Scale Modelling news, reviews, features and more...
AIR FORCE RUNABOUTS
H-Models’ extensive compilation of Jeep Willys MB markings continues with this limited-edition set that focuses on vehicles operated by the RAF during World War Two.
FELINE BUGS AND GUPPYS
FULL LISTING INSIDE: Model Art Decal System’s products tend to combine unrelated subjects – this 1/72 sheet covers post-war French and British Grumman Avengers, plus several French Tiger Moths.
COMMEMORATIVE SPITS
Released for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this ten-aircraft ensemble from Xtradecal is ideal for those wanting to build an early Spitfire that participated in that pivotal struggle in the summer of 1940.
MEDITERRANEAN BEAUTIES
Also available as a combined package with stencils (48-044), Foxbot’s collection of late-model B-25 Mitchell schemes is an ideal means of replicating World War Two airframe artwork on the type.
PIXEL PERFECT
While this mix of green, black and brown tones in the 'digital' camouflage scheme may be reminiscent of the video game Minecraft, it's also a real-world livery applied to one of Japan's F-4EJ Phantom II aircraft, replicated in 1/48 by DXM Decals.
AIRBORNE WEATHER LADIES
Those with Hong Kong Model’s monstrous 1/32 Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress offerings may wish to consider Kits-World’s aftermarket markings, which cater for a pair of RAF Coastal Command-operated airframes used for meteorological reconnaissance sorties.
PEOPLE’S ARMOUR
Star Decal’s fifth collection of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) decals also supplies handy generic national markings and flags to accompany the seven types of armoured vehicles and trucks, including several captured machines.
FLYING DUKES
The second batch of RAF Vickers Wellingtons covers B Mk.Ic and Mk.VIII bomber/maritime patrol machines plus a single C Mk.XVI cargo/transport version.
F-111 Fort Worth Swinger
Key Publishing’s new book on the F-111 is an affordable and handy reference tool
AFV Club 1/35 Forthcoming Releases
Importer Bachmann Europe has advised us of pending kits from manufacturer AFV Club, arriving in the UK during July and August 2021…
Airfix 1/72 Tiger I / Sherman Firefly Vc
Airfix’s new dual package featuring the Tiger I and Firefly should interest armour modellers who favour smaller scales. CHRIS CLIFFORD inspects the contents.
WORLD’S FIRST JET FIGHTER
Here’s the hotly anticipated second edition of Valiant Wings’ Airframe & Miniature guide to the Messerschmitt Me 262, which updates and expands on the firm’s inaugural publication.
FLYING TARGET
Modellers seeking something a little different may wish to consider ICM’s splendid (and brightly coloured) new tooling of the KDA-1 (Q-2A) Firebee target drone.
CMK Kits Tempest Mk.V Fuselage Fuel and Oil Tanks
Upgrade parts have been released by CMK Kits for use with either Special Hobby’s Tempest Mk.V kits (especially the Hi-Tech versions) or the recent Revell re-boxing in 1/32 scale.
MODELLING LARGESSE
The fourth volume of Canfora Publishing’s 1/32 scale modelling guide series contains another fascinating array of aviation subjects, covering more than 100 years of flight – from a World War One Royal Aircraft Factory Fe.2b to a present-day Lockheed F-35A Lightning II.
RED-STAR IFS, BUTS AND MAYBES
Aircraft development is a fascinating subject, whether it’s how an existing design came to fruition or the concepts that failed to make it off the drawing board.
SHIMMERING DELTA
Convair’s B-58 Hustler isn’t popular with kit manufacturers, but those with Revell/Monogram, Italeri or Academy offerings will appreciate Schiffer’s new Legends of Warfare walk-round guide.
BIG LITTLE TANK KILLER
Small vehicles can be challenging as kit subjects as the resulting model is rather diminutive in the standard scales, but Takom’s recent venture into 1/16 allows types such as the Wiesel A1 Armoured Weapons Carrier to be portrayed at a reasonable size.
DISPLAY CASE
EXTRA IMAGES INSIDE: In its most intrepid forms, modelling can take you across the world and even beyond, as this month’s reader showcase demonstrates.
MOSSIE SNEAK PEAK
Check out the preview of Airfix's new 1/72 Mosquito B.XVI model in preparation for its release. See the full range of images here.
HEBREW HAWKS
Of all the nations operating the General Dynamics/Lockheed F-16A/B, Israel is arguably the most secretive when it comes to how it employs the type, so photo-studies of this nation’s airframes, where they are known as the Netz (hawk) are few and far between.
PACIFIC ANNIVERSARY
Occurring between June 3-7, 1942, it’s been 79 years since the Battle of Midway –a major turning point on World War Two’s Pacific front, and the subject of Pen & Sword’s Images of War volume.
HEAVY TROOP CARRIER
Regarded by many modellers as the ‘gold standard’ for reference on Israeli armoured vehicles, Desert Eagle’s IDF Armor Series turns its attention to the Namer (male leopard) heavy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
Airbrushing Part 1 - The Airbrush
AIRBRUSHING PART 1 In a highly useful instructional series, Jay Blakemore offers insightful tutorials on choosing and using airbrushes and compressors, based on his 40 years of experience. He begins with a look at the basics.