Scale Modelling news, reviews, features and more...
TRANSPORTER TRIMMINGS
Airliner-scale specialist Shelf Oddity has produced a comprehensive four-fret photo-etched brass upgrade for MikroMir’s 1/144 Blackburn Beverley.
GENERIC CREW
Although intended to complement the firm’s range of sci-fi accessories, Greenstrawberry’s generic 1/350 resin figures are equally suitable for real-world naval models in this scale.
STARSHELL SHOOTERS
While Black Cat Models has produced its own 1/350 Flower-class frigate kits, those with other models can still add the French firm’s superb 3D-printed detailing with separate sets.
SOVIET AIRSPEED PIPE
Replicating fine items such as pitot tubes in styrene can be challenging for manufacturers, but especially so in 1/144 scale, so Master’s turned brass and photoetched (PE) metal alternative will add a quality touch to any MiG-29 Fulcrum model.
'EZ' EJ UPGRADES
As our build feature Retired Rhino shows, FineMolds’ 1/72 F-4EJ Phantom builds into a splendid model straight from the box, but those seeking refinement will appreciate Eduard’s photo-etched metal upgrade.
SEALED YAK GLAZING
While Special Hobby’s Yak-3 kit has much to offer, those wanting a more scale-thickness canopy can utilise MH Models’ vac-form replacement, although the kit item is arguably just as clear.
FIRE AND FORGET
MBDA’s advanced short range air-to-air missile (ASRAAM, also known as the AIM-132) is used on various British, Australian and Indian aircraft, replacing AIM-9 Sidewinders and Matra R.550 Magic weapons, respectively.
LASER PRECISION
Laser-guided bombs are now de rigueur on many western combat aircraft, yet the provision of this type of ordnance in kits is erratic.
MOOSE DISPLAY
Mirage Hobby’s 1/48 PZL.37 Łoś (Moose) originated in 1999 and hasn’t been available for several years, but those with the kit in their stash will appreciate this photo-etched instrument display from Yahu’s ‘JustStick’ range.
CLIPPED-WING MISSILE
Eduard’s range of aftermarket munitions sets includes this set of AIM-120C AMRAAM with ‘clipped’ wings, allowing for internal carriage.
PIRATICAL ‘PIT’
Airfix’s newly tooled Buccaneer S.2C is the intended recipient of this highly detailed cockpit upgrade package from CMK, which provides a complete replacement tub (with integrally cast sidewalls), ejection seats and bulkheads.
CHAINED DOWN
Comprising 217 photo-etched brass ‘cross-type’ tie-down points for US Navy carrier ‘pad-eye’ deck recesses, this is a great set for those wanting to portray aircraft secured via chains on either Kitty Hawk or Forrestal-class vessels (Nimitz-and Ford-classes use a ‘star-type’, available as BRL72102).
DROPPED CHARGES
Aircraft-dropped depth charges were a key weapon against U-boats during World War Two, so CMK’s 1/48 cast representations will be a boon to modellers with maritime aircraft kits.
HINOMARU FOR A ZERO
Modellers wanting to paint Hinomaru on Japanese World War Two aircraft instead of using decals will find these pre-cut self-adhesive vinyl masks from DEAD Design a boon.
V-BOMBER STRAPS AND DIALS
Airfix’s Vulcan has yet to arrive, but accessory firms have been quick to ready themselves, such as this comprehensive package from Kits-World.
HAIRY STICKS
While packaged as a set intended specifically for chipping work, AMMO-MIG’s fine brushes are equally suitable for fine weathering or detail painting.
PATROL BOAT BLING
This is the second upgrade product from Eduard for Revell’s PT-109 kit and concentrates on the craft’s .50 cal machine gun and 20mm Oerlikon armament, with additional fittings for the depth charges, deck and stowage.
BOOTS FOR BREWERS
Designed to replace the inaccurate bicycle-type twin mainwheels in the Bobcat and Hobby Boss Yak-28 Firebar and Brewer kits, Barracuda’s resin pack also provides alternative outriggers and wheels.
TRAINING WHEELS
Here’s a quick and easy upgrade for Airfix’s 1/48 Tiger Moth, in the shape of CMK’s all-resin mainwheels and tailskid set.
SHOWING THE WAY
Well known for its excellent resin kits and accessories, Plus Model also produces a raft of printed items, such as this collection of 14 military maps, presented on a single paper sheet.
TRUCKING TREATS
Designed to embellish the detail on ICM’s 1/72 Zil-131 cargo truck, this small yet busy photo-etched brass fret contains a wealth of extras.
DROP-IN DIALS
Painting instrument panels can be tricky, so Eduard’s pre-painted resin Löök sets are great for those wanting to add extra refinement as they are straightforward drop-in replacements for the styrene parts and offer lovely detail for minimal effort.
CAMOUFLAGE 'SPOTS'
Replicating the ‘smoke’ camouflage on Italian aircraft models can be challenging, particularly in 1/72 scale, but Orlee’s pre-cut self-adhesive mask set simplifies this task greatly.
ROTARY PUNCH
A common sight on modern Russian rotary-winged assets, the B8V20 replaced the earlier UB-57-32 and features a characteristic ‘blunt’ front section of rocket tubes; Eduard’s neat resin and photo-etched (PE) brass set provides four such pods, enough for a full helicopter load.
CAT CANNON
Modellers wanting to pose their Academy 1/72 F-14s in a maintenance scene just found their task easier thanks to CMK’s well-designed resin and photo-etched (PE) brass M61 Vulcan cannon bay.
DUST AND TUFTS
Part of AMMO-MIG’s diorama accessories series, this preformed 240 x 240mm scenic section replicates a typical surface as seen at airfields in The Steppe grasslands, so would be suitable for locations in Russia, Ukraine, Hungary and Romania in either of the World Wars.
STUKA UPGRADE
Academy’s Ju 87G-1 kit has been around for almost 20 years, yet there has been relatively little aftermarket material available recently, so Brengun’s photoetched ensemble will prove popular.
FURY FASCIA
While Airfix’s quarter-scale Hawker Fury may be getting long in the tooth, Yahu’s pre-painted and assembled instrument panel is a quick way of raising the detail level in the cockpit.
BLUNT DISPENSER
The US SUU-30 was one of the earliest cluster-munition dispensers, with the H/B variant – as supplied by Eduard in resin and photo-etched brass – being one of the ‘blunt-nosed’ versions.