: SSN Modellbau Item no: R35041 Price: €12 Web: www.ssnmodellbau.de Comprising 40 resin pieces and a single PE fret, SSN Modellbau’s US Navy forklift set supplies sufficient parts for eight ‘early’ vehicles. There’s a surprising amount of detail for the scale, with separate PE roll-cage, inner/ outer lift slides, and forks. These are common sights on US shore establishments, aircraft carriers and amphibious vessels, ferrying equipment and munitions, and this set will add further character to any model/diorama.

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1/24-1/25 SELFRELIANT REPAIR

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THE LITTLE BIG LIFTER

M9 ACE By: Hauler Item no: HLU35102 Price: €15.50 Web: www.hauler.cz

Adding extra refinement to Airfix’s new-tool He 111H-6 will be a whole heap of fun, with Eduard’s neat photo-etched brass bomb bay set. The fret is busy indeed, as it’s packed with bay lining and structural housings for the vertically mounted bombs, as well as the covering doors, but is for experienced modellers only of course due to the amount of folding required. Removal of the kit bomb bay section, in the middle of the lower wing assembly, is all that’s necessary to fit this replacement unit.

IN A FLAP

BRASS-PLATED DIGGLER

Spitfire 4-Slot Block-Tread Mainwheels By: BarracudaCast Item no: BR48318 Price: US $6.95 Web: www.barracudacast.com Designed to fit Eduard’s Mk.VIII, IX and XVI Spitfires, the blockstyle tread tyres were post-war additions to the wheels of Spitfire Mk.VIIs onwards and Seafire Mk.III, XV, 17, 45 and 46 airframes. The casting is exquisite, with raised sidewall company logos, bolt heads for the hub and delicate tread. Axles adapters are included to allow these wheels to fit other 1/48 Spitfires.

TYPE 1936A/B BONANZA

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German Destroyer By: White Ensign Models Item no: PE 35186 Price: US $32.50 Web: www.whiteensignmodels.com Although sharing the same product name as the Revell/Zvezda upgrade set (35185), this is intended for Trumpeter’s Type 1936A/B-class destroyers, which were a followon design; it’s also applicable for Dragon’s offerings. As before, the single large PE fret offers sumptuous fittings, including an entire complement of anti-aircraft guns, radar antennas and early torpedo control centre. These complement the usual railings, ladders, boat cradles, cable reels and cranes expected in any comprehensive maritime detail set.

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ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES

STAG’S ANTLERS

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FuG 202 Lichtenstein By: Brengun Item no: BRL48084 Price: €3.97 Web: www.brengun.cz For any modellers engaged in building 1/48 Luftwaffe night fighters, Brengun’s set of FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC radar antennas are a worthy alternative to styrene. These refined units, known as Hirschgeweihe (stag’s antlers) among Nachtjagd personnel, equipped variants of the Bf 110 and Ju 88. Careful folding is necessary, but these photo-etched brass items should look great once fitted. If one needs reference photos, check out Key Publishing’s new Combat Machines 03: Ju 88, on sale now.

DAIRY TRANSPORT

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Ewers for milk and cream By: Plus Model Item no: 508 Price: €14.50 Web: www.plusmodel.cz This well-considered package of resin milk churns, of various sizes and styles, is an excellent way of decorating a diorama or vignette. While a dedicated dairy/farm scene could be the recipient, the churns could also be employed in a joint civilian/military setting; maybe a soldier or tanker could simply have bought some milk for his comrades. The resin ewers come with very fine photo-etched brass details, such as handles and brackets, but there’s also a splendid little transportation trolley for added interest and ubiquity.

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FLEXIBLE FRIEND

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DELTA DETAILS

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SEWER ACCESS

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Mirage IIIE/R exterior By: Eduard Item no: 32403 Price: €27.75 Web: www.eduard.com Ford 5-AT Trimotor masks By: Thunderbird Models Item no: TBM-011 Price: £3.95 Web: thunderbirdmodels.co.uk UK firm Thunderbird has steadily been producing mask sets for older releases, and here, it offers paint protection for Airfix’s vintage 1/72 Ford Trimotor kit. The masks are flexible and pre-cut items, and these cater not just for the windscreen but also for the remaining fuselage window glazing. Simple, but incredibly useful.

BOMBER INNARDS

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He 111H-6 interior By: Eduard Item no: 73574 Price: €18.95 Web: www.eduard.com Eduard’s He 111 bomb bay set, also reviewed this month, is one way of improving Airfix’s kit…but here’s another in the shape of other-area interior embellishment. This set focuses on the cockpit and inner main fuselage, via pre-coloured parts for the instruments and other switch panels, and plain brass for items such as mounts for machine gun magazines (and replacement versions of the latter), control levers, gun positions and more.

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

Eduard rarely lags when it comes to offering aftermarket items for major releases. Here, Italeri’s 1/32 Mirage IIIE/R is the recipient, and various sections of the airframe benefit from photo-etched brass improvements. All undercarriage bays receive linings and panels, and the main bays also get a rendition of hydraulic piping. New bay doors are also provided, as are afterburner petals and the circular devices in the gun troughs.

BARRELS OF ATTITUDE

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Set of Manhole Covers By: Lsg Europe Item no: C35001 Price: €8 Web: www.yenmodels.be Planning an urban diorama of any kind? If so, these superb manhole covers from Lsg Europe could be just the thing to add extra interest. Produced in thick laser-cut card, the covers themselves and their surrounds are supplied, and four different patterns are provided. This range is available via Belgium’s Yen Models.

EXPOSED CYCLONE

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Mi-24 (Hind-D/E) 12.7mm Machine Gun and DUAS Probe By: Master Model Item no: AM-48-126 Price: £7.99 Web: www.master-model.pl Monogram’s 1/48 Mi-24 (albeit re-boxed by Revell and Mini Hobby) is the only offering of the type in this scale, but is more than three decades old, so Master Model’s four-barrelled 12.7mm gun assembly and attitude/pitot sensor set is most welcome. Both are vast improvements on the styrene, with the 12.7mm item the most notable, replacing the block-moulded kit item via a delightful resin and turned brass combination, with separation between each barrel and a central support. The attitude sensor is similarly simple to add, yet is far more intricate.

Boeing B-17G Engine Set By: CMK Item no: CMK 7384 Price: €15.30 Web: www.cmkkkits.com Modellers wanting to display Airfix’s B-17G with an open engine will now be able to, courtesy of CMK’s intricate resin and photo-etched metal Wright R-1820 Cyclone. The 53 resin parts are fragile, with the exhaust flaps notably easy to damage, while the cylinder ring (PUR 4) will demand the utmost patience and care when removing it from its casting block. However, all such efforts will be rewarded richly, as this builds into an eye-catching replica, packed with detail and refinement.

The International Plastic Modellers Society was established in the United Kingdom over 50 years ago with the aim of promoting and supporting the hobby of plastic modelling and has developed into a truly global ‘model club’ with some 65 international bodies. Why not join us?

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ARCHIVE TREASURES SEA HARRIER FA.2

T

his issue’s Sea Harrier FA.2 build (see p.48) highlights Royal Navy operations in the Balkans, but the type also supported efforts to enforce Iraq’s Southern No-fly Zone, during the turbulent 1990s and early 2000s. Although the aircraft serial and unit are unknown, the large Doppler panel forward of the nosewheel bay indicates a pre-GPS airframe. Note the tie-down chains attached to the landing gear (in four places) and the red-painted but decidedly well-worn access ladder. Here, armourers mount an AIM-120B AMRAAM to the port fuselage pylon (the fins will be added subsequently); the yellow band on the forward section indicates a highexplosive warhead; the brown band further back means a live rocket motor.

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1:72 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS ™ PHANTOM FG.1 A06016 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™

• Undercarriage can be posed up or down • Poseable flaps and slats • Canopy open or closed • Wings folded or unfolded • Optional open nose and radar • IFR probe stowed or unstowed • Three different build configurations

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™ No.892 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Ark Royal, 1974-1975.

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™ No.767 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, England, 1971.

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS PHANTOM FG.1™ Naval Air Support Unit, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, England, 1969.

Length 244mm Width 162mm Pieces 162

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Start as you mean to finish Official Product

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