Display Case – Your Builds Showcased!

This varied selection of reader projects incorporates vintage conversions, the latest toolings, starter sets and inspiration from Airfix Model World... Plus bonus online entries.


Airfix Bristol Beaufort

Airfix’s well-received 1/72 Beaufort torpedo bomber was constructed out-of-the-box by John Swarbrick, finishing the model with Tamiya and Mr. Hobby acrylics. A faded appearance with chipped propellers and mottled exhausts was used to suggest well-worn 217 Squadron airframe L9866/J-MW based at St Eval in Scotland.

Airfix North American Mustang Mk.IV

Starter sets are ideal entry points into the hobby – as proven by Tom Wiernikowski’s build of Airfix’s 1/72 Mustang Mk.IV, depicting a well-known 112 Squadron aircraft. Tamiya acrylics and weathering powders, AMMO-MIG weathering products and rigging plus Winsor & Newton oils and Vallejo varnishes were used to complete the attractive model.

Gecko Models ATMP with Ammo Pallet

Inspired by the build feature in AMW134 (January 2022), Marc Rycarte tackled Gecko Models’ 1/35 replica of the Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) with ammunition loaded on to a pallet. The driver figure is included in the offering and adds welcome context to the lightweight six-wheeler.

​​​​

Airfix Motor Gun Boat Conversion

Pete Stern used Airfix’s Air-Sea Rescue High-Speed Launch as the basis for a splendid conversion to represent an early-war Motor Gun Boat. Airfix’s 1978 tooling represents the Type Two 63ft launch – usefully the same length as British Powerboat Company craft built as anti-submarine boats and converted for motor gun use. Once the heavy armament was added, the 1/72 scale model received 507C Pale Grey overall.

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc

The latest ‘Superkit’ to be added to Airfix’s stable has proven exceptionally popular with modellers, including Ian Surridge, who built the 1/24 Spitfire as EN398/AE-B, flown by Flt Lt Ian Keltie. This is a kit-supplied livery, but the figures, base and backscene were added by the builder.

Italeri Volvo 740 Turbo Conversion

Kryzysztof Szpakowski spent five months converting Italeri’s 1/24 Volvo 760 to replicate the 740 Turbo version – a rare sight from his childhood upbringing in Poland and hence a personal favourite. Representing a well-kept but used auto involved dirtying chassis, rusted exhaust and worn brake discs, plus 18in ‘rims’ were fitted and a polished pale blue finish applied.

Hobby Boss BM-21 Grad

Duncan Baylis found modelling helpful during his battle with cancer, with his latest diorama titled ‘Springtime in Ukraine’. The Hobby Boss 1/72 BM-21 Grad missile launcher was airbrushed with Vallejo paints, vegetation sourced from Green Stuff World and tonal flowers made from crayon material.

Airfix Buffalo and Jeep

Having built the kit as a child, Lim Ewe Gen was tempted to revisit Airfix’s 1/76 Buffalo amphibian and Willys Jeep – an offering noted for being challenging! Machine guns were enhanced while louvres were added to the vehicle’s rear, then the tricky rubber-band tracks were superglued.

Trumpeter Eurofighter Typhoon

Trumpeter’s 1/32 Typhoon was combined with aftermarket decals plus a resin pilot figure, metal undercarriage components and an electronics set to replicate the RAF’s ‘Blackjack’ display aircraft in this build by Duncan Bower. Fitting the constituents into the large-scale model was quite the challenge.

Special Hobby AH-1S Cobra

As the only 1/72 Bell AH-1 Cobra with a kit-supplied opening canopy, Special Hobby’s kit was the perfect option for Lim Ewe Gem to construct out-of-the-box. Fine detail, a range of stores and spare components were hallmarks of the project.

Dream Model AH-1W Super Cobra

Another Cobra built by Lim Ewe Gen involved the Dream Model 1/72 AH-1W – this kit featured superb moulding and a wealth of optional parts but lacked clear instructions. Decals featuring a depiction of New York’s skyline were included in the box.

Hobby Boss AH-1S Cobra

The final Cobra offering constructed by Lim Ewe Gen was the Hobby Boss 1/72 AH-1S, finished in Israeli markings. A simpler kit than the preceding examples, detail including the simplified forward gun was enhanced with scratch-built replacement – in that specific case, a three-barrelled gatling weapon.

IBG Models Cromwell Tank

Returning to the hobby after a two-week break, Lim Ewe Gen built IBG’s 1/72 Cromwell tank in a day, incorporating HäT’s same-scale British Tank Riders for good measure. Finely engraved detail and PE brush guards ensured a buys appearance while the hedgerow cutter was fitted despite not being mentioned in the kit’s instructions.

Ace Model SA-13 Gopher

Ace Models’ 1/72 replica of the 9K35 Strela-10 – known to NATO as the SA-13 Gopher – is a short-run offering featuring a number of issues ranging from non-existent part numbers and flash to misshapen items and poor fit. Lim Ewe Gen nonetheless completed the model, adding stowage and foliage for extra visual interest.


Submit your project!

Want to feature your recently finished project in Airfix Model World? 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 AMW, with more online.  Email your submissions to: stuart.fone@keypublishing.com