First attempts and long-term projects come together to form another stunning selection in this month’s reader-submitted model showcase.
Airfix Boulton Paul Defiant
With the 1/48 Defiant from Airfix at its centre, John Lock’s first attempt at producing a diorama is superb. Along with the quarter-scale turret fighter, Redog barrels and crates were used, along with a scratch-built camouflage net and backscene depicting early-war France as a backdrop for the 264 Squadron aircraft.
Meng Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet
An exceptional finish was the result of Australian modeller Peter Trevett’s work on Meng’s 1/48 F/A-18E, which was constructed out-of-the-box. Achieving the dirt-stained appearance involved several coats of grey – including six different shades – chipping through to the black base coat and underlying layers, plus marbling effects.
RyeField Model German Staff Car
Here’s an unusual take on RyeField’s 1/35 Type 82E staff car – utilising the Kübelwagen chassis with a Beetle-style body – in the form of Geoff Playel’s abandoned scene. AMMO-MIG rust was used for the vehicle and oil drum, while Vallejo products were used for the water. Populating the scene are a pair of magpies and two snails!
Hobby Boss Harrier GR.7/9
South Wales-based modeller Brian Palmer spent three years converting the impressive Hobby Boss 1/18 AV- 8B Harrier II to GR.7/9 standard as operated by the RAF. Work involved scratch-building nose and tail sections, major cockpit alterations including a new ejection seat, plus adaptations to the fuselage and mainplane fittings.
MiniArt M3 Lee tank
Despite comprising a daunting 61 runners and a photo-etched brass fret, MiniArt’s 1/35 M3 Lee interior kit was an engaging project for Dan Nunn. Weathering was kept to a minimum – practicing highlighting and oil filters resulted in the convincing appearance inside and out. Taking three months to complete, the kit has inspired Dan to continue with interior kit modelling.
Hong Kong Models Lancaster Nose
Such is the size of Hong Kong Models’ 1/32 Lancaster, just the forward fuselage is bigger than some small-scale aircraft kits in full! Duncan Bower used the firm’s ‘nose art’ set to add a wealth of interior detail, including an Eduard PE set plus three LEDs in the navigator, radio operator and pilot’s positions.
Academy Boeing B-47
Airliner-scale addict Ewe Gen Lim constructed Academy’s 1/144 B-47 in a smart overall Aluminium livery with the nose stripe and ‘remove before flight’ tags adding a welcome splash of colour. Tonal variation across the metallic panels was also apparent for visual interest.
Airfix Avro Vulcan B.2
Following its hotly anticipated release, Ian Surridge constructed Airfix’s newly tooled 1/72 Avro Vulcan with Coastal Kits’ V-bomber hardstanding and backscene, AIM Ground Equipment Sentinel Tugmaster, 60Kva GPU and power plinths plus PJ Productions crew.
Adventures in Plastic Thunderbird 3
The Adventures in Plastic re-boxed range of Aoshima/IMAI Thunderbirds kits has proven popular – as evidenced by Ian Surridge’s rendition of the Thunderbird 3 rocket. Resplendent in its scarlet livery, a Coastal Kits backdrop completes the scene.
Tamiya Jagdpanther
Tamiya’s 1/35 Jagdpanther tank-destroyer was utilised as the centrepiece for another of Ian Surridge’s diorama projects, also featuring Redog barrels and various tank crew and personnel figures.
Airfix P-51 Mustang
Waveney Modeller Rob Cousin rebuilt Airfix’s 1/48 P-51 Mustang as the racing airframe ‘Voodoo’ as operated at Reno, Nevada, USA. Wing roots and the air intake were extended, while tail surfaces were remodelled and the mainplanes had new tips added.
ICM MiG-25
Adding to ICM’s quarter-scale MiG-25 with RES/KIT exhaust components and an Aero Bonus pilot figure, Peter Trevett’s Foxbat is an impressive model. The camouflage was applied freehand using an airbrush, taking several hours of work to complete.
Eduard Messerschmitt Bf 109G
Another out-of-the-box build – this time Eduard’s Bf 109G – received Peter Trevett’s attention, with a homemade base completing an attractive scene. The wooden strips used as a base were lengths of balsa wood stained with various brown shades.
Eduard Messerschmitt Bf 109E Trop and Tamiya Kübelwagen
This lovely quarter-scale diorama was again the work of Australian modeller Peter Trevett, featuring Eduard’s ‘tropicalised’ Bf 109E and Tamiya Kübelwagen plus pilot figures. Spares including jerrycans and small fittings were used to enhance the vehicle.
Large-scale Selection
Trevor Bardell’s set of large-scale build projects includes a P-38 Lightning, C-47 Skytrain, Vought F4U Corsair and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter – the latter two enhanced with the electronics packages produced by Belgian firm Magic Scale Modelling.
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Send a high-quality photo (1MB or larger) of the model against a white background and tell us about any aftermarket products or special techniques. Up to four per month will appear in the magazine, with more online at: www.keymodelworld.com. Email your submissions to: stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
