MODELWORLD
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January 2022
Issue 134

*Closing date: March 11, 2022

CLASH
OF EAGLES

We build Airfix’s 1/72 P-51D Mustang and Me 262A-1a
£5.49

FAST FORD

1/48 Nakajima A2N3 from AB&K Models

9 772045 120111

CARRIER-BORNE RARITY

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01

Belkits 1/24
Fiesta RS
WRC

EDITOR’S DESK
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WELCOME TO ISSUE 134

I

hope everyone who
attended Scale ModelWorld
2021 has managed to
recover from the weekend,
and I’d like to thank all those
who stopped by the Airfix
Model World stand for a chat
with myself and the team.
While it may have been smaller
than previous events, there
was still a huge amount of
anticipation and excitement over
the models on show, notably
those in the competition. With
more than 80 clubs and special
interest groups in attendance, it
was challenging getting around
all of the
displays, but
I think I was
successful – our
special 16-page
supplement provides
coverage of the show
for those who missed
it, and even more is
available at: www.
keymodelworld.com/
scalemodelworld2021
I’d also like to extend a
personal thanks to the
IPMS (UK) team for a

superbly organised show and
especially those working the
competition and Hall 1.
This was easily the
smoothest arrival
and set-up we’ve
experienced.
The cover may look slightly
different this month, as
we feature our first ever
Airfix Dogfight Double, in
the form of the excellent
1/72 P-51D Mustang and
Me 262A-1a. We’ve
joined this duo
with two basiclevel armour

EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor: Stu Fone
Assistant Editor: John Fuller
Contributors this issue: Nick Shuttleworth,
Ian Grainger, Peter Fearon, David Holmes, Chris Clay,
Duncan Cooke, John Paulding, Kev Baxter
SMW Logo: Chris Ayre
Editor at Large: Chris Clifford
Group Production Editor: David Taylor
Production Editors: Sally Hooton, Sue Rylance
Angharad Moran, Suzanne Roberts
Designer: Tom Bagley

ADVERTISING TEAM
Advertising Sales Executive: Victoria Simmonds
Advertising Sales Executive: James Belding
Advertising Production Manager: Debi McGowan
Advertising Production/Design: Becky Antoniades

EDITORIAL CONTACT
Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd,
PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs,
PE9 1XQ, UK.
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Head of Production: Janet Watkins
Head of Design: Steve Donovan
Head of Advertising Sales: Brodie Baxter
Head of Operations & E-commerce: Karen Bean
Head of Content Management: Finbarr O’Reilly
Chief Digital Officer: Vicky Macey
Chief Content & Commercial Officer: Mark Elliott
Group CEO: Adrian Cox

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builds featuring a Dragon
1/35 StuG III and Gecko
Models’ 1/35 ATMP, while
the auto subject
– Belkits’ gorgeous 1/24 Fiesta
RS WRC – is an eyecatching
replica. Speaking of which,
ICM’s impressive newly tooled
1/48 Mi-24V/VP Hind-D/E
helicopter receives
a rather unusual
Czech Air Force livery
that’s a break from
the usual modern greys and
greens. We also welcome a new
manufacturer to AMW’s pages in
the shape of Czech-based AB&K
– if its 1/48 Mitsubishi A2N2 is
anything to go by, then its kits
are likely to have modellers
brimming with excitement.
I hope you enjoy the issue…
and happy modelling!

Stu Fone, Editor
stuart.fone@keypublishing.com

SUBMISSIONS
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Tel: 020 7429 4000.

Airfix Model World, ISSN 2045-1202
(USPS 4440), is published monthly by
Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 300, Stamford,
Lincolnshire, PE9 1NA, UK.
The US annual subscription price is $72.99.
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No part of it can be reproduced in any form or
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Publisher: Mark Elliott.
“AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby
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To find a stockist near you, visit
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The average sale for the period
Jan – Dec 2020 was 14,879 print
and digital copies monthly.

Airfix Model World 3

CONTENTS

REGULARS
06 News

14

The latest happenings
in the world of plastic
modelling, including a
sneak preview of Airfix’s
newly tooled 1/72 Hawker
Tempest Mk.V, ICM’s newtool 1/48 OV-10A Bronco
and Arma Hobby’s 1/72
F4F-4 Wildcat

10 Club Scene
Look for your local model
clubs in and around the UK

12 Give the gift that
lasts all year!
A subscription to Airfix
Model World makes a great
gift this Christmas

REVIEWS:
ON THE SHELF
88 Books
92 Aircraft
96 Military
98 Figures
100 Decals
104 Accessories

72

114 Display Case
There’s an eye-catching
ensemble in this month’s
offerings from Airfix Model
World readers

34

4 Airfix Model World

24

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CONTENTS | What’s inside?

FEATURES
14 Intermediate Build – Czech Flying Tank
Zvezda 1/48 Mi-24V/VP Hind-D/E receives an unusual
camouflage scheme as it’s been completed as a Czech
airframe by Duncan Cooke

24 Intermediate Build – Fast Ford
There’s a world championship winner in Belkits 1/24 Fiesta RS
WRC 2017, as Ian Grainger discovers

32 Out and About – Reviving the Revival
Ian Grainger provides modelling inspiration in this photo-shoot
from the recent 2021 Goodwood Revival

34 Basic Build – Six Wheels on my Wagon
Gecko Models might be a newcomer to the hobby, but its kits
are impressing modellers – MAFVA’s John Paulding examines
its 1/35 British ATMP cargo carrier

42 Out and About – Dragons in St Ives
There was plenty for visitors to enjoy at the IPMS Brampton
model show, which makes a post-lockdown return to its usual
venue in St Ives, Cambridgeshire

64

44 Intermediate Build – Carrier-Borne Rarity
New firm AB&K Models has released a newly tooled 1/48
Mitsubishi A2N2 biplane – Peter Fearon examines this carrierborne biplane in depth

52 Basic Build – Clash of Eagles
David Holmes finds that Airfix has combined nostalgia with
modern toolings courtesy of its 1/72 Me 262 and P-51D
Dogfight Double

64 Basic Build – Blitzkrieg Bunker Buster
The StuG III was a common sight with German armoured units
during World War Two, so Nick Shuttleworth completes Dragon’s
1/35 Ausf.B as a machine from the Eastern Front

72 Intermediate Build – Twin-Stick Frightning
Sword’s 1/48 Lightning T.5 was a challenging build according to
Chris Clay, who finished it as an 11 Squadron airframe

78 Photo Focus – Viper Zero on Show
Kev Baxter provides a superb collection of photos depicting
Misawa, Japan-based Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zeros

80 Intermediate Build – Many Thanks Misawa
Inspired by a visit to Japan, Kev Baxter tackles Hasegawa’s
re-issued 1/72 Mitsubishi F-2, modifying the kit to depict an
aircraft just after touchdown

WIN
WIN

An Airfix kit bundle!
An
Airfix
kit22bundle!
Turn
to page
for your
44

chance
to win
an your
Airfix
Turn
to page
22 for
model
bundle,
with
chance to win an Airfix a
combined
model
bundle,prize
withpot
a of
moreprize
thanpot
£650
combined
of
more than £620

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Airfix Model World 5

NEWS

DELIGHTFUL DOODLEBUG ‘DIVER’

m

co

VIE

E
IN

engraved airframe fasteners and
half) is represented accurately as a
extended footrest for a wheels‘bottomless’ type, with suspended
down configuration. That said,
footrests and rails onto which the
the one-piece undercarriage bay
rudder pedal and control column
insert is arguably the standout
are added. Fuselage sidewalls
component, as it doubles as a
feature convincing moulded
wing spar (for a solid central
detail – notably the internal
structure) and includes the
framework – and there’s
E
R
MO ONL
inner lining for the oil
even a separate reflector
W
cooler exhaust vent, so
gunsight. The usual
there’s no tricky seam
Airfix options aren’t
to deal with. Similarly,
omitted either, with a
M
.
clever design of the
choice
of open/closed
o d e or ld
lW
lower wing half means
canopy, raised/lowered
it includes a section of the
undercarriage and provision
fuselage, removing the risk of an
for mounting the model on a stand
awkward wing/fuselage join.
(available separately).
This attention to detail extends
Two styles of spinner are supplied,
to the interior: the cockpit floor
apparently to represent early- or
(which is part of the upper wing
late-production airframes, and

Ke y

AIRFIX’S LONG-awaited 1/72
Hawker Tempest Mk.V is finally on
approach. In this exclusive preview,
AMW readers get a sneak peak at
the kit’s contents.
For those who enjoyed Airfix’s
recent same-scale Spitfire Mk.Vc,
the Tempest takes it a stage further,
and it’s sure to be a popular sight
on modelling displays. There are
five styrene runners in total and
the clear frame includes drop tanks
with an integrally moulded pylon – a
neat way of representing the type’s
conspicuous transparent fairing.
While features on the larger items
catch the eye immediately, notably
the exterior panel lines (among the
best Airfix has produced), it’s the
smaller items that excel, such as the

there are two types of mainwheel:
a five-spoke version used in this
release and a four-spoke version,
which would appear appropriate for
a later airframe. Note, just Series
1-style cannon fairings are included,
but it should be a fairly easy task
to scratch-build the Series 2 shortbarrel arrangement.
Markings are included for two latewar airframes, including one clad in
D-Day identification stripes:
• JN571/R-B, Wg Cdr Roland
Prosper ‘Bee’ Beaumont, 150 Wg,
RAF Newchurch, Kent, England,
June 1944
• JN766/SA-N, 486 Sqn
RNZAF, RAF Castle Camps,
Cambridgeshire, England,
April 1944

Recent Airfix toolings have featured fine engraved detail on the exterior surfaces
and its Tempest is no exception, including fasteners for the cowling panels
Arguably the kit’s key component: a one-piece undercarriage bay insert that
doubles as a wing spar and provides a seamless link to the chin oil cooler intake

Wing alignment issues will be a thing of the past thanks to the one-piece upper/
lower halves – the former includes an accurate ‘bottomless’ cockpit floor

6 Airfix Model World

Airfix’s clear runner provides a windscreen and canopy, plus two-piece drop
tanks, allowing the type’s ‘see-through’ pylon fairings to be replicated faithfully

KeyModelWorld.com

NEWS | Latest updates

VULCAN TO THE SKY FACES
TOUGH DEADLINE

Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558
at its Doncaster home
Shaun Flannery via VTST

THE VULCAN to the Sky Trust
(VTST) has until the end of the
year to hit its fundraising target
of £2.2m to secure a mortgage
and build a new home for Avro
Vulcan XH558.
Business development director
Michael Trotter said: “We have
made some great progress on
plans for The Vulcan Experience.
We now have an Agreement for
Lease, which will become a full
legal lease for the hangar once
the funding is in place, and this
is supported by an operations
agreement that will allow access

to the airfield for tours, including
our popular engine ground runs.
We all want to see XH558 under
cover in a dedicated hangar
bringing visitors to the area and
inspiring future generations.
We now have just weeks to
raise the money needed for this
rescue mission.”
Doncaster Sheffield Airport
acquired land to facilitate the
new hangar more than three
years ago, but VTST has now
decided it must either secure
the £4.6m to build the facility
or relinquish its option. Michael

said: “We are calling on people
from across the country with an
interest in heritage, aviation and
the Climate Challenge to get
behind this project and help us
create a venue that will inspire
generations for decades to
come and, through our Green
Technology Hub, investigate
solutions to greener travel.”
Businesses can also back
the initiative via: https://
vulcantothesky.org/executivealliance/. For information on how
to support the charity see:
www.vulcantothesky.org.uk.

HELLENIC HUES

ITALIAN PAINT specialist
LifeColor has released two new
paint packs with acrylic shades
for the Hellenic Air Force.
Each box offers six 22ml pots,
with LifeColor also providing
explanatory notes for various
aircraft types.
Hellenic Air Force Set 1
(Aegean Ghost Falcons & Delta
Fighters – XS-15) includes the
following shades: UA 554 FS
35237 Aegean Ghost Blue Grey,
UA 555 FS 36251 Aegean Ghost
Grey, UA 556 FS 36307 Aegean
Ghost Light Grey, UA 557
FS 36270, UA 558 FS 35164

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Aegean Blue and UA 559
FS 36375 Aegean Delta Grey
Hellenic Air Force Set 2
(Aegean HAF SEA – Cargo
Planes & Vietnam Camouflage
Fighters – XS-16) offers: UA
560 FS 34079 HAF/SEA Forest
Green, UA 561 FS 34102 HAF/
SEA Medium Green, UA 562
FS 30219 HAF/SEA Dark Tan,
UA 563 FS 36622 HAF/SEA
Camouflage Grey, UA 564 FS
37178 Aegean Flat Aluminium
and UA 565 FS 36280 Aegean/
HAF Spartan Grey.
These tones are correct for the
current Hellenic Air Force F-4E
(AUP) and F-16 ‘Ghost’ schemes,
but the Phantom, Mirage F1
and F-5 can also be portrayed
in the earlier ‘Aegean’ livery
of FS 35164 over Aluminium.
For extra variety, types such
as the F-4/RF-4, A-7, F/RF-84
and F-104 can be finished in

classic Southeast Asia hues.
The C-130H Hercules and C-27J
Spartan transports are also
catered for via FS 36280, as is
the Mirage 2000, but because
the real Dassault aircraft employ
Celomer system paint codes,
LifeColor has provided the
closest matches.
You can portray many different
Hellenic Air Force aircraft in all
their varied glory more easily,
thanks to these well-considered
paint sets. Each costs £17.99
and is available from The
Airbrush Company. Please see:
www.airbrushes.com.

NEWS

BARGAIN BRONCO

IT HAS been something of a
bonanza for modellers interested in
Vietnam war aircraft, thanks to the
Ukrainian firm ICM.
The company’s all-new 1/48 OV-10A
Bronco arrives hot on the heels of
its same-scale O-2A Skymaster
and 1/32 AH-1G Cobra helicopter,
and it maintains the manufacturer’s
trend for sharply moulded parts at a
competitive price.
Kit 48300 portrays the Vietnam-era
Bronco and the detail is excellent
for the price tag of £28.40. There’s
an accurate mix of raised and
recessed rivets, a decent cockpit
with eight-part seats, instrument
panels with moulded dials (and
decals), and alternative rear panels.

Busy side consoles and electrical
boxes also enliven this area, as well
as structural ribbing on the inner
fuselage halves. Easing construction
is a superb one-piece upper wing
part, which blends into the halved
tail booms, plus separate flaps and
ailerons are also present.
The well-detailed, multi-part main
undercarriage legs are built into
their own box units, which are
sandwiched by the tail boom halves,
and the type’s trademark fuselage
gun sponsons are beautifully
replicated, with individual barrels for
the 7.62mm machine guns. On the
subject of armament, ICM’s generic
US weapons runner (previously
employed in its 1/48 B-26K Counter

BUBBLETOP LEGEND
VALIANT WINGS has announced it
is to expand its popular Airframe &
Miniature range with a guide to the
North American P-51D/K Mustang
– which has already had a page
increase due to the volume of
AIRFRAME &
MINIATURE

No.18

for the enthusiast and modeller

The North American

P-51D/K

Mustang
Including the P-51H & XP-51F, G & J

A Complete Guide To The Cadillac Of The Skies

by Richard A. Franks

8 Airfix Model World

material the completed publication
is set to contain.
The book will be the 18th title in
the modeller-aimed series and will
cover the P-51D, K, H, XP-51F, G
and J variants – essentially all the
late-model Mustangs – so acts as
a follow-up to the sixth Airframe &
Miniature book, which dealt with
the P-51A-C versions. Comprising
a minimum of 272 pages, this
new title will contain the usual
sections devoted to history, walkround images, technical diagrams,
camouflage and markings
information, plus a kit listing and
full-build features. Further aiding
scale projects, 1/48 plans are also
to be included.
The North American P-51D/K
Mustang is available now for
£24.95, direct from Valiant Wings’
website: www.valiant-wings.co.uk

Invader) is provided. This carries
Mk.81 slick/Snakeye bombs, Mk.82
slick/Snakeyes, LAU-10, LAU-68 and
LAU-69A rocket pods and Mk.77 fire
bombs, but extra to these are LAU33 twin ‘Zuni’ pods.
Pleasingly, the expansive cockpit
glazing is impressively clear,
rounding off a truly splendid kit.
ICM’s instructions have a handy
stores carriage guide, and the
decal sheet offers markings for
five aircraft. Two of these are US
Marine Corps machines, and there
are USAF and US Navy options too.
Camouflage schemes are overall
grey and green over grey. The
liveries in detail are:

• 155471/106/UM, VAL-4 ‘Black
Ponies’, US Navy, Binh Thuy, 1971
• 155456, VMO-6, USMC, Quang
Tri, 1969
• 67-14649, 20th Tactical Air Support
Squadron, USAF, Da Nang, 1972
• 155416/5, VMO-2, USMC, Da
Nang, 1969
• 155416, VMO-2, Da Nang, 1970
Considering how prices of 1/48
aircraft kits are climbing, ICM’s
Bronco represents stunning value
and looks as though it will be a fun
build. And for true devotees of the
type, the later, long-nose OV-10D
(48301) is also due soon.
ICM kits are imported to the UK by
Hannants: www.hannants.co.uk

TRAINING ROUNDS
AFTERMARKET SPECIALIST Bandit
Resin Factory has released several
sets of resin practice bombs.
It’s fun cramming Cold War jets
with all manner of weaponry to
depict war loads. However. on
day-to-day range flights by NATO
aircraft, full-size ordnance is often
shunned for cheaper practice
bombs. Recognising this fact,
Bandit Resin Factory (BRF) has now
issued 1/32 and 1/48 scale BDU33 (Mk.76) ballistic and BDU-48
(Mk.106) high-drag munitions.
These stores were often carried
in either SUU-21 or SUU-20
dispensers, up to six at a time, toted
by types such as the F-111, F-4, F-16
and A-7 in USAF service, but also
able to be mounted directly on triple
and multiple ejector racks. BRF
offers 12 stores in a sturdy container,
and the choice of recipient aircraft is
myriad. Research will reveal a wealth
of user aircraft/air arms. Both bomb

types are commonly painted blue,
but some Mk.106s were painted
orange. The sets are:
• BRF-48-012 BDU-33/Mk.76
Practice Bombs x 12 – £5
• BRF-48-013 BDU-48/Mk.106
Practice Bombs x 12 – £5
• BRF-32-012 BDU-33/Mk.76
Practice Bombs x 12 – £7
• BRF-32-013 BDU-48/Mk.106
Practice Bombs x 12 – £7
For further details or to order, visit
BRF’s Facebook page.

KeyModelWorld.com

NEWS | Latest updates

WICKED WILDCAT
ARMA HOBBY’S recent 1/72
FM-1/-2 Wildcat kits have been
widely applauded, but now, the firm
has adapted the tooling to bring
modellers the F4F-4 version.
Fans of the type will be delighted
to know that Arma has reworked
its parts to produce the F4F-4, in
what it calls an Expert Set boxing
(70047). There are two styrene
runners packed with beautifully
detailed parts. A clear frame with
cockpit and under-fuselage glazing,
vinyl masks and a small photoetched (PE) brass fret with details
such as the instrument panel (decals
are provided for the dials), the seat
harness, cockpit controls and the
engine ignition cabling.
There is stunning moulding on
the styrene components. Both the
cockpit and powerplant are busy
areas, and the superbly rendered
engine firewall benefits from
PE control chains. The engine is
practically a kit in itself, with a
double bank of radial cylinders,
intercoolers, an exhaust tube ring,

full bearer tubing and alternative
reduction gear housings/propeller
bosses/cowling rings.
Super-fine panel line/rivet
engraving is also present, and
it’s particularly pleasing how the
fairings for the wing flap actuators,
gun mounts and spent cartridge
ports are moulded. Other fine
details include a gun sight, the
appropriate spokeless wheel hubs

BOLT… STRIKE!

THE LATEST boxing of the
Tarangus/Special Hobby 1/72
SAAB Viggen features the groundattack AJ 37 variant – the first
time that this sub-type has been
released as a single kit.
Previously available as part of
Special Hobby’s ‘Duo Pack’, the
parts in this iteration (SH72378) are
unchanged, being presented on
seven styrene runners – and at just
€27.50 is great value for money.
There’s a wealth of finely
moulded detail on offer, from the
commendable cockpit – which

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features raised instrument panel
dials and side wall switches – to the
full-length intakes, thrust reversers
and well-appointed undercarriage.
As with all other releases, there are
no weapons, although Bofors M/70
rocket pods are available separately
via CMK, along with an ejection
seat, thrust reversers, air brakes,
control surfaces and wheels. Three
schemes are included, with two
natural metal machines and the
third in the classic Swedish splinter
camouflage. Further details are at:
www.specialhobby.eu

and a convincing undercarriage
arrangement. Underwing drop tanks
are provided, and the impressive
horizontal stabilisers, elevators
and rudder have been moulded
separately, with fine hinges. Photoetched metal bomb racks are also
provided for the Fleet Air Arm
markings option, but sadly there are
no bombs included. Vinyl masks for
the wheel hubs and cockpit glazing

are supplied, as are well-printed
decals for six main colour schemes,
along with bonus decals to help
portray other airframes with a little
adaptation. The main liveries, all but
one of them representing US Navy/
Marines machines in Blue Gray over
Light Gray, are:
• F4F-4, 84, Capt Joe Foss, VMF-121,
Guadalcanal, October-November
1942
• F4F-4, 6F9, VF-6, USS Enterprise,
April 10, 1942
• F4F-4, 26/8, VGF-26, ex-Operation
Torch, Guadalcanal, April 8, 1943
• F4F-4, 23, LCdr John S Thach,
Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942
• F4F-4, 29-GF-0, VGF-29, Ens
Joseph M Gallano, USS Santee,
Operation Torch, French Morocco,
November 8, 1942
• AJ148/Ø7-A, 888 Naval Air
Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, HMS
Formidable, Oran, Algeria,
December 14, 1942
More details on this and other
Arma Hobby kits can be found at:
www.armahobby.pl

COSMIC U-BOATS

NEW MANUFACTURER Suyata has
caught the eye of many modellers
with its varied range of sci-fi, aircraft,
armour and figure sets, of which
its Space Rengō Kantai (Space
Combined Fleet) series has arguably
been the most popular.
The recent 1/700 scale Space
Submarine I-401 (SRK 004) is based
heavily on the previous I-400 and,
as with its terrestrial World War Two
namesake, is a launcher platform,
in this case for Suisei bombers
(available separately as a 1/48
scale kit – SRK 005). There are six
styrene runners in all, of which one
holds parts for a clear stand (which

also acts as a mount for five ‘space
mines’), while the others are either
dark grey or black, meaning it can
be assembled without painting if
so desired. All parts are moulded
crisply, with no evidence of flash
or sink marks, and the detail is
commensurate with contemporary
ship kits. Bow- and stern-mounted
guns are included, along with four
large missiles/torpedoes – the latter
have the same rock-like ‘armour’
protection as the vessel’s sponsons,
making for an unusual model
Suyata kits are imported in the UK
by Bachmann Europe. Please see:
www.bachmann.co.uk

Airfix Model World 9

CLUB SCENE

YOUR LOCAL CLUBS
Northern Home Counties Branch MAFVA

IPMS Ipswich
IPMS Ipswich is a relaxed and friendly bunch, and welcomes anyone with an
interest in scale modelling, regardless of age or skill level. Within the club you
are bound to meet someone with a common interest as its members build ships,
aircraft, military vehicles, automobiles, sci-fi and figures. The club participates in
both local and national model shows, where members get a chance to exhibit their
models to the wider public on the club stand.
The second Tuesday of each month is set aside as a ‘build night’, when members
bring along their latest projects, and is an excellent opportunity to informally share
tips and techniques as well as catch up on the latest news and new releases.
A monthly competition is held on the fourth Tuesday, with members presenting
their latest builds to the group, with a popular vote being held of what’s on the
table that month (no categorisation). Additionally, there are two or three themed
competitions per year.

The Northern Home Counties branch of
MAFVA (Miniature Armoured Fighting
Vehicle Association) has been
meeting in Hemel Hempstead for
the last quarter-of-a-century, and
is one of the most established
branches. When not meeting
at the Leverstock Village
Hall, there are online Zoom
meetings every Tuesday at the
same times. All of these events
are well attended, with members
joining meetings from as far afield
as Swindon, London and Norwich.
Each meeting is a chance for members
to talk about progress on their builds,
and each in-person meeting has a presentation on a military vehicle, battle or
modelling technique. Many members have attended meetings since the club
was formed, and the friendly atmosphere is a key part of this very successful
group. Get in touch for full details, including the link for Zoom meetings.
Where: Leverstock Green Village Hall, HP3 8QG
When: Fourth Tuesday of each month (the second Tuesday in
December), from 7.30pm
Social Media: N/A
Web: N/A
Contact: Chris Lloyd-Staples on lloydstaples@gmail.com

Where: Ipswich & District Indoor Bowls Club, 136 Rushmere Rd, Ipswich IP4 4JU
When: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, from 7.30pm
Social Media: Facebook – IPMS Ipswich
Web: www.ipmsipswich.com
Contact: ipmsipswich@btinternet.com or pop along to a meeting

West Kent Scale Model Club / IPMS Kent
The West Kent Scale Model Club has been in existence for approximately
50 years. They're a varied bunch, covering aviation, armour and vehicles,
in just about every scale and every material. They have a member who can
scratch-build a Short Sturgeon, while another is working his way through the
RAF Typhoon squadrons and equipping them with models for their museums.
There’s even a member who seemingly won't build anything with a span of less
than two feet! Meetings are friendly, informal affairs where members catch up
on progress, check out new kits that others have bought, and share advice and
tips and historical background – and there's always tea, coffee and nibbles.
The club attends around eight shows a year
when the conditions are more normal,
including The Big One at Telford in
November – they hope to see you
at one sometime next year.
Where: St Luke’s Church Hall,
Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Kent
TN13 1XT
When: Second Friday of the
month at 7:30pm
Social Media: N/A
Web: N/A
Contact: Sean Langley on
sean.langley@hotmail.co.uk
or 01737 769792

10 Airfix Model World

Sheffield Model Group
Established as an independent model group in 1982, the Sheffield Model Group
meets once a month and welcomes modellers of all ages. Even after all these
years, the enthusiasm for our fantastic hobby from the members is stronger
than ever. They are a friendly bunch and anyone interested in the hobby is most
welcome to join them – they’re assured a 'reet' good Sheffield welcome!
Current members have interests in all aspects of the hobby and all scales
including armour, aircraft and figures.
Where: Lees Hall Golf Club, Hemsworth Road, Norton Lees, Sheffield S8 8LL
When: Second Tuesday of the month, from 7pm until 10pm
Social Media: Club Whatsapp Group
Web: N/A
Contact: Andrew Eaton (07443 520826 or ajeaton65@gmail.com), Paul Wells
(07557 680177 or pdwslim@yahoo.co.uk) or Paul Lister (07925 074672 or
paulyramone2512@yahoo.co.uk)
Want to let modellers in your area know about your club, or looking to attract
new members? Send your club details (as above) and a hi-res photo (either of
the current members or a show stand) to: stuart.fone@keypublishing.com

KeyModelWorld.com

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474/21

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Duncan Cooke builds Zvezda’s
newly tooled quarter-scale
MI-24V/VP Hind-D/E in a striking
Czech Air Force scheme

C

reated in part due
to US successes in
Vietnam with attack
helicopters, Mil’s
Mi-24 (NATO nickname Hind)
took this concept one stage

further, adding the ability to
carry a full combat squad.
Developed from a mock-up
design by legendary Soviet
aircraft designer Mikhail Mil,
the Hind is based primarily on

The firm’s interior set was used to enhance the plain seats; the harnesses
would be added once these items were painted
It was also decided to utilise Eduard’s resin pre-printed Mi-24V Löök
Instrument Panel and Steel Seatbelts set, as this addition provided a quick
and simple upgrade for the interior

14 Airfix Model World

elements of the earlier Mi-8
Hip. The intent was to produce
an aircraft to fulfil both the role
of close air support and able
to transport infantry directly
into combat. The prototype

design was designated V-24,
and in 1968 a directive was
given to proceed with the type’s
development. Progress to
prototype was completed in less
than 18 months and this resulted
in several significant handling
and weapon sighting problems.
A rework of the fuselage front
section addressed most of these
issues with modified Mi-24
(Hind-A) production airframes
entering Soviet service in
1972. It was followed by the
reconfigured Mi-24D (Hind-D),
which introduced the now
instantly recognisable stepped
cockpit and nose-mounted
gun. The definitive Mi-24V/
VP (Hind-E) was manufactured
from 1976 onwards, mating the
heavy rocket and gun weapon fit

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | MI-24V/VP

The lack of raised rivets on the rear fuselage was remedied courtesy of Arma
Models limited-run 3D rivet detail sheet (AM4843)

The pilot’s moulded rudder pedals were removed using a mini razor saw to
allow for a new PE floor panel to be attached

Eduard’s splendid decal sheet provided markings for several Czech airframes,
being well printed and displaying perfect register

The cabin floor and ceiling also benefited from PE embellishments, with the
floor section featuring accurate seat and tie-down points

with the advanced 9M114 Sturm
(AT-6 Spiral) anti-tank missile.
The Mi-24 and its various export
versions have been operated by
48 other nations.

Starting point
Zvezda’s robust boxing is slightly
oversized for the contents and
the subsequent movement of the
runners during transportation had
resulted in a few detachments
of smaller parts within the
enclosing bags, so modellers are
advised to proceed with caution.
Accompanying instruction sheets
are clear and intuitive, but as with
the coloured painting/markings
guide, access to good reference
sources is advantageous. Paints
are matched to Zvezda’s brand
of paints along with questionable
Tamiya equivalents and these
need to be checked against
available references.

KeyModelWorld.com

The grey styrene is well
moulded with excellent fine
detail, with one notable
exception: the external surfaces.
While neatly finished with sharp,
moulded recessed panel lines,
one of the most distinctive
features of the Mi-24 is missing

MODEL SPEC
Soviet Attack Helicopter Mi-24V/VP
By: Zvezda
Stock Code: Item number
Scale: 4823
Price: £42.50
Available from: www.hobbyco.net

completely: surface rivet detail.
Without wishing to be drawn
into the age-old ‘rivet counter’
dialogue, this is potentially a
major oversight for this aircraft
type and in this modeller’s
opinion, needs to be addressed
– more of that later.

Additional items
As might be expected,
aftermarket companies have
been quick to issue upgrade
sets for this kit, and Czech-firm
Eduard (www.eduard.com) has
produced an excellent range,
including decals. Its Mi-24V/

Panels located behind the
pilot’s seat were built from
numerous elements provided
in Eduard’s interior set and
replaced the otherwise blank,
flat areas on Part D15

Airfix Model World 15

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Once fitted Eduard’s Löök instrument panel transformed the appearance of the
cockpit, with convincing dials and displays, making for an excellent centrepiece

“Fuselage halves enclose the finished
cockpit, cabin and engine compartments”

Each of the engine sub-assemblies
comprise ten components, with most
being attached to the main section,
which came in horizontally split halves
Similarly, the gearbox was a welldetailed unit straight from the box,
although it and the powerplant would
later gain lead wire ‘piping’
Several rather noticeable ejector
pin release marks were noted on the
interior of the cabin, and these were
filled and sanded prior to the addition
of PE components

16 Airfix Model World

Mi-35 in Czech Air Force service
(D48054) was the chosen option
for this build, supplemented by its
D48060 set of Czech-language
stencils. While a broad selection
was assembled for this project,
they were utilised to varying
degrees and it’s down to the
individual modeller’s choice as to
which extras they add.
Furthermore, New Ware’s
NWAM0717 Mi-24V/VP Expert
masks (http://mek.kosmo.cz/
newware) were acquired to aid
the painting while Arma Models
(www.arma-models.ru) were
kind enough to let me have an
example of its limited-run 3D
rivet detail sheet (AM4843). This
was produced and issued with
customer pre-orders from Arma
Models for the kit; unfortunately,
it is not yet currently available for
one-off purchase. The following
Eduard items were used:
491097 Mi-24V PE Interior
481020 Mi-24V PE Interior Cargo
481019 Mi-24V PE Exterior
644059 Mi-24V Löök Instrument
Panel and Steel
Seatbelts
648587 Mi-24V Brassin 9A624
Machine Gun
648585 Mi-24V Brassin Pitot
Tubes
648573 Mi-24V Brassin Wheels
648576 Brassin 9K114 Sturm
Missiles
648575 Brassin B8V20 Rocket
Pods
EX705 Masks

Inside out
As is common with most
quarter-scale helicopter builds,
assembly starts with the cockpit.
Zvezda’s instructions have the
pilot and weapons systems
officer (WSO) positions built
then added to the rear cabin,
which includes both the floor
and roof, with the engine,
gearbox and ancillary systems
installed above. This means
careful planning is required
to ensure any additional
cockpit PE detail is added at
the appropriate build stage
otherwise fiddly manipulation
is required to get everything in
position correctly.
The cockpit seats are fairly
plain as supplied, so the pilot’s
received photo-etched (PE)
detail from Eduard’s 491097,
while cushions were fashioned
from styrene card for this
and the WSO position. Steel
seatbelts from the Eduard Löök
set (644059) were added after
the paint finish was applied –
the main shoulder harness was
cut down so the threading and
mounting, front-to-rear, could
be shown.
Moulded rudder pedals in the
pilot’s position were removed
to allow fitment of the PE floor
panel; new detailed items
were then scratch-built from
spare runner and fine mesh (for
texture) taken from the spares
box. Panels located behind the

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | MI-24V/VP

pilot’s seat were built from the
numerous elements provided in
the aforementioned PE set and
the otherwise blank, flat styrene.
Applied to the relevant side
panel moulding with gel-based
cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesive,
these appeared very impressive;
the advantage of this glue is it
provides slightly more working
time for final positioning than the
liquid equivalent.

Colour match
Prior to the application of the prepainted PE instrument panels and
the Löök assembly, the cockpit
panels were painted. Czech
aircraft references show the
primary colour of the structural
elements to be a blue/grey, not
black as the instructions suggest.
Mr. Color C307 Grey (www.
albionhobbies.com) was selected
and applied over a base of Mr.

Paint MRP-084 Fine Surface
Primer (Grey) (www.mrpaint.sk).
Relevant panel sections were
then masked and AK Interactive’s
RC206 Russian Cockpit Turquoise
(www.ak-interactive.com) was
used in place of Zvezda’s
59-Emerald.
Over these base colours,
the relevant pre-painted PE
sections, together with the
Löök instrument panel, were

installed. Careful dry-brushing
of the internal raised PE detail
was undertaken with diluted
Humbrol 56 Aluminium (www.
humbrol.com). After a sealing
coat of Johnson’s Klear, a wash
of AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-1611 Night
Black Panel Line Wash (www.
migjimenez.com) was applied
to add grime and depth to the
cockpit interior.
A similar dilemma occurs

KROKODIL SCHEMES
Zvezda supplies markings for four airframes on its well-printed decal sheet,
along with comprehensive stencil data for the helicopter and weapons:
• Mi-24V, Yellow 05, 262nd Independent Helicopter Squadron, Soviet Forces,
Bagram, Afghanistan, 1988
• Mi-24V, Grey 7360, 221st Helicopter Squadron, Czech Air Force, Roudnice nad
Labem, 2012
• Mi-24VP, RF34206/Red 33,
125th Independent Helicopter
Squadron, Russian Naval Baltic
Fleet, Chkalovsk, 2015
• Mi-24VP, RF-34197/Red 37,
125th Independent Helicopter
Squadron, Russian Naval Baltic
Fleet, Chkalovsk, 2019

The combination of pre-coloured
PE and resin components
transformed the cockpit’s
appearance, with the interior tones
matched to reference photos

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 17

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

“Rotors, both main
and tail, comprise
multiple components
with excellent
moulded detail”
with the engine compartment
plus internal surfaces of the
associated covers, gearbox
and cabin interior. The former
is clearly a light turquoise/blue
in the available references,
while the gearbox assembly
and rear cabin interior are a

light grey tone. A 60:40 mix of
RC253 Light Grey and RC206
Russian Cockpit Turquoise was
deemed a good reference match
for the aforementioned engine
compartment and associated
assemblies. Mr. Color’s C73
Aircraft Grey was eventually

chosen for the gearbox and rear
cabin interior, with crew seating
finished in MRP-049 Light GreyBlue. Although this trial-andeffort method of colour matching
wasn’t ideal, it provided the
closest approximation to the
available references.

Half-time
Extinguisher bottles were added
to the engine compartment
floor/rear cabin ceiling, which
was joined to the rear cabin
bulkhead/auxiliary power unit
(APU) housing. Additional piping
detail was added with fuse wire

Extinguisher bottles were added to the engine compartment floor/rear cabin
ceiling, which was joined to the rear cabin bulkhead/APU and cockpit assembly
Additional PE detail was applied to the engine compartment access doors
as they were to be displayed in the open position – the oval units on each side
are the ASO-2V flare dispensers

18 Airfix Model World

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | MI-24V/VP

running from the extinguishers,
APU and around the engine, as
the compartment covers were
planned to be displayed in the
open position. The powerplant
sub-assemblies each comprised
several parts, which build up
upon the engine itself, which
comes in halves, although clever
design means there’s a very neat
seam. Treated with MRP-084
Fine Surface Primer (Grey), the
engine colour was built gradually
via thin coats of Alclad II ALC-101
Aluminium, ALC-112 Steel, ALC121 Burnt Iron and ALC-104 Pale
Burnt Metal (www.alclad2.com).
A used-finish was achieved using
touches of ALC-413 Hot Metal
Blue and ALC-417 Hot Violet;
AK2033 Aircraft Engine Wash
was then employed to highlight
the moulded and PE detail.
Fuselage halves enclosed
the finished cockpit, cabin and
engine compartments. The
main cabin was furnished with
multiple elements from Eduard’s
interior set, after which this
section was airbrushed with
C73 Aircraft Grey and, once dry,
treated with A.MIG-1611 Night
Black Panel Line Wash (PLW)
to create a used look. After the
fuselage halves were joined, a
neat vertical seam is presented,
which just needed the slightest
application of Mr. Surfacer 500
(www.albionhobbies.com) to
eliminate any gaps/blemishes.
Any surface panel line detail
softened by subsequent
sanding was reinstated using a
Mr. Scriber Black (narrow) tool
(www.mrpaint.sk). The front
underside panel was added
after the gun turret detail had
been pre-installed and the nose
wheel bay was detailed courtesy
of Eduard’s 481019 Exterior set.
As with the fuselage halves,
the fit was good and seam
correction was minimal, with the
exception of the filling required
around the PE nose wheel bay
liners. Various surface ‘lumps
and bumps’ were added at this

KeyModelWorld.com

Zvezda’s quality engineering in the way
the fuselage halves closed neatly around
the cockpit, cabin and engine sections with
just minimal filling and sanding required
The rear fuselage and horizontal stabilisers on real Mi-24s are festooned
with raised rivets, yet this feature was lacking in Zvezda’s kit

point, together with key elements
of surface detail from the
aforementioned Eduard set prior
to tackling the airframe exterior.

Riveting detail
As mentioned previously, the
notable external rivet detail
associated with the Hind is sadly
lacking on Zvezda’s moulding. A
remedy for this issue came from
Arma Models and its 3D Rivet

detail sheet (AM4843), which
consists of fine resin-type detail
printed in sections/patterns on
to a very thin, clear carrier film.
It includes a layout/placement
diagram and the rivet patterns
have been broken down and
grouped in colour-coded sections,
aiding with identification and
accurate positioning.
A test application was
undertaken on a piece of

plastic card and this proved
straightforward. Once satisfied,
rivet patterns were trimmed to
fit and secured with the aid of
decal solution. After 24 hours,
the treated areas were primed
with Mr. Surfacer 1200 diluted
with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner
as the former has a greater ‘bite’
than other similar products. It
also sought to minimise the risk
of the rivet detail, primer and

Airfix Model World 19

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
associated final paint coat lifting
during subsequent masking.
Close examination revealed
that the edges of the trimmed
3D decals were quite evident
beneath the primer and this
distracted somewhat from
the delicate surface detail
presented. As trimming the
carrier film wasn’t an option due
to the fragile raised features,
so instead 99% Isopropyl
Alcohol (IPA) was brushed
carefully on to

the decal sections
to dissolve the
carrier film but leave the rivet
detail in place. With practice,
sections could be applied, the
carrier film dissolved and
the residue brushed away
leaving the just the printed
rivets in place. This was a slow,
painstaking process, but once
primed the result was neat and
a considerable improvement.

Multiple stores
Five clear styrene pieces and a
grey moulded internal door panel
make up the cockpit glazing,
and the glazing was cleaned,
wiped with IPA and then dipped
in Klear to maintain its clarity.

When dry, any blemishes were
polished and pieces re-dipped as
required. Internal surfaces were
then masked and C307 Grey
airbrushed; once the coverings
were removed, the non-opening
sections were secured with
AMMO-MIG’s Ultra Glue. The
cockpit doors were held with

While applying the resin rivets was a slow,
painstaking process, made even more challenging by
the thick carrier film, the results were striking and the
detail looked even better after a wash had been added

20 Airfix Model World

White Tac prior to external
masking and application of the
overall primer and camouflage
scheme. Despite the numerous
components for the glazing, the
fit was surprisingly good, with
little or no modification required
on the seams.
With the main fuselage

completed, the remainder of
the build can be easily divided
into a series of sub-assemblies:
these include the undercarriage,
weapons and rotors. Helpfully,
they can be completed
independently and affixed to
the fuselage after completion
of the overall paint scheme,

It was decided to use Eduard’s Brassin 9K114 Sturm missiles, along with pairs
of its B8V20 and UB-32A-24 rocket pods, making for a heavy weapons load –
the inclusion of stencils with these accessories made for a neat finishing touch

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | MI-24V/VP

“White Tac worms
were used to set the
edges of the scheme”
leaving just touch-up work and
a matt varnish.
Zvezda’s styrene was
supplemented with Eduard’s
648573 Mi-24V Wheels; these
are resin replacements, with
much finer detail than the kit
items. The included painting
masks are a bonus. Similarly,
the firm’s 648576 9K114 Sturm
Missiles and the 648575 B8V20
Rocket Pods are also excellent
complementary additions,
comprising resin components
with full stencilling. A pair of
Eduard’s UB-32A-24 pods –
taken from the spare box –
completed the weapons fit for
the chosen Czech airframe.
Rotors, both main and tail,
comprise multiple components
with excellent moulded detail,
which again benefit from careful
masking and painting. A degree
of refining and touch-up work
was required at the point where
the blades clamp on to the main
hub assembly, as otherwise
the seam was noticeable.
Stencil data provided within
the D48060 set also includes
sectional markings for the upper
surfaces of the main blades – a
neat, albeit fiddly touch.

KeyModelWorld.com

Striking scheme
Czech Air Force Mi-24V, 0837
– as depicted in Eduard’s decal
set D48054 – features a fourtone upper-surface camouflage.
Paint references are supplied
for several manufacturers, but in
this case, these were mapped
on to AK Interactive’s Real Color

equivalents. The scheme was
applied darkest colour first over
a base coat of RC253 Light Grey
(FS 36495), which was then preshaded with diluted Tamiya XF-1
Black (www.hobbyco.net) to
accentuate the rivet detail. As
then applied, the camouflage
colour sequence was RC067
Rot (Rotbraun) RAL 8012, RC083
Green (FS 34102) and RC251 Dark
Ghost Grey (FS 36320).
White Tac worms were used
to set the edges of the scheme
and the respective colour was
applied in thin sprayed coats,
allowed to dry thoroughly, after
which masking for the next
tone was added. This approach
provides a neat, yet very subtle
soft edge to the overall scheme
– curves cut from cardboard
allowed some edges to be
sharpened via airbrush, where
required. Finer details were then

hand-painted, with the work to
date sealed under two diluted
layers of Klear to prepare the
model for decaling.
Markings taken from Eduard’s
Czech Air Force sheet (D48054)
proved easy to handle, being
in good register and thin. Small
amounts of AK582 Decal Adaptor
Solution were all that was
needed to ensure good adhesion
and settling, even over the
previously applied rivet detail.
A coat of Klear sealed the
decals and A.MIG-1602 Dark
Grey Panel Line Wash (PLW)
was applied to pick out the
surface features and add a used
look to the airframe. A final
application of MRP-127 Super
Clear Matt sealed and muted the
overall finish.

On the pad
Removal of the cockpit masking,
followed by fixing of the
cockpit and cabin doors plus
engine panels in their open
positions, completed a very
enjoyable, detailed build of
what is undoubtedly the new
benchmark for a 1/48 Hind. The
number of aftermarket additions
may seem excessive to some,
as the kit supplied items deliver
an acceptable level of detail,
but this was a personal choice
and one that this modeller
couldn’t resist.

Stencil data provided
within the Eduard
D48060 set also includes
sectional markings for
the main rotors, a neat
addition, although these
were fiddly to apply

REFERENCES
• www.airforce-technology.com/
projects/hind/
• www.military.wikia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi24#Czech_Republic
• www.army.cz/en/armed-forces/
equipment/air-force/helicopters/
default.htm
• MIL Mi-24/35 Hind, by Jakub Fojtik
(Mushroom Model Publications),
ISBN: 978-836-528153-1
• New Vanguard-171: MIL Mi-24 Hind
Gunship, by Alexander Mladenov
(Osprey), ISBN: 978-1-84603-953-9

Airfix Model World 21

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1/24 Messerschmitt Bf 109E (A12002V)
1/35 Tiger I ‘Late Version’ (A1364)
1/72 North American B-25B Mitchell
(A06020)
1/144 Apollo Saturn V (A11170)
3rd Prize
Worth £117
1/72 RNLI Severn Class Lifeboat
(A07280)
1/72 Douglas Dakota Mk.II &
Willys Jeep (A09008)
1/35 Tiger I ‘Mid Version’ (A1359)

Want to
know more
about Airfix
products? Visit:
www.airfix.com

2nd

worth
£180

3rd

worth
£117

HOW TO ENTER: Visit www.keymodelworld.com/airfix-model-world/
competitions and fill in the online competition entry form
The closing date for this competition is Friday March 11, 2022. Winners will be notified no later than Friday March 18, 2022.
For full terms and condition, please visit the website.

22 Airfix Model World

KeyModelWorld.com

BrickPunk the new range of SteamPunk themed, brick construction models,
including horses, a tractor, steam walker, tank, glider and airship.
The ideal gift providing hours of entertainment for children and adults alike!

IN STOCK NOW!

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319
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BL8017 Shockwave Attack Glider

BL8016 Gaussian Blimpoid

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121

BL8020 Arachnid Steam Walker

PCS

296
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BL8014 Comet Horsebot

401
BL8015 Frenzy Horsebot

PCS

BL8018 Scoundrel Tractoid
BL8019 Vortex Tractional Tank

For more information or to place an order please contact us via 01843

233525

or visit www.bassettlowke.co.uk

/BassettLowke

/BassettLowke

/BassettLowke

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Official Product

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

FAST FORD
aerodynamic enhancements
made the vehicles appear very
purposeful and internally more
powerful, after an increase
of engine limit from 300bhp
to 380bhp. Ultimately, these
changes made the revised cars
very exciting for spectators!
Interestingly, for homologation
purposes, the 2017 Ford Fiesta RS
WRC was based on the seventhgeneration road chassis (Mk.VIII in
the UK), which had not officially
been available for sale at the
start of the season.

Box of delights

Ian Grainger
tackles Sébastien
Ogier’s 2017 WRC
championshipwinning Ford,
replicated in the
form of Belkits’
lovely 1/24 kit

W

hen French rally
ace Sébastien
Ogier (and his ever
present co-driver
Julien Ingrassia) joined the
M-Sport Ford team in 2017, he
was already a four-time champion,
having driven for Volkswagen
Motorsport from 2013-16.
VW had withdrawn at the end
of the latter year, but even so,
this was an amazing signing
from M-Sport team owner and
ex-rally driver Malcolm Wilson.
Despite winning just two rounds

The join between the main body and the front wheel arches was particularly
poor and required the use of Deluxe Materials’ Perfect Plastic Putty

24 Airfix Model World

(Monte-Carlo and Portugal),
Ogier’s consistent podium
finishes throughout the season
culminated in the team winning its
first manufacturers’ championship
title since 2007. He was again the
driver’s champion – number five
of the seven titles he has claimed
to date.
The 2017 cars took full
advantage of the substantial
revisions to the technical
regulations, which allowed more
design freedom and improved
performance. All manner of

Upon receipt of Belkits’ review
sample, the builder was
pleased as the quality of the kit
on offer matched the level now
expected of the Belgian company.
A comprehensive parts haul of
133 items featured clean moulding
and was devoid of flash, packing
the large, deep box. The separate
one-piece body came bagged
in its own separate mini-box to
avoid damage. A further seven
bags contained a runner each;
four in white, one clear for the
glazing, another chrome-plated
frame for the headlamp insert,
plus a bag containing rubber
items – five tyres, poly caps and
two under-body protection flaps,
to simulate Kaylan items. A single

With the seams sorted, pre-shaped PE aero parts and ‘bend-to-fit’ optional
front lamp covers were fixed to the body

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017

Several holes were pre-drilled to accept items during the final construction of
the Fiesta. The body was then held on a Tamiya Spray Works Painting Stand
for application of the grey primer

The interior roll cage and steering column were constructed fully,
then 73.602 Black Primer was the base coat for these interior parts

“Items featured
clean moulding”

photo-etched (PE) metal fret
for the various grilles, seat belt
hardware and brake disc faces
completed the fine detail.
A comprehensive decal sheet
for the 2017 Rallye MonteCarlo included just a single
option for the Ogier/Ingrassia
partnership, but this was to

MODEL SPEC
Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017
(WRC World Champion 2017 –
Rallye Monte-Carlo 2017)
By: Belkits
Item no: BEL-012
Scale: 1/24
Price: £69.99
Available from: www.hobbyco.net

be expected since each of the
factory cars sported a unique
livery dependent upon the main
sponsor of the driver. In this case
the livery featured considerable
Red Bull energy drink branding;
with a mix of matt and glossfinished elements, this scheme

Black primer was also sprayed on several other interior and chassis items,
including the finely detailed door cards

KeyModelWorld.com

reminded the author of the
company’s Formula 1 team. The
decals were a complex work of
art in themselves, having been
printed by Italian specialists in this
field, Cartograf. A 16-page fullcolour instruction booklet was
provided in the box, complete

with photographs of the real car in
action on the rally in question.
The final bagged items came
supplied in clear plastic with
separate compartments housing
several individual PE aerodynamic
appendages for the body and a
small ziplock bag containing

The Ford Fiesta’s main body received several airbrushed coats, applied thinly,
of Mr. Hobby H-8 Silver

Airfix Model World 25

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Several areas of the interior roll cage were hand painted using Citadel Corvus
Black – actually an in-scale dark grey-black shade
Following the black primer, the interior roll cage, steering column and chassis
underside were sprayed with ALC-106 White Aluminium
All five wheels were left in their original styrene white, had their vinyl tyres
fitted then all the kit logos affixed. Sidewalls were wiped with Klear floor polish

scale metal aerials, Ford emblems
and mirror glass. Also in the
bag was a length of blue ribbon
material for the seatbelts and
self-adhesive pre-cut masks for
the glazing – highlighting Belkits’
amazing attention to detail.

Preparation is key
Mouldings were crisp and
thought-out to avoid obvious
flaws, such as ‘hiding’ ejector pin

“The quality of the
Cartograf-printed
decals was superb”

26 Airfix Model World

marks on the insides of parts.
However, minor sanding of fine
mould seams on the body and roll
cage was undertaken to neaten
the parts further. The initial stages
of the comprehensive (but in
some places, vague) instructions
illustrated construction of the
lower chassis area. Belkits had
done the same on other offerings,
despite it being generally more
logical to deal with the body and

Masking tape templates were
created and transplanted on to Clear
Weave decals, which were applied
over the black primer base coat

Seat shells were masked, the
padding airbrushed ZP-1388 Textured
Black and decals applied for the
sponsor logos/carbon fibre elements

pre-assemble various major items
for painting during the initial steps
of a rally car build. In deviation
from the instructions, this was the
approach taken.
The roof of the body had
several additional 1.2mm holes
drilled in locations indicated by
the instructions and useful mini
depressions were present in the
parts as guidance. Concurrently,
several holes required drilling

in the wheel arches in similar
moulded depressions; however,
Belkits illustrated this requirement
with just an indistinct mention of
1.2 and 1.5mm diameter symbols.
Prior to the painting of the body,
several items required fitting. The
front wheel arch extensions were
glued in position, but required
copious amounts of Deluxe
Materials Perfect Plastic Putty
to achieve an acceptable finish.
The body also had several of the
pre-shaped PE aerodynamic
appendages fitted
using thick (gap-filling)
cyanoacrylate (CA). It
was at this stage the
builder chose not to
use the night-stage lamp
parts, so no additional
holes were drilled for these
and the PE blanks for the
lamps selected. A small
amount of Mr. Surfacer
1000 was flowed into
some of the joints
between the PE and
styrene parts.
Vallejo 73.601 Grey
Surface Primer was applied to
the main body shell, suspended

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017

on a Tamiya spray works stand,
followed by airbrushing of, several
thin coats of Mr. Hobby H-8 Silver.
Once dry, the black window
framing and parts of the interior
were hand-brushed in Citadel
Abbadon Black. There were
defined ridges in the moulding
that made this task easier with a
steady hand and patience.

Primed and ready
The majority of runners were
moulded in white styrene, so
the interior sub-assemblies, plus
several of the smaller suspension,
brake, exhaust and drivetrain
components were separated
from their main runners. These
were suspended using a variety
of hand-holds, while larger
ones remained on their runners;
all were then airbrushed with
73.602 Black Primer. Alclad’s
ALC-115 Stainless Steel was
sprayed at a low pressure
(approximately 12-15psi) on to
the exhaust pipe and ALC-106
White Aluminium was employed
for the lower engine block and
the ‘crash’ plates. Similarly, the

rear differential cover was
coated in ALC-116 Semi Matt
Aluminium, brake disc rotors and
suspension uprights treated with
ALC-111 Magnesium plus brake
callipers and bell housings with
ALC-118 Gold Titanium. Moulded
front and rear suspension springs
were hand-painted carefully with
Tamiya X-1 Gloss Black and X-13
Metallic Blue, respectively, and
rear drive shafts received XF-28
Dark Copper.
The ‘office’ roll cage and
steering column were constructed
delicately and fitted to the interior

floor pan, then
airbrushed with the
lower chassis component
– shades were 73.602 Black
Primer followed by ALC-117 Dull
Aluminium. Several areas of the
roll cage were hand painted
using Citadel Corvus Black – an
accurate ‘in-scale’ dark grey-black
shade – and door inners were
brushed with several thin coats of

Citadel Mechanus Standard Grey.
The cage also received its FIA
inspection decals.
It was at this point that the
builder decided to get one
of the least favourite stages
completed. Tamiya (Kamoi)

Main glazing was masked and hand-painted on the interior with Citadel
Abbadon Black – then exterior decals were applied

Most of the body decals were matt and literally wrapped the shell, covering the
silver base with a complex colour scheme. Patience and care were required!

Vallejo’s 62.062 Premium Matt Varnish coated the initial main body decals
and was also used to mute the rear wing

The second stage of decaling involved gloss and metallic items – luckily, these
were applied without ‘silvering’ thanks to decal softener and setting solutions

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 27

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

inside with X-27
Clear Red, while X-26
Clear Orange breathed ‘life’ into
the tiny front indicators on the
chrome plated inserts.

masking tape was employed to
construct templates on several
parts, namely the complex rear
wing, front grille, huge rear
diffuser, exhaust shroud and
surrounding aerodynamic parts.
With the templates ready, each
of the items were covered in
carbon-fibre decal sheet. Scale
Motorsport Composite Fibre
Decals SKU#1724 Clear Weave
was selected to follow the
complexity of the contours – the
black undercoat was treated
with Johnson’s Klear floor polish
and formed a suitable base.
With this ‘lovely’ task completed,
the carbon fibre areas could be
airbrushed with 62.062 Premium
Matt Varnish.
The seat shells were first

masked, had the
padding airbrushed
with Zero Paints’ ZP-1388
Textured Black, then kit decals
applied for the sponsor logos and
carbon fibre rears. This shade
was also used for the dashboard
– this and the seats could then
be sprayed with 62.062 Premium
Matt Varnish.
All five wheels were left in their
original styrene white, had vinyl
tyres fitted then all appropriate
logos affixed – sidewalls were
wiped with Klear. Main body
glazing and headlamps were
masked using kit-supplied selfadhesive items in the kit, and
hand brushed on the interior (and
exterior to match references)
using Citadel Abbadon Black.
Then, the sponsor and crewidentification decals were applied.
The rear lamp glazing was coated

Front suspension and radiator/intercooler sub-assemblies were both
convincing and suitably detailed with PE embellishments

28 Airfix Model World

It’s a wrap!
When the kit’s decals were
applied, Mr. Mark Setter NEO and
Mr. Mark Softer NEO plus gentle
heat from a hairdryer eased their
positioning. The quality of the
Cartograf-printed decals was
superb – they were thin enough
to conform to the complex curves
of the body, but strong enough
for some major ‘abuse’ during
fixing. This was undertaken in
logical stages, as suggested on
the full colour application guide
supplied by Belkits.
Printing was another wellplanned element, with individual
matt and gloss sections masked
and airbrushed. The initial matt
decals from the larger sheet were
literally ‘wrapped’ (Yiannimizestyle) over the majority of the
silver-painted body and appeared

exceptionally realistic.
Once fully dry, 62.062
Premium Matt Varnish
was coated over the first
layer to preserve the finish
for later handling.
The second batch of Red
Bull sponsor decals were
high-shine gloss markings
with a metallic foil lustre;
these were applied without
drama over the first layer,
again using decal solutions
and a hairdryer. There were no
issues, despite going over a matt
base – a testament to the quality
of the Cartograf production.
With the decals cured fully, a
0.05mm Pentel pigment liner
shaded the body panel shuts to
simulate scale depth. The body
was then set aside for several
days before final construction.

Chassis and office
Attention returned to assembling
the chassis. Having been painted
in suitable hues to correspond
with the kit’s references,
components were constructed
precisely as per the instruction
sheet with no drama whatsoever.
Excellent touches had been
supplied, such as the front brake
cooling ducts, which received a
light dry-brush of Citadel Codex
Grey over the corrugated tubes
to accentuate the detail. Kitsupplied PE faces for the brake
discs added greatly by covering
the plain faces of the plastic –
they were fixed with PVA. The
four rally wheels (a spare being
held inside the car) were held
in position by the polyvinyl

The rear suspension featured equally adequate levels of detail, considering
it would be covered at a later stage of construction

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017

With seat harnesses and spare wheel installed, the car’s interior ‘office’ was
ready to be fitted to the lower chassis part

caps installed previously in the
hubs. With the underfloor
protective plates
and flaps fitted, the
suspension detail was
hidden from view,
but the lower chassis
sub-assembly was
considered complete.
Rather than use the
blue ribbon seatbelts
supplied in the review
sample, suitable
blue ‘cloth’ items
were selected
from aftermarket
offerings; in this
case, Tuner Model Factory’s
T2M-2011-D1 set. This came
as a 145mm x 85mm selfadhesive panel that had 2mm
strips cut from it – PE buckles
and fixings (painted X-1 Gloss
Black) were supplied on Belkits’
metal fret. The ‘Sparco’ harness
manufacturer logos were
sourced from Tuner Model
Factory set T2M-6001; being
self-adhesive, they sat on the
harnesses well, while the seats
had their PE mounts and belt
cutters applied with PVA.
The remaining items for the
interior were painted and fitted
exactly as instructed. The spare
wheel had straps fabricated
using the same materials as the
seats – this was incredibly fiddly
and took a long time to achieve
an acceptable fit aligned with the
location points on the floor pan.
Admittedly, this was not helped
by the roll cage being pre-fitted
by the builder!
The interior parts looked highly
convincing upon completion,
even when only using the

KeyModelWorld.com

Seatbelts were constructed from T2M-2011-D1 Adhesive Seat Belt Cloth plus
Belkits’ PE buckles and then wrapped around the roll cage

“The main body
had to be ‘teased’
and ‘stretched’
into place over the
lower chassis”

ALL-INCLUSIVE OFFERING

Smaller markings
were glossy and
metallic for the Red
Bull sponsorship. Both
sheets were fantastic
works akin to art

The larger Cartograf-printed decal sheet featured the
main body wrap items – these were matt-toned items

Belkits supplied a
small PE set including
belt hardware, brake
disc faces and grilles,
among other items

Airfix Model World 29

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Interior parts looked highly convincing upon completion, even when using just
the kit items; there was even a cordless wheel gun and lifting jack

With the interior mated to the lower chassis, the entire sub-assembly was
ready to receive the main body shell

The main body had few items required to be fitted from inside, such as the
glazing before ‘vigorous manipulation’ to fit over the lower sub-assembly

Even the underside of the car appeared excellent once every detail item had
been fitted – despite suspension elements being hidden

various items supplied in the kit.
Belkits' Fiesta even featured a
cordless wheel gun and lifting
jack – items often omitted in
rally car kits. With the ‘office’
completed as a sub-assembly, it
was mated to the lower chassis
and attention returned to the
Fiesta’s main body.

“Belkits has produced
another incredible
quality kit”

30 Airfix Model World

Bodyworks
The main glazing for the front
and rear screens required
fettling to be located correctly,
but then simply snapped into
place and was held with a little
PVA to ensure it stayed there
permanently. Chrome-plated
lamp inserts also clicked into

position – these were then glued
into the body without drama.
However, as with the main
glazing, the main body had to be
‘teased’ and ‘stretched’ into place
over the lower chassis; once
located, it appeared absolutely
perfect. With the body fitted, the
remaining PE grilles were bent

to shape and, alongside other
items, fixed carefully with some
PVA. Remaining ‘glass’ for the
side windows and lamps was
affixed to the body easily with
the brilliant Pacer Formula 560
Canopy Glue (PVA).
There was a little difficulty
working out how to apply the
door-mirror glass and Ford
emblems, as it was thought
these were simply self-adhesive
stickers that were peeled from
a backing sheet. They were
not, being more like decals that
require a small ‘dab’ of water
to release them and PVA to
secure them – unfortunately, the
instructions gave no indication of
this application method.
The penultimate elements
added were the various metal
radio aerials for the roof, which
came supplied pre-cut to the
correct length. Finally, the
complex rear wing assembly
had to be fitted using a small
amount of Zap-a-gap CA,
being ultra-careful not to
touch the rear glazing and
risk fogging the parts.

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2017

Plenary
Belkits has produced another
incredible quality kit of a modern
WRC machine – as has been
stated before, the manufacturer
improves with every release.
Following the Ford Fiesta, Belkits
next WRC subject will be the
Citroen C3 WRC from 2017-18,
and if this build is an indicator, it
promises to be superb.
Extra touches such as the preshaped and cut PE aerodynamic
canards and metallic Ford
emblems have ‘raised the game’
and ensures Belkits offers
automotive kits to compete with
manufacturers such as Nunu,
Beemax, Aoshima, Hasegawa
and Tamiya. That said, one area
of suggested improvement would
be the quality and clarity of the
instructions, some of which were
surprisingly vague considering
the detail shown. Furthermore,
several of the parts were
numbered incorrectly though this
was thankfully obvious to find.
The inclusion of some of the best
Cartograf decals I have witnessed
made that stage of the build a
wonderful experience. Several
aftermarket 2017/18 schemes
(such as those from Renaissance
and MF Zone) plus conversions
for the 2019-20 cars are now
available, so the build possibilities
are extended further. As such,
this builder is keen to construct a
replica of Elfyn Evans’ 2017 Wales
Rally GB winner in ‘D-Mack’ livery,
and gravel specification –
watch this space...

KeyModelWorld.com

MATERIALS USED
Zero Paints
(www.hiroboy.com)
ZP-1388 Textured Black
Alclad
(www.alclad2.com)
ALC-106 White Aluminium
ALC-115 Stainless Steel
ALC-116 Semi Matt Aluminium
ALC-117 Dull Aluminium
ALC-118 Gold Titanium
ALC-307 Airbrush Cleaner.
Mr. Hobby
(www.albionhobbies.com)
Mr. Mark Setter Neo
Mr. Mark Softer Neo
Mr. Cement Deluxe
Mr. Cement S
Mr. Surfacer 1000
Mr. Surfacer 500
H8 Silver
H22 Gloss Clear
Tamiya
(www.hobbyco.net)
87003 Cement
87038 Extra Thin Cement
Masking tape (various widths)
X-1 Gloss Black
X-7 Gloss Red
X-8 Gloss Yellow
X-13 Metallic Blue
X-26 Clear Orange
X-27 Clear Red
XF-28 Dark Copper
Vallejo
(www.creativemodels.co.uk)
73.601 Grey Surface Primer
73.602 Black Surface Primer
62.062 Premium Matt Varnish
71.099 Airbrush Cleaner

Games Workshop
(www.games-workshop.com)
Citadel Shade: Nuln Oil
Citadel Colours: Abbadon
Black, Corvus Black,
Mechanus Standard Grey,
Stormhost Silver
Tuner Model Factory
(www.hiroboy.com)
T2M-5006 2mm, 2.5mm,
3mm cutting ruler (PE)
T2M-2011-D1 Adhesive Seat
Belt Cloth (Blue)
145mm x 85mm
T2M-6001 1/24 Harness
Manufacture Decals &
Stickers
Carbon Decals
(www.scalemotorsport.com)
Scale Motorsport Composite
Fibre Decals SKU#1724
Clear Weave

Deluxe Materials
(www.deluxematerials.co.uk)
Perfect Plastic Putty
Zap Glue
(www.zapglue.com)
Formula 560 Canopy Glue
Zap-a-gap CA+ 1.oz (Green
label) medium viscosity

OUT AND ABOUT

Starring on a weekend where the firm’s 70-year history was celebrated, BRM’s
first car, the Type 15, was a highlight – notably for the roar of its V16 engine!

Goodwood’s pit lane was hectic during the John Whitmore Trophy for Mini
Coopers. Note the early-style rear lights and Cooper-specific bumper over-riders

Ian Grainger makes up for the ‘lost year’
at the 2021 Goodwood Revival

S

“

The St. Mary’s Trophy featured several Jaguar Mark Is. Note differences
between Matt Neal’s #9 (IVA 400, right) and Anthony Reid’s #14 (UXF 363, left)

o good to be back!”
Possibly the most
understated quote
from the 2021
Goodwood Revival, which more
than made up for the 2020 event
cancelled due to COVID-19.
So many things had been put
on hold since the last running in
2019, such as the opportunity to
pay tribute to Sir Stirling Moss,
who passed away in April 2020.
As a stalwart supporter of the
Revival since its inception in
1998, he would have approved
greatly of its return. In tribute,
the Kinrara Trophy for GT cars
raced before 1963 was renamed
the Stirling Moss Trophy – run
on Friday evening, it featured
Jaguar E-types and Ferrari 250

GT SWBs (a car synonymous with
Moss) racing into the sunset with
headlights ablaze. The Glover
Trophy F1 race even included
his Monaco GP winning LotusClimax 18 – the actual, priceless
car, not a replica – used again
in anger. Other celebrations
included a mouthwatering
selection of British Racing Motors
(BRM) vehicles to commemorate
70 years since the Bourne,
Lincolnshire-based team made its
first car for Silverstone in 1950.
The event delivered allimportant modelling reference,
even with a new addition –
the John Whitmore Trophy, a
45-minute race for 1960s Mini
Coopers, was a boon for those
with Tamiya’s 1/24 offering

‘Cigar-shaped’ F1 machinery
was showcased in the Glover Trophy,
won by the ex-Jim Clark 1962 Lotus-Climax
25 (fittingly #25, far left). A replica could be
built from Tamiya’s 1/20 scale offering

32 Airfix Model World

KeyModelWorld.com

OUT AND ABOUT | Goodwood Revival 2021

Competing on the track, the iconic form of several Ford GT40s dominated
the Whitsun Trophy race for pre-1966 sport prototypes...

...while the paddock provided excellent reference material for anyone building
Trumpeter and Meng 1/12 or Fujimi 1/24 kits of the type

plus kits in other scales by
various manufacturers. Ford's
GT40 featured heavily as part
of the Whitsun Trophy for pre1966 sports prototypes, being
available in scales from 1/12 and
1/24 in incredible detail from
Trumpeter, Revell, Fujimi and
Meng to name a few. Classic
‘cigar-shaped’ F1 machinery was
also raced, including marques
such as Lotus and Brabham
– several of the machines are
available in 1/20 and other
scales. However, the jewel in the
weekend’s crown involved more
GT machinery in the one-hour,
two-driver RAC TT Celebration
race. Cars hailing from the early
1960s such as the AC Cobra,
Jaguar E-type, Corvette Stingray
and Porsche 904 Carrera GTS
were highlights, while 2009 F1
champion Jenson Button made
his competitive Goodwood racing
debut in the #21 AC Cobra.
Off-track, the paddocks afforded
those dressed in suitable period

LM and Ford GT40 Mk.3, up to a
1980s Lancia Delta S4 and 1990s
Alfa Romeo 155 Silverstone.
Aircraft enthusiasts were equally
well catered for by the Freddie
March Spirit of Aviation display
held near the aerodrome club,
which showcased a Tiger Moth,
P-38 Lightning, Vietnam-vintage

On show at the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation display, this gorgeous 1941 de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth (G-ASPV)
was restored in 2008 and painted in RAF temperate camouflage bearing its original T7794 serial number

attire superb access to the classic
machinery – ideal for gathering
close-ups. Within a recreation
of the Earls Court Motor Show,
further classic cars sat alongside
their modern counterparts. This
year it featured some ‘modern’
roadgoing homologation specials:
from the 1960s, the Ferrari 250

The Glover Trophy F1 race featured Stirling Moss’s actual 1960 Monaco GP
winning Lotus-Climax 18 (#20), resplendent in its Rob Walker racing livery

KeyModelWorld.com

O-1A Bird Dog and Cold War-era
Westland Wasp.
It was fantastic to step ‘back in
time’ and away from the present,
even just for a weekend in
September 2021.
View More Online
www.KeyModelWorld.com

He may have won the F1 World Driver’s Championship in 2009, but Jenson
Button was making his competitive Goodwood debut in the #21 AC Cobra

Airfix Model World 33

BASIC BUILD

SIX WHEELS ON
MY WAGON
John Paulding takes on an unusual military
subject, in the form of Gecko Models’
1/35 Supacat All-Terrain
Mobile Platform

G
Attachment gates are in the form of elongated square-section stubs, which
makes the process of removal using clippers much simpler

34 Airfix Model World

ecko Models is a
relative newcomer to
the military modelling
scene and seems to
be following a trend of exquisite
detail, numerous parts and
‘CAD-style’ instruction sheets.
Unfortunately, there has also
been an increasing tendency for
mistakes in its assembly guides
– a common occurrence with
several recent manufacturers.
However, Gecko, to its credit,
has made efforts to address
the situation by including
amendment sheets to correct any
errors/omissions. Consequently,
it’s worthwhile attaching the
corrected instructions over the

corresponding stages before you
start on the build, otherwise the
build could get confusing.
Another good idea from the
firm is the use of a kit box with
its own plain white lid flap with a
separate printed display, so the
artwork can be pinned above the
modelling desk as a reference,
while keeping the container for
all the parts.

Closer study
On opening the firm’s 1/35
Supacat All-Terrain Mobile
Platform (ATMP), it’s apparent
immediately that the parts are
well detailed and numerous,
with elongated square ‘stubs’

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | Supacat ATMP

Gecko’s use of protective films on both sides of the PE fret meant one could
be removed and then parts cut without the risk of them flying off into the carpet

The kit is based around a beautifully moulded single-piece chassis
‘tub’. Gecko suggests the rear mud flaps are installed at this stage,
but in hindsight, it is better to leave them off to prevent damage

attaching each item
to the runners,
making them
easy to remove
without damage.
A similar thought
process has
gone into the
photo-etched (PE)
brass frets, which have a clear
film on both front and back to
protect the tiny parts and – by

MODEL SPEC
British ATMP w/Ammo Pallet
By: Gecko Models
Stock Code: 35GM0017
Scale: 1/35
Price: £27.99
Available from:
www.tigerhobbies.co.uk

KeyModelWorld.com

leaving one film in place when
removing the parts – there is
no fear of them ‘pinging’ into
modelling oblivion.
The kit builds around a
main one-piece tub, which
ensures the mudguards are
completely horizontal. Adding PE
components comes early
in the construction,
as does the
inclusion of small
and delicate detail.
Because the parts
are packed tightly on
some of the runners
it’s often beneficial
to remove part of
the frame along
with the part,
then separate
them to prevent
any accidental
damage.
Gecko suggests
some of the fragile
parts are attached long
before it’s necessary, but
this increases the chances of

There is also a multitude of closely packed small detail parts. It is sometimes
easier to clip the runner before trying to remove the component

Large PE tread plates were attached by first spreading on superglue using
a curved scalpel blade – the adhesive flows much better from this type of
blade than it does from a straight one

them being knocked off and lost
as the model is handled, with the
PE rear mudflaps being a case in
point. The front mudguards have
PE ‘treadplate’ detail to be added
to the top surface and they are
best secured by spreading a thin

film of superglue over styrene
with a curved No10 blade – it
flows more easily from a curved
blade than a straight one. A mist
of activator ensures the metal
additions are fixed with no ‘dry
patches’ left.

Airfix Model World 35

BASIC BUILD
on to it, before using
a sharp scalpel or
mini razor saw to
cut the attachment
points. With the
runner removed,
the component can
then be tidied while
still stuck to the
tape (which
also minimises
the ‘ping’
risk). Brightly
coloured
insulation tape
makes the part
more visible and
has just the right
amount of ‘tack’ to
hold the part in position
without potentially damaging
on removal.
There are several long, thin
parts, such as grab handles,
which must be separated from
several attachment points on

the runner. A useful tip here is
to attach a rolled strip of tape
to a flat surface and secure the
part (still attached to the frame)

Figuring it out
The kit includes a British
Army driver to add interest;
unfortunately it doesn’t fit and

considerable modification is
required to integrate it with the
vehicle. Additionally, the seat
cushion was bulged, so a mini
grinder was used to remove the
excess and create a shape to
match the driver’s bottom, with
plenty of test-fitting needed for
a satisfactory result. Another
‘gotcha’ that quickly came to light
was the PE harnesses, which
are designed for empty seats.
Incorporating them with a figure
involved them being superglued
to the driver’s shoulders and
then worked around the body
with the blunt end of an old
paintbrush and a toothpick until
they conformed to the various
contours. Next, the remainder
of the belts were glued and
extended to the base of the seat
with strips of masking tape.
Changes were also needed to
the figure as the body armour
detail must be reduced on the
back, otherwise it won’t conform

The grab handles are challenging to remove from the runner, so a section of
the frame was clipped and then attached to a length of insulation tape before
the part was cut away and neatened
The tread-plates were positioned, pushed down firmly and secured with
superglue accelerator, after which holes for grab handles and tools were drilled

Superglue was employed to reinforce the joins on the particularly delicate
roll-cage assembly, as were the butt joins on the PE treadplates

36 Airfix Model World

The chassis received Hycote Grey automotive bumper primer, after which the
recessed areas were given a ‘shadow’ dusting of 67 Tank Grey

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | Supacat ATMP

for the main painting would make
everything far easier.

Sanding session

Gecko supplied PE seatbelts but
they are intended for a driverless
vehicle, which meant work was needed
before they would conform to the
contours of the figure

Unfortunately, the driver’s arms were
too long, so they were shortened by
cutting the hands at the sleeve cuff
and the latter was hollowed with a
Dremel tool and finished with a scalpel

The only real option in Gecko’s
ATMP is the vehicle’s overall
colour – a painting guide
shows a NATO Green scheme
for temperate climates and a
sand/desert livery, with the
latter chosen for this project. A
primer coat of automotive grey
plastic bumper paint was used
because of the mixed media
with both large amounts of
metal and plastic. This is also a
primer-filler so light coats were
employed to ensure that the fine

detail wasn’t lost. When this was
completely dry Humbrol’s 67
Tank Grey (www.humbrol.com)
was applied to the underside,
cargo bay and other areas of
shadow. Studying photos of real
British Army vehicles operating
in the desert revealed the main
colour to be considerably lighter
than commercially available
‘sand’ tones, possibly due to the
abrasive effect of the operational
environment. Another factor also
needs to be considered, that
of ‘scale effect’, where models
appear more realistic if the tones
are lightened slightly compared to
the originals.

A minor pedicure was also required before the figure fitted properly
and, with the forearms set to the correct length to meet the
handlebars, they were fixed into the hollowed sleeves

with the seat. Similarly, a dry-fit
revealed the driver’s arms were
too long to realistically reach the
handlebars, so the forearms were
cut at the cuffs and the sleeves
hollowed with a rounded burr
tool followed by fine tuning with
a pointed blade. The recessed
sleeves add refinement and
helpfully reduced the arm length
sufficiently, although there was
constant test-fitting throughout
this stage, with the arms held in
position with Blu Tack.
The roll cage and driver’s area
detail look great but, again, the
instructions would have you add
delicate parts at a point where
they are not necessary and prone
to damage, with the mirrors
broken almost as soon as they
were installed. The solution was
to replace the stems with brass
wire and drill a longer hole in
the mudguard to ensure a more
substantial attachment. Gecko’s
mirrors comprised a ‘stem’, back
plate and transparent ‘glass’,
with the intention of painting the
back of the last item, but that
just allows the latter’s angled
shape to show through, instead

KeyModelWorld.com

of a truly flat
mirror. Instead, the
transparent parts
were replaced with
thin flat pieces
of plastic sheet
covered with selfadhesive mirror film, a
quick and easy process.
While on the subject of
transparent parts, the kit includes
clear headlamp lenses, but the
front sidelights and indicators
and all rear lamps are moulded
in the same grey plastic as the
rest of the kit. This disparity
didn’t seem to make sense as
it’s impossible to achieve the
same level of realism with solid
coloured plastic as you can
with transparent alternatives
and there is plenty of room on
transparent Runner Dc for four
more lenses. This is arguably the
kit’s biggest failing and some
may feel it’s worth scratchbuilding new lamps covers
from clear plastic. It’s also
tricky to paint the rear lights
once installed in their recessed
locations. Painting them before
installing and then masking them

Next came several light
layers of XF-67 Buff,
allowing the shading to
show, before XF-68 NATO
Brown was added to the
mix and sprayed into the
cargo bed plus along edges
to emphasise the shapes

Airfix Model World 37

BASIC BUILD
In hindsight, the wheels should
be fitted last due to their weak
attachment points, but were painted
and weathered in readiness, with
Pinnacle P722 weathering powder
accentuating the tread
Here the wheels are shown
installed, but there is still quite a bit
of detail painting to be added at this
stage and handling was tricky due
to their presence
Gecko supplies the cargo load as a
single block; while outwardly of simple
construction, it was vital to ensure all
parts were square and true

A coat of lightened XF-10 Flat Brown was airbrushed on to the boxes, while the
pallet was pre-shaded as per the vehicle, followed by XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan
and washes from AK Interactive’s Old & Weathered Wood Set

With all this in mind Tamiya
XF-57 Buff (www.hobbyco.net)
was chosen for the main colour
and this was built in a series
of light coats, so the shadow
areas remained darker in the
appropriate places. A hint of
white was then added for the
top surface highlights –
note, ‘sand’ is one of the
few instances where
white is used to create
such tonal accents as
it usually results in
a washed-out, chalky
finish when used with
green shades.
The complete model
was given a coat of gloss
clear to protect the paint
before adding a dark
brown pin wash and a
similar-coloured wash of
artist oil paint to ‘draw out’
the fine detail and further
darken the shadows. When
this had dried thoroughly,
a light dry-brushing with

38 Airfix Model World

Humbrol 148 Radome Tan Matt
finished the paintwork. Another
coat of clear gloss acrylic was
applied in the areas where the

decals would be applied and
the vehicle was set aside to dry
while the load and separate
stores were prepared.

Loading cargo
Gecko supplied the load of 40
stacked ammunition boxes as
a single sub-assembly, which
arguably appears too perfect
for something that will have
been jolted around on an offroad journey, so modellers my
prefer to substitute this with
individual boxes. Note, if you
use the kit parts it is essential to
align the sides correctly – a small
set square is ideal. The boxes
were treated in the same way as
the vehicle, with a grey primer
followed by 67 Tank Grey
shading. The jerrycans were
then primed and painted
with slightly lightened
XF-74 Olive Drab to match
reference photos.
Returning to the ammo
boxes, they received a base
coat of XF-10 Flat Brown (again
lightened with a hint of white),
before attempting to replicate
the tones seen on the real items.
British ammo boxes seem to

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | Supacat ATMP

have a variety of colours, from
a deep reddish brown to Olive
Drab and there is often quite a
mix in a single load. Washes were
applied to the individual boxes to
simulate these differences, after
which a protective gloss varnish
layer was applied and – once this
had dried – a pin wash, which
accentuated the separation lines
between the boxes. Another
gloss varnish then readied the
‘stack’ for decaling.
With the main vehicle body/
chassis completed it was time
to add the wheels, which were
probably one of the more
disappointing aspects as they’re
not the greatest piece of kit
design. Wheels are moulded
integrally with the tyre sidewalls
but… fine rims are supplied
separately raising the question
of why (as on the real vehicles)
not have the wheels and tyres
separate? A further complication
arose with the hub caps, as they
don’t have a positive location,
instead sitting in a central recess
– a flat circle larger than the hub
cap – making it tricky to centre
properly. The reverse side is
even worse as this is completely
flat, with no demarcation of the
centre, on to which the stub axle
and disc brake assembly must
be aligned as best as you can
without a reference point. This
aspect is brought into sharp
focus due to the ATMP’s design,
as it doesn’t have a ‘floating’

Ammunition boxes
vary considerably in
tone, so individual
items were masked
and each given
different shades
of the main colour,
with an oil wash
highlighting detail

suspension, so shocks
are absorbed by the
balloon tyres, which
means they must be
aligned horizontally,
which was very
challenging.
Having completed
the wheels and stub
axles, they do look
good and can be
easily weathered
by painting with
Tamiya’s excellent
XF-85 Rubber Black
and then adding a streak
of weathering powder
around the centre of

At last, the driver takes his position in the vehicle; the uniform was painted
in Desert Disruptive Patten with a base of XF-55 Wooden Deck Tan and brown
‘splinters’ of Lifecolor UA712 Flesh 2nd Shadow

KeyModelWorld.com

Tail lights received an initial treatment with aluminium to replicate the reflective
backing, followed by a top coat of X-26 Clear Orange and X-27 Clear Red – the
‘clear’ reversing light was later painted Clear Red after inspecting a real vehicle

Airfix Model World 39

BASIC BUILD
Small details were
added after a museum
visit, including mesh
guards (cut from a
piece of wine-making
filter screen) for the
lights; these were
dented lightly for an
‘in-service’ look

the tread and dusting it on to the
side walls. This highlighted the
fine tread and the lettering on
the side walls.

The real thing

mafva.org/walk-around-supacatatmp). Note, the museum exhibit
is a Mk.2 variant and Gecko’s
kit is a Mk.3, but there are
considerable similarities and, as
the build wasn’t representing
a specific vehicle there was a
degree of license exercised
to incorporate several details.
The real vehicle had protective
mesh over the rear lights, which
helped to disguise the solid
representations, so a pair of
rectangular grilles were cut from
an old Boots wine filter screen
– an excellent source of squarepattern mesh in 1/35 scale. A few
dents in the mesh added an ‘in
service’ look.
The real ATMP also had
black-painted headlamp cowls
plus mirrors and the model
was treated likewise; the
effect was quite dramatic for
such a minimal modification,

contrasting strongly with the
overall sand scheme.
The kit provides a length of
thin thread to represent rope
securing the ammo box load
and pallet. A lengthy study
of reference photo revealed
just one instance of the British
Army using this method – all
others showed ratchet straps.
Fortunately, Accurate Armour
(www.accurate-armour.com)
offers a fibre and PE alternative,
with its A144 Cargo Ratchet
Load Straps set. Ratchets and
hooks are PE while the straps
themselves are represented
by long strips of filmy-type
substance, similar in appearance
to old audio tape. It might look
odd initially, but when painted
with Vallejo’s 70.888 Olive Grey
(www.creativemodels.co.uk) it
looks just like the examples in
the reference photos.

2021 Armourfest and walk-around
photos are available on the
Miniature Armoured Fighting
Vehicle Association’s
website (www.

It was at this point that a full-size
ATMP was found at the Norfolk
Tank Museum’s

“Transparent parts were
replaced with thin flat pieces
of plastic sheet covered with
self-adhesive mirror film”

40 Airfix Model World

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | Supacat ATMP

Basic stuff
With the load and cargo straps
installed the vehicle was
finished. Attention then turned to
fashioning a base, which started
with MDF that was cut into a
roughly teardrop shape with
a jigsaw and coated with filler
tinted with sand-coloured acrylic
paint. Similar hues of weathering
powder then completed the
surface. No tyre tracks were
made as the ATMP exerts minimal
pressure on the ground thanks to
its lightweight structure and lowpressure tyres.
Although the base looked the
part, it needed something bright
to lift the overall appearance and
attract the viewer’s attention.
Replica plastic barriers from MIG
Productions (www.ak-interactive.
com) proved ideal, being painted
matt red and white then linked
together along the back of the
base, where they caught the
eye, inviting closer inspection
of the model. The final touch
was to add a rectangular matt
black sub-base to accommodate
a title plate, which was drawn
in Photoshop and printed on to
white decal paper (if you want to
use this nameplate decal on your
own ATMP the artwork can be
downloaded for free from www.
mafva.org/ATMP.jpg).
So there it is, a small model,
but one that’s packed with detail
and in spite of a few hurdles a
pleasant build. Now it’s off into
the desert. You won’t see
this baby for dust!

The kit provides thread to secure the load, but reference
photos show the British Army tends to use ratchet cargo straps…
conveniently, 1/35 versions are available from Accurate Armour

Ratchets and hooks are PE, while the straps are an unusual
material, but when painted Olive Grey appeared most convincing

While the base was for a desert
location, a set of MIG Productions
plastic barriers painted red and white
were used to prevent the whole
scene being too, well, sandy!

The base was cut from
MDF, then painted in sand
tones and weathered; barriers were
then attached and the whole assembly
mounted on a rectangular MDF plinth

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OUT AND ABOUT

DRAGONS
IN ST IVES

C
Letchworth Scale Model Club’s Andy Kuerland finished Revell’s 1/32 Tornado GR.1 as a Desert Pink-painted Operation
Granby airframe, ZA491/N Nikki (loaded with Paveway II bombs), before setting it in a contemporary airfield dispersal scene

Model Factory Hiro has a well-established reputation for gorgeous auto kits.
Alex Payne completed the 1/24 Alfa Romeo 33/3 as a Le Mans 1972 racing
machine, keeping the bodyshell separate, to display the detailed interior

apturing the spirit and
ambience at a show
(at least in word form)
can be difficult, but
that wasn’t the case at IPMS
Brampton’s event, held at the
St Ivo Centre, Cambridgeshire,
in late September.
Indeed, the ‘buzz’ inside the
display halls was so familiar, it
was almost as if there hadn’t
been that 18-month hiatus due
to COVID-19. Tables were placed
farther apart this year, and this
re-organisation opened up a
large space – ideal for small
groups to meet in and have a
chat and one that didn’t interrupt

Among the many superb dioramas on the IPMA Chiltern/Bedfordshire MAFVA
stand was this scene (from Robert Wood) of two young boys playing on an
abandoned Jagdtiger – the latter is a Dragon kit, while the figures are by MK35

It might be just 1/144, but A-Model’s
Mi-10K Harke is still impressive in size (the
Airbus A380 in the background is the same
scale). IPMS Barnet’s Nick Pightling completed it
as an Aeroflot airframe, adding airport handling
facilities to complete this lovely diorama

42 Airfix Model World

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OUT AND ABOUT | IPMS Brampton Show

The pale-grey/white and red
livery on Colin McAuliffe’s
Venator-class Republic cruiser
made for an eye-catching
addition to the Chelmsford
Model Club table, with
homemade lighting added
to the engines and docking
hatches on this Revell kit

Airfix’s 1/72 Beaufort is an increasingly
common sight at shows and Bedford and
District Scale Modeller Steve Woodward
combined it with Xtradecal markings to make a
Middle East Check and Conversion Unit MK.Ia

the regular flow of customers to
the bar for food and drink.
The host’s stand – adorned
with its dragon mascots – held a
selection of kits built during the
lockdown periods and made for
a real mix of subjects (this was
mirrored on the other club and
Special interest Group stands).
It was great to see all genres on
show, from wargaming figures
all the way through jets, ships,
tanks and cars to Republic
Cruisers from the Star Wars
prequel films. Plans are already
underway for the 2022 show,
and I for one am looking forward
to seeing what new delights
will be there. Stu Fone
View More Online
www.KeyModelWorld.com
Projects large and small adorned the IPMS Brampton table, displaying the
productivity brought about by the various recent lockdowns, with examples of
almost every modelling genre, including the club’s dragon mascots

‘Sam’s Boatyard’ drew considerable attention on the Letchworth Scale Model
Club table, with this approximately 1/48-scale diorama being scratch-built in its
entirety by Geoff Russell

Among the eclectic mix of exhibits from Beyond the Box was this combination
of Airfix Wallace and Gromit figures – a veritable menagerie of characters – by
Nick Allen for a Thunderbird 4-esque contraption

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 43

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Building the
Nakajima A2N3
in 1/48 is as easy
as AB&K, as
Peter Fearon
proves with
the company’s
first injectionmoulded kit

CARRIER-BORNE

A

lso known as the
Navy Type 90 Carrier
Fighter, Nakajima’s
A2N was developed
originally as a private venture for

the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN).
Takao Yoshida led the design team
but the two prototypes, ready by
December 1929, were rejected,
as they showed insufficient

performance gains over the
Nakajima A1N then in service.
After a major redesign and
another prototype, the A2N1
powered by a 579hp Nakajima
Kotobuki engine was completed
in May 1931. This was accepted,
entering service in April 1932 and
being operated from the ships
Hōshō, Kaga and Ryujo. The
A2N was used for limited action
during the first air battles of the
Second Sino-Japanese War in
1937, but was soon replaced by the
superficially similar A4N and the
more technically advanced and
better-known Mitsubishi A5M.

Surface detail was a mixture
of raised and engraved lines,
which appeared effective. Closer
inspection revealed pleasingly
thin flight surfaces, particularly the
lower wing and tail, but the cockpit
details were spartan and slightly
‘clunky’. However, the engine was
not particularly convincing, with
pushrods that appeared kinked,
plus overall detail was not very
sharp. There was an attractivelooking decal sheet though, and
a smart full-colour painting guide
that was to prove very helpful.

MODEL SPEC
Nakajima A2N3
By: AB&K Models
Stock Code: 4003
Scale: 1/48
Price: US$37.73
Available from: www.abkmodels.cz

First impressions

Comprising 63 parts, this first injection-moulded 1/48 A2N from AB&K
appeared promising on initial inspection

44 Airfix Model World

The kit was well-presented
and consisted of 63 dark-grey
styrene parts. The standard of
moulding was good, with no flash
or awkward ejector pin marks.

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Nakajima A2N3

The level of detail included on the parts was generally good and clean.
However, the engine was not that convincing

AB&K produce four ‘aftermarket’
products suitable for use with its
kit – three of these were employed
on this project. The two most
useful are a cockpit detail set and
a resin Nakajima Kotobuki engine,
as these address the most obvious
shortcomings of the basic kit. For
this build, the powerplant was
used but not the cockpit set, as
it couldn’t be acquired in time.
The remaining sets include a pair
of Type 89 7.7mm machine guns
(confusingly referred to as Type
97 in IJN service), and a pair of
Type 97 No 6 Land Bombs. No
armaments were provided in the
kit and the munitions added extra
detail and interest, so these sets
are worth investing in, if you are to
tackle the offering.

Cockpit issues
Construction began with the
‘office’ and, as already intimated,
extra work was required in this
area. The seat was thinned and a
seatbelt scratch-built, as none was
provided in the kit. Similarly, rudder
pedals needed fabricating, and
extra detail was required on the

two side panels. No representation
of the machine guns were
included, even though these were
prominent features above the
instrument panel, so the breeches
need either scratch-building or
the aforementioned resin set used
AB&K’s decal sheet was impressive (though larger items would become
instead. Either way, the incorrectly
problematic later), as was the glossy full-colour instruction guide
shaped display must be re-shaped
to accommodate them and a
more accurate representation
of the dial faces produced. The
upgrade set addresses most of
these shortcomings, but doesn’t do
anything about adding basic detail
to the sidewalls, which makes a
difference to the finished interior.
A dry-fit showed the cockpit
floor was too wide to enable the
fuselage halves to fit together
properly and thus needed reducing
in size by approximately 3mm.
When doing this, make sure the
thinning is equal on both sides and
the basic shape is retained.
Finally, painting: AB&K suggests
the whole cockpit area is finished
in Aotake blue/green, but this is
unlikely. While the shade may be
appropriate for the fuselage walls
Two of the resin sets used to improve this kit – the machine guns are essential,
as none are provided in the basic offering, while the bombs added extra interest
(here, Vallejo’s 71.419 was used:

“AB&K produce
four ‘aftermarket’
products suitable
for use with its kit”

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 45

INTERMEDIATE BUILD
of filler on the underside of their
seam. It was necessary to open
the gun ports atop the fuselage to
accept the resin guns, although the
barrels themselves were not fitted
until much later.

Engine trouble

Without AB&K’s detailing set,
a DIY job was required for
the cockpit. Seatbelts were
scratch-built, small brass
items from various spares
provided extras, and note the
re-shaped instrument panel

AB&K’s instrument
panel was improved
and modified
to take gun
breeches

www.creativemodels.co.uk), it’s
more likely the cockpit itself was
finished in a medium green – in
this case, Humbrol 80 Grass Green
(www.humbrol.com) was used,
although, exact references are
hard to come by.
Once the cockpit was completed,
the fuselage, lower wing and
tail surfaces went together very
well. The main body join needed
slight sanding but no filler at
all, while the lower wing also
was an excellent fit and the
commendably thin tail
surfaces needed the
merest touch

Once complete, sidewalls
received Aotake, while
the cockpit was instead
sprayed with 80
Grass Green, for
a more accurate
medium tone

Next came the powerplant – the
shortcomings of the kit-supplied
representation have already been
mentioned, so use of the resin
replacement was a no-brainer.
AB&K’s experience with resin
casting was evident with the
quality of the engine components,
which also featured a length of
copper wire intended to represent
the pushrods.
However, assembling the unit
and then fitting it to the model
was made far more difficult than
it should have been, due to a
complete lack
of instructions.
The crankcase
cover (Part 5
on the sheet
that comes
with the set)
was a very
delicate piece that
initially appeared
almost impossible to
remove from its resin
plug without damage.
In fact, a former is
included (but not
mentioned on the parts
sheet), which fits inside
the cover and enables
it to be cut from its plug
safely, plus acts as a template
to ensure each of its eight fixing
brackets are the same length.
While this was a really good idea,
the modeller was left to figure it
out for themselves, as no mention
of it was made in the literature that
came with the set.
The next issue arose when fitting
the engine. If the powerplant is
completed as per the assembly

“AB&K’s experience with resin casting was
evident with the quality of the engine components”

46 Airfix Model World

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Nakajima A2N3

The width of the cockpit floor needs to be reduced slightly towards the rear, to
enable the fuselage halves to fit properly – such work must be undertaken prior
to installing the completed ‘office’

diagram, it appears really attractive
but will not fit onto the fuselage.
The method used in this build
was as follows: the cylinders were
fitted to the crankcase, the cowling
ring was then attached and the
individual pushrods cut and fitted.
No other parts were added to the
engine at this stage. The firewall
on the fuselage has a hole for
fitting the engine supplied in the kit
– this was enlarged considerably
(to approximately 10mm) to the
point where the rear of the resin
crankcase would slip through
it, enabling the cylinders to rest
squarely on the firewall. Once
this had been done, cast exhaust
pipes and the front cover for the
crankcase were added. Nine
short sections of inlet pipe, one
for each cylinder, are included in
both the standard kit and the resin

KeyModelWorld.com

Resin engine components were well produced. The circular plug
(top right) can be used as a template for the fragile
crankcase cover (middle right)

set – these are almost invisible
on the finished model, are a real
pain to fit, and can be left off. The
completed engine was painted
separately, and added to the
model later on in the process.

Moving on
At this stage, the resin bombs
were completed. These are quite
complex, each consisting of
five resin parts and four photoetched components. Nonetheless,
they assembled easily enough,
although getting the fuse cap to
fit in the nose was tricky. Shackles
were very fragile but a couple of
spares were provided on the resin
plug and gave insurance against
loss or breakage. The indentations
on the lower wing for the racks are
a helpful aid to location, but they
needed to be drilled slightly to

The superiority of AB&K’s separate resin engine (left) was evident when
compared with the styrene version supplied in the kit (right)

AB&K – WHO ARE THEY?
Despite being a relatively new label, the company has been producing resin
patterns and parts for several years. The firm originated in Ukraine but presently
operates solely from the city of Most in the Czech Republic.
With this A2N3 release, AB&K has entered the injection-moulded market,
offering subjects that are unlikely to be covered by mainstream manufacturers.
Also available is the A2N2 version, plus both sub-types are available as
‘upgraded’ iterations, with resin and photo-etched (PE) metal parts included.

Airfix Model World 47

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

ensure a more positive fit. Once
the bombs were completed and
painted, they and their mounts
were left off until the final stage
of construction.
Returning to the main model,
the interplane and cabane struts
were added to the lower wing
and fuselage, and the upper flight

surface halves assembled. These
supports were to scale but their
attachment points weren’t strong
– they mostly employ butt joins,
which is not ideal, and a more
positive location system would
have been helpful. As such, care
was needed to ensure they were
glued as securely as possible –

it’s also very important to ensure
the angles are correct, so constant
dry-fitting of the upper wing was
required for best results.
When assembling the upper wing,
it was necessary to drill suitable
holes for the rigging – helpfully,
there was a clear guide in the
instructions as to where these

need to go. The upper wing is an
attractive two-part assembly, but
thinning of the trailing edges was
required to ensure the surfaces
mated without leaving a small gap.

Dope and damage
At this point, it was time to start
painting and decaling. The main

Fitting the engine to the model was
far from straightforward. Note the
enlarged hole in the firewall to
accept the rear of the crankcase

While the bombs
were assembled
fairly easily, the
resin shackles were
exceptionally fragile
The main components were primed, ready for the aluminium finish. Positive
parts fit meant minimal surface blemishes needed to be removed before the
metallic paint was applied

48 Airfix Model World

Vallejo’s 71.062 Aluminium was sprayed and polished lightly – as it represented
dope, rather than bare metal, the finish wasn’t to be bright and shiny. After the
large upper wing decal disintegrated, a painted-on replacement was necessary

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Nakajima A2N3

Red tail sections, plus black cowling and struts, required further painting
before decaling could commence

components were given a coat of
Halford’s Grey Plastic Primer, which
formed a good base for the overall
silver finish. The good fit of the
kit components meant very little
tidying-up was required before an
application of 71.062 Aluminium.
This was buffed with a fine
polishing cloth, to give a smooth
finish, before the red areas around
the tail were
painted (these
required some
fiddly masking)
– the colour
used was 71.003
Red RLM 23.
Dark areas on
the cowling and
front fuselage plus the
struts were to be black,
according to the kit’s painting
guide. A much more effective scale
representation of this colour is an
equal mix of Humbrol Matt 25 Blue
and 21 Gloss Black – a semi-gloss
dark blue-grey that looks much
better than plain black.
Light highlighting was then
undertaken using Flory Models’s
Black Wash (www.florymodels.
co.uk), a job made easier by the
well-engraved nature of the panel

lines. An overall coat of an equal
mix of Johnson’s Klear and water
was then applied, to prepare the
surfaces for decaling.
Two options were available in the
kit, providing examples of aircraft
that flew from the Kaga in 1937 or
the Ryujo in 1936. Both are eyecatching options, but the former
was deemed marginally the more
so, hence it was the chosen

After the disaster with the upper wing decal, the rest were able to be applied
well – no carrier film was evident at all

option for this build. The decals
were well printed and adhered
well – too well at times, making
repositioning difficult.
The large decal for the upper
wing is really too big and would
be better if provided in smaller
sections – making the chevron
separate to the lettering would
be a start. The example used in
this build disintegrated during
the repositioning process and
necessitated a DIY paint, masking
and stencil-cutting exercise to

resolve the problem. However,
the rest went on well enough,
responding well to Micro Set/Sol
(www.microscale.com) and with
no visible carrier film. Another coat
of diluted Klear was applied and
then the final stages of assembly
were carried out.

Home straight
The last part of the build centred
around three jobs. First was
attaching the upper wing –
fortunately, all the struts aligned
well and, with the use of some
superglue, a strong enough bond
was achieved to enable the model
to be subjected to the amount of
handling necessary during the
next two tasks.
Despite appearing reasonably
straightforward, the undercarriage
was tricky to align correctly.
It proved best to apply the
V-shaped struts first, checking
the angle and allowing time for
setting, then to attach the cross
struts bearing the wheels. Once
done, the finished components
were surprisingly sturdy.
Last came the rigging –
for which instructions
provided in the kit
were very good.

“Despite appearing
fairly straightforward,
the undercarriage was
tricky to align correctly”

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 49

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Attaching the aircraft's undercarriage
proved trickier than expected, but
the completed units ended up being
surprisingly robust

As with most biplanes, the builder
has the choice of simplifying things
and doing something of a token
effort or going the whole way –
this build took the latter approach.
Two different thicknesses of
rigging material were required.
On the real aircraft, the main
wing bracing was heavy cable
that ‘scales out’ to a diameter of
0.3mm in 1/48. This is too thick
for stretched runner material, so
brass wire was used instead – this
can be bought in straight lengths
and cut to size, or on a roll as
28-gauge beading wire, available
from sewing shops. If the latter
is chosen, it needs to be rolled
out straight, using a steel block

50 Airfix Model World

or rule on a piece of toughened
glass. It can then be cut to length
and coloured with AK Interactive’s
AK174 Photoetch Burnishing fluid
(www.ak-interactive.com) before
being attached to the model. It’s a
much cheaper option than buying
lengths of model engineers’ brass
wire, but gives just as good results.
Remaining bracing was added
with much finer cable of 0.07mm
diameter, for which stretched
runner was ideal. The final
assembly job was to add the tiny
formation lights to the vertical
stabiliser and wingtips, followed by
a light coat of diluted Klear to even
the overall finish.

Mainplane rigging was rolled
from brass beading wire –
considerable pressure is
required, so toughened glass
was used as a base

To conclude
AB&K is due recognition for
producing a worthy kit of an
attractive subject unlikely to be
covered by anyone else. Whilst this
was a challenging build in some
respects, this was often due to the
nature of the subject, rather than
any shortcomings in the kit. Better
instructions with the engine set
would have saved considerable
head-scratching time, though!
The completed model is eyecatching, both on account of its
relative obscurity and attractive
finish, which rewards the effort that
went into the build. It will be most
interesting to see what subjects
this company has got lined up
for the future.

With the rigging completed, a final coat of diluted Klear was then applied to
the whole model, to even the overall finish

KeyModelWorld.com

Aviation & Military Book Centre
Military & Civil Aviation – Military Weapons & Equipment – Naval Vessels

09664AVI
Teach for the Sky
- British Training
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J Jackson Describes
the development of
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HB 192pp £29.95

00910AVI
World Fighters
Photo Collection
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JAPANESE TEXT. Lavishly
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PB 176pp £33.90

68560AVI
Losses of the US
8th and 9th Air
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ETO Area - January
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S Bishop Covers the
period from 1st January
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1945. Black and White
Photos throughout.
HB 560pp £75.00

26521AVI
ACES High Monographic Series
- Modelling The
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Devoted to modelling
the famous A-4 Skyhawk. Detailed articles
on construction, painting
and weathering of 3
variants of the Scooter.
PB 110pp £15.99

AID021
Aircraft in detail
021 Grumman EA6B Prowler Flying
with the US Navy
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D Hawkins A complete
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containing photos of all
the features including
action shots, cockpit,
fuselage and more.
PB 138pp £24.99

50191AVI
Pioneering Spirit
- The Story of Air
France and Predecessors G Endres
Now one of the worldÍs
leading airlines, Air
France had its origins in
the major restructuring
of the French air transport industry in 1933.
HB 284pp £35.00

37579AVI
Me 163: Rocket
Interceptor
S Ransom Revised
and updated combined
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which have out of print.
A meticulously researched
history of the Luftwaffe’s
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rocket-powered interceptor.
HB 464pp £50.00

13712mil
Panzerjager Weapons and Organization of Wehrmacht’s Anti-Tank
Units 1935-1945
This book, withl colour
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German anti-tank units.
HB 114pp £24.99

21973AVI
A History of the
Mediterranean
Air War 1940-1945
Vol.5 From the Fall
of Rome to the End
of the War 1944-45
C Shore During the
final year of WWII, the
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HB 526pp £50.00

16532AVI
Available To PRE-ORDER:
Graf Zeppelin’s
Eagles: An Operational History of
the Messerschmitt
Bf 109T F Marshall
Limited Print Run. The
history of the Bf 109T
forms a small but important part of the most
famous Messerschmitt
design.
HB 360pp £70.00

03410AVI2
Stukas! Les Bombardiers en Pique
de la Luftwaffe
FRENCH TEXT. Looks
back on the route of this
exceptional aircraft that
is the Stuka as well as
on all the dive bombers
studied by the Luftwaffe
during the war, including
projects that stayed on
the drawing board.
HB 216pp £49.90

09938AVI
Sukhoi Su-57
Y Gordon In 2002 Sukhoi began development
of what was then known
in house as the T-50 that
strongly resembled the
F-22 Raptor. The first
prototype flew in 2010
and in 2017 the fighter
was allocated the service
designation Su-57.
Photos & Illustrations
HB 400pp £39.95

42601MIL
Tanks of the Early
IDF - History of
the IDF Armoured
Corps Vol.2 T Gannon
Covers two significant
upgrades to the overall
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what became known as
the M-1 and the M-50,
as well as the new
French AMX-13.
PB £33.50

30499MOD
Dioramag Vol 10
Focused entirely on
dioramas and scenes.
You will find the best
articles of the best
modellers and writers
in the world. Step by
step articles, painting
techniques, building
techniques, showcases,
news, reviews and much
more.
PB 96 pp £14.99

65234AVI2
Solution Book
14: How to Paint
WWII US Navy Late
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A simple and basic guide
intended to help any
modeler to easily achieve
similar results to those
shown in every example.
Follow the steps in this
guide to obtain amazing
results with little effort.
PB 68pp £9.99

54613AVI
WWII US Navy
Colors J Lario
Shows how these types
of aircraft can be painted
exclusively with Vallejo
products. From cockpit to
the final stages of weathering, the techniques
and tricks necessary to
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are shown with many
step-by-step guides.
PB 112pp £22.99

57068AVI
Gotha Aircraft:
From the London
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Fighter A Metzmacher
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fighter aircraft, the name
Gotha is synonymous
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aircraft of the Great War.
HB 160pp £25.00

AID022
Aircraft in detail
022 C-160 Transall
D Hawkins A complete
portrait of this iconic aeroplane and its variants
containing photos of all
the features including
action shots, Cockpit
views, Fuselage, Weapons and Maintenance in
addition to up-to-date
information.
PB 114pp £23.99

88215MIL
WWII US Army in
Europe and the
Pacific J Redondo
A series of thorough
step-by-step guides, how
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a simple US Olive Drab
camouflage or tritonal
camouflage patterns
used by the US Army.
PB 128pp £22.99

03403MIL
Chars En Normandie Ete 1944 le
Choc F Segretain
FRENCH TEXT. Prepared
in the greatest secrecy,
Operation Overlord is
one of the most daring
offensives of the Second
World War. Photos and
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HB 176pp £44.90

NAB45MIL
Nuts & Bolts Vol.45
Sd.Kfz. 10 - Leichter Zugkraftwagen
1 Ton & Variants
With B&W/colour
photos, camo schemes
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plus profile drawings and
much more. German &
English Language book.
PB 240pp £34.99

14443MIL
British At War:
Vol.1
Features the most iconic
vehicles of the British
Army in WWII. The scenes
and vehicles included in
this collection are shown
in a compilation of step
by step articles with great
photographs.
PB 168pp £23.99

61821AVI
Myasishchev M-4
and 3m - The First
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Y Gordon Designated
M-4 and code-named
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time-just one year.
HB 240pp £43.49

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Development of vehicles
of the CVR(T) family and
their introduction into
service with the British
Army. Photos & Illustrations.
PB 64pp £14.99

01010MIL
Tankograd 1010
Lastkraftwagen
German Military
Trucks Vol.1
From 1908 the first trials
were held to find suitable
subsidy truck models for
the role of Armeelastzug.
PB 96pp £24.99

34124MIL
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This book is about restoring WW2 vehicles to
their original state. They
were often deteriorated
and left behind, often
not more than wrecks.
HB 160pp £38.99

MTA008
Military Trucks
Archive 8: Bedford
Military Vehicles
Tells the story of the of
this iconic vehicle. From
entering service, we take
you through the history
of this vehicle.
PB 98pp £8.99

WP130AVI
Warpaint 130
IIyushin II-28
N Yakubovich Detailed
history of this aircraft
which includes history
and development,
photos, camouflage
schemes, line drawings
in detail. Photos, Profile
& Line Drawings.
PB 68pp £17.00

AK434
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you how to use the
appropriate products and
modelling techniques for
each seasonal element.
PB 66pp £8.99

CC001MOD
Colour Conundrum
No.1
A compendium of
the history of aircraft
featured in Scale Aircraft
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Including detailed
camouflage schemes.
PB 82pp £19.99

AMIG5220
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In order to achieve a
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you how to use some
standard techniques and
specific processes.
PB 64pp £8.99

WPA011AVI
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Archive No.11
Short Stirling Mk
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Full of illustrations, high
resolution photos and
detailed captions.
PB 72pp £19.95

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BASIC BUILD

There’s a long history of Airfix’s two-kit Dogfight Doubles – the familiar box
lends a sense of scale to the completed models on their combined stand

CLASH
OF

EAGLES
David Holmes builds an Airfix
Dogfight Doubles gift set out of
the box – the 1/72 P-51D Mustang
and Messerschmitt Me 262A-1A

I

n the final months of World War
Two, an increasingly desperate
Luftwaffe introduced the world’s
first operational jet fighter to
European skies: Messerschmitt’s
Me 262 Schwalbe (swallow).
This was a huge development
in aviation technology, which
threatened to overturn Allied air

Splendid artwork on the box lid, with separately bagged kits (note the shared
decal sheet). The gift set also included acrylic paints, Poly Cement and brushes

topped, side-opening box with the
adversaries looking resplendent in
Adam Tooby’s stunningly realistic
artwork. The pack also contained
a detailed instruction booklet,
eight Humbrol acrylic paint pots,
two brushes, a tube of Poly
Cement and a display stand for
both models.
The P-51D comprised 53 crisply
moulded and finely engraved
parts on two pale grey runners,
along with a transparent frame.
Conversely, the Me 262A1A came on three
pale grey and one

transparent runner. A beautifully
printed Cartograf decal sheet
provided just one markings option
for each aircraft: P-51D Detroit
Miss was flown by Lt Urban
Leonard ‘Ben’ Drew of the 375th
Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter
Group ‘Yellow Jackets’ from RAF
Bottisham, Cambridgeshire in
1944. Drew completed dozens of
missions, and was credited with
six aerial victories, but this kit
acknowledges his double Me 262
‘kill’ on an October 1944 sortie.
Me 262A-1A Werk Nummer
111711 was flown by test pilot and

superiority. However, despite
being approximately 100mph
slower, the North American P-51
Mustang was available in far
greater numbers and was
used to combat
the Me 262, with
considerable
success.

MODEL SPEC
P-51D Mustang and Me 262A-1A
By: Airfix
Stock Code: A50183
Scale: 1/72
Price: £30.75
Available from: www.airfix.com

52 Airfix Model World

Beautiful decals
Airfix has recently produced
splendid kits of both
types, which have enjoyed
separate outings previously
– here, they were presented
as a Dogfight Doubles gift set. It
arrived in a familiar, glossy, red-

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | P-51D Mustang and Me 262A-1A

technical instructor Hans Fay. This
was a newly built aircraft and was
surrendered to Allied forces by Fay
at Rhein-Main, Frankfurt in 1945.
It was destroyed in 1946 after an
engine fire caused it to crash in
Ohio during a post-war assessment
and evaluation flight.

Up for a challenge
The instructions showed the colour
schemes and markings for each kit
clearly, however, a little research
revealed the Me 262’s suggested
bare metal finish might not be as
simple as first expected. Indeed,

closer inspection of the box art
suggested 111711 had prominent
grey-green panel lines and tonal
variation. The aircraft was fresh
from the factory, where panel
lines and rivets were puttied and
sanded to reduce drag. The putty
appears to be a dull grey-green not
dissimilar to RLM 02 and, although
visually interesting on a model,
I was concerned it might prove
rather complicated to recreate in
this scale. However, being up for
a challenge, I used the internet to
find black-and-white photographs
and examples of larger-scale
P-51 cockpit walls
were airbrushed with
71.010 US Interior
Green, gloss coated
(to avoid ‘blooming’)
and washed to
accentuate depth
Unusually,
there was slight
flash present
– particularly on
the instrument panel and antenna,
although this was removed easily

models illustrating the bare metal
and puttied panel lines I hoped to
emulate in 1/72 .
I decided there were at least
three realistic options that could be
employed. Firstly, I could airbrush
the model with a bare metal finish
and hand paint the puttied areas.
Alternatively, I could spray a
metallic base layer and use liquid
masking fluid to cover panels,
leaving the ‘lines’ to be airbrushed
with a suitable colour.
Or I could give the model an
undercoat of the putty shade,
mask panel lines with tape and
overspray with the metallic finish.
It seemed the last option would
give the best results in this
scale, but experimentation
was considered a good
idea. With such food
for thought, I began
assembling the P-51D,

With flash removed, the instrument
panel was painted with 71.251 NATO
Black, plus kit decals applied to
represent dials – these appeared
reasonably convincing in this scale

A pilot figure was required to
complete the cockpit – this element
was painted according to internet
references and glued into the seat. As
such, no harnesses were required

Small amounts of Deluxe Plastic Putty were required to seal tiny gaps along
the fuselage seam. Excess putty was removed with a damp cotton bud and,
where necessary, fine-grade sandpaper

Airfix Model World 53

BASIC BUILD
With the horizontal stabilisers and rudder
added, the graceful lines of the Mustang
were revealed – especially when the
spinner and propeller were also fitted

Airfix’s lower mainplane part fitted
perfectly – so well that just liquid
cement was used to fix the parts,
with no remedial work required

providing more time to decide the
approach on the Me 262.

Graceful lines
Airfix suggests starting with
the instrument panel and other
cockpit parts, but the building
process began initially by dipping
all transparent parts into AK
Interactive’s Glass Coat Gauzy
Agent (www.ak-interactive.com).
Unusually, there was slight flash
present – particularly on the
instrument panel and antenna.
This was removed with ease
and the former was painted
with Vallejo’s 71.251 NATO Black
(www.creativemodels.co.uk) with
kit decals representing dials
reasonably convincingly.
Next, 71.010 US Interior Green
was airbrushed onto the cockpit
sidewalls, control column and
pilot’s seat. These were then given
a light coat of AK894 Intermediate
Gauzy Shine Enhancer before
being treated with 76.517 Dark
Grey Model Wash. The gloss
varnish prevented the ‘blooming’

Similarly, the upper-wing-tofuselage fit was also excellent, though
Mr. Surfacer 1000 was needed to fill
stubborn gaps along the fuselage seam

54 Airfix Model World

that can occur when a wash is
added to a matt surface.
While the parts dried, mould
seams were removed from the
pilot figure – this little chap would
be painted and fixed into the

cockpit, as the model was
to be displayed in flight with
raised undercarriage.
Internal parts were dry-brushed
lightly with 71.065 Steel and a
fine brush was used to highlight
buttons and switches on the
sidewalls. Assembly of the interior
was a simple process but the pilot
was required for completion, so
the figure was painted according
to available references and glued
onto the seat.

The instructions called for two
holes to be created (for the display
stand) before the fuselage halves
were joined. Moulded ‘plugs’
were removed with a sharp blade,
but would be opened further via
drilling to the correct diameter after
the fuselage was cemented.
It was also suggested the
propeller and spinner should be

assembled and
fitted at this point.
This was another
simple task, but
the central fixing
pin on the spinner
required shortening
by approximately
3mm. The fuselage
was joined and held with
masking tape, then it was realised
the propeller assembly remained
unattached… it was decided to
simply glue the airscrew later in
the build. It was necessary to use
a little filler on the seam. Though
it was sanded once dry, a tiny,
stubborn gap remained – this
received a thin coat of Mr. Surfacer
1000 (www.albionhobbies.com)
and again smoothed.
Upper and lower wing parts were
then removed from their frame.
Attachment points were neatened
and test-fitting revealed a perfect

underside join – so good, in fact,
that liquid cement was simply
allowed to flow between the
components without removing
the lower wing from the fuselage.
The upper sections also slotted
into place beautifully, with just
a minimal amount of Deluxe
Materials’ Perfect Plastic Putty
(www.deluxematerials.com) used
at the roots, to fill a very thin gap.
Excess was simply removed with a
dampened cotton bud. Horizontal

BASIC BUILD | P-51D Mustang and Me 262A-1A

Me 262A-1A cockpit parts
received a coat of RLM 02, but
as the real aircraft was ‘factory
fresh’, weathering and chipping
would be kept to a minimum

Airfix’s Dogfight Doubles display stand assembled easily, but parts intended
to join the model were moulded poorly, and split when attached to the arms.
As such, drilling and pinning were required
When assembly of the cockpit
tub was complete, work began on
the second pilot figure, by removing
mould seams and painting. Among the
exquisite detail was a shirt and tie

stabilisers and rudder were added
to reveal the Mustang’s graceful
lines, which were now
ready to accept

With the pilot, little other than the
instrument panel could be seen
inside the cockpit tub – the subassembly glued onto bulkheads,
fixed to the lower wing, in
readiness for the fuselage and
upper wing components

paint. As such, work then shifted to
the Me 262A-1A.

Sleek swallow
Construction of the Messerschmitt
began in a similar fashion to the
P-51D, with cockpit parts

receiving 71.044 RLM 02, but as
the real aircraft was factory-fresh,
weathering and chipping would be
minimal. Sidewalls and associated
parts received Gauzy Intermediate
Shine Enhancer, which was
washed with Dark Grey before
assembly with Tamiya Extra Thin
Cement (www.hobbyco.net).
Edges were highlighted with
RLM 02 – albeit tinted with

a drop of 71.132 Aged White –
rather than the usual Steel used
to represent chipped paint.
When assembly of the cockpit
tub was complete, work started
on another pilot, with removal
of mould lines and painting. It’s
amazing just how detailed the kit

figures are – on close inspection,
the Me 262 pilot is wearing a shirt
and tie – very smart.
The completed pilot fitted into
the tub neatly but, other than
the instrument panel, very little
could now be seen of the internal
assembly. It was attached to the
bulkheads, which had been fixed
to the lower wing in readiness for
the fuselage and upper surfaces.
Holes were required in this subassembly to accept the display
stand. As with the P-51D, these
parts fitted superbly with
hardly any filler required –
that said, Mr. Surfacer 1000
was again necessary to
eradicate a thin fuselage gap.
The swallow’s sleek airframe
now began to reveal itself as the
horizontal stabilisers and rudder
were added. Undercarriage bay
covers were removed from their
attachment points and test fitting
proved they sat snugly, but with a
little sanding and an application
of liquid cement, they were eased
into the perfect position.

Airfix Model World 55

BASIC BUILD
Engine parts had internal surfaces painted before assembly, with any small
gaps filled and sanded before the nacelles were attached to the wings

Experiments were conducted on a spare Bf 109 wing before committing any
approach to the Me 262 model. First, engraved panel lines were partially filled
with diluted filler, after which... (see below)

…liquid masking fluid was
used to cover the central
portion of each panel, which
could be painted and...

Painting process
Both engines required attention
next. Construction was simple,
with nacelle interiors painted RLM
02 before being mated. Upon
the application of cement and
the joining of parts, seams were
sanded, filled slightly and sanded
again. Test-fitting the nacelles
showed a small amount of styrene
would need to be removed to
achieve a snug join. Liquid cement
was used to fix them, with a small
amount of putty required for a thin
gap on the underwing/nacelle join.
It was while completing this
task that I started to consider
the painting process ahead. I
would usually pre-shade panel
lines, but as the Me 262 was to
be a bare metal airframe, it was
decided to concentrate on postshading the metallic paint. Another
point for consideration was the
representation of the puttied and
sanded panel lines evident on
the real aircraft. It was decided
to practise various painting
techniques on a Bf 109 upper
wing from the spares box.

56 Airfix Model World

For this practice run, engraved
panel lines were filled partially,
with a thin paste of water-diluted
Perfect Plastic Putty,
which was hand-brushed
onto the model, allowed
to dry for a few seconds
and then wiped away with
moist kitchen roll. The wing
received Aluminium,
over which liquid
masking fluid was
used to cover
the central

portions of each panel, leaving thin
gaps that would be painted with
71.044 RLM 02.
Once this first experiment
was completed, a second was
undertaken. Masking tape was cut
into thin strips and applied over a
base coat of RLM 02, which was
then airbrushed with Aluminium –
when removed, the tape revealed
1mm, grey-green, straight-edged
lines. As expected, it appeared

…the final result inspected. Further
experimentation involved the inverse
operation – applying the putty shade,
covering and spraying aluminium

BASIC BUILD | P-51D Mustang and Me 262A-1A

Test-fitting of the nacelles to the wings showed a small amount of styrene
would need to be removed from each to achieve a snug fit. Even with the
modification, liquid cement was followed by Deluxe Plastic Putty work

Clear parts were set with P-Mask vinyl covers – these were good, if slightly
thick. PVA glue was used to fix the canopy, which was then sprayed with RLM 02
before work commenced on the rest of the model

Upper surfaces were airbrushed initially, though proceedings halted for the
engine nacelles to be painted before further work on the fuselage

Painted surfaces were masked using tape and kitchen roll, leaving the engine
nacelles ready to accept their decorative shades

that this latter technique would be
the most effective.
As such, work started by filling all
panel lines with a thin putty paste.
Excess was removed and the

model’s surface
‘polished’ with a
dry piece of kitchen
roll to prepare it for
an airbrushed mix
of 71.044 RLM 02, 71.081
Ochre, Aged White and 76.517
Acrylic Thinner. Tamiya tape was
cut into thin 1mm strips and used to
mask the panel lines.
Transparent canopy parts were
set using thin vinyl covers from

P-Mask (www.pmask.eu) – these
were a good fit, if a little thicker
than Kabuki tape masks from
other manufacturers.
PVA glue was
used to fix
the canopy
in position, and it

RLM 76 (represented by 71.257) on
their undersides with a dull greygreen, not dissimilar to RLM 02, on
the upper surfaces. While perhaps
not historically accurate, it made
for a more visually interesting
model, so I decided to paint the
engines this way.
After the powerplants were preshaded and decorated, they were
masked with tape, so I could
continue to coat the model with
the ‘putty’ paint mix. Pre-cut tape
strips were then used to mask all
panel lines in readiness for 71.062
Aluminium. This was chosen as the
base colour, as it is a light shade
that can be easily over-sprayed
was then sprayed with 71.044 RLM with darker tones. The paint was
02 before work commenced on the sprayed thinly, with three coats
being sufficiently opaque without
rest of the model.
becoming too thick.
The model was left to dry for a
Factory spraying
few hours before all masking was
This began with airbrushing the
upper surfaces, but it was decided carefully removed to reveal the
to stop to paint the engine nacelles pattern of panel lines. Buoyed by
before continuing with the fuselage the success of what was essentially
a bit of an experiment, tape was
and lower wings. Internet-sourced
again used to isolate panels on the
images seemed to suggest the
upper wings, which were to be
units may have been painted with

Airfix Model World 57

BASIC BUILD
Engine nacelles
were pre-shaded
with black, then
RLM 76 was
applied and tinted
with a lightened
version. Upper
surfaces received
RLM 02 – leading
edges were
chipped slightly

Spraying with Aluminium was followed by removal of the masking, to reveal a
pattern of grey-green lines. Further setting isolated panels, rudder, elevator and
leading edges, which received X-19 Smoke tinting

airbrushed with a darker shade.
At this point, diluted Tamiya X-19
Smoke acted as a filter, creating a
subtle tonal change on the masked
panels, rudder, elevators and the
wing leading edges.
When this was dry, the whole
model was sprayed with
Intermediate Gauzy Shine
Enhancer, to seal the paint and
provide a smooth, semi-gloss
surface for decaling. Airfix’s
markings performed superbly,
but Humbrol DecalFix (www.
humbrol.com) was used to ensure
conformity. AK Interactive’s 0.1mm
Rigging was used for antenna wire,
with the port pitot tube snipped
from its frame as the last part to be
fitted. This delicate styrene piece
snapped, so was replaced with thin
wire. Once the navigation lights
were painted with X-27 Clear Red
and X-25 Clear Green, the model
was complete.

Curved surfaces
Now, time to go back to the
P-51D. With the Mustang ready
to accept paint, the task began

58 Airfix Model World

with airbrushing 71.001 White as
an undercoat for 71.003 Red and
71.078 Yellow on the wingtips,
gun ports, nose and the tip of
the vertical stabiliser. Once dry,
these were masked carefully in
preparation for the metallic base
colour. However,

With the engines completed, they were masked with tape and the task of
covering each panel line began – tape was sliced into 1mm strips while Tamiya
Masking Tape for Curves was also employed

Intermediate Gauzy Shine Enhancer was applied, to seal the
paint and provide a smooth surface for the application
of the decals, which performed superbly,
although DecalFix ensured conformity

before this
could be
applied, it was
necessary to decide whether to
use the kit-supplied invasion stripe
decals or paint them.
Looking at the curvature of the
fuselage surface, it was decided
to spray them, which started by
measuring the width of the decals:
6mm. Vallejo’s 71.279 Insignia
White was airbrushed where
required on the ventral fuselage
and the colour profiles in the
instruction booklet were studied

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | P-51D Mustang and Me 262A-1A

White undercoated red and yellow elements on
the P-51’s wingtips, gun port, nose and stabiliser – once
thoroughly dry, these were covered with Tamiya masking tape

carefully to determine where
Tamiya Flexible Masking Tape
for Curves should be positioned.
This created gaps, which would
become black stripes after
treatment with 71.251 NATO Black.
This was post-shaded subtly with
71.315 Tire Black and left to dry.

The pilot figure and cockpit
were protected from overspray
with a piece of clingfilm and the
invasion stripes were masked for
a second time, making the whole
model ready to be sprayed with
Aluminium. After receiving three
thin coats of this metallic paint

After measuring the kit’s decals, white was airbrushed where required and the
colour profiles studied to determine where to position coverings

making the model ready for the
application of the Cartograf-printed
decals. These performed superbly
– being thin but not brittle – and
with a little help from DecalFix,
they took beautifully to the
surfaces (impressively
so over the

engraved panel lines). There were
a number of very small stencils,
which took time to apply, but
once all were positioned focus
shifted to the propeller, exhausts
and canopy.
The tip of each propeller blade
was sprayed with white, followed
by yellow (once dry), then small
pieces of masking tape were used
to cover each to avoid overspray
from the subsequent aluminium
base coat. This received a thin
layer of Intermediate Gauzy Shine
Enhancer, after which a top

Gaps would become black invasion stripes, which would be post-shaded
lightly with 71.315 Tire Black

and time to dry, all masking (other
than the windshield covering)
was removed for a thin layer
of Intermediate Gauzy Shine
Enhancer to be added.

Subtle tonal variation
Before the application of the
decals, strips of tape were used
to mask selected panels on the
wings, fuselage and rudder. These
were treated with a diluted mix of
X-19 Smoke, with additional layers
used for further darkening.
The anti-glare panel was
masked and airbrushed with
71.016 USAF Olive Drab,

Coloured elements were masked
for the Aluminium, which was in
turn covered for X-19 Smoke to
create a subtle change in the tone
of the metallic base colour

Airfix Model World 59

BASIC BUILD
coat of 71.251 NATO Black was
airbrushed. When the paint had
dried, the edge of each blade
was rubbed lightly with a piece
of kitchen scourer, revealing the
underlying aluminium and creating
random scuffs and scratches.
Exhausts were treated with
71.251 NATO Black, dry-brushed
with Bronze Docrafts’ Artiste
All Purpose Acrylic Paint (www.
everythingartandcraft.com) and
stippled with Docrafts’ Burnt
Sienna, using a piece of foam.
The canopy was formed from two
separate parts – the transparent
‘bubble’ and a styrene ‘frame’,
which was given a lightly sprayed
coat of white, followed by red on its
outer surface, with aluminium used
to paint the inner elements. When
dry, the two parts were glued
together and fixed with PVA.

Unlike the Me 262, the P-51 was
not intended to be ‘factory fresh’,
so it would be weathered for
visual interest. Basic, light
chipping was added
to the edges of the
black identification stripes,
using a fine brush and a piece
of foam dipped in aluminium paint,
with 76.517 Dark Grey Model Wash
used to pick out panel lines and
rivet detail. Oil streaks were added
via 76.521 Oiled Earth and AK145
City Dust pigment was used to
simulate dirt on areas of footfall.

Final thoughts
Airfix’s display stand assembled
very easily, but the
small parts that
fit onto the end of
each arm – designed
to accept a component

that actually attaches to the model
– were moulded poorly. These
(a clever ‘ball-and-socket’ joint)
unfortunately split when attached,
so it was necessary to drill and pin
them to support the models.
Nonetheless, the Dogfight
Doubles range provides modellers
with the chance to build an
attractive collection of deceptively
detailed kits. The 1/72 P-51D and
Me 262A-1A are very easy to
put together with good parts-fit
and are ideal for someone
getting back into
modelling, or for
experienced
builders
who don’t
mind a
few hours
masking
panel lines or
adding aftermarket
extras. It depends on
what you want from this gift set –
this modeller hopes to have shown
what can be achieved with just
basic skills and recommends
the product highly.

Three small sub-assemblies remained, so the exhausts, propeller and canopy
were painted and added to the airframe to complete the P-51D
Once satisfied, all masking, other than the windscreen covering, was removed,
allowing a thin layer of Intermediate Gauzy Shine Enhancer to protect the finish
and provide a smooth semi-gloss coat for the decals

60 Airfix Model World

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BASIC BUILD

Dragon’s 1/35
StuG III Ausf.B receives
a thorough examination from
Nick Shuttleworth as he
builds an Eastern Front machine

BLITZKRIEG

BUNKER
BUSTER
T
he StuG III (short for
Sturmgeschütz – assault
gun) was one of the most
successful armoured
vehicle designs of World War Two
and one of the most numerous
German types produced.
The absence of a turret not
only made it easier and cheaper

to produce, but also allowed
it to receive various changes
in armament throughout
production. Tank design evolved
significantly during the conflict,
so it is further evidence of the
longevity of the basic Panzer III
chassis that the StuG III was still
in service at the end of World

War Two, despite the original
prototypes being developed in
the late 1930s.
The StuG concept started out
in an infantry support role, using
a short-barrelled 75mm gun (the
same as fitted to early Panzer IV
variants) as an anti-fortification
weapon. But gradually it evolved

MODEL SPEC
Sd.Kfz.142 StuG. III Ausf. B
By: Dragon
Stock Code: 6919
Scale: 1/35
Price: £69.99
Available from: www.hobbyco.net

Parts are provided on 19 styrene runners, so large masking tape labels help
with finding the items required for each stage

64 Airfix Model World

into a formidable tank destroyer
serving in all operational theatres.

Styrene StuGs
Like many German World War
Two vehicles, the StuG has been
well represented over the years
with offerings from numerous
manufacturers depicting the
various production variants.
Arguably, Dragon has taken
this to extremes, with multiple
versions capturing sub-types, with
re-workings of the components on
a fairly regular basis, and this
Ausf.B offering is in its ‘Smart Kit’
range (it is based on the firm’s
2007 new-tool StuG III and has
since been re-issued with linkand-length ‘NEO’ tracks).
The kit is moulded in Dragon’s
usual grey styrene, and includes
a photo-etched (PE) brass fret,
decals for five vehicles and its
DS flexible styrene single-length
tracks. As would be expected
from a manufacturer that has
produced so many StuG versions,
the contents have a feel about
them of being an “Ausf.B kit recipe
mixed from every other product
we’ve made”. There are 19 runners
supplied, and the front page of
the instructions suggests at least
a third of the parts aren’t relevant,
which for fans of German armour
is a treat for the spares box
although it does raise questions
over value for money.

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | StuG. III Ausf. B

A PE metal fret provides parts for the idler wheels plus engine deck grilles, fire
extinguisher bracket and small hull fittings
The upper hull superstructure is supplied on a runner that includes roof
hatches for multiple StuG variants in Dragon’s typical ‘pick and mix’ fashion
Individual torsion bars are included for the suspension, although these are
handed, so it’s important to assemble carefully

Dragon provides the
lower hull as a singlepiece ‘tub’, which features
detail such as suspension
mounts and access
covers on the underside

Let’s get started
With so many runners in the box,
the first step is to attach large
masking tape labels with the
frame letters on them to aid easy
identification, otherwise the time
taken to locate parts can
often exceed the time
taken to complete

KeyModelWorld.com

the assembly steps. As with
most armour kits, construction
starts with the lower hull and
suspension. The road
wheels need tidying
before being built,
but the parts fit is
good and the running
gear is well detailed,
with the integrally
moulded tyres having a
‘Continentau’ embossed text
to avoid breeching copyright,
so the end of the ‘u’ just needs
a trim to give the correct

Airfix Model World 65

BASIC BUILD
‘Continental’ tyre manufacturer.
Two styles of drive sprocket are
provided, and the choice of which
to use is dependent on the decal
option you choose to take.
Dragon includes
torsion bars for the
suspension
along with
their mounts
and this is a
neat feature,
although sadly
much of it is hidden
once the fighting
compartment is installed. The
torsion bars are handed left and
right, so care must be taken when
fitting them as if not installed
correctly then they won’t fit
properly into the hull. On the idler
mount (Parts V43/V42) there is a
shroud (Parts B3/B2) which is best
fitted after the rear hull panel to
avoid it fouling the latter.
The rear hull includes large
exhaust mufflers and grille details
along with the smoke candles and

The superstructure
has several sink
marks on the interior
sides that must be
filled if the fighting
compartment is to
be displayed

Track guards
come as separate
items, and all tools
and fittings were
attached prior to
these units being
added to the hull

66 Airfix Model World

their chains. Some of the assembly
appears slightly confusing in the
way it is laid out in the instructions,
so it’s worth doing a dry run first to
check everything fits correctly.
Track guards are provided
separate to the hull and these
are well detailed, with items such
as pioneer tools and stowage
boxes supplied as separate items
– the vehicle jack is a multi-piece
sub-assembly. No warping was
noted on the track guards, so the
decision was taken to build these
as per the instructions ready for
fitment, as opposed to attaching
them to the hull first and then
adding the ancillaries later.

Flat-ish top
With the track guards completed,
focus then shifts to the upper hull
superstructure. Dragon presents
this as a box-like ‘tub’ on to which
the roof and armoured side panels
are fitted. Internal adornments
include a pair of radios, viewfinder
and crew weapons. The radios are
well-appointed, but could benefit
from painting instructions and a
wiring diagram to aid the modeller
in adding more realism if they so
wish – a set of headphones would
also be a great addition.
The roof of the fighting
compartment must have several
panels removed to make an

A test-fit of the
wheels was
conducted to
ensure the model
sat level – they
were then removed
to facilitate painting

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | StuG. III Ausf. B

The interior includes a complete
breech and shell case catcher
arrangement, with the mount fitting
snugly into a sturdy locating hole on
the fighting compartment floor

Ausf.B, and has hatches that can
be positioned open/closed with
details such as the latches and
hinges. A decision was taken to
not secure the roof, so it could be
removed to display the fighting
compartment detail.
The transmission cover and
engine deck feature separate
hatches, so if detail is added to
these bays the hatches could
be positioned open. On the
transmission cover the hatches
(Parts D5 and D6) were fitted
before the hinges (Part D4), which
led to a minor ‘gotcha’. As the
glue hadn’t cured fully when the
latter were added this forced the
hatches together, which meant
the gaps were closed or left
looking uneven. Hence, to get a
better result, it’s recommended
that the hatches are left to dry for
several hours before adding the
hinges or, alternatively, attach the
hinges to the hatches first, and
then add then to the transmission
cover (Part D7). On the engine
deck the hatches do
not have separate
hinges, so just need
careful positioning
before fixing
in place – PE
grilles are a
neat addition for
this area, and really
enhance the detail.

the level of detail is more than
satisfactory – care must be taken
to ensure the breech components
are constructed correctly though,
as any mistakes here will have
consequences when adding other
items later. The gun is to receive
the adjustment mechanism and
crew seat along with a sight.
This sub-assembly is then
secured to the fighting
compartment floor, with Part
E8 being modified according to
the instructions as part of the
gun mount. The gun itself has a
slide-moulded one-piece barrel,
which needs modifying as per
the instructions, but it was found
from checking reference photos
that slightly more than the quoted
10mm was needed to get the
gun to look the correct length
when installed. The engine deck,
transmission cover and track
guards were then fitted at this
point, although the superstructure,
gun and fighting compartment
floor were not installed; instead,
they were set aside to aid painting.

The engine deck and
transmission cover both
have separate hatches
that could be positioned
opened or closed if
interior detail was to be
added to these bays

The lower hull was
built gradually, adding
the track guards
followed by the fighting
compartment bulkhead

Track trials
As one of Dragon’s ‘Smart Kits’,
the StuG III Ausf.B includes a set
of the firm’s DS styrene flexible
single-length tracks; these are
very supple and well detailed, with
open track guide horns on the rear
of the links. These were joined
with superglue and activator
ahead of being fitted to the model,
but a check session showed

Combat stations
Construction of the fighting
compartment starts with
the ammunition lockers and
the main gun breech. Mould
seams on the various parts
are noticeable, so these must
be tidied before assembly, but

KeyModelWorld.com

“Dragon’s 1/35
StuG III Ausf.B
builds into a well
detailed replica”

Airfix Model World 67

BASIC BUILD

The fighting compartment roof
was kept separate so it could be
lifted to reveal the interior detail
Note, the gun must be shorted further than quoted in the instructions,
otherwise it will not fit correctly – constant checking is recommended

“The transmission
cover and engine deck
feature separate hatches”

68 Airfix Model World

The gun must
be positioned in the
superstructure and the
two fitted into the lower hull
together (rather than adding
the gun to the lower hull) to
ensure adequate clearance

the tracks were approximately
two or three links too short and
while they could be manipulated
to fit over the running gear, they
were far too tight. This resulted
in the outer ‘face’ of the links
being curved around the sprocket
and idler wheels, plus the upper
section was straight, and exhibited
none of the characteristic
sag seen on StuG IIIs. Close
examination of the hull and
running gear revealed that neither
the idler nor sprocket positions
on this model are adjustable, so
it’s not possible to tweak their
positions to prevent them being
too tight.
A set of replacement tracks from
a later StuG variant were sourced
from the editor, and duly fitted,
with the track sag being produced
by gluing the track to the
return rollers.

Overall grey
Markings are included for five
Eastern Front vehicles: four
wear overall German/Panzer
Grey while the fifth has a winter
whitewash scheme – an overall
grey machine was chosen for this
build. All components were first
primed with Mr. Surfacer 1500
(www.albionhobbies.com) as an
undercoat. Mr. Base White 1000
was then used inside the fighting
compartment and lower hull as
this provided a better undercoat.
Pre-shading of the interior and
gun assembly then followed, with
a mix of Tamiya XF-69 NATO
Black (www.hobbyco.net) and
X-22 heavily diluted with Mr. Color
Leveling Thinner (albionhobbies.
com). Vallejo’s 70.918 Ivory
(www.creativemodels.co.uk) was
then misted over the pre-shading,
building the tone gradually to
allow the underlying tones to
remain visible.
The breech and fighting
compartment floor were then
painted XF-63 German
Grey. A pin wash
was mixed from
XF-63 German
Grey, water
and Johnson’s
Klear and applied
to the panel lines
and other details,
before dust effects were
added courtesy of diluted
LifeColor UA706 Dust Type 2
(www.airbrushes.com). The same
process was used on the inside
of the fighting compartment
‘superstructure’. Radios were
painted using Tamiya acrylics
before they too received a Klear,

KeyModelWorld.com

BASIC BUILD | StuG. III Ausf. B

water and XF-63 pin wash
on the front ‘faces’.
With the interior
painting completed,
attention shifted to the
vehicle’s exterior, with
an airbrushed base coat
of XF-63 German Grey.
Highlights were created by
adding a hint of XF-15 Flesh to
show fading and bleaching of the
original colour. Shadows and panel
lines were then added using a
mixture of XF-63 German
Grey and matt black.
The road wheels
received 74.602
Black Surface
Primer,
before being
over sprayed
with XF-85 Rubber
Black. A dusting of
diluted UA706 Dust Type 2
was then added between the
wheels and around the inside of
the tyres, before the central hubs
were sprayed with XF-63 German
Grey using a circle template. The
wheels then received a pin wash

of Dust Type 2 mixed with Klear
and water. The same process
was followed for the sprocket
and idler wheels, but in place
of the tyres, the exposed metal
surfaces were accentuated with
Citadel Bolt Gun Metal. Decal
preparation was accomplished

via a coat of Klear, after which the
markings were applied with the
aid of Micro Sol and Set solutions
(www.microscale.com); the chosen
vehicle was from 1.Batterie,
SturmGeschütz Abteilung 191.
Once dry, these were sealed
under a further light Klear coat,

before a pin
wash was applied
using oil colours
that were mixed
with AMMO-MIG’s
A.MIG-2019 Enamel
Odourless Thinner
(www.migjimenez.com).
Once dry, the model received
a coat of Alclad’s ALC-314 Klear
Kote Flat (www.alclad2.com).
Weathering of the lower hull
began with a mottled pattern of
Dust Type 2; spattering was added
by positioning a lightly loaded

Tamiya acrylics were used for the interior, with Vallejo’s Ivory providing a
suitable match for the Elfenbein shade used in German vehicles
After a primer coat to check for seam issues and blemishes, a base coat of
XF-63 German Grey was airbrushed, with highlights and shadows created by
blending this shade with other Tamiya acrylics

Dragon’s decals are few in number, and these settled well onto gloss-coated
surfaces with the aid of Micro Sol and Set solutions

KeyModelWorld.com

The kit DS tracks are flexible and well detailed, including hollow track guide
horns, but a test fit revealed they were too short for an accurate portrayal

Airfix Model World 69

BASIC BUILD

Pioneer tools were painted using Vallejo acrylics as a base, then wood grain
effects added with the aid of oil paints, which were worked with an enamelthinner dampened brush
Just light weathering was applied to the lower hull and wheels, with LifeColor
acrylics favoured for this process

Exhausts were painted using an oil paint spot wash over the top of flesh-toned
LifeColor and Tamiya acrylics

“The contents have
a feel about them of
being an ‘Ausf.B kit recipe
mixed from every other
product we’ve made’”

70 Airfix Model World

paintbrush close to the model
and using an airbrush to blow
this over it. A dust pin wash was
also added around the lower hull
and track guards, and blended in
using CMK’s Star Dust Pigments
SD 07 Light Dust (www.cmkkits.
com). Exhausts were painted
first with UA710 Flesh 2nd Base,
before the entry and exit points
of the mufflers were sprayed with
XF-15 Flesh, and a ‘spot wash’
was applied using oil colours and
odourless thinners.
The tracks were treated with
Black Surface Primer before
receiving a coat of 70.304
Track Primer – these were also
weathered using a wash of Dust
Type 2, with areas that came into
contact with the running gear

picked out with Citadel Boltgun
Metal. With the painting and
weathering completed, the model
was finished by adding the last
small details, such as the aerials
and rear mudguards.

Marked scorecard
Dragon’s 1/35 StuG III Ausf.B
builds into a well detailed replica
of this well-known vehicle and the
parts are cleanly cast with good fit.
For the German armour enthusiast,
it also provides numerous parts
for the spares box or possibly
the opportunity to convert to a
further derivative if so wished. As
a modeller I didn’t find the kit very
user-friendly – having so many
runners to sift through for each
assembly stage, even with large
labels, disrupts the natural flow
and enjoyment of the build. The
instructions are vague in several
areas, especially when it came
to specifying where
items are meant to
be fitted, which again
adds the need to
undertake further
research to try to
build the model
correctly.
It also means there
is considerable
scope for potential
pitfalls if assembly isn’t
thought through carefully.
Finally, to have tracks that are too
short on a model of this cost just
isn’t acceptable.
On that basis I struggle to
recommend this kit unless you
really want Dragon’s StuG III
Ausf.B and are planning on
replacing the tracks.

KeyModelWorld.com

PLUG & PLAY ELECTRONICS FOR
ADVANCED PLASTIC MODELERS

1/48
1/48

1/32
1/32

1/48
1/32

And much more at www.magicscalemodeling.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

TWIN-STICK

FRIGHTNING
Chris Clay takes on Sword’s limited-run
two-seat Lightning F.5, one of the first
1/48 scale injection-moulded versions
of this operational trainer

commercial styrene kit – albeit
in limited-run form – has been
available in 1/48 scale. The firm
generously provides not just parts
for a T.5 (which is the subject of this
build), but also for a T.4 airframe.
In typical short-run moulding
fashion, there is a degree of work
that must be undertaken before
thoughts can turn to assembly –
namely the removal of flash from
the parts. Thankfully, this wasn’t too

F

or many people of
a certain age, the
sight of English
Electric’s Lightning
is indelibly embedded in
the memory.
I can clearly recall my first
acquaintance with the type
(and my first airshow) at the
tender age of 13 at Rolls-Royce
Hucknall, when this silver
machine tore up and down the
runway, finally disappearing
vertically into the heavens. It
was an awe-inspiring sight and
I’ve been utterly hooked on the
Lightning ever since.
In 1988, there was the
pleasure of seeing the
machine’s swansong –
notwithstanding the drab
greys in vogue by this
time – at the aptly
named Last Lightning
Show. As those who
attended will be
able to corroborate,
the day started
and finished with
beautiful weather,

unfortunately, in between, the
weather was foul. Nevertheless,
it did not dampen our enthusiasm
(or, indeed, sadness) for one last
aviation fling before our favourite
aircraft’s retirement.

And so, to the kit
Sword’s rendering of a Lightning
trainer is the first time (to my
knowledge, at least) that a

excessive and
shouldn’t be beyond the
ability of most modellers.
The attractive boxing contains
sufficient parts for just one model
and the only difference between
this and Sword’s T.4 are the decal
options for each type. There is
one small runner containing the
tailplane, flaps, missiles and airrefuelling probe, plus both early(rounded) and late- (squared)
style fins. Two runners provide
the larger items, while the smaller
components are distributed
evenly between the three frames.
Resin parts for ejection seats and
tailpipe are also included, while
the canopy parts are injection
moulded, but the framing is rather
excessive. All major panel lines are

The kit wheels (right) were rather
disappointing. Therefore, on this build,
they were replaced by spares from an
Airfix Lightning kit

Sword provides a basic representation of the cockpit bulkhead (right) –
the simplicity of which becomes immediately apparent when compared
to NeOmega’s superb resin alternative

72 Airfix Model World

A highlight in most Sword kits is the
provision of cast resin ejection seats,
with accurate reproductions of the
T.5’s Martin-Baker Mk.2s

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Lightning T.5

recessed, but these were found to
be somewhat variable in depth.

Piecing it together
Generally, parts came together
much as would be expected from
a limited-run kit, with locating pins
being notably absent, but more
than acceptable results can be
achieved via a degree of care (and
plenty of dry-fitting).
As the parts were being
considered, it was decided –
out of sheer curiosity – to see if
components from Airfix’s samescale single-seat kits might be
suitably grafted onto Sword’s.
Despite considerable scepticism
on my part, it was something of a
surprise to discover that this was
indeed the case, meaning that
aftermarket products for the former
could also be used on the trainer.

MODEL SPEC
English Electric Lightning T.5
By: Sword
Stock Code: SW48009
Scale: 1/48
Price: £34.99
Available from: Sword stockists

The engraved panel lines are
rendered commendably, but
closer inspection revealed that a
significant number of small vents,
lumps and bumps were missing
from the airframe. As I had access
to the Newark Air Museum’s
Lightning T.5 XS417, this was

The NeOmega
instrument panel
was positively
brimming with
detail – all
dials switches
and fittings
were included,
making for a very
cramped and
busy space

used for photographic reference
purposes, so the missing elements
were added, as required.

Warming up
As usual, initial assembly
commenced with the cockpit and –
peculiar to the Lightning, the nose

air intake. It was at this juncture that
it was decided the cockpit would
benefit from an upgrade – this
came in the form of NeOmega’s
excellent C31a EE Lightning T.4/5
Conversion Interior Parts (www.
neomega-resin.com). Although
intended to complement the

“A degree of work must be undertaken
before thoughts can turn to assembly”

MARKINGS BONUS
Advertised as having just two decal options, Sword’s T.5 kit actually contains
three – featuring a natural metal airframe, Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green over
natural metal machine and finally a two-tone grey Lightning. The details are:
• XS452/452, 226 Operational Conversion Unit, RAF Lakenheath, 1970
• XS458/DY, Lightning Training Flight (LTF), RAF Binbrook, 1988
• XV328/DU, LTF, RAF Binbrook, 1988
Several areas required
the use of filler to
rectify noticeable
seams and less-thanideal fit, such as on
the underside of the
wings – these also
required a degree
of re-scribing

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 73

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Limited-run kits often lack locating pins, so a technique used by vac-form
builders was adopted, with the addition of styrene strips to aid proper alignment

Sword’s canopy benefited from
NeOmega’s excellent resin additions,
although they took a degree of
persuasion to sit correctly
A common failing on Lightning kits
is the exhaust nozzle assembly, but
Sword appears to have got them spot
on, with well-rendered nozzle plates

Arguably a more problematic area was the lack of accurate exterior detail on
the fuselage halves – here, missing vents have been added via plastic card
Despite best efforts to achieve proper alignment, the fuselage seams required
several filler/sanding treatments before an acceptable result was achieved

With just paint, the
cockpit appeared akin
to a darkened hole,
so the use of light
dry-brushing via paler
grey tones enlivened
this area greatly

Airfix single-seat kit and Aeroclub’s
long-out-of-production trainer
conversion set, it was felt that, with
a little coaxing, it could be made
to fit Sword’s fuselage, and this
proved to be the case. However,
the kit components are more than
adequate for those wanting a
closed canopy.
Styrene was scraped away
– with a No 10 Swann Morton
scalpel blade – on both sides of
the fuselage cockpit areas, to
encourage an acceptable fit. While
this was time-consuming, it was
a straightforward task. A diluted
mix of Halford’s Grey Plastic
Primer was airbrushed (after being
decanted from the aerosol can)
on the resin parts and allowed to
cure for approximately one hour.
Xtracolor’s X410 Dark Admiralty
Grey (www.hannants.co.uk)
was then diluted equally
with good-quality

74 Airfix Model World

cellulose thinners and sprayed
onto the cockpit components.
If there is one negative aspect to
the NeOmega’s accessories, it’s
that, arguably, there is almost too
much detail – with the instrument
panel being noteworthy. Smaller
dials aren’t that well defined, but
the larger bezels are replicated
beautifully. As the cockpit in even
the two-seat Lightning is rather
cramped, little of this magnificent
detail can be seen. Although,
painting and dry-brushing the

numerous switches, dials and
displays helps to accentuate
their appearance.
Dial ‘faces’ for the larger items
came from Airscale’s AS48AJET
Post War Allied Jet Cockpit Dials
(www.airscale.co.uk) set, while
detail painting was aided by a
study of reference photos.
As often happens in such cases,
Czech aftermarket specialist
Q-M-T announced the release of
resin aftermarket upgrades for
the Sword Lightning T.4/T-5 kits,

including replacement framework
for the canopy.

Light and shade
The editor kindly provided
Xtradecal’s X48153 EE/BAC
Lightning T.4/T.5 for this project
(see More two-seaters),
which provides six
airframes in several
camouflage
schemes. It was
decided to opt
for XS452/BT

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Lightning T.5

“Resin parts for
ejection seats
and tailpipe are
also included”

been applied first regardless of
the other tones, as it was gloss
and therefore needed a longer
curing time. After approximately
a week, the undersides were
masked and Colourcoats’
ACRN08 Barley Grey (BS18-B-21)/
Camouflage Grey BS381C-626
(www.sovereignhobbies.co.uk)
was airbrushed. The model was
set aside for two days before the
final demarcations were set with
masking tape and the darkest
shade, ACRN04 Medium Sea Grey
BS381C-683, sprayed.

Shiny belly

– an 11 Squadron machine and one
of the last operational T.5s.
This aircraft wore the final threetone scheme of Medium Sea Grey
upper surfaces, with Camouflage
(Barley) Grey lower fuselage
and fin, plus Light Aircraft Grey
undersides on the wings. All
paints were diluted approximately
50/50 with Lechler 00740 Speedy
Thinner (www.lechler.eu) and
The rear fuselage also received scratchbuilt vents, while the resin tail exhaust
section needed careful work to blend
properly with the fuselage – black
paint was used as a guide to
highlight any areas in need of
further attention

The chosen scheme from
Xtradecals’ markings featured
a natural metal belly tank,
according to the colour
guide. This area
was duly masked
and three light coats
of Alclad’s ALC-101
Aluminium (www.
alclad2.com)
were sprayed at
approximately
10 psi, using

airbrushed using an Iwata Eclipse
HP-CS with 0.4mm needle (www.
airbrushes.com) at a pressure
of 15psi. Lechler’s thinner is
considered superior to similar
products, as it is more volatile and
this enables the paint to cure more
rapidly – it also makes for a much
stronger bond between paint and
styrene, thus eliminating the need
for a primer.
Camouflage colours were layered
working from light to dark, with
Xtracolor’s X15 Light Aircraft Grey
(www.hannants.co.uk) sprayed
first. Note, this shade would have

a Harder &
Steenbeck Ultra
with a 0.2mm needle
(www.harder-airbrush.eu). This
airbrush was used for all general
work, as it is particularly easy to
clean when a change of colour
becomes necessary.

MORE TWO-SEATERS

Metal pins were attached
to the horizontal stabilisers,
to provide a suitably
secure attachment to the
fuselage (otherwise this
would have been a
potentially weak
butt join)

KeyModelWorld.com

Hannants’ own-brand Xtradecal
(www.hannants.co.uk) has
released several sets for 1/48
Lightnings and X48153 caters for
both T.4 and T.5 trainers, with the
11 Squadron option being selected
for this project. There are six
schemes in all:
• T.4, XM968/Q, 92 Squadron, RAF
Gütersloh, West Germany, 1973
• T.5, XS419/DV, Lightning Training
Flight, RAF Binbrook, March 1987
• T.4, XM968/Q, 92 Squadron,
RAF Wildenrath, West Germany,
October, 1976
• T.5, XS452/BT, 11 Squadron, RAF
Binbrook, April 15, 1988
• T.4, XM790/T, 19 Squadron,
RAF Gütersloh, West Germany,
February 1977
• T.5, XS458/Z, Lightning Training
Flight, RAF Binbrook, 1970s

Airfix Model World 75

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Sword’s ejection
seats really looked
the part once painted
and weathered, with just
the headbox-mounted firing
handles yet to be attached

“Final assembly
was generally
without any
major drama”

Following lessons learned
when building an Airfix
Lightning, a location/
bracing bar was installed
on the wings

With all seams tidied, work began in earnest to reproduce a three-tone grey
airframe – with the addition of the undercarriage, the Lightning took shape

76 Airfix Model World

Later, during further research, a
photo was found of XS452 while
airborne, and this showed the belly
tank to be the same colour as the
undersides. Consequently, a coat
of Light Aircraft Grey was laid over
the Aluminium finish. I was glad to
have spotted this potential ‘gotcha’
moment, but the contrast between
the belly and surrounding grey
tones was rather interesting.
The nose intake ring and nozzle
mounting panels were then
masked and airbrushed, first with
ALC-305 Gloss Black Base and,
when dry, with ALC-107 Chrome, to
replicate the real aircraft’s finish.

Taking off

two advantages: a smooth enough
surface to apply the decals, and
removing the necessity for an
interim gloss coat – therefore
preserving any fine engraved
detail. Decals were then applied
with the aid of Microscale’s Micro
Sol (www.microscale.com), as
and when necessary, to prevent
silvering and to assist conforming
to the curved surfaces.
Allowing at least 24 hours for
decals to set, the model was then
washed with mild soapy water and
rinsed in warm water, to remove
any residue from the adhesive
and softening fluids. Once dry, a
misted coat of Vallejo 28.518 Matt
Acrylic Varnish was applied – this
cures very quickly, so that basic
weathering effects
could be created
with diluted
Paynes Grey

Final assembly was generally
without any major drama. All
undercarriage components, the
pair of Firestreak air-to-air missiles,
refuelling probe and radar cone,
came from an aborted Airfix F.6
project, for no better reason than
the detail was better defined
than the Sword equivalents. An
aftermarket solution was sought
for the Lightning’s pitot tube, with
Master Model’s MR48078
(www.master-model.pl) used.
All upper surfaces were then
buffed gently with 12,000-grade
MicroMesh abrasive cloths until
there was a slight sheen. This has

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Lightning T.5

The airframe received light polishing with
fine-grade abrasive cloths to prepare it for
decaling. At this stage, the model retained
a natural metal belly tank and, in hindsight,
maybe should have been left in this state

Gouache. Any excess was later
removed, in the direction of the
airflow, with a dampened flat
brush and lint-free cloth. Once
satisfied with the result, a final
coat of Vallejo’s Matt Varnish
was airbrushed, after which the
final elements of masking were
removed and Bare Metal foil
(www.bare-metal.com) used for
the underwing fuselage panels.

Lightning for two
Sword’s 1/48 T.5 might be a limitedrun offering but, with the use of a
few simple techniques, assembly
is straightforward – although,
the fit was awkward in places. As
always, it’s down to the modeller as
to whether aftermarket items are
added – it builds into a perfectly
acceptable model straight from
the box. The fit commonality with
Airfix’s single-seater kits opens
even more avenues for those
wanting to add/vary detail.

KeyModelWorld.com

While the open cockpit appeared almost spacious initially, after
the addition of the ejection seats, it became apparent just how
cramped the interior really was

REFERENCES
Lightning, by Ian Black (Airlife), ISBN: 978-1-853100-45-1
On Target Profile 13: English Electric Lightning in Worldwide
Service, by Andy J Donovan (Aviation Workshop),
ISBN 978-1-904643-28-9
The English Electric Lightning, by Richard J. Caruana,
(SAM Publications), ISBN: 978-0-953346-57-8
Lightning, by Roger Lindsay (Ian Allan), ISBN: 978-0-711018-25-9
Flight Craft 11: English Electric Lightning, by Martin Derry and
Neil Robinson (Pen & Sword), ISBN: 978-1-473890-55-8

PHOTO FOCUS

VIPER ZERO

ON SHOW

Kev Baxter provides plenty
of modelling inspiration for
those wanting to build a
Japanese Air Self Defense
Force Mitsubishi F-2

An 8th Hikotai (Black Panthers) pilot bares his claws for the photographers
as he taxies past on departure. Note the sharp demarcation between the
exterior colour and the interior white of the air intake

On most of the Mitsubishi F-2 jets there was a marked contrast between
the colour of the gun-muzzle panel and the surrounding fuselage. The various
antenna fairings also have a black colouration

This image of 63-8536 landing at Tsuiki cemented the idea for a build project: closed nozzle,
airbrakes deployed and aerodynamic braking being employed before releasing the drag chute

78 Airfix Model World

KeyModelWorld.com

PHOTO FOCUS | Mitsubishi F-2

Despite the crew chief’s best efforts, this F-2A features grubby handmarks
courtesy of the groundcrew, while touch-ups have been applied to the airframe
The subject of the accompanying build feature, 13-8513 displays its Samurai
artwork to good effect in this photograph. Note the ‘Many Thanks Misawa!’
tribute inscribed on the rudder
A starboard view of #513 as it recovered to Runway 10 at Misawa – the rudder
legend is the correct way up on this side

In this shot, 03-8556
is equipped with what
appears to be a standard
quick-reaction alert
weapons fit comprising
pairs of live AAM-3 and
AAM-4 air-to-air missiles

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 79

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Having visited Misawa Air Base in Japan during
autumn 2019 and seeing this aircraft first-hand,
Kev Baxter was quick to snap up Hasegawa’s
recent 1/72 re-release of its Mitsubishi F-2A

A word with friends regarding this project resulted in a bumper ‘care package’,
in return for a modest outlay and the promise of beer

O

pportunities
in life are
there to be
taken, and the
sight of a specially painted
Mitsubishi F-2 during a tour
of Japanese Air Self-Defense
Force (JASDF) bases was

80 Airfix Model World

the perfect modelling inspiration.
This auspicious moment
occurred when visiting
Misawa Air Base in Aomori
Prefecture, Honshu
(approximately 400
miles north of Tokyo),
in 2019, when a pair

of 3rd Tactical Fighter
Squadron (Hikotai)
Mitsubishi F-2As
broke into the
circuit. One jet
(13-8513) wore
an eye-catching
livery commemorating
the unit’s imminent
departure from the base after
49 years, with a move to Hyakuri
to make room for the expanding
F-35 fleet at Misawa.
Mitsubishi’s F-2 was a
collaborative re-design of the
F-16 by Lockheed Martin and
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,
being named the Viper Zero,
to reflect the former’s lineage
and that of the latter’s A6M
Zero. Japanese electronics and
weapon fits replaced many US
systems employed on the F-16,
with the fuselage and wings
enlarged to enable greater
range and weapons carriage.
The type entered service with
3rd Hikotai in late March 2001,
being painted in the attractive

MODEL SPEC
Mitsubishi F-2A ‘3Sq Misawa
Special 2019’
By: Hasegawa
Stock Code: 02320
Scale: 1/72
Price: £46.50
From: www.amerang.co.uk

KeyModelWorld.com

INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Mitsubishi F-2A

two-tone Oceanic Scheme
(also called Sea Scheme) and
introducing a true swingrole capability to the JASDF,
combining the ground attack,
maritime strike and air-to-air
roles. Three front-line units
operate the type, namely the
Tsuiki-based 6th and 8th Hikotai
and the previously mentioned
3rd Hikotai.

Styrene efficiency
Hasegawa is well known for
extracting maximum use from
its moulds – helped in the main
by the JASDF’s proclivity for
adorning their aircraft frequently
in commemorative or anniversary
schemes – and it was a delight
to see the scheme worn by
13-8513 feature as part of a recent
re-release of the 1/72 F-2A kit.

Having mentioned this latest
personal distraction to the
modelling fraternity, a close
friend offered a ‘care-package’ of
1/72 F-2 resin and photo-etched
metal upgrades plus a two-seat
Hasegawa F-2B for a reasonable
exchange (which included the
promise of beer). Its arrival
coincided with the completion of
another project and, such was

the enthusiasm for the scheme,
it went straight to the front of the
build queue.
Having delved through the
care package, it was decided
to make a start by replacing
the main undercarriage bay
with a Wolfpack Design (www.
wolfpack-d.com) ‘plug-and-play’
alternative from the firm’s resin
F-2A/B Update Set (WP72029).

Hasegawa’s lower fuselage was
modified to receive Wolfpack’s
aftermarket resin undercarriage
bay, with a razor saw used to
remove the styrene version

The new undercarriage
bay fitted snugly, with this
‘plug and play’ seamless intake
(seen here attached temporarily)
being a significant improvement
over the kit’s multi-part alternative

KeyModelWorld.com

Airfix Model World 81

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

An aircraft posed as if landing would need drooped flaps, and this resulted in
deconstruction of the wings – this was undertaken while the parts were still on
the runner, for additional rigidity
Although PJ Production’s resin pilot
was excellent in terms of accuracy
and detail, trial fitting revealed he was
somewhat short and duly received a
styrene ‘booster cushion’

Several changes were required to
the pilot figure – including positioning
one arm, so it didn’t foul the canopy
sill and attaching the kit’s side-stick
control column

The included seamless intake
was then attached to the lower
fuselage half – unfortunately,
and despite careful placement,
this required considerable filler
afterwards, to rectify several
awkwardly placed gaps.
Several other main subassemblies were also glued
together at this stage, to give
the feeling of rapid progress.
Psychologically, this approach
can help modellers, sometimes,
rather than following the

instruction sheet slavishly
and having just a cockpit tub
completed after a week’s work.
At this point, it was decided to
indulge in some deconstruction.
During the visit to Tsuiki Air
Base, there were incomparable
views of these jets landing/
departing, plus a stop at a small
shop near the base offered the
opportunity to purchase several
JASDF squadron patches. It
also provided further modelling
inspiration – namely to display

82 Airfix Model World

Careful removal of the styrene at this stage ensured easier replacement and,
with deconstruction completed, the process of re-assembling the mainplanes
could begin in earnest
The pre-painted PR
consoles enlivened the
cockpit considerably,
while the bare-metal
items added refinement
to the ejection seat

the F-2 having touched down
and using aerodynamic braking
to decelerate before deploying
the brake parachute. Moreover,
having acquired the Hikotai’s
badge matching the decal
option, it was decided to also
incorporate this element.
Therefore, the leading- and
trailing-edge flaps were removed
from the wings to reposition
them in the drooped state for
landing. Careful surgery ensured
faster progress as there was

less work needed to modify them
before they were re-attached.

Occupied ‘office’
Attention then turned to the
cockpit, with the unpainted fret
in Platz’s excellent M72-14 F-2A
Upgrade (www.platz-hobby.com)
annealed using a tea-light. This
was done to make the pieces
more workable and slightly less
prone to springing unbidden
into the ‘carpet
monster’.

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Mitsubishi F-2A

One advantage of placing
the finished model in the
landing configuration was the
requirement to add a pilot,
meaning less time devoted to
introducing unseen fiddly items
in the cockpit. PJ Production
(www.pj-production.be/en) offers
fabulous crew figures for any
modeller wanting to imply a sense

of animation in their creations,
and its F-16/F-18 Pilots Seated
(721124) was selected.
However, a test-fit revealed the
pilot would be sitting woefully
low under the canopy, making it
necessary to raise the seat within
the cockpit tub. Another check,
conducted once the horizontally
split fuselage halves were mated,

revealed
the pilot’s arm
would interfere
with the canopy
placement, so the limb was
tweaked to alleviate the problem.
Examination of the glazing
identified another issue to
be resolved, in the form of a
moulding seam along its length

– although this took just fiveminutes’ work with progressively
finer sanding sticks and a dip in
Johnson’s Klear to correct.
One item not included in the
care package was a set of
deployed airbrakes and, while
initially the intent was to modify
the kit parts, an advertisement for
Eduard’s 672065 F-16 Airbrakes
(www.eduard.com) was too great
a temptation. These beautifully
cast resin components were
grafted onto the fuselage in short
order, with care taken to ensure
proper alignment. Despite this,
extensive filling and sanding
was required afterwards.
In hindsight, this was
doubtless due to lessthan-accurate
removal of the
kit items –

Hasegawa splits the fuselage
horizontally (as per its
F-16 kits), which means it’s
arguably easier to mate the
halves, as it provides a neater
seam. So, major construction
was completed quickly

Hasegawa captured the F-2’s
canopy accurately, but this resulted in
a moulding seam along its length – this
was removed via progressively finer
sanding sticks, T-Cut car polish and a
dip in Johnson's Klear
Despite previous dry-fitting, a slight
misalignment meant the pilot’s arm had
to be modified in situ before the closed
canopy would sit correctly
A handy tip to minimise damage
to the surrounding detail when filling
and sanding seams is to use tape to
protect the adjacent styrene

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The leading-edge flaps were
modified using a pad with doublesided tape, to hold it in position, and
scraping with a new scalpel blade

Airfix Model World 83

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

Wolfpack Design’s resin jet pipe
received Alclad’s Gun Metal and Gold
Titanium to replicate the metallic tones,
followed by oil washes to accentuate
the detail
Micro-chisels are an indispensable
addition to a modeller’s toolbox. Here,
they were employed to rout the central
‘groove’ on the AAM-3 launcher rails,
as the kit parts have just a flat surface
Quite literally, the last paint set in
the shop – Mr. Color’s CS655 paints
match the JASDF Oceanic Camouflage
scheme beautifully

After much deliberation, it was decided the best way to create masks for the
camouflage scheme was to scan and then print the kit instructions and use these
to make templates for the masks

somewhat surprisingly, though,
blending these components
into the airframe was the most
protracted element of the
construction process.
Contrastingly, Wolfpack’s
resin jet pipe and nozzle could
be simply slotted into the aft
fuselage. Careful painting with
AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-045 Gun
Metal (www.migjimenez.com),
followed by Alclad II’s ALC-118
Gold Titanium (www.alclad2.com)
and an oil wash (the latter applied
after a coat of acrylic varnish,
to protect the metallic shades),
gave a pleasing result. Note,
this part was then set aside until
the end of the project. Overall,
construction of this excellent kit
gave very few problems and none
that a modeller cannot overcome
with patience and diligence,
despite the modifications
involved with this project.

A top shop
The ‘fun’ part of this build –
that of producing a convincing
finish as a base for the
commemorative scheme – was
eagerly anticipated. An incidental,
but important anecdote of the
airbase tour (and one with direct
impact on this build) occurred in
Tokyo, when I was introduced to
what is arguably the world’s best
model shop, Keystone Models
in Saitama suburb, which has an
unassuming frontage in a row
of terraced houses. The shop’s
patio was stacked with products
old, new and exotic. On entering

84 Airfix Model World

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Mitsubishi F-2A

the store, one was greeted by
shelves stacked neatly, floor to
ceiling, with kits three-deep and
a ‘walkway’ wide enough for one
person to pass at a time.
Having already ensured that
another suitcase would have to
be purchased to transport the
spoils of the visit back to Blighty,
an animated conversation was
undertaken with the owner,
Mr Hashizume, to see if Mr.
Color CS-665 JASDF Oceanic
Camouflage Colors was available.
Once understanding had been
reached via pointing to books,
boxart and instruction sheets, he

A swivel cutter proved ideal when
preparing the templates – here, the
horizontal stabiliser mask has been
completed and attached with repositionable spray glue

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disappeared for several
minutes before producing the last
set of these paints in his stock. It
was most touching to have been
welcomed there so openly and
to have personally witnessed this
modern-day miracle of modelling
madness was one of the
highlights of a memorable trip.

Oceanic hues
As a precursor to applying
this precious commodity, a
coat of Halfords’ Grey Primer
was applied, to highlight any
imperfections in the construction.
Once the inevitable flaws had
been treated, another primer
– this time Halfords’ Black –

Similarly, with
masks in position,
the wings and
fuselage received
their coat of
Deep Sea Blue
camouflage –
note the slightly
uneven coverage
on the wings,
to create subtle
tonal variations

was applied.
Painting then began
in earnest with the nose cone,
which was sprayed with the
first colour from the Oceanic
set, C376 JASDF Radome Gray
(individual tones are available in
the UK via: www.albionhobbies.
com) and masked. The use of a
black undercoat beneath a lighter
shade enabled the modeller to
build the tone gradually, which
can be modulated to provide a
more realistic non-uniform finish.
Once satisfied with the overall
application of C374 JASDF
Shallow Ocean Blue, thoughts
turned to how to mask the
areas for the C375 JASDF Deep
Ocean Blue. It was decided to
scan and print copies of the
instruction sheet to scale, then

cut paper masks for
the darker areas, which were
secured using Blu Tack Fast
Tak spray glue. Subsequent
airbrushing of the deep blue was
quite straightforward using this
technique. One minor problem
encountered after removing the
masking was a residue of the
spray glue, which was cleaned
using enamel thinners – which
didn’t react with the lacquerbased paint – and a cotton bud.
Seasons are an integral part
of Japanese culture, and the
aircraft’s scheme depicts the
passing of all four to represent
the unit’s stay at Misawa.
Moreover, the allusion to the
current Reiwa era (on the port
ventral strake) acts as a reminder
that the Hikotai’s move coincided
with the end of the old Emperor’s
reign and the inauguration of

Residual adhesive from the masking
process was removed using enamel
thinners, which did not react with the
lacquer-based paint

Airfix Model World 85

INTERMEDIATE BUILD

The decals must conform to several awkward compound curves – this was
achieved by slicing them and using liberal applications of Micro Sol

his successor. The unit’s samurai
symbol rounded out the artwork
on the fin and an embroidered
badge matching this insignia was
purchased at Tsuiki, in readiness
for this build.
Two coats of Johnson’s Klear
ensured a gloss surface on the
paint, to facilitate decaling –
vital, given the large areas of
carrier film that came with the
more than 100 markings, which
added to the risk of silvering.
Inevitably, despite much care,
and using Microscale’s Micro
Sol and Set solutions (www.
microscale.com) to ensure good
adhesion, a degree of silvering
was still encountered. However,
by judicious use of a fresh scalpel
blade and enamel thinners,
the excess
carrier film
in affected
areas was
removed gently
and the slight

86 Airfix Model World

scuffing on the paint re-touched
carefully. This was the most timeconsuming part of the build.

Clean-ish exterior
A covering of B-503 Mr. Topcoat
Matt varnish (www.albionhobbies.
com) ensured the model was
ready for weathering. A study
of references revealed that,
despite (or, arguably, due to) the
harsh maritime environment,
the aircraft’s finish was kept
remarkably clean, with little
degradation evident.
However, if a fighter doesn’t
leak it is empty, so subtle effects
were applied on the underside to
further break up the monotone
shade and enliven the finish.
Upper surfaces were treated
similarly, although the wing tanks
appeared to have numerous
touch-ups and the areas where
the groundcrew regularly opened
panels also received attention.
Notably, the gun port appeared

While this may appear risky – the tape was de-tacked to prevent damage to
the decals – the flap lines were masked and hand painted in ‘old-school’ fashion

to have plenty of cordite deposits
on the fuselage, indicating the
usage of the Vulcan cannon, but
the vents were clean – the reason
for this was unknown, but it was
speculated the cover had been
replaced recently or removed and
cleaned separately.

Things under wings
With the model now almost
completed, it was time to
embellish it with the tools of its
trade. That said, the jets observed
on the tour usually flew with an
AAM-3 infra-red acquisition round
on the port wingtip station and
either underwing or centreline
external tankage. One pair of
F-2s at Misawa were seen with
live AAM-3 and AAM-4 missiles,
possibly denoting quick-reaction
alert airframes.
Sway braces were fashioned
from lead solder and applied to
the weapons pylons, after which
the styrene static discharge rods

were removed carefully (so as not
to damage the paintwork) and
replaced with PE alternatives. The
pitot tube and angle-of-attack
probes were replaced by DXM’s
(www.dxmdecal.com) superb
alternatives (13-7001).
Hasegawa provided poly-caps to
enable the horizontal stabilisers
to be push fitted – this also
meant they could be adjusted as
required. Antenna fits are known
to differ across the F-2 fleet, but
as this model had been left with
a incorrectly positioned mounting
hole on the spine, it was decided
to cover this with a GPS fairing,
rather than fill the offending hole
after the paintwork had been
completed – don’t tell anybody,
but do check your references!
Finally, the wheels – which
received flat spots and were
pre-drilled to accept the basemounting wires – were aligned
and attached. A third point of
contact was created using a clear,

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INTERMEDIATE BUILD | Mitsubishi F-2A

stretched runner and placed
as inconspicuously as possible
between the ventral strakes. The
nose undercarriage was extended
using Albion Alloys aluminium
tubing (www.albionhobbies.
com), while a PE scissor-link was
modified to fit the longer gap.
Making the base was relatively
straightforward, with the main
section being fashioned from
9mm MDF. The runway was
weathered with 800-grade
abrasive paper and then edged
with iron-on wood veneer – the
badge (which cost ¥780 – about
£5.50) added a finishing flourish.

One of the last tasks, given their fragile nature, was to attach
static wick to the wing plus horizontal and vertical stabiliser trailing
edges with small amounts of CA

Maritime marvel
Hasegawa’s 1/72 Mitsubishi F-2A
is a reasonably straightforward
project, although it can offer a few
minor challenges. The plethora of
aftermarket parts available made
upgrades – such as the intake
and undercarriage bays, which, in
the past, would extend the build
time considerably – relatively
simple. Mostly, the satisfaction
came from being able to obtain
and build a kit from a major
manufacturer with this striking
colour scheme, while the memory
of seeing the real aircraft was still
alive. The opportunity was there
to have a tangible, 3D memory of
a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Many
thanks Misawa!

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Sway braces for the underwing pylons were fashioned from lead
solder and shaped using a hammer and mini anvil
The underside of Hasegawa’s F-2 after weathering with oils.
Note the various stains – the old aviation adage is that: if a jet
doesn’t leak, it’s empty

ON THE SHELF
PLAYBOY’S PRIVATEER PHOTOGUIDE

1975 Hesketh 308 1/12 Scale
By: Mark R Oakley Pages: 70
ISBN: N/A Price: £25
Format: 306 x 218mm
Web: www.tracklimitspublish.com
Military and aviation specialist
Trackpad Publishing’s new imprint
Track Limits is a bold step into
motorsport, with the first release
being a photobook dedicated
to modelling the Hesketh 308B
Formula 1 car, which gave James
Hunt his first win.
While a new venture for the
publisher, it’s essentially a

commercially and more widely
available second edition of a work
produced privately by the author,
amateur modeller and F1 enthusiast
Mark R Oakley. His builds are
1/12 scale and rely on a hybrid
approach of commercially available

parts (sourced from kits of other
types) and scratch-building – here,
Cosworth DFV engine and wheel
rim components were sourced from
Tamiya’s Brabham BT44B.
It is the model that is the main
the focus of the book, despite the
fascinating stories of Lord Hesketh’s
eponymous racing outfit plus the
daring driving style and off-track
antics of 1976 world champion
Hunt, which are covered just briefly
throughout. Key players do feature
– designer Harvey Postlethwaite
provided primary research and
insight, while Lord Hesketh
inspected the finished model, but
attention is predominantly on the
build process.
As such, the make-or-break element
is the quality of imagery. Work was
undertaken between 1998-2000,
so all in-progress/reference shots
were taken on film. While lacking
the crispness of modern digital

imagery, they are nonetheless clear
and have been reproduced to a high
standard. Note, the odd internetsourced photo is markedly poorer,
but shots of the finished kit are
modern captures and demonstrate
the model in all its glory.
The build is a marvel of dedicated
research, exemplary scratchbuilding and attention to detail. The
book stands as a proud testament
and while it’s not quite an outand-out reference or detailed
construction guide, it’s a welcome
step into the motorsport modelling
market for Trackpad and its new
imprint. With further titles in the
works, we are excited to see
how the range develops – auto
modellers will undoubtedly have
similar interest in the venture. JF

View More Online
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PANTHERS IN ACTION
Hitler’s Panther Tank Battalions
1943-1954
By: Ian Baxter
ISBN: 978-1-52676-545-1
Price: £14.99 Pages: 124
Format: 191 x 246mm
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Pen & Sword’s Images of War
series has become a popular
photographic reference source
for modellers, and this recent
compilation addresses the
German Panther tank.
This small-format softback book
comprises 124 pages and most
are packed with photos of the
formidable Panther from wartime
archives. Those set over to
narrative cover the type’s genesis

88 Airfix Model World

and development, plus introductory
sections for each of the main
chapters. The chapters are spilt both
chronologically and geographically,
with the focus shifting between
the Eastern and Italian Fronts
initially, while later sections are
more generic. Appendices then
provide information on the type’s
specifications, variants and finally
the composition of a typical
battalion – ideal for both wargamers
and modellers.
There’s a superb selection of
photos throughout, encompassing
everything from official
propaganda-style compositions
through to pre/post-combat
scenes and a generous sampling
of what appear to be personal

shots of vehicles and crews. The
quality is generally good, with
well-written captions setting the
context and providing unit and
location information. Maintenance/
repair and resupply scenes will
be invaluable to diorama builders,
while most photos reveal how the
Panthers were generally festooned
with equipment and camouflage,
particularly in the final months of the
war – just the type of information
that modellers need when adding
extra stowage to their builds.
Images of War volumes are
considered ideal references due to
their small size, low price and quality
content and this Panther edition
is no exception. The range of
photographic locations (everything

from barracks to battlefields)
means this can serve as anything
from a general introduction to the
type or to support highly detailed
modelling projects. SF

KeyModelWorld.com

ON THE SHELF | Books

EAST VERSUS WEST – IN ASIA

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Volume 1
By: Ravi Rikhye Pages: 84
ISBN: 978-1-913118-63-1
Price: £19.95 Format: A4
Web: www.casematepublishers.co.uk
Following British withdrawal from
the area, Pakistan and India took
new form whereby the latter country
was flanked by two sections of the
former – East and West Pakistan –

an untenable situation that broke
down into conflict. This is the
subject of an Asia@War mini-series,
with this first volume exploring the
beginnings of the situation and how
fighting started. It’s necessarily
simplified due to the masses of
political backdrop, subterfuge and
complication, plus lack of primary
information; both sides destroyed
their records after the conflict and
most studies are considered biased.
As such, there’s masses of context
and, as with most of these works
on lesser-known conflicts, the book
is best suited to those with a prior
interest in the area or the war itself.
Nonetheless, modellers will find fullcolour profiles and period reference
images of PT-76, T-55, OT-64 and
M24 Chaffee ground vehicles, MiG21, Folland Gnat, Hawker Hunter,
C-47, Supermarine Sea Hawk,
F-86 Sabre aircraft (plus a few
helicopters) of use. Furthermore, a
neat addition to the familiar format
is the inclusion of details in the
profile section about uniforms and
equipment for both sides. JF

INTO SPACE ON A PLANE

French Secret Projects 3
By: J-C Carbonel
ISBN: 978-1-91080-991-4
Price: £27.50 Pages: 232
Format: 218 x 287mm
Web: www.crecy.co.uk
The third volume of French Secret
Projects examines the nation’s
spaceplane designs, along with
several European proposals,
between 1964 and 1994. As
highlighted in the text, it was a
remarkable turnaround for its
aerospace industry, which was
ravaged during World War Two

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and effectively rebuilt itself from
scratch. The narrative is informative
throughout and – despite literally
discussing rocket science – easy
to follow, being supported by a
superb collection of company/
space agency illustrations,
diagrams and official photographs.
The opening chapter sets the
scene from a global perspective
as nations sought to exploit rocket
technology during the 1940s
and 1950s, demonstrating just
how quickly France’s industrial
capacity was re-established. An
overview of European projects
then follows, noting collaborations
with Germany and the UK, before
addressing the long-running
Hermes spaceplane project.
Here, the author takes a slightly
different approach, first covering
how the French contributions to
Hermes came about (using either
aircraft or rocket launch platforms)
before examining the spacecraft’s
design, competitors and potential
collaborators including (just prior to
its cancellation) Russia. This is an
excellent summary of French
‘what-if’ projects. SF

WHIPPING UP A…
The Westland Whirlwind
By: Richard A Franks Pages: 99
ISBN: 978-1-912932-22-1
Price: £19.95 Format: A4
Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
With Special Hobby’s new-tool 1/32
kit having revived interest in the
Westland Whirlwind fighter, this
second edition of Valiant Wings’
Airframe Album is timely. Indeed,
the large-scale offering appears to
be its raison d’être, as a full-build of
this is the most significant change
from the original 2014 publication
– the kit and accessory listing has
also been updated. However, given
the limited number of Whirlwind
offerings, appraisal (as in Airframe
& Miniature titles) would have
been very welcome and useful.
A comprehensive history, superb
visual guide to developments,
sumptuous selection of period
close-ups, diagrams and technical
drawings, plus 1/48 scale plans
nevertheless form useful modelling
resources. The camouflage and
markings section is similarly

impressive, though the (more than
understandable) lack of reference
images for unusual liveries means
modellers must take something
of a leap of faith to recreate these
schemes. It’s not perfect, but the
book overcomes the Whirlwind’s
limited combat service (with just
two RAF squadrons between 19401943) and the lack of surviving
airframes to be an exceptionally
detailed and worthy reference
source for any modeller. JF

NOT-SO-INDESTRUCTIBLE GEM
The Japanese Battleship
Kongo 1944
By: Waldemar Góralski
ISBN: 978-83-66673-23-6
Price: £18.50 Pages: 22 Format: A4
Web: www.casematepublishing.co.uk
TopDrawings 110 focuses on the
Imperial Japanese Navy battleship
Kongo (indestructible diamond) and
can serve either as a stand alone or
as an accompaniment to the Super
Drawings in 3D publication on the
same subject. A brief overview of
the vessel’s design, specifications
and operational history serves as
an introduction, after which it’s
straight into the line diagrams.
Unusually, these are isometrictype projections, presenting almost
three-quarter views of Kongo and
superstructure sections, but provide
useful guidance on everything from
rigging to anti-mine booms. Note:
the vessel is depicted as it appeared
in 1944, after both of its major refit/
modernisation periods plus latewar upgrades to increase its antiaircraft defences just prior to its
sinking. Modellers with large-scale
kits will appreciate the drawings of

the telegraph and Admiral’s bridge
interiors, while close-ups of the
conning tower, rangefinders and
the Kongo’s distinctive ‘pagodastyle’ superstructure are a gold
mine of information. A doublesided A2 sheet provides further
black-and-white drawings – those
with the same format as the book
have no scale, but all conventional
fore/aft/side views are to 1/350,
making conversion a simple task for
common ship kit scales. SF

Airfix Model World 89

ON THE SHELF

ON THE SHELF | Books

GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR AIR BATTLES

Air War on the Eastern Front
By: Mike Guardia
ISBN: 978-1-61200-908-7
Price: £19.99 Format: 178 x 254mm
Web: www.casematepublishing.co.uk
Anyone interested in the air
campaigns fought between
Germany and the Soviet Union
during World War Two will find
Casemate’s 128-page Men-BattlesWeapons volume ideal, whether
their interest is modelling or purely

historical. It provides a chronological
perspective to the struggle between
the Luftwaffe and the Soviet Air
Force – there’s even a handy
timeline at the beginning. The author
then sets the scene, both political
and military, including a breakdown
of each side’s order of battle.
Subsequently, the focus is purely
on combat, starting with Germany’s
invasion during Operation
Barbarossa and then shifting onto
the Soviet counteroffensives and
eventual victory. Each of the four
main chapters is then treated in a
similar fashion, with a well-written
narrative supplemented by good
quality period photos, profiles of
significant pilots and commanders,
and full-colour side views of the
principal combat types. As a bonus,
several maps are included, which
help the reader to understand
the operational and strategic
aspects at each stage of the war.
As such, modellers will find plenty
of inspiration from the photos and
colour profiles, especially those
wanting to build maintenance or
crashed aircraft scenes. SF

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Jeep
By: Lance Cole Pages: 64
ISBN: 978-1-526746-51-1
Price: £14.99 Format: A4
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Considering the widespread
service and popularity of the
General Purpose (GP) vehicle or
Jeep, this Land Craft volume is
one of few references for the type,
containing history, profiles and
modelling chapters. Very detailed

90 Airfix Model World

FAIRCHILD’S FLYING WARTHOG
Fairchild Republic A-10
Thunderbolt II
By: Peter C Smith
ISBN: 978-1-52675-926-9
Price: £35 Pages: 428
Format: 178 x 253mm
Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
While there have been many
books on the Fairchild Republic
A-10 Thunderbolt II, few delve as
deep into the studies and politics
surrounding this type’s creation,
development and service as this
superb examination by Peter
Smith. Designed to fulfil a US Army
requirement, yet operated (with
varying reluctance) by the US
Air Force, the A-10 has morphed
from a pure close air support
(CAS) platform to a dedicated tank
destroyer and back again
– all of which is described in these
428 pages. Admittedly, this is
more of a book for historians than
modellers – although there’s more
than enough to interest the latter
in general – and the comparatively
few photographs are supported
by informative captions. All

aspects of the type’s history are
addressed, and there is a section
dedicated to the various weapon
types carried. Combat operations
are also covered, starting with
the perceived Cold War role on
the German plains and working
through to recent actions against
ISIS insurgents in Syria. Ugly and
slow it may be, but as the author
acknowledges, the A-10 remains
the first call for any US soldier in a
‘contact’ situation. SF

AIRCRAFT DESTROYER
introduction and history sections
reveal intricacies and dispel myths
surrounding the familiar stories of
a design drawn up in five days and
a collaborative effort between the
Bantam, Willys and Ford companies
to produce the standard GP. Given
such commonly held fallacies,
these chapters are fascinating,
although they do make somewhat
heavy reading at times. Reference
photos are spread throughout and
these cover everything from walkround close-ups to in-service shots
and even those of restored vehicles
– these provide a wealth of detail
study, although it’s a shame all are
black-and-white. Side, top, front
and rear-view profiles are fullcolour – among the nine schemes,
USAAF yellow, US Navy blue and
Long-Range Desert Group sand
liveries add a splash of colour to
an otherwise green selection. The
modelling section includes builds
and a rundown of available kits,
but arguably more useful are the
lists of operator-specific fittings and
different variant features, which are
ideal for checking accuracy. JF

The Messerschmitt Bf 110
By: Richard A Franks
ISBN: 978-1-912932-20-7
Price: £24.95 Pages: 256 Format: A4
Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
Messerschmitt’s Bf 110 was one
of several wing-engined heavy
fighter concepts realised prior to
World War Two and, as described
in this well-written monograph,
was still regarded as a potent,
albeit obsolescent, aircraft until the
German surrender. A preface serves
as an introduction to the type,
before a series of short chapters
chart how the basic design evolved,
from a pure heavy fighter through
ground attack and finally its ultimate
night-fighter roles. These include
informative line diagrams that will
help readers identify the various
sub-types, while a superb colours
and markings section provides
profiles of most schemes worn by
the Bf 110. From a purely modelling
perspective, the remaining 150-plus
pages are manna from heaven,
providing a resumé of available kits
(and three builds in 1/72, 1/48 and

1/32 scales) before delving into a
collection of isometric drawings
highlighting differences between
variants. The final section is
arguably the most impressive, with
a superb collection of period and
museum walk-around photos plus
pilot/engineering diagrams that
examine almost every nook and
cranny. This is an ideal reference for
any modeller considering a
Bf 110 project; moreover, it’s also
great value for money. SF

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ON THE SHELF
DELECTABLE DAUNTLESS

SBD-5 Dauntless
By: Revell Scale: 1/48
Item no: 03869 Price: €32.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Accurate Miniatures’ original and
stunning 1/48 SBD-5 Douglas
Dauntless has been re-boxed by
Revell. The cockpit is the highlight,
with a framework and equipment
that attaches to the impressively
detailed fuselage sidewalls. This
refinement extends to the engine,
with a separate reduction gear
housing/push-rod tube/ignition

collar part. Other treats include
the aircraft’s dive brakes, plus a
fully detailed six-piece rear turret,
and an option for an open/closed
canopy, while there are 500lb and
250lb bombs for the centreline and
wings respectively. Decals for three
different aircraft are supplied:
• White 45, VB-16, USS Lexington
(CV-16), August 1943
• White 35, USS Lexington, New
Guinea, April 1944
• White 2, VB-5, USS Yorktown
(CV-10), Truk, Central Pacific,
February 1944

STOL SUPREMO

Dornier Do 27
By: Special Hobby Scale: 1/72
Item no: 72327 Price: €17.50
Web: www.specialhobby.eu
Special Hobby has re-released its
delightful 1/72 Dornier Do 27 short
take-off and landing aircraft. There
are four grey styrene runners, one
in clear and a small photo-etched
brass fret. Various alternative
parts are present, in tune with
the different equipment layouts
employed by selected air arms.

Such items include cockpit/cabin
seating arrangements, instrument
panels, vertical fin tops, tailwheel
assemblies and antennas plus
glazed components for the centre
of the upper wing, and immediately
behind on the upper-rear fuselage.
The three colour schemes are:
• Wk Nr 232, 55+84, WaSLw 20,
Penzing, West Germany, 1977
• OL-D11/OT-AMJ, Belgian Army
Light Aviation, 1970s
• L9-4/408-1, Spanish AF, El Aaiun,
Spanish Sahara, 1970

BUBBLE VIEW

PLUCKY POLE

PZL P.11c
By: IBG Scale: 1/72
Item no: 72519 Price: €11
Web: www.ibg.com.pl
IBG has re-boxed its lovely PZL P.11
as a Polish Air Force P.11c variant.
As with previous iterations, it’s
packed with detail and features
crisply moulded styrene parts
and a photo-etched (PE) brass
fret. Obvious immediately is the
type’s extensive array of external
strips on the wing undersides and

92 Airfix Model World

empennage, with fine corrugations
in between. For the ‘office’, there’s
a framework section, detailed floor,
PE seatbelts and rudder pedals.
The miniature Mercury engine is
stunning, featuring delicate pushrod tubes and cylinder fins. The
three schemes are:
• 8.78/6, 111th Ftr Flt, Pursuit Bde,
Zielonka, Poland, 1939
• 8.110/4, 152nd Ftr Flt, Modlin Army
Aviation, Szpondowo, 1939
• 8.10/68, CO III/4 Ftr Sqn, 4th Air
Regt, Toruń, 1936

OH-13 Sioux
By: Italeri Scale: 1/48
Item no: 2820 Price: £24.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Italeri’s 1/48 Sioux helicopter
returns with a generous set of
fresh markings; there’s a credible
rendering of the type’s ‘bubble’
glazing and exposed welded-tube
tail boom, although the moulding
of some parts is ‘soft’ in places.
There are rather heavy seams
and sporadic flash along both tail
boom sections; due to the complex
framework, neatening them will take

time, but the results will be worth
the effort. The six schemes are:
• OH-13, 1st Sqn, 9th Cav Regt, US
Army, South Vietnam, 1966
• AH.1 Sioux, XT135, AAC, 1976
• AB-47G, AS-391, Luftwaffe, West
Germany, 1976
• AB-47G, MM.80087/MM1, 1°
Gruppo Elicotteri, Marina Militare
Italiana, 1956
• Bell 47G, 27-6/001-6, Aviación
Naval Española, 1a Escadrilla, Rota
Air Base, Spain, 1968
• OH-13 Sioux (Possum), 161st
Independent Recce Flt, Australian
Army, Vũng Tàu, Vietnam, 1966

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ON THE SHELF | Aircraft kits

MONSTER SUPER BUG

F/A-18F Super Hornet
By: Revell Scale: 1/32
Item no: 03847 Price: €89.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Revell’s Super Hornet returns as a
two-seat F-variant, with four new
runners providing parts for the larger
cockpit. The original’s weaknesses
remain, though – notably the need
to trim components and remove
flash. Revell includes rear instrument
panels for both Block I (Runner M)

and Block II (Runner L) airframes
but just the latter are used in this
kit. A representative mix of JDAM
and laser-guided bomb armament
is included, along with pairs of AIM9M, AIM-9X and AIM-120 air-to-airmissiles. Options included raised
lowered canopy, access ladder and
wingtips. There are two schemes:
• 166783/1000/NH, VFA-154 ‘Black
Knights’, USS Nimitz, 2013
• 167957/201, 1 Sqn, Royal Australian
Air Force, Williamtown, 2020

AMPHIBIOUS MAMMAL

EMIL FOR EVALUATION

Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3/4
‘Special Markings’
By: AZ Model Scale: 1/72
Item no: AZ7689 Price: €12.99
Web: www.azmodel.cz
AZ Model has entered the 1/72 Bf
109E market with its 2020 tooling
– a limited-run-style offering
comprising three runners (note
these include options for different
versions). Detail is strong, excepting
soft relief around the supercharger
intake, undercarriage bays and
control surfaces. Well-printed

markings cater for an aircraft
captured and evaluated by the RAF,
following a crash at Manston, Kent,
on November 27, 1940 (it’s now
exhibited at RAF Museum Hendon).
• E-4, RW+NA, Werner Mölders, JG
51, October 1940
• E-3/B, Wk Nr 4101, Black 12,
Wolfgang Teumer, II./JG 51, Calais,
France, September 1940
• E-3/B, Wk Nr 4101, DG200, No 49
Maintenance Unit, Faygate, West
Sussex, late 1940
• E-3/B, Wk Nr 4101, DG200,
Boscombe Down, February 1941

BRAVO, BRAVO!

Supermarine Sea Otter
Mk.I/ASR Mk.II
By: Special Hobby Scale: 1/72
Item no: SH 72431 Price: €25
Web: www.specialhobby.eu
Available previously via AzurFRROM, this boxing provides
markings for French, Dutch and
Danish naval air arms, plus a photoetched brass fret and more than
20 resin components. Styrene
parts are presented on five styrene
runners and, while the short-run

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nature is apparent from the lack
of locating pins, the fine engraved
panel lines and delicate wing fabric
scalloping is noteworthy. It can
be built as either a Mk.I or a Mk.II
variant – the latter is equipped with
air-sea rescue (ASR) equipment.
The markings options are:
• Mk.I, 8S-10, escadrille 8S, Cat Laï,
French Indo-China, 1949
• ASR Mk.II, 18-6, Royal Dutch
Navy, 1950
• Mk.I, JM833, NAS Copenhagen,
Denmark, 1947

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II
By: Tamiya Scale: 1/48
Item no: 61121 Price: £99.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Hotly anticipated by modellers since
its announcement and the revealing
of pre-production samples, Tamiya’s
1/48 F-4B Phantom II has arrived
in all its glory. See the preview in
AMW127 for a full run-down of parts
features – arguably the full version’s
highlights are the decals and
associated instructions. The latter

are large, glossy fold-out sheets
that appear as 1/48 scale and form
ideal posters. The decals cover two
sheets, feature perfect printing and
provide for striking liveries:
• 15046/100/NL/0456/00, LCDR
Jerry Houston and LT Kevin
Mooren, VF-51 ‘Screaming Eagles’,
USS Coral Sea, May 6, 1972
• 153019/201/NL, VF-111
‘Sundowners’, Naval Air Station
Miramar, California, August 1972
• 153020/100/NF, VF-161 ‘Chargers’,
USS Midway, May 1972

Airfix Model World 93

ON THE SHELF

ON THE SHELF | Aircraft kits

ULTIMATE MUSTANG

P-51K Mustang
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48
Item no: 82105 Price: £22.27
Web: www.eduard.com
Eduard has delighted Mustang
fans with its bubbletop variants
and recently issued the P-51K in
ProfiPACK format, with parts for
either a -1, -5 or -10 production
block airframe. The seven styrene
runners are packed with finely
moulded parts and a photo-etched
metal fret adds a further layer of
refinement. Hamilton Standard
and Aeroproducts propellers are

THIN-WINGED HAWKER

included, and there’s a choice of
drop tank or (for one aircraft) 5in
rockets. There are six schemes:
• 44-11622/G4-C Nooky Booky IV,
362nd FS, 357th FG, Leiston, UK,
autumn 1944
• 44-11661/QP-X Iron Ass, 334th FS,
4th FG, Debden, UK, 1945
• 44-11631/MX-V Etta Jeanne II, 82nd
FS, 78th FG, Duxford, UK, 1945
• 44-11471/192 Little Joe, 11th FRS,
23rd FG, Cheng Kung, China, 1945
• 44-12539/66 Sigh!, 6th FS, 1st Air
Cdo Gp, Asansol, India, 1945
• 44-12073/100 Sunshine, 348th FG,
le Shima Island, July 1945

FORK-TAIL AND DOUBLE CHINS

Hawker Tempest Mk.V Series 1
By: KP Scale: 1/72
Item no: KPM0221 Price: €12.99
Web: www.kovozavody.cz
This newly tooled offering from
KP is the first of two 1/72 kits (the
other being Airfix’s – see News,
p6) released in 2021. Comprising
three styrene runners (with one
frame for the clear parts), it has a
modular design with a separate
engine cowling section (allowing
for a Mk.II variant later this year).
Exterior detail is in the form of finely
engraved panel lines, plus rivets/
fasteners, with the single-piece

lower wing setting the correct
dihedral angle. There’s a basic
cockpit (sidewall detail is moulded
integrally with the fuselage halves)
and a ‘solid’ floor – the real aircraft
had an open or ‘bottomless’
configuration – and the instrument
panel features raised bezel
surrounds. There are three
markings options, including two
with D-Day identification stripes:
• JN751/R-B, Wg Cdr RP Beaumont,
Newchurch Tempest Wing, 1944
• JN754/SA-A, Flt Lt HN Sweetman,
486 Sqn, Newchurch, 1944
• JN876/RH, AM Sir Roderick Hill,
Langley, USA, 1947

HANDS, FACE, (AIR) SPACE

P-38J Lightning
By: Italeri Scale: 1/72
Item no: 1446 Price: £26.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Italeri is the second firm to re-box
Academy’s 2004-tooled 1/72
P-38J Lightning – a sub-type
notable for engine nacelle ‘chins’
housing repositioned intercooler
radiators. Comprising five frames,
it strikes a strong balance between
detail and simplicity, with exterior
surfaces featuring crisply engraved
panel lines, plus busy cockpit

94 Airfix Model World

and undercarriage bays employ
relatively few parts. Options include
a choice of rocket tubes, bombs
or fuel tanks, plus an open/closed
canopy, as well as four markings
options (note, Italeri has provided
just limited information for these):
• Miss Ann, 7th FG, Little Snoring,
Norfolk, March 1944
• CL-T/T Bambi, 338th FS, 55th FG,
England, January 1944
• 4N-O/O Curly Six, 394th FS, 367th
FG, Clastres, France, October 1944
• Red 134 T Rigor Mortis III, 431st
FS, 475th FG, New Guinea, 1944

Boeing 747-8F Cargolux LX-VCF
‘Facemask’
By: Revell Scale: 1/144
Item no: 03836 Price: £42.49
Web: www.revell.de/en
With facemasks mandatory across
much of the world, airline Cargolux
unveiled a special livery with such
a covering painted over the nose of
one of its Boeing 747-8Fs on August
23, 2020. Revell has followed up
with a limited-edition version of its
1/144 kit of the type featuring the
striking markings, plus an exclusive

branded face covering – as such,
it’s sure to be popular with builders
and collectors alike. While decals
are supplied for the aircraft’s
LX-VCF registration, Cargolux
livery (including large items for the
fuselage, cheatlines and tail) and
‘Not without my mask’ legend, the
covering itself must be painted.
Revell provides useful templates for
its shape, but ensuring alignment
and a perfect tonal match may be
tricky. Furthermore, decals for the
straps must be applied last and
overlapped with other items.

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ON THE SHELF
TRACKED GAUNTLET

TOR-M2/SA-15 Gauntlet
By: Zvezda Scale: 1/35
Item no: 3633 Price: £39.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Strange as it may seem, styrene kits
of surface-to-air missile systems
were rarities until a few years ago,
but Zvezda’s rendering of the latest
TOR variant (SA-15 ‘Gauntlet’) is a
boon for air defence aficionados.
Comprising six styrene runners,
plus separate upper/lower main
hull halves and two pieces of vinyl

mesh, there’s no interior driver/cabin
detail, but the exterior is bursting
with refinement – with convincing
reproductions of the launcher
‘turret’, radar antennas and link-andlength tracks. All parts are moulded
crisply, with minimal seams, and it
can be built in either transport or
firing modes – this extends to the
driver’s window covers. There are
two liveries (although, generic 0-9
vehicle numerals are included):
• White 914, Khmeimim, Syria
• Victory Parade, Moscow, 2017

POWERFUL PUNCH

MOBILE ZWILLINGSOCKEL

Ie.gl.Einheitz-Pkw Kfz. 4 WWII
German Light Anti-Aircraft Vehicle
By: ICM Scale: 1/35
Item no: 35584 Price: £32.80
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Always one to maximise its
toolings, ICM has continued its
range of 1/35 Leichter Gelände
Einheits Personenkraftwagens
(light, all-terrain personnel carriers)
with this Kfz. 4 anti-aircraft version.
It combines four runners common
to all the Ie.gl.Einheits-Pkw kits
with two newly tooled frames,
plus the firm’s Zwillingsockel 36
machine gun, adding a neatly

detailed sub-assembly to the
well-appointed interior. Crisp
suspension and powerplant
sections are also retained but
are invisible if the model is built
as suggested. Despite being a
largely unsuccessful type, the
Ie.gl.Einheits-Pkw is a fascinating
subject – it’s therefore no surprise
ICM is set to issue a set containing
the Kfz. 1, 2 and 4 in the future
(DS3513). Here, the options are:
• WL-102628, Luftwaffe Ground
Units, Greece, 1940
• 77-79362, 1st Pz.Div, Greece, 1941
• WH-144550, 11th Pz.Div,
Eastern Front

ALL-IN-ONE ACHT-ACHT

GTK Boxer A2
By: Dragon Scale: 1/72
Item no: 7680 Price: £19.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Brand new from Dragon is a fresh
1/72 Boxer armoured fighting
vehicle – developed predominantly
in Germany for a range of users,
including upcoming service with
British forces. Considering the
complexity of the firm’s large-scale
kits, this is wonderfully simple –
comprising just two large runners,
plus three duplicated small frames,

96 Airfix Model World

metal axles and vinyl tyres. Slidemoulding has ensured detail is
captured exceptionally well –
despite the simplicity of a two-part
main section, armoured plating,
panel lines, hatches and anti-slip
sections are rendered beautifully.
Conversely, the tyres feature
slightly soft detail and a stark black
tone – the material means this may
be difficult to paint. Just a single
three-colour camouflage scheme
is suggested for a Bundeswehr
vehicle with registration Y-227-009,
but no further information is given.

8.8cm Flak 37 + Sd.Anh. 202
By: Revell Scale: 1/72
Item no: 03325 Price: €16.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
The box title is slightly misleading
(in a good way, though) as there is
more inside than suggested – parts
for an 8.8cm FlaK 37, Sd.Anh. 202
trailer and Kommandogerät 40
rangefinder plus Sd. Ah. 52 trailer. If
Revell had thought to add figures it
would be an instant diorama, but it’s
still a superb kit, boasting plenty of

detail and with the option to portray
all items in either firing or transit
configuration. One downside is the
presence of flash and numerous sink
marks, several of which are in visible
but awkward-to-reach locations.
There are five styrene runners: four
are shared with the previous FlaK 36
release, while a replacement frame
supplies a new gunshield, muzzle
and instrumentation. Markings are
provided for two batteries: a Libyadeployed 15 Panzer Division gun and
an 11 Panzer Division unit in Russia.

KeyModelWorld.com

ON THE SHELF | Military kits

BUMPER BRITISH TRUCK SET
WWII British Trucks
By: ICM Scale: 1/35
Item no: DS3511 Price: £79.80
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Ukrainian firm ICM has made a
name for itself when it comes to
great-value packages, and this
set of three British trucks used
during World War Two is arguably
one of the best – being effectively
a ‘three-for-two’ offering when
compared with the individual kits.
The subjects comprise a WOT
6, WOT 8 and Leyland Retriever
General Service. The parts and
markings are unchanged, but this
bumper set offers military truck
aficionados a wealth of material.
The WOT 6 features eight styrene
runners (including one frame for
the clear parts), four solid vinyl
tyres and a small photo-etched
brass fret. This is the baseline
truck version, with tarpaulin
hoops (but no covering) for the
rear open cargo deck, panelled
sides plus a fully detailed engine

and suspension. Provision for
four ‘flimsies’ is provided on the
underside, along with four of
these fuel containers, while the
cab is a faithful replica. Markings
are supplied for four generic
Olive Green vehicles based in the
European and Far Eastern theatres
of operation.
The WOT 6’s larger cousin, the
WOT 8, comes on nine styrene
runners and – as might be
expected given the truck’s lineage
– it shares six frames with the
WOT 6, with new items for the
shortened chassis, rear cargo deck,
revised cab and a tarpaulin cover
(although the hoops are included
as an option). The modular design
and crisply moulded parts mean
this should be a straightforward
build – although, several of the
more delicate parts exhibit signs of
being bent, due to damage caused
in transit, so modellers may need to
reshape items prior to assembly.
The final vehicle is the Leyland
Retriever, and this comprises eight

FOLLOWING THE ALPHABET

Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.G
Sd.Kfz. 161/1 Early Production
By: Tamiya Scale: 1/35
Item no: 35378 Price: £44.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Following a re-working to
depict an Ausf.F, Tamiya has
again tweaked its 1/35 Panzer
IV to replicate an Ausf.G (early
examples were known as Ausf.
F2) armed with the powerful L/43
7.5cm KwK40 gun. A newly tooled
runner has been added to cater
for this weapon, while lower hull
‘tub’ and link-and-length tracks
are retained from the previous and

KeyModelWorld.com

preceding releases, respectively.
Wire, twine and poly caps are also
supplied to adorn the model. A
grey-toned frame is also included
for five figures (a driver is legless).
The tank crew appear to be in
desert-theatre uniforms, while a
traditionally attired infantryman
riding the vehicle includes an
optional Afrikakorps-style helmet
– as such, these are best suited
to the first of the two markings
options supplied with the kit:
• Red 215, 21st Pz.Div., El Alamein,
North Africa, autumn 1942
• White 613, 12th Pz.Div., northern
Soviet Union, autumn 1942

runners – it’s similar in complexity
to the WOT 6, with a panel-sided
open cargo bed and just the
tarpaulin hoops. As is usual for
ICM trucks, there’s a beautifully
detailed suspension and
powerplant, although, much of this
will be hidden unless modellers
choose to re-work the cabin
parts to allow for an open engine
hatch. The type’s straightforward
structure and simple fittings are

captured faithfully. This would
make for an impressive display –
either solo or with the other two
kits in the set. Two Olive Green
vehicles are catered for in the
decal/paint guide.
As a bonus, there’s a conversion
chart included for ICM’s new paint
range, with matches against AK
Interactive, Tamiya, Humbrol,
Vallejo, Mr. Hobby, Testors, Revell
and Citadel products.

SOVIET RICHES

T-55A Mod. 1970
By: MiniArt Scale: 1/35
Item no: 37094 Price: £64.99
Web: www.miniart-models.com
While there’s no shortage of
offerings depicting the T-55 tank
– particularly from MiniArt – this
Interior Kit from the Ukrainian
firm is arguably one of the most
comprehensive ever released.
Specifically, it caters for the T-55A
Model 1970 sub-variant and
comprises 112 runners plus photoetched metal parts – these provide
incredibly detailed powertrain,
hull compartment, turret interior
(including main weapon breech and

shells) plus DShK machine gun subassemblies. Options include open/
closed hatches, raised/lowered
radiator, plus a range of fittings
specific to the choice of liveries:
• White 441, Soviet Army, late 1970s
•
(12778), Iraqi Army, Kuwait,
1991
• White 219, OKB Bušići, 1st Guards
Bde of HVO Ante Bruno Bušić,
Republic of Croatia Armed Forces,
Kupres, Bosnia, 1990s
• Black AU, Uganda People’s
Defence Force, African Union
Mission in Somalia, 2010s
• White 12C304, 9th Mech Bde
‘Märäşeşi’, Romanian Armed
Forces, Exercise ‘Sabre Guardian’

Airfix Model World 97

ON THE SHELF

ON THE SHELF | Figures

SINAI WARRIORS

Israeli Tank Crew Yom Kippur War
By: MiniArt Scale: 1/35
Item no: 37086 Price: £13
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt’s Israeli Tank crew is
labelled as a ‘Real Characters’
product and while one figure is

BOSTON AUSSIES

CAVALRY CHARGE
identified as being Maj Gen Ariel
Sharon, it’s not clear who the
other three tank crew members
represent. One is a Segen (1st
Lt) vehicle commander, with the
others being a driver and gunner/
loader – these both have their
hands raised in victory salutes,
which may indicate they were
participants in the decisive battle
west of the Suez or this is after
the ceasefire announcement.
Each figure comes on its own
runner, with arms, legs and head
separate from the torso. Poses are
convincing and there’s a welcome
variation in the facial expressions.
Notably, modellers can portray
Maj Gen Sharon as he appeared
in one of two well-known photos
taken during the conflict; in one
he is bare headed and standing
near to the Suez, in the second he
has a head bandage after being
wounded, but is on the western
bank of the Suez (the set may be
intended to replicate that scene).
In all, an excellent package.

Polish Mounted Policeman and
Soviet Soldier, Husynne, East
Poland, 24.09.1939
By: ToRo Model Scale: 1/35
Item no: 35F142 Price: €39
Web: www.toro-model.com.pl
Fought on September 24, 1939,
the Battle of Husynne involved
the Soviet Red Army’s 8th Rifle
Corps fighting a Polish cavalry
unit formed from a march
squadron, mounted police and
chemical defence soldiers, before
the latter group was decimated by
Soviet tanks. This bloody battle is
the subject of ToRo Model’s figure
set, which combines figures of a
running Soviet soldier and Polish
policeman on horseback for less
than the price of the separate
products (35F140 and -141). As
expected, the casting is superb –
notably for the three-piece horse
– though facial expressions are
somewhat cartoonish. The Pole
features a choice of cap or plumeadorned helmet plus a photoetched brass sword.

EARLY JET
JOCKEY
Pilot Me 262 Schwalbe
By: Plus Model Scale: 1/48
Item no: AL4096 Price: €9.36
Web: www.plusmodel.cz

A-20/DB-7V Boston RAAF Crew
By: CMK Scale: 1/72
Item no: F72374 Price: €7.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Intended to accompany Special
Hobby’s 1/72 Havoc/Boston
kits, this set provides two resin
crew figures. Both are wearing
full flying gear: one is depicted
standing while holding a flying
helmet and could be posed on or
near the aircraft, while the second
(which has a separate left arm) is
leaning forward as if conducting
pre-flight checks. Casting is
excellent, with convincing creases
on the flying clothing and welldefined edges to the Mae West
life preservers.

98 Airfix Model World

If there’s one item missing from
many aircraft kits, it’s a pilot
figure, so this gorgeously cast
resin Me 262 ‘jockey’ will be
manna from heaven for anyone
wanting to add to any 1/48
project. The figure is posed
standing, with the left foot resting
on a large box, and is clad in full
flying apparel, as if listening to
a briefing prior to climbing into
the jet. Sculpting and casting
are first-class, with convincing
renderings of everything from
the jacket’s wool/fur
lining to the pilot’s
wings and the zips
on the trousers,
which also have
the characteristic
large thigh
pouches for
maps and other
documents.

MADE OF
STERNER STUFF

WWII German Infantry
By: Airfix Scale: 1/32
Item no: A02702V Price: £9.99
Web: www.airfix.com
Following the return of its smallscale figures under the Vintage
Classics banner, Airfix has provided
further modelling nostalgia by
reissuing the large-scale offerings,
such as this set of 29 1/32 singlepose Wehrmacht soldiers. Unlike
the 1/72 sets, these are moulded
in a dark blue-toned hard styrene,
which will make neatening easier –
particularly as seam lines, flash and
mould-ejection marks are present.
Between the figures, there are eight
poses: two standing firing submachine guns, two standing firing
rifles, two running with rifles, three
crouching firing rifles, two throwing
hand grenades, one cap-wearing
pistol-armed officer plus prone
machine-gunner and companion
with ammunition box. Detail isn’t the
sharpest, but the figures capture the
desired appearance well and are
suitable for a range of uses.

NATIONALIST AIRMEN
WWII China Guomindang AF Pilots
By: ICM Scale: 1/32
Item no: 32115 Price: £12.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Established by the Kuomintang
(alternately spelled Guomindang)
government, the Republic of China
Air Force (ROCAF) was operational
during the Second Sino-Japanese
War and World War
Two. Three of its crew
are the subject of ICM’s
newly tooled 1/32
figures, suitable for use
with the firm’s largescale Polikarpov I-153
and I-16 kits – both of
which feature suitable
markings options –
plus its 1/32 Gladiator
via separately available

decals. There are three beautifully
moulded individuals, two of
which are flight-suited pilots with
parachutes, helmets and goggles,
with the third is an officer in uniform
and a peaked cap. Clothing is
captured superbly, while standing
poses suggest a pre-sorting
briefing, making this set ideal for
producing an easy diorama.

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ON THE SHELF
LEATHERNECK SIX-SHOOTERS
modellers should note these were
actually US Navy Mk.4 Mod 0 twinbarrelled HIPEGs, and not the SUU23s as depicted in the instructions.
There are three decal sheets: one
provides generic stencils plus NAVY
and MARINES legends, national
insignia and intake warning signs,
the second supplies walkways and
(albeit unused) formation lights,
while the third is specific to this
airframe, with unit symbols, identifier
and MODEX number. This set is also
available in 1/48 and 1/32 scales
for US$15 and US$17, respectively.
Airframe details are:
• F-4B, 158378/6/DC, VMFA-122, Da
Nang, Vietnam, 1968

Fans of US Marine Corps units
will be delighted with MILSPEC’s
release of decals for a VMFA-122
Crusaders airframe – one that
gained the moniker of ‘F-4V’ as
the three cannon fit was well-liked
by the squadron’s boss, Col John
Verdi. The aircraft is portrayed as
it appeared in 1968, equipped with
three 20mm gun pods, although

100 Airfix Model World

• Panzer IV Ausf.G, White 200,
Pz.Abt Rhodos, Sturm Div.
Rhodos, 1943
• Sd.Kfz. 250, White A03/334,
Aufklärungs Abt., Sturm Div.
Rhodos, 1943
• StuG III Ausf.F8, Black A, 11th
Luftwaffen Felddivision PanzerJager Abt., Athens, 1943
• StuG III Ausf.G, Black 100, Pz.Abt.
Rhodos, 1943
• Panzer IV Ausf.G, White 700,
Pz.Regt. 1, 1. Pz.Div. Saloniki,
summer 1943
• Kfz. 1 Kübelwagen, WH-1276840,
22. Inf.Div., Crete, 1942-43
• Kfz. 1 Kübelwagen, WH-1276831,
22. Inf.Div., Crete, 1942-43
• StuG III Ausf.F, Pz.Abt. Rhodos,
Sturm Div. Rhodos, 1943

TURBOPROP TRAINER

PURSUIT PIN-UPS

US Army Air Force fighters were
famous for their racy artwork,
and this sheet offers two such
airframes, both flown by 362nd
Fighter Squadron Captain Charles
Weaver during 1944/45. The
first is an early P-51D, with the
original vertical stabiliser, while
the second is a
later sub-type with
a dorsal fin fillet.
The decals are
printed beautifully,
with sharp tonal
demarcations,
notably on the nose
chequers and kill
markings, while the
artwork is rendered
faithfully. National
insignia and some

Balkan 1941-46 Part 4: German
Tanks and AFVs in Greece
By: Star Decals Scale: 1/72
Item no: 72A-1053 Price: US$6.50
Web: www.star-decals.net
Here’s Star Decals’ fourth work on
Balkan-theatre Wehrmacht armour,
catering for a range of types,
including tanks, self-propelled
artillery, half-tracks, armoured
cars and Kübelwagens – all are
Greece-based vehicles. Note that
the markings feature the firm’s
usual matt carrier film:
• Autoblinda AB 41, SS-214081,
SS-Polizei, Pz.Gren.Div, Northern
Greece, 1941
• StuH 42 Ausf.H, Black 116, Pz.Abt.
Rhodos, 1943

F-4B VMFA-122 Crusaders Da Nang
By: MILSPEC Scale: 1/72
Item no: MS72-052 Price: US$13
Web: www.milspecdecals.com

P-51D Mustang
By: Kits-World Scale: 1/72
Item no: KW172050 Price: £7.50
Web: www.www.kits-world.com

BALKAN INVADERS

airframe stencils are included,
although modellers will need the
kit decals for the remainder. Wing
stripes are supplied for the 1944
aircraft, but the D-Day stripes must
be masked and painted. This set
is also available in 1/48 and 1/32
scales and the two options are:
• 413691/G4-A Passion Wagon,
362nd FS, 357th FG, RAF
Leiston, 1944
• 472199/G4-A, 362nd FS, 357th
FG, RAF Leiston, April 1945

Jetstream Collection
By: Xtradecal Scale: 1/72
Item no: X72327 Price: £8.99
Web: www.hannants.co.uk
Although it may be suitable for
Airfix’s recently re-released 1/72
Handley-Page Jetstream, it seems
Xtradecal’s collection of aftermarket
decal options is intended for
Amodel/Sova-M offerings.
Primarily, this is because of the
need to use stencils and, in some
cases, different components
from the ′donor kit’. Furthermore,
the selection includes different
sub-types:
• T.2, XX478/564/CU64, 750 NAS,
RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall, 2009
• 32EP, HS-DCA, Thailand Dept
of Civil Aviation, Bangkok Don
Muang Airport, Thailand, 2016
• T.2, XX490/570/CU70, 750 NAS,
RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall, July
30, 1980
• T.2. XX475, Defence Evaluation
& Research Agency, Royal
International Air Tattoo, RAF
Cottesmore, Rutland,

July 22-23, 2000
• T.1, XX495/C, 45 Sqn, MultiEngined Training Sqn (METS),
No. 6 Flying Training School, RAF
Finningley, South Yorkshire, 1994
• T.2, XX490/876, Escuadrón
Antisubmarino y Exploracion,
Aviacíon Naval Uruguaya, La
Paloma, Laguna del Sauce,
Uruguay, 2017

KeyModelWorld.com

ON THE SHELF | Decal sheets

ARCHIPELAGO AIRFRAMES

BOLD PLUMAGE

Hawk 75 (P-36)
By: LPS Hobby Scale: 1/72
Item no: LPM-72-33 Price: £13.99
Email: lpsi1973@yahoo.com.br

Indonesian Serials
By: Bright Spark Decals Scale: 1/72
Item no: BS.9B Price: £5
Email: ma_burton@hotmail.com
Asian subjects tend to be
poorly served from a modelling
perspective, but Bright Spark’s
Indonesian Serials set seeks to
redress this market imbalance.
It’s intended to complement two
other products from the firm –
BS.9 Indonesian Insignia and
BS.9A Indonesian Titles – and
supplies serials and unit codes in
several different sizes and colours,
along with bonus markings for

the second C-47 to serve in the
Indonesian Air Force. Guidance
on serial prefixes is included for
68 different aircraft and helicopter
types as operated by the Indonesian
Army, Navy and Air Force.
All numerals are well printed, and
the yellow items appear to have
strong opacity, which should
prevent the underlying tones
‘bleeding’ through. Modellers
should note that BS.9B is inkjet
printed onto a single sheet of carrier
film, so it will require a protective
application of gloss acrylic varnish
before being used, and each item
will require cutting individually.

Fans of the Curtiss P-36 Hawk
will undoubtedly be aware of
LPS Hobby, as the Brazilian firm
is something of a specialist for
the type; here, it caters for its
home country and a Norwegian
airframe in 1/72. The latter is part
of a batch ordered by the exiled
wartime government – despite
LPS suggesting it reached Norway,
it was likely used for training in

Canada before being returned to
US forces. Furthermore, it is a latemodel Hawk with square cowling
– its H-75A-8 designation was
changed to P-36G when returned
to US operation – so is markedly
different to the Brazilian P-36A with
round cowling and machine gun
‘blisters’. The aluminium and Olive
Green/Gray machines feature bright
red/white/blue and green/yellow
national insignia, respectively:
• H-75A-8, Black 444, Norwegian
Army Air Service, 1941
• P-36A, FAB 03, Brazilian
Air Force, 1943

EIGHT-WHEEL WOLVERINE

LOW-COST CANADIAN
Boeing 787-900 WestJet
By: V1 Decals Scale: 1/144
Item no: V1D0500 Price: US$20
Web: www.v1decals.com
Recommended for use with
Zvezda’s same-scale kit, V1 Decals’
aftermarket set provides for one
of Canadian airline WestJet’s
Boeing 787-900 Dreamliners. The
airframe in question wears the
‘new’ scheme, though as it had
only been delivered in 2019, it had
not actually been
seen in any other
livery. Decals
are supplied for
the tail markings
(stylised versions
of the company’s
maple leaf logo)
plus operator
legend, windows,
doors and some
stencilling – there
are no register

KeyModelWorld.com

issues and tones are bold. Note
that modellers will need to paint
a bold blue section over the rear
fuselage, tail and engine nacelle
undersides – no paint shade is
given for this – furthermore, while
gloss carrier film should avert
silvering issues, it is continuous, so
each individual decal will require
careful cutting.
The airframe depicted is:
• C-GUDH Clive Beddoe, WestJet,
2019-present

Polish APC Rosomak vol.4
By: ToRo Model Scale: 1/35
Item no: 35D60 Price: €10
Web: www.toro-model.com.pl
ToRo Model’s fourth set for the
indigenous Polish Rosomak
(wolverine) armoured personnel
carrier – and intended for IBG’s
excellent same-scale kits – provides
a mix of home-based and deployed
machines. The latter are either
M1M variants clad with mesh-type
anti-RPG screens or M2/M3 OSS-D
open turreted versions with either a
grenade launcher or heavy machine
gun. All items are printed beautifully
and the tonal boundaries are well
defined, with excellent opacity on
the red and white decals. A convoy

warning sign is included for the final
scheme. The painting/placement
guide is in black and white, but a
full-colour version is available on
the firm’s website. There are eight
markings options:
• UB02438/White F01, 17th Mech
Inf Bde
• UB02062/Black 2/White 0821,
17th Mech Inf Bde
• UB02210, 17th Mech Inf Bde
• M1M, UB02277/Black 12 Shark,
Polish TF, Afghanistan, 2012
• OSS-D Turret, UB02116
• OSS-D Turret, UB02180, Polish TF,
Afghanistan, 2012
• M1M, Grey 5, Polish TF,
Afghanistan, 2012
• M1M, Rats, Polish TF,
Afghanistan, 2012

Airfix Model World 101

ON THE SHELF

ON THE SHELF | Decal sheets

TONKIN ‘TOOMS

F-4B Navy
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48
Item no: D48093 Price: £8.25
Web: www.eduard.com

insignia are supplied; these last
items have duplicates for airframes
with folded wings. Choices are:
• 151478/1478/211/AG, VF-84 ‘Jolly
Rogers’, USS Independence, Gulf of
Tonkin, 1965
• 153020/3020/204/NG, VF092
‘Silver Kings’, USS Enterprise, Gulf
of Tonkin, 1968
• 148417/8417/121/NJ, VF-121
‘Pacemakers’, NAS Miramar, 18964
• 149461/9461/212/AB, VF-32
‘Swordsmen’, USS John F
Kennedy, 1972
• 163018/3018/205/NH, VF-114
‘Aardvarks’, USS Kitty Hawk, Gulf of
Tonkin, 1968

Designed to fit Tamiya’s recent
1/48 F-4B Phantom, Eduard’s F-4B
Navy set is superb value for money,
with markings for five airframes on
three sheets. There’s a great mix of
subjects, with well-known (VF-84)
examples alongside less common
ones (VF-121). It’s intended to be
used with the firm’s own stencil set,
although the kit decals are a readily
available alternative. Colours and
demarcations are printed crisply,
with strong tonal density throughout.
Walkway, NAVY legend and national

While it may be on its third set of
Air National Guard P-51 Mustang
decals, Iliad Design’s first batch

102 Airfix Model World

Cebu Pacific DC-9
By: Decales Global Scale: 1/144
Item no: DG-14791 Price: US$9
Web: www.joydecals.com
Modellers seeking an unusual
livery for their DC-9 airliners may
want to consider Decales Global’s
striking scheme for a Cebu Pacific
airframe. As with its other releases,
all items are printed on to a single
sheet of gloss carrier film, so each
item must be cut separately before
being applied to the model. All
colours are replicated accurately,

with vibrant
tones for the
airline’s green
and blue livery.
The windscreen
and passenger
windows are
printed as ‘solid’
items, and the latter are part of a
large decal for each side of the
fuselage that stretches from the
nose entry hatch to just ahead
of the engine nacelles, although
it’s possible to split it into two or
more sections for ease of handling.
Of note, the underside cargo
hatches are not provided, so these
must be sourced from the kit.
Serials are supplied for a specific
airframe, RP-C1545, but there are
also generic numerals to allow
modellers to build any of the DC-9s
operated by Cebu Pacific.

CENTCOM VAMPIRE EAGLES
F-15C 44th FS Vampire Bats
By: Two Bobs Scale: 1/48
Item no: 48-271 Price: US$16
Web: www.twobobs.net

INITIAL GUARD COLLECTION
Air National Guard Mustangs
By: Iliad Design Scale: 1/48
Item no: 48024 Price: US$16
Web: www.iliad-design.com

BUDGET-PRICE CARRIER

of markings for such subjects
is available via the company’s
website and is a great option for
quarter-scale P-51D kits with a tail
fillet. It provides for four natural
metal-finished airframes, each
with an Olive Drab anti-glare panel
– National Guard (NG) insignia
replace national markings on all bar
one, with these plus spinner and tail
additions adding welcome colour.
The decals are printed superbly,
with tones appearing strong, no
register issues and a glossy carrier
film – note a small correction sheet
is included (not shown). The four
markings schemes depict:
• 44-72952/ARK-NG, Maj HH Kirby,
CO 154th FS, Arkansas NG,
late 1946
• 44-73205/MO-NG/3, 110th FS,
Missouri NG, late 1946-early 1947
• 44-73564/SD-NG, 175th FS, South
Dakota NG, summer 1947
• 45-11349/IND-NG/B4, 113th FS,
Indiana NG, 1949

Upon deployment to the United
States Central Command
(CENTCOM) area of operations,
the 44th Fighter Squadron
(known officially as ‘Vampires’
and commonly as ‘Vampire Bats’)
applied striking artwork to its F-15
Eagles. Two Bobs has replicated 12
such F-15Cs, with the bright nose
adornments adding greatly to the
overall grey liveries. Distinct decals
are supplied to suit Hasegawa

or Great Wall Hobby kits, while
helpful notes identify formation light
distinctions plus variation in the
placement of squadron insignia.
The jets featured are:
• 81-0031/ZZ MONEY
• 81-0038/ZZ War Machine
• 81-0042/ZZ Cowboy from Hell
• 83-0024/ZZ Thunderkiss
• 83-0034/ZZ Ozzy
• 84-0025/ZZ Eleanor, 18th FW
• 85-0093/ZZ Chaos
• 85-0095/ZZ Black Diamond
• 85-0110/ZZ Night Train
• 85-0114/ZZ The Trooper
• 85-0120/ZZ War Pig
• 85-0121/ZZ Enter Sandman

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Peterborough, PE1 5QA

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-5:00, Sunday 10:30–3:30, closed Monday

Plastic Kits, Tamiya Radio Controlled Cars, Model Railways, Games Workshop & more..

Tel: 01733 895989

e-mail: Trains4U@BTConnect.com

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ON THE SHELF
WIDE MUZZLES

MITTEN MDC

ARCHER’S PANELS

Yak-130 Canopy Detonation Cord
By: Phase Hangar Scale: 1/48
Item no: 148002 Price: US$8
Web: phasehangarresin.com

P-38M Lightning Gun Barrels with
Flash Hiders
By: Master Model Scale: 1/32
Item no: AM-32-088 Price: £5.20
Web: www.master-model.pl
Few styrene gun barrels feature
hollow muzzles, so accessories
such as Master Model’s turned
brass replacements are eagerly
sought – its P-38M Lightning
set is no exception and provides
replacements for the type’s four
.50 cal Brownings and single
20mm cannon. All five feature flash
hiders, which makes for a major
difference from the usual ‘blunt’
items seen on P-38s. Clear and
concise instructions should make
adding these parts straightforward
and there are mounting collars for
Trumpeter kits.

MALLEABLE
STRIPS

Both Zvezda and Kitty Hawk’s
1/48 Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO
nickname Mitten) kits rely on a
moulded representation of the
canopy miniature detonating
cord (MDC), but this neat rubdown decal set from Phase
Hangar makes for a far superior
appearance. Clear guidance is
given as to how this dry transfer
is applied, including a helpful hint
regarding alignment and, being
pre-coloured, all it needs is a
layer of gloss clear varnish to seal
it in position.

DH Hornet Mainwheels with
Smooth Tyres
By: BarracudaCast Scale: 1/72
Item no: BR72443 Price: US$5.50
Web: www.barracudacast.com
Reggiane Re.2005
By: Yahu Models Scale: 1/48
Item no: YMA4888 Price: £3.80
Web: www.yahumodels.com
Equally suitable for either the
Sword or Flying Machines kits, this
pre-printed and pre-assembled
drop-in replacement makes for a
simple yet highly effective cockpit
upgrade. The main instrument
panel comes as a two-piece
ensemble, with a raised section
for the ‘big six’ bezels; the detail is
exquisite, with readable dials and
accurate colours. As a bonus there
is also a pre-painted switch panel,
which comes with pre-printed
acetate dials that are inserted
between the metal item and
fuselage side.

While most modellers are familiar
with round cross-section lead
wire, ASK Distribution has taken
this one step further and now
includes flat-profile versions –
these 1mm wide items are ideal
for making backpack straps,
seat harnesses and even gun
slings. There are ten 140mm-long
strips in each pack, so these are
sufficient for multiple figures/kits,
while the material’s malleable
nature makes then easy to shape
to fit. As they are lead products,
modellers are advised to wear
gloves while handling them.

104 Airfix Model World

Suitable for kits as diverse as AZ
Models’ recent tooling, Special
Hobby’s limited-run offerings
and Frog’s vintage styrene,
BarracudaCast’s resin wheels are
the perfect upgrade for any 1/72
de Havilland Hornet model. These
are smooth tyre-shod examples
(block tread versions are also
available as 72444), with
four-spoke wheels and raised
(though very minute) sidewall
legends. Removal from the
casting block is simple, and this
will leave a convincing weighted
flat-spot at the bottom of
each wheel.

LOW-FLAME
NOZZLES
CENTRELINE
BEEPS
AN/ALQ-99 Pod Low Band
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48
Item no: 648552 Price: £6.31
Web: www.eduard.com

Lead Wire Flat 0.3 x 1mm
By: ASK Distribution Scale: N/A
Item no: 200-T0068 Price: €2.70
Web: www.artscale.eu

STINGING INSECT
FEET

At first glance, the electronic
countermeasures pods carried
by EA-6B and EA-18G may all
look alike, but different frequency
ranges mean slight tweaks to the
shape. Eduard’s Low Band unit,
intended for the aircraft’s centreline
(a resin pylon is included) comes
as a single-piece main body and
features the deeper ‘bell-shaped’
cross-section along with a choice of
nose vanes – either the earlier fourbladed or later circular types. This
would make a great addition to any
1/48 Growler or Prowler.

FIFTY-CAL

Beaufighter Mk.21 Hedgehog
Flame Dampener Exhausts
By: CMK Scale: 1/48
Item no: Q48387 Price: €7
Web: www.cmkkits.com
The exhausts on Beaufighter
engines were well known for
their spiky appearance, being
commonly called ‘hedgehogs’
– there were different types
used by Australian and Britishbuilt machines, and these are
the former, intended for Revell’s
kits. They are simple drop-in
replacements, with separate
exhaust pipes and end caps, but
the quality is superb, notably the
hollow nozzles for each ‘spike’,
and these will make a significant
improvement to any 1/48
Beaufighter model.

M2 Browning
By: Eduard Scale: 1/35
Item no: 635001 Price: £3.65
Web: www.eduard.com
Here’s the ideal upgrade for a World
War Two Allied tank, jeep or halftrack, in the shape of Eduard’s
splendid five-piece .50 cal M2
Browning machine gun. The main
breech and barrel come as a single
component, onto which a resin
cocking lever plus photo-etched
(PE) brass barrel changing handle
and trigger are attached – spares
of the PE items are included. The
casting is excellent, with crisply
defined cooling jacket openings and
ammunition feed – all it needs
is a belt of ammunition.

KeyModelWorld.com

ON THE SHELF | Accessories

PERFECT CIRCLES
Circular Masking Stickers 4.8-6mm
By: HIQ Parts Scale: N/A
Item no: CMS-L-MSK 200
Price: £2.95
Web: www.premiumhobbies.co.uk
Modellers looking to cover circular
windows/openings may want to
consider HIQ’s quality masks.
These thin, pre-cut circles come in
seven sizes
(with 0.2mm
diameter
increments)
between
4.8mm and
6mm. These
will be helpful
for any project
and can also
be used to set
curved colour
demarcations.

DON’T BE
CARELESS

SCOOTER
SUPPLEMENT

Tupolev Tu-154M
By: BOA Decals Scale: 1/144
Item no: EX14419 Price: €10.50
Web: www.boadecals.com
A re-issued version of parts first
produced by Extratech, BOA
Decals’s photo-etched upgrade
for Zvezda’s 1/144 Tupolev
Tu-154M Careless comprises a
single fret. It contains a wealth of
improvements for the type’s three
engines, including compressor
fans, jet nozzle surrounds and
nacelle facings, undercarriage
and associated bays. On the
airliner’s nose, there are new
windscreen wipers and delicate
antennas – as may be expected,
careful bending is required.

FISHBED
INSTRUMENTS

TACTICAL TARGET
BUSTER

A-4F
By: Eduard Scale: 1/72
Item no: 73706 Price: £13.71
Web: www.eduard.com
Having catered for the type in
1/48, Hobby Boss scaled down its
Douglas A-4 kits to 1/72 and Eduard
has now produced an enhancement
set for the smaller scale. There
are two photo-etched frets – the
smaller of these is a pre-coloured
steel example, which provides for
the cockpit interior with a twopiece instrument display, side
consoles, seat sides, harnesses
and ejection-firing handle. A larger
set of brass components supplies
detailed elements to enhance the
undercarriage struts and bays,
weapon hardpoints, jet nozzle and
fuselage panels – there’s even a
delicate crew-entry ladder.

MiG-21MF Löök
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48
Item no: 644048 Price: £5.40
Web: www.eduard.com
Modellers wanting a highly
detailed cockpit for their Eduard
1/48 MiG-21MF who don’t want
to use photo-etched (PE) metal
or decals to achieve their aims
will find the firm’s Löök product
ideal, as the main panel comes
as a single pre-painted item
that’s bursting with refinement.
The lower console is separate
and there’s a neat backing plate
that acts as a mount for both.
One advantage this set has over
Eduard’s PE equivalents is it
includes pre-painted ejection seat
belts and firing handles.

KeyModelWorld.com

Checkpoint
By: MiniArt Scale: 1/35
Item no: 35562 Price: £16.99
Web: www.miniart-models.com
Diorama specialist MiniArt
has added another 1/35 set to
its range that will be popular:
a continental-style border
checkpoint, with a road barrier,
sheltering hut, sandbagged
area and roadsigns. The set
comprises 13 styrene runners
(one is clear) plus a set of decals
for the direction indicators –
these feature German text. Detail
is exceptional – the hut has a
refined wood-style texture plus a
five-piece chair, telephone/radio
set-up and a gas-powered lamp
to position inside and draw the
eye. As such, this is a great option
for anyone producing a World
War Two occupied-Europe scene.

BAYERISCHE
BOOTS
LIGHTS, CAMERA...

AGM-65 Maverick
By: Eduard Scale: 1/32
Item no: 632146 Price: £6.28
Web: www.eduard.com
Despite a similar appearance to
AIM-4 Falcon and AIM-54 Phoenix
air-to-air munitions, the AGM-65
Maverick is an air-to-ground missile
and these close-support weapons
are the subject of Eduard’s 1/32
Brassin set. This provides a pair of
missiles and associated mounting
hardpoints – the former are a threepiece resin construction with a
choice of nose fittings, while the
pylons are a further cast component.
Detail is superb, with raised rivets,
engraved panel lines and beautifully
fine fins apparent on the main
section of each munition. Decals
are supplied for the hardpoints plus
specific items are suggested for
AGM-65B, D, E and H variants.

BARRIER BLOCKER

Cameras & Tripods
By: Shelf Oddity Scale: 1/144
Item no: SO514410 Price: €8
Web: www.shelfoddity.com
Bf 109E/F Main Wheels with
Ribbed Tyres
By: BarracudaCast Scale: 1/72
Item no: BR72438 Price: US$5.50
Web: www.barracudacast.com
With the recent deluge of early
1/72 Bf 109 kits, Barracuda’s
beautifully cast resin replacement
wheels with ribbed tyres will be
popular upgrades. These are
drop-in replacements for the kit
parts, but boast superior detail,
including manufacturer’s legend
and data on the sidewalls, plus a
delicate recessed ribbed tread,
with no annoying mould seam
to remove. Casting stubs are
positioned at the base of the tyre,
although there is no ‘weighted’
bulge as early-war aircraft often
operated from grass strips.

Airliner-scale diorama fans will
appreciate this photo-etched
brass set from Shelf Oddity, which
provides tripods and cameras for
professional photographers from the
1930s-1960s. There are three types
of each, with increasing complexity
on the stands, and clear guidance on
their construction is supplied in the
instructions, which are available via
the firm’s website. Camera types are
Rolleiflex/Rolleicord or Yashica TLR,
4x5in Press camera with flash gun
and an 8x10in large-format version.

Airfix Model World 105

ON THE SHELF
PINCHED FROM
PANTHER

ON THE SHELF | Accessories

TONY WHEEL
WELLS

TOMCAT TREATS

Sagged Wheels set with VI-203
Tyres (Late Type)
By: Arkona Miniatures Scale: 1/72
Item no: AMB72004 Price: US$17
Web: www.facebook.com/
arkonaminiatures/

Ki-61 Id Hien
By: DEAD Design Models
Scale: 1/72 Item no: UC72 001
Price: €4.51 Web: www.
deaddesignmodels.com

T-34 Makeshift Track Wheel
(From Panther)
By: CMK Scale: 1/48
Item no: 8061 Price: €7.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Here’s a neat addition for any 1/48
T-34 (although designed for Tamiya’s
kit) in the shape of a Panther tank
road wheel, as Soviet crews often
‘acquired’ such items from captured/
destroyed German tanks. Just a
single example is provided and this
comes in three parts: inner/outer
wheels and a connecting tube.
The casting is excellent, and the
only preparation needed before
assembly is to remove flash from
the inner attachment opening and to
tidy any pour stub residue.

EARLY DONKEY
DIALS

DEAD Design’s vinyl masks are
becoming very popular, especially
those for undercarriage bays,
as this eases the painting of a
model’s undersides considerably.
This particular offering is
designed to fit the Tamiya Ki-61
Hien (Allied nickname ‘Tony’)
kit and provides pre-cut covers
for the wheel wells and wing
walkways; the material is tough
yet fairly flexible, and can be used
multiple times (unlike the Kabukistyle equivalents which can be
easily damaged).

THUNDEROUS
KERRY
Kh-23M Missiles
By: Eduard Scale: 1/48
Item no: 648501 Price: £6.28
Web: www.eduard.com

I-16 Early Type
By: Yahu Models Scale: 1/48
Item no: YMA4872 Price: £3.80
Web: www.yahumodels.com
Adding an instrument panel
with convincing recessed relief
and glossy dial faces to 1/48
Polikarpov I-16 models has
become easier thanks to Yahu’s
photo-etched pre-painted part.
This is a drop-in replacement
for styrene panels and requires
no assembly or decoration prior
to fitting – shape guides are
supplied for Eduard, ICM and
Academy kits, but there appear to
be no distinctions between them.
The facings are arranged for an
early-style cockpit – a separately
available late panel (YMA4874)
features a different layout.

106 Airfix Model World

Known to NATO as the AS-7 Kerry,
the Zvezda Kh-23 Grom (thunder)
missile was developed from the
preceding Kh-66 and further
improved into the Kh-23M version,
as replicated by Eduard’s Brassin
set in quarter scale. The package
contains 14 cast components plus
a pair of photo-etched brass parts
and decals – a rear section and
separate finlets are added to a long
main section, while the launch rail
features the metal additions before
both sections are joined. Stencils
are supplied for these elements,
but unusually for a recent Eduard
product, the markings instructions
are black-and-white.

RUSSIAN RUBBER

F-14A
By: Eduard Scale: 1/72
Item no: 73707 Price: £11.77
Web: www.eduard.com
It’s the turn of Academy’s newly
tooled F-14A to get the Eduard
treatment, and this interior set
provides a plethora of goodies for
the cockpit and canopy. The ejection
seats receive full harnesses along
with firing handles (upper and
lower) and placards, while the kit
instrument panels have replacement
pre-painted dials and displays – the
side consoles are similarly benefited.
Note, this is for a non-LANTIRN
modded airframe, so has the circular
display in the rear cockpit. The
highlight is arguably the canopy
embellishment, with full locking
mechanism and mirrors provided.

ENTER IF YOU
DARE…

F7U Cutlass Ladder
By: Brengun Scale: 1/72
Item no: BRL72191 Price: €6.47
Web: www.brengun.cz
Given the accident rates
associated with operating the
Vought F7U Cutlass, climbing
into its cockpit may be risky;
however, for modellers wishing
their 1/72 crews to have the
option, Brengun has produced
this photo-etched entry ladder for
the type. It’s a simple two-piece
representation, which requires the
components to be cut from the
small fret, one bent and the other
attached (the separate piece
is part of the bracing section).
Insignia Red (FS 33136) or Orange
Yellow (FS 33538) are suggested
shades for painting.

Russian firm Arkona Miniatures
has produced a set of superb
resin wheels designed to fit
Zvezda’s SS-26 ‘Stone’ and S-400
‘Triumf’ kits, with these upgrade
parts featuring a convincing
weighted flat-spot. There are
eight tyres with separate hubs –
this arrangement eases painting
considerably – and the detail
is superb; the heavy chevronshaped tread is captured sharply
while exceptionally fine sidewall
lettering and labelling is apparent
on both sides. Similarly, the hubs
feature convincing depth, with the
bolts and intricate outer pattern
represented by raised relief.

MARTIN’S MEDIUM
B-26 Marauder Upgrade Set
By: Eduard Scale: 1/72
Item no: 72703 Price: £11.77
Web: www.eduard.com
Eduard has recently produced a
photo-etched (PE) detailing set
for its 1/72 Martin B-26 Marauder,
but as this is a re-boxing of the
Hasegawa kit, the package is
also suitable for those with such
offerings in the stash. Parts are held
on an undecorated brass fret and
include a new floor hatch, seating
elements and a window surround
for the interior, undercarriage bay
door liners, bulkheads for the
openings themselves plus several
other external fittings. Note, this set
is distinct from the PE in Eduard’s
limited-edition B-26 release.

KeyModelWorld.com

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Technical information,
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Walkaround images, technical
diagrams and wartime photos
Colour side views and schemes
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3D isometric views of all variants
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Specially commissioned kit builds
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1/72 SH72453

1/72 SH72378

AJ-37 Viggen

DH.100 Vampire Mk.3

M72002

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‘European and American Operator s’

Viggen Single Seater Mask

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Bf 109E
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US NAVAL AIR POWER: WEST COAST 2010-20

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Some of the brushes featured are factory seconds
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To see the full list of all Airfix stockists visit

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CHESHIRE

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TYNE & WEAR

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FEBRUARY 2022
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To advertise your details here please contact

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VICTORIA SIMMONDS
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DISPLAY CASE

DISPLAY CASE
1 Airfix Male Tank
World War One tank F41 Fray Bentos
was the subject of Andrew Tempest’s
vignette featuring Airfix’s vintage 1/76
Male. The real vehicle became stuck
after being hit during the Third Battle of
Ypres and its crew were all wounded or
killed while stranded and attempting to
fit the vehicle’s unditching apparatus.
After more than 60 hours, the surviving
crewmembers managed to return to
British lines and were to become the
conflict’s most decorated tank crew.

1

2 Airfix Hawker Hurricane
It’s always great to see
modelling journeys
begin – keen 11-year-old
The next issue of
builder James Whitlow
Airfix Model World
has got into the hobby
(issue 135) will be on
with Airfix’s small-scale
sale in UK shops on
Hurricane, which was
January 12
12.
constructed out of the
box. The choice of offering
just goes to show the enduring
appeal of the Battle of Britain fighter
and the allure of those familiar red boxes!

NEXT
MONTH

A varied selection of bright and beautiful
models comprises this month’s quartet
of reader’s projects

3

2

4

3 Bandai AT-ST
Kinver, South Staffordshire-based
modeller Chris Wright usually tackles
1/72 aircraft, but indulged a desire for
something different and a love of Star
Wars with Bandai’s Return of the Jedi
AT-ST scout walker. Superb fit and crisp
detailing was enhanced with Vallejo
paint, washes and dry-brushing, plus
Tamiya weathering powders, while
scenery was also added.
4 Airfix Tiger Moth and Spitfire Mk.XIV
Two of Airfix’s recent quarter-scale
releases feature bright markings
schemes: the Tiger Moth in Central
Flying School chequerboard livery
and Spencer Flack’s post-war Spitfire
Mk.XIV G-FIRE. These offerings were
both constructed immaculately by Dave
Coward, who also used a photographic
backscene to produce a convincing ‘onground’ appearance.

Feature YOUR Model!
If you’ve recently completed a model
and would like to showcase the build,
let AMW know! Send a high-quality
photo (1MB or larger) of the model
against a white background and
information about the project to:
stuart.fone@keypublishing.com.
Up to four per month will be included
in the magazine, with more featured
online: www.keymodelworld.com.

114 Airfix Model World

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1:72

AVRO VULCAN B.2

A12 0 11
AVRO VULCAN B.2
As the Avro Vulcan entered squadron service
with No.83 Squadron at RAF Waddington in July
1957, Britain now possessed the fastest nuclear
capable bomber in the world. It seems strange
to describe an aircraft which possessed such
potential for untold destruction as Britain’s most
effective peace keeping asset, however, that is
what the Vulcan turned out to be. Throughout the
Cold War, the Warsaw Pact nations were in no
doubt that if they launched an attack against a
NATO member country, the consequences of a
retaliatory strike would be catastrophic. Without
doubt, during the early years of its service career,
nothing represented this doomsday scenario more
effectively than the mighty Avro Vulcan.

VRO VULCAN B.MK.2
The Scampton Wing (Nos 27, 83 and 617 Squadrons), Royal Air Force
Scampton, Lincolnshire, England, 1966. Aircraft currently preserved at the
Newark Air Museum.

Use your smartphone
to find out more!

AVRO VULCAN B.MK.2
No. 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England, 1963. Nose
section now preserved at the Avro Heritage Museum.

Length 450mm Width 470mm Pieces 277

Airfix.com

and all good retail stockists

Start as you mean to finish
Official Product

2021 Show
Supplement

Senior National Champion:
Little Joey by David Scott

Scale ModelWorld 2021

TELFORD TRIUMPH
Following a COVID-19 enforced
hiatus in 2020, the International
Plastic Modellers’ Society
(IPMS) UK annual show, Scale
ModelWorld, made a triumphant
return on November 13-14, 2021.
While the event was held at its
traditional home of the Telford
International Centre in Shropshire
this year, there were a number
of changes to the event’s
usual format. Despite this, the
organisation by the IPMS (UK)
team was superb, particularly
regarding set-up and entry.
The limited number of exhibitors
this year meant there were only

2 Scale ModelWorld Supplement

two halls rather than three,
and these also hosted the
world-famous competition (see
p7-10). The latter’s new location
was appealing as it allowed a
continuation of displays from the
clubs and Special Interest Groups
(SIG) around a 60th anniversary
celebration of the Dassault
Mirage and into the competitive
area. The length of time that has
elapsed since the 2019 event
ensured there was a vast array of
new creations in all these areas.
Several companies were unable
to attend – most notably, Airfix
– which meant there was no

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News

kits was one of the most visited
elements of the entire weekend
and plenty of constructed
examples were also scattered
across the club tables.
Albion Alloys acts as the UK
distributor for Dora Wings kits
and revealed the progress
that the firm has made with its
upcoming Vultee Vengeance kits
in 1/48 and 1/72, quarter-scale
Curtiss-Wright SNC-1 Falcon II
and 1/72 Republic P-43 Lancer.
Pre-production parts from Border
Models’ upcoming 1/32 Avro
Lancaster were also on display.
Tiger Hobbies has expanded its
product range to include Infinity
Models and Rye Field Models,
with the notable presence of the
former’s 1/32 SB2C-4 Helldiver
(INF3201) and latter’s 1/35
Challenger 2 (5026). The retailer
has also acted as a distributor for
Hobby 2000, with a re-boxing
of the Revell-tooled 1/32 Spitfire
(32002) and announcement of
Hasegawa’s 1/48 Harrier GR.7/9
being re-packaged by the firm;
this is due by late February 2022.
Frome Model Centre was
popular thanks to the recent
toolings it brought to sell at the
‘big reveal’ of any particular kit
or product. Instead, AMW was
privileged to host pre-production
runners and a part-completed
test-shot of the upcoming Hawker
Tempest Mk.V (A02109) on its
stand. A selection of coverbuild models from the Margate
firm were also exhibited at the
magazine’s booth, including
the newly tooled 1/48 DHC-1
Chipmunk (A04105), 1/35
Cromwell tank (A1373) and 1/72
Bristol Beaufort (A0421). Members
of Airfix’s team were unable to
resist the draw of attending as
visitors – most notably, designer
Paramjit was recognised by
many who had recently watched
Hornby: A Model World when it
was broadcast on Yesterday, a
UKTV channel.
Further samples were displayed
from companies that couldn’t
attend, including the new 1/48
OV-10A Bronco (48300) from
Ukrainian firm ICM and Tamiya’s
quarter-scale F-14A Tomcat
carrier launch set courtesy of
The Hobby Company. Runners

KeyModelWorld.com

show. These included FineMolds’
1/72 F-4C Phantom II (for which
it is the UK distributor), a 1/35
5.5cm FlaK VG2 Gerät 58 from
German company 16.02, plus
Suyata armour, scenic and
science-fiction products.
There were no representatives
of the New Zealand-based firm
Kotare at the show. However,
the newly formed company had
a stand containing information
about its upcoming 1/32
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia, which
is set for a late-2022 release.
While it may not have been
a ‘usual’ Telford experience,
2021’s SMW was a well-attended
and successful event – thanks
must go to IPMS for organising
the show. Modellers were
exceptionally grateful for the
chance to get back out on the
circuit again, and the standard
of building work was just as
exemplary as previous years –
particularly in the competition.
If you missed out on attending
or wish to re-live the proceedings,
you can watch our video covering
all aspects of the show at: https://
www.keymodelworld.com/
scalemodelworld2021

and decals from both offerings
inspired numerous purchases on
the trade stands.
Bachmann Europe was one
manufacturer with an official
presence, where recently
released and upcoming products
from Takom, Suyata and Hong
Kong Models (HK) catching
many modeller’s eyes. Displayed
alongside the test-shots for HK’s
1/32 Lancaster, the Adventures
in Plastic range of Thunderbirds

Scale ModelWorld Supplement 3

Scale ModelWorld 2021

IPMS Warrington’s Roy Sharnock recreated an 809 NAS Sea Venom as it
appeared on HMS Albion during the Suez Crisis using the Matchbox/Revell 1/32
Sea Venom and a mix of kit and aftermarket/home-made decals

This novel method of displaying Airfix’s 1/72 Spitfire was developed by Mark
Jobling – the kits were purchased from Aldi and had parts rearranged on the
runners, notably the canopy and figure, which were rotated to face the viewer
One of the most fun elements of this year’s event was the tongue-in-cheek
displays – Andy Trewin used 3D-printed figures and models to construct a
scaled-down impression of the North Somerset Modellers’ Society

IPMS Stafford’s Bryan Phillips added Pinto wheels to his build of Italeri’s
1/12 scale Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 ‘Monza’, but otherwise used kit-supplied
markings to complete the large-scale model

IPMS Tyneside’s Prem Chabior added a beautifully weathered patina to his
Hobby Boss 1/48 Ka-27 Helix, complete with Russian Navy markings and livery
Timothy Pugh added convincing combat damage to the Max Factory/
Plamax 1/350 Cherno Alpha jaegar, portraying it after a battle with a kaiju –
a giant amphibious monster – from the film Pacific Rim

Sadly, the individual who constructed Airfix’s Cutty Sark with dolphins leaping
inside a bottle will remain unknown – the model was discovered in a charity
shop by a member of IPMS West Riding and was displayed on the club stand

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Clubs and Special Interest Groups

Russian Wings + Wheels SIG member Richard Bishop constructed this
impressive and imposing Trumpeter 1/35 4K51 Rubezh with P-15 radar,
completing the model with open missile covers

The MiG SiG table always has several eye-catching models, including this
AA Models 1/48 Pakistani Air Force A-5Q Fantan example, which received a
well-worn finish courtesy of Ian Gaskill

Andrew Redman added a two-tone disruptive camouflage livery to his build
of Airfix’s recent 1/48 de Havilland Chipmunk for an RAF Aldergrove-based
British Army Air Corps airframe
It’s always good to see kits built straight from the box, and Andrew Tomlinson’s
ICM 1/35 Lanz Tractor Mk.I was one of several themed models displayed on the
IPMS Telford/Shropshire Scale Modellers stand
Delighting many a Star Wars fan,
Phil Cocking’s large-scale model
of the AT-AT, Snowspeeder and
the Echo Base shield generator
was a popular exhibit across the
entirety of the SMW weekend

Several figures on the Marvel SIG
stand were 3D-printed items, such as
this beautifully painted Din Djarin and
‘baby Yoda’ by Adrian Reynolds; both
characters being from the Disney+
series The Mandalorian

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Scale ModelWorld Supplement 5

Scale ModelWorld 2021

Clubs and Special Interest Groups

It wasn’t just new kits on display; Andrew Eaton combined Heller’s 1/72
Alouette III with a Whirlybird conversion set to make a Danish Navy airframe,
part of a varied display on the Locate and Cement stand

The International Military Modelling Club’s stand was packed with stunning
figures, such as this beautifully painted example of Andrea Miniature’s 90mm
Son of the Morning Star by Craig Spencer

This superb ’A present for the Kaiser’ diorama drew much attention on the
Great War SIG; Nigel Raynor combined a ResiCAST 1/35 9.2in heavy howitzer
with Model Cellar figures to create this well-configured scene

Although unsuccessful in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Alan Mann racing
Ford GT40 driven by Sir John Whitmore and Frank Gardner made for a striking
model built by West Kent modeller Paul Evans from Magnifier’s 1/12 kit
IPMS West Glamorgan’s Sam Seamer finished Tamiya 1/48 Skyraider using
Esci decals in order to represent a China Lake test airframe and completed
it with a suitable consignment of bombs

Among the many lockdown builds on the IPMS Brampton table was this
splendid Meng 1/48 Me 410A-1 built by Howard Barrett, complete with markings
for a Sicily, Italy-based unit during 1943
‘What-ifs’ are always a popular sight, and Manchester IPMS modeller Neil
Summersfield used digital camouflage masks for a 1/72 MiG-29 on an Academy
1/144 B-1B to create the scheme on this notional Israeli Air Force machine

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Scale ModelWorld 2021

Competition

Peter Castle’s stunning scratch-built 1/18 Hawker Fury was the focus of much attention due to its design and construction,
winning numerous accolades, including the Jan Maes and Albion Alloys Trophies

Tamiya’s 1/24 Porsche 911 Turbo was made to resemble a magazine example
via Ice Green Metallic paint and cream/beige interior. Otherwise, the model was
built out-of-the-box by John Cope, who was awarded a best in class for his work
Michael Papadakis’ magnificent 1/48 Avro C.1 York was a deserved winner in
the Best Aircraft in Show category, and replicated events in 1952 when G-AGJE
was used to fly the British Equestrian Team’s horses to the Helsinki Olympics

KeyModelWorld.com

This class-winning Games Workshop
Blood Angels Standard Bearer featured
fine painting skills from Dave Reynolds,
notably on the standard itself and the
Bearer’s chest plate

Depicting a 1564 Flight helicopter at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands in 1985,
this Sea King was built from Airfix’s 1/72 kit with a CMK engine set plus seat
harnesses and handrails hand made by Glenn Woodruff
Despite its popularity, there were relatively
few Fairey Swordfish models on display
at Telford, but this splendid Airfix 1/72
floatplane version by Garth Nicholson,
which included a separate torpedo
on a handling trolley

Scale ModelWorld Supplement 7

Scale ModelWorld 2021
The 2021 Best Ship
in Show award went
to Steve Newton’s
scratch-built 1/24 16ft
Gaff Cutter, which
featured individual
hull planks and a fully
furnished interior

An extensive list of enhancements to the wheels, tyres, suspension, brakes,
engine and exterior meant Peter Buckingham’s 1/9 Protar BMW Rennsport
picked up Gold in the motorcycles category

‘The Wizard’s Tower’, assembled with great finesse by David Green, was
a definite cross-genre winner, with a distinct fantasy theme as a warrior and
mage defended the building from a marauding blue dragon
The accolade of Best Military Vehicle was awarded to Matthew Farrer’s
ICM 1/35 WOT 6 X-Type Machinery Truck, which benefited from a ResiCAST
conversion set and figure as well as a superbly layered base – the more
you look at it, the more you see!
Who says modelling doesn’t involve recycling? Stephen Hanson’s stunning
Harkonnen Spice Harvester was built from bottles, ping-pong balls and bottle
tops, with more than 600 parts combined to create this Dune inspired machine

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Competition

Hasegawa’s 1/200 Kawasaki C.1 received a flawless metallic finish, while
the accentuated panel lines belied the model's small scale in this lovely
build completed by Alexandre Bigey
A Bronze-winning entry in its class, David Pickford’s vignette featuring
Meng’s 1/35 Pick-Up was enhanced with the addition of a Black Dog update
set, a converted figure and a scratch-built base

In a decidedly different take on Little Red Riding Hood, this E2046 1/6 bust of
Wolf and Girl drew much praise and was awarded a commendation by the judges

Alan Kelly built
Kinetic’s 1/48
FMA IA Pucará
as a test-bed
airframe involved in
qualifying the type
as a torpedo carrier
during the 1982
Falklands conflict,
capturing the
striking red/white
scheme perfectly

Replicating a faded desert paint scheme can be very challenging, but that on
this Eduard 1/72 Spitfire Mk.VIII HF merited a well-deserved commendation

This Amodel 1/72 Mil Mi-1 Moskvitch was built by Alexandre Bigey, who added
scratch-built nose, undercarriage, interior detail, exhaust and fuel tankage and
was rewarded with Best in Class for his efforts

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Scale ModelWorld 2021

Competition

Kinetic’s 1/48 Harriers have been a big favourite with modellers; Alan Kelley’s GR.3 was completed in 20 Squadron
markings with subtle, yet effective weathering applied to the exterior surfaces
Black Heart’s Angelique 1/2 bust was the subject of this entry from Mark Edmondson, adding subtle tonal effects to the
skin and metallic endoskeleton, notably on the cranial ridges, earning it a well-deserved Bronze in its class

William Devins added considerable extra detail to his Hasegawa 1/72 A-24B
Banshee, including drilling, reaming or filing virtually every opening on the
model, before finishing it as a Free French Air Force machine
Mark Chestnutt’s 1er Regiment de Dragon 1810 won Gold in its class, with the
beautifully painted horse and rider placed on a simple, yet effective base
Adventures in Plastic’s re-issuing of the Aoshima/IMAX Thunderbirds kits
has reinvigorated popularity in the subject. Kiran Patel used Aoshima’s 1/1350
Fireflash airliner with Mr. Hobby and Vallejo paints plus a Coastal Kits base

10 Scale ModelWorld Supplement

It wasn’t just the latest offerings that garnered prizes; Garth Nicholson’s Airfix
1/72 Bulldog Mk.IIa used an original 1969 release, albeit with aftermarket decals
in this Bronze-winning submission, which was also awarded the Airfix Trophy

KeyModelWorld.com

Scale ModelWorld 2021

Clubs and Special Interest Groups

The Airliner SIG display included a lovely mix of old and new kits, including
this Airfix 1/144 BAC 1-11 model by Graham Davies, which benefited from
markings by 26 Decals and a commendably smooth finish

The IPMS South Somerset stand featured several humorous builds, such
as this superb piece of conversion work to transform Airfix’s 1/12 Anti-Pesto
van into a Wallace Transmission Facility; the model was complete with antennas,
traffic cones and a deckchair for Gromit

Emhar has produced several versions of its 1/24 Bedford OSB, including
one as a recovery vehicle, built to superb effect as a Brook & Sons Motor
Engineers truck by John Barnefield of IPMS Gloucester
Trumpeter’s 1/72 Il-16 Badger was constructed as an Egyptian Air Force
missile carrier by IPMS Derby City’s Jonathan Stilwell, who added scratch-built
AS-5 Kelt cruise missiles under the wings
IPMS London’s Adrian Constable scratch-built a 1/72 crane barge to
accompany a Revell Junkers F 13. He completed this loading scene with the
addition of a hut and a selection of railway figures

Andy Trewin produced an enjoyable pair of armour models – the Pink Panzer
and Tigger’s Tiger, featuring striking liveries and 3D-printed characters from
The Pink Panther and Winnie the Pooh cartoons

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Scale ModelWorld Supplement 11

Scale ModelWorld 2021

If building one Sea King wasn’t enough, IPMS West Cornwall’s Len Newman decided to construct three Cyber Hobby
and Revell offerings. He employed a degree of kit bashing to create specific variants, before positioning all three in a Noy
Miniatures’ hangar alongside a selection of figures to create this convincing scene
Another eye-catching display on
the Gunpla and Mecha UK SIG Max
stand was this striking Bandai 1/144
GAT-Z131 Calamity Gundam by Findlay
Cruden, completed with cannon shield
and overhead launchers
Originally tooled by Kitmaster, the
1/76 or OO-gauge kit of the Southern
Railway’s Battle of Britain class was
re-boxed by Airfix and then Dapol.
This example depicts the preserved
locomotive 92 Squadron and was built
by IPMS Leicestershire’s Arthur Moffat
Re-issued as part of the Vintage Classics range, Airfix’s 1/144 Handley-Page
HP.42 Heracles was built by Simon Phillipson, who used Arctic Decals markings
to depict a Croydon Airport-based airframe as it appeared during 1938

Recent F1 cars have been poorly served by kit manufacturers – even the Brawn
BGP001, which took Jenson Button to his fairytale 2009 championship, is replicated
in 1/20 by just Studio27’s multi-media offering, built here by Sean Grainger

Recently celebrated by Red Bull Racing’s white ‘Thank you, Honda’ livery, the
carmaker’s RA 272 was the first Japanese car to win an F1 race. Mike Easter’s
model replicated Ronnie Bucknum’s #12 on the Norfolk Scale Model Group display

West Middlesex modeller Mark Inman opened the engine panels on his
Special Hobby 1/32 Hawker Tempest Mk.II to display a splendid resin powerplant,
matching it with a war-weary patina on the camouflage

12 Scale ModelWorld Supplement

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Clubs and Special Interest Groups

Paul Brant added PanzerShop’s House Body conversion set to Trumpeter’s
1/35 Zil-157 truck to create a combat engineer workshop vehicle, posing it on
the Russian Wings + Wheels Wheels SIG with open doors and bonnet

Among the few non-grey/black items on the Sub-Warfare SIG stand was this
OKB Grigorov 1/350 Dolphin-class SSK, which was completed in an unusual
green scheme by Andrew Forbes

Thunderbird’s decals were added to a Tamiya 1/72 Mosquito B.IV by IPMS
Hornchurch’s Ian Brown to create this splendid Don McVicar airframe, which
captured the racing machine’s colours and sheen perfectly
This beautifully built and painted Zvezda 1/75 Santa Maria stood out on the
Wirral IPMS Scale Model Club table, with Dave Keyes adding convincing rigging
detail plus a realistic stained appearance for the hull

Dave Green from the IPMS Plymouth Scale Model Association scratch-built
most of this Western-inspired scene, including the building – which featured a
lovely worn patina – and trees, before adding a blacksmith’s forge and wagon

The IPMS Norfolk Scale Model
Group was one of several clubs to
feature a broad array of modelling
genres and included this superbly
finished sword and shield armed
Warrior figure by member Paddy Allen

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Scale ModelWorld Supplement 13

Scale ModelWorld 2021

The Small Ship Scale Modelling Group featured a varied collection of frigates and destroyers including
this conversion of Atlantic Models’ 1/350 HMS Montgomery into sister ship HMS Salisbury by Ray Molton

It’s banananana…brrrrt time!
John Wilkes painted his RPG Model
1/35 Mk.15 Phalanx with Minion
artwork to emulate a similarly clad
‘cos-play’ CIWS mount
This year’s Mulberry Harbour SIG
display was centred on Arromanches,
with Richard Allen displaying a
Trumpeter 1/350 Liberty ship, the
SS Jeremiah O’Brien, offloading at
one of the many jetties

Simon Mepstead added a Neomega cockpit and wheel wells to his Airfix
1/48 Buccaneer S.2B, which was built as XW987, a Royal Aircraft Establishment
test-bed airframe and was complete with trials cameras
Based on an American sculpted figure, Chelmsford Model Club’s Bob
Lawrence finished this fantasy archer in stunning fashion, from the delicate
hues of the skin to the subtle tonal shifts in the model’s ‘wings’

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Clubs and Special Interest Groups

Most B-58 Hustlers feature a metallic finish, but one was reportedly painted in a
three-tone camouflage, replicated here by Dartmoor IPMS member John Murphy

Kinetic’s 1/48 Pucará is proving very popular, and Dartmoor IPMS modeller
Ian McGonagle has added TwoBobs anniversary scheme decals as a
commemoration of the airframe's 40 years of service
Coventry and Warwickshire IPMS modeller Denis Jones added a personal
touch to his scratch-built bomb disposal scene by including a wall plaque
that featured his own name at the back of the display
Roger Thomas
added photo-etched
and scratch-built detail
to his impressive build
of the Airfix 1/600
HMS Daring, one of
several well-made
models on the Small
Warship SIG table
ALVIS Stalwarts
are usually presented
as general cargo
carriers, so it was
great to see this
UBRE refuelling
variant, built by
Modern British
Armour SIG’s Paul
Crocker from the
Accurate Armour
resin 1/35 kit

Ian Baurley took Zoukei-Mura’s 1/48 J7W1 Shinden and opted for an
‘alternative-history’ narrative by cladding it in German markings and providing
a notional Focke-Wulf Fw 500 designation. The resulting model provoked
a lot of attention on the Bolton IPMS table

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Scale ModelWorld Supplement 15

Junior National Champion:
Belgian Tram by Monty Burton