ISSUE 33
BATTLE AND BUILD A TANTALISING TWIN – B-25J MITCHELL
R H U R E H T G N I D I RA
AUG 2013 £4.10
ND E G E L E H T TION A M R BUILDING O F N I AID R E V I S U L C EX
REVELL'S RE-BOXED RACER Audi A4 DTM 2011 Airfix AUG UK 8.indd 1
WATER-BORNE TRACTOR Land-Wasser-Schlepper (LWS)
THE PERFECT STORM Eurofighter Typhoon 19/06/2013 10:00
EDITOR'S DESK WELCOME
he ‘Modelling Mojo’ - have you still got yours? A chat with some well-known modellers recently raised this point and it was clear that whether it was family life, playing sport or TV getting in the way, some people had temporarily lost that burning desire to model. Ouch! We’ve all been there but could it also be that sometimes that lost modelling mojo is due to simply being overwhelmed by your growing stash and not having enough time to get those desirable projects completed? As a ‘one model at a time’ builder, I truly know there’s a chance that I may not be able to make all those Tomcats I have planned. But who knows? I may re-establish my own Grumman Ironworks production line sponsored by Hasegawa and Fujimi somewhere in the UK – if there’s enough time and space in the modelling room! But is there a secret to getting the ‘mojo’ back, or is it simply that in a few days or weeks the urge to return to the modelling bench, coupled with a new kit release, will just be too hard to resist? For me the issue is finding time to get modelling done. So the interest is always there, and popping into the other magazines' editorial offices here at Key often throws up a new colour scheme or an image of an
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Advertising Commercial Director: Group Manager: Advertising Manager: Production Manager: Production Assistant:
Editorial
Editor: Assistant Editor: Group Editor in Chief: Editor's Secretary:
Glenn Sands Chris Clifford Paul Hamblin Julie Lawson
Regular Contributors
David D'Arcy, Steve Abbey, Jennifer Wright, Malcolm V. Lowe, Ian Hartup, Chris Sandham-Bailey and Ian Grainger
Design
Art Editor: Group Art Editor:
Production Sub Editor: Production Manager:
Tom Bagley Steve Donovan
Kay Kelly Janet Watkins
Marketing
Ann Saundry Brodie Baxter Sean Leslie Debi McGowan Danielle Tempest
Marketing Manager: Marketing Executive: Marketing Assistant: Subscriptions Manager: Mail Order:
Martin Steele Shaun Binnington Jess Jagger Roz Condé Joan Harwin Liz Ward, Ann Petrie
Managing Director: Executive Chairman:
Adrian Cox 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).
aircraft that has a new weapon load. That always starts me wondering if I need just one more F-15 or F/A-18 - funds permitting… But a change of subject opens up a world of new possibilities and the opportunity to test my modelling skills on a GT Racing Car that requires a killer paint finish. I haven’t managed that yet but regular AMW contributors, Ian Grainger and Ian Hartup, have been helping me out. And while the Fujimi McClaren F1 waits patiently in the corner of the cutting matt, there’s the Airfix Sabre waiting for some finishing touches. Not forgetting a batch of 1970s USAFE colour slides that a colleague gave me to inspire me about the Cold War - Ramstein-based USAFE F-4Es in their pre-European One camouflage days. Now can anyone arrange an extra day in the week, please, just for us modellers? Glenn Sands Editor
Subscriptions Please refer to main advertisem*nt 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/24-hour answer machine: +44 (0) 1780 480404 Fax: +44 (0) 1780 757812 E-Mail: [emailprotected] 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 Mail Right Int., 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Periodicals Postage Paid at Piscataway, NJ and additional mailing offices.
All items submitted for publication are subject to our terms and conditions. These are regularly updated without prior notice and are freely available from Key Publishing Ltd or downloadable from www. keypublishing.com 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. 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 advertisem*nts within this publication.
Readers in the USA can place subscriptions by visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling toll free 800-676-4049 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 Mail Right International Inc.,1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway NJ 08854.
The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2012 was 12,175 copies monthly.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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CONTENTS REGULARS 06 News
40
MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER
The latest happenings in the world of modelling and exclusive updates direct from Airfix.
10 Show Scene A comprehensive up-to-date calendar of related events.
38 Subscribe and Save! Subscribe to Airfix Model World and make great savings!
80 On the shelf Twelve pages of reviews bring you the latest kits, books and modelling products.
98 Cutting Mat Chat A final word from the ‘movers and shakers’ within the modelling industry.
18
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
72
BASIC BUILD GRAVE DIGGER
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III
52
12 Battle and Build – B-25 Mitchell Warren E. Thompson charts the course of the North American Mitchell bomber in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO).
18 Battle and Build – B-25J Mitchell Complementing our historical reference feature, James Vaitkevicius appraises HK Models’ B-25J ‘Glass Nose’ and finishes it in MTO squadron colours.
26 On the Road – Salisbury Model Show Malcolm V. Lowe visited the historic town of Salisbury to attend a very popular modelling event.
30 Review Build – Audi A4 DTM 2011 Ian Grainger upgrades Revell’s re-boxed Audi A4 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) racer.
40 Military Build – Land-Wasser-Schlepper Garry Tobbis mixes maritime and military with the Hobbyboss Land-WasserSchlepper (LWS).
48 In Focus – Lancaster B.III (Special) Not all of Operation Chastise Lancasters were identical. Tom Allett gives a brief overview of the B.III variant.
IN FOCUS LANCASTER B.III
48
52 Exclusive Build – Lancaster B.III (Special) Jennifer Wright makes a big splash with Airfix’s all-new Lancaster B.III (Special)
62 On the Road – Poole Vikings Model Show Malcolm V. Lowe has been busy of late but found the time to visit his local model show to offer a full report.
64 Advanced Build – Eurofighter Typhoon Tom Sunley is mightily impressed with Hasegawa’s all-new 1/72 Eurofighter Typhoon.
72 Basic Build – Grave Digger Light relief comes in the shape of Revell’s Snap-Title Grave Digger monster truck, built by Ian Hartup.
64
ADVANCED BUILD TYPHOON
76 Out and About – Spring Airshow Duxford AMW’s Editor Glenn Sands grabbed his camera to get some warbird action and inspiration. Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
{BREAKING
NEWS!}
SuE IS BACK, BUT…
A REISSUE of the Super Etendard from a few years ago, this latest releases is not up to the standard of the current new Airfix kits and utilises the former Heller moulds, with raised panel lines and a rather chunky undercarriage. Once one gets beyond this what one has is a reasonable kit, with the two fuselage halves joined horizontally to sandwich the one-piece main wing section. It should make for some ‘interesting’ work to eliminate the join line. But in terms of accuracy the overall shape of the kit is not too bad...the only gripe being the rather pinched nose cone which on the real thing contains the Agave radar, although an after-market resin replacement is due shortly.
Armament is limited to a single Exocet missile, complemented by drop tanks for the starboard wing. The Cartograf decals are a massive improvement over the last issue of this kit, with two options; a classic Falklands War Argentine example and a machine from the French Navy (Aeronavale) in the wrap-around two-tone grey scheme. The options are: • 0753, 3-A-203, 2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque, Commandante Espora Air Base, Argentina, late 1982 (two-ship kills on the nose) • 24, 17 Flotille, Aeronavale, Landivisiau, 1989 Nice to have the kit back, but wait to see what after-market sets are released to enhance this basic model.
AIRSHOW OPTION
TO COINCIDE with the RAF's 2013 Tucano display, (see opposite), Airfix is planning to release another boxing of its 1/72 Shorts Tucano T.1, in the new Mediterranean Spitfire display scheme. These exclusive images show the placement and recently
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approved decal sheet which has just been signed off by the RAF team. Airfix has a tradition of covering the RAF's display team aircraft and this boxing looks set to be a sure-fire winner. For more information and release date keep an eye on the Airfix website: www.airfix.com
THE OTHER GNAT DISPLAY TEAM AIRFIX IS certainly using its head when it comes to making the most of the 1/72 Gnat T.1 kit and rightly so, given that it’s excellent. While The Red Arrows is the popular choice for many modellers the YellowJacks aerobatic team, which formed on June 5, 1964 by instructors from No.4 Flying Training School, comprised five Gnats in an overall bright Lemon Yellow colour scheme. Their first public appearance was less than one month later at RNAS Culdrose on July 25. Marketed under its Small Starter Set series, the basic kit is the same but has decals for just one YellowJacks aircraft - the leader’s mount XR992 flown by Flight Lieutenant Lee Jones, a veteran of the Black Arrows Hunter
display team. Later in its career XR992 received a Gloss Black tail, although at some point a replacement yellow rudder was added to the rail and this is explained in the painting guide, but check your own references. Great to see alternative markings for this stunning little jet trainer.
GLOBAL LIGHTNING PROGRESS THE AIRFIX Lightning kit whizzing its way around the world on a charity build has now landed in Italy. AMW first highlighted this ingenious fund-raising project for Help for Heroes, which helps injured British servicemen, in Issue 29; the 1/48 F.2A/F.6 has already been worked on by Stu Bradley in France, Damir Klaric in Croatia and Romanian modeller Gabriel Mutihac who currently lives in Greece. The Lightning will have its wings assembled while in Italy, before being sent to Germany, then when it reaches California, modeller Bryan Finch will attach the wings and send on the aircraft in a purpose-built packing case to keep it safe. The model has so far ‘flown’ more than 1,700 miles and has raised more than £200 in merchandise sales, such as T-shirts, among interested followers who keep tabs on the global staged build via Facebook. Airfix is also officially supporting the bid
Romanian modeller Gabriel Mutihac gives a thumbs-up for the Help for Heroes trans-global Lightning build. with posts on its own Facebook page. To follow the Lightning’s progress visit: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ roundtheworldinanairfixkit/, and to donate through an official H4H giving page, visit: http://www.bmycharity.com/ roundtheworldinanairfixkit
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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DESERT-PAINTED AEROBAT THE ROYAL Air Force’s 2013 Tucano Display aircraft is ZF239 based at RAF Lintonon-Ouse in North Yorkshire… but this year it looks somewhat different! A spectacular North Africa paint-job on the 1 Flying Training School/72 (Reserve) Squadron machine has been applied, to honour the latter unit’s Spitfire pilots who fought in the 1943 Mediterranean campaign during World War Two. The pilot for this season is Flt. Lt. Andrew Fyvie-Rae, supported by Display Manager Flt. Lt. Dave Kirby. In 2013 the team flies in support of the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Candlelighters Trust and Leonard Cheshire Disability; all fundraising proceeds will be
passed on to these charities. An official print (pictured) has been launched and can be bought via the team’s website. Only unsigned prints will be available through mail order, priced at £5 (plus £5 P&P). The entire range of merchandise, including
signed prints, will be available from the Tucano Display Team stand at selected air shows throughout the UK in the 2013 season. A full listing of scheduled displays can be found on the team’s website: www.raf.mod.uk/ tucanodisplayteam
SURPRISE LUFTWAFFE RELEASE... FEW OF us knew this kit was coming from Revell as little information was published on it prior to it hitting the shelves - and what a release! Revell’s 1/72 Ju 88 quickly became a winner for Luftwaffe fans, with exceptional detail throughout and at a very reasonable price. Many of us had hoped there would be follow-on variants to the Ju 88A-4 Bomber (Kit No.04672) and now there is...the Ju 88 C-6 Z/N. The C variant became one of the Luftwaffe’s most important in the Ju 88 series; it dispensed with the heavilyglazed nose for a platedover metal unit, with cannon armament or a night-fighter radar installation. This boxing (Kit No.04856)
allows for both with either a Ju 88C-6 with nosemounted Lichtenstein radar, or a cannon-nosed option. A comprehensive set of instructions explains the numerous changes between each option in terms of rear gunner armament, exhaust shrouds and ultimately rather complicated night
fighter scheme for one option. The two decal choices are: • Ju 88C-6 of Stab. IV/NJG 5 at Orel; Soviet Union, Spring 1943...the personal Mount of Major Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein • Ju 88C-6 of 6./KG(Z) 3 ‘Blitzgeschwader’ Poltawa, Soviet Union, April, 1943 A great kit for a reasonable price – a practice that Revell has become very good at! Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visitwww.revell.euor email [emailprotected]
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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NEWS BULLETIN LATEST UPDATES
MOVIE STAR MITCHELLS...
EARLY SERIES EMIL ENCYCLOPAEDIA Valiant Wings Publishing is certainly establishing itself as one of the leading reference publishers for the modeller with its Airframe & Miniature series. The latest title: The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Early Series (V1 to E-9 including the T-Series), A Complete Guide To The Luftwaffe’s Famous Fighter, follows the established format with comprehensive chapters on the development of each sub-variant, supported by a wealth of wartime images and line drawings...a brilliant approach. The modelling includes a wider range of scales and the 1/72 builds offer tips and techniques on weathering. There is a plethora of colour profiles and a four-view, (perhaps a few more of the latter would have been useful). But don’t let this detract from another outstanding publication from the Airframe & Miniature series. Priced at £19.95, orders can be placed online at: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
KITS WORLD explores the world of cinematic aviation on four decal sheets designed for Hong Kong Models’ imposing 1/32 B-25J Mitchell. Two offer markings seen on aircraft in the cult 1970 film Catch-22, a satirical focus on the absurd nature of bureaucracy and its reasoning. The movie, which portrayed a fictitious B-25 unit in Italy during World War Two, was adapted from the original 1961 Joseph Heller novel of the same name. Its ensemble cast included the likes of Alan Arkin, Martin Sheen and singer
Art Garfunkel. While the schemes are spurious, they do allow an interesting theme and the options are: ‘Heavenly Body’ and ‘Vestal Virgin’ on sheet 132059, with ‘Berlin Express’ and ‘Dumbo’ featuring on sheet 132057. The second filmic outing is with markings for Mitchells in the 1979 film Hanover Street, which starred Harrison Ford. While panned for its accuracy (B-25s never flew from the UK), it did provide interesting footage of the real aircraft and drew generally favourable reviews. The aircraft in decal form are ‘Gorgeous George
WHAT IF...AEW?
GET INVOLVED! Are you a passionate aircraft, armour, space, car or ship modeller who's keen to see their work in print? If you can follow certain criteria, your article could soon grace the pages of Airfix Model World. Email either Glenn or Chris: glenn.sands@ keypublishing.com or [emailprotected]
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FREIGHTDOG MODELS in collaboration with Blue Envoy Press is launching a series of resin conversion sets for subjects covered in the Project Tech Profiles book series. The first release replicates a machine featured in the latest title, The Air Staff and AEW, (see, page 80) the proposed Stratofreighter AEW project in 1/144 scale. Based on original documents sourced from Kew, author Chris Gibson summarises the project dating back to 1945, when forwardthinking boffins at the Air Staff investigated the possibility of fitting a large antenna in the nose of the
Boeing C-97 for use by the RAF. Due to lack of funding the project did not progress beyond a paper study, but now Freightdog has produced a simple resin conversion for the Minicraft C-97 kit to allow the building of what might have been. The books are illustrated by Adrian Mann who has created this image of the AEW platform climbing above the Indian Ocean during the 1960’s after many years of RAF service. Resin sets are available directly from www.freightdogmodels.co.uk. For details of the Project Tech series, please contact blue.envoy. [emailprotected]
Ann’ and ‘Marvellous Miriam’ (132058) and ‘Brenda’s Boys’ and ‘Big Bad Bonnie’ on sheet 132060. For further details visit: www.kits-world.co.uk For a build of Hong Kong Models’ B-25, and Mediterranean operations, (see pages 12-26).
DAMBUSTERS KEY PUBLISHING'S RAF Salute: Dambusters, commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the legendary Dambusters raid. This 100-page publication pays homage to the crews, engineers and tacticians who made the 1943 raid possible and examines the key personalities, the Upkeep ‘bouncing bomb’, the Lancaster aircraft and the mission itself. It also traces the post-1943 history of 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’, including its wartime precision raids, through the Vulcan era to the present day Tornados. Available for just £4.99 from WHSmith, Sainsbury’s and leading newsagents. Alternatively, order your copy from www.keypublishing.com/ shop.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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SHOW SCENE DIARY DATES
Worldwide model and airshow calendar for 2013 JULY 5-6
The Yorkshire Wartime Experience Show, south west of Leeds with easy access to the M62 motorway (Junction 26) just off the A58 Hunsworth Lane, Hunsworth, Bradford, BD4 9RN. One of the largest battle and re-enactment/military shows in the north of England/ for details contact Stuart. Tel: 07748604461. www.ywe-event.info
13-14
Flying Legends, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire. For details tel: 01223 835000. www.fighter-collection.com
17-21
War & Peace Show, Folkestone Racecourse, Kent. Ground displays of military vehicles both old and new, traders and military re-enactments. For details contact: 01304 813945. www.warandpeaceshow.com
20-21
The Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Glouchestershire. Extensive flying display, traders, and ground displays. The world's leading aerobactic teams along with modern military aircraft from around the world. For details tel: 01285 713300. www.airtattoo.com
28
Midland Model Expo 2013, presented by IPMS Birmingham, co*cks Moors Wood Leisure Centre & Golf Course, Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 6ER. Model competition, club displays, traders selling kits, books and accessories. For details visit: www.midlandexpo.blogspot.co.uk
6
Shuttleworth Collection Flying Evening, Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Tel: 01767 627927. Visit: www.shuttleworth.org
6-7
RAF Waddington International Air Show, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. For details tel: 01522 726102. www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk
28
Moorlands Model Show, presented by IPMS Staffordshire Moorlands, TA Centre, Waterloo Road, Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3HJ. Model displays, traders and demonstrations.
Spitfire, Merlins and Motors, Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire. For details tel: 01223 835000. www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford
28
Shuttleworth Collection Flying Day and Wings and Wheels, Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Tel: 01767 627927. www.shuttleworth.org
7
7
Smallspace, presented by Matt Irvine, Hanslope Villahe Hall, Hanslope, Buckinghamshire, MK19 7NZ.
12-14
Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood West Sussex. For details tel: 01243 755055
13
Yeovilton Air Day 2013, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. Air display, ground exhibits and an extensive aircraft static park. For details tel: 08445 780780.
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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: [emailprotected] Airfix Roadshow attending
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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BATTLE AND BUILD MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE: B-25
Warren E. Thompson charts the course of the North American Mitchell bomber in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO)
OH-7 was a B-25C assigned to the 445th Bomb Squadron. It saw action over Algeria, Tunisia, Corsica and Italy during the war. (National Archives via author)
OVER THE MED’
B-25s from the 486th Bomb Squadron/340th Bomb Group attack targets along the south-west coastline of Italy. It was a squadron-strength effort and the lead formation’s bombs have already hit some of the targets. (John Casey/NAA via author)
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B
y the late summer of 1942, the majority of the publicity in America’s then recent involvement in the war focused on Europe and the Pacific. It was during this period that several B-25 bomb groups were activated and intense training began. In August of that year, attention shifted to the US Marines’ landing on Guadalcanal, but a much bigger fight was building up in North Africa and one of its most formidable weapons to enter the fray would be 46 North American B-25 Mitchells from the 12th Bomb Group. Right after American troops landed in that theatre, three more Mitchell bomb groups; the 310th, 321st and 340th were formed over a four month period. There was one other bomb group (the 319th) that came in initially with B-26 Marauders, but soon converted to the B-25. However, as much as the Mitchells contributed to the war effort in the Mediterranean theatre, they would not be used in the European Theatre of Operations from bases in England, because the medium bomber of choice for that arena was the Martin B-26.
Mass destruction The combat trek of the Mitchell started in Egypt when it arrived
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BATTLE AND BUILD MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE: B-25 in time for the Battle of El Alamein. From North Africa, the B-25 was an effective weapon during the invasion of Sicily and on into Italy. At that point, it concentrated on ground attack which included lowlevel bombing missions against road and rail traffic entering northern Italy. It would later prove to be one of the main reasons for pushing the Germans out of Italy entirely. The five Mitchell bomb groups were able to put up so many aircraft at once that they ensured wide destruction of numerous targets on a daily basis. There were four squadrons in each bomb group, which meant that 20 squadrons would have a minimum of 25 Mitchells each. Combine this potential with the B-24 Liberator squadrons that would execute long-range bombing missions; it was no wonder that the German and Italian military was in a steady retreat, once these units became established in Italy. The key to their success was the fact they could
One of the 57th Bomb Wing’s Mitchells returns from a mission over northern Italy in 1944. (Dick Starinchak via author)
easily carry a bomb load of 4,000lb (1,814kg) for more than 1,300 miles (2,092km). This gave them free reign over all of Italy. The earlier Douglas A-20 Havoc was effective in North Africa, but it did not have the range possessed by the B-25. The 12th Bomb Group was the
first to enter combat in August 1942, followed by the 319th and 310th Groups in November. The last two groups to bring their B-25s into the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO) in March 1943 were the 321st and 340th. From this point on, the B-25 squadrons dominated low-level bombing missions against any target they were tasked with. These included interdiction operations, marshalling yards, railway tracks, road traffic, bridges, viaducts, gun emplacements and shipping.
Little Friends
Mt. Vesuvius erupted on March 18, 1944. The fall-out destroyed approximately 80 Mitchells with heavy damage to the fabric control surfaces, plexiglass and engines. The 340th Bomb Group was based closest to the volcano. This scene shows B-25s from the 321st Group flying over the scene en route to their target. (John Casey via author)
On February 7, 1945, the 340th BG’s 488th BS was assigned a dangerous mission over northern Italy, to bomb a well-defended target identified as the Dogma North rail bridge. This time the bomb loads were increased to include only 1,000lb (453kg) general-purpose stores. Due to the fact that they would almost certainly encounter enemy fighters, they had an escort of 12 P-47 Thunderbolts. The first box of B-25s put its bombs right on the centre of the bridge, while the second box bombed through
the billowing smoke from the first drops and they were also on target. If there were any enemy fighters in the area they avoided contact… probably due to the bombers’ fighter escort. All aircraft returned safely to their base in Corsica. Probably the most memorable event for aircrew of the 340th BG, or any other B-25 crew that flew over that area, was the violent eruption of Mt. Vesuvius from March 18-23, 1944. At the time, the 340th BG was based at Pompeii Airfield near Terzigno, Italy, just a few miles from the eastern foundations of the volcano. Records state that they lost between 78 and 88 Mitchells to the aftermath of the eruption, which was, ironically, many more than they lost to the Luftwaffe. One of the aircrew assigned to the 489th BS reflected on that memorable day while based at Gaudo Airfield which, close to the volcano. “On the night of the 18th, Vesuvius presented us with one of the most memorable sights I have ever witnessed. A mass of wild fire poured from its open top, vividly outlining the western slope which runs down to the sea
One of the 321st Mitchells taxis in from a mission over northern Italy. At the time, the 447th Bomb Squadron operated from Gaudo Airfield in Italy. (John Casey/NAA via author)
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BATTLE AND BUILD MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE: B-25 One of the early model B-25s gets serviced before being shipped to North Africa. It was assigned to the 340th Bomb Group’s 486th Bomb Squadron. (National Archives via author)
with a continuous line of dancing fire. Drifting off to the southwest was huge columns of thick smoke and debris. We quickly evacuated our base and moved our operations to an airfield south-east of Salerno. We were familiar with it because we had flown several missions from there a short while ago. By the following noon, it was evident that several B-25s in our group would never be flown again. All of the fabric-covered surfaces were destroyed, while the Plexiglas top turrets and co*ckpits were shattered by the burning cinders that rained down on us.” The 319th BG, with its four squadrons, was also involved with numerous target objectives in Italy. On one specific day, they
sent a 24-aircraft force against the heavily-defended Piazzola rail bridge, and then launched a 16-strong mission against the critical rail bridge at Montebello. This was followed that afternoon with an 18-ship formation to bomb a major bridge at Ponte S. Pietro Bergamo, and the final assignment involved 17 bombers hitting the Orio Litta rail bridge. At this time, these bridges were a major source of re-supply for the Germans. The 319th BG’s tenure in B-25s was probably the shortest of any of the other groups. In January 1945, the 319th was rotated back to the US because it had been chosen to receive the new Douglas A-26 Invader which would move them into the Pacific theatre against the Japanese.
B-25C ‘SAHARA SUE’ is parked at a remote airfield during the war in the Mediterranean theatre. It was assigned to the 57th Bomb Wing, but the group or squadron is not known. (North American Aviation via John Casey)
Luftwaffe oposition
This B-25H gunship entered combat with the 82nd Bomb Squadron in the MTO. Before becoming operational, the fuselage was signed by the North American employees who built it; the significance of that event was that this was the 1000th ‘H’ model built and it was also the last. (John Casey via author)
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The 321st Bomb Group was one of the first B-25 units to experience combat in the MTO. Its first missions were flown on March 15, 1943 when 15 of its Mitchells struck the enemy airfield at Mezzouna. Anticipating hostile fighters, they took along an escort of P-38 Lightnings from the 57th Fighter Group. Fortunately, they encountered no aerial resistance and even though the flak was heavy, they all returned to base safely. Their main objective on the mission was to destroy as many aircraft on the ground as they could. When they exited the area, a number of fires had been
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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BATTLE AND BUILD MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE: B-25 started by their fragmentation bombs. However, on March 20, it would be a different story because enemy fighters were up and ready. The objective for the bombers was to search for and destroy any shipping in the Sicilian Straits. Suddenly, a combination of Me 410s and Bf 109s jumped them. Minutes later, the fight ended with seven enemy aircraft shot down and no Mitchells lost. Two of the B-25s were hit by flak and one was not able to return safely back to its airfield and it had to crash land. The bombers in this strike had been modified to house more guns which paid off against the fast German fighters. It seemed that the four squadrons in the 321st BG had a knack for stirring up the Luftwaffe during many of their missions. On one of these, they launched 29 B-25s to attack an airfield in Sicily when they were intercepted by close to 50 enemy fighters (Bf 109s, Fw 190s and Italian Macchi C.202s). Although the numbers favoured the enemy, they didn’t realize that they were coming face-to-face with bombers that had been equipped with more than the usually number
of .50 cal guns. When the running battle was over, 17 of the enemy fighters had been shot down after they met a wall of lead. In order to counter this enhanced armament, some fighters carrying bombs moved above the B-25 formations and dropped the weapons down on them. This was an ineffective tactic in that bombs usually cleared the bombers and exploded well below the formation. Records show that all 29 of the Mitchells returned to base safely after a very successful mission against the enemy airfield. The target had numerous enemy aircraft parked in revetments and most of them were destroyed, as the wide bombing pattern encompassed the entire airfield complex. Several months after this mission, the 321st BG began to receive the new B-25G model, equipped with a powerful 75mm cannon in the nose. This aircraft opened a new avenue of destruction that could be dealt to the Germans.
Lucky strike Lt. Donald Black, a Navigator in the 447th BS, participated
B-25s from the 12th Bomb Group’s 82nd Bomb Squadron finish their advanced training at Esler Field, Louisiana in 1942, right before entering combat in the MTO. (Alex Adair)
B-25s from the 321st Bomb Group score direct hits on a bridge in Italy in 1944. At this time, all of the B-25s were concentrating on destroying road and rail systems to prevent German re-supply efforts. (National Archives via author)
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BATTLE AND BUILD MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE: B-25
The 82nd Bomb Squadron’s B-25Cs were up in full strength against targets in Tunisia in early 1943. They were flying formation with RAF Baltimore III bombers on that mission. (National Archives via author)
in a very unusual mission. The squadron’s task was to bomb an enemy airfield whose fighters had been troublesome for the 321st BG’s bombers. He was flying as the bombardier that day but didn’t need a bomb sight as he would be dropping his load visually as the lead B-25 did. His ordnance
consisted of fragmentation bombs which were very effective against trucks, aircraft on the ground and enemy troops. As the formation got close to its target, Lt. Black focused his attention on a large green olive orchard and he noted muzzle flashes of anti-aircraft guns shooting at his formation.
Noting that this might be a target of opportunity, he decided to drop his bombs on the orchard without saying anything to his pilot. Waiting for the right time, he began to slowly drop his string of bombs using a toggle switch. When he had unloaded all of them, he closed the bomb bay doors and started
worrying about what they would say when he got back to base. Unknown to Lt. Black, the elements flying behind his formation were able to witness the effects of his bombs. They reported huge clouds of black smoke billowing up from the middle of the orchard. His taking a chance, on a whim, had put his Mitchell’s bombs right in the middle of a large ammunition dump. After all aircraft returned from the mission and the crews were in debriefing, the officer in charge asked who the bombardier was that dropped on the olive orchard. Lt. Black finally admitted that he had done it…and was quickly commended by the 321st BG Commander. His instincts probably saved the lives of numerous ground troops who, ultimately, would have been on the receiving end of that ammunition. It turned out to be one of the most effective bombing missions flown by the B-25s of the 321st BG.
Turkey shoot
Two B-25s from the 57th Bomb Wing press on to their target over northern Italy. The flight ahead of them had already hit their target, as observed from the five columns of smoke below. (John Casey/NAA via author)
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The 310th Bomb Group was one of the first Mitchell units to fly in the MTO and by the time the 321st and 340th BGs had logged their first missions, the 310th had already exceeded 50. Even
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BATTLE AND BUILD MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE: B-25 though they were conducting long-range bombing over Italy, one of their most noteworthy missions happened on a routine sea sweep for German or Italian shipping. At this point in the war, the low-level tactics of the B-25s had taken a serious toll on enemy vessels, so it was difficult to find lucrative targets in the Mediterranean. On this day, the 310th sent out 18 Mitchells on the sweep and while flying at 200ft above the water, they stumbled upon a German aerial convoy off the coast of Cape Bon. The air armada comprised approximately 25 Ju-52s and 12 Me 210s, and these were quickly destroyed by gunners on the Mitchells and the P-38 escorts. The 310th got confirmed credit for shooting down ten Ju-52s and a Ju-88. As 1943 came to an end the 310th BG began to receive modified
mission from strategic and tactical bombardment to that of only tactical attacks, when it began operating from bases on Corsica. The group’s 379th Bomb Squadron was the main user of the B-25G during that period.
A heavy price Operation Strangle was a major offensive to interdict German supply routes in Italy, north of Rome, to prevent essential supplies from reaching German troops in central Italy…thus forcing a German withdrawal out of the country. This was a major air assault carried out by the medium bomber force of B-25s, along with heavy bombers. The 310th BG and the other Mitchell units flew a rigorous schedule against German communications, ships, harbours, railways, airfields and supply dumps in 1944. The The Germans constantly tried to re-supply their forces in North Africa by ship. 57th Bomb Wing Intelligence learned that a small convoy was making a run out of Italy and sent B-25s from the 310th Group to intercept them at 100ft altitude. This was a view on one of the ships right before the bomber released a 500lb bomb. (John Casey/NAA via author)
Once southern Italy was secured, all of the B-25s unleashed a relentless bombing campaign against military targets in northern Italy and Yugoslavia…and various other targets in Central Europe. This was taken on a mission over southern Germany in 1945. (John Casey via author)
B-25Gs, which were the most heavily armed bombers in the US arsenal as the sub-type was equipped with the normal array of .50 cal guns and as a bonus, a 75mm cannon in the nose. There would be two versions of this configuration in the MTO; the B-25G and B-25H, the latter being an improved version of the ‘G’. The 310th would be the only bomb group in the MTO to be armed with the new G-model Mitchell, whose reputation had already been established in the Pacific theatre; the Army Air Corps decided quickly that it would be very effective against German shipping. This new weapon had much to do with the 310th changing its primary
strategy worked and quickly led to victory in Italy - and saved countless lives of US and British ground forces. This pace allowed the 310th BG to become the first group in the MTO to complete 500 combat missions, which occurred on July 7, 1944. It set the bar high with many of its accomplishments but it also paid a high price. Between the unit’s arrival in 1942 and the end of the war, it had flown 989 combat missions and since many of them were at extreme ranges, it logged
more than 57,000,000 miles flown. The 310th also had a stint with the new B-25 gunship that had been modified to fire a 75mm cannon mounted in its nose. They fired close to 2000 rounds and dropped 24,000 tons of bombs. The crews were also credited with 121 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air and more than 200 on the ground. In the negative, it lost 87 Mitchells during this period. The B-25s of the 57th Bomb Wing had earned a place of honour in the annals of ❚ World War Two.
One of the 447th Bomb Squadron Mitchells pulls out of its parking area en route to another bombing mission in Italy, during 1944. (John Casey via author)
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
James Vaitkevicius appraises HK Models’ hulking debut offering, the B-25J ‘Glass Nose’
H
K Models is probably not a familiar brand to most among the styrene model kit
fraternity. The Hong Kong-based company was set up in 2010 and this is its first offering into the modelling world. Die-hard Mitchell fans will also be delighted to know that the dedicated gun-nosed B-25H is also being considered by HK Models. Many modellers will be very familiar with the North
A small photo-etched metal fret comprised seat belts and harnesses, wing light glare deflectors and a section of the bomb bay. The metal was quite thick and the belts required annealing to make them more malleable.
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American B-25. It was designed in the late 1930s and with the outbreak of World War Two, North American Aviation received an initial contract for 184 B-25s to be manufactured in September 1939. By the end of the production run, 10,000 examples of this mediumrange bomber had been built. The prototype flew in August 1940 and the first operational B-25 was accepted into service in 1941. The aircraft itself went through many modifications throughout
its service life and has been described by many as the best medium bomber of its era. The aircraft served in three different theatres during World War Two and participated in the famous Doolittle Raid, in which B-25Bs launched from the USS Hornet to attack Japan, on April 18, 1942. A handful of serviceable examples still remain today on the global air show circuit, where they are kept in pristine condition and delight thousands of enthusiasts with the
All of the plastic parts were finely moulded and oozed impressive detail.
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
roar from their R-2600 engines. Various kits in different scales have been produced over the years, but none as yet in 1/32 scale…until now.
A mass of parts HK Models’ kit comprised a bewildering array of styrene parts, with runners all individually packed. The kit also included a small photo-etched (PE) metal frame which offered seat belts and wing light glare deflectors. Most notably, the kit also came with the
welcome addition of a contoured nose weight and replacement metal undercarriage legs, which eventually became invaluable. The styrene parts were perfectly crafted and oozed impressive detail, with the main wing area and fuselage being moulded in sturdy plastic sections - complete with an abundance of delicate rivets and subtle recessed panel lines. No sink marks were apparent and the grey styrene exhibited a gloss finish similar to that seen on Hasegawa’s models. The control surfaces featured moulded fabric, while the wheels were rendered with an authentic weighted look. All parts were flash free and even the component attachment points were well thought out to minimise potential damage during part removal. The plastic was actually quite tough and because of this, the utmost care was taken during part removal. The instructions comprised 38 sequences which were well designed and easy to follow. They also included a colour guide for Gunze Sangyo and Tamiya paints, along with (where applicable) FS595C colours. The decal sheet was the weakest aspect of the kit, with just one markings option and no stencil data. One will notice that the overall dimensions of the finished kit are large to
The co*ckpit section was constructed and painted with Gunze Interior Green and matt black. Weathering came via a light wash of Paynes Grey and chipping was carried out with an HB pencil.
A highly detailed bomb bay was included and it clipped together with ease. This was finished with Gunze Interior Green, Citadel Blood Red and weathered with MIG Productions’ Dark Wash.
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BATTLE AND BUILD MODEL SPEC
B-25J MITCHELL NORTH-AMERICAN B-25J MITCHELL By:
HK Models
Stock Code: HKM01E01 Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $238.00
Available from: Hobby Link Japan, www.hlj.com
say the least. To make the overall kit easier in terms of both painting and finishing, the front wings were constructed separately and set aside to be attached as the model neared completion. This was different from the more traditional approach of attaching the wings before painting, but HK Models did a fantastic job in terms of the engineering of these joins. The wings simply fitted flush with the fuselage section on both the underside and top surface, with no visible gaps.
In the co*ckpit
An excellent nose section was included, complete with two pilot-operated forward firing guns, bomb sight and a forward firing machine gun for the bomb aimer.
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The centre console was well moulded, with each control lever being separate; all could be posed at any angle desired but they were very delicate so careful removal from the runner was vital (to counteract loss or breakage, HK models supplied two sets of these parts). Gunze Sangyo H-58 Interior
Green was used for the innards while the control handles were picked out with red and tyre black. The instrument panel and control column were painted in the latter and left to dry. Light weathering was then applied with an HB pencil to give a metallic and worn look to the seat corners and centre panel. Seat detail was adequate for the scale but was boosted by PE seat belts. These were a little too thick to be simply bent into shape after removal from
the fret, so they were annealed for greater pliability when fitting to the seats. The belts were later sprayed with Olive Drab and the belt buckles were picked out in Citadel Colours’ Chainmail.
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
HAIRSPRAY True-to-scale paint chipping can be tricky to replicate, but one such method is to use hairspray. It acts as a medium which can be manipulated after the final coat of paint has been applied.
The internal section was completed in readiness for mating. Note the metal nose weights in the front fuselage. The fuselage received various shades of Alclad Aluminium to ensure a patchy appearance. Gunze H304 Olive Drab was added to the upper surface, with the demarcation line being achieved with a thick roll of Blu-Tack before spraying at 90 degrees.
The base colour was applied to the selected part of the airframe. In this case the engine cowl received Alclad II Aluminium. The hairspray was applied and left to dry for five to ten minutes. Once tacky, a top coat of Gunze H-304 Olive Drab was applied and left to dry. Lukewarm water and a sturdy brush were required in order to execute the process properly.
Slightly over-simplified detail adorned the instrument panel, although dial decals were supplied. Overall, though, the co*ckpit section was good for the scale but more detail-hungry modellers have ample opportunity to add extra embellishment, such as control levers, switch boxes, cables and more. While the co*ckpit section was constructed the upper turret column and tail gun sections
were also assembled. These were painted in Interior Green and weathered with an HB pencil.
Via the brush, the warm water effectively melted the hairspray under the top coat, to expose Alclad underneath. Once dry, the effect was most pleasing and ensured a realistically worn finish.
Weapon stations The final part of the internal section was the bomb bay, where finely-detailed sections fitted with ease and little glue was required. Interior Green was also applied to the bay, which was
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL The R-2600 engines looked stunning, but it’s a shame that most of the detail would be lost if the engine cowlings were closed.
AFTERMARKET
The engine cowlings were built and sprayed with Alclad II Aluminium, in preparation for the upper surface coat of Olive Drab.
While issued too late for this build, Eduard has excellent photo-etched metal and Brassin resin detailing/ improvement parts:
H/J Wheels (632014) J Exterior (32319) J Correct Pilot Seats (32750) J Ammunition Belts (32320) J Bomb Bay (32321) J Seatbelts (32746) J Front Interior (32747) J Bomber co*ckpit Interior (32748) J Fuselage Interior (32756) J Bomber co*ckpit Interior (33112) J Mask Set (X143) …and from other producers: G-Factor (3225) J Landing Gear HGW (132082/083/087) Seatbelts Profimodeller – various bomb bay/ turret/gun details in metal and resin Scale Aircraft Conversions (320640) Landing Gear in white metal Decals • EagleCals (32-145) 345th BG Air Apaches • Flevo Decals 32007/08 (Dutch Air Force) • Kits World – various sheets • Zotz (32052/56) Mediterranean/ Pacific schemes
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then lightly weathered with MIG Productions’ Dark Wash in the recesses and HB pencil to depict worn edges. The bombs were constructed, painted Olive Drab and installed on each side wall. Waist guns were also built at this time and painted in Alclad Gun Metal and left to dry, before being glued in place complete with their ammunition belts on each fuselage half. With all major sections built, the next stage was to close the fuselage halves. The hefty nose weight was inserted, complete with additional weight to ensure the airframe would sit correctly, and then the co*ckpit
section, mid-gunner position and bomb bay were added. Dry-fitting showed that each internal part sat perfectly and no trimming was necessary to make the fuselage halves close neatly. Slow-setting liquid glue was used for this task and all was left overnight to set; the process was repeated on the wings and engines. Vallejo White Putty was used to fill any gaps and was fared in with Tamiya Thinner to remove the excess and to clear any unduly covered moulded detail. Care was taken to ensure the fuselage halves fitted with no major step on each section. To ensure this was
the case, light sanding on the underside was required to achieve a flawless join. Light re-scribing and re-riveting of the panels was also required to achieve this. Once completed, the glazed nose section was added to the fuselage and set with thin styrene cement. The model featured many small glazed panels of different shapes and sizes and these were added to the fuselage and left to dry. Then, an Eduard mask set was used for all sections, which saved essential time and would prevent potential scratches which may have occurred while using the traditional masking
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
Both plastic and metal undercarriage legs were included in the kit. Due to the model’s overall weight, the metal undercarriage was selected and sprayed with Mr. Colour H318 Aluminium and buffed to a shine.
tape approach. Once the masks were applied, the fuselage was set aside for work to begin on the engines.
Wright’s finest The massive R-2600 Cyclone engines were a prominent feature of this kit. HK Models gave the end user the option to display these engines in more detail, by allowing the side cowls to be omitted from the completed airframe. The overall fit and detail of the cylinders, rocker heads and exhausts was impressive, especially when one considers
the sheer number of components involved on each engine. Perhaps the most disappointing issue, though, was the basic colour call-outs from HK Models and additional reference material proved invaluable to achieve a more realistic finish to the engines. The cylinders
were painted in Alclad II Dark Aluminium and were given a light wash of thinned Paynes Grey oil to bring out the detail. Crank cases were painted dark sea grey to represent the dark grey visible in the references. Push rods were painted black and added to the engine assembly, but care was taken while removing these parts as they proved to be highly fragile. Engine construction also included a one-piece exhaust which fitted with ease to the rear cylinder. The wiring harness was added at this point…a most time consuming job in which the kit parts were difficult to position correctly. Perhaps this area could be improved with the use of fuse wire, but for the purpose of this build the kit parts were used and painted matt black. Finally, the push rod covers fitted easily and were painted aluminium, and then each engine was left to dry while focus moved to the propellers. Many modellers have stated that the props seem too wide in chord and are misshaped; fortunately replacement resin parts are available but here the kit items were employed. These were painted satin black with gloss yellow tips. The result was pleasing and while not 100 per cent accurate, they looked the part once added to the engines.
Once the main painting was completed each wing was finished, still off the fuselage, with the fuel caps being painted red and exhaust staining added by airbrush. The completed engine sections, including the propellers, built into impressive models in their own right. A degree of inaccuracy spoiled the propeller blades but they still looked impressive.
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
REFERENCE B-25 Mitchell in Action by David Doyle (Squadron Signal), ISBN: 978-0-89747-625-6 From Alaska to Africa the B-25 Mitchell in Combat with the USAAF by Tomasz Szlagor (Kagero), ISBN: 978-83-61220-39-8 North American B-25 Mitchell by Jerry Scutts (Crowood Aviation Series), ISBN: 1-86126-394-5 Warpath Across the Pacific – The Illustrated History of the 345th Bombardment Group During World War II by Lawrence J. Hickey (International Research & Publishing Corporation), ISBN: 0-913511-02-1
Inspiration sought With just one scheme available in the kit (and a rather bland one at that), an alternative and more interesting solution was required. Kits World has produced various attractive after-market schemes with this model in mind, in both natural metal finish and the twotone Olive Drab commonly used in the Mediterranean theatre. B-25J ‘Briefing Time’ from the 489th BS, 340 BG in 1945 was selected (KW132013), mostly for the delightful nose art and large mission tally. For this and other schemes, visit www.kitsworld.co.uk. Tamiya and Gunze Sangyo paint references are provided in the instructions; this modeller’s preference was for the latter, along with Alclad II products where possible. With a subject of this size, tonal variation of all surfaces should be considered, whether this is to include different shades of aluminium for the lower surfaces or various depictions of
Chipping and weathering effects were achieved by using the hairspray method (see panel) to reveal the under surface colour. Various shades of self-mixed Olive Drab added tonal variety to the upper surface.
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Olive Drab on top. The model would also have a weathered look and the preparation of this needed to be considered from the outset of painting. Once the surfaces had been prepared and rubbed back, the fuselage and wings were coated with three light layers of Alclad II Black Primer, each being allowed to dry properly in between. Alclad Aluminium, Dark Aluminium and Airframe Aluminium were all used to give the natural metal finish the important tonal variation, to represent replacement panels and differing elements of shade as the eye would see on the real airframe. Aluminium was also applied to the upper surface in preparation for the next phase. Olive Drab was applied to the upper surfaces and the demarcation with the aluminium was set with rolled lengths of BluTack, with the paint sprayed at a 90 degree angle to create a soft line. Further tonal variation of the
Olive Drab was created by using lighter shades of the base colour with a few drops of white paint, while darker areas were rendered with hints of black added to the base colour. Next, the fuel caps were picked out with red and left to dry and all parts were eventually coated with three layers of Alclad Aqua Gloss to accept the decals.
Decal application After the gloss varnish was applied, the final markings of ‘Briefing Time’ were added. Once positioned, Mr. Hobby setting solution was applied over the decals, which forced them into panel lines to create a paintedon effect. Once dried, the decals and airframe were sealed with a 50-50 mixture of Xtracrylix Flat and Satin Varnish. The model was then left do dry for 24 hours to ensure everything had fully cured. The wings were attached to the fuselage with slow-drying epoxy
If left unglued, the engine cowling covers could be removed to show the highly-detailed R-2600 engines.
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BATTLE AND BUILD B-25J MITCHELL
Here’s the completed and very busy bomb bay. Detail on the door inners was excellent.
The model could be posed either with or without the upper turret as being included. Overall, the shape of this did look a little odd when compared with reference photos.
glue to create a strong and lasting bond. Control surfaces were also added, with the ailerons and flaps being posed in a rested position to give the model extra interest. Both wheel and bomb bay doors were added at this point, along with the access ladder for the crew. Internal sections were painted either Interior Green or Alcad II Aluminium. Propellers were then added to the engines after they received decals on the blades, then varnish. Final weathering was then carried out; the real aircraft of the 340th BG often operated from rough airfield strips and to match the considerable weathering on the wings and engine cowls, each wheel was given a liberal application of MIG Productions’ P028 Europe Dust, with the excess being removed to give a worn look on the tyres. Over-wing exhaust stains were duly added and comprised 75 per cent thinned Gunze H51 Light Grey as a base coat, followed by
Alclad II Jet Exhaust and Burnt Iron lightly applied over the top to offer darker oil marks. This was reciprocated on the underside of the engines. Pastel application marked the final act of weathering and these were used on the upper fuselage and wing section to offer more gentle tonal variation.
Terrific twin The first offering from HK Models was impressive, although the model had a few areas where accuracy could be questioned, such as the shape of the upper turret and the propeller blades… but regardless it was a great effort. The lack of stencils and a decent decal sheet were slightly disappointing, but there are after-market options available to cater for these shortcomings. The model has many plus points, though, which must not be forgotten. For those bomber fans with plenty of space, HK's next ❚ offering will be a 1/32 B-17!
Kits World after-market decals were added to the tail fins and conformed well to the detailed surfaces.
The impressive Kits World nose art was secured with Mr. Hobby setting solution, while weathering was applied to the propellers, using the hairspray method and silver pencil.
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ON THE ROAD SALISBURY MODEL SHOW 2013
A star amongst the armoured vehicles at Salisbury was this nicely detailed 1/48 scale sWS armoured half-track with 15cm Panzerwerfer 42 armament, made from the French Gaso.line kit.
A view of just a part of the large sports hall used for the popular and very successful Salisbury model show during the 2013 event. (All Malcolm V. Lowe)
Displayed at Salisbury on the stand of the French Air Forces Special Interest Group was this French Navy 1/48 scale Heller Dassault Super Etendard, in centenary markings from Syhart Decal.
ow acknowledged as one of the largest events of its kind in the south of England, the annual model show staged by IPMS Salisbury in Wiltshire continues to go from strength to strength. Known as the Salisbury Model Show, it is held each year in the large sports hall of the Wyvern College in Laverstock, which is situated just outside Salisbury. This year’s exhibition took place on June 1, and as usual it included a significant number of participants from all over southern and south-western England. Exhibitors and traders in
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fact came from as far afield as South Wales and the Midlands. The completely full car park outside the venue was proof that this year’s
Shown at Salisbury complete with decals from Kits-World, this P-51D Mustang was made from the recent Airfix 1/72 scale kit.
event successfully attracted a large number of visiting members of the public, preliminary figures showing the total to be higher than
Amongst the many dioramas displayed at the Salisbury show was this modern scene which included scratch-built figures together with a 1/72 scale Zlin Z-42M from the Hobby Boss kit.
last year’s impressive turnout. This was also proven by the many purchases being made at the show, with most traders expressing satisfaction with the day’s takings. Well known for being a friendly event, the Salisbury show also features a large multi-class competition each year which is staged in a separate downstairs contest area. This year’s competition was especially busy, with the diorama class in particular having a very large number of entries. For more information about IPMS Salisbury and the club’s annual model show visit www.salisburymodelshow.co.uk ❚ Malcolm V. Lowe
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
’S R E L L E F N E K C O R
T E K C O R
Ian Grainger upgrades Revell’s re-boxed Audi A4 DTM racer
D
eutschen Tourenwagen Masters or DTM really is the ultimate ‘tin top’ racing series. These 450 horsepower V8 monsters must be experienced first-hand as they hurtle at breakneck speeds, spitting flame from their exhausts and sounding
Oven cleaner was used carefully to remove the chrome-plated finish from the plastic wheels and exhausts.
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like untamed beasts. Their pedigree has more in common with Formula 1 than the road machinery on which they are so loosely based. Maybe this is their draw to both crowds and drivers, who include numerous past stars from F1 and current third/test drivers aiming to secure their
competitive fix. The 2010 DTM champion and Scotsman, Paul Di Resta, is now a F1 racer for Force India. A big draw for British fans may also be that several of the drivers in recent seasons hail from Blighty, with Gary Paffett, Jamie Green, David Coulthard plus the very capable female
Moulded electrical cut-off switches at the front of the windscreen were replaced with photo-etched metal items.
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
The rear aero device received modification which called for the removal of the kit’s supporting struts.
Susie Wolff (nee. Stoddart). In previous seasons, manufacturers have included BMW, Alfa-Romeo and Opel, but in recent years two protagonists have been left to slug it out for glory; Mercedes and Audi. In 2008 and 2009, Audi was dominant as Timo Scheider took back-to-back titles. For 2010, the balance of power shifted to Mercedes and the aforementioned Di Resta, before returning to Audi for
2011. The driver’s title went to Audi’s Martin Tomczyk and the constructor’s to team ABT Sportsline, with help from Mike Rockenfeller (the subject of this feature). The future of the sport has never looked better with a new tyre supplier in Hankook since 2011 and, new specification cars in 2012 with the return of BMW which, incidentally, went on to win the crown.
MODEL SPEC
Photo-etched metal aerodynamic vanes were employed on the front wings after the original parts had been removed.
AUDI A4 DTM 2011 “MIKE ROCKENFELLER” By:
Revell
Stock Code: 07086 Scale:
1/24
Price:
£19.99
Available from: Revell, www.revell.eu
Detail was applied to the chassis’ rear above the ‘wheel arches’ in line with the KA-Models instructions.
Moulded switches were sanded off and holes drilled to accept metal toggle switches for the interior console. A track map is usually fixed to the central boss on the steering wheel so the plastic was removed to make space. Large chunks of plastic had to be cut from the front radiator parts so the photoetched metal replacements could be folded and fitted. Holes for the original front splitter vane supports were filled and replacement metal supports bent and fixed. The white ‘bloom’ on the metal parts was caused by cyanoacrylate adhesive fumes.
Post-haste Re-released by Revell in 2012, with a new set of markings for 2011 Team ABT driver Mike Rockenfeller in a striking yellow Deutsche Post livery, the kit was identical to that originally released in 2010. Six main runner sections with 126 injectionmoulded parts were provided; two in soft white styrene, plus the body components, two in light grey, and another in clear for the headlamp parts and glazing. The final runner was a chrome-plated affair. These were welcome generally, but only for items such as emblems, mirror faces and lamp inserts, The prominent front grille was supplied as an inaccurate solid part. Careful drilling, scoring and sanding to remove the centre section allowed realistic replacement.
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
The aero vanes were moulded too heavily for this scale. They had to be removed, filled and sanded to accept replacements.
Replacement of the rear aerodynamic package for the wheel arches proved to be time-consuming, but worth the effort.
For the wheels, Humbrol Metal Cote 27002 Polished Aluminium provided a more realistic shade than the original chrome plating. Many modellers would have used Alclad, but this range of Humbrol paints is excellent and should not be overlooked.
whereas the wheels and exhausts looked overdone with this finish. Four realistic rubber tyres and a set of lovely decals completed the package in the usual openended box.
First things first
Vallejo’s acrylic-polyurethane Grey Primer was airbrushed onto the upgraded components. After sanding, they looked worse for wear before application of the next coat.
Having previously built the original 2010 release in 2009 Timo Scheider guise straight from the box, the author decided to add additional details with an upgrade set, while retaining the use of the kit-supplied colour scheme. KA Models produces an excellent detail set (KE-24051) designed specifically for the Revell kit. Photo-etched (PE) metal replacement parts included those for all of the exterior aerodynamic sections of the A4 DTM, plus a large mesh grille and radiator details for the front. Interior detail could be further enhanced with completely new display consoles, pedals and steering wheel items. All of the above required a degree of careful surgery to the kit parts and was not suitable for an inexperienced
modeller. This builder had to purchase a second kit because of a momentary lapse of reason during the operation. The extra effort was well worth it, though. Several of the remaining parts benefited from special treatment prior to construction. As stated earlier, the chrome finish of the wheels and exhaust parts was too bright to represent the real thing accurately. Inserts for the front and rear lights were excellent in this finish, however. Wheels and exhausts could have been over-sprayed with primer, and repainted, but a more trusted method was to very carefully remove the plating by coating with spray foam oven cleaner, after sealing in a bag for a few hours and rinsing with clean running water. This operation had to be accomplished with extreme care, following all of the manufacturer’s hazard information and wearing personal protective equipment as necessary. Humbrol Metalcote 27002 Polished Aluminium was applied to the wheels to gain a more realistic, acceptable finish.
With the ‘silver’ areas of the roof masked, the gloss body colour of Tamiya X-8 Lemon Yellow was applied in several thin airbrushed coats.
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
Shades of grey The real A4 DTM is fashioned from copious amounts of carbon fibre. On a model in this scale, the use of carbon fibre-decal sheet adds a realistic touch to certain more visible areas. These included some of the aerodynamic vanes around the rear, the upright sides of the under-tray, the base of
the windscreen and the top of the dashboard cowling. Some template carbon decal was already supplied in the kit for the rear wing and around the fuel filler. This became a timeconsuming job; making templates from masking tape, applying decal softener and gently heating with a hair dryer, but the finished results were rewarding.
The whole of the interior and chassis are made of carbon composites on the real car, and could in fact benefit from decals if time was not an issue, plus if one’s sanity could hold together! An alternative method was employed, (see separate panel) whereby the main components received a basecoat of satin black primer. Metallic shades of grey/
gunmetal and gold were misted via airbrush from a distance, with specific items sprayed through fine vinyl mesh from the spares box. A top coat of Tamiya X-19 Smoke sealed the finish and muted the colours, to create a convincing composite effect on these larger areas. The remaining detail parts of the interior (not upgraded by KA
The front grille had to be base-coated in Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black before the surround could be handbrushed with Humbrol Metal Cote 27002 Polished Aluminium… and then polished with a soft cloth once it had dried. To save tricky masking of the delicate components, Citadel Chaos Black was handbrushed in several thin coats on certain areas of the body. This paint has been designed for figures and does not leave streaks if correctly employed. Additional body components such as the rear wing, bonnet and wheel arches received coats of Tamiya X-8 Lemon Yellow to match the body shade.
Carbon-fibre decal and logos for the fuel filler were already supplied in the kit, but the filler cap rings came from the KA-Models set. With the chrome plating removed from the exhausts, Metal Cote Polished Aluminium was used as the base colour; heat bloom effect was simulated by Burnt Blue and Burnt Red from Tamiya Weathering Master Set D.
Brake faces received further paint and decoration to enhance them, via various metallic shades and washes.
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
The completed interior co*ckpit/bathtub with its superb detail, made a neat model all on its own.
0.5mm toggle switches from Tuner Model Factory were fitted to the multifunction centre console; all wiring and other surrounding detail was box stock.
A replacement display was fitted to the driver's central steering column and this ooked great when covered by the spraycarbon effect.
Models’ set) were simply painted and constructed as per the instructions, including the superb driver’s seat, which really does not ‘need’ to have after market belts and hardware replacements. The seat came with pre-moulded belts and buckles; once the decals were applied the result was good enough considering the limited opportunity to view this area on the completed model. There were certain challenges encountered during the build which had nothing to do with the addition of the PE parts. Decals were generally superb but, oddly, rather than splitting some of the main side striping markings at the panel joins, some of these required the parts to be fixed together,
applied and then cut carefully during application…tricky and unnecessary. Construction for the front suspension components did not readily lend itself to allow the front wheels to turn, so these were fixed in place with a suitable heel/toe for their alignment. The final fit of the body to the chassis was poor in certain areas, particularly at the rear end, which required the use of thin cyanoacrylate adhesive to achieve the final positioning without a prominent 2mm gap; the same problem occurred at the front with the bonnet join to the front splitter. Unsurprising really, when one considers the complexity of the body components in comparison to a more standard automotive kit.
The modified steering wheel and console looked most effective in this scale.
Templates were cut with the photoetched metal fret, so carbon-fibre decal sheet from Hobby Design could be used on the rear aero vanes.
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
SPRAYING CARBON EFFECTS
Tyre sponsor logos for 2011 and beyond were those of Hankook. Construction of the wheels was followed carefully according to the instructions, so that the correct wheel was fitted to the corresponding corner. Rather than employing the time consuming method of cutting templates for carbon-fibre decals (cost not withstanding) it was decided to use a spray method to simulate composite areas. For some larger components it became a simple matter of over-spraying the black base colour with Tamiya X-10 Gunmetal and XF-56 Metallic Grey.
The completed lower floor pan, showing the richness of detail provided in the kit.
For a more pronounced and defined effect, plastic mesh was held close to the parts and airbrushed over in small bursts, until the desired result had been achieved. Tamiya X-12 Gold gave another variation. All parts were then coated with Tamiya X-19 Smoke to tone down the finish. The interior tub fitted easily to the floor section, but it would be advisable to test-fit this part and fettle the plastic beforehand as required. This proved a problem area when the author built the 2009 car.
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REVIEW BUILD AUDI A4 DTM 2011
The yellow areas of the front splitter were masked so that the spray-carbon effect could be exploited on the black basecoat of the radiator and elsewhere.
The rear wing benefited greatly from replacement metal supports and carbonfibre decals.
The bonnet and body required test-fitting during the decal process for two reasons. Firstly, to ensure the locating pins moved freely within the painted holes and, secondly, so that the ill-conceived outer red side stripe decal could be aligned correctly and cut!
With the main decals applied to the body, a 0.2mm Pentel Pigment liner served to accentuate the panel lines of the body and bonnet.
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The backing plate for the kit-supplied, chrome-plated Audi rings for the front grille required carbon decals for accuracy.
Towing eyes were moulded on the front and rear of the floor pan. Removed during the preparation stages, metal alternatives were eventually fitted.
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Prior to fitting the body, an Audi logo from the upgrade set was placed on the interior driver’s door to match the real car.
Decals for the main glass were applied once the interior faces had been carefully edged with Citadel Chaos Black. Note that the stripes of the German flags were out of register, so had to be replaced.
Thumbs-up to Revell As a re-boxing of the 2009 models (Timo Scheider and Tom Kristensen schemes), the kit has been available for a few years and several after-market decal sheets are available; they include one from Shunko Models for the 2010 Tabac Original (aftershave) car of Oliver Jarvis, in a striking burgundy livery. Several other 2010 and 2011 race liveries have been released by Shunko Models, plus a Red Bull ‘uniform’ from Reji Model, but beware…some require a 2008 specification car and its associated bodywork modifications. With all-new cars from 2012, including the BMW M3 DTM, Audi A5 DTM and Mercedes AMG C-Coupe, we hope that Revell will produce brand new kits of the current specification racers to the same excellent standard. The basic kit is a gem and an essential purchase for fans of the series with, or without, the modifications made during this feature. DTM translates in English as German Touringcar Championship and this particular German manufacturer certainly has a champion product ❚ on its hands with this one!
Headlamp inserts required painting in a dark grey/black mix of Citadel Colours, to leave the LED and patterned raised details exposed in chrome plate. With the front splitter and engine cover fitted, none of that lovely detail could be seen. It would be inadvisable to remove it for display, if acceptable fit of the bonnet and grille were to be maintained.
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
Garry Tobiss mixes maritime and military with the Hobbyboss Land-Wasser-Schlepper (LWS)
Here are front and rear views of the bogies plus the individual components.
This shows the rudders, propellers and the scratch-built bar which supported them.
The air intake showing the large missing piece; a scratch-built deck for the observation post is also shown. More scrap material plundered from the spares box was used to enhance the air intake pillar.
Demonstrating the variation in modifications on the LWS, the example used in this build had an ‘early’ type suspension as shown by the semi-elliptical bogie springs and three return rollers, but ‘late’ tracks and drive sprockets.
Photo-etched metal detail was added to the seats’ rear. The angle of one of the chairs is deliberately different for effect.
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Two of the modified chairs (with PE fret sections from the spares box) plus one built out of the box.
eference material for this rather strange but impressive-looking amphibious vehicle is rather sparse. The recent Histoire & Collections book ‘German Pioneer Equipments and Vehicles’ seeks to remedy this, though, with an in-depth examination of the characteristics and history of the LWS. The type was proposed in 1935 as a design intended for river crossings and beach landings, with the ability to transport up to 20 troops internally in cramped conditions, but with potentially more outside. Cargo capacity was limited but partly remedied by the use of amphibious trailers. With a weight of just below 15 tonnes the LWS could travel at up to 25mph (40km/h) on land and just over 7mph (12km/h) in water. Trials showed that its lack of armour and very high profile made the LWS unsuitable for use in combat, but the type had some success in the pioneer role, as a tug and for landing supplies. None of the surviving photographs known to date show any armament. The
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
Much detail could be added based on photos in H&C’s book. The two missing switches, extra box on the port side, scratch-built pedals and electrical wiring are all visible here.
There were two virtually identical options in the Hobbyboss kit. Both stated simply ‘North Africa’ for the theatre, with a dark yellow colour for the entire vehicle. The only difference was that one example had the number ‘32’ on the cabin, while the other sported a large and crudely-applied ‘234’ on the hull. The latter was apparently added by the British. There was no photographic evidence for the ‘32’ vehicle in the reference material.
MODEL SPEC
This starboard side view shows scratch-built holders for the masts which would have been deployed in the ‘at sea’ configuration. The poles were from the spares box and started life as Tiger I suspension bars! Note the two holes filled on the panel.
GERMAN LAND-WASSERSCHLEPPER (LWS) By:
Hobby Boss
Stock Code: 82430 Scale:
1/35
Price:
£29.99
Available from: Creative Models, www.creativemodels.co.uk
first operational deployment was supposed to be in ‘Operation Sealion’, the invasion of Great Britain. When this was cancelled the LWS eventually served on the Eastern Front, the Balkans and in North Africa. Records on the actual number of vehicles produced are imprecise, but the figure is thought to range from 12-16... possibly restricted because the design did not perform as well as anticipated. This small production run had an unusually high number of modifications to both cabins and running gear of the individual vehicles. Certain models were also upgraded during service,
which has resulted in a confusing history for researchers. The vehicle represented by this build, ‘234’, was captured and tested by the British – who were not particularly impressed by its capabilities. Most of the detailed photographs in the book appear to be of LWS 234.
All ahead full In the box there were three grey runners and one clear, some
twine and two photo-etched metal (PE) parts, as well as a hull piece which measured close to 24cm… plus parts for the deck and cabin superstructure. Moulding detail was generally of good quality but many components suffered from prominent ejector pin marks which needed filling. There were also pre-cut painting masks for the clear parts. One significant issue with the kit was the lack
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
The large box was moved to the starboard wall and a scratch-built lever added. A step/seat was also created in favour of the original box, while the two components at the top of the view were added to the floor. It appeared that one of these could have been a pedal control for the winch.
Washes and highlighting were applied to the cabin floor. The kit’s rendering of this area was somewhat simplified, with the real thing being made up of various access panels and recessed hand holds.
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of a mooring bumper, so an aftermarket resin casting from Lion Roar was used. The tracks on the LWS were highly visible so the vinyl versions supplied were replaced with Friulmodel metal tracks for better detail. The first task was to assemble the bogies and wheels. Most mouldings showed many seams and ejector pin marks so it took time to neaten them. Most of the fit between parts seemed somewhat loose and the structure felt a little flimsy when compared to other kits but not too seriously so. An attempt to fit the rudder bar revealed that the part was too short so a piece of styrene was used to make a new bar. Work then started on the cabin and the reference photos from the book, which included rare internal shots of the LWS, provided plenty of opportunity for raiding the spares box to scratchbuild extra detail. Fuse wire was employed to replicate various missing cables to the dashboard,
while lengths of PE fret were used to add bars and switches. Seats provided in the kit were very basic so these were altered to match photos of the real items. The aft entrance to the cabin was via a partially-enclosed section but the detail in the kit did not match the photos, so various corrections were made with spare sections of runner. The air intake was formed by a large pillar which ran through the centre of the cabin. For some reason the kit parts for this area left a large gap when joined, so this had to be rectified with a piece of plastic card. The pillar was then enhanced with scraps of plastic, spare PE and more fuse wire. There was a small platform at the top of the air intake which was used as a lookout on the ‘Mid’ and ‘Late’ versions of the LWS, but the kit provided no decking. This was rectified by constructing a deck from pieces of scrap wood left over from a model ship build. Recycled coffee stirring sticks could have been used for the same purpose. The vent had a shield that extended upwards to protect crew members who occupied the lookout position. This was
A view of the cabin roof after the same treatment; note that this piece suffered from numerous ejector pin marks but these were ignored because they would not be visible on the completed model.
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
Metal tracks add realism because they are constructed in the same way as the real thing, with links and pins, and they have the weight to sag correctly. Building the tracks could have been tedious, so it was advantageous to use a system where they could be assembled as quickly and consistently as possible. Shown here are the required tools.
Note that the tracks were supplied in two separate bags with replacement sprocket wheels. The links should not be mixed, as one bag is for the left and one for the right track. Each track link had an open and closed side.
A 1.2mm drill bit was then marked to the same length. The larger bit was used to drill a hole in a scrap piece of wood to the depth marked. The block shown had several other holes that were used in previous builds.
The wire was placed in the hole to the full depth and then snipped flush with the wood. This was repeated three to four times then the ‘pins’ were shaken out. If too many were cut at once there was a risk that they would jam in the hole. The process was repeated to create a small collection of pins.
Tracks were held in position and one of the pins was placed in the hole and pushed through with tweezers. One advantage of this method is that all the pins are the correct length, so it was obvious when they were at the right depth to engage all of the holes in the track. If a pin bent it had to be removed.
There were roughly 145 links per side for the LWS and each track took around two hours to build. This sounds daunting but the tracks were assembled over several sessions, interspersed with other parts of the project. The last step was to seal the pins in place with cyanoacrylate glue.
Two of the track links were placed together to line up the holes, and then the 0.4mm drill was used to clear a path through to the length marked on the drill bit. This was important because the wire was too pliable to force through, so the likely outcome would be bent wire which did not fully engaged the tracks.
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
Here is the fully assembled crew area with its modified seats…the two sets of large levers were used to control the propellers and the tracks. A radio operator would have sat in the starboard seat.
The interior part of the winch mechanism. Twine from the spares box was employed because the kit did not supply a particularly long piece.
Here’s a close up of the various modifications made to this area. The small hole at the back was used to accommodate the mast in sea-going configuration.
Pre-shading was applied to the superstructure. The numbers on the kit-supplied masks used for the windows are just visible. These adhered extremely well and the fact that they were pre-cut helped greatly.
missing, so it was added with plastic card. The kit supplied a ring for the top of the vent but in the actual vehicle this was split across different levels, so modifications were made accordingly. There was also a T-shaped feature in the vent so this was also created. The final change to this area was the
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addition of two boxes made by recycling unused parts from the kit.
Interior decorating The cabin had to be painted so that it could be closed ready to complete the rest of the model. Photos suggested an off-white colour so Tamiya Deck Tan XF-55
was chosen as an approximation. The first task was to apply a coat of Vallejo White Surface Primer 74600 with an airbrush. An acrylic black pre-shade was then sprayed along the panel lines of both the floor and the roof and then Deck Tan was sprayed in a thin coat, to allow the pre-shading to show through. There was a close-up shot of the dashboard in the H&C book so this was used as a guide to pick out details of the dials and switches. Vallejo 865 Oily Steel was used for the cables plus white, red and black for the dials. Scuffs and scratches
were then applied to the whole interior with acrylic black paint on a small piece of sponge. A wash of Burnt Umber was then added to provide tonal variation and to highlight detail; the air intake pillar and the interior part of the winch received the same treatment. A piece of string was wound around the latter to complete the feature. Final highlighting was done with a graphite stick to pick out the raised pattern on the cabin floor. The entry area to the cabin also had to be painted with the external scheme. Research into the camouflage used by German
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
Another advantage of using metal tracks was that they could be chemically weathered to create a realistic look. In actual vehicles, the movement of the track links will leave bare metal in some areas and heavily weathered sections in others, so the objective was to reproduce this effect on the model.
The pre-shading provided subtle contrast through the Lifecolor Gelbbraun. The difference between the plastic drive sprocket on the left and the metal replacement provided with Friulmodel’s tracks. Detail on the latter was far superior.
forces in North Africa led to the choice of Lifecolor Gelbbraun UA 203, so this was applied and then weathered with the same technique as the interior.
Deck detail Windows were fitted with Canopy Glue and the cabin was then joined to the superstructure. The interiors of the three lights were painted with Gunze Mr. Metal Color Chrome Silver 211 to represent the reflectors, before the clear lenses were added with Canopy Glue. There were two PE metal grilles which dropped easily into recesses on the rear deck. These were also secured with Canopy Glue. Little is known about LWS 234; even the number may not have been its true designation, so inspiration from various photos in the book was used to create a busy rear deck area. Tamiya jerry cans, together with a bucket, starter handle and pieces of rope from the spares box were all added. Securing the
Prior to weathering the bare metal tracks looked shiny and very unrealistic.
bumper posed a small challenge because there were limited contact points between the pieces and the superstructure. A series of holes were drilled where the ropes would have been attached and a piece of string coated with Canopy Glue poked through. Once set, the sections were tied to the model and fixed with the same adhesive.
Step one was to immerse the tracks in AK Interactive's Metal Burnishing solution. This produced the basic weathering shown here.
Painting the Beast This was a large model and the potential colour schemes are very limited because of the version of the LWS represented by the kit. The challenge was, therefore, to come up with an interesting finish when only one basic colour was used on the actual
Step two was to make slurry from MIG Pigments’ Gulf War Sand and Pigment Fixer and then dab the mixture onto the tracks. Light sanding on parts of the tracks which would show wear exposed the bare metal.
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
AK Interactive Metal Burnishing Solution Heavy Chipping Fluid www.creativemodels.co.uk Friulmodel Land-Wasser-Schlepper (late production) track ATL-104 www.friulmodel.hu Lion Roar Resin Anti-Bumping Bar LE 35108 www.creativemodels.co.uk Tamiya Jerry Can Set HC35026 Deck Tan XF-55 6mm masking tape www.hobbyco.net Games Workshop Mithril Silver 61-55 Humbrol Liquid Poly cement Lifecolor Black FS 37038 Gelbbraun UA 203 Interior Green FS 34151 Panzer Grey UA 207 Rust Base UA702 www.airbrushes.com Microscale Micro Set
MIG Productions Pigments Pigment Fixer Ashes White Black Smoke Dark Rust Gulf War Sand Light Rust Standard Rust MIG Productions Oil and Grease Stain www.creativemodels.co.uk Gunze Mr. Dissolved Putty Mr. Metal Color Brass 219 Mr. Metal Color Chrome Silver 211 Mr. Metal Color Iron 212 Mr. White Putty www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk Vallejo German Camouflage Beige WWII 821 Matte Varnish Oily Steel 865 Red 70947 White 70951 White Surface Primer 74600 www.creativemodels.co.uk Winsor & Newton Artists Oil Colour 076 Burnt Umber 331 Ivory Black 644 Titanium White Weston UK Canopy Glue www.westonuk.co.uk Cyanoacrylate glue German Pioneer Equipments and Vehicles by Rodolphe Roussille (Histoire and Collections), ISBN: 978-2-35250-160-2 http://livres.histoireetcollections.com
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A base coat of Mr. Color Brass 219 was added to the propellers. The actual material used to form the real props was unknown.
The props were weathered with a light coat of Lifecolor Interior Green FS 34151 to replicate oxidisation.
There was an opportunity to try out AK Interactive’s Heavy Chipping solution in the area where turbulence from the propellers would have scoured off the paint. Layers of Lifecolor Rust, Panzer Grey and AK Interactive Heavy Chipping Solution were airbushed in alternate layers then moistened and gently scraped off with a paintbrush.
vehicle. The original intent was to experiment with heavy chipping and weathering but the pictures of ‘234’ appeared to show that the finish was not heavily distressed. Work started by priming of the superstructure with Vallejo White Primer, followed by a pre-shade of Lifecolor Panzer Grey UA 207, with varying levels of intensity to try to replicate the shading shown in the pictures. A thin coat of Gelbbraun was then applied. This gave the basic look which would subsequently be enhanced by the weathering. The process started with the winch, which was initially left off the model so that
it could be painted and weathered separately; the idea being that the mechanics of this area would probably have created much wear and tear distinct from the rest of the deck. Two drums and side rollers received Mr. Metal Color Iron 212 and were polished to a high sheen. MIG Pigments’ Dark Rust and Standard Rust were then worked into the grooves. A wash of Burnt Umber was added to the rest of the structure and then MIG Pigments’ Dark Rust, Standard Rust and Gulf War Sand were applied and blended with the sane firm’s Pigment Fixer. The result was that the pigments formed
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MILITARY BUILD LAND-WASSER-SCHLEPPER (LWS)
a crusty layer with tonal and textural variation. Weathering of the superstructure began with the creation of scratches with acrylic black paint, followed by Dark Rust applied with a scrap piece of sponge. A Burnt Umber wash was added to accentuate the details. Lion Roar’s resin bumper was airbrushed with Vallejo German
A coat of Mr. Color Iron was used to base-coat the anchor, and then MIG Pigments’ Old Rust, Standard Rust, Light Rust, Ashes White and Black Smoke ensured a truly rusty look. These were stabilised with pigment fixer.
Camouflage Beige WWII 821 and then a grey wash was added. It was unclear which markings were rendered by the British so only the crosses were used.
Worth the voyage? The kit had frustrating faults such abundant ejector pin marks and annoying seams, all
of which took time to fix. In its favour there was good surface detail, and the engineering allowed a straightforward build out of the box, which resulted in an impressive-looking finished product. All of the scratch-building was very absorbing, although much of it was in the cabin and could only be seen by peering
through the hatches. Kits of the vehicle from other manufacturers do have some, but not all, of this extra detail but also come with a much higher price tag. Histoire & Collections' book was invaluable as a source of inspiration and was full of excellent photographs and text…the perfect companion for ❚ representation of the LWS.
The completed exterior winch mechanism: In theory this would have been a working area with plenty of movement and seawater to distress all surfaces, hence the weathered look. The part then had to be integrated by adding pigments plus a few spots of MIG Productions’ Grime and Grease Stain. Gulf War Sand pigment was used to give the deck a scruffy appearance.
Photos of the LWS showed pioneer equipment added to the roof, but these tools were not provided in the kit so were scavenged from the spares box. Locking mechanisms on the large hatches were scratch built – the circular parts were the tops from milk churns scrounged from an old kit.
The components of the Lion Roar resin bumper, seen prior to painting and application of wash.
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IN FOCUS LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
The most famous aircraft in RAF history?...Lancaster ED932/AJ-G was the aircraft of raid leader Wg Cdr Guy Gibson. The 24-year-old survived the raid and was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership and bravery that night. (Air Historical Branch)
Dambuster Details O Not all of the Operation Chastise Lancasters were identical, as Tom Allett explains
A moment in history; Guy Gibson’s crew members are captured by the cameraman immediately before boarding their aircraft for Operation Chastise. (Air Historical Branch)
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f the 7,377 Avro Lancasters built, just 23 B.IIIs were converted to carry the rotating Upkeep mines used on Operation Chastise, the legendary Dams Raid of May 16/17, 1943. Officially designated Type 464 (Provisioning) aircraft, only 19 of the 23 converted Lancasters actually took part in the raid and eight failed to return. To enable them to carry and deliver their unique 9,250lb (4,195kg) ‘bouncing bombs’ their mid-upper gun turret was removed to save weight and their bomb doors were taken away to accommodate the weapon between two v-shaped callipers mounted either side of the fuselage. The mines were rotated by linking them to a chain driven by a hydraulic motor which, on standard Lancasters, would have powered
the mid-upper turret. Flight tests had revealed that the mines needed to be dropped from just 60ft (18.2m); a height impossible to judge accurately at night with an altimeter. A method of determining the bomber’s altitude was devised by attaching two modified Aldis spot-lamps, mounted underneath the aircraft at an angle to make their respective beams of light merge into a figure of eight on the surface of the water when the Lancaster descended to 60ft. The front lamp was fitted underneath the nose, in the location normally occupied by the bomb-aimer’s camera, while the other was located centrally on the sloping fairing behind the Upkeep mine. Both lamps were aimed to shine to the right-hand side of the aircraft, which enabled the navigator to see their beams
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IN FOCUS LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
ED817 was the second prototype Type 464 (Provisioning) Lancaster. It did not take part in Operation Chastise but was used for Upkeep trials while carrying the identities AJ-C and later AJ-X. It survived the war, only to be scrapped in September 1946.
of light as he looked out of the Perspex blister on the starboard (right-hand) side of the co*ckpit. However, one of the 19 Lancasters that took part in the raid was not fitted with the Aldis Lamps. ED923 AJ-Q ‘Queenie’ was the usual mount of American pilot Flt Lt Joe McCarthy and crew. But as its Merlins burst into life upon startup, one developed a coolant leak and had to be shut down. McCarthy and crew dashed to the only spare aircraft available, ED825/G, AJ-T ‘Tommy’ which, having been used for trials at Boscombe Down, had only been ferried to Scampton just a few hours earlier. Until that point it had only participated in daytime practice sorties; there hadn’t been any need for it to carry the Aldis lights for daylight flights. It was also the only aircraft not equipped with a VHF radio set. The lastminute unplanned aircraft change meant McCarthy’s crew
Oops!... ED909 – or at least its Upkeep mine – is believed to have had a unique feature. After the weapon was loaded at Scampton it was accidentally released. It fell to the floor causing everyone nearby to run
had no option but to attack the Sorpe Dam without the help of the high-fixing lamps carried by all the other Lancasters. Nevertheless, McCarthy’s crew successfully dropped its Upkeep to explode on the ‘wet’ side of the Sorpe Dam wall. It was not breached, but a fantastic piece of airmanship had at least put the mine in the intended place. Another item believed to be unique to T ‘Tommy’ was its serial number. Originally, all Chastise Lancasters had a ‘/G’ suffix (such as ED825/G) added at the end of their serial numbers to denote they were carrying secret equipment and needed to be guarded at all times when on the ground. On the day of the raid itself the /G letters on the original 19 aircraft were painted out. However, with ED825/G having only just arrived at Scampton on that afternoon, ‘Tommy’ is likely to have carried its ‘G’ suffix on the raid. We will never know for sure!
The attack sequence was altered on at least one occasion, but this copy of the final order to execute Operation Chastise lists the priority targets as ‘X’ ‘Y’ and ‘Z’: the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams.
Finally, a third item which is often disputed about Dambuster Lancasters is the type’s ventral turret. Early drawings for the Type 464 (Provisioning) aircraft included a remotely-operated twin-gun turret underneath the fuselage. Trials of the ventral turret ultimately proved unsatisfactory but, its usefulness on a lowlevel operation would seem very limited anyway. Although ED825/G survived the Dams
Raid, it was lost on a later operation. Its crash site was recently excavated and the mounting ring used to hold the ventral guns in place was discovered. This led to speculation that the two .303 Browning machine guns it was originally designed to carry were retained during Operation Chastise, but most historians agree this was very unlikely. Again, with the passage of time ❚ this cannot be proved.
‘Micky’ Martin’s crew returned safely after a low-level trip of 2 hours and 55 minutes. (Pete West 2013) for their lives. They need not have worried as it wasn’t armed but, under the circ*mstances, who could blame them for running! Calm was restored and the weapon was winched back into position and painted black to match the underside of the Lancaster. All the other Upkeep mines used
that night are believed to have been painted dark green. ‘Micky’ Martin’s P ‘Popsie’ was the third aircraft to attack the Möhne Dam and, upon release, its Upkeep was seen to veer sharply left and explode well wide of its intended position. Did its mine go so far off target because of damage incurred
when it was dropped accidentally at Scampton, or was it simply because the Lancaster’s wings were not level at the moment of release? It has been a subject of debate ever since and will undoubtedly remain another of Operation Chastise’s unanswered questions.
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This Lancaster B.III (Special) was flown by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron. Gibson lead three Lancasters to attack and breach the Eder Dam. After the raid he was awarded the Victoria Cross in recognition not just of the raid, but his leadership and valour demonstrated as Master Bomber on many previous sorties.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
DELECTABLE DAMBUSTER
O
n the evening of May 16 1943, 19 crews from the RAF’s 617 Squadron took off on a mission which flew them firmly into the history books; the now legendary Operation Chastise. Specially-modified Lancaster bombers were flown on the sortie, and were known by Vickers as Type 464 and given the codename ‘Provisioning Lancaster’. Seventy years later the fame of these aircraft is out of all proportion to the 23 that were originally built. In kit terms there have been various Lancaster examples over the years (the last being Revell’s 1/72 product), but this new Airfix
Jennifer Wright makes a big splash with Airfix’s new-tool Lancaster B.III (Special)
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
MODEL SPEC
offering looks set to top them all. The parts displayed enviable detail and very crisp moulding; panel lines were recessed and not too heavy. Unlike the previous Airfix Lancaster, there was no rivet detail, raised or otherwise. The decal sheet included two options, both for Operation Chastise aircraft. One represented ED825/G, flown on the raid by Flt. Lt. McCarthy and his crew. This was a reserve aircraft, used because this crew’s main aircraft developed a fault which could not be fixed in time. Worthy of note here is that this aircraft was not fitted with the altimeter search lamps. Flt. Lt. McCarthy successfully attacked the Sorpe dam and returned safely to Scampton. The second option, used on this build, was for ED927 flown by Flt. Lt. Barlow and crew. This was actually the first aircraft to leave Scampton, but it never reached the target because it
The first job was to perform minor modifications to the combined bomb bay roof/co*ckpit floor. The four holes on the left should not be drilled all the way through, as they would then be visible through the canopy of the finished model.
The many interior sub-assemblies were painted in the basic colours of Interior Green and black. After the wing spars were glued to the bomb bay roof, the fuselage halves were used to ensure they remained at right angles while they dried. It was necessary to carefully trim mould seams from the slot apertures to avoid an overly-tight fit on the spars.
AVRO LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL) By:
Airfix
Stock Code: A09007 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£29.99
Available from: Airfix, www.airfix.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL) hit an electricity pylon near Rees. Sadly, the entire crew perished in the ensuing crash. After the raids, the squadron’s heraldry was officially approved by King George VI and it bore the highly appropriate motto ‘Aprè moi le Deluge’…After me, the Flood.
The devil’s in the detail This was a surprisingly in-depth build with a many parts, plentiful detail and intriguing construction sequences. Initial worry over the latter was unfounded because this was a well-fitting kit, as long as mould seams were attended to. One tiny nit-pick concerned the transparencies, as the frames were a little indistinct in some areas, which made masking difficult. That aside, it was truly an excellent kit which can be heartily recommended to modellers of all levels. The same mould is also available as a Gift Set, with eight acrylic Humbrol paints, two paint brushes and Poly Cement (A50138).
PREPARATION MAKES PERFECT
This new Airfix kit fitted together beautifully throughout, but only when the proper preparation was carried out. Many of the parts had mould seams and some were quite pronounced, which prevented a good fit. In almost all cases though, once those seams were trimmed or sanded the parts fitted with laser-like precision. The image here shows an obvious mould seam along the mounting flange of an outer nacelle. As innocuous as it may seem, this small disturbance in the level surface of the flange made the difference between the nacelle sitting proud of the wing surface, or it literally clicking into place perfectly.
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Finishing the interior was simply done with a wash and dry-brushing. The map, instrument panel and engineer’s panel decals were included by Airfix, but spare instrument decals were added to decorate the panels on the side walls. A flawless fuselage join was easily achieved, having used cyanoacrylate (CA) glue to join the parts. Some detail was inevitably lost in clean-up though, in this case the raised square panel on the spine.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
The lost square panel was replaced with aluminium roofer’s tape, guided by measurements taken previously. Painting of the wheel bay parts was done before the wings were added, as masking this area properly would have been near impossible. At the nose, the gun turret fairing was added after being thinned and a tiny amount of Mr. Surfacer was used to fair it in neatly. The mounting hole for the turret itself was enlarged to allow fitment of the turret after painting and, the nose aerial mounting hole was filled flush since it was planned to replace the aerials with thin plastic card.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
Airfix specified an unusual construction sequence for the wings, which was followed to the letter; if only to see if it would work! The answer was resoundingly positive, as the wing-to-fuselage joins needed just very minimal clean-up.
Interlocking tail planes made for a positive fit at the rear – too positive in fact as the tabs required much trimming and test-fitting to allow them to slide in easily. Once trimmed, the fit was excellent and it allowed final mating to be left until after painting.
Black pen on these nacelle components shows where mould seam lines and steps were trimmed from the nacelle parts, to allow a perfect fit. The completed nacelle to the right demonstrates the excellent mating eventually achieved. To complete the nacelles, various intakes were added. All of these were hollowed out or had their edges thinned to improve their appearance. The detailed bulkheads finished the inside of the nacelle beautifully.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES!
Yes, we’ve all been there…that gut-wrenching moment when one thinks everything is ruined. The kit canopy was damaged when some thinner-soaked tissue was inadvertently left on it, which created a melted and crazed area. After much pondering an attempt to fix it was made before alerting the editor! Firstly, the damage was sanded with a relatively coarse sanding board until no crazing could be seen. Satisfied that it had gone, lost frame lines were then restored at this point by scribing them with an Olfa scribing tool. After that, clarity was restored by sanding with ever-finer sanding boards and sponges until it sparkled like new again. A close shave indeed and it was reminder to keep the bench in a more orderly manner.
Although the fit of the inner nacelles to the wing was excellent, tiny gaps remained in places. These were dealt with by applying Mr. Surfacer and then using a cotton bud moistened with Mr. Color Thinner to remove the excess. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to do this, but will take a little longer. The main undercarriage units were fed through from the top, and then all the struts were added. Once glued this made a sturdy structure but still allowed the wheel to be fitted later.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
After the canopy was fitted it was masked with Bare Metal Foil. The side windows fitted well enough that they could be left off, which allowed access to remove any dust or paint particles. Small chunks of plastic card replaced the integrally-moulded leading edge wire cutters, purely because the moulded detail was lost during sanding. All the special parts for this version were fitted before painting, apart from the bomb itself. The spotlights were drilled out, ready to receive silver paint and Kristal Klear after painting. Finally the model was ready for paint, with the smaller parts Blu-Tacked to wooden spatulas. The lack of filler used is obvious in this shot.
The first part of the painting process was to add the Dark Earth. Gunze Sangyo H72 was used, and the pattern was sprayed roughly in place until a good level of colour coverage was achieved.
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Next, dark shading was added. This was done by adding a tiny amount of black paint to the Dark Earth mix, and then spraying along panel lines and areas of shadow. The beginnings of the exhaust stains were also added at this point.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
DAMBUSTERS’ HISTORY
The ideal opportunity to learn more about the famous Chastise raids, and 617 Squadron in general, lies in the Heritage Centre at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. The facility first opened in 1993 and since then has moved around several sites on the station; its current location is most fitting, in that it occupies the annexe of 617 Squadron’s former hangar at the time of the 1943 raids. Led by a serving RAF officer, the eleven-strong team of volunteers look after more than 1,500 items on display; these include a half-size trial Upkeep Mine (the famous bouncing bomb), models, documents, paintings and more. Even Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s office has been lovingly restored, and there are other exhibits which detail the squadron’s history from 1916 to the present day, such as a Blue Steel missile and Green Goddess fire engine. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours of the centre, by appointment only, and school parties are welcome. For further details contact: Mr Roger Crisp (Curator), tel; 01522 738361 or e-mail: [emailprotected]
The grave of Guy Gibson’s dog sits outside 617’s former hangar at RAF Scampton, and is part of the Heritage Centre’s guided tour.
Squadron tankards, aircraft instruments and uniforms are all on display in the Heritage Centre’s general room.
Place of pilgrimage: Within the Heritage Centre is Guy Gibson’s office which has been restored by volunteers. (All Flt. Lt. Sarah James)
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
Masking for the green was achieved with White-Tack and tape. The former was used as it does not leave a greasy residue, as Blu-Tack is prone to do.
The same shading process was followed for the Dark Green, in this case Tamiya XF-81. Once the Green was dry and masking removed, a coat of Johnson’s Klear was added.
The black comprised three different colours to create shading. The lightest black used was Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black, with Gunze Sangyo H77 Tire Black as a medium shade and Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black for the darkest. All of this was covered with Johnson’s Klear.
Decaling went without a hitch as the markings were up to the high standard now expected from Airfix. Gunze Sangyo Mr. Setter was used as a solvent, with no need for anything stronger. Johnson’s Klear was brushed on to the decals when they were dry, for protection and to help blend them into the painted surface.
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EXCLUSIVE BUILD LANCASTER B.III (SPECIAL)
ACCURACY AND ADDITIONS
Comparing this kit and its parts with photographs of the real thing revealed that it was extremely accurate throughout. The old Airfix kit was regarded by many modellers as the most accurate in outline, even after newer products were released by Revell and Hasegawa. Airfix’s new addition built on that accurate outline but with the addition of class-leading levels of detail everywhere; right down to the stub included within the exhaust shrouds so that, when fitted, they appeared to have exhausts inside. Structures such as the undercarriage were finely detailed and moulded but still strong and sturdy enough to support the model, while interior and turret embellishment was as good as the competition and better in some areas. Extra work was limited to hollowing and thinning of vents and machine guns…and the creation of three aerials. The main radio antennae were made by splitting Aeroclub rigging thread into thinner sections for a more scale-like appearance. These were then attached with tiny drops of cyanoacrylate glue. Stretched styrene sufficed for the antenna under the nose. This build relied on reference to Haynes’ excellent book: Dam Busters Manual, by Iain Robert Murray (Haynes Publishing), ISBN: 978 0 85733 015 4 (www.haynes.co.uk)
A subtle mid-grey wash was employed on the upper surfaces to tone down the decals slightly and harmonise the different finishes. These aircraft had a very flat paint finish, and this was replicated with Johnson’s Klear mixed with around 20 per cent Tamiya X-21 Flat Base. Final weathering and exhaust stains were applied over the flat finish. Airfix included a bomb trolley for the Upkeep mine and it was built according to the instructions, which resulted in a well-detailed and interesting side piece. The colour used was Gunze Sangyo H81 Khaki in lieu of the SCC.2 Camouflage Brown of the original.
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ON THE ROAD POOLE VIKINGS MODEL SHOW 2013
Filled with club displays and traders, a small section of one of the two main exhibition areas of the well-attended Poole Vikings Model Show of 2013 can be seen in this view. (All Malcolm V. Lowe)
Displayed on the stand of IPMS Farnborough at the Poole show, this 1/48 scale Chevrolet of the Long Range Desert Group was made from the Hart Models kit.
Rarely exhibited in completed form, the old Matchbox 1/72 scale Supermarine Stranraer makes up into an excellent model as shown by this example on the stand of the North Somerset Modellers Society at the Poole show.
ith a long history stretching back over 20 years of staging a successful model show in the Dorset area, the Poole Vikings Model Club (IPMS Dorset) held its well-established annual exhibition for 2013 in Poole on April 13. Unfortunately this year’s event was met with very inclement weather, but the
largest-ever exhibitions of their own work in the School’s sizeable entrance hall leading to the main show site. As an encouragement to young modellers in the Poole area, an extensive ‘Make and Take’ was held during the event which proved to be highly popular. The continuing success of this exhibition underlines the fact that Dorset is a hotbed of
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pouring rain and high winds did not put off large numbers of the public from braving the elements to visit the show. Staged at the local girls’ school, Parkstone Grammar School, the Poole event this year attracted traders and visiting clubs from across the south and south-west of England, while the Poole Vikings themselves put on one of the
Displayed on the stand of the Earley Risers at the Poole show was this mainly scratch-built 1/48 scale Miles Hawk Trainer with many open panels.
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model-making activity, with the Poole Vikings Model Club itself usually having 30 plus members in attendance at its monthly meetings. For more information about the Poole Vikings Model Club and the annual model show in Poole visit http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ poolevikings/index.html ❚ Malcolm V. Lowe
Exhibited at the Poole show on the stand of the 7248 Club from Yeovil was this F-4J (UK) Phantom in the markings of No.74 Squadron, RAF.
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Fighting Against The Odds
The Gloster Gladiator occupies an important place within the history of the RAF. The last of the RAF’s biplane fighters, the Gladiator had some modern features, such as an enclosed co*ckpit, a first for an RAF fighter, as well as an armament of four machine guns. The Gloster Gladiator was developed from the Gloster Gauntlet as a private venture, and represented both the peak and the end of biplane fighters. In many Air Forces it smoothed the transition to monoplane fighters.
ladiator Mk ter G s o l .I G
Scan this QR code with your smartphone to find out more!
This brand new tool has the following features;
A0
205
2 1:72
Scale
A55206 Scheme
1:72 06
A 5 52
A02052 Scheme B No.1 Fighter Squadron, Aer Chór na hÉireann (Irish Air Corps), Baldonnel Aerodrome, Ireland, 1940.
Sc
A02052 Scheme A K7985 (L8032/G-AMRK) of the Shuttleworth Collection, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, England, 2012.
ter os l G
Starter Set tor Mk.I a i d Gla
ale
• Authentic fabric detail. • Innovative assembly process. • Rigging diagram included. • Open canopy option and detailed co*ckpit.
NEW
Flying Officer Marmaduke Thomas St. John ‘Pat’ Pattle, No.80 Squardon, Royal Air Force, Amriya, Egypt, Spring 1940.
www.airfix.com and all good retail stockists Join the AIRFIX Club www.youtube.com/ officalairfix
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For schools and all youth organisations
24/04/2013 16:22
ADVANCED BUILD EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
Tom Sunley is mightily impressed with Hasegawa’s all-new Eurofighter Typhoon
LIBYAN SPRING
TYPHOON
D
esigned as a highly advanced combat aircraft, the Eurofighter concept was conceived from the beginning to be a multi-role/ The co*ckpit looked a little basic but after simple painting and drybrushing, this area became very pleasing to the eye.
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swing-role platform. Its purpose was to meet the operational demands of the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Established
in 1994, Typhoon, as it was named in RAF service, was the fruit of the brightest aviation designers from all four of the partner nations involved. Powered by two Eurojet Once installed into the fuselage the co*ckpit assembly fitted very well all-round, and required no remedial work whatsoever.
Turbo EJ200 engines, each with a dry thrust of 13,642lb (6,188kg) and 20,006lb (9,075kg) in afterburner, Typhoon is capable of supersonic cruising speeds without fuel-intensive afterburning. Typhoon also fields stealth technology with the use of wave absorbing surface materials, to give the airframe a radar signature one quarter that of its RAF 'colleague' the Tornado. Operation Ellamy over Libya, in 2011, gave Typhoon its air-toground combat debut whereby the type flew alongside Tornado and utilised Enhanced Paveway II laser guided bombs.
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N
ADVANCED BUILD EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON The fuselage was duly assembled and its vertical stabiliser fixed into position. Again, very little work was required in neatening the seams…just light treatment with a fine sanding sponge and all trace of the join was gone.
First glance A welcome addition to the 1/72 market, Hasegawa’s Typhoon, from the outset, did not disappoint. The kit comprised eleven runners (ten in
silky-smooth, completely flashfree styrene and one in clear) and the project was always going to be an enjoyable experience. Panel lines were crisp and, after references were consulted, the product was found to be a faithful representation of the real aircraft. Decals were supplied for three examples (see panel). None of the supplied schemes was to be used, however, as for this build Combat Decals’ aftermarket markings were employed to produce a more topical subject…that of an Operation
Ellamy participant with mission tally. Assembly began with the co*ckpit which was basic but, for the scale, adequate. Once painted the co*ckpit was given instruments via the kit-supplied decals. These were made to conform to the surface detail with decal solvent and, once dry, the co*ckpit assembly was lightly dry-brushed with white paint to accentuate the moulding. The ejection seat, again, was a little basic but with a little drybrushing and the addition of simple tape harnesses, was made to look pleasing to the eye for this relativey small scale.
COMBAT COLOURS
Three markings options appear in Hasegawa’s first Eurofighter boxing: • ZJ921/QO-H, 3(F) Squadron, Royal Air Force • ZJ930/AA, 17(R) Squadron, Royal Air Force • 30+30, JG 74, German Luftwaffe Combat Decals recently released a highly comprehensive collection of markings (CD72-003, Libyan Spring Revolution, 2011) for aircraft that operated over Libya. It offers the 3(F) Squadron Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ927/QO-M, with its large mission tally on the port forward fuselage. Beware, though, because the instructions give erroneous data on the type of Paveway bomb carried by Typhoon. A mass of stencilling is provided and the package is superb for building on a theme, as it also offers a Canadian CF-188A Hornet, USAF F-15E, French Air Force Rafale B, Mirage F.1ED of the Free Libyan AF, French AF Mirage 2000D, Qatari Mirage 20005DDA and RAF Tornado GR.4. Available from: www.model-craft.co.uk
Beautiful body The co*ckpit assembly was cemented into position inside the fuselage and the halves were glued together. Very little remedial work was required in cleaning up the seams top and bottom, such was the quality of the fit. The tail fin was built
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ADVANCED BUILD EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
Wing upper halves were cemented to the lower main wing section, and the intake area was painted before being masked to protect from possible fuselage colour overspray. The tape was placed in such a manner that it could be removed easily later on. The assembled wings were dry-fitted to the fuselage; seam lines in this area needed hardly any remedial work.
With the wings fixed in position, attention was given to the fitting of the under wing stores pylons. Note that Hasegawa provided the inner-most pylons, which have been omitted by other manufacturers’ kits.
Canopy masking came by way of Tamiya tape, cut to the frame edges with a sharp modelling knife.
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and attached to the rear of the fuselage and location of the fin was positive. It allowed the cement to set quickly which negated the need to tape it in position. At the other end the radome was fitted. No balance weight was suggested in the instructions but some ballast was placed in the radome just in case. On the underside of the fuselage the intake area was sprayed white, as was the rear portion of part C1 which formed the roof of the intake assembly. The airbrake housing was then glued in position on the inside of the fuselage. Lastly, for the fuselage internals the engine exhausts were sprayed with Gunmetal and Jet Exhaust shades from Alclad, before they were fixed inside the rear of the fuselage.
Thoughtful engineering The intake splitter was cemented to the intake itself and the assembly was fitted to the forward section of the main wing (this proved to be a far superior way of assembling this notoriously difficult area, as exemplified by kits from other manufacturers). Once positioned, the intake was sprayed white and clear gloss was applied to give the required finish. The white area was then masked for protection from overspray during airbrushing of the assembled model. Wing upper halves were fixed in position with Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, while the Defensive Aids Sub-System/Electronic Countermeasures pods were fitted to the wing
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ADVANCED BUILD MODEL SPEC
EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON SINGLE SEATER By:
Hasegawa
Stock Code: 01570 Scale:
1/72
Price:
£39.99
Available from: Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk
THINGS UNDER WINGS
Hasegawa provided a veritable feast of weaponry for air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, and took into account foreign operators and prospective stores which may come on line for RAF machines in the future. The full armoury comprised: ASRAAM, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, IRIS-T, ALARM, Taurus, Storm Shadow, Brimstone and fuel tanks. Some of these could also be used on RAF Tornado builds if desired. This particular jet’s weapons load was chosen after research into Operation Ellamy missions, and it comprised two wing tanks, four AMRAAM missiles, four ASRAAM missiles and two Paveway II laser guided bombs. The latter had to be sourced from a Revell Tornado GR.1 kit…still the only model in this scale which provides decent British Paveway II stores in styrene. No Paveway bombs of any kind featured in Hasegawa’s kit, which was slightly disappointing as it’s the only air-to-ground 'smart' weapon so far cleared for use on RAF Typhoons.
tips. The wing assembly was then offered to the underside of the fuselage; the seam line was almost non-existent and required no filler at all. A centre seam marred the canopy so it was removed with a sanding sponge and polisher before the transparency was dipped in Johnson’s Klear floor polish for a super-shiny finish. Glazing was then masked and fitted to the fuselage, and the Pirate sensor pod was attached to the port side - the model was then ready for paintwork. Panel lines were preshaded with black paint before the airframe was sprayed with Xtracrylix XA1017 Camouflage
(Barley) Grey in light coats, which allowed the pre-shade to show through in a subtle manner. The fin tip and radome received Xtracrylix XA1131 Dark Gull Grey, as did the leading edges of the canards. Masking tape was used to outline the wheel wells and airbrake housing, before these areas were sprayed white. A liberal coat of Alclad Aqua Kleer varnish was applied to the entire model, to seal the paint ahead of decal application.
A real war-fighter Combat Decals’ Libyan Spring Revolution 2011 decals were used here (see panel), and
Panel line pre-shading was added with matt black paint. This would be allowed to show through the final paint colour faintly, in representation of shadowing in the paint.
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ADVANCED BUILD EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
The camouflage consisted of Xtracrylix XA1017 Camouflage (Barley) Grey. Once dry the wheel wells were masked and sprayed white. Radome, fin tip and canard leading edges were then sprayed Dark Gull Grey before the whole model was gloss-varnished. Authentic markings from Combat Decals’ sheet CD72-003 were applied and made to conform to panel lines and detail with setting solution.
The model was fitted with AMRAAM and ASRAAM missiles, and Paveway bombs. The latter were sourced from a Revell Tornado because Hasegawa provided none in the kit.
markings for a 3(F) Squadron FGR.4, based at Gioia del Colle, Italy during Operation Ellamy, were duly selected. Decals were applied with Microscale Industries’ Sol and Set solutions and they conformed well to all curves and surface detail. Finally the markings were coated with satin varnish to seal and protect them during subsequent painting and weathering. A liberal coat of dark wash was painted all over the model and allowed to dry. This was then wiped away once dry to leave the detail and panel lines highlighted. Undercarriage legs were assembled and sprayed white. A coat of gloss varnish was then applied and allowed to dry before the legs were coated with a dark wash, whose excess was also wiped away; the same technique was used on the inside of the gear doors and airbrake. Tanks and weapons were painted as per the instructions and weathered with a dark dirt wash before being fitted to the underside. A top coat of Alclad Klear Kote Flat was sprayed over the whole model and was allowed to dry thoroughly, before dirt streaks were added in various areas, with Tamiya weathering packs, to simulate hydraulic oil and fuel leaks as well as general airflow dirt.
REFERENCE Haynes Publishing has just released this hardback Owners’ Workshop Manual on the Typhoon in Royal Air Force Service. At 150 pages, it’s packed with superb detail photographs of the aircraft itself, the type’s engines, ejection seat and various weapons. co*ckpit shots are included, as is a very useful cutaway drawing. The book has been written by Anthony Loveless and its nine chapters offer in-depth focus on offensive and defensive systems, the Eurojet EJ200 engine, current under wing stores, pilot and maintainer personal accounts and the Typhoon’s role in Operation Ellamy over Libya and its duties in the Falkland Islands. ISBN: 978-0-85733-075-8 www.haynes.co.uk
A class act Hasegawa has definitely raised the bar with this one. An easy build straight from the box, even the novice modeller can produce an eye-catching replica. The
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detail is above average in most areas and, for once, Hasegawa has supplied almost everything Typhoon can carry, as well as a few that it can’t…yet!
❚
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REFERENCE ROUND-UP EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
BOMBER TYPHOON
AMW provides a handy photo-reference guide of the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoons during Operation Ellamy, to complement Tom Sunley's 1/72 Hasegawa model build feature More than just a mere dogfighter, a Typhoon demonstrates an impressive warload of two ASRAAMs, four Enhanced Paveway II bombs and a Litening III targeting pod (carried on the centreline station).
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REFERENCE ROUND-UP EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
Compared to other AAMs such as the Sidewinder, the 6.5in (16.5cm) diameter of the ASRAAM is relatively large. (All images RAF Coningsby photo section) A thumbs-up from the pilot and this Typhoon FGR4 is ready for another combat patrol over Libya. The green glow of the head-up display is noteworthy, as is the PIRATE sensor. No.XI Squadron employed Typhoon to drop the first live bombs in combat on April 7, 2011. Later in the month it was common practice for the Typhoon force to conduct multirole missions in co-operation with Tornado GR4s. Such missions allowed Typhoon pilots to utilise the extensive bombing experience of the Tornado crews, to reduce risk to civilians and collateral damage in the urban enviroment.
The RAF's main forward operating base during Operation Ellamy was Gioia del Colle AB, Italy. This lightly-armed Typhoon from 29 Squadron is configured for air-to-air sorties towards the end of the conflict. In the background can be seen Tornado GR4s, which conducted most of their interdiction missions at night.
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BASIC BUILD GRAVE DIGGER MONSTER TRUCK
EaSY
FIX
HORROr
Just three parts were required to depict the engine, and a positive click was experienced as they locked together. The front panel with the belts moulded in situ fixed everything together.
The drive train was produced as an intricate one-piece moulding. The rear drive shaft on the engine located positively into this part and was locked in place by a small cross-member.
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Light relief comes in the shape of Revell’s Snap-Tite Grave Digger monster truck, built by Ian Hartup evell has for many years produced a range of snap-together kits, the like of which many experienced builders tackled in their formative modelling sessions when young. Recently re-issued has been this Grave Digger Monster truck. The kit came with parts already separated from the runners, ready for assembly, while a neat set of die-cut vinyl stickers were provided. All that was needed to complete construction was a small cross-head screwdriver. Drive train and engine were first to be tackled and the
R
latter was produced in two pieces, split vertically. These clipped together to trap the drive train in place. The engine was completed with a single piece belt assembly that locked it all together, while a small crosspiece served to mate the drive train/engine assembly. The floor of the driving compartment and seat clipped to the top of the drive shaft assembly, before one half of the tubular chassis locked the whole thing together. Dashboard, steering wheel and radiator all located into the chassis frame before the other
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BASIC BUILD GRAVE DIGGER MONSTER TRUCK
MODEL SPEC
half of the structure clipped and screwed into place. Vinyl stickers disguised the solid nature of the framework…a neat touch. Once the chassis frames were poisitioned, front and rear torsion bars needed to be located into the bottom of the drive train assembly. The fuel cell mounted in front of the driving compartment before the exhaust headers were clipped into place at the rear. Then, neatly-moulded shock absorbers clipped into the sides of the chassis and
A neat bucket seat clipped into place easily in the floor of the driving compartment; crisply-moulded seatbelts were a highlight. Sadly, the sticker sheet did not feature items for the belts, which would have made them stand out more.
GRAVE DIGGER MONSTER TRUCK By:
Revell
Having dug the chassis frames out of the parts bag the driving compartment floor was clipped into place on the right-hand piece. The instructions would have the builder clip the floor to the engine and drive train assembly before the side frame. After a little trial and error the illustrated route was chosen as it was deemed to be less fiddly.
Stock Code: 85-1978 Scale:
1/25
Price:
US $15.95
Available from: Revell, www.revell.com
A neatly-printed sticker and a steering wheel represented the dashboard. The locating pin for the wheel did require a little coaxing into place but nothing that couldn’t be achieved with light sanding.
With the interior fixed firmly to the side frame, engine and drive train were added to the sub-assembly. A small tab on the side of the drive shaft located into the side frame and aligned the whole thing ready for the addition of subsequent ancillary components.
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BASIC BUILD GRAVE DIGGER MONSTER TRUCK
served to finally lock solid the various suspension components. Wheels and tyres were a clever combination of parts, which reflected the enormous tyres of the real vehicle, while metal axles completed the affair. The body shell was moulded in one piece with a separate windscreen and headlight lenses. More vinyl stickers completed the assembly process. These stickers were probably the least satisfactory element of the whole package, as the large slab-like nature of the pieces did not lend themselves to easy manipulation around
the compound curves of the front wings and bonnet. It was found that heating them with a hairdryer did soften them sufficiently, to allow them to be spread around tighter curves; but beyond that there was little that could be done to avoid the creases seen here. In review, this was a neat model whose intelligent engineering allowed all but the most ham-fisted of modellers to build it with little difficulty. The stickers may vex more exacting modellers – but ultimately it is not actually aimed ❚ at them!
The radiator and dashboard clipped easily into place on the right-hand framework. It was essential to align them properly in preparation for the next stage of assembly, which was to add the left-hand chassis frame. It proved essential to take a little time and ensure everything lined up before all was screwed together. A little Liquid Poly cement at the joins of the horizontal frames was beneficial.
Exhaust headers were fitted and displayed a simple push fit to the sides of the engine block. It is not recommended to fit them any earlier than this point, as they would clash with the chassis frames.
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The fuel cell clipped neatly into place. As can be seen there was a little spring on the front frame joint. Once the tank was in place the front join was clamped and Gunze Mr. Cement S was run into the gap.
Main suspension shock absorbers were provided for all four corners of the suspension; once in place they acted as stiffeners for the entire assembly. Fitting them into the lower section of the suspension before the upper was the preferred sequence.
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BASIC BUILD GRAVE DIGGER MONSTER TRUCK
The wheels and tyres were a simple but clever construction feature. Trial and error revealed that it was better to clamp the wheel parts together before the tyres were added. With the wheels in place it looked every inch a monster truck. Any junior modeller who reached this stage would already be massively pleased with the end result. The bodyshell was moulded in gloss black plastic and this provided an ideal canvas for the stickers. The large slab stickers for the body sides and roof conformed perfectly to the plastic shell. However, the flames on the bonnet and wings proved less easy to position. A few seconds’ heating with a hot hairdryer softened them sufficiently enough to allow them to conform to the wings’ complex curves.
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OUT AND ABOUT SPRING AIRSHOW DUXFORD
It would not be a Duxford airshow without a Spitfire in the flying display and this year it was Spitfire ML407, affectionately known as - The Grace Sptifire.
THE PERFECT TRIBUTE TO THE MIGHTY EIGHTH
O
n the Sunday of the second spring Bank Holiday weekend it was very much case of ‘a little bit of America’ came to Cambridgeshire. The first airshow of the season for the Imperial War Museum Duxford had stunning weather and, from the outset, it was clear that this would be something a bit special. With the theme of ‘Remembering the Mighty Eighth’ the resident warbird organisations put together a thrilling display of USAAF fighters in precision flying sequences and high-speed passes. The Republic
P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51C Mustang brought back a time when the Cambridgeshire skies echoed to these fighters flying missions to occupied Europe. One of the highlights of the event was the first public display of the Eagle Squadron that comprised the Republic Thunderbolt, P-51C Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia and a Hawker Hurricane. The close formation of the fourship against the blue sky was as remarkable as it was evocative….simply stunning. But the highlights continued throughout the afternoon
North American P-51C Princess Elizabeth and Republic P-47G Thunderbot Snafu, flew a set piece display, which for a moment transported onlookers back to 1944.
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The Eagle Squadron flew in formation with Duxford's B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, as a tribute to those USAAF airman who lost their lives during World War Two.
The show was the first outing for the RAF's 2013 display Tucano, although it did not fly on the day; the new '72 Squadron Spitfire camouflage' looked stunning and was coded RA-F which was highly appropriate! (All Key - Glenn Sands)
display, as resident B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B made its flypast with a ‘smoking engine’ in tribute to those airmen who lost their lives in the air war over Europe. Next it was the turn of vintage jets with Golden Apple Operations Ltd's North American F-86A Sabre, back in the air after a year of engine problems. For a brief moment it could have been MiG Alley over the nearby motorway. Following was the decidedly elegant Hawker Hunter T.7 operated by Graham Peaco*ck and flown by RAF Squadron leader Chris Heames. The airshow team at Duxford
always arranges something special for the crowds, with the combination of modern military types and vintage warbirds and, for those who were among the spectators, few could not have been moved by the formation pass of The Red Arrows in formation with the Eagle Squadron as a tribute to the Mighty Eighth. For a first show it’s going to be a hard act to follow but, having seen what is expected for the Flying Legends airshow, it certainly looks as though Duxford will be the place to be this summer for warbird action. ❚ Glenn Sands
A breathtaking display by the Breitling Wingwalkers brought the days of 'barnstorming' back to Cambridgeshire...how do they do it?
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ON THE ROAD RAF MUSEUM HENDON MODEL SHOW 2013
IPMS West Middlesex came up with this unusual A300M in the club’s own markings, appropriately registered G-IPMS! IPMS President Paul Regan (standing) gets the annual general meeting proceedings underway. (All Kevan James)
Another highly impressive competition class winner was this Tamiya 1/20 Honda MP4 Formula 1 car.
This colourful Hasegawa F-22 Raptor gained runner-up spot in its competition class.
ne of the more spectacular model show venues is the RAF Museum Hendon. Along with its counterpart at Cosford, it affords modellers an atmosphere of pure nostalgia and aviation history. There is plenty of room in which to wander and admire the miniature replicas of the real
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Armour was well represented, as shown by this impressive Italeri 1/35 Daimler scout car. Organising clubs IPMS Barnet and Harrow branches displayed every aspect of model making.
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aircraft housed in the former airfield’s hangers. Organised by IPMS branches Barnet and Harrow, one of the benefits of holding the show here is that it attracts a much wider audience; on a Sunday especially, the models give casual museum visitors an added attraction which can also lead to new club members and fresh lifeblood
into the hobby. More than 40 clubs and IPMS special interest groups (and approximately 300 individual exhibitors) booked into the show. Also, 26 traders were eager to part shoppers with their hard-earned cash and the number of modellers who left with bulging bags indicated a successful day… it is estimated that more than
1,700 visitors passed through the museum during the show. Two events made things a little different, the first being the Annual General Meeting of the IPMS(UK) being held for the first time in conjunction with a model show. The agenda was dealt with efficiently but one vital matter must still be addressed; that of finding a new Scale ModelWorld Manager. SMW at Telford every November is the biggest model show in the world, but this means a serious amount of work and current manager, Richard Kent, is adamant that 2013 will be his last. The second anomaly of the day was a fire alarm and although, thankfully, it was a false alarm the museum was evacuated quickly and safely. After 20 minutes the crowds were allowed back inside by 2.30pm so everyone could continue to enjoy this most excellent event. ❚ Kevan James
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A0
airfix_timeless_classics_a4_ad.indd 1
63
81 1 :32 Scale
20/05/2013 12:13
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT BOOKS
AN AGGRESSIVE AFRICA
After the end of World War Two, the Soviet Union tried to exert its political influence on the African continent. A major pillar
versions and notes. Although the ubiquitous MiG fighters and Mil helicopters feature prominently, there are many other types to consider and aircraft from all the leading design bureaux, including Antonov, Beriyev, Ilyushin, Kamov, Sukhoi, Tuplolev and Yakolev are covered...and ostensibly civilian transports which have clearly been operated largely on behalf of the military. This book is a treasure trove for modellers, with a wealth of exotic colour schemes which will have you digging through the spares box to look for insignias which previously lay idle, without a hint of them being employed.
With more than 320 photos and 140-plus colour profiles, this title will keep any modeller and MiG lover busy for months. According to the authors, this is the first in a trilogy which will examine Russian aircraft abroad. It’s new and amazing stuff for enthusiasts. GS
BOOK SPEC
of this Cold War policy was the widespread supply of arms to the continent, which included many combat, transport, training and utility aircraft. The policy proved so successful that more than 80% of Africa’s nations have received Soviet/Russian equipment over the years. This new book reviews in detail the aircraft types used by 41 African countries, ranging from Algeria to Zimbabwe, starting in the 1950s and continuing through to the present day. Each nation is reviewed individually with an overview of the types used, their service record (including combat sorties) and extensive tables of individual aircraft with serials, construction numbers,
SOVIET AND RUSSIAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT IN AFRICA By:
Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov
ISBN:
978-1-9021092-7-5
Price:
£34.95
Format:
A4
From:
Crecy, www.crecy.co.uk
FANTASTIC FIGHTERS AND BRILLIANT BOMBERS!
BOOK SPEC
The years from 1945 to 1965 are considered the zenith of modern US aviation development and this Cold war era produced countless proposals for radical and unorthodox military aircraft, designed for a multitude of roles. SECRET US PROPOSALS OF THE COLD WAR By:
Jim Keeshen
ISBN:
978-0-85979161-8
Price:
£22.95
Format:
A4
From:
Crecy, www.crecy.co.uk
Some were simply intended for research, pushing the boundaries of flight knowledge and aiming at technological goals. Others were conceived to support ground forces, patrol oceans, defend US airspace, or penetrate Soviet defences. The North American NA-239, Convair Aerospaceplane, Boeing MX-1712, Curtiss-Wright P-304-04, Douglas Model 1240 All Purpose Bomber, Ryan XF2R4 Dark Shark, Vought XF5U-1, Republic XF-103, Grumman XF9F-2, Northrop XB-35 and Lockheed L-227-1, were among the many new proposals being presented to the military by the aerospace industry in models
and blueprint form. With more than 300 photographs and drawings of unique proposals and engineering models, built or commissioned by American aerospace companies, this book gives these unique aviation artefacts new recognition through the use of original and archival photography and explains the background story and mission requirements for these radical aircraft. Originally conceived as working tools, these rare, valuable, and historic models now serve as poignant three-dimensional reminders of a vanished era of American aviation supremacy and bear
witness to a bygone era. If one is into resin Anigrand Craftworks models then I’d stock up after having read this book, as it is a truly a stunning look at what the USAF hoped would enter service or would serve as test-beds. GS
WE CAN SEE YOU…
The Royal Air Force first sought an airborne early warning (AEW)
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required. What followed was one of the most mismanaged and costly procurement disasters of the 20th Century, which ultimately led to the selection of the Boeing E-3 AWACS...which prior to the millions of pounds being wasted was the type which the RAF had wanted all along! But this soft-backed book looks beyond all the political infighting and examines other types which ‘could’ have entered operational service in the AEW role with RAF squadrons. The accompanying artwork is stunning as it is innovative and will certainly keep the ‘What If’ modellers
happy for many hours. But the projects explained in this book are all from official sources; the author has done a fantastic job of seeking out these long lost projects. Of all the subjects my favourite has to be the BAe.844 AEW platform. GS
BOOK SPEC
capability in 1941 but it took 50 years for that requirement to be realised in full, with the delivery of the Boeing Sentry AEW.1. Author Chris Gibson examines the relationship between the RAF’s Air Staff and its quest for an AEW capability from the Wellington AC1 and Fishpond trials of Fighter and Bomber Commands, through countering the Heinkel He 111s launching V-1s in late 1944. Post-war, the austerity of the times allowed the Americans to take the lead until the 1960s, when Britain’s Air Staff realised that AEW was a capability that was urgently
THE AIR STAFF AND AEW By:
Chris Gibson
ISBN:
978-0-95619513-5
Price:
£9.95
Format:
A4
From:
Blue Envoy Press
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT BOOKS
PAVING THE WAY
While the Merlin-powered P-51D Mustang is afforded legendary status, less is written about the
and exploratory visits to the USA, to design, test flying and the eventual order which ensured three years’ steady work for NAA. Trials by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment and British standardisation are explored, as is eventual US interest and that nation’s subtypes – the A-36A and F-6A/B reconnaissance variants. The subject in question, though, is substantial and it was always going to be difficult to ensure a decent amount of detail in just over 60 pages. This reviewer felt that the RAF operations in particular could have been given more attention.
Additionally, while the cover and two full-page artworks are splendid, the colour profiles are a little ‘flat’ and lack the life of Osprey's previous efforts. As an introduction to the type, though, the book is useful and with its superb black and white imagery it sets the scene well. CC
BOOK SPEC
P-51A with its Allison engine. Conception of this slightly more humble sub-type was due to an RAF requirement, for a fighter with better performance than early marks of Spitfire and the Hurricane. The British-flown Mustang Mk.I was a ‘hot ship’ in comparison to what the RAF then operated and, it outclassed the Spitfire Mk.V in all but climb rate and action above 20,000ft. Ironically, the United States Army Air Corps ignored North American Aviation’s (NAA) design as it was, at the time, happy with the P-40 (but this soon changed). Osprey’s book lays out how this RAF purchase emerged, from initial enquiries
ALLISON-ENGINED P-51 MUSTANG By:
Martyn Chorlton
ISBN:
978-1-78096151-4
Price:
£11.99
Format:
248mm x 185mm
From:
Osprey Publishing
EASTERN FRONT MUD MOVER
BOOK SPEC
Whether one has the recent 1/48 Tamiya kit, the earlier Accurate Miniatures example in the same scale or other renditions, this new monograph from 4+ Publications will be a real boon in terms of detail and accuracy. Previous titles ILYUSHIN IL-2 SHTURMOVIK By:
M. Ovčáčik & K. Susa
ISBN:
80-87045-00-0
Price:
£14.95
Format:
A4
From:
Mark I Ltd
on different subjects from this publisher have become highly-prized references for those who have bought them, and this new release is sure to attain the same status. The Type 3/3M, KR and U sub-types are covered here, and despite there being just 42 pages including the cover, one feels that plenty of information is imparted on each version. Period black and white imagery is mostly excellent and some individual shots border on exceptional. Some of the latter include a photo of the KR’s reconnaissance camera fitted in place of the rear machine
gun, and a startlingly clear shot on page 9, of a pilot next to his mount’s fuselage which is decorated with a patriotic slogan. Museum exhibit aircraft allow close-up photography and this is obviously useful in modelling terms; the shots are in black and white and full colour (the latter format also extends to three wartime photos). Many of the walkround views are pin sharp, but they are interspersed with wartime images to provide extra authenticity. There are black and white line drawings of weaponry, the tail wheel unit and rear gun station, while in the centre, an A3 gate-fold
section provides excellent 1/72 scale plans. Marry these with 10 decent colour profiles and extra scrap illustrations and one has a superb reference for very little money. CC
RACING OVER THE WAVES
Crowds of up to 200,000 people massed to witness
the events often carries over into the text, with a real sense of intense rivalry between the then aircraft builders. Indeed, their efforts pioneered technology which eventually found its way to legends such as the Spitfire and P-51 Mustang. Maps of race courses add interest, while there are many black and white line drawings of the various types concerned. The book is somewhat light on photography, although the fascinating narrative does make up for this. In modelling terms there are various possibilities; Supermarine’s S6 and Sea
Lion II, the Curtiss R3C, Macchi Castoldi MC 72, Gloster III and Savoia-Marchetti S.65 are just some of the types available in scale form. After reading this hefty tome, one will want to build all these and more! CC
BOOK SPEC
the famous Schneider Trophy races, held from 1913 to 1934 but with a Great War gap. For modellers, the theme offers a decidedly satisfying mix of types which managed to slip their salty bonds to compete in the air - and some managed to set headline-grabbing speed records while doing so. This book does a splendid job of examining each year’s relevant machines in chronological fashion, and at the same time imparts facts and figures about the aircraft, their designers and manufacturers…and the races themselves. The excitement of
SCHNEIDER TROPHY SEAPLANES & FLYING BOATS By:
Ralph Pegram
ISBN:
978-1-78155179-0
Price:
£35.00
Format:
233mm x 287mm
From:
Fonthill Media
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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{81} 19/06/2013 11:44
ON THE SHELF BOOKS & DVDS
A SHIP OF SUPERLATIVES
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BOOK SPEC
USS IOWA By:
S. Dramiński & G. Nowak
ISBN:
978-83-62878-37-6
Price:
£14.99
Format:
A4
From:
The Aviation Book Centre
gets the Kagero 3D treatment with this new softback title, which offers a wealth of detail. Eleven pages of history delve into the operations of this impressive vessel. Then, Kagero offers stunning CAD drawings which throw light on every facet of the ship. Interesting angles are used and,views from above provide useful perspective. There are close-ups of armament and other equipment, such as directors, radar antennae, searchlights and more, while other illustrations prove invaluable in that they show the copious rigging of the vessel. The ship’s Kingfisher floatplanes and catapults also feature, and to aid modellers further
there are pull-out scale plans with 1/400 views of the whole vessel, and drawings of individual fittings in larger scales for clarity. CC
GERMAN ARMOUR-FEST
Concord Publications has long provided modellers with inspiration and its Panzer Vor collection is particularly popular. There is always much variety and the imagery is generally excellent, despite being solely in black and white. This seventh
outing opens with a précis of Germany’s tank industry before and during World War Two, along with information regarding the operation of factories and production methods. But it’s the photography which really does the talking and is especially a must for early war fans. Opening shots offer interesting views of armoured cars such as the Sd.Kfz.222, ‘223 and ‘231 ‘8-Rad’, before moving to subtypes of the Panzer I. A revealing photo on page 10 provides a detailed view of the rear portion of a Panzer I, with spare track links, exhaust cover and towing cable all in evidence…superb for anyone with Dragon 1/35 kits. Heavier vehicles such as the Panzer III don’t escape the lens and
examples from Europe and North Africa appear. That workhorse the Panzer IV, is represented by closeups and whole vehicle images, and then the Tiger and Panther are examined. Details such as squarepatterned Zimmerit on the latter certainly aid the modeller. Halftracks and self-propelled guns feature, as do 16 colour plates depicting machines from various theatres. CC
BOOK SPEC
WEATHERING GERMAN SHIPS We seriously doubt that German ships weathered any differently than those of any other navy, so this DVD's title is rather misused. But, there are interesting and useful techniques on show here for any maritime modeller. Such preparatory skills as priming and basic painting are covered, along with sage advice surrounding the successive painting of sub-assemblies all contribute towards succesful ship modelling. Oils and acrylics are employed, and much is done with a paintbrush; recreating structural panelling, convincing paint chipping and oxidisation, using Humbrol enamels for hull staining, fading...it's all here. There are subtitles for the hard of hearing and, while the narration is a little stiff, one can learn a great deal about how to make model ships look lifelike. Due to the pace of this film, some of the methods look very haphazard, but the end results look great. One can even see how to replicate the accumulation of algae! Available from: www.ak-interactive.com CC
At the time, she was the longest, fastest and most powerful battleship in the US Navy’s fleet…that was the mighty Iowa, first of a four-ship class built to counter Japanese vessels in the run-up to World War Two. This enormous warship now
PANZER VOR! 7 By:
Frank V. De Sisto
ISBN:
978-9-623611-79-4
Price:
£13.99
Format: A4 From:
Casemate UK
FROM AFRICA TO THE PACIFIC Squadron is prolific of late with its naval titles. This book covers the South Dakota class vessel which was the fourth to be named for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The brief introduction tells of the ship’s travails during Operation Torch off the North African coast, where she devastated attacking French naval assets, including the unfinished
BOOK SPEC
INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL MODEL MAKING Almost all of us have seen a science fiction film at some stage and it will have involved modelmaking as part of its creation. Here, American industry expert Fon Davis imparts his knowledge on making filmstyle models from scratch. The techniques of vac-forming, home mould-making and casting, scratch-building and electronics keep company with the more familiar (to kit builders) skills of airbrushing, filling, sanding and weathering. The project is a fictional spacecraft, created from 1/24 Airfix Harrier wings, co*ckpit and pilot, but with ther kit-bashed components and home-spun parts. Fascinating! Available from: www.barracudacals.com CC
USS MASSACHUSETTS By:
David Doyle
ISBN:
978-0-89747-700-0
Price:
US $18.95
Format: A4 landscape From:
Squadron Products
Jean Bart which was moored at a Casablanca pier. Action against Japanese forces soon beckoned and, after refitting, the vessel then negotiated the Panama Canal to combat the Imperial Japanese Navy in the New Guinea-Solomons area and to participate in the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. She was also the vessel which fired the last 16in projectile of the war and, after victory in Japan, she became part of the reserve fleet before being preserved as a memorial. Squadron’s On Deck book follows the now familiar format, with a wide range of colour photographs which show much
detail. The ship's museum status has allowed plentiful photography and all shots are clear and useful, with informative captions. The only other feature is a colour illustration of ship signal flags, but this softback is the perfect reference tool for anyone considering Trumpeter's 1/350 kit or Massachusetts’ class-mates. CC
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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19/06/2013 11:45
Art behind the build
Air fix ar tis
t - Ad
am
Too
by
Airfix and Adam Tooby are proud to announce the release of five fantastic limited edition box art prints which are available to purchase. Adam will personally sign and number each print. Initially five images will be released in A2 size all printed on the finest quality paper. All prints are limited, so be one of the first to purchase these amazing illustrations. Please visit Adam Tooby’s website www.finesthourart.com for more details. The fine art prints (Giclee) provided by Finest Hour Art are produced using archival quality (280gsm) paper. The paper used conforms to UV and longevity tests as specified by the guild of fine art as well as international standards DIN6738; ANSI Z93.48-1984 and ISO9706. Each print is produced using a 12 colour pigment printer to ensure that colour accuracy and fine detail is accurately reproduced.
A50138 1:72 Scale The Dambusters Avro Lancaster B.III (Special)
Five outstanding prints to purchase
A05117 1:48 Scale Supermarine Spitfire MkXII
A09178 1:48 Scale English Electric Lightning F2A/
A14001A 1:24 Scale North American P-51D Mustang
A01006 1:72 Scale Folland Gnat T1
Scan this QR code with your smartphone to find out more!
www.airfix.com and all good retail stockists Join the AIRFIX Club www.youtube.com/ officalairfix
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For schools and all youth organisations
09/04/2013 14:18
ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
Price:
£15.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
FANCY CHOPPER
THE GENIE'S OUT OF THE BOTTLE
PRODUCT SPEC
Lately, Italeri is certainly giving modellers what they want, at a reasonable price and this Bell AB 212/UH-1N has a new decal sheet. The kit parts remain unchanged from when first released in the 1990s; the cabin area is adequaltely detailed although etched brass will uplift this area. Three options are included but it is worth noting that BELL AB212/UH-1N the belly-mounted loudspeakers By: Italeri are not included for the Italian Item no: 1343 examples. The options are: • MM81211, 81º Gruppo CAE, 15º Scale: 1/72 Stormo, Carvia Air Base, 2010 Price: £11.50 • MM82151, 51-82, 51º Stormo, 651º Available from: Squadriglia, Istrana Air Base, 1986 The Hobby Company, • 158557, US Marine Corps, MCAS, www.hobbyco.net Yuma Airfield, Arizona, 2009
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The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) certainly knows how to paint a ‘Demo' Hornet. But despite the stunning decal sheet what lets down this boxing is that Hasegawa has failed to provide any updates for the basic kit in the box. It is basically the same F/A-18A variant issued back in the late 1980s and RCAF CF-18As have undergone a number of modifications since then...and now resemble the later generation F/A-18Cs. There’s no ‘bird shredder’ antennae for the nose, while the twin vertical stabilisers still have CF-18A HORNET ‘CANADA the original bumps and blisters. SPECIAL MARKING 2012’ Any reference check will show the new additions made to current By: Hasegawa Canadian Hornets and they are Item no: 02047 just not included here. The decals Scale: 1/72 are faultless for the 2012 display Hornet, (the only option included. To Price: £29.99 finish the kit accurately you’ll need Available from: an Eduard external PE set, which Amerang, will make this a very expensive 1/72 www.amerang.co.uk Hornet project.
This has always been one of Revell's best kits, with crisp panel lines and plenty of co*ckpit detail...and now we no longer have to pay the inflated 'collectors' prices. The basic parts all remain the same, with the options to replicate a full Cold War weapon load which means air-to-air rockets and nuclear-armed Genie air-to-air missiles. The only gripe is the canopy F-89D/J SCORPION still comes packed with the main By: Revell runners and may need polishing to Item no: 04848 remove scratches. The two colourful Scale: 1/72 options are: • 22143, 61st FIS, Ernest Harmon AFB, Price: £12.99 New Foundland, June, 1957 Available from: • 32470, 59th FIS, Goose Bay AFB, Revell, Labrador, May, 1957 www.revell.eu
PRODUCT SPEC
Blackhill-Farm, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK, 1944/45 • MM61778, 70º Stormo, Italian Air Force, Scuola Plurimotori, Latina, 1963
PRODUCT SPEC
Here's a reissue of Italeri’s 1/72 Dakota with improved decals for wartime and post-war colour options. The kit parts are crisp with the main components having fine engraving. There’s the option to have lowered landing flaps and minor changes DAKOTA MK.III aerial fit depending on which scheme one chooses. Two of the four options By: Italeri include the Battle of Britain Memorial Item no: 1338 Flight's aircraft: Scale: 1/72 • ZA947 (BBMF), 233 Squadron, RAF,
‘THE TRUE NORTH, STRONG & FREE’
PRODUCT SPEC
ALLIED WAR WINNER RETURNS
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF AIRCRAFT KITS
AFGHAN DELTA
COLOURFUL FIGHTER
STRIPES AND A GROWL
PRODUCT SPEC
The German manufacturer’s splendid Tornado mould gets another re-release, this time with a spectacular Tiger Meet decal sheet designed by Sylvain Hautier from Syhart. Those familiar with Revell’s ‘Tonka’ mould already appreciate the fine panel lines and deft detailing. If one is a stranger to the kit, it comes loaded with a fine stores selection and this boxing in particular caters for TORNADO ECR TIGER MEET the aircraft’s Electronic Combat 2011/12 and Reconnaissance role; AGMBy: Revell 88 HARM missiles feature, as do recce, ECM and chaff/flare Item no: 04847 pods. It also has swinging wings. Scale: 1/72 The single but impressive colour Price: £14.99 scheme is that of: Available from: • Tornado ECR 46+33, JBG 32, Revell, www.revell.eu 2011/2012
PRODUCT SPEC
AMT’s original mould rides again and this package offers various versions. Although the short tail features on the fuselage halves, the longer unit is also present. The moulds have fared reasonably well, although there are blemishes on the tail. Panel lines are generally accurate, and the co*ckpit is okay for the novice or intermediate modeller. The spinner is too sharply pointed though. The highlight is the P-40E/K KITTYHAWK Super Decals sheet, which offers six By: Italeri schemes, with a shark’s mouth and Item no: 2717 tiger’s head. The best three are: Scale: 1/48 • Kittyhawk Mk.III, FR474/GA-JINX, 112 Sqn RAF, Italy, 1944 Price: £18.75 • P-40E, 96, 11th FS, 343rd FG, Available from: Aleutian Islands, 1942 The Hobby Company, • P-40K, I-3 ‘Death on Wings’, 64th www.hobbyco.net FS, 57th FG, North Africa, 1943
‘SWOLLEN’ DC-4
It’s great to see an example of the Carvair in any scale, but Roden’s version will appeal particularly to modellers short on display space. The kit’s limited-run nature betrays itself with inconsistent detail, heavy mould seams and lack of locating pins, but this won’t be problematic for the CARVAIR ATL.98 persistent. Its shape is good, though, By: Roden and the six runners provide dainty Item no: URO305 parts. The decal sheet is a little rough Scale: 1/144 on the sharpness of printing, mostly along the blue and white trim; some Price: £19.99 may wish to mask and paint these Available from: sections. The single colour scheme is: Pocketbond, • G-AOFW ‘Big John’, British Air www.pocketbond.co.uk Ferries, Rochford, UK, 1982
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Heller’s original 2000N mould now comes with resin and photo-etched brass parts to convert it to the tactical D-model…but at a cost. The plastic parts will undoubtedly possess some of the slight fit issues from the N kit, but the additional components make for an involved build that requires minor surgery. Resin parts include a new radome, vertical tail, spinemounted countermeasures section, PDL-CT targeting pod, GBU-49 bombs MIRAGE 2000D ‘KANDAHAR’ and instrument panels. It’s baffling By: Heller why new ejection seats weren’t Item no: 83524 included though, with brass belts being provided for the styrene units. Scale: 1/48 There are also very fine detonating Price: £57.99 cords for the canopies. The single Available from: colour scheme, with full stencilling, is: Creative Models, • 3-IQ/666 ‘EL DIABLO’, EC 01-003 www.creativemodels.co.uk ‘Navarre’, Afghanistan, 2008.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
PRODUCT SPEC
While not perfect, Dragon’s Tiger I moulds have always offered much detail. Here, the Early Production Tiger is in Cyber-hobby Orange Box guise, this time under the billing of the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler during Operation Citadel at Kursk. Highlights are many: two styles of Fiefel air cleaners, detachable spare track links for turret mounting, hullPZ.KPFW.VI AUSF E TIGER I mounted S-Mine launchers, photoEARLY PRODUCTION etched engine screens and tool box By: Cyber-hobby mounting. One-piece DS tracks are Item no: 9142 provided, and the rear stowage bin Scale: 1/35 can be posed open or closed. Two markings options are provided: Price: £36.99 • 13.Pz.Regt., 1 LAH, Prokhorovka, Available from: Operation Citadel, July 1943 Amerang, www.amerang.co.uk • s.Pz.Abt. 502, June, 1943
Hobbyboss has tried to please radio-control and static modellers here, with a battery compartment for those who wish to convert this kit to an R/C model. If one simply wants a very large static Tiger, this is fine although it will need after-market help if a show-stopper is desired. Individual track links PZ.KPFW.VI TIGER I are of the working variety, the suspension also works and By: Hobbyboss this post-January 1943 Ausf.E Item no: 82601 variant has the rubber-tyre road Scale: 1/16 wheels and cylindrical exhaust covers. Photo-etched metal Price: £69.99 scarpers are offered to render Available from: Zimmerit coating. Six schemes Creative Models, are provided, but no proper unit www.creativemodels.co.uk details are supplied.
TRANSPORT WITH TEETH
PRODUCT SPEC
Dragon now offers a pleasingly different version of its ubiquitous Panzer I mould...a radio tank with frame aerial mounted on the front-right quarter. Due to use of pre-existing runners there are many spare parts, but those that are used are superb. Fully-detailed engine and crew compartments LEICHTE (FUNK) PZ.KPFW.I feature and it’s easy to see how AUSF A around 500 parts can go into a small subject. One-piece DS By: Dragon Track would have been preferable, Item no: 6591 because the Magic Track individual Scale: 1/35 links are miniscule and will test all but the most nimble-fingered Price: £40.00 modeller. Three schemes appear: Available from: • Unidentified unit, Germany, 1938 The Hobby Company, • 1.Pz.Div., Germany, 1935 www.hobbyco.net • Unidentified unit, Germany, 1939
Reminiscent of the modified vehicles in Vietnam, this re-released M923 truck mould has upgraded parts which allow representation of an armoured truck in Iraq and Afghanistan. Experts on the type will be disappointed in the original detail and the fact that the new parts simply comprise an armoured box, .50 cal machine gun and embellishment U.S. ARMOURED GUN TRUCK for the kit’s existing gun. For the By: Italeri novice builder, though, plus-points Item no: 6503 include a decent parts count and Scale: 1/35 reasonable flourishes of detail. More experienced and modellers Price: £24.99 will want to employ after-market Available from: gear to bring this up to standard. The Hobby Company, One colour scheme is included, www.hobbyco.net from Iraq in 2005.
PRODUCT SPEC
‘FUNKY’ PANZER
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GIANT GERMAN LEGEND
PRODUCT SPEC
CHOCK-FULL OF KITTY!
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF MILITARY KITS
MIGRATORY CAT
HEAVY HANOMAG
Released in conjunction with the same group’s V-2 rockets (and attendant transporter), this heavy tractor will complete a Revenge Weapon diorama. The two brown runners carry crisply-moulded parts (the wheels and tyres are superb), there’s a great rendition of the chassis and suspension and even very fine tread plate texture adorns the cab foot well. Three SS-100 GIGANT colour schemes are provided: • 5.Komp., II.Abt., By: Special Armour Luftnachrichten Regt. 21, Item no: SA72001 Luftwaffe, 1942 Scale: 1/72 • Luftwaffe Acceptance Unit, Messerschmitt factory airfield, Price: €15.30 Regensburg, 1944 Available from: • Wehr 545585, German Army Special Armour, Research Centre, Peenemünde, www.cmkkits.com 1944-45
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
This kit covers not just German machines, but export tanks too. The hull decking is very good, with non-slip coating and finely-rendered hatches. Tools are also respectable, there are smoke dischargers and the circular engine screens are cleverly moulded to provide the impression if different layers. Side skirt armour can also be posed folded up. There are six decal options for varioius operators: • 2A4, 3./PzBtl 64, Wolfhagen, 2002 LEOPARD 2A4/A4NL • 2A4, 5./ PzBtl 24, Braunschweig, By: Revell 1993 Item no: 03193 • 2A4E, División Blindada Brunete • 2A4PL, 10. Brygada Kawalerij Scale: 1/35 Pancernej Price: £26.99 • 2A4NL, A Eskadron, 43 Available from: Tankbataljon Revell, www.revell.eu • 2A4GR, Thessaloniki, 2006
OUTCLASSED NIPPON
PRODUCT SPEC
Armour in 1/48 scale will only increase in popularity if the products are as good as this. Tamiya’s superb engineering ensures very fine hatch hinge/vision port detail, deft rivets and excellent under-hull area. The suspension units are most convincing, while there’s also a good rendition of the large frame aerial associated with the SD.KFZ.232 vehicle’s Fu 100 SE 100 radio. By: Tamiya Also included is a well-moulded Item no: 32574 commander figure. There are two colour schemes from different Scale: 1/48 time periods: Price: £19.99 • 2 Comp., 8th Armoured Recce Available from: Bat., 5th Pz.Div., Balkans, 1941 • 1 Comp., 19th Armoured Recce The Hobby Company, Bat., 19th Pz.Div., Kursk, 1943 www.hobbyco.net
New kits of Japanese tanks are rare, so it’s pleasing to see this Ha-Go. Dragon has excelled itself on the exterior, with highly detailed running gear and suspension, beautiful hull and excellent armament. But there is no interior detail, save for the gun TYPE 95 LIGHT TANK HA-GO breeches and catch baskets. DS Styrene tracks will make life easy EARLY PRODUCTION and etched brass also appears. Four By: Dragon colour schemes feature: Item no: 6767 • White 20, 1st Tank Regt., Scale: 1/35 Malaya, 1941 • White 101, Kwantung Army, Price: £47.50 Manchuria, 1944 Available from: • White 9502, Co.2, 7th Tank Regt., The Hobby Company, Philippines, 1942 www.hobbyco.net • 13th Tank Regt., China
PRODUCT SPEC
ARRESTING 8-RAD
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS FIGURES
BARBAROSSA BOYS
THE LONG HAUL
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GLIDER EMBARKATION By:
Dan Taylor Modelworks
Item no:
F-76224
Scale:
1/72 / 1/76
Price:
£9.50
Available from: Dan Taylor Modelworks dantaylormodelworks.com
Dragon
Item no:
6707
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£14.99
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
NAZI ‘HEAVIES’ Dan Taylor extends his figure coverage to the German home font with these three subjects, which can be painted as SS or SA personnel. The casting is superb, with finely-rendered neck ties and Sam Browne-style belts. Even in this scale the faces display decent features, although each troop does have some very thin flash that will need removing with a fresh scalpel blade. These are excellent, though, and would look great posed on a street with a staff car or piece of early German armour. STORM TROOPERS By:
Dan Taylor Modelworks
Item no:
F-76226
Scale:
1/72 / 1/76
Price:
£5.50
Available from: Dan Taylor Modelworks dantaylormodelworks.com
U.S. MODERN INFANTRY (IRAQ WAR) By:
Tamiya
Item no: 32406 Scale:
1/35
Price:
£16.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
2ND SS PANZER TROOPS This quartet possesses good detail and mixed uniforms. There’s a tank commander with binoculars and two-piece ‘pea’ pattern uniform, but the best is the Panzer Grenadier in Field Grey winter uniform, woollen snood and felt-style high boots. A separate runner has plenty of equipment, such as ammo pouches and magazines, helmets, stick grenades and the usual German small arms.
DAS REICH DIVISION EASTERN FRONT 1943-44 By:
Dragon
Item no:
6706
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£15.50
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
and weaponry includes a Squad Automatic Weapon, M16A2, M4 with taped extra magazine and an M203 grenade launcher combination. A sniper rifle also features.
THE DESERT FOX
The revered general comes in his trademark long coat and points to a feature in the distance...and has binoculars at the ready. Folds in his coat are a little excessive but these will help with effective shadowing and shading; the over garment comes in more than four parts so fit could be tricky. Rommel’s three staff figures have useful poses, with one in particular holding a map, which is included as a printed paper item. Due to the high ranks involved, small arms are limited to pistols but there is other personal equipment.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Perfect for anyone building the Italeri/Airfix Horsa, this five-strong clutch of British Airborne troops will add real authenticity. Cast in resin and with different heights, the subjects display superb detail; three wear helmets, one has a beret while the other has a bare head. The premise is that a heavilyladen soldier is being helped up a ladder into the glider. The ladder is included, and there are separate arms for two figures.
GERMAN ELITE INFANTRY RUSSIA 1941-43
PRODUCT SPEC
ALLIED AVENGERS
PRODUCT SPEC
Relaxed poses feature in this Eastern Front release. The most interesting subjects are the soldier in camouflaged smock and Field Grey trousers, short boots and gaiters, along with the winter troop in reversible white uniform. The infantryman with MG34 across his shoulder is also useful, but all make for handy diorama additions. Plenty of equipment is also inlcuded.
PRODUCT SPEC
Tamiya has re-issued figures from two of Masterbox’s original Iraq sets, but also includes a sheet of its own MRE ration boxes which simply need folding and gluing. The figures themselves have been reviewed before in AMW, but for the uninitiated, there are eight troops which could be painted in various uniform patterns to suit arm of service. Body armour is quite well defined,
ROMMEL & STAFF NORTH AFRICA 1942 By:
Dragon
Item no:
6723
Scale:
1/35
Price:
£14.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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CH
cials
N ON OW W KIN AVAI IN DL LA DO E F BL W IRE E S8 & !
Your favourite magazine is now available digitally. DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW FOR FREE.
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AUDI A4 DTM 2011
ROCKET D
eutschen Tourenwagen Masters or DTM really is the ultimate ‘tin top’ racing series. These 450 horsepower V8 monsters must be experienced first-hand as they hurtle at breakneck speeds, spitting flame from their exhausts and sounding
Oven cleaner was used carefully to remove the chrome-plated finish from the plastic wheels and exhausts.
{30}
like untamed beasts. Their pedigree has more in common with Formula 1 than the road machinery on which they are so loosely based. Maybe this is their draw to both crowds and drivers, who include numerous past stars from F1 and current third/test drivers aiming to secure their
The rear aero device received modification which called for the removal of the kit’s supporting struts.
Susie Wolff (nee. Stoddart). In previous seasons, manufacturers have included BMW, Alfa-Romeo and Opel, but in recent years two protagonists have been left to slug it out for glory; Mercedes and Audi. In 2008 and 2009, Audi was dominant as Timo Scheider took back-to-back titles. For 2010, the balance of power shifted to Mercedes and the aforementioned Di Resta, before returning to Audi for
2011. The driver’s title went to Audi’s Martin Tomczyk and the constructor’s to team ABT Sportsline, with help from Mike Rockenfeller (the subject of this feature). The future of the sport has never looked better with a new tyre supplier in Hankook since 2011 and, new specification cars in 2012 with the return of BMW which, incidentally, went on to win the crown.
AUDI A4 DTM 2011 “MIKE ROCKENFELLER” By:
Revell
Stock Code: 07086 Scale:
1/24
Price:
£19.99
Available from: Revell, www.revell.eu
competitive fix. The 2010 DTM champion and Scotsman, Paul Di Resta, is now a F1 racer for Force India. A big draw for British fans may also be that several of the drivers in recent seasons hail from Blighty, with Gary Paffett, Jamie Green, David Coulthard plus the very capable female
Detail was applied to the chassis’ rear above the ‘wheel arches’ in line with the KA-Models instructions.
Moulded switches were sanded off and holes drilled to accept metal toggle switches for the interior console. A track map is usually fixed to the central boss on the steering wheel so the plastic was removed to make space. Large chunks of plastic had to be cut from the front radiator parts so the photoetched metal replacements could be folded and fitted. Holes for the original front splitter vane supports were filled and replacement metal supports bent and fixed. The white ‘bloom’ on the metal parts was caused by cyanoacrylate adhesive fumes.
Post-haste Re-released by Revell in 2012, with a new set of markings for 2011 Team ABT driver Mike Rockenfeller in a striking yellow Deutsche Post livery, the kit was identical to that originally released in 2010. Six main runner sections with 126 injectionmoulded parts were provided; two in soft white styrene, plus the body components, two in light grey, and another in clear for the headlamp parts and glazing. The final runner was a chrome-plated affair. These were welcome generally, but only for items such as emblems, mirror faces and lamp inserts,
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The prominent front grille was supplied as an inaccurate solid part. Careful drilling, scoring and sanding to remove the centre section allowed realistic replacement.
Moulded electrical cut-off switches at the front of the windscreen were replaced with photo-etched metal items.
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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Read on your
Photo-etched metal aerodynamic vanes were employed on the front wings after the original parts had been removed.
MODEL SPEC
ROCKENFELLER’S
Ian Grainger upgrades Revell’s re-boxed Audi A4 DTM racer
Monthly £2.99 6 issues £19.99 12 issues £34.99
REVIEW BUILD
AUDI A4 DTM 2011
iPhone & iPad
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19/06/2013 11:11
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PC & Mac
Android
kindle fire
SEARCH:
SEARCH Britain at War
ALSO
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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
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MILITARY MACHINES
FREE APP
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IN APP ISSUES £3.99
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with sample issue
NEW Aviation Specials App FREE DOWNLOAD IN APP ISSUES
£3.99 Simply download to purchase digital versions of your favourite aviation specials in one handy place! Once you have the app, you will be able to download new, out of print or archive specials iTunes for less than the cover price!
Blackberry
with sample issue
How it Works.
Simply download the Airfix Model World app and receive your sample issue completely free. Once you have the app, you will be able to download new or back issues (from December 2010 onwards) for less than newsstand price or, alternatively, subscribe to save even more!
Don’t forget to register for your Pocketmags account. This will protect your purchase in the event of a damaged or lost device. It will also allow you to view your purchases on multiple platforms. PC, Mac & Windows 8
Available on PC, Mac, Blackberry, Windows 8 and kindle fire from Requirements for app: registered iTunes account on Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4S, 5, iPod Touch or iPad 1, 2 or 3. Internet connection required for initial download. Published by Key Publishing Ltd. The entire contents of these titles are © copyright 2013. All rights reserved. App prices subject to change.
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19/06/2013 12:27
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
JUGS GO EAST
BRITISH ARMOUR MARKINGS
Small-scale armour fans should find much use in this sheet, which caters for various Sherman, Humber Scout Car and Stuart vehicles. The trademark yellow turret numbers for the unit are
RAF THUNDERBOLTS By:
Iliad Design
Item no:
48025
Scale:
1/48
Price:
US $12.00
Available from: Iliad Design, www.iliad-design.com
• Mk.II, KJ278/NV-K, 79 Sqn, Wangjing, 1945 • Mk.II, KL315/AW-F, 42 Sqn, Meiktila, 1945 • Mk.II, KJ194/GQ-N, 134 Sqn, Arakan, 1945 • Mk.II, KJ140/RS-B, 30 Sqn, East Bengal, 1944
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
While US P-47s have always been an attractive option, RAF Thunderbolts from the China-Burma-India theatre exude a character all of their own. Here, Iliad offers late-war machines in camouflage and natural metal and, all but one of the six choices display the relevant theatre ID bands and flashes on wings and tails. Excellent renditions of three different squadron badges are present and all the decals are super thin. The choices are: • Mk.II, KL328/14, 73 OTU, Fayid, Egypt, 1945 • Mk.I, HB982, 135 Sqn, Chittagong, 1944
1/48
Price:
US $12.00
Available from: Squadron Products, www.squadron.com
ejection seat triangles and jet intake chevrons are included. One will need to source full stencilling from the donor kit or elsewhere. The aircraft is: • 151506/200/AG, VF-84, USS Independence, 1965
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
{90}
Scale:
Item no:
DTM-T-76026
Scale:
1/76
Price:
£6.95
Supermarine’s high-speed recce bird generally wore all, if not mostly, PRU Blue while in service but Xtradecal presents a splendid green and pale blue Turkish option for variety, as well as a PRU Blue aircraft from that country. This pair aside, the six RAF machines represent wartime and post-war examples of the type and, one Spitfire has the Medium Sea Grey upper fuselage and wings…and a pretty pale blue spinner. Some of the choices are: • PS934/WY-R, 541 Sqn, Benson, 1950
Superscale
Item no: MS481268
Dan Taylor Modelworks
CAMERA-CARRYING SPIT
F-4B PHANTOM By:
By:
Available from: dantaylormodelworks.com
INDY-BASED RHINO Academy’s new F-4B was bound to prompt a flurry of after-market decal options, and here’s Superscale’s first offering. Just the one scheme for a jet from the US Navy’s famous Jolly Rogers is presented, but it provides the early ‘flag’ skull and crossbones on the tail, from the early days of the Vietnam War. The printing is superb on these sturdy-yet-thin markings, although just wing walkway panels and basic warning markings, such as
33RD ARMOURED BRIGADE (SET 1) 144 RAC
supplied, along with Arm of Service markings and registrations. Dan Taylor’s usual fastidious research also ensures plenty of advice on suitable kits, camouflage notes and history. There’s a 144 RAC order of battle too, which shows all the relevant turret numbers as per Sherman subtype. Examples include: • Sherman Mk.I, T-232754/66, 4 Troop, B Sqn • Sherman Mk.Vc Firefly, T212236/37, 1 Troop, A Sqn • Humber Scout Car, F-196832, Liaison Troop, HQ Sqn • Stuart Mk.III, T-157169/2, Recce Troop, RHQ Sqn
• PS890, 81 Sqn, Tengah, Singapore, 1955 • RM643/Z, 541 Sqn, Benson, 1944 • 6553/133, Turkish Air Force, 1953/54
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE PR.XIX/19 By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X48-118
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£8.99
Available from: Hannants, www.hannants.co.uk
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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19/06/2013 11:52
CO SO MIN ON G
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION
Brought to you by the industry renowned team behind Airliner World, this latest edition of the best-selling Airliner Classics series turns the clock back once again to bring you the best from the classic years of aviation, over 100 high-quality pages.
Features include: British Aerospace 146 – a look at the development of the Whisper Jet, Britain’s last domestically produced jet airliner. Silver City Airways – how this pioneering carrier provided more than just a simple car ferry service. Duxford Airliners – the most comprehensive and important collection of British Civil Airliners in the UK. Airspeed Ambassador – a twin-
engined piston airliner that helped regenerate passenger transport in the UK during the 1950s.
Tupolev Tu-144 – developed to rival Concorde, we chronicle the turbulent history of Russia’s supersonic jet transport. Liverpool Airport – a detailed overview of Merseyside’s air hub.
SABENA - the rise and fall of Belgium’s former national airline on what would have been its 90th anniversary.
T
£4.9 9
An Specia
Available Thursday 18 July* from
and much more!
l
359/13
JUS
and other leading newsagents.
Alternatively, order direct: delivery from Monday 15 July Free P&P* when you order online at
www.keypublishing.com/shop
or
Call UK 01780 480404 Overseas +44 1780 480404 Lines open 9.00-5.30, Monday-Friday
SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £1 DISCOUNT!** *FREE P&P valid on all 2nd Class UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply. UK Scheduled on-sale date **£1 discount valid on printed version only. Cover subject to change
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20/06/2013 15:22
ON THE SHELF DECAL SHEETS
TOOTHY HAWKS
SUPERMARINE SELECTION
CURTISS P-40K Superscale
Item no:
MS320261
Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $16.00
Available from: Squadron Products, www.squadron.com
themselves appear robust and beautifully printed. The choices comprise: • 400 ‘Duke’, Maj. R. Liles, 16th FS, October 1943 • 209 ‘Miss Wanna II’, 1st Lt. C. White, 25th FS, Summer 1943
SMART D-SEVENS
PRODUCT SPEC
Printed for the company’s own Fokker D.VII kit, Wingnut’s second foray into the type provides much colour on top of the usual lozenge pattern camouflage. Five schemes are offered and are designed to support the lozenge decals in the kit. The printing is sublime, especially on the instrument and placard decals, and three schemes in particular
{92}
FOKKER D.VII(ALB) FIGHTING FOKKERS PART 2 By:
Wingnut Wings
Item no: 30007 Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $19.00
Available from: Wingnut Wings, www.wingnutwings.com
SUPERMARINE SPITEFUL/ ATTACKER By:
Xtradecal
Item no:
X48117
Scale:
1/48
Price:
£8.99
Available from: Xtradecal, www.hannants.co.uk
• Attacker, WZ294/176/ST, 1831 NAS, RNAS Stretton, 1955 • Attacker, WK327/108/J, 800 NAS, HMS Eagle, 1954 • Attacker, R4001, Pakistan Air Force • Spiteful, NN664/Circle P, 1st prototype, June 1945 • Spiteful, RB515, 1st production Mk.XIV
TOPICAL US BOMBERS
are highly attractive. The options are: • 571/18, Adolf Gutnecht, Jasta 43, July 1918 • 666/18, Dannenberg/ Möhring/Nebel, Kest 1a/Jasta 90, 1918 • 883/18, Robert Greim, Jasta 34b, October 1918 • 5728/18 ‘Hertha’, Jasta 27, Oct-Nov 1918 • 2, Creutzmann/Raesch, Jasta 43, June-July 1918
For those with Academy or older Airfix kits of the mighty B-29, these incredibly attractive examples from Kits World offer splendid and topical nose art. One aircraft is named for a famous San Francisco nightclub frequented by airmen, while the other is one of four War Bond aircraft paid for by patriotic residents of the US town of Freeport, and wears Korean War colours. Kits World’s artistry is as excellent as ever, although there is just one set of national insignia provided. The schemes are: • B-29A-60-BW, 44-69763 ‘Top of the Mark’, 93rd BS, 19th BG • B-29A, 44-6206/Circle E ‘Spirit of Freeport’, 22nd BW
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
For those with the Classic Airframes or new Trumpeter kits of the Attacker, and/or the latter’s Spiteful in 1/48 scale, then this re-printed sheet is a must. Not only does it offer three Royal Navy Attacker FB.2s in Sky and Extra-Dark Sea Grey, but a silver Pakistani example also features. Spiteful fans have the choice of RAF Day Fighter camouflage, or High Speed Silver. Printing is to the usual excellent standard and options include:
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
The China/Burma/India Theatre is a fascinating subject and here, Superscale provides two shark-mouthed 51st Fighter Group P-40K-5s from that arena. Designed for Hasegawa’s superb kit, one scheme is Olive Drab over Neutral Gray, while the other with the more flamboyant mouth wears a Du Pont uniform of Dark Earth and Green over Neutral Gray. The instructions offer full Federal Standard and Du Pont paint references, and the markings
B-29A SUPERFORTRESS By:
Kits World
Item no:
KW172069
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£10.20
Available from: Kits World, www.kits-world.com
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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70
TH
ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE
v
RAF Salute: Dambusters pays homage to the crews, engineers and tacticians who made the 1943 Dambusters raid possible. It examines the key personalities, the Upkeep ‘bouncing bomb’, the Lancaster aircraft and the mission itself, placing them in the context of the war situation in early 1943. This 100-page special publication is a mustread for all enthusiasts of military aviation and World War II history. FEATURES INCLUDE:
THE LEADER
Described by Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris as a ‘warrior’, Wing Commander Guy Gibson led 617 Sqn on the dams raid, winning a Victoria Cross in the process.
THE DAMS RAID
Why were dams in Germany’s industrial heartland chosen as targets, how was the audacious raid against them planned and how did the crews deliver their ‘bouncing bombs’?
JUST £4.99
DAMBUSTERS TODAY
In its 70th anniversary year, 617 Sqn is at the front line of the RAF’s Tornado Force.
AND MUCH MORE!
JUST £4.99 FREE P&P*
Av a i l a b l e N O W a t
and other leading newsagents
*Free 2nd class P&P on all UK & BFPO orders. Overseas charges apply. Postage charges vary depending on total order value.
Free P&P* when you order online at www.keypublishing.com/shop
OR
Call UK: 01780 480404 Overseas: +44 1780 480404 Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm
SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £1.00 DISCOUNT! SUBSCRIBERS CALL FOR YOUR £1.00 DISCOUNT!
212 RAF Dam Carrier.indd 64
11/04/2013 11:06
ON THE SHELF ACCESSORIES
N/A
Scale:
1/72 / 1/76
Price:
£7.00
Available from: adM Models, www.admmodels.co.uk
JUG RESIN
PRODUCT SPEC
Anyone with 1/32 P-47 kits won’t want to miss these gorgeous resin replacement main wheels. Expertly sculpted by Barracuda proprietor Roy Sutherland, the units have superb block tread, preflattened contact points and there’s the choice of six-slot, plain or covered hubs. They are designed to fit the Hasegawa kit, but could also be adapted for the Revell and Trumpeter products (vital for the latter).
{94}
P-47C/D THUNDERBOLT MAIN WHEELS By:
BarracudaCast
Item no:
BR32059
Scale:
1/32
Price:
US $8.95
Available from: Barracuda Studios, www.barracudacals.com
By:
CMK
Item no:
5077
Scale:
1/32
Price:
€19.30
Available from: CMK, www.cmkkits.com
FLUID RETENTION Small-scale armour builders can easily lend authenticity to their Allied vehicles with these neat frames in photo-etched brass. They carried jerry cans, ‘flimsies’ and other containers, and the joy of these units is that they can be empty or fitted with the associated container for variety. They can also be used in conjunction with Dan Taylor’s British Vehicle Stowage Set. PETROL OR WATER CARRIER FRAMES By:
Dan Taylor Modelworks
Item no:
C-76074
Scale:
1/76
Price:
£5.50
Available from: Dan Taylor Modelworks dantaylormodelworks.com
By:
Eduard
Item no:
49051
Scale:
1/48
Price:
€9.95
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
STRAPPING IN Eduard has teamed-up with fellow Czech company HGW, to offer these smart fabric seatbelts for 1/48 fighters, such as the Bf 109 and Fw 190. The straps themselves are in a more realistic off-white colour, have the common trapezoidal lap straps and, best of all, there is a set of super-fine photo-etched metal buckle parts for the last word in detail. But patience, a good light source and fine tweezers will be necessary. SEATBELTS LUFTWAFFE FIGHTER FABRIC By:
Eduard
Item no: 49061 Scale:
1/48
Price:
€9.95
Available from: Eduard, www.eduard.com
After the sanding of seams and imperfections on any model, the subject needs to be cleaned before painting. One can use dishwashing soap and water, but a quicker way is to rely on this handy pump-action cleaner. Simply spray it on the model, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. It’ll do the trick for sanding dust and greasy finger marks, thus promoting a decent and clean finish ready for primer/paint.
PRODUCT SPEC
Item no:
REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT UK
PRE-PAINT TREATMENT
MODEL CLEAN By:
Finescale Model World
Item no:
N/A
Scale:
N/A
Price:
£3.99
Available from: Finescale Model World, finescalemodelworld.co.uk
DOWN-TOWN
Diorama fans of the 1/72 scale persuasion have a neat asset in this collection of city fittings, which can be combined with Italeri’s existing building/ruin kits. Included are benches, a drinking-water plinth and tap, railings, bollards, two styles of streetlamp, bollards and drain covers. There’s well-defined wood grain detail on the benches, but the glazed portions of the lamps are moulded in solid styrene so clear acetate sheet will be beneficial.
PRODUCT SPEC
adM Models
Visit any RAF airfield where aircraft are parked and one will notice red and white streamers hanging from pylons on jets, and from protective covers and FOD guards. The tags, mostly reveal that a safety pin is fitted. Eduard’s pre-coloured set is useful indeed, as the 70 etched metal streamers could be used on any modern RAF build in 1/48 scale. Don’t be without them!
PRODUCT SPEC
By:
BAE HAWK T.1A UNDERCARRIAGE BAYS
HIGH-VIS SAFETY
PRODUCT SPEC
PANZERSPERRE GERMAN ROAD BLOCK
Exquisite detail defines these wheel bay parts, designed to fit Revell’s T.1 Hawk. Cabling and hydraulic lines are brilliantly executed in this set, which has 14 parts in total; these include the nose bay assembly and doors for that area, main gear inserts and actuators for those two bays. All are cast in pale grey resin, which was flawless on our sample.
PRODUCT SPEC
PRODUCT SPEC
Diorama builders who favour smaller scales should check out these German road blocks. Cast in cream-coloured resin, they possess great detail in the form of wooden planks which are roughly broken at each end, while other ends have a sawn finish. The support poles are also good and the orifice is filled with wellrendered earth and rubble. A small base surround will help blend the pieces into added groundwork.
TRAINER WHEEL HOUSINGS
PRODUCT SPEC
LIMITED ACCESS
URBAN ACCESSORIES By:
Italeri
Item no:
6146
Scale:
1/72
Price:
£9.99
Available from: The Hobby Company, www.hobbyco.net
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
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19/06/2013 11:54
For Classic Land Rover Enthusiasts NEW Classic Land Rover is an exciting new monthly magazine dedicated to Series and the classic Land Rovers. Written by enthusiasts, it is the complete guide to buying, owning, running, driving, repairing, modifying and restoring pre-nineties Land Rovers and Range Rover classics.
Regular features include: TECH AND TOOLBOX - sections dedicated to comprehensive workshop and practical Land Rover tasks. RESTORATION FEATURES - classic Land Rovers enthusiasts have restored. VINTAGE BRITAIN – ‘out and about’ in interesting corners of Great Britain in classic Series Land Rovers.
JUS
£3.9 T 9
JOURNEYS - tales of adventure and accounts; offroading and greenlaning and trips further afield to and from other continents. PLUS club reports and events, free classified reader adverts section and all the latest news from around the world.
Issue 3 – Features Recipe for Perfection Tom Benson’s Series III 88in, a crashed Land Rover restored Rear View Mirror Brothers in Arms Austin Champ & Land Rover Series One compared Our Land Rovers - Martin Port’s Series IIA 88in and John Carroll’s 80in Series One Lland Roving Revisited - Five Series One Land Rovers on the track of history in Mid Wales AND MUCH MORE!
0ZZ\LVUZHSLUV^MYVTHUKV[OLYSLHKPUNUL^ZHNLU[Z [OLUH]HPSHISLL]LY`ÄYZ[>LKULZKH`VM[OLTVU[O
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Requirements for app: registered iTunes account on Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4S, 5, iPod Touch or iPad 1, 2 or 3. Internet connection required for initial download. Published by Key Publishing Ltd. The entire contents of these titles are © copyright 2013. All rights reserved. App prices subject to change.*UK On sale date.
www.classiclandrover.com
431/13
Alternatively, you can order your copy or subscribe at: www.keypublishing.com/shop
Model built by Leighton Greenstreet
IPMSis really taking off Some of the benefits of IPMS (UK) Membership • • • • • • •
More than 80 local Branches, throughout the United Kingdom Over 70 Special Interest Groups covering a multitude of subjects Full colour, bi-monthly Magazine written by modellers, for modellers Decal Bank, Kit Instruction Library and Technical Advisory Service Free entry to Scale ModelWorld ~ the World’s greatest model show Discounts on kits and other products from hobby retailers Discounted membership for family members
• Sharing your hobby with modellers Worldwide
For an Information Pack, including a FREE sample magazine, please send 3 First Class stamps to the Membership Secretary: Colin Marrow 2 Kenilworth Road Cubbington Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 7TR (please quote:AMW3) or visit www.ipmsuk.co.uk to join IPMS (UK) online Ad V.7.indd 1
17/06/2013 23:54:30
CUTTING MAT CHAT WITH IAN MAXWELL
Key Publishing’s Ian Maxwell writes about his personal renaissance in modelling since the launch of AMW... any years ago, like countless numbers of small boys before the computer game generation, I would occasionally buy a pocketmoney Airfix kit. Memories are dulled now, however I have vague recollections of badly constructed and incomplete models, carelessly coated with overly thick paint and the
{M}
compulsory glue thumbprints! The distractions of teenage years and university followed with the occasional foray into a 1/72 Lancaster kit, and my affinity with aviation developed into my early career. An aeronautical degree and RAF service as an engineer maintained a military aviation interest, which culminated in my present job on AirForces Monthly
and AIR International at Key Publishing. AMW readers will understand that the magazine was not launched overnight. We knew the title was coming and I was not the only one in our office who suddenly had a renewed interest in modelling. We began with simple builds such the original Airfix Spitfire plastic bagged kit and, soon, there was a hastily assembled squadron suspended from our office ceiling…all produced to varying standards. This initial interest has grown into an everyday hobby, and with the help of the great build reviews in AMW, I can now produce an acceptably finished model. My tool kit has steadily grown, and among some of the specialist equipment my more frequently used ‘weapons’ are co*cktail sticks, Q-tips, and nail files supplied by my everunderstanding better half! With each build a new technique is
learned, and what I can make now compared to two years ago is a quantum leap apart. My subject preference these days is World War One aircraft; how these original fragile ‘stringbags’ flew, never mind fought air battles, is astounding. This makes for very interesting and diverse models which, above all, demand a great variety of building, painting and weathering techniques. In addition to bare metal components there are wood effects, doped linen skins, and the characteristic rigging to achieve. The latter can deter many modellers but if I can do it, anyone can. Ultimately, I would offer two tips to people in a similar situation to me. Patience is a virtue (a lesson I am still learning today) and don’t expect competition quality standards straight away. Being close to AMW has helped me enjoy my hobby…plus it also keeps me out ❚ of the pub!
THE NEXT ISSUE IS ON SALE AUGUST 8* {98}
Airfix Model World www.airfixmodelworld.com
98_cuttingmat.indd 98
*UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.
17/06/2013 17:22
Humbrol Enamel Wash ad TO USE_Layout 1 31/05/2013 11:21 Page 1
Enamel Washes Enhance your models with shading, grime, dust, rust and many more effects using the new Humbrol Enamel Wash range. Designed for a wide range of modelling subjects they can be applied to Enamel and Acrylic paints.* *If using non Humbrol paint, we advise to always test before applying to your model.
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