DISPLAY CASE

Collaborative construction and putting the detail in the devil make for another superb selection of reader projects.

Airfix Douglas A-4B Skyhawk
This 1/72 A-4B Skyhawk has special meaning for Spanish modellers Román Carbadillo and María Rilo as it was the first model the couple built together. Adding further to the story, the project was used to form a building guide for a two-day event organised for a school in the town of Seixalbo, which attracted seven children younger than 12 years old plus two grandparents older than 80. Perhaps scale modelling is the only hobby that could attract such a group!

Italeri Fiat Mefistofele
Originating from a 1975 Protar tooling, Italeri’s imposing 1/12 scale Fiat Mefistofele racing car (named after the Faustian demon) is an impressive model – not least with the additions made by Suffolk-based builder Laurence Page. Self-adhesive plastic was used to replicate wooden areas, while engine springs were replaced with scratch-built examples and cabling was added to the unit.

Tamiya Barricade and US Soldier
Work from younger modellers continues to impress, with this 1/35 scene constructed by 12-year-old James Whitlow. The armoured barricade and figure were both Tamiya products, but the base was custom-made from thick card, homemade ‘mud’ and Humbrol scatter material – all elements were decorated using traditional hand-painting techniques.

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII
Depicted as if the 41 Squadron airframe was prepared for a sortie with the pilot being helped into the cockpit, Airfix’s quarter-scale Spitfire Mk.XII was constructed by Ian Surridge. Along with the spinning propeller element, Airfix’s ground crew, Redog fuel barrels and a Coastal Kits backscene were used to form the busy vignette.

Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVII
Another Ian Surridge project involved the recent Mk.XVII offering from Airfix, plus the firm's quarter-scale ground crew and equipment, Redog fuel barrels and a Coastal Displays backdrop.

Special Hobby Hawker Tempest Mk.II
Continuing the theme of World War Two-era fighters, Special Hobby's Centaurus-powered Tempest received Ian Surridge's attention, again accompanied by Airfix ground crew and equipment, PJ Productions personnel, Redog fuel containers and a backscene from Coastal Displays.

Airfix Blower Bentley
A recent build completed by Laurence Page concerned the venerable Bentley 4 1/2 Litre 'Blower' - typically painted British Racing Green, an unusual and eye-catching appearance was the result of the blue livery applied via Tamiya acrylic. Electrical wire was used for plug detailing and copper pipe for the steering column.

Italeri Alfa Romeos
Italeri's large-scale Alfa Romeo racing cars were also tackled by the Suffolk-based Laurence Page.

Italeri Westland Wessex HU-5
Aiming to replicate the appearance of Wessex helicopters on the deck of the SS Atlantic Causeway during the Falklands Conflict, Christian Stock paired Italeri's kit with an old H-34 from spares. The former was enhanced with Eduard PE, Scalewarp's folding rotor set and homemade decals, while the latter was wrapped in tissue simulating neoprene; Skunkmodels tow tractor and figures were also modified while the decking itself was scratch-built.

MiniArt European Tramcar
This stunning 1/35 diorama was built by Richard Butler using MiniArt's European Tramcar with Crew and Passengers kit, plus the firm's dedicated base, café furniture, luggage and pigeons sets. Figures were also sourced from the Ukrainian firm's range plus that of the country's Master Box - signage, clock and pantograph elements were hand-made.