£4.20 May 2015 ISSUE 235
www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com
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FULL
BUILDS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FACTORY-FRESH FOCKE-WULF!
Building and painting Revell’s all-new 1:32 Focke-Wulf FW190 F-8
PLEASE SIR, CAN I HAVE
SOMUA? Tamiya’s new 1:35 Somua S35, time to paint!
QUINTESSENTIAL QUATRELLE!
Ebbro’s Renault 4L, an every-day car in 1:24
Wingnut Wings 1:32 Sopwith Snipe, HK Models 1:32 B-25J, 1:35 Sherman Firefly dio, plus kits, books and accessories… p 01 CoverTMMI 235MN.indd 1
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www.hobbyco.net Find us on facebook search Tamiya UK
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Issue 235 May 2015 EDITOR Marcus Nicholls editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com
Contents 4 NEWS DESK New kit and model product news 6 A BRIDGE TOO FAR Tamiya/Tasca 1:35 Sherman Vc with Tamiya Para figures and Welbikes
PLEASE SIR, CAN I HAVE SOMUA? Our full-build of Tamiya’s new 1:35 Somua S35 concludes PAGE 28
FACTORY-FRESH FOCKE-WULF! Revell’s all-new 1:32 Focke-Wulf FW190 F-8, full-build PAGE 14
38 THE SNIPE: THE MEANER LOOKING SOPWITH BROTHER Wingnut Wings’ 1:32 Sopwith Snipe ‘Early’, full-build 44 NEW RELEASES ACCESSORIES New and recently issued modelling accessories 50 MITCHELL WITH METAL Work starts on HK Models’ 1:32 B-25J, incorporating Eduard photo-etched parts 56 NEW RELEASES KITS New full kits, reviewed 60 CZECH OUT THE DETAIL! Tamiya’s 1:48 Panzerkampfwagen 38(t), previewed 64 CONTACTS Where to buy the products used and reviewed in TMMI 66 THE EDITOR’S PAGE Thirty years of Tamiya Model Magazine!
QUINTESSENTIAL QUATRELLE! An every-day car, Ebbro’s 1:24 kit of the iconic Renault 4L PAGE 22
Do you live outside the UK and want Tamiya Model Magazine delivered direct to your home, anywhere in the world? Just email us at; enquiries@adhpublishing.com Or call +44 (0)1525 222573, fax +44 (0)1525 222574 GMT Subscription rates for 1 year (12 issues) are: Within UK: £44, Europe: £56, Worldwide/USA: £69 ($104 US approx)
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HOW H OW O WT TO OC CONTACT ONT TA AC CT TU US: S:
TELEPHONE: (UK) 01525 222573 FAX: (UK) 01525 222574 EDITORIAL EMAIL: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES: enquiries@adhpublishing.com ADDRESS: ADH Publishing,
Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tamiya Model Magazine is published monthly by ADH Publishing. Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Tamiya Model Magazine is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.
TMMI 235 May 2015
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Newsdesk IN BRIEF... TAMIYA 1:10 XBS Raybrig NSX Concept-GT (TT-01 TYPE-ES) 1:10 XB Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Pick-Up (GF-01) 1:10 XB R/C Tractor Kumamon Version (WR-02G) 1:10 RC Volkswagen Amarok Custom Lift hobbyco.net
If you have news of forthcoming model, armour, aircraft or car events, changes of address or just interesting information to share, please write to: TMMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel: 01525 222573 Fax: 01525 222574 Email: modmagint@aol.com
NEW FROM EDUARD, FOR TAMIYA! PHOTO-ETCH PARTS FOR 1:350 MUSASHI Eduard have created an entire suite of photo-etched upgrade parts for Tamiya's impressive 1:350 kit of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Musashi battleship. Railings, ladders, tread-plate, aircraft cranes, catapults and more, feature. Further details from; www.eduard.com and www.creativemodels.co.uk Tamiya kits and paints are imported and distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited. www.hobbyco.net
TAKOM 1:144 Landkreuzer P1000 Ratte & Panzer VIII Maus pocketbond.co.uk SILVER WINGS AIRCRAFT MODELS 1:32 scale – the Fokker D.XXI fighter. www.silverwings.pl TRUMPETER 1:35 Soviet T- 64AV Mod.1984. 1:350 HMS Abercrombie Monitor pocketbond.co.uk RODEN 1:72 Opel Blitz Omnibus W39 Ludewig pocketbond.co.uk MANTIS MINIATURES 1:35 WW1 German Officer 1:35 WW1 German Tanker 1:35 WW1 German Officer & Tanker 1:35 Animals Set 20 www.mantisminiatures.pl
RE-ISSUED FROM TAMIYA
1:35 M3 GRANT
Tamiya’s venerable 1:35 M3 Grant dates back to the 1970s and was a staple of the catalogue for many years, and now it’s on its way back! The kit features movable 75mm and 37mm guns, open or closed hatches, decals for a vehicle present at the Battles of El Alamein and Gazala, plus a commander figure. In good model shops soon. www.hobbyco.net
ITALERI 1:72 Stirling Mk.I hobbyco.net
NEW FROM IWATA
Newly released from Iwata is the 'Freestyle Air Compressor', a sleek, simple and smart little machine that fits in your hand. It has a three-speed adjustment which cleverly lights up indicating the pressure settings (low pressure; red light, medium pressure; yellow light, high pressure; green light), with the most power in its class it powers all gravity-feed airbrushes. The compressor includes an AC power adapter with international plugs, making it perfect for domestic and international use/travel. It can work on an internal battery which can be charged either on or off the unit. The compressor works best with Iwata gravity-feed airbrushes such as the Hi-Line CH, High Performance C Plus, Eclipse CS, Revolution CR and Neo for Iwata CN. www.airbrushes.com
UPDATES FOR CREATIVE MODELS
In the last issue of TMMI, within our Nuremberg report, we combined Hobbyboss and Trumpeter into one section and attributed their UK import and distribution to Pocketbond, who deal with Trumpeter. In fact, Hobbyboss are imported and distributed by Creative Models (www. creativemodels.co.uk). Creative Models are also the UK importer for Heller. Apologies for any confusion caused by these errors.
Professional modeller taking commissions for Naval Vessels, Aircraft, Military Vehicles and Figurines. For details, write or phone...
Ian Ruscoe, 29 Eagle Street, Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, England, ST1 3PD TEL: 01782-239485 • i.ruscoe@yahoo.co.uk
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www.grandprixmodels.com
NEW FROM REVELL 1:72 GERMAN SUBMARINE TYPE IXC40 Revell have extensively re-tooled their superb Type IXC u-boot to create the Type IXC40, which featured a narrowed forward deck ('Schnelltauchback', or rapid-dive deck) allowing the boat to dive some ten to fifteen seconds faster than the earlier Type IXC. Expect fantastic detail and excellent fit of parts, as with Revell's previous u-boots. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/revell
NEW FROM REVELL NEW RELEASES IN 1:72 AND 1:35
New and on release from Revell are some nice mixed subjects in 1:72 and 1:35. In 1:72 we have the Soviet T-80 BV, Pz.Kpfw V Panther Ausf.D/A and Bell OH-58D Kiowa. In 1:35, Revell have on offer the GTK Boxer FueFz A1 and ZiL 131 NVA Soviet Army. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/revell
Chevrolet Monza DeKon ASSC 1976 Moffat 1:43 resin & metal kit by Automodelli Studio
NEW FROM TRUMPETER AND RODEN
Some neat new kits are on the way from Trumpeter and Roden, all of which are imported by Pocketbond Ltd. From Trumpeter we have the BMP-3(UAE) w/ERA titles in 1:35 which requires an attractive (for modellers) desert camouflage scheme, the WW2 German Fw200 C-8 Condor Recon Bomber/Transport, still big even in 1:72 and from Roden in 1:144, the Vietnam War era Douglas AC-47 D 'Spooky' gunship. Coming to a good model shop near you soon. www.pocketbond.co.uk
NEW FROM DELUXE MATERIALS DELUXE MATERIALS STRIP MAGIC
Stripping paint from the plastic surfaces of a model can be a tricky process, specially if the model has fine detail and the stripper's chemicals can also be hazardous to work with. Deluxe Materials' Strip Magic' is a fast acting, spreadable and controllable paint stripper that will soften and remove paints and primers, typically within five to fifteen minutes according to paint type. It works on plastic, resin, metal and is safe to handle with little or no odour. Strip Magic is non-corrosive and non-flammable.
DELUXE MATERIALS BALLAST MAGIC
Deluxe Materials has launched a new product called ‘Ballast Magic’. It’s an innovative powdered adhesive which was created for clean, easy bonding of model railway scatter & ballast, but has uses for scale modellers too. The adhesive itself is a fine dry powder that is very easy to mix in with diorama groundwork materials; once mixed in, it is sprayed gently with water for instant ‘grab’ and activation. Applying adhesive this way greatly reduces the chance of having visible glue marks after drying and makes the whole operation cleaner and easier. It can also be used to fix small items with a seamless finish, pictured above. Available from; Creative Models Ltd; www.creativemodels.co.uk (tel: 01354 760022) Homepage; www.deluxematerials.co.uk
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November 2006 TMMI 133
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Porsche 911SC Portugal 1982 Therier 1:24 resin & metal kit by Arena Modelli
WIN REVELL KITS! Win the 1:72 Sd.Kfz.7 and 8.8cm Flak!
Audi R8LMS 2013/4 (several versions available) 1:24 resin & metal kit by Studio 27 TMMI is offering you the chance to win some cool Revell kits of all types, scales and subjects! This time, it’s the 1:72 Sd.Kfz.7 and 8.8cm Flak
All you need to do is answer this question; Q;What does the ‘K’ in Flak stand for? You can email your answers to the address below or send a postcard to our main office address. Please don’t forget to add your name and postal address so we can send you your prize!
competitions@tamiyamodelmagazine.com Sd.Kfz.7 and 8.8cm Flak competition Tamiya Model Magazine International ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK In conjunction with Revell Ltd. www.revell.de/en
Ducati 1299 Panigale S 1:4 plastic & metal kit by Pocher
In addition to over 250 ranges of models, Grand Prix Models also publish our own magazine, Four Small Wheels. Please contact us for details and free sample copies
Grand Prix Models
4 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4SW. Telephone UK 01295 278070 Fax 01295 278072 from outside UK +44 1295 278070 Fax +44 1295 278072 mail@grandprixmodels.com
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FULL-BUILD: DIORAMA PROJECT TAMIYA/TASCA 1:35 SHERMAN FIREFLY VC â—? KIT NO.25174
A BRIDGE TOO FAR Erik Dreister takes us into Holland during Operation Market Garden, September 1944, when British Paras and US and British armour joined forces to take the bridges leading to the Ruhr...
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admit that I was surprised when the Editor asked me if I was interested in the assembly of Tamiya's 1:35 Sherman Firefly and the creation of a diorama for it. We discussed Operation Market Garden in which the Firefly participated, and chose to add Tamiya's fold-up 'Welbikes' with British para figures, also released quite recently. Tamiya's Firefly Vc is actually a re-boxing of Asuka Model's kit (formerly Tasca). This is good news because it's a modern production of very high quality and now it's in a Tamiya box, it will be much easier to buy in hobby shops and online. In addition, Tamiya had the brilliant idea of combining the Firefly tank with a commander figure plus five British soldiers in European uniform. With this box alone, we can make a small diorama full of life!
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Welbike's photo-etched wheel spokes are pressed into shape using the little stamps, provided in the box.
Tamiya’s impressive detail was supplemented with wire cables and styrene fuel hoses. The author had to add thin strips of styrene within the rims, so the photo-etched spokes did not float around their hubs.
The bikes were painted by following the instructions, using Tamiya acrylics applied by airbrush and a fine paint-brush. Some simulated petrol drips were applied around the fuel tank cap and the exhaust was treated with rust-coloured pigments from Mig Productions.
THE KIT
Upon opening the box, I was amazed by the wealth of detail on the mouldings, formed from an olive green plastic which is very pleasant to work with. The kit is accompanied by flexible tracks, beautifully moulded in black vinyl; even the gaps between the pads is visible. The track lengths bond easily with liquid cement and I decided to use them on the model, as they look very accurate. A small sheet of photo etched brass provides some
discerning refinements, such as headlights guards (also provided in plastic for those who prefer that material) plus periscope protectors and some other elements such as grids over the vents and engine grille (although this is invisible after installation because it's behind the rear of the plate of the Sherman). To finish off the generous inventory of this kit, you will also find a beautiful waterslide decal sheet with four markingoptions for Fireflies deployed in Normandy and Italy.
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FULL-BUILD: DIORAMA PROJECT TAMIYA/TASCA 1:35 SHERMAN FIREFLY VC â—? KIT NO.25174
To make the various items of crew-kit that were strapped to the tank, the author used Tamiya two-part 'Quick' putty. After mixing into a pale yellow paste (which hardens in a few hours, leaving time to give the desired final shape), a 'blob' was placed on the turret side.
STARTS V ASSEMBLY The instructions (designed
to Tamiya's high standard) suggest beginning by assembling the tracks and running gear. The bogies will require some patience but they do have the advantage of being articulated if one is careful with the cement. The kit includes small shims to give the vehicle a natural-looking ground clearance, but they can be replaced with the small rubber squares provided by Asuka. This will simulate the articulation of the suspension when the model is complete. The following steps in the instructions relate to the assembly of the lower hull, provided in separate panels to allow for better detail on each element's surface. In total, the assembly of the suspension and chassis takes up twelve of the twenty-eight instruction-stages. I then built up the upper part of the hull, opting to use the supplied photo-etched parts that add a lot of finesse to the model. The gun barrel is provided in two halves and once cemented, require just a light sanding to conceal the joint line. The box also contains two different muzzle brakes for the gun, separate hatches (including the one for the expulsion of shell casings on the side of the turret) and vision blocks with their separate covers, in short, all options that modellers will want to customise their own Firefly model! Up-detailing? I didn't add any to the kit as the level is that good. I merely made various folded tarpaulins and blankets from a two-part putty
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With a toothpick, folds and creases were pressed into the still-soft putty and then, using a piece of flat-section styrene rod, the author marked the places where the straps are wrapped around.
(Tamiya quick-setting type) plus a camouflage net, created simply using medical bandage material.
THE WELBIKE
Used by British paratroopers as liaison motorcycle, the Welbike (whose official name is 'Motorcycle, Solo, 98cc') was created in 1942 by the secret factory 'Station IX' in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, about an hour's drive north of London. Here, the SOE (Special Operations Executive) designers came up with the equipment for needed for intelligence and commando; kind of an early version of James Bond's Quartermaster ('Q') department. More than 3,500 examples of the Welbike were produced and it was widely used by British and Polish airborne troops and parachute commandos behind enemy lines. The Welbike was collapsible and could easily be dropped into a standard airborne container. With approximately an eighty-seven mile range and a top speed of 30mph, the Welbike was welcome and allowed the establishment of lines of communication between units in the combat zone, especially during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. A reference article on this machine was published in the October 2010 issue of TMMI (No.180) and is still available from; www. adhpublishing.com (type '180' in the search field).
The straps were made from thin strips of styrene and various items of infantry gear that accompany the Firefly kit were pressed into place. The turret roof was covered with other items that the author made using Tamiya epoxy putty.
On the rear deck, the author added some rolled-up sheets and blankets, also made from Tamiya Putty. The straps were cut from electrician's tape.
A piece of medical gauze was used to make the camouflage net, stored on the front glacis of the Firefly. To get it to stay in shape on the tank, it was soaked in PVA glue, diluted with water to a ratio of around 30%. Once the glue was dry, thin strips of two-part putty were added to achieve a type of Hessian camouflage net widely used by British forces.
Some elements such as photo-etched periscopes protectors add realism. Note that the author drilled two small drain-holes in the ventilator shield side vents. Tamiya offers two types of aerial guard, installed at the rear of the turret. Filling between turret parts was minimal as the components fit together perfectly. The straps for the tools are absent, so the author made them with thin strips of styrene, but electrician’s tape might do the trick here too.
WELBIKE IN 1:35
Tamiya's kit box contains two of these mini-bikes plus four Para figures; two sitting on the motorcycles and two standing. We are presented
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The beautiful vinyl tracks are very accurate and have metal chevron treads, typical of British Shermans. The running gear, if a bit tedious to assemble, is incredibly refined with exposed seams and foundry marks. Note the fender supports in photo-etch on the lower hull sides. Here, the model has been given a base-coat of green composed of XF-60 Dark Yellow, XF-61 Dark Green and XF-62 Olive Drab. The tracks were painted in Tamiya XF-52 Flat Earth.
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www.creativemodels.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1354 760022
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FULL-BUILD: DIORAMA PROJECT TAMIYA/TASCA 1:35 SHERMAN FIREFLY VC ● KIT NO.25174
The two-tone camouflage zones called 'Mickey Mouse ears' were marked out with Tamiya masking tape.
V with a set of beautifully
detailed parts and super simple assembly with photo-etched metal parts to reproduce the spoke-discs for the small wheels and transmission chain that add a lot of realism. The bikes can be presented folded to stow in a container or in a larger vehicle like an Austin Tilly for example. Their assembly presents no problems, except that the photo-etched discs must be pressed into shaped two
After removing the tape, we can see the camouflage made from XF-1 Flat Black lightened with XF-57 Buff.
specific templates, which are included in the kit, one for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel, so be careful to not mix them up. Also, the PE spokes do not quite meet the rim of each wheel, so I had to add a thin strip of styrene inside the wheels so that the spokes didn't appear to 'float' around their hubs. To enhance the detail of these mini-motorcycles, I added fuel hoses plus brake, accelerator and headlight cables. The upholstered parts of the tank commander’s cupola were painted leather colour (XF-64 Red Brown X-26 Clear Orange). The general patination of the kit was completed with a graphite pencil and a silver Faber Castell pencil to simulate burnished wear on projections, such as around the hatches.
Heavily diluted XF-19 Smoke was used to created a shaded look around various panels. Some vertical streaks were also applied on the flanks of hull and turret. The gun was disguised in the typical way of the Firefly. German gunners could easily identify a Firefly by its long barrel, so the crews broke up the silhouette by repainting them black on top and white below, with a wavy border. At this stage, the author also painted the camouflage net and fabric strips in different shades of green, plus many small paint chips in light green on edges etc., to give it more operational look.
After applying the decals between two layers of gloss varnish, the author switched to the essential phase of ageing: colour-washes. He used Tamiya Panel Line Accent Colors in black and brown, which are ideal for this step. He applied several washes, leaving them to dry for twenty-four hours between coats.
Around the petrol and radiator filler caps, various oil and grease stains were made using Tamiya Panel Line Accent Colors (Black). The metal parts of the tools were rubbed with graphite pencil.
The kit components made earlier by the author look natural and fit snugly around the turret’s curves.
The gun cleaning rods were painted in a light wood colour, XF-57 Buff.
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The camouflage net received a dark brown colour-wash. The graphite pencil and Faber Castell silver pencil were used again on the protruding parts of the hull to simulate wear.
The pigments give the running gear and tracks a more realistic look. Note the metallic appearance of the sides of road wheels, caused by friction against the track's guide horns. Pigments were also dusted over the lower parts of the body to simulate the dust of the battlefield.
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THE SETTING?
To stage the Firefly, Welbikes and figures, I chose to create a compact setting built onto a plinth of natural wood that I simply painted to act as the base. The soil was created on a piece of 5mm foam-board, cut with irregular contours onto which I spread Tamiya Diorama Texture Paste (Dark Earth) and Faller grass-flocking to represent grass. The house was built from Tamiya's 1:35 Brick Walls set (35028) with a corrugated cardboard for the roof and windows made of styrene strip. German propaganda posters and a Dutch advertising plate for canned food from the '40s were found on the 'web and printed on fine paper before being fixed to the wall of the building with white glue. The human contribution was limited to three figures from the two kits. To accompany the Firefly, I just exchanged the head of the tank commander by a part from Alpine Miniatures for a finer reproduction of the facial details. For the Paras, I used two of the four figures provided with the Welbikes built them up 'stock'. Their faces are much more finely sculpted and do not require replacement. Note that there are several options for the positioning of their arms because, Tamiya had the forethought to provide them in two positions. I followed the painting instructions provided on the box, using Tamiya Acrylic diluted with water. I admit that the camouflage pattern on the Paras' Denison smocks was not the easiest to achieve...
CONCLUSION
Building this kit was a great experience and a real pleasure; I'll bet that this 'new' Sherman kit and the air-portable Welbikes find their place in your display case! Both machines participated in almost all the battles following the liberation of Normandy, so it'll be certainly be quite easy to place them in a suitable diorama. ●
The base of the diorama was a simple upturned bowl, made from natural wood. The 'soil' was cut from a piece of 5mm foam-board
The base was first painted white (Tamiya White primer, aerosol), then I applied vinyl, self-adhesive lettering that I borrowed/stole from my wife's scrapbook box!
The author then applied the same camouflage as the Firefly, before removing adhesive letters, allowing the white background to reappear.
Before the paste had dried completely, the author pressed the model on the surface to create track marks. To prevent the material sticking to the tracks, they were first moistened with water.
The floor of the base was covered with Tamiya Texture Paint ‘Soil Effect’. It was the first time the author had used it and the result is stunning. An old brush will give relief to the paste once spread.
For the grassy areas, I wanted to use only the paste Tamiya Texture Paint ‘Grass Effect’, but the look was a little unrealistic. So I dusted Faller synthetic grass on the paste right after spreading it.
1940s posters were found on the internet and printed before being glued onto the building.
The house is built from Tamiya's Brick Wall set. The author originally intended these elements to form a ruined building but chose to build it undamaged instead.
The house was permanently fixed to the groundwork and the join concealed with some synthetic grass flocking by Faller. The propaganda poster was partially torn; it has the advantage of being written in Dutch, allows you to locate the scene immediately.
The house was painted with Tamiya Acrylics in various brick-like colour tones. The roof was painted light grey to simulate fibre-cement panels.
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FULL-BUILD: DIORAMA PROJECT TAMIYA/TASCA 1:35 SHERMAN FIREFLY VC ● KIT NO.25174
A reference article on the Welbike was published in the October 2010 issue of TMMI (No.180) and is still available from; www.adhpublishing.com (please type '180' in the search-field on the website).
It’s a compact scene, which focuses the viewer’s attention on the model and the figures. The creative treatment of the display base adds to the atmosphere.
MODELSPEC TAMIYA/TASCA 1:35 SHERMAN FIREFLY VC KIT NO.25174 TAMIYA 1:35 WELBIKE AND BRITISH PARATROOPERS KIT NO.35333
Sherman materials;
Injection-moulded olive green and transparent (periscopes) polystyrene, soft vinyl (tracks), polycaps, photo-etched metal, waterslide decals Welbike and figures materials; Injection-moulded grey polystyrene, photo-etched metal
Paints used;
Tamiya Acrylics; XF-1 Flat Black, XF-2 Flat White, XF-15 Flat Flesh, XF-19 Smoke, XF-49 Khaki, XF-57 Buff, XF-60 Dark Yellow, XF-61 Dark Green, XF-62 Olive Drab, XF-64 Red Brown, X-26 Orange, X-10 Gunmetal, X-11 Chrome Silver
Weathering;
Tamiya; Panel Line Accent Colors Black, Brown Mig Productions Pigments; P033 Dark Mud, P232 Dry Mud, P031 Vietnam Earth
Accessories used:
Tamiya; Brick walls (35028) Cultura; base, foam board, corrugated cardboard Soil; Tamiya Diorama Texture Paint - Soil Effect Dark Earth Grass; Tamiya Diorama Texture Paint - Grass Effect Khaki, Faller synthetic grass Tamiya Epoxy Putty 'Quick' (87051)
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION REVELL 1:32 FOCKE-WULF FW190 F-8 ● KIT NO.04869
FACTORY-FRESH FOC W
ell, I really couldn’t refuse this one when I was asked to build it. The F-series '190s are probably my favourite variant of Kurt Tank’s infamous Würger. For me, it’s the possibility of building the sexier short-nose machine, but having the blown canopy that was often seen on the Dora variant, that appeals. Please remember that this is a test shot, and changes may be made before the full-production kit's release; I’ve seen no images of any final sprues, so I really can’t comment about any changes that may still be made. That’s it, caveat delivered, let's get on with the build! Revell’s new kit is spread across fifteen sprues, with two of those being moulded in clear. There are two different sliding hood options, and these are included twice, depending on whether you pose the canopy open or closed. That’s right, Revell included the 'pinched' canopy that you would use when modelling that part as open. The kit also features a number of options for underwing ordnance, as the ‘F’ variant was capable of being fitted with numerous wing-based stores. Also within the kit box are no less than three forward cowl/ trough parts, but it’s pretty obvious that only one of these is to be used with this release. Both smooth and treaded wheels are supplied and these are un-weighted. Tail wheel options are 'a plenty too, with narrow and wide wheels included. For all wheels, the hubs are separate and the moulding/ detail is very good.
CHOICES, CHOICES
The instructions make you choose the underwing load of your model right at the very beginning, before then moving to the cockpit. A number of hole positions are clearly provided within the lower wing panel and these are also moulded with a wall around them to make accurate drilling more, well, accurate! Here, I opened up the locating points for the four SC50 bomb racks and also the centreline rack which would carry the larger SC250. Before diving over to the cockpit, I fitted the internal wing strengthening brace. This also incorporates the holes for the large stand, should you want to use it. I didn’t. Being on a roll, I also decided to fit the wing root MG151 cannon barrels into the forward bulkhead/ spar section, as well as the central brace. This was then installed to the wing and the fit was perfect. Now, over to the cockpit at last.
ENTER THE OFFICE
The cockpit is actually quite a spartan affair with potential for detailing by either yourself, or by the inevitable aftermarket suppliers. My remit will tend to stick to 'out-ofthe-box' so you can see what this kit offers. You’ll notice that the cockpit tub is very similar in format to those in other FW190 kits, with a moulded-on rear deck. That deck does actually clip positively into position on the fuselage part and the forward area is tabbed into the fuselage interior. Work starts with fitting the rudder pedals to their framework and they look very good; I
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OCKE-WULF!
Jim Hatch describes the building and painting of Revell's all-new 1:32 Focke-Wulf FW190 F-8
TMMI 235 May 2015
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION REVELL 1:32 FOCKE-WULF FW190 F-8 ● KIT NO.04869
added a little tape for V just the foot-straps. After gluing
the foot-straps. After gluing this frame into the tub and the hood wheel to the fuselage wall, I airbrushed the whole interior – including seat, instrument panels and control column – in Gunze RLM66 Black Grey. Revell supplies decals for the instrument panels and consoles, but as these have to be applied over relief, I opted not to use them. Instead, I choose to fit a number of Airscale instrument decals plus a number of placards to enliven things. Finally, the cockpit was assembled and set to one side for later.
A rather large stand is included, adding serious weight to the box, and no doubt a few extra £/€/$
The author couldn’t resist a quick test-fit of all the parts to see how things fitted together generally; he certainly had nothing to worry about. This is always a good sign!
WHEEL WELLS AND STRUTS
Much of the remainder of the interior was painted in Gunze RLM02, including the weapons bay and both the main and tailwheel bay interiors. As I had already fitted the cannon barrels, these were then painted in Mr Metal Color Dark Iron and later buffed to a metallic shine. I chose to work on the undercarriage struts and inner gear doors too, giving these a nice even coat of RLM02. After sealing, I painted the compression struts with Mr Metal Color Chrome, and then applied a pin wash to the detail. I think Revell’s attempt at reproducing the wheel hub detail is admirable. After assembling the wheels and their separate hubs, I airbrushed Tamiya Rubber Black onto them and then sealed this before masking off the wheel and spraying RLM66 onto the hubs. Hub detail was picked out with Gunze Aluminium for the nuts.
Before you can start, you need to work out what under-wing load you want your Würger to carry and then drill out the correct holes.
The author decided to install the main spar and gun barrels and then paint them later. Test fitting the wheel well ceiling again proved to be an excellent fit.
Revell’s cockpit interior is also very good and would just benefit from a few placards and instrument decals. Some are supplied, but they aren’t too great.
After applying a base coat of RLM66, the author added highlights and shading to this by mixing the base with white and black. A dilute base coat was then airbrushed over the interior parts, to lessen the harsh effects that he had just added.
Airscale (www.airscale.co.uk) instrument and placard decals were used in the interior, punching out the latter with an RP Toolz Punch & Die set.
Decal seatbelts are supplied, but these were ditched in favour of a set of HGW’s textile belts. A massive improvement!
WEAPONS BAY
The gun bay is quite respectable out of box, but leaves room for the photo-etch and resin guys. Having already painted the main areas in RLM02, all that was left to do was to paint the ammunition boxes and the forward firing machine guns. The instructions suggest RLM02 for the boxes, but I airbrushed these in Alclad Airframe Aluminium. Due to
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AK Interactive’s Dark Brown wash was used to pick out the interior detail.
A Prismacolor silver pencil is the easiest way to add paint chips. Just make sure you keep the tip nice and sharp.
To simulate the shiny glass instrument dials, Micro Crystal Clear was applied with a toothpick.
Revell’s undercarriage breakdown is standard, but detail is very good, as is the fit.
A good selection of tail wheel parts are supplied, and options provided for extended and retracted gear.
More colour-modulation, but with RLM02 in the undercarriage bays and on the struts and gear doors.
Again, a dilute base coat helps to bring the various tones together.
time restrictions, it wasn’t my intention to paint either the gun bay or engine bay this model, except for what could be actually seen though the wheel wells and other openings. Instead, I want to simply show what is available in this kit, but to leave the external lines of the model unaffected by open panels etc. The two-part machine guns would be simply painted with Mr Metal Color Dark Iron and then buffed to a metallic after the main scheme was painted. One area of this model that I didn’t like was the interior of the upper cowl for the gun bay. The test shot was devoid of any real detail inside this part and another reason why I elected to close up this area. With the guns and ammunition bins installed, the forward engine mounting ring and tubular support frames were added. These fit perfectly.
BMW’S FINEST
Fw190 gear struts have placards on their front edge and as Revell didn’t include any, Airscale came to the rescue.
Tamiya Weathering Pastels are used to accentuate the highlighted areas, creating more depth and visual interest.
Mini Review... PLUS MODEL 1:35 SMALL TRANSPORT CRATES ITEM no; 452 www.creativemodels.co.uk
I remember trying to once source the old Hasegawa kit which had an engine supplied with it and then wanting to shoe-horn it into the newer release. This was simply because you cannot buy a 1:32 aftermarket BMW801, incredible as that seems! Revell have therefore given us the option
In this new set from Plus Model we are presented with no less than nineteen items of 1:35 packaging, including suitcases, wooden crates and cardboard boxes, all very finely case in resin. These are ideal for loading up vehicles, filling shelving within workshop dioramas and more. Superb detail and casting.
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION REVELL 1:32 FOCKE-WULF FW190 F-8 ● KIT NO.04869
Mould seams on the radial banks are only very slight, and Revell’s solution is to have the reverse side as an insert. Clever engineering. Assembly is also very simple as all parts have unique keys, meaning orientation will be correct every time.
V to build a model with this
installed. No doubt Eduard will now look at perhaps going their own too, but if you go with the kit option, it’s still a respectable looking assembly. Both radial banks are moulded almost as single parts. What I mean by that is that there is a smaller half which fits into the rear of the forward radial bank, eliminating much of the seam removal requirements.
Gunze’s Aluminium was used to paint the front face of the engine and the author then couldn’t resist a test fit on the engine bearers... All looks good!
The author usually avoids assembly in this order due to resulting gaps at the wing root. Well, glue was applied and the wing secured permanently. No going back now.
No need to worry, as the fit was extremely good. Don’t you wish this was always the case?
An Albion Alloys Flex-i-File helps to get into those seams that would normally be difficult to reach properly. (www.albionalloys.co.uk)
Assembly is actually very easy, and you can’t get things in the wrong order due to the notches and tabs used. As I would close up the cowlings on this model, I assembled the whole engine, including the exhaust banks. The latter parts dropped into place easily, despite the outward complexity of the BMW’s exhaust plumbing. Engine detail really is extremely good, with sharp cooling fins
There is no better primer than Tamiya Fine Surface and it coats quickly. The '190 looks almost like a CAD image once complete! Flat White was then airbrushed over the rudder and cowl, followed by RLM04 Yellow.
RLM75 and 83 were now applied, creating the upper scheme. Some mottle retouching was required, until the author was finally happy with things.
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and nice ancillary equipment to the rear of powerplant. My plan wasn’t to paint the whole assembly, but instead, the area which would be seen through the cooling fan. For this limited view, I simply used Gunze Aluminium followed by an application of AK’s Dark Brown Wash to highlight any detail which may be seen. Again, you won’t see much engine behind that propeller.
A BUTCHER-BIRD IS BORN
Having test-fitted the main parts from the outset, I knew I wasn’t going to be given a rough ride here. The first job was to actually glue the fuselage halves together without the tub, which fits in from underneath. I like this method simply because any dust from sanding the seams won’t end up within the cockpit. Seam removal was only a minor task and
After masking off the yellow cowl and removing the rudder, the upper sides were airbrushed with black and blue. The undersides with RLM66 and brown; the effect of multi-colour pre-shade is startling. The author had never done this before...
Kit decals were excellent and bedded down perfectly with Mr Mark Setter. (www.modeldesignconstruction.co.uk)
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AK Interactive’s Dark Brown wash was used once the decals were sealed with a coat of Klear.
Spiral spinner decals usually give the author lots of problems. However, this one sat perfectly.
The myriad remaining parts were now finished, prior to final assembly.
Tamiya Smoke is great for creating a little last minute weathering. Use it highly diluted though and slowly build up the required effect.
Bombs were now fitted, giving this menacing little fighter some real purpose.
I used a scriber to replace lost panel line detail, run against the edge of some plastic Dymo tape. I also used Tamiya extra thin cement on these key seams, making the joint as gloopy as I can so that liquid plastic is squeezed outwards. All done, the cockpit tub and instrument panel/ coaming were now installed. Assembling the wing was also a straightforward job and everything aligned as it should. Once seam removal was complete, I fitted the engine mounting struts and main engine bearer ring, followed by the fuselage to the wing itself. Revell’s interlocking design is pretty fool-proof and all I had to do was to wipe a small smear of Mr Dissolved Putty along the wing root. With the main parts fitted, I now installed the stabiliser, elevators and rudder, followed by the engine itself. A good number of cowling parts make up this area, so I was a little concerned as to how all would fit. The first part to add is the upper gun trough panel, as this locks into the engine itself. All remaining panels then fit perfectly into position, followed by the two part forward cowl ring. Lastly, the gun bay cowling was added.
A COAT OF MANY COLOURS
Tesa masking tape was used to mask the windshield and
the main hood that was temporarily fixed using Micro Crystal Clear. As the model was already moulded in a darker grey plastic than I was used to, I decided to first prime things with Tamiya Fine Surface Light Grey, followed by a light rub down with Albion Alloys' Micro Mesh cloths. This was followed by a pre-shade of Gunze RLM66, Flat Black, Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown and unusually, Tamiya XF-8 Flat Blue. As the model didn’t have any rivet lines etc., I felt I needed to break up the panels in a different way. Of course, the first job would be to apply the RLM76 undersides, but I elected to airbrush Gunze Flat White onto the cowling and rudder as a base coat, followed by RLM04 Yellow. When cured, the yellow was masked and the light blue RLM76 undersides were applied, extending this up the fuselage sides, and incorporating the full height of the fin. From this point, there was no further masking to do, except for the wing leading edge and a little on the wings to help achieve a relatively smooth edge to the camo demarcation. RLM75 was now airbrushed onto the upper surfaces so that the pre-shade was only just visible. Following this, RLM83 was applied. All paint so far, is applied
by diluting it 50:50 with Mr Levelling Thinner. Now, I needed to crank down my air pressure to around 10PSI and thin each camouflage colour so the mix was about 70% thinners. Mottling was now applied, using both the instructions and some Srecko Bradic artwork as reference. My first attempt was not great, so I alternated the colours and retouched things so the finish fell in between the box art and Srecko’s work.
DECALS AND THE LAST FEW YARDS
After applying a 'Klear' gloss coat and leaving it to cure, the kit decals were applied. These have a matt finish, which I actually like as it’s easier to paint on decal setting solution without it pooling up. The decals were initially applied with Mr Mark Setter and all settled down just fine. They were then sealed in again with another coat of Johnson's Klear. At this point, I also painted
U
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION
MODELSPEC
REVELL 1:32 FOCKE-WULF FW190 F-8 ● KIT NO.04869
Revell 1:32 Focke-Wulf FW190 F-8 KIT NO.04869
Materials;
Injection-moulded grey and clear polystyrene, waterslide decals
Paints used
V the propeller, spinner and
bomb load, applying decals where appropriate. For the bombs and spinner, RLM71 was used. The main bomb required a sharks mouth/ face, comprising four more decals. Neutral Grey streaks were added to the RLM70 propeller, in the direction of airflow and once cured, the spiral decal was fitted, which went down surprisingly well! Hub detail was picked out with Gunze Aluminium for the nuts, and Vallejo red for the tyre-movement marks. Mig Productions 'Airfield Dust' was used to dirty the rims a little. Tamiya X-19 Smoke was then applied to
key panel lines and once dry, the model was finished in a coat of satin varnish (approximately 25% Gunze Gloss, 20% H20 Flat Clear and 55% Mr Levelling Thinner). This imparts a very subtle sheen, only just discernible. To dirty-up the panels behind the exhausts, I airbrushed some very thin XF-52 Flat Earth, and applied this in vertical streaks, as well as tapering this away as the distance grew further. This was then supplemented by an application of Gunze Soot. This stuff is amazing for exhaust stains and again, it was applied in thin layers. All of the final parts were
now fitted to the model, including an aerial that was made from Uschi van der Rosten’s standard elastic rigging cord. My thoughts on Revell's new-tool 1:32 FW190 F-8? From building this test shot, it's an impressive production with an accurate profile, fine detail in all the right places, plenty of features (full engine, detailed undercarriage wells etc.,) and an excellent fit of parts. Add to all this the remarkable pricing of around £36 and this kit has the potential to be a real winner! My thanks to Guttorm Fjeldstad of Norway’s Gardermoen Aviation Museum for his help. ●
Mr Levelling Thinner, Gunze H70 RLM02, H416 RLM66, H65 Black Green, H69 RLM75, H423 RLM83, H417 RLM76, MC214 Dark Iron, MC 218 Aluminium, H20 Flat Clear, H11 White, H12 Black, H343 Soot, H64 RLM71 Tamiya Acrylics; X-18 Semi Gloss Black, XF85 Rubber Black, XF-52 Flat Earth, X-19 Smoke, XF-8 Flat Blue, XF-64 Red Brown Vallejo Acrylics; Folkestone Basics paint set AK-Interactive; Dark Brown Wash Tamiya Weathering Pastels
Before starting
Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, Deluxe Materials CA Gel, finepoint tweezers, Swann-Morton Scalpel (No.15 and 11 blades), RB Productions razor saw, Albion Alloys Micro Mesh Cloths and sanding sticks, Albion Alloys Flex-i-File, MDC Sanding sponges, Dymo tape, scriber, Tesa masking tape, Mr Mark Setter, Johnson's Klear
Accessories used
HGW Luftwaffe seat belts (www. hgwmodels.cz/en/) Airscale 1:32 and 1:48 Luftwaffe cockpit instruments and placard decals (www.airscale.co.uk) Uschi van der Rosten standard rigging cord (www.uschivdr.com) Iwata HP-C+ Airbrush (www. airbrushes.com)
References Used Revell’s all-new FW190 F-8 ticks all the important boxes; great detail, great fit-of-parts and a great price of around £36.
Aero Detail 06 - Focke-Wulf Fw190 A/F Kagero Monografie FW190 Vol.I and Vol.2
Availabilty;
Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www. revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/revell
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LMV Lince
model kit modèle réduit N°6504 scale 1:35 échelle
Photo-etched fret included
www.italeri.com
Stirling MK I N°1335 1:72
model kit modèle réduit
scale échelle
Photo-etched fret included
3894
Classic Peterbild 378-119
501 H.M.S. Hood
Catalogue 2015
1:720
1:24
3902
1801
Berliet R352ch/Renault R360
ATR 42
1:24
1:144
Ask your local distributor or contact: Italeri S.p.A. - via Pradazzo, 6/b 40012 - Calderara di Reno - Bologna - Italy - Phone +39 051 31 75 211 - email: italeri@italeri.com
FULL-BUILD: CIVILIAN AUTOMOBILE EBBRO 1:24 RENAULT 4L ● KIT NO.25002
QUINTESSENTIAL
QUATRELLE! Fabrice Maréchal abandons his more sporty subjects for an every-day car, Ebbro's 1:24 Renault 4L
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ons for o's 4L
Pieces of plastic, slightly thicker than the amount of play, were roughly cut from Evergreen plastic plate. The parts were grafted on both sides of the bonnet with Tamiya cement. The excess material was then trimmed as close to the moulding as possible. A careful sanding was then performed to equalize everything and adjust the width of the bonnet.
The chassis and body were test-fitted using masking tape and the bonnet was then put in place. As we can see, there is quite a gap either side of the moulding.
The left door was taped in place, pushing the hinged edge closest to the body, aligning the curves. It's then that another gap is apparent at the horizontal and vertical (rear) edges of the door.
W
ith this new 1:24 kit of the Renault 4L, Ebbro has created a very attractive model with highly detailed chassis, suspension, engine and passenger compartment. The front doors, tailgate and bonnet are moulded individually and can be positioned open or closed. The bonnet can be simply placed on the body, allowing the modeller to remove it at their leisure and reveal the engine and its ancillary equipment. I chose to preserve the lines
In the same way as for the bonnet, pieces of sheet styrene were glued to the edges of the doors. The excess material was trimmed off then sanded carefully until the styrene graft followed the same curve as the door.
of the car by keeping the doors and hatchback closed. With this in mind, I began to test-fit the main body parts and here it quickly became clear that Ebbro designed the kit to be finished with everything open. Indeed, the degree of play between the various body parts is quite significant, to the extent that it will affect the general appearance of the car if you want to present the doors closed. For proof, one needs only to compare the gap around to the front door with the engraved detail around
The tip of a toothpick was used to force the foil into the angles of the trim strips.
A final dry-assembly with the body shows us the improved result. A gap is still visible, due to the fact that the wings are not perfectly in place on the frame, in anticipation of the painting process.
The body was sanded with 800-grit abrasive. An improvised handle was made using Evergreen plastic rod and attached to the body with Blu-Tack. The body was then given several coats of Tamiya white primer.
the rear doors. Certainly true for the real '4L; there was also a noticeable amount 'play' and it was variable from one car to the next. They say play is the 'soul of mechanics', but not this much, so it was time to break out the 'fantastic four'; plastic card, superglue, filler and primer, to close those gaps.
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Bare-Metal-Foil 'Chrome' was used to create the trim along the sills. A piece of Bare-Metal-Foil was placed over each raised line and pressed down with a Q-Tip, simply rubbing over the foil.
Finally, using the angle of the trim as a cutting guide, the surplus foil was cut off with the tip of a fresh modelling knife’s blade.
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FULL-BUILD: CIVILIAN AUTOMOBILE EBBRO 1:24 RENAULT 4L ● KIT NO.25002
CHASSIS V THE Studying the plans, I
realised that it's possible to build the chassis almost in the opposite sequence of what Ebbro suggests, moreover leaving the body aside until the end of the assembly. So, we start by selecting parts for painting with the dominant colour, namely satin black. The dashboard in Step 1 was fully assembled, but leaving the wheel/steering column separate from the dashboard. In Step 2, the engine is assembled, the rear portion of the frame previously painted red is masked off and the upper part of the frame (C14) is prepared for painting.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Don't forget to paint the rear part of the cargo floor red too. The areas of the door panels to remain clear were then masked off (both sides) and Tamiya white primer then applied.
The last stage begins with the application of the side trim-strips of the body in the form of metal decals. Their application is more or less identical to that of a traditional decal, however one must be wet the model's surface so that the marking can be moved around easily. Once in place, the excess water was removed with a cotton swab and a gentle pressing down of the decal ensures its final collage. Be careful not to reverse the decals 8 and 9, which I think is the case on the instructions. In addition, they are in one piece, but as they pass across the rear door and onto the wings they will need cutting. A simple slice with the scalpel solved the problem. The sunroof, which was brush-painted with matt black enamels, was fixed with two-epoxy. The lenses of the rear lights were painted translucent red from the inside and the seals around their outer edges was touched with satin black, to simulate the joint. Their lights' recesses on the body were carefully brush-painted Tamiya TS-30 Silver Leaf and the lights were then glued with PVA glue. The front indicator lights were painted with TS-30 and their seals also satin black. The door handles were then attached and a small drop of Tamiya
In anticipation of the layers of primer and paint – and especially for the 'weathering' step – the recessed mouldings of the seats were deepened. Note the difference between the re-engraved areas and those in their original state.
The door panels were painted with Tamiya TS-49 Bright Red, decanted and applied by airbrush. Once the red was fully dry, further masking tape covered the red in readiness for painting the door cards.
The author’s artistic freedom allows him a little Renault blasphemy (for a red 4L) with the choice a two-tone interior that began with XF-59 Desert Yellow!
The seats and door panels were drybrushed several times with XF-59, gradually thinned with white XF-2, until the desired effect was achieved. The second colour of the seats, Humbrol 33 Matt Black, was then applied with a brush. The black was finally drybrushed with a mixture of black and Humbrol 62 Leather.
The insides of the doors were fully de-masked and the 'rubber' window seals touched in with matt black.
The seats were fitted without any difficulty, provided you have not forgotten (like the author did) to make openings in the part C14 as directed in Step 2 of the instructions... On the underside, the spare wheel was installed first, followed by the rear axle, then the wheel arches (E2 and E3). Matt black touch-ups were applied to hide any traces of cement.
Here we see the engine in place. The
head and the front of the gearbox U cylinder were painted Tamiya XF-16 Aluminium.
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A colour-wash was then applied to add a little depth to these areas. The upper frame (C14) was then cemented in place.
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paint the too.
d with ieved. 3 Matt black ack
The two sun visors were installed, then the sliding window panels fixed to the inner face of the door in the desired positions. The inner faces of the doors were then cemented in their respective positions without difficulty.
The final coupling of the body to the chassis was achieved by introducing the chassis into the front of the body first, then closing the two sub-assemblies up.
All accessories were painted then fitted within the engine compartment. For the colour of the items, the instructions were followed, except for the jack and wheel wrench which were finished differently. Some cables and hoses, such as the headlamp wires, positive and negative battery cables, windscreen-washer hose and tubing from the brake servo were then added to fill the engine compartment.
This interior view shows how this car was had a spartan and workman-like cabin, not helped by the author, who forgot the seatbelts!
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FULL-BUILD: CIVILIAN AUTOMOBILE EBBRO 1:24 RENAULT 4L ● KIT NO.25002
MODELSPEC EBBRO 1:24 RENAULT 4L KIT NO.25002
Materials:
Injection moulded polystyrene, soft vinyl tires, waterslide decals, metal 'decals'.
Paints used:
The radiator grille – represented by a piece of photo-etch – is fixed directly to the bonnet and painted satin black once in place. Contrary to what is suggested by the instructions, the headlight optics were fixed through the back of the grille.
V Panel Line Accent Color
(black) was placed in the engraved detail. The license plate and its lamp were glued in place, followed by the wipers, both bumpers and fuel filler cap. Fixing the driver's rear-view mirror brought to a close the assembly of this legendary French car.
CONCLUSION
Unlike the model’s doors and tailgate, which the author chose to cement closed, the bonnet can be left loose to allow the engine and its bay to be shown off. Cabling was added to the ignition system and battery, which brings a lot of realism to this area.
With this 1:24 kit of the Renault 4L, Ebbro has presented us with a high quality model with easy assembly. The assembly of the aforementioned body parts is not what one would expect given the quality of the rest of the kit. If you leave everything open, the question does
not arise, but if you decide to close up the doors and tailgate, the changes in this article become necessary. The insides of the doors – moulded in translucent plastic – could also lead to problems, but proceeding with patience and organization, everyone should get to find happiness with their 4L! ●
Tamiya Sprays; TS-14 White Primer, TS-29 Semi-Gloss Black, TS-30 Silver Leaf, TS-49 Gloss Red Tamiya Acrylics; XF-2 Flat White, XF-16 Aluminium, XF-55 Deck Tan, XF-59 Desert Yellow, X-27 Clear Red Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color; Dark Brown, Black Humbrol Enamels; 33 Matt Black, 61 Matt Flesh, 62 Matt Leather, 85 Satin Coal Black Model Master Enamels; 1415 Burnt Metal, 1402 Steel Mr Hobby; Primer 500 Winsor & Newton oil paint; Raw Umber Two-part polyurethane clear gloss
Other products used:
Cyanoacrylate adhesive, fiveminute epoxy, white spirit, Tamiya Masking Tape, abrasives, Gelson polishing compound, Tamiya Modeling Wax
Availability;
Ebbro model kits are imported and distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company; www.hobbyco.net Widely available from good model shops
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FULL-BUILD: AFV MODELLING TAMIYA 1:35 SOMUA S35 FRENCH MEDIUM TANK â—? KIT NO.35344
Pt.2 PLEASE SIR, CAN I HAVE SOMUA? In the concluding part of our 'photo-feature', TMMI's Editor makes a few more detail additions to Tamiya's new 1:35 Somua S35 French medium tank, and then gets some paint on it!
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L
ast issue, I described the small detail additions I made to the Somua's hull, such as the driver's auxiliary visor, cutting open the engine grilles (remind me why I did that again?), assembling the suspension and snapping together the tracks. Before painting took place, I decided to add some foundry numbers to the hull. It seems that not all Somuas had these, which might explain the lack of them on Tamiya's mouldings, but as I had the means to do it, in the form of Archer Fine Transfers' wonderful 'Surface Details #7' (AR88007), I thought it might add a little visual interest to the hull. I first applied localised patches of Mr Surfacer 500 for the decals to adhere to, then positioned the cut-out letters and numbers in the usual way you'd apply decals. Once dry, I applied another coat of Surfacer to seal them in. The cupola in Tamiya's kit is missing the three lifting-lugs, so I made my own, using styrene rod and discs of plastic card made with a punch and die set. They were cemented onto the cupola with CA glue for strength. Some other small details were added to the model's surface, including a row of bolts/rivets around the cupola's base and hinge-pin ends on the flap, a piece of fine PE mesh (found in my spares box) over the front of the headlight guard, tread-plate on the rear hull step (Archer again) and other little improvements.
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FULL-BUILD: AFV MODELLING TAMIYA 1:35 SOMUA S35 FRENCH MEDIUM TANK â—? KIT NO.35344
The lifting-lugs are missing from the cupola, so they were made from styrene rod and cemented onto discs of plastic card. Small discs of thin plastic card were cemented onto the engine access doors to simulate casting marks.
A piece of fine photo-etched mesh from the spares-box was superglued over the headlight guard
Small details were added to the exhaust’s baseplate. The foundry numbers were partially invented, inspired by photos found on the internet. Archer Fine Transfers printed casting marks were used here. The small step at the rear of the hull was given a non-slip texture using decal material from Archer Fine Transfers.
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Tiny bolt-heads were added around the base of the cupola, punched out of plastic sheet using the shaft of a micro-drill bit
The hatch handles were made to look a little more threedimensional by slipping a scalpel blade under them and carefully lifting up an edge.
Here we see the side-bins’ upper mounts, made from brass strip which allowed them to bent to shape.
The bins prior to their instalment on the hull side
The bins have been temporarily rested in place for the photo. The lower support strips were made from plastic strip as it’s easier to work with than brass.
FOR THAT V TIME FUNKY CAMO
Then, it was finally time to paint the model; I was originally going to apply a Wehrmacht three-colour scheme, with 'FFI' symbols in order to depict a tank reclaimed by the French forces following D-Day. However, it seemed a shame to not use one of the amazing camouflage schemes offered in the kit, as the colours and patterns are just so weird! I ended up choosing 'Option B' from the instructions, tank No.42 of the 13th Dragoon Regiment, which has the lava-lamp (as I call it) turret patterns and the more standard three-colour, layered camo on the hull. To begin with, I applied an undercoat of red-oxide primer using Mr Hobby Mr Oxide Red Surfacer 1000, direct from the aerosol can. This was left to dry overnight, forming a unifying layer on which to apply the model paints. Tamiya XF-21 Sky was then airbrushed on the lower hull sides and upper area; there's no need to paint the whole tank, so long as the relevant portions are covered. Once dry, Silly Putty (thanks Stan!), was placed over the Sky areas to protect them while the brown was airbrushed on. I used a mixture of XF-64 Red Brown and XF-60 Desert Yellow, which lightened the colour a little. Once this was dry, more Silly Putty was used to mask off the brown zones and the green (XF-26 Deep Green with more XF-60 Desert Yellow) was duly sprayed. You can see from the photos how the turret was masked up and airbrushed; fiddly but fun! I used a mix of Vallejo Black and Panzer Aces 335 to paint the black lines around the turret's colours (the downside of this scheme) and I'd say I was partially successful – my hand is not as steady as it once was.
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FULL-BUILD: AFV MODELLING TAMIYA 1:35 SOMUA S35 FRENCH MEDIUM TANK ● KIT NO.35344
In order to test new paints, masking techniques, weathering methods and more, some polystyrene shot-glasses were mounted on cocktail sticks and given the same base colour as the kit would receive.
UP V DECALLING With the base colours
established, I sealed the whole model with two coats of Future polish and let this harden overnight in readiness for the decalling process. There are only a handful of decals for this model, but they are wonderfully colourful and really give this vehicle some character. No problems were encountered during this step but you will need some decal setting solution to help the roundel to conform the compound curve of the cupola's top surface. With the decals dry, another layer of Future was applied to seal in the markings. To establish an initial
layer of weathering, I first airbrushed on a light, overall coat of XF-55 Deck Tan, heavily thinned with Tamiya X-20A Thinner. This reduced the intensity of the camouflage colours, a shame as they look cool at full brightness, but some scale-effect had be introduced. Following this, further, more localised applications of less heavily thinned XF-55 were made, to give the tank an overall dusty effect. Once this had dried, colour-washes of dark brown oil paints, thinned with white spirit, were applied around the engine deck area and in other places where the detail needed deepening. At this
Mini Review... WINGS COCKPIT FIGURES 1:32 US NAVY PILOT 1941-43 ITEM no.USN01 www.wingscockpitfigures.com
point, time got the better of me and I had to stop; I will revisit this model and continue the weathering process so it looks more complete.
TRACK TIME
The tracks, as we saw last month, are an absolute joy to build. They simply snap together and remain fully articulated; well, enough to get them to conform to the roadwheels, sprocket and idler. I painted them in a dark very dark brown (mixed from various Tamiya colours) followed by layers of browns and rusty tones, all matted down with Tamiya's X-21 Flat Base for an ultra matt finish. An artist's
graphite stick (from art supply shops) was rubbed along the inner face where the wheels make contact and on the tread faces of the outer surface where the tracks meet the ground. I had left the exhaust system unglued in order to paint it off the model; it's a simple drop-fit and it would be illogical to try and paint it in-situ. It was sprayed dark brown, then, using a mix of Tamiya X-26 Orange, X-21 and a spot of XF-60, the outlet end was airbrushed, feathering this shade off towards the upper end. This imparted the component with a deeply rusted effect, with fresher rust at the tips.
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New from this British producer is a brilliantly charismatic 1:32 figurine of a United States Navy aviator from the early part of WW2. He is wearing a flying suit, ‘Mae West’ life jacket and flying helmet and is sculpted as though he’s waving off a fellow flyer. Great detail and lots of character, ideal to go alongside Tamiya’s F4U-1 Corsair.
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With the hull mounted on a stout cardboard tube, the XF-21 Sky was then airbrushed, thinning it with X-20A thinner.
A layer of Mr Oxide Red Surfacer was sprayed over the whole model to act as an undercoat.
Silly Putty, an ever-useful masking agent, was used to create the typically wavy-edged camouflage of the Somua.
The brown layer was applied first, the colour mixed from XF-64 and XF-60. Note that the top of the model has been protected with kitchen paper.
The brown was then masked off with more Silly Putty in readiness for the green part of the camouflage.
The green has been applied here and the tank is barely distinguishable under all that masking!
Here we see the turret mid-way through its paint process. It looks a mess but when the putty is peeled off, the 'lava-lamp' pattern is revealed.
The turret's pattern has black lines around each section of colour and this was achieved on the model using Vallejo paints, a fine paintbrush and a steady hand..
Et voilĂ ! After all that sticky fun, the magnificent paint scheme can be seen. The need for touch-ups is inevitable, so a fine brush was used to neaten up the colour boundaries.
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FULL-BUILD: AFV MODELLING TAMIYA 1:35 SOMUA S35 FRENCH MEDIUM TANK â—? KIT NO.35344
Tamiya’s new-tool (ie; not the old Heller kit) Somua is another gem in the Military Miniatures Series. Detail is excellent, as is fit of parts. With the few, minor additions suggested in this article, the model will really shine.
STRAPS V BIN Last issue, I showed how I
had filed off the moulded-in strap detail on the Somua's prominent hull-side stowage bins, as I wasn't too convinced by them. I made new brackets and would figure out how to make new straps later on. Well, 'later on' came around and I still hadn't decided how to fabricate the strapping. Help came in the form of a roll of 'Aizu' micro-tape, plus some Aber photo-etched brass buckles. The strip is useful as it has a consistent width and clean edges, but if you are good with the scalpel and steel ruler, you could cut the strips from Tamiya masking tape. I painted the tape strips in leather-like colours and stuck them over the bins, placing an Aber buckle on each one, then CA-gluing on a short length of tape to represent the section pulled through the buckle. They look okay, but if I did this again, I'd double-up the tape to make it thicker and more three-dimensional, the whole reason for removing the moulded detail in the first place!
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Here we see the exhaust pipe tips, given a bright, fresh-rust finish.
The driver’s visor can be mounted in the open position, as seen here.
View of the rear hull side. These hatches are individual mouldings, handy for engine sets that might be released by aftermarket producers.
It’s ‘that’ camouflage! Not as tricky to create as it seems, but the black lines around each colour are a fiddle to paint.
The mesh over the headlamp (which was deprived of its lens to depict wear and tear) adds a little realism to this area.
The leather gaiter on the aerial based was cut around with a scalpel to give it a more authentic appearance.
The bin straps in close-up. The masking tape used for them could be doubled-up to create a more realistic thickness.
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FULL-BUILD: AFV MODELLING TAMIYA 1:35 SOMUA S35 FRENCH MEDIUM TANK ● KIT NO.35344
MODELSPEC TAMIYA 1:35 SOMUA S35 FRENCH MEDIUM TANK KIT NO.35344
Materials:
Injection-moulded sand-coloured and transparent polystyrene, metal chain, polycaps, waterslide decals
THOUGHTS ON V FINAL TAMIYA'S NEW SOMUA S35 With the straps finally in place, I called the model 'done' and placed it on the photography background. Tamiya's Somua S35 is, in my opinion, by far and away the best 1:35 kit of this vehicle yet
produced, even with the small flaws such as the missing cupola lifting-lugs and the indistinct driver's supplementary visor. These are easy things to add and to be quite honest I was glad they needed doing, as I enjoy a little small-scale fabrication
using my favourite material; polystyrene! So, buy and build this kit with confidence. The tracks are wonderful, fit of parts is pure Tamiya and you'll be able to put it together in a few days. The real challenge is that paint job... ●
Materials & extras used:
Cyanoacrylate glue, Tamiya masking tape, Mr Surfacer 500, Mr Hobby Mr Cement S, Mr Cement Deluxe, Daco setting solution 'Strong', graphite stick, Aber Buckles and Straps (35A21), Aizu 1mm micro-tape, UMP sanding sticks, UMP Ultimate Airbrush Thinner, UMP Ultimate Airbrush Cleaner, Hannants' XAFF Flat Varnish, Future acrylic floor polish (from USA; Tamiya X-22 Clear can also be used)
Paints used;
Mr Hobby; Mr Oxide Red Surfacer 1000 Tamiya Acrylics; XF-21 Sky, XF-64 Red Brown, XF-26 Deep Green, XF-60 Desert Yellow, X-21 Flat Base (to be mixed with paint, not a varnish), XF-55 Deck Tan, X-6 Orange, X-20A Acrylic Thinner Vallejo Acrylics; Black 71057, Panzer Aces Feldgrau 335
Availability;
Tamiya model kits and paints are imported into the UK by The Hobby Company Ltd; www.hobbyco.net Mr Hobby; MDC www.modeldesignconstruction.com Vallejo; www.creativemodels.co.uk Aizu tape; www.hlj.com UMP; www.umpretail.com Hannants; www.hannants.co.uk Daco; www.hannants.co.uk Aber; www.aber.net.pl
REFERENCES; THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FRENCH TANKS AND ARMOURED VEHICLES, 1914-1940 FRANÇOIS VAUVILLIER, HISTOIRE & COLLECTIONS www.adhbooks.com When you're building Tamiya's Somua S35 kit, you might need some references and inspiration. In this superb hardback presentation from François Vauvillier, only a fairly modest section is dedicated to the Somua, but the colour illustrations are excellent and give a real feel for French armour of the period. The book comprises over 170 pages and features the familiar Char B1, Renault R35, Hotchkiss H39 and the Somua S35 of course. The vehicles are presented in the form of original photos and colour profiles, all captioned in English – and it makes for fascinating reading. MN
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Ultimate Burnishing Liquid
Our carefully developed weathering liquid designed for use with metal tracks, such as those produced by Friul Models, provides a fast and effective solution to make your aftermarket tracks look naturally weathered & rusty. .....A must for all AFV modellers..... Ultimate Thinner & Cleaner Our Ultimate Thinner & Cleaner is specifically formulated to work with ALL brands of acrylic modellers paint. Our blended formula provides a fast drying, smooth finish every time. Weathering Wash Our weathering wash has been formulated with several key non-toxic ingredients to bring you a superior clay based wash to add detail and realism to your model. Modellers Sanders We have a full range of sanding solutions including normal modellers sanders, thinny sticks & thinny sponges for finer work plus exceptionanlly fine buffers for a completely smooth finish. Photo-Etch Placer Our photo-etch placer is a re-usable wax based positioning stick that will help to hold and place even the smallest piece of photo-etch or styrene.
email: sales@umpretail.com
www.umpretail.com
FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION WINGNUT WINGS 1:32 SOPWITH SNIPE EARLY ● KIT NO.32020
TH
Mikael Terfors builds Wingnut Wings’ Sopwith Snipe, which turned out to be a very pleasant experience indeed!
T
he Sopwith Camel is perhaps one of the most famous planes, not only of the First World War, but of all time. The younger brother of the Camel, the Sopwith Snipe, is less well known, even though it made a major contribution to British aviation. One can certainly see the family connection between the two types. They both look like real fighters, but if the Camel has the looks of a civilized 'pugilist',
the stockier looking Snipe looks like a real 'bruiser', ready for a bar brawl. Powered by the 230hp Bentley BR.2 it was the last, but also most powerful of the rotary-engined fighters to serve with the RFC/ RAF. Though the prototype of the Snipe appeared in September 1917, it only served in the final few weeks of the Great War. However, with an excellent combat record, it continued its service with the RAF and,
in limited numbers, with other nations. An upgraded 'late' version (also kitted by WnW) was involved in the Bolshevik War of 1919-1921. It was not completely replaced in the RAF until 1927, when more modern radial-engined designs superseded the Snipe.
A HIGH QUALITY ACT
It may seem a bit strange that a relatively unknown type like the Snipe is released by a major
manufacturer and not its more famous 'brother'. This is perhaps due to the fact that WingNut Wings is a company driven by 'passionate professionals' making kits they want to build, rather than what would be an instant commercial success. This is a strategy that seems to work well and something that has served the modelling community with state-of-theart kits we never thought we’d see in this scale.
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HE SNIPE The meaner looking Sopwith brother
The layout of the landing gear – note the large tabs of the struts. Just one of the ways WnW try to make things easier for the modeller.
Smaller sub assemblies get first coats of paint. The wicker chair is a real gem. The main parts of the cockpit. The fine details of the side formers were all cast in one piece.
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION WINGNUT WINGS 1:32 SOPWITH SNIPE EARLY ● KIT NO.32020
BEGINS V CONSTRUCTION I started the build in
the cockpit area, a very detailed sub-assembly with surprisingly few parts, mainly due WnW's fantastic mouldings. The side-formers come as a pair of one-piece parts with many details already in place, including some very delicately formed controls and associated piping. The floor and the petrol tank also arrive as one piece, so where perhaps ten parts would have needed to be assembled previously – we now have three ready for paint. Probably all thanks to modern CAD-technology and slide moulding. As access would be a bit restricted once the parts were assembled, all main components were painted un-assembled. First job was to prime the wooden surfaces, using Tamiya XF-55. This was also used as the basic colour for the 'linen' on the inner sides of the fuselage. The floorboards were in turn masked, and then the petrol tank was sprayed in 'service grey' shade, using XF-82. I then brushed Winsor & Newton oils to create the wooden textures in the cockpit. The wooden ribs on the cockpit sides are very fine in detail, so a small brush and some patience were called for. As the 'wooden' parts dried, I painted the smaller parts of the cockpit; some of them were left on the runners, to fend off the carpet monster. This stage also called for the construction of the Vickers MGs, as they will be partly covered by the engine and cockpit cowlings. The guns were painted using first XF-69 NATO black, they were then lightly oversprayed with Vallejo Air ‘Gungrey’ to give them a metallic sheen. When
the major parts had dried, the cockpit was quickly assembled and the formers had cross bracings added, using flexible EZ-Line. This was also used for the control wires. The whole package was then fitted between the body halves, which were glued. I found the fit to be very good here, but be careful, one really needs to align the firewall and the cockpit assembly to avoid any problems further on.
THE 230 BENTLEY
The two halves of the engine – forming the cylinders – were joined and the rocker arms added. Then the one-piece exhausts and the push rods were glued in place and that was basically it. Painting was then accomplished using Vallejo Air ‘Aluminium’, over a pre-shading of black and brown. This was in turn given an oil paint colour-wash to dirty things up bit (rotary engines were notorious for leaking a lot of castor oil). The only extra bits I added here were the wire leads (this is actually outlined in the instructions) using the ever versatile EZ-Line and the engine was done. The Bentley was put aside, while the lower wings and the decking were added to the fuselage. As I had been careful in aligning the cockpit sub-assembly, everything fitted well here. I had to force the decking down a bit along one of its sides, but I was rewarded with very fine joins, that later needed very little tending. When the wing had settled in place, the horizontal tailplane was added. For some reason the elevators and tailplane are moulded as one piece. They could probably be separated easily, but I choose not to. At this point the engine and
The Bentley 230,very nicely rendered by WnW, was an easy well fitting assembly. Here seen with the firewall and cowling.
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The pilots’ office is taking shape. Oils were used over the acrylic base coats to create textures of wood and leather.
The ready built cockpit ready to go into the fuselage. A pretty ‘compressed package’.
The engine and firewall ready for mating. The Bentley was finished in Vallejo Air Aluminium, with liberal washes of burned Umber – as was the bulkhead. The guns were first sprayed in black, and finished with a steel wash.
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The lower wings were next to be mated – followed by the engine and its cowling. As the stabilizer was added, it was almost time to start painting
The only bit needing tending was a short strip on the turtle deck plus a tiny bit just behind the wing.
The fuselage halves mated really well, with only a sliver of filler needed.
cowling were added. The instructions would have you wait with the front cowl, but for ease of painting, I ignored this and glued it in place. As the engine and cockpit were masked off, the Snipe was now ready for painting.
PC10 OR PC12? – WHY NOT BOTH?
There has been a lot of disagreement on the exact shade and formula of the standard British dope ‘Protective Covering 10’ or PC10. Was it chocolate brown or olive drab? The correct answer is perhaps that they were both? While PC10 is well known, PC12 is less so. This was a dope that came into use later on during the Great War, and
many Sopwith Snipes were covered using it. There is consensus, that this was in fact a chocolate brown shade. One of the colour profiles in the instructions is E8015 of A Flight, 43 Sqn and has a refurbished fuselage, using PC10, while the wings are still in PC12. It also has partly ‘bare’ front cowlings, which contrast nicely to the brown and green. I thought it would be fun to have a plane with both shades, so this was the profile I choose to do. I started by priming the whole kit, using Tamiya TS-46 aerosol. Before adding pre-shading the rib tapes were all masked with 0.75mm strips of masking tape from Jammy Dog. Pre-shading was then
The whole model was primed, using Tamiya TS-46 out of a rattle can. Then, all rib tapes were masked in waiting for pre-shading. The top wing got the same treatment as the fuselage. the cockpit and the engine were protected using wet tissue paper.
As the wings had dried, they were masked in anticipation of spraying the metallic cowling. The metal panels were then painted using Humbrol 27002, giving it a very nice sheen.
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applied using Tamiya X-9 Brown, before the strips were removed to reveal sharply outlined rib tapes. The undersurfaces of the wings and tail were then over-sprayed in thin mists of Tamiya XF-55 Deck Tan to simulate Clear Doped Linen. I wanted the pre-shading to show through here, but not too much, so I made several light passes until I was satisfied with the result. To achieve a smooth surface, I tend to mix my matt Tamiya paints with X-22 Clear. I feel this prepares for a better decalling experience later on. When the CDL had dried, I masked it off, apart from a thin strip along the leading edges, as it was common practice to extend the dope
After pre-shading, using Tamiya X-9 Brown, the tapes were removed revealing ‘sharp’ highlighted rib tapes.
from the upper surfaces here. I then sprayed several thin coats of Tamiya XF-10 Brown, mixed with a hint of XF-62 Olive Drab, to represent PC12. With the wings done it was time to mask them off and paint the aluminium cowlings. Here I used Humbrol 27002 Polished Aluminium, which has a very fine pigment that creates a very smooth surface. To mask off the parts which were to be left unpainted, I used a ripped Tamiya tape for the uneven edge on the front cowling. The body was in turn sprayed with Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab to represent PC10. After removing all masks, the whole model was airbrushed with ‘Johnson's Klear’.
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The ‘PC12’ of the wings was sprayed, using Tamiya XF-10, with a bit of Tamiya Clear mixed in. Here the ribs were kept more subdued than underneath.
This was in turn, partly masked, as the body received a coat of ‘PC10’ – a mix of Tamiya XF-10 and XF-62. As the masking tape came off the difference between the wings and body were apparent.
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION WINGNUT WINGS 1:32 SOPWITH SNIPE EARLY ● KIT NO.32020
AND V DECALLING WEATHERING
After the coats of Klear had dried for a couple of days, it was time for decalling. The Cartograf decals are very nicely printed and proved easy to work with. This time I used a new – for me – trick to get them to settle down. While the decal was loosening its grip of the carrier paper, I added a small drop of ‘Klear’ on the model where the decal was going. I then slid the decal in place, using a few drops of water to ease the process. When I was happy with the way it sat, I pressed it down gently with some tissue, making sure that any seeping ‘Klear’ was immediately wiped off. The result was really to my liking. Rarely have I seen decals clinging so tightly to the surface; I could almost see how they were ‘sucked’ in. The downside, I guess, was that once I had pressed them down, they were stuck for good. As the decals had settled in their place, I wiped them, using a moist, lint-free cloth, to get rid of any marks and residues. The model was then over-sprayed with another coat of ‘Klear’. To have the decals blending in, I masked the roundels, the large ‘E’ and the wing bars, using thin strips of masking tape. I was careful not to press them down to hard, as I didn’t want to take any of the decals off when I removed them. I then lightly airbrushed Tamiya Smoke over the decals. As the tape was removed I was rewarded with highlighted rib tapes, blending the decals with the wing structure. A very general oil paint/ white spirit colour-wash was applied over the model and the areas around the landing gear and engine panels received slightly heavier weathering. The last stage was to airbrush the model with Alclad II Semi-Matte, to bring down the sheen a bit. Time had now come to mount the top wing. This was done, in my now usual fashion, with the top wing, underside up flat on my worktop. The model was then inverted and the struts steered into their
It was common practice for the top-coat of the wings to extend over the edge. A slightly laborious masking job, but worth the extra effort.
The large decals of the top wing bedded down well. The tail rudder was masked and painted.
The markings of 43 Sqn. Some ‘smoke’ and oil was sprayed over the lower engine panels using low pressure.
The build almost on the home stretch – dry-fitting the struts, after a light wash of burned umber oil and white spirit.
receiving holes, a job that took me less than fifteen minutes. The model was left in its overturned position over night to make sure the glue had cured properly.
Getting ready for the decals – the model had a coupe of coats of Johnson Klear airbrushed, before all masking was finally removed.
To blend the decals with the wings, they were masked with thin strips of tape. This in turn, was sprayed with a light coat of Tamiya X-19 Smoke.
The underside of the top wing in preparation of rigging –strands of fishing line in their starting holes.
RIGGING AND FINAL BITS
When the top wing had settled in its place, it was time to start sorting out the rigging strands. First job, though, was to put the landing gear into place, which was done while the model was still on its
back. The very large and well-fitting ‘tabs’ of the struts made this job an easy one. I first scraped the paint off and dry-fitted them into their locating holes. Then a small drop of plastic cement was placed in the receiving holes, before all
Top-wing in place together with some of the rigging. The cross bracing of the struts were done using flexible EZ-line.
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An underside view shows the four bombs under the belly, plus the weathered appearance.
was left to cure. With the kit on its right keel again, I tensioned the rigging lines. Though the Snipe has a two-bay wing, and perhaps a bit more rigging than is usual, it was not a very difficult job to tackle. All the main lines were done using monofilament while the shorter cross braces were rigged with EZ-Line, adding 'Bob's Buckles' superb little 1:32 turnbuckles along the way. Though it is possible to rig the whole plane with EZ, I feel the fishing line gives a lot of stability to the construction, especially the landing gear. It is also possible to ’pull’ a crooked landing gear into shape when you tension the lines. I usually start tensioning the lines from the inside, around the fuselage and work my way towards the wing tips, tackling the lines one by one. It is best to do this work with the plane sitting on its wheels, as there is always a bit of flex in the wing construction. Turning the model up side down will make some lines go a bit slack and vice versa. Another good idea is to wait with the attachment of
the ailerons until all other rigging is done as this makes access a lot easier. With the last strands tensioned and cropped to length, there were only some final details to tend to. The Cooper bombs had already been attached to their rack and glued in place behind the landing gear. The Snipe's propeller was painted in service grey and black with a white spinner. All these colours were weathered with thinned burnt-umber oil and fixed in place. Last job was the ailerons with its associated control lines and horns. As
these had been painted and decalled at the same time as the wings, they were ready, and simply glued in place, using ‘thick’ cyano. With the last control line in place, the kit was now a model, ready for my display cabinet.
IN CONCLUSION
This was a very fun and rewarding build, of a type I never thought I’d get to do in this scale. While British planes are a bit more demanding in the rigging department, this was still a relatively easy build, much thanks to the very positive Wingnut Wings engineering. The practice of making larger and more complex parts in one piece castings, also speeds up the construction process, adding to the pleasant experience. I would perhaps not recommend the Snipe to the first time bi-plane builder, thanks to the two-bay wing configuration, and its associated rigging. But with a couple of biplanes under your belt, this makes for a very pleasant and virtually faultless kit of an important British type. Speaking of important types. There is a rumour going around the net forums that a Wingnut
Wings' Sopwith Camel is under development, and that it may even be released very soon? If true, and if it it’s anything like the Snipe, we’re in for another real treat. Highly recommended! ●
MODELSPEC WINGNUT WINGS SOPWITH SNIPE EARLY KIT NO.32020
Materials;
Injection-moulded polystyrene, photo-etched brass, waterslide decals
Paints used;
Materials; Tamiya Acrylics; TS-46 Light Sand, X-2 White, X-9 Brown, X-19 Smoke, X-22 Clear, X-26 Clear Orange, XF-1 Flat Black, XF-2 Flat White, XF-7 Flat Red, XF-8 Flat Blue, XF-10 Flat Brown, XF-20 Medium Grey, XF-23 Light Blue, XF-55 Deck Tan, XF-62 Olive Drab, XF-69 NATO Black, XF-82 Ocean Grey Vallejo Model Air; 71.062 Aluminium, 71.072 Gun-grey Humbrol; 27002 Polished Aluminium Winsor and Newton; 076 Raw Umber, 074 Burnt Sienna, 331 Ivory Black, 644 Titanium White, 678 Venetian Red, 744 Yellow Ochre Alclad II; Klear Kote Semi-Matt
Extras used;
Monofilament 0.14mm fishing line and EZ Line for rigging, copper wire, brass sleeves and turnbuckles from Bobs’ Buckles (www.bobsbuckles.co.uk)
The lines of the Snipe are very business-like, captured extremely effectively in Wingnut Wings’ kit.
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New Releases
Please turn to page 60 for the
The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...
What’s in the box?
AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLAST MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL
TAMIYA, JAPAN
www.hobbyco.net Designed to fit into Tamiya's 1:10 radio-controlled buggies, this neat, injection moulded set includes two upper body sections (with and without baseplates), a helmeted head in two halves plus a pair of headlights for the buggy's front suspension or rollcage top. Nicely moulded and a quick way to add a driver to almost any RC car. MN BUGGY DRIVER FIGURE SET (54626)
TAMIYA, JAPAN
www.hobbyco.net This interesting new tool from Tamiya is a manual punch device that can create 2mm and 3mm discs in plastic card to make details for model projects or masking tape to cover off portholes, circular windows on aircraft, dials etc. As with all of Tamiya's tools, this one is well made with clear instructions. Very useful! MN TAMIYA CRAFT TOOLS MODELER'S PUNCH (74122)
ULTIMATE MODELLING PRODUCTS, UK
www.umpretail.com UMP offer some extremely focused, well thought-out products for the modern modeller, such as sanding sticks, colour washes, paint thinners and airbrush cleaners. The latest product from UMP is a 'burnishing liquid' that can be used to chemically darken the metal surface of metal, specifically that of Friulmodel cast metal track links. We tried some metal track links from a Friulmodel Pz.IV set and over the space of a few minutes, they turned a shade of dark, patchy brown, simulating realistic exposed steel as you'd find on a tank in the field. All it needs is a dusty colour-wash to bring it to life. We'll be testing the fluid more extensively soon in TMMI. UMP BURNISHING LIQUID, NATURAL WEATHERING FOR METAL TRACKS
AMMO, SPAIN
www.migjimenez.com The latest colours to join AMMO's colour modulation paint series, we have sets for dark yellow, red primer, Russian 4BO greens and panzer grey, all consisting of four, 17ml bottles of gradually lightening shades of the base colour. AMMO's book (reviewed last issue) is an essential guide to utilising this paint effect properly and when mastered, it can look spectacular. MODULATION BASIC SET, DUNKELGELB (A.MIG 7000) MODULATION BASIC SET, DUNKELGRAU (A.MIG 7001) MODULATION BASIC SET, RED PRIMER (A.MIG 7002) MODULATION BASIC SET, RUSSIAN 4BO (A.MIG 7004)
ABER, POLAND
www.aber.net.pl Aber have a wealth of new detail sets on release and one of the latest is a machined alloy barrel set (152mm and 20mm) for Dragon's recent MBT-70 kit. The 152mm gun tube is lathed from aluminium in three sections and the 20mm barrel is a two-piece item with a beautifully milled and drilled muzzle brake. A pair of machined brass seal-discs for the main gun's fume extractor are included, along with a PE disc that sits between the two brass parts of the 20mm barrel. As always, a professionally produced set with excellent instructions and an air of sophistication. MN 1:35 ARMAMENT FOR DRAGON 1:35 MBT-70 KPZ.70 (35 L-151)
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Accessories
ION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, R TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VF; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)
ALBION ALLOYS, UK
www.albionalloys.co.uk Albion Alloys have a new system named 'Connecto' that comprises a series of eight, six, four and three legged, photo-etched 'spider' connectors whose legs fit into lengths of matching diameter tubing (brass, stainless steel and aluminium). The legs can be bent to form discreetly minimal corners so that the modeller can build tubular framework, ladders, engine mounts, roll cages etc., in fact the possibilities are almost limitless. Cyanoacrylate glue is the best material to fix the joints and the whole thing can then be primed and painted with the usual modelling paints. This is an extremely useful British product and we love it! More details soon in TMMI. MN
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New Releases
Please turn to page 60 for the
The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...
What’s in the box?
AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLAST MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL
EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC
www.eduard.com • www.creativemodels.co.uk • www.hannants.co.uk We recently received a bumper parcel from Eduard, containing four months' worth of samples, so we'll tackle the first half this month, then try to catch up next month! Firstly, let's looks at December and January's product releases. We have a big pile of photo-etched brass sets and Eduard's own resin line named 'Brassin', which sports some extraordinary detail. For Italeri's 1:32 F-104 Starfighter we have 'early' and 'late' pattern resin exhaust nozzles, plus 'early' and 'late' wheels. For the Airfix 1:48 Spitfire Mk.V, Eduard offer a resin cockpit set, radio compartment, wheels, exhausts and 'fishtail' exhausts. Hasegawa's 1:48 F-104 also gets 'early' and 'late' pattern exhaust nozzles, plus 'early' and 'late' wheels in resin. In photo-etched brass, we are treated to no less than six sets for Airfix's amazing 1:24 Hawker Typhoon, covering the seatbelts, engine, wing guns, landing flaps, interior and seatbelts in fabric. Italeri's 1:72 Stirling Mk.IV gets details for the exterior and interior and thankfully, Hobbyboss's 1:48 Bv141 pre-cut canopy masking set, as does Airfix's 1:24 Typhoon. Tamiya's Mk.IV 'Male' WW1 tank gets both interior and exterior sets and Eduard's 'BIG ED' range now includes a comprehensive pack for ICM's Dornier Do215B kit, providing cockpit instrument panels, seat harnesses, highly detailed landing flaps, undercarriage bays and bomb bay, plus canopy masks. Also new to the BIG ED line are extremely thorough detail parts Airfix's new-tool 1:72 Douglas C-47 and Blenheim Mk.I, providing a cornucopia of metal add-ons that will really make these already excellent new kits really sparkle. More next time!
DECEMBER 2014 1:72 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Stirling Mk.IV exterior (72595) for Italeri Stirling Mk.IV interior S.A. (73516) for Italeri 1:48 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Spitfire Mk.V wheels (648178) for Eduard Spitfire Mk.V exhaust stacks (648179) for Eduard Spitfire Mk.V exhaust stacks fishtail (648182) for Eduard PBY-5A undercarriage (48825) for Revell PBY-5A floats (48826) for Revell PBY-5A interior self-adhesive (49697) for Revell PBY-5A exterior (48827) for Revell MiG-21PF seatbelts fabric (49071) for Eduard MiG-21PF (48828) for Eduard Sea Harrier FA2 exterior (48829) for Kinetic Sea Harrier FA2 interior self-adhesive (49698) for Kinetic BV 141 self-adhesive (49699) for Hobbyboss 1:35 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS StuG.III Ausf.G 1943 (36281) for Dragon StuG.IV last production (36282) for Dragon M48A3 (36283) for Dragon Achzarit early (36284) for Meng Magach 6B Gal Batash (36287) for Academy 1:32 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS F-104 exhaust nozzle early (632043) for Italeri F-104 exhaust nozzle late (632044) for Italeri F-104 undercarriage wheels early (632045) for Italeri
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Accessories
ION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, R TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VF; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)
F-104 undercarriage wheels late (632046) for Italeri 1:24 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Typhoon Mk.Ib seatbelts (23016) for Airfix Typhoon Mk.Ib engine (23017) for Airfix Typhoon Mk.Ib landing flaps (23018) for Airfix Typhoon Mk.Ib interior (23019) for Airfix Typhoon Mk.Ib seatbelts FABRIC (23020) for Airfix EDUARD DECALS MiG-21PFM stencils (D48018) for Eduard MiG-21R stencils (D48020) for Eduard MiG-21PF stencils (D48021) for Eduard JANUARY 2015 1:72 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS C-47 (BIG7290) for Airfix Blenheim Mk.I (BIG7291) for Airfix 1:48 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS F-104 exhaust nozzle early (648174) for Hasegawa F-104 exhaust nozzle late (648175) for Hasegawa F-104 undercarriage wheels early (648176) for Hasegawa F-104 undercarriage wheels late (648181) for Hasegawa F-104 Weapons Set (SIN64817) F-104G upgrade set (48833) for Great Wall Hobby F-104G seatbelts FABRIC (49072) for Eduard/Hasegawa F-104G seatbelts SUPERFABRIC (49073) for Eduard/Hasegawa AGM-88 HARM (672054) AGM-88 HARM (648180)
Spitfire Mk.V cockpit (648183) for Airfix Spitfire Mk.V radio compartment (648184) for Airfix F-15C MSIP II exterior (48832) for Great Wall Hobby P-61B undercarriage (48831) for Great Wall Hobby P-61B rear interior self-adhesive (49703) for Great Wall Hobby P-61B front interior self-adhesive (49704) for Great Wall Hobby Me262B-1a self-adhesive (49705) for Hobbyboss F-15C MSIP II self-adhesive (49706) for Great Wall Hobby F-15C MSIP II interior self-adhesive (FE706) for Great Wall Hobby DB-3F/Il-4 self-adhesive (FE700) for Xuntong A-37A interior self-adhesive (FE702) for Trumpeter 1:35 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Sherman Mk.V Firefly (36300) for Tamiya M4A3E8 Sherman (36301) for Tamiya Mark IV male exterior (36302) for Tamiya Mark IV male interior (36303) for Tamiya 1:32 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Do335B wheels (632042) for HK Models Do335B interior self-adhesive (32825) for HK Models Do335B seatbelts (32826) for HK Models M103A1 Heavy Tank (36288) for Dragon 1:24 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Typhoon Mk.Ib wing armament (23021) for Airfix EDUARD DECALS Lozenge 5-colour upper (D48022) Lozenge 5-colour upper (D48023)
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New Releases
Please turn to page 60 for the
The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...
What’s in the box?
AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLAST MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL
BRENGUN, CZECH REPUBLIC
www.brengun.cz Brengun is a division of Hauler and if anything, their products are even more refined and delicate, if that's possible. Amongst the new items this month are a beautiful little kit of the US 'Hermes A1' rocket in 1:144 (resin, PE and decals), 1:144 mobile barriers for dioramas (football crowds?), PE for a 1:144 Westland Wessex and vacuum-formed canopies for Eduard's 1:144 MiG-15. In 1:72 we have PE for Brengun's own Letov S-16, Eduard's Avia B-3534 IV and RS Models' Jak-11/Let C-11. In 1:48 we have a superb set of modern US Navy wheel-chocks and PE/resin for Fly Kit's Jet Provost. Finally, in 1:32 we have modern US Navy wheel-chocks. All products are well designed and beautifully detailed. MN 1:144 • Hermes A1 US experimental rocket (BRS144024) • Mobile barriers (BRL144106) • PE for Mark I Models Westland Wessex HRS.1/31A (BRL144107) • Vacu canopy for Eduard MiG-15 (BRL144108) 1:72 • PE for Brengun Letov Š-16 (BRL72087) • PE for Eduard Avia B-534 (BRL72089) • PE for RS Models Jak-11/Let C-11 (BRL72088) 1:48 • US Navy modern wheel chocks (BRL48063) • PE/resin for Fly Jet Provost T.3/4 (BRL48062) 1:32 • US Navy modern wheel chocks (BRL32018)
ICM, UKRAINE
www.hannants.co.uk To accompany their superb new 1:24 Model T Roadster and Touring car kits, ICM have created this three-man set depicting Henry Ford and two of his colleagues. The 'bosses' are dressed in appropriately smart outfits befitting their status and the technician sports dungarees, rolled-up sleeves and work-boots. This head moulding of the latter figure bears a striking resemblance to Daniel Craig, so anyone needing a good 1:24 James Bond figure can source it from this set! ICM's set is extremely well sculpted and moulded and will make the perfect scene-setter for the gorgeous Model Ts. 1:24 HENRY FORD & CO (24003)
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Accessories
ION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, R TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VF; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)
HAULER, CZECH REPUBLIC
www.hauler.cz Hauler have some useful sets on release, two of which are for recent Tamiya 1:48 military subjects. Tamiya's lovely little Dingo Mk.II gets a suite of brass parts for the rear grilles, 'flimsy' cans and their racks, wheel rims, tool brackets, radio set details, mud flaps, stowage box latches and more; extremely handy. The second set for a Tamiya kit is the photo-etched brass and resin package for the recent 1:48 German Motorcycle and Sidecar. The comprises replacement spoke discs in PE and wheels/tyres in resin, plus smaller details for the bike's engine, frame and controls. Also new is a very packed fret of parts for Revell's 1:72 8.8cm Flak 36, steel containers in 1:48, tiny valve wheels in 1:72, PE details for MK72's Sd.Kfz.250/1, in resin a small 1:35 wood-burning stove and a set of wooden barrels and metal milk cans, also cast in resin for 1:35. Wonderful stuff, all perfect cast with good instructions. 1:48 PE FOR TAMIYA DINGO MK.II SCOUT CAR (HLX48359) 1:48 PE FOR TAMIYA GERMAN MOTORCYCLE AND SIDECAR (HLX48358) 1:72 PE FOR REVELL 8.8CM FLAK 36 (HLX72040) 1:48 STEEL CONTAINERS (HLX48360) 1:72 VALVE HAND WHEELS (HLH72038) 1:72 PE FOR MK72 SD.KFZ.250/1 AUSF.A (HLH72039) 1:35 SMALL STOVE (HLU35081) 1:35 WOODEN BARRELS AND MILK CANS (HLU35080)
REALITY IN SCALE, THE NETHERLANDS
www.realityinscale.com This Netherlands-based manufacturer offers a wide range of superb diorama accessories, from large, 1:35 resin buildings to tiny items for enhancing dioramas. Here's a collection of recent items; mostly resin items as well as groundwork materials and printed items. All are manufactured to a high quality and appear well researched – perfect for your dioramic scenes. MN 1:72; • Dio72 Belgian house (dio72-007) 1:35; • WWII Wooden signs - Germany 2 (35228) • Food supplies 3 (35210) • Food supplies 4 (351221) • Common German boxes 7 boxes incl. Archer decals (35246) • German 75mm long ammo boxes incl. Archer decals (35242) • Improvised drum stoves (35209) • Postal bags WWII German/American (35202) • Crushed German drums WWII 10 resin pcs (35240) • Large North African Well (35208) MULTI-SCALE; • Paintings on real canvas (35128) • Small statues set 7 pieces (35091) • Mud-in-a-pot – dry mud and foliage, light (mud09) • Nature-in-a-pot (scat02)
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION HK MODELS 1:32 B-25J MITCHELL ● KIT NO.01E01
MITCHELL WITH METAL HK MODELS’ 1:32 B-25J MEETS EDUARD PHOTO-ETCH! (Part 1)
Jeroen Veen starts work on HK Models' incredible 1:32 B-25J and incorporates Eduard photo-etched parts
I
have to admit that it isn’t very often that I build the same model twice, especially not in 1:32 which almost always means a very involving and time-consuming project. The subject of this article is the exception to the rule and rightly so. A couple of years back I built the 1:32 B-25 while it was still in development. The box at the time did not have photo-etch or decals, just (most) of the
plastic plus some sketchy building instructions. No aftermarket goodies were available at the time, but I remember that with what I had, a very rewarding end result was achieved. Fast forward to August 2014: TMMI's Editor asked me if I wanted to build another B-25 and said “I have some aftermarket stuff laying around which I will include”. So, a couple of weeks later a gigantic
box arrived at my doorstep, crammed with plastic, decals, Eduard etched sets and Brassin wheels, beautiful instructions; yes, truly everything a modeller can ask for. Although the kit offers two nice colour schemes I immediately decided that I was not going to use the kit decals, replacing them with Miracle Masks instead, but more on that later. I also ordered Profimodellers’ B-25 glass
nose gun barrel (set A) to replace the kit barrels. Building the HK Models B-25 will be a very involving project and therefore I will deal with as a two part article. This, the first part, will cover building and painting the fuselage interior, up to the point that the fuselage is closed-up. The second part will deal with building
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The nose section of the B-25 is pretty impressive straight from the box, but I decided to dress it up with Eduard set 32747. I used almost all parts but decided to not replace the ammo boxes. That would force me to use the Eduard ammo belts as well and those just didn’t impress me. However I did use some etchings to dress up the kit parts. I used Duro to fashion the cushions. The pre-coloured etch that comes with the set will be added later on. I left them off for painting purposes (except for one which I needed to install from a building perspective – I will mask this one during the painting stage).
and painting the exterior, with some extra focus on the engines and working with masks for the markings. The photo-captions describe in detail what I did, so in this part of the article I will limit my words to some general remarks about the kit and the build.
U
This is the base for the upper turret. Eduard set 32756 was used to enhance the details. There are PE parts available for the sides of the floor panel where the hatch will be but I couldn’t get them to fit without major surgery, so I left them off. This had also to do with my decision to keep the belly entry hatches closed. If you decide to open these; this Eduard set offers some very impressive parts for the ladders.
Eduard set 32787 was used to enhance cockpit detail. Eduard also offers a set to replace the seats with more accurate ones but I used the kit ones. Again, all pre-coloured etched parts were left off until after the basic paint work was done.
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION HK MODELS 1:32 B-25J MITCHELL ● KIT NO.01E01
A
B
D
F
C
E
IN THE COCKPIT V EDUARD One of the most eye-catching
parts of the B-25 is the glass nose section and although in the instructions it is one of the last parts to assemble, I decided to start with it. I also wanted to use the Eduard etched sets because they really add a lot of detail. Some words of caution though; because you will change the floor part with the etched metal, you will have to leave off the base of the central machine gun, which will cause it to ‘float’. Eduard offers a set of new ammo boxes for the right side of the nose, but that will oblige you to use their etched ammo belts as well. Since the ammo belt is the only thing that avoids the floating of the machine
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gun, I was afraid that I could not get enough strength in the construction. For that reason I decided to use the ammo boxes that come with the kit, use some of the Eduard etchings for more detail, but still have the opportunity to add the plastic ammo belts and get strength in the construction. The choice is up to you of course, but I think it is a consideration that should be made during this part of the build. Another point of interest is to test fit the glass parts when you install the nose against the fuselage; the fit isn’t perfect and you will have to do some adjusting to get the best possible result. The rest of this part of the build is fairly straightforward.
A. The paintwork has started. The cockpit should be close to Bronze Green and I assumed the same would apply for the glass nose. I started by airbrushing Mr Color 120 Olive Green, followed by a light coat of Mr Color 122 RLM82 Green. For the floor panels I added some Mr. Color 27 Interior Green to the 122, thinned it down and airbrushed it on – the effect will be less stark than it is now after the weathering phase. It may not be entirely accurate but I wanted to add a bit of interest and colour variation. The whole surface was protected with a coat of Tamiya Clear Varnish and everything was then ready for the colour-washes. B. The nose section received a wash of Sepia oil paint thinned down with AK Odorless Thinner. The detail in the PE isn’t very deep but it did hold the colour-wash very well. I contemplated drybrushing the part but in the end decided there was enough contrast in the colours, so I skipped this step. C. The instrument panels on the left side of the nose section as well as the bomb sight received the coloured PE Eduard provides. The detail is not as sharp as I would have wanted but it is beyond anything I could paint so I was pretty pleased with the effects. After these parts were installed everything received a coat of Tamiya Matt Varnish. This pulled all the colours together and gives nice consistency. The glass parts of the instruments were finished with a coat of Future floor wax to make them shine. D. The Duro cushion was painted with Humbrol Matt 72. This colour was mixed with raw umber and white oil paints to add some depth to the folds and creases. With a silver pencil I added some scratches to the floor panel. E&F. The ammo belts were installed. I painted these with Citadel acrylics which give a very bright colour. A wash of sepia oil paint brought out the details. The safety belts are from Eduard. They are a bit fiddly but with some patience can be made into something very credible. I didn’t regret spending time on these because I think they contribute to making the nose section a crowded space.
27/03/2015 11:36
Although I had an upgrade set for the bomb bay I decided not to use it. First of all because this detail couldn’t be seen when the model is done, but also because I wanted to show you how well detailed the B-25 is straight out of the box. The bomb bay builds up as a box that will be sandwiched between the fuselage halves. I started the paintwork with a coat of Tamiya X-32 Titanium Silver.
The paintwork of the cockpit was done with exactly the same steps as for the nose section. Eduard offers some great detail in their etched set for this part of the plane. Patience is required for the handles on the instrument panel. Eduard offers an etched set of seats that look way better than the seats in the kit. I didn’t feel comfortable using this set, because I think that it would take some soldering with which I have no experience and using cyano didn’t seem to cut it. As an alternative I updated the kit seats with Eduard parts – yes, they offer that option as well.
The Titanium Silver was protected with a coat of Tamiya Gloss Varnish, then two colour-washes were applied. The first was done with diluted Tamiya X-19 Smoke.
The second colour-wash was done with raw umber oil paint. This really makes the details ‘pop’.
EDUARD FOR THE SEATS TOO Although the cockpit will not be very visible after instalment, I decided to add the Eduard etched sets here as well. The whole section doesn’t bring many problems, but there are two points of interest that I should mention, the first being the seats. I’m no specialist on the B-25, but there are seem to be some question marks about the form, detail and shape of the seats. Eduard offers some metal parts to add detail to the kits seats and that is what I opted for. But there is also the option to replace them with completely new etched ones. These are incredibly well detailed but I didn’t use them because I doubted that cyano would be strong enough to build them – and
I have no experience in soldering, which I now will start practicing, because it is a skill that might come in handy one day, and one is never to old to learn! The second point of interest is the attachment of the floor section to the side wall. Part of the floor will be covered with detailed photo-etched plates and these will interfere with some locating points on the sidewalls. The solution is simple; the attachment points on the sidewalls are small tubes in which the pins on the sides of the floor-panel go. Just slice of the upper part of the tube shape, so that it almost is open on the upper side. With that, you have removed the plastic that would interfere with the floor etch. The fit then will be fairly easy.
U
To simulate the rough texture on the bombs I took an old brush and started dabbing Tamiya liquid cement on the surface. The cement becomes tacky after a short while and will damage the plastic, which gives just the right effect for the texture.
The bombs are painted and weathered and the smaller details in the bomb bay got their lick of paint as well. I would say that out of the box this whole part of the plane looks very impressive and credible.
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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION HK MODELS 1:32 B-25J MITCHELL ● KIT NO.01E01
The tail part of the B25 is a bit bare straight out of the box so I added Eduard etch for more detail. This is not a real ‘must’, because after the fuselage is closed, hardly anything can be seen. For the sake of this article I decided to show you what Eduard provides and what is possible.
The tail part is painted, first with Mr Color 120, followed by a mist of thinned down Mr. Color 27. After protecting this paintwork with a coat of Tamiya Clear Varnish details were painted, the coloured etched parts were glued in place and a colour-wash of thinned down raw umber oil paint applied to bring out the details. The whole piece was finished with Tamiya Matt Varnish.
The sidewalls are also included in the Eduard set. All this detail adds to the credibility of this section of the plane, but as said before can unfortunately hardly be seen after the fuselage is closed up.
V
I didn’t upgrade the bomb bay, because it will be nearly impossible to turn over the model once it is done and the detail HK provides is more than sufficient. With some careful painting this really can look great. The bombs should have a cast look, and for that I applied liberal amounts of Tamiya cement and stippled it until it becomes tacky. You are in fact damaging the plastic, but in such a subtle way that the look is just right.
The base of the upper turret, the mid-section and the tail section are easy builds that fit very well. A word of advice; install the canvas covers for the machine guns, stick the barrel through and use it as a line up for gluing the machine guns in place. Then take off the barrels again and install these after all the paintwork on the exterior is done. That way you avoid knocking them off during the later stages of the build.
The base of the top turret was done with exactly the same sequence as for the tail part. The floor however was painted in a darker green to add some variety and for this part the same steps were taken as for the paintwork of the nose section and the cockpit.
The base of the top turret is installed; the fit is perfect.
NOSE UP, TAIL DOWN...
One last thing: this model is a tail-sitter and a heavy one at that. There is enough room in the nose section to apply weight, but you will need a lot! An easy product for this is Uschi van der Rosten’s lead putty, but there are others as well. When you apply weight I seriously would consider buying metal undercarriage legs too, because the model will become so heavy that it might bend and break the
plastic landing gear over time. An alternative is not to use any weight and just put a support under the tail. HK delivers a transparent support which is in the frame of one of the transparent parts. Have a good look and you will find it. In the next issue we will discuss the work on the exterior of the plane and the painting procedures. Happy modelling! ●
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Installing the cockpit was a little difficult. The etchings that make up for the floor interfered with the locating points of the cockpit and the sidewall, but with a little cutting and sanding the problems were quickly solved. Having build my first 1:32 B-25 some years ago without all the goodies it is not difficult to see how much extra the Eduard etchings bring to the build.
This model is a tail-sitter “ and a heavy one at that. There is enough room in the nose section to apply weight, but you will need a lot..!
�
The fuselage halves are glued together. The fit is very good, but I had to do some filling and sanding. Now for the first time one gets an idea of how big this model will be when finished. The nose section still needs to be installed.
MODELSPEC HK MODELS 1:32 B-25J MITCHELL KIT NO.01E01 The glass parts were masked up and cemented in place. The framing of the glass is very prominent which makes it easy to mask, burnish and cut to shape with a brand new X-Acto blade.
Items used so far;
Profimodeler B-25 Glass Nose gun barrels (set A, 32080) Miracle Masks Mr Color Nos.120, 122, 27 Eduard sets 32747, 32756, 32787
Availability;
HK Models kits are imported and distributed in the UK by Pocketbond Ltd; www.pocketbond.co.uk Eduard photo-etched detail sets, kits and resin sets are available in the UK from Creative Models; www.creativemodels.co.uk For more information on the sets, click; www.eduard.com TMMI 235 May 2015
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New Releases A selection of the latest full kits in plastic, resin, metal and more!
What’s in the box?
AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; MR; METAL ROD, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PEBM; PHOTO-ETCHED BADGES/MIRRORS, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, PMP; PRE-ASSEMBLED METAL PARTS), R; RESIN,
RODEN, UKRAINE
VOMAG OMNIBUS 7 OR66 www.pocketbond.co.uk SCALE; 1:72 MATERIALS: IM, PE, WS, AS • KIT NUMBER; 729 Roden’s small-scale bus kits often slip under the radar when there are larger, more ‘in-your-face’ kits on release, but they are well worth a look because they are beautiful little things. This large, three-axle VOMAG (Vogtländische Maschinenfabrik Aktiengesellschaft) 7 OR 660 bus is a magnificent thing, serving the Deutsche Feldpost and Reichspost in the 1930s/40s (painted Brunswick Green and post-box red respectively). Roden’s kit comes with a detailed engine, chassis, drivetrain and suspension. The passenger compartment features a full complement of seats and pre-marked, in-scale acetate sheeting for the windows. A wonderful kit with lots of detail and character. MN
FLYHAWK, CHINA
HMS NAIAD 1940 www.flyhawkmodel.com SCALE; 1:700 • MATERIALS: IM, PE, WS • KIT NUMBER; FH1112 Inside the compact and stylish cardboard box of Flyhawk’s 1:700 HMS Naiad lurks one of the most refined and exquisitely detailed ship kits we have ever seen. That’s quite a statement to make, but the parts have to be seen to be appreciated; this Chinese company has really pushed the possibilities of injection-moulding quality close to the limit here, with some eye-wateringly tiny, delicate and perfectly formed components to be found on the grey sprues. From simply slotting some of the hull, deck and superstructure components, the parts-fit matches the detail in quality and precision. The model comes with a good sized photo-etched brass fret carrying railings, ladders, some mast parts and other tiny structures, so all the modeller needs is cement, paint and rigging material. An incredible little creation that will look magnificent when built, painted and subtly weathered. MN
Superb subject choice, great detail, full of charisma. Photo-etched rails for rooftop luggage rack
Some of the finest injection-moulded plastic parts that have ever crossed the TMMI desk; utterly incredible.
Backs of seats carry large moulding pegs that need cleaning off, not a big deal
Some of the smallest injection-moulded plastic parts that have ever crossed the TMMI desk; instantly losable!
56 May 2015 TMMI 235
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Kit Reviews
CTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, AL PARTS), R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)
AFV CLUB, TAIWAN
PEGASUS HOBBIES, USA
THE LUNA ROCKETSHIP www.pocketbond.co.uk SCALE; 1:144 • MATERIALS: IM • KIT NUMBER; 9111 Pegasus Hobbies from the USA have created this fabulous rocketship, typical of the designs from 1950s science-fiction films. It has the sleek lines established by Werner von Braun and his WW2 V2 rocket program, but with larger fins and viewing ports for the pilots – it’s also a great deal taller than the V2. The kit is moulded in blue-grey polystyrene and features ultra-smooth exterior surfaces, a good start for a fine paint finish. The location pins, at least on the main components, are designed to act in a press-fit manner, which won’t be to everyone’s liking, but by slightly hollowing out the location holes, this feature can be ‘neutralised’. The kit comes with a lovely display base with craters and moon-like texture, ideal to contrast with the smooth lines of the ship. MN
IDF SHO’T KAL DALET www.pocketbond.co.uk SCALE; 1:35 • MATERIALS: IM, PE, WS, SVT, MS • KIT NUMBER; 35277 The Sho’t Kal Dalet variant of the IDF Centurion tank was created in 1984, when uprated ‘ERA’ (Explosive Reactive Armour) was fitted to their hulls and they remained in service until the late 1980s. AFV Club’s kit brilliantly replicates this highly evolved version of the British Centurion in miniature and there are a lot of parts to the kit. As with all of the company’s Centurions, the suspension is designed to be workable when complete and thus allow the suspension to conform to a diorama surface. The road-wheels come with flexible tyres which can be popped onto the rims after they have been painted. The ERA blocks are moulded individually and in rows making them quite easy to install amidst the masses of external detail that comes with the kit. An impressive production that will take some time and patience to build. MN
A very cool subject, moulded to perfection and easy to construct. A stylish tribute to the classic ‘50s rocketship.
Adding to the line of IDF Centurions, this kit is packed with parts to depict the late ‘Sho’t Kal Dalet
Snap-fit on the major parts might hinder test-fit sessions, but not a big deal
Not a quick build, requiring a methodical approach to complete. Not a negative point though! TMMI 235 May 2015
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New Releases A selection of the latest full kits in plastic, resin, metal and more!
What’s in the box?
AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; MR; METAL ROD, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PEBM; PHOTO-ETCHED BADGES/MIRRORS, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, PMP; PRE-ASSEMBLED METAL PARTS), R; RESIN,
MINIART, UKRAINE
GAZ-AAA W/QUAD M4 MAXIM www.creativemodels.co.uk SCALE; 1:35 • MATERIALS: IM, PE, WS • KIT NUMBER; 35177 As with the D7 dozer reviewed last issue, MiniArt’s new quad Maximequipped GAZ truck is also built up from a great many parts, including multi-layered wheel/tyre assemblies, leaf-spring suspension, part-bypart chassis, detailed engine, live-axle drivetrain, cabin/deck and the icing on the cake, the quad maxim anti-aircraft gun mount. The latter section, as the cliché goes, is a kit in itself, with amazing detail in the support frame and water-cooling system. The detail in all areas is fantastic, the wooden texture on the cargo deck floor and sides being particularly authentic-looking. The sides can be folded down as per the box-art and the cabin doors can be fixed in the open position for a slightly more dynamic appearance. The engine cover can also be left open to show off the powerplant and a really nice touch here are the open-moulded louvres in the side panels and louvre detail on the inside too, an excellent inclusion, often omitted in truck kits of this type. The GAZ is a very charismatic subject, made even more so with that fearsome-looking quadruple machine-gun arrangement up top, and this is a wonderful kit. MN
Tons of detail in this well thought-out kit and virtually no areas have been neglected Hard to criticise this model, pretty much free from compromise
REVELL, EUROPE
AUDI R8 www.revell.de/eu SCALE; 1:24 • MATERIALS: IM, SVT, CP, WS • KIT NUMBER; 07057 The Audi R8 is often described as the ‘everyday supercar’ although driving this beast to work every day might take some of the fun out it... Revell originally released their R8 back in ‘07 and now we have the ‘matt black’ edition (bodyshell moulded in grey) which comes with a new decal sheet that provides number plates from various nations (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, UK and Italy) plus plain ‘RS’ display plates. The dashboard dial faces, Audi emblems, carbon-fibre panels and more will also be found on the sheet which sports a superb gloss finish. The kit parts are cleanly moulded with excellent levels of detail inside and out; a well rendered engine and gearbox are provided, along with a propeller shaft and suspension, the latter being moulded integrally with the floorpan for maximum strength and ease of assembly. The cabin is fully detailed with excellent seats and dash. Windscreens front and back, plus side windows are moulded individually and fit directly into the bodyshell’s openings. An excellent replica of this supercar from Revell, and one you can admire on your shelf every day! MN
Excellent levels of detail and a convincing profile Nothing negative leaps out here!
58 May 2015 TMMI 235
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Kit Reviews
CTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, AL PARTS), R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)
REVELL, EUROPE
ARADO AR196 B www.revell.de/eu SCALE; 1:32 • MATERIALS: IM, WS • KIT NUMBER; 04922 Revell’s 1:32 Ar196A-3 set new standards of detail and affordability when it was released back in 2010 and it’s still a much admired kit. Now, we have the earlier ‘B’ model of Arado’s attractive floatplane, which was fitted with a single, ventral float and a pair of wing support floats and therefore looks quite a bit slimmer than its double-floated successor. As you’d imagine, Revell’s engineers have had to create new moulds for the outer floats plus other changes and the result is an incredibly pretty aircraft, particularly in its appealing airframe colours of Helloliv (Revell Matt 45) and aluminium-coloured floats with large pre-war codes on the upper wings and fuselage, plus red-banded swastikas on the tail-fin; of course, the latter symbols are not provided, so the modeller will need to source their own of the correct diameter from aftermarket suppliers. The full engine and fuselage inner detail are all still there, making this an amazingly well detailed kit. MN
One of Revell’s finest aircraft kits and a very attractive early version No tail-fin swastika decals
TRUMPETER, CHINA
HMS BELFAST 1942 www.pocketbond.co.uk SCALE; 1:350 • MATERIALS: IM, PE, MC, WS • KIT NUMBER; 05334 HMS Belfast is one of Britain’s most famous battleships, chiefly because she now lies at anchor on the Thames as a museum ship – close to Tower Bridge – and has become a well known London attraction. The current spec of the vessel is very different to how she appeared in 1942, as depicted by Trumpeter in their new-tool kit (and some say the kit more closely depicts the ship as she appeared in 1943). The hull measures over fifty-three centimetres long and is split lengthways from bow to stern. Trumpeter have correctly included the side-bulges that were added after the extensive refit that followed her striking a mine in 1939. The hull is stiffened with no less than seven lateral braces, so flex will be kept to a minimum during construction. No easy option is provided for a waterline build; the modeller will have to resort to the razor saw and find their own cut-line. Detail in the deck and superstructure is excellent; the decking is represented by planking with recessed lines and very subtle rain channels are provided over each porthole. A modest fret of PE brass carries ladders, radar antennae elements and other delicate structures, plus a length of fine copper chain is included for the anchor chains. MN
An iconic vessel, well done by Trumpeter. Excellent detail throughout, ready for the modeller to add their own railings A few sink-marks are present on some superstructure parts but these can be easily filled TMMI 235 May 2015
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KIT PREVIEW TAMIYA 1:48 PZ.KPFW.38(T) AUSF.E/F ● KIT NO.32583
CZECH OUT TH The Czech-designed Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) is a great-looking tank and Tamiya's new release in 1:48 captures its lines perfectly
For a small kit of a small tank, Tamiya’s model packs in some fantastic detail, from the rivets on the structural elements to the tiny pioneer tools.
Here we can see the open-moulded engine grille on the rear deck, the track guards (with moulded in cable cutters..) and the large roadwheels.
The link-and-length track wraps around the finely-formed drive sprockets to create a realistic result. Note also the finely detailed bow machine gun.
Further nicely rendered areas include the suspension’s leaf springs, looped tow-cable and tools, exhaust box and perforated tool box.
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T THE DETAIL! T
he Panzer 38(t) is an eternally popular subject amongst armour modellers and has appeared in most of the popular modelling scales; Tamiya have recently added this Czech-designed tank to the 1:48 Military Miniatures Series and it's a little gem. The kit comes with link-andlength tracks which greatly eases their assembly and if built in upper and lower runs, allow easier painting of the roadwheels, drive sprockets and suspension. The hull is broken down into lower plate, side panels (with moulded-in suspension bogies) and an upper hull/ deck, all of which go towards better detail reproduction on the exterior surfaces. The Pz38(t) is famously plastered with rivets and Tamiya's designers have done a great job in their reproduction. The rivets are tiny and will be easily damaged during parts clean-up and assembly, so it's even more
important to be careful with the liquid cement on this project. For such a tiny tank, there are quite a few parts to the kit, which is a good thing from a modeller's point of view as it means the pioneer tools are almost all individually moulded (hurray!) and sub-structures such as the commander's cupola build up from smaller parts which offer better detail. To top off this superb little thing, we are provided with a commander figure, leaning nonchalantly on his turret-top hatch. MN ● MN MODEL SPEC SCALE; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IM, MW, WS AVAILABILITY; Tamiya model kits and materials are available from good model shops worldwide. UK import and distribution by The Hobby Company; www.hobbyco.net TMMI’s OPINION? A much needed addition to the 1:48 MMS and a very well designed model all round. The separately moulded tools are a big plus-point and the link-length tracks are the only sensible option here.
The commander figure is remarkably well formed; the web of plastic between the headphones and the figure’s head could be drilled out, but won’t be noticeable once painted. Book Reviews will return next month.
BINDERS
Keep your Tamiya Model Magazines safe in a high quality binder. Each binder holds 12 issues.
£8.50
+ postage (UK - £2.45, Europe - £4.45, Worldwide - £6.45)
Available direct from our offices on
+44 (0)1525 222573 or online at:
www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com TMMI 235 May 2015
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BuyersGuidesBuyersGuidesBuyersGui ADVERTISE HERE!
If you are reading this then so are thousands of others! FOR INFORMATION call GARETH on 01525 222573
AVIATION & MILITARY BOOK CENTRE Tel: 0845 260 4413 PO BOX 4413, ATHERSTONE, WARWICKSHIRE, CV9 9AS
Aviation and Military Books and Magazines
Hurricane models Tel: 01992 447346
7 Impresa Park, Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0DL
10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to FRIDAY
Phone lines open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat-Sun Phone, write or visit us online. sales@aviationbookcentre.com www.aviationbookcentre.com
Tamiya Radio Controlled Models and Plastic Model Kits of cars, bikes, boats, tanks and planes from Tamiya and most Major Brands always in stock. Racks of paints and a range of Airbrushes always in stock.
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Military, Aviation, Naval, Modelling, Railways, Car & Motorcycle Books 9.30 – 4.30 Monday to Friday By Appointment Only
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info@bookworldws.co.uk
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Gee DEE MODELS Tel: 0115 9412211 Fax: 0115 9417717
21 Heathcoat Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3AF Moday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am-5.30pm Specialising in plastic kits, diecast, boats, planes and cars ESTABLISHED 1946
www.geedee-modelshop.com
MAIL ORDER
HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD
Tel: 01422 349157
Halifax Modellers World , 29 Union Street, Halifax, HX1 1PR
All Models,All Makes,All Scales. Opening Hours: Mon,Tues,Thur 10.30-17.30,Wed Closed, Fri 10.30-17.00,Sat 9.30-17.00,Sun 10.30-16.30
www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk
sales@hurricanemodels.co.uk www.hurricanemodels.co.uk
Kit krazy model shop Tel: 020 8298 7177
303 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8DT New and pre-owned kits. Collections bought and sold Aircraft, military, cars, ships, bikes & scifi (70p S.A.E for our list)
Opening hours: 9-30am-5.30pm (closed Wednesday & Sunday)
You can also find us at most major model and airshows throughout the year
www.kitkrazy.com
Up to 20% Discount on mail order
WWW.LITTLE-CARS.COM Tel: 01234 711980
(24hr answer phone)
We aim to stock all the tools and accessories you will ever need. Micro Mesh, Hold & Fold, Detailing Wire and Mesh, Iwata Airbrushes, MIG pigments, Adhesives.
FROM TINY TWEEZERS TO SIZEABLE SPRAY BOOTHS! Swan & Excel knives, Vallejo, Aztek Airbrushes, Actulite, A300S-D Extractor. Lazertran Decal paper, Deluxe Rust & Snow, Zona Saws, Alclad II, Microbrushes... Multimedia Car kits, Eduard, Sweet and Areotech Aircraft kits. Buy direct or see us at your local model show
email: info@little-cars.co.uk
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
HIROBOY
Tel: +44 (0)7977 125967
(8-00am - 4-30pm)
The UK’s largest mail order company specialising in Scale Automotive model kits with a large selection of aftermarket detailing parts, accessories, books and loads more Unit 59, Basepoint Business Centre, Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SD, United Kingdom.
Email:halifaxmodellersworld@fsmail.net
www.hiroboy.com Open: Monday-Thursday: 8.00-4.30, Friday: 8.00-2.30
THE MODEL SHOP
Finescale model world ltd
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Tel: 01606 47740 Fax: 01606 47740 OPEN Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.00pm
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Monday to Saturday 9am - 4.30pm SPECIALIST PLASTIC KIT MODEL SHOP. Brands include tamiya, trumpeter, italeri, revell, dragon, afv, hasegawa, roden, eduard and more
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all major credit cards. mail order
p 62-63 BuyerGuide 235.indd 62
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25/03/2015 11:01
W
SGUIDESBUYERSGUIDESBUYERSGUIDESBUYE
NEWfrom the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series NEW REVISED for 2015 HOW TO BUILD... Tamiya 1:32 Spitfire & NEW HOW TO BUILD... Tamiya’s 1:12 Motorcycles
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WEBDIRECTORYWEBDIRECTORYWEBDIRECTO www.hobbyco.net dragon.com
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tamiya.com italeri.com
www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com www.missing-lynx.com www.hyperscale.com
p 62-63 BuyerGuide 235.indd 63
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Contact details for companies featured in TMMI... ● ACCURATE ARMOUR/ ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland. Tel; 01475 743 955 Fax 01475 743746 www.accurate-armour.com ● THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd 79 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF, +44 (0) 1903 767800 www.airbrushes.com ● AIRCONNECTION Box 21227, RPO Meadowvale Mississauga, ON L5N 6A2, Canada Tel (905) 677-0016 Fax (905) 677-0582 sale@airconnection.on.ca info@airconnection.on.ca www.airconnection.on.ca ● AIRWAVES Via Hannants www.hannants.co.uk ● ALBION ALLOYS Spacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth Dorset, UK, BH11 8PT Tel: 01202 511232 Fax; 01202 539967 From outside UK please dial Tele; 0044 1202 511232 Fax;0044 1202 539967 ● ALCLAD II No.5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk, NR12 0LL. www.alclad2.com Tel; 01692 652166, Fax; 01692 652334 ● AMMO OF MIG JIMENEZ S.L. Navarra (SPAIN) www.migjimenez.com www.theweatheringmagazine.com Email info@migjimenez.com In UK; Creative Models ● AMPERSAND PUBLISHING (via Historex Agents in UK) 235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5543, USA Tel; 561-266 9686, Fax; 561-266-9786 ● ARCHER (Historex in UK) PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 275961277, USA www.archertransfers.com ● BADGER AIRBRUSH 9128 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131, USA 800-AIR-BRUSH • Fax: 800-57BADGER www.badgerairbrush.com customerservice@badgerairbrush.com ● BISON DECALS Available from www.hannants.co.uk and www.pdi-model-supplies.com ● CAMMETT AND CO (Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) Unit 5 Forest Road, Greenfield Industrial Estate, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5FA, United Kingdom Phone; 01497 822757 Email; cammettco@btopenworld.com www.cammett.co.uk ● CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Leics UK LE10 1YF Tel: +44(0) 1455 233 747, Fax: +44(0) 1455 233 737 midlandbooks@compuserve.com www.classic-publications.com ● CREATIVE MODELS LTD (Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures); Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TG Tel/Fax; 01354 760022 www.creativemodels.co.uk info@creativemodels.co.uk ● CZECH SIX PUBLICATIONS 48 Station Road, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3BN UK Tel; 01932 866426
www.czechsixpublications.com ● DRAGON MODELS (The Hobby Company in UK) Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT, Hong Kong Fax (HK) 4110587 www.dragonmodelsltd.com
(For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK)
● ECHELON FINE DETAILS Available from; wwwaccurate-armour. com & http://pachome1.pacific.net. sg/~kriegsketten/ ● EAGLE EDITIONS Ltd PO Box 580 Hamilton MT 59840 USA406 Tel; 363 5415, Fax; 406 375 9270 eagle@eagle-editions.com www.eagle-editions.com ● FANTASY PRINTSHOP The Palms Oasis, New Portreath Road, Bridge, Cornwall, TR16 4QL ● FROME MODEL CENTRE 1/2 Catherine Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DA, UK +44 (0) 1373 465295 www.frome-model-centre.com enquiries@frome-model-centre.com ● GRAND PRIX MODELS 4 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way, Banbury, OX16 4SW. Tel; 01295 278070 Fax; 01295 278072 www.grandprixmodels.com email@grandprixmodels.com ● GREENHILL BOOKS Park House, 1 Russell Gardens, London NW11 9NN, UK Tel 020 8458 6314 Fax 020 8905 5245 www.greenhillbooks.com L.Leventhal@greenhillbooks.com ● GUNZE SANGYO MDC in the UK ● HANNANTS Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ. Tel 01502 517444 Fax 01502 500521 www.hannants.co.uk sales@hannants.co.uk ● HIKOKI PUBLICATIONS LTD Ashtree House, Station Road, Ottringham, East Yorkshire, HU12 OBJ, UK ● HIROBOY (Zero Paints) Unit 59, Basepoint Business Centre Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SD UK Tel: 07977125967 (UK office hours only) www.hiroboy.com ● HISTOREX AGENTS Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK Tel 01304 206720 Fax 01304 204528. www.historex-agents.co.uk sales@historex-agents.co.uk ● HOBBYLINK JAPAN Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1 Tochigi 327-0813, Japan www.hlj.com ● HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA www.airconnection.on.ca ● ITALERI (The Hobby Company in UK) Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, Bologna, Italy, Tel 051 726037 www.italeri.it ● IWATA AIRBRUSHES The Airbrush Company 79 Marlborough Road (East) Lancing Business Park Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8UF Tel: +44 (0)1903 767 800 www.airbrushes.com. ● JADAR-MODEL Zielna 8/103, 00-108 Warsaw, Poland www.jadar.com.pl hobby@jadarhobby.waw.pl ● LITTLE CARS Uncle Jacks, Lavendon Road
Olney Bucks, MK46 4HH, UK www.little-cars.co.uk Tel (+44) 01234 711980 ● MIG PRODUCTIONS C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain www.migproductions.com In UK; Creative Models ● MODEL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION Unit 3 Hillstown Small Business Center, Mansfield Road, Bolsover, Derbyshire. S44 6LE. Tel; +(44)1246 82 77 55 orders@modeldesignconstruction.com www.modeldesignconstruction.com ● MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD Unit 3 Dean Close, Raunds, Northants NN9 6BD Tel; 01892 680009 Fax:01892 522526 info@modelwholesaleuk.com www.modelwholesaleuk.com ● MODUNI VERSAND GMBH Böttgerstr. 2-14, 65439 Flörsheim, Germany Tel; 06145 5456-0 Fax; 06145 5456-11 info@moduni.de www.moduni.de ● MONROE PERDU Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA. www.monroeperdu.com ● PANZERWRECKS PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK www.panzerwrecks.com ● PEGASUS HOBBIES (Selected items via Pocketbond in UK) 5515 Moreno Blvd, Montclair, CA 91763 USA www.pegasushobbies.com ● PLUS MODEL (Creative Models in UK) Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. plusmodel@plusmodel.cz www.plusmodel.cz ● POCKETBOND LTD (Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK) PO Box 80, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, AL6 0ND Tel 01707 391509 Fax 01707 327 466 info@pocketbond.co.uk ● POL MODELS 64 Cumberland Road, Acton, London, W3 6EY UK polmodels@aol.com ● PRO-ART MODELS www.proartmodels.be ● QUICKBOOST www.quickboost.net ● REVELL UK Revell UK, Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate, Cheddington Lane Tring, Herts, HP23 4QR, UK ukbranch@revell.de ● RZM PUBLISHING (Greenhill Books In UK) PO Box 995, Southbury, CT 06488 USA Tel; (USA) 203 264 0774 www.rzm.com ● SCHATTON BARRELS Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany, Fax 09961 910 7826 www.modellbau-schatton.privat.t-online.de email; modellbau.schatton@t-online.de ● SCHIFFER BOOKS Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd, Atglen, PA, 19310 USA www.schifferbooks.com ● SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK. Tel +44(0)20 8392 8585, +44(0)20 8392 9876, email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk ● SCHUMO KITS Axel’s-Modellbau-Shop Axel und Bernd Schulze OHG Braustraße 2a 37170 Uslar, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 5571 919 100 Fax: +49 (0) 5571 919 101
www.schumo-kits.com ● SQUADRON.COM Squadron Mail Order 1115 Crowley Drive Carrollton, TX 75006 - 1312. USA ● STUDIO 27 (Grand Prix Models in UK) www.studio27.co.jp ● SCALE MOTORSPORT No.3 Topside Lane, Newtown, Connecticut 06470-2023, USA www.scalemotorsport.com In UK; Grand Prix Models ● THE SMALL SHOP PO Box 580, Kalama WA 98625, USA Tel/fax; (360) 673-1255 info@thesmallshop.com www.thesmallshop.com ● SYLMASTA Halland House, Dale’s Yard, Lewes Rd, Scaynes Hill, West Sussex, RH17 7PG Tel; +44(0)1444 415027, Fax; +44(0)1444 458606. Email; sylmasta@aol.com ● TAMIYA JAPAN Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 Japan www.tamiya.com ● TAMIYA UK; THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666 enquiries@hobbyco.net www.hobbyco.net ● TANK MODEL, RUSSIA www.tank-model.ru www.afvmodeller.com ● TANK WORKSHOP 345 Wynbrook Drive McDonough, GA, 30253 USA Tel; (770) 573-1409, Fax; (770) 573-0479 www.tankworkshop.com ● TRUMPETER www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK ● TUNGSTEN DRILLS Allan Sidney No.6, Park Gardens, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PJ allansid@aol.com ● U-MODELS 1103, rue de Feucherolles 78630, Orgeval, France www.u-models.com ● VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS (Historex in UK) 811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA (636) 379-0077 www.verlindenonline.com ● VALLEJO (Creative Models in UK) Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12 Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54 www.acrylicosvallejo.com ● WORLD WAR TWO BOOKS Military History Books Ltd (Mail order address, callers by appointment) 2 Cysgod Y Bryn, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 4LR, United Kingdom Tel; 01970 623778 sales@worldwartwobooks.com www.worldwartwobooks.com ● WIDESPREAD SOLUTIONS Unit 1 Levens Hall Park, Lund Lane, Killinghall, Harrogate, West Yorkshire HG3 2BG, UK. Tel; +44(0)1423 522836 Fax; +44(0)1423 525656 info@graphicair.co.uk www.graphicair.co.uk
■ Please mention ‘Tamiya Model Magazine’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks!
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NEXT ISSUE
The next issue of TMMI is June 2015 (No.236), on sale May 21st
BLADE RUNNER
We step back in time to the ‘80s and build Tamiya’s stunning 1:12 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana
MITCHELL WITH METAL, PT.2 Our two-part, full-build article on HK Models’ 1:32 B-25J concludes
...AND MUCH MORE, OF COURSE!
MITSUBISHI’S MBT
Due to the many factors that can influence the appearance (or nonappearance) of a model in TMMI, the items listed here are shown on a provisional basis. We endeavour to bring you these articles, but please be patient if they do not feature, as all sorts of things can happen to prevent them from appearing on time… Thank you for your understanding!
Fine Molds’ 1:35 Type 61 main battle tank, full-build
Order online now at; www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com ISSUE No.235 MAY 2015 PUBLISHED ON APRIL 16th 2015 Editor; Marcus Nicholls Consultant Editor (USA); Stan Spooner, Editorial Assistant; Matt Benfield Publisher; Alan Harman Graphic Design; Alex Hall TMMI Website; The ADH web team Advertising Manager; Gareth Liddiatt Office Manager; Paula Gray Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie Blue-skies thinking; Jason Raynboes Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK Distributed by; Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services, 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com Tamiya Model Magazine is published on the third Thursday of each month by ADH Publishing. Editorial enquiries; editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com All other enquiries to; enquiries@adhpublishing.com Tamiya Model Magazine, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Telephone; +44 (0)1525 222573 Editorial enquiries;+44 (0)7904 635 694 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574. Back Issues; From £4.20 Inc. P&P. Back issues from #75 onwards (excluding #79) are available from the UK address below, or online at www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com
Reproduction in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Tamiya Model Magazine is accurate, the publishers and printers can not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Advertisements are accepted for publication in Tamiya Model Magazine only on ADH Publishing’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address below. All editorial, advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address below.
Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK, £56 Europe, £69 Worldwide Binders; £8.50 + P&P (UK-£2.45, Europe-£4.45, Worldwide-£6.45). All prices include postage and packing. For all orders, please call (UK) +44(0)1525 222573 or visit www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Digital subscriptions available from www.pocketmags.com
© ADH Publishing 2015
CONTACT INFO: Tel: +44(0)1525 222 573 Fax: +44(0)1525 222 574 Editorial enquiries: +44(0)7904 635 694 Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Editorial email: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com Other enquiries: enquiries@adhpublishing.com www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com
The paper used on this title is from sustainable forestry
✁
TO MY NEWSAGENT... Please order Tamiya Model Magazine International for me and reserve/deliver a regular copy starting with issue:-
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The Editor’s Page...
THREE DECADES AND STILL GOING STRONG!
W
ay back in the spring of 1985, a new Englishlanguage modelling magazine was launched (my rather tattered copy can be seen above!) It aimed to bring its readers the latest Tamiya model kits and many other scale modelling related features, such as references and scale drawings. The initial frequency of the magazine was quarterly (four times per year) hence the first edition just being known as the ‘Spring 1985’ issue. Every subject, from armour, ships, cars, aircraft and dioramas to RC cars and die-cast models were included. The magazine continued to grow throughout the 1980s and early ‘90s, until it changed to a new publisher and in October 1991, I joined the team as the Editorial Assistant; the first issue I worked on was Issue No.28, February/March 1992 (above, centre). The magazine became bi-monthly (six times a year) and it was my first experience of publishing. Even with around
eight weeks to produce one issue, it still felt a little daunting! I became the Editor in 1996, when Alan Harman – TMMI’s Editor when the current magazine publishing contract began in 1991 – launched his own company, ADH Publishing. TMMI then moved to ADH in 1998 and I came with it! In 2004 we changed up a gear to a monthly publishing schedule, a frequency at which it has stayed to this day. In the early years I was building models almost constantly and everything I built ended up as an article. The satisfaction of having access to the newest Tamiya kits and getting to be the first person outside of Japan to build them was great fun, although in more recent times my modelling rate has slowed a little, as I have become older! I have also been very privileged to have travelled to Japan five times (trip number six coming up) to experience the Shizuoka Hobby Show, over at least seventeen times to the massive ‘Spielwarenmesse’ toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany (where I first met Mr
S Tamiya, a true hero of the scale modelling hobby), plus trips to the USA and Europe to visit other modelling events. My dreams as TMMI’s Editor – aside from it carrying on forever – is to expand the magazine in page quantity, strive to have better quality paper, ever more up-to-date models built each month plus more reviews and full-size reference articles. I dream about making it into the best modelling magazine in the world, that every single scale modeller will want to subscribe to! And I want to expand the digital edition (iPad, Android) to include modelling videos, interviews and more. Looking back, I feel very proud to have been involved with Tamiya Model Magazine for over twenty-three years and I sincerely hope that it continues to flourish for many more decades. Thank you for your support over the years, I appreciate it. ● See you again on May 21st! editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com
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D6369 Find us on facebook search Plastic Kits UK
p 67 Dragon 235.indd 8
Dragon Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG See the full Dragon range at www.hobbyco.net Dragon models are available from all good model shops
25/03/2015 11:01