Scale Modelling news, reviews, features and more...
DESERT HAULER
Jay Blakemore settles in for the long haul when he takes on Thunder Model’s highly detailed 1/35 Scammell Pioneer SV/2S recovery tractor.
MIXED FORTUNES AT ESTORIL
UPGRADED/EXPANDED: NuNu’s 1/20 McLaren MP4/2C is a stunning package for F1 modellers. Here, CHRIS CLIFFORD expands on our original review, with parts photos, and narrative on the kit’s bespoke Detail-Up set.
WHAT THE ‘DEUCE’?
If you have an F-102 Delta Dagger build planned, you won’t want to miss Detail & Scale’s reference book on the type's colours and markings.
NIGHT RAIDER
David Holmes builds Airfix’s newly tooled 1/72 Mosquito B.XVI out of the box to represent an aircraft from RAF Bomber Command’s Light Night Strike Force.
LATE-WAR MOSQUITOES
IN FOCUS: Although the de Havilland Mosquito was a great success in RAF service from the start during World War Two, it was the two-stage supercharged Merlin engine that proved to be the game changer. Malcolm V Lowe examines why:
SCALE PLANS AND SCHEMES
Reference material can be invaluable for modelling, and these three new Topdrawings books from Kagero will interest aircraft or armour builders… or both if you mix genres.
DAZZLING ‘HUNS’
If you’re not enamoured with the markings in your F-100D Super Sabre kit, three attractive aftermarket schemes are available with Euro Decals’ new release. See the details here.
SUPERCAR, SUPER KIT!
Usually more at home building flying machines, Alan Price tackles Tamiya’s 1/24 McLaren Senna hypercar – whose wings are meant to keep it firmly on the ground!
CONTEMPTOR CRUSHER
Ian Grainger ‘brushes up’ his painting skills on Forge World’s Blood Angels Contemptor Dreadnought ‘walking tomb’ from the 41st Millennium
EXCITING NEW KIT RANGE PENDING!
Chinese kit manufacturer Takom has launched a cool new series of plastic kits under the label Suyata, which will be available later this year via Bachmann Europe. Check out the full details in our news story.
RAF CARGO KING
If the S&M Models Handley Page Hastings is too big a proposition for you in 1/72 scale, why not plump for the delightful 1/144 version by Ukrainian firm MikroMir? CHRIS CLIFFORD reviews the latter kit of this classic RAF transport.
MARITIME MENACE
QUICK CONVERSION: Garry Tobiss converts Airfix’s superb 1/72 B-25C/D to a 75mm gun-toting -G version, adding upgrades at the same time.
TWIN TANKS
It just goes to show that the release of one kit can lead to another, as Nick Shuttleworth discovered with Amusing Hobby’s recently released 1/35 Centurion Mk.5 and Mk.5 AVRE
EXQUISITE TRANSPORT
There’s a terrific amount of detail on offer with Gecko Models’ new 1/35 Bedford MWD 15-cwt truck. If you're traditionally an armour modeller, this kit is an ideal, well-detailed entry point into 'soft-skin' vehicles.
LEISTON WILD HORSES
Czech company Eduard has released a superb 1/48 decal sheet providing markings for one of the most famous P-51 Mustang operators. Check out all the colour schemes here...
VINTAGE SCENIC MILITARY
Long-in-the-tooth modellers will recognise Matchbox’s old 1/76 toolings in these new Revell First Diorama products. That’s no bad thing, says CHRIS CLIFFORD.
DIORAMA IN THE MAKING
Ukrainian manufacturer ICM has packaged two of its Spitfire kits with a set of RAF figures and equipment, providing the basis of a neat 1/48 scene.
HIGH ALTITUDE SPECIALIST
Eduard has added another 1/48 Weekend Edition kit to its range by offering the bare styrene parts from its previous Bf 109G-6/AS ProfiPACK.
HERKY BIRD BOOTS
It was never going to be long before aftermarket upgrades for Zvezda’s new-tool C-130H Hercules started to appear… and these bespoke resin wheels from Eduard will certainly add refinement.
TWIN-BOOM REFERENCE
With Airfix’s newly-tooled 1/48 de Havilland Vampire due in the coming months, the new Wingleader book on the type is an excellent visual study.
TOP TEN SPECIALS
Key Model World’s editor at large, CHRIS CLIFFORD, highlights some of his favourite special aircraft schemes from years gone by, and notes which decals allow their reproduction in scale form.
BUDGET TANK-HUNTER
Italeri has re-released its venerable 1/35 Panzerjäger kit and, despite its age, it’s a viable and wallet-friendly option says CHRIS CLIFFORD.
RUSSIAN BATTLE TAXI
Zvezda’s 1/72 T-15 Armata is a stunning kit for any modeller who prefers modern armour in a small scale, as CHRIS CLIFFORD discovers.
FISHY AIRCRAFT UPGRADES
Aftermarket specialist Barracuda Studios has three new items useful for modellers who build World War Two fighters.
GERMAN AIR FORCE GEMS
The latest edition of Luftwaffe Im Focus offers a wealth of inspiration and historical content for modellers. Read our appraisal of Issue 30 and see example pages here...
MIG MASTER RETURNS
Italeri has steadily been re-releasing 1980s ESCI kits in recent years. Now it’s the turn of the 1/72 F-8E Crusader, as CHRIS CLIFFORD explains
TINY LUFTWAFFE PROJECT
If you’re a modeller who likes small scales and German subjects, Brengun’s new 1/144 Messerschmitt Me 309 could be your next project. Don't miss our review!
JET AND PROP AIRCRAFT UPGRADES
Aftermarket brand CMK has released exciting and useful extras for classic types in 1/72 and 1/48 scales… the Meteor, Hurricane and Ju 88. Learn how they can transform your builds!
NIPPONESE HAULER
Kits of more esoteric Japanese aircraft aren’t released too often – so Special Hobby’s new Ki-54Hei transport is most welcome. CHRIS CLIFFORD reviews the contents.
NEW MINIART AUSTIN ARMOURED CAR COMING SOON!
Ukrainian kit manufacturer MiniArt has shared some imagery of its forthcoming 1/35 Austin Armoured Car Indian Pattern. It looks to be a stunning kit, with full interior detail.