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CZECH IT OUT! TMMI visits the E-Day show in Prague

£4.30 December 2015 ISSUE 242

BEAUTIFUL BEECHCRAFT ICM’s pretty 1:48 transport aircraft in French colours

Tamiya’s all-new 1:35 kit of the Panther ausf.D More progress on Tamiya’s 1:32 Mosquito FB. Mk.VI plus kits, books and accessories… p 01 CoverTMMI 242MN.indd 1

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Issue 242 December 2015 EDITOR Marcus Nicholls editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com

Contents 4 NEWS DESK New kit and model product news 6 NEW ARRIVALS Some of the new kits that have arrived recently at TMMI 8 LONG RANGE HEAVY HITTER Opening up the box of Revell’s re-engineered Halifax kit 20 MEGA TRAINER! The latest offering from Kinetic, the Brazilian/Italian AMX-T fighter-trainer 28 SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL (AND AFFORDABLE) Sparmax’s new compact airbrush compressor; small, high-powered and affordable 30 DOG OF WAR A close-up look at Takom’s 1:35 WW1 British ‘Whippet’ tank TAMIYA'S NEW 'D! Tamiya's all-new 1:35 kit of the Panther ausf.D PAGE 32

42 NEW RELEASES ACCESSORIES New and recently issued modelling accessories 48 THE MODEL KITS AWAKEN Revell’s first four kits from Star Wars Episode VII, ‘The Force Awakens’ 32 BRITAIN’S BALSA BOMBER, PART 3 Work continues Tamiya’s new 1:32 kit of the De Havilland Mosquito 54 TAKING A BREAK FROM BATTLE A group of US enjoy a brief respite from combat at a Normandy farmhouse

BEECHCRAFT’S BUG SMASHER ICM's pretty transport aircraft in French colours PAGE 22

56 NEW RELEASES KITS New full kits, reviewed 60 BOOK REVIEWS New modelling-related titles reviewed 64 CONTACTS Where to buy the products used and reviewed in TMMI 66 THE EDITOR’S PAGE It’s what modelling is all about

Do you live outside the UK and want Tamiya Model Magazine delivered direct to your home, anywhere in the world?

Just email us at; enquiries@adhpublishing.com Or call +44 (0)1525 222573, fax +44 (0)1525 222574 GMT Subscription rates for 1 year (12 issues) are: Within UK: £44, Europe: £56, Worldwide/USA: £69 ($106 US approx)

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TELEPHONE: (UK) 01525 222573 FAX: (UK) 01525 222574 EDITORIAL EMAIL: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES: enquiries@adhpublishing.com ADDRESS: ADH Publishing,

Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tamiya Model Magazine is published monthly by ADH Publishing.

Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Tamiya Model Magazine is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

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Newsdesk IN BRIEF...

TAMIYA hobbyco.net • 1:24 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Silver (Finished Model) • 1:24 Heavy Dump truck • 1:10 RC Mazda MX-5 • 1:10 Nissan Motul Autech NISMO GT-R • Portable Pit Backpack • Plastic 3mm Pipe (x6), 5mm (x5), 8mm (x3) • Precision Screwdriver PRO

If you have news of forthcoming model, armour, aircraft or car events, changes of address or just interesting information to share, please write to: TMMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel: 01525 222573 Fax: 01525 222574 Email: modmagint@aol.com

NEW FROM TAMIYA! 1:35 M4A3E8 SHERMAN 'EASY EIGHT' Tamiya's (very nearly) all-new Easy Eight HVSS Sherman is almost with us; the kit uses running gear from the IDF M1 Super Sherman from a couple of years back and the hull, turret are completely new. Fullbuild in TMMI as soon as possible. www.hobbyco.net

NEW FROM TAMIYA! 1:350 IJN MOGAMI

The Mogami destroyer is on its way in 1:350, joining the Yukikaze in this range. It will borrow mouldings from its sister vessel but with added parts to create the Mogami.

More news soon. www.hobbyco.net

MINIART creativemodels.co.uk • 1:35 BZ-38 Refueller • 1:35 Motorcycle WLA with rifleman • 1:35 Armoured bulldozer

NEW FROM BRONCO! 1:35 TETRARCH LIGHT TANK

RYE-FIELD MODEL www.ryefield-model.com • 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.VI ausf.E Tiger I Early (full interior)

An injection-moulded plastic kit of this little vehicle has been wanted for years and now, Bronco have come up with the goods. From experience with previous Bronco kits, this one is certain to be a little gem. www.hannants.co.uk

NEW FROM TAMIYA! - 1:24 MAZDA MX-5

The new Mazda MX-5 will join its 1:24 brothers and sisters in Tamiya's Sports Car Series soon. Expect all the usual refinements and detail. www.hobbyco.net

EDITOR'S NOTES - Euro Mil swap for E-Day

Last issue I stated that there would be a Euro Militaire report in this issue, but at the last minute I changed it for a report from the 'E-Day' show, I hope you like it! Our sister magazine 'Military Illustrated Modeller' (AFV edition) has the Euro report this month and I will also include it in TMMI soon too.

NEW FROM PROFIL24 (UPDATE) 1:24 Nissan GT-R LM Nismo MERIT MODELS pocketbond.co.uk • 1:350 USS John F Kennedy CV-67 • 1:35 G-5 Soviet torpedo boat

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Here are the latest images of Profil24's Nissan GT-R LM Nismo.

An odd-looking machine but a cool model subject. www.profil24-models.com

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NEW FROM HONG MODEL! 1:35 SHILKA ZSU-23-4M/M3 This new manufacturer is to release a new-tool kit of the Russian Shilka anti-aircraft tank and from what we've seen so far, it looks most impressive. More news soon. www.hongmodel.com

www.grandprixmodels.com

Ford Escort Cosworth GA South African Manufacturers’ Challenge 1981 1:43 resin kit by Home Made Models

NEW FROM KITTYHAWK! 1:32 OS2U KINGFISHER NEW FROM ALCLAD II! METALLIC PAINTS

Alclad II are a well-known paint brand, offering the modeller the chance to create some of the most convincing metallic finishes possible, just by following a few simple steps. Now, they have released a new colour that is perfect for bare-metal airframes of all scales; High Speed Silver. The paint comes airbrushready (it can only be sprayed on) and can be cleaned up with regular cellulose thinners. The colour coat should be applied over Alclad II's Gloss Black Base (ALC-305) and over-coated with Aqua Gloss to seal in the finish. Highly recommended. www.alclad2.com

One of the prettiest aircraft of WW2 is to get a 1:32 release from Kittyhawk, with complete cockpit interior and engine detail. The bizarre XF5U-1 'Flying Pancake' is on its way too. www.hannants.co.uk

WIN REVELL KITS!

Win the Revell Star Wars Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter

Mercedes 90hp - Land Speed Record 1904 1:43 resin & metal kit by Touchwood Models

Chevrolet Cruze WTCC Champion 2012 – Huff 1:24 plastic kit by Aoshima/Beemax

TMMI is offering you the chance to win some cool Revell kits of all types, scales and subjects!

This time, it’s Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter.

NEW FROM MINIART 1:35 SU-122 SPH

The brutal-looking Su-122 self-propelled howitzer is a fascinating subject and we can't wait to see how MiniArt's new kit – with full interior – turns out.

Full engine included. www.creativemodels.co.uk

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All you need to do is answer this question; Q; Who was Darth Vader’s voice in the films?

You can email your answers or send a postcard to our main office address, below. Please don’t forget to add your name and postal address so we can send you your prize!

competitions@tamiyamodelmagazine.com Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter Tamiya Model Magazine International ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK In conjunction with Revell Ltd. www.revell.de/en

Nissan GT-R LM Le Mans 2015 1:24 resin & metal kit by Profil 24

Mail order specialists for over forty years, we also have a showroom which is open on the first Saturday of every month from 12 noon – 5pm.

Please contact us for details

Grand Prix Models

4 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4SW. Telephone UK 01295 278070 Fax 01295 278072 from outside UK +44 1295 278070 Fax +44 1295 278072 mail@grandprixmodels.com

03/11/2015 16:47

New Arrivals

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A brief look at kits that have recently arrived at TMMI HQ!

REVELL, EUROPE 1:24 PORSCHE 918 SPYDER WEISSACH PACKAGE ITEM NO.07027 (IM, CP, SVT, WS) • www.revell.de/en Revell’s new 918 has now been issued with a new set of decals for the Martini Racing Design, consisting of the famous red and blue stripes over a satin black paint finish. A very striking edition of this excellent kit

ITALERI, ITALY 1:32 SOPWITH CAMEL ITEM NO.2507 (IM, WC, WS) • www.hobbyco.net This is Italeri’s oldish kit of the famous WWI British Camel fighter, presented in a compact box and the kit in one polybag. Four decal options and some rigging ‘rope’ are included

ITALERI, ITALY 1:32 NIEUPORT 17 ITEM NO.2508 (IM, WC, WS) • www.hobbyco.net Packaged in the same style as Camel fighter, the box provides a fairly simple but effective Nieuport fighter kit, five decal markings and rigging ‘rope’ are included

PLATZ, JAPAN 1:72 JASDF T-2 EARLY TYPE ITEM NO.AC-15 (IM, WS) • www.platz-hobby.com This Japanese producer has created this new kit of the T-2 trainer, which retired in 2006. The model is quite Hasegawa-like in presentation with very fine detail and a decent cockpit. Decal sheet is very impressive

EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC 1:48 YAK 1-B ITEM NO.1194 (IM, PE, PCM,WS) • www.eduard.com www.creativemodels.co.uk Eduard’s kit of the effective Yak-1b fighter is back in this limited edition release; the plastic parts are originally from Accurate Miniatures and very nice they are too. Eduard PE and canopy masks are included; fabulous

REVELL, EUROPE 1:72 SD.KFZ.7 + 8.8CM FLAK 37 ITEM NO.03210 (IM, WS) • www.revell.de/en The combination of the Sd.Kfz.7 halftrack and dreaded 8.8cm Flak 37 gun makes for a very appealing package , with plenty of parts (some tiny) to keep the modeller going for weeks.Very fine detail throughout

EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC 1:48 BRISTOL F.2B FIGHTER ITEM NO.8127 (IM, PE, WS) • www.eduard.com www.creativemodels.co.uk Eduard’s Bristol Fighter is a complex thing with lots of small detail parts, all beautifully detailed. Not a kit for a beginner but lots of fine detail that will reward the patient builder

EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC 1:144 MIG-15 SUPER44 DUAL COMBO ITEM NO.4443 (IM, WS) • www.eduard.com www.creativemodels.co.uk Eduard’s little MiG-15 is a cracking kit with lots of detail on its exterior surfaces. Two whole kits are included here, both with six decal options and canopy masks

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KIT PREVIEW REVELL HANDLEY PAGE HALIFAX B MK.III ● KIT NO.04936

LONG RANGE HEAVY HITTER TMMI’s Editor opens up the box of Revell’s re-engineered Halifax kit, which now depicts the radial-engined Mk.III variant

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evell’s new-tool 1:72 Handley Page Halifax B Mk.I/II came out a few years back and it was a nicely detailed kit, but with a couple of shape problems in the engine nacelles and intakes. The rest of the kit was very well done though and now the radial-engined Mk.III version has arrived, those shape issues should have been addressed. I’ll let the guys with Halifax plans and knowledge of the aircraft confirm whether or not the corrections have been made.

From my inspection of the sprues, I can confirm that the model is very

finely detailed throughout, with a full cockpit, detailed bomb bay and undercarriage bays plus four very nicely executed, double-bank Bristol Hercules engines, complete with exhaust collector rings and multi-part cowlings.

The airframe detail is restricted to fine, recessed lines which is pretty much all you want in 1:72; any more would be over the top. Two decal options are provided, scheme A is for an RCAF Halifax from No.424 Squadron, England 1944 and scheme B depicts an RAF Mk.VII of 644 Squadron, England, April 1944.

The profile of this handsome British bomber has been captured extremely well by Revell here and I’m happy to leave the more analytical critiques to those with the references. For me, this kit represents the RAF’s big, brutal bomber perfectly and will build up into a handsome replica. Job done! ● MN MODEL SPEC REVELL HANDLEY PAGE HALIFAX B MK.III KIT NO.04936 SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:35 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IM, WS AVAILABILITY; Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model stores. For details visit www.revell.de/en

The radials are new to this kit and are very well detailed. The paddle-bladed propellers are well done too.

Revell’s glazings are impressively clear although the one-piece nose is a little on the thick side.

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1:72 AVRO SHACKLETON MR.2

A11004

AVRO SHACKLETON MR.2 •Created with exclusive access to the original manufacturers drawing archive •Detailed interior and bomb bay •Parts for early and late MR2 aircraft, including optional aerials, nose and dorsal turrets •Radome parts for ground or in-flight options •Load of four torpedoes included Developed from the Lincoln bomber and sharing with it the DNA of the famous Lancaster, the Avro Shackleton enjoyed a long carreer with the RAF, first as a maritime patrol aircraft and then as the RAF’s primary AEW (Airborne Early Warning) aircraft.

Length 388mm Width 508mm Pieces 269 Official Product

Airfix.com

and all good retail stockists Find us on Facebook Badge

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@Airfix

Join the Official Airfix Club

For schools and all youth organisations

Secondary School History Project

humbrol.com

-

SHOW REPORT: E-DAY 2015

E-DAY MODEL SHOW, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

The TMMI crew fly out to the Czech Republic to report from the E-Day show, held in Prague

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-Day is an annual scale modelling event that takes place in the Prague suburb of NovĂŠ Butovice, within the underground car park of a shopping mall of all places!

Despite its rather prosaic setting, the show is not to be underestimated; there were a good number of model traders present (Eduard, AK Interactive, Aires, Friulmodel, Panzershop, MPM, Plus Model, Hauler, Kora, RS Models to name but a few), plus a large area for the competition tables and more.

Other attractions included a pool for RC boats (large scale Bismarck, DUKW, landing craft) a track for RC trucks and a course for RC tanks. All these attractions add up to a busy, slightly noisy and smelly atmosphere (from the battleships’ muzzle-flash pyrotechnics), so in other words, perfect! Model events can sometimes be too quiet and these features added some life and fun to the proceedings.

They were popular with children too, of whom there were many more than you'd see at other shows; an encouraging sign.

The competition was very well supported, with models from all the familiar categories seen on the tables.

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E-DAY, 2015 EDUARD AT E DAY

Naturally, the biggest 'E' of the day was Eduard, who had the largest stand selling every conceivable type of photo-etched set, Brassin resin sets, their superb full-kits plus T-shirts, posters and more. Eduard's new 1:72 Fw190A-8 was on show (right) and its tiny form looked mighty fine.

Eduard also showed off their stunning 1:48 Spitfires, MiG-15s and more. It was an impressive event, way bigger than expected with a buzzing crowd of enthusiastic modellers and traders - we’ll be back!

Next year’s E-Day will take place over the weekend of 24/25th September 2016, more info here; www.eday.cz/en Over the following pages you can see a selection of the models in the competition, we hope you enjoy them! ●

Some of the exhibitors lined up for a group photo at the end of the show.

Eduard's new 1:72 Fw190A-8 was on show, and it looked fantastic.

Eduard were running modelling demonstrations on how to use photo-etched brass.

Fancy something from Eduard’s product range? It was all there!

Shown initially last issue, Eduard already have brass detail parts on the way for Tamiya's 1:32 DH Mosquito FB Mk.VI.

Large scale radial engine with Brassin resin and photo-etched brass additions.

A series of recently issued kits with Eduard photo-etched additions in place.

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ENTERING E-DAY’S SUBTERRANEAN VENUE..

A. E-Day takes place within a shopping mall, but not where you might expect...

B. Once inside, we head towards the travelator...

C. We’re on an express travelator to (modelling) heaven, going down!

D. We go down one level into the car park...

E. ...where we find an orderly queue forming F. Entry was a mere 100Kć (about £2.70),which is extremely good value G. And we're in! Trade-tables greet the visitor first, then there are the competition tables, overleaf...

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Eduard’s new 1:72 Fw190A-8 was on show “ and its tiny form looked mighty fine... ”

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attractions included a pool for radio-controlled boats, “ The other a track for RC trucks and a course for RC tanks... �

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SHOW REPORT: E-DAY 2015

E-DAY MODEL SHOW, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

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KIT PREVIEW KINETIC 1:48 AMX-T/1B FIGHTER TWO-SEATER â—? KIT NO.K48027

TMMI's Editor inspects the latest offering from Kinetic, the Brazilian/Italian AMX-T fighter-trainer

MEGA TRAINER T

he AMX-T is a ground-attack aircraft for battlefield interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance missions.

It was built until 1999

by AMX International, an Italian-Brazilian joint venture. The AMX is designated 'A-1' by the Brazilian Air Force, and 'A-11 Ghibli' by the Italian Air Force. In 1986, development of a two-seat advanced trainer variant was undertaken. This was intended to provide trainee pilots with experience on fast jets, while still retaining the singleseater's attack capabilities.

First flying in 1990, the AMX-T equipped both the Italian and Brazilian air forces. (Source; Wikipedia) As with their previous releases, Kinetic's 1:48 model is moulded in a mid-grey polystyrene (eight sprues, plus one clear) with a very slight satin texture on the kit parts outer faces; this, however, should vanish under a coat of paint. A decent range of ordnance is included, such as drop-tanks, tactical reconnaissance pod and

AIM-9L air-to-air missiles.

Laser-guided bombs will also be found on the two weapons-sprues but I don't think they are intended for this aircraft as they are not shown in the instructions.

The alternative nose-section parts from Kinetic's initial release of the AMX single-seater (labelled as 'AMX-1' and 'AMX-1A/-A1M') are included, but it's a little uncertain which of these are pertinent to the 'T' trainer version. As they are both shown in the instructions, I assume that either option is correct, but they are still labelled 'AMX-1, AMX-1A/-A1M' it is a little confusing, to me at least!

The model comes with a very presentable cockpit which includes a pair of ejection seats which, though simple in construction, are actually rather well detailed and do the job well, once some harnesses have been fitted (not included in the kit).

Naturally, enthusiastic modellers will want to use aftermarket resin sets. Other highlights include a well appointed

undercarriage bay, lots of tiny aerials and sensors for the airframe exterior, plus PE grilles for the lower fuselage sides.

Overall, this appears to be a quality production which benefits from fine surface engraving and respectable inner and outer detail. A little research by the modeller would be wise, to confirm the correct combination of nose sections and external lumps and bumps, but it will look handsome once done. And to be honest, I prefer the look of the two-seater to the single-seater version! â—? MN MODEL SPEC 1:48 AMX-T/1B FIGHTER TWO-SEATER KIT NO.K48027 SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:48 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M, PE, WS AVAILABILITY; Kinetic model kits are available from www.luckymodel.com

The PE fret provides useful parts without being overwhelming.

Canopy parts are very clear and acceptably thin. Sensor windows etc., are provided too.

Decals are well printed and offer some attractive schemes.

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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AIRCRAFT ICM 1:48 C-45/UC-45F ● KIT NO.48181

BEECHCRAFT'S BUG SMASHER Nicknamed 'Bug Smasher', the Beechcraft Model 18 – C-45 Expeditor in military parlance – served in large numbers at the end of WW2.

Jean-Luc Formery builds the recently-issued ICM kit in 1:48

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Pieces of photo-etched mesh were placed in the vent apertures located in the leading edges of the wings.

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he 'Twin Beech' was a twin-engine, light transport civil which made its first flight in January 1937. In 1943, the need for this type was pressing, so the USAAF ordered 1,522 examples of an improved version with the designations 'UC45F' and '45F-C' Expeditor in December 1944. The aircraft was also provided to many other countries, France using twenty-six in the last months of World War II. Although announced for many years, ICM's 1:48 model was long considered 'vapour-wear' as nothing had been seen of it. Finally presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2015, it is now finally available and replaces the previous kits in vacuum-form or short run injection moulding.

The ICM kit comes in the form of a conventional model of good quality, but also reveals a slightly disconcerting philosophy both in parts-breakdown assembly sequence. Eduard has already released two sets of photo-etched brass (inside and outside) for this kit however they were not quite available at the time I built the kit.

SURPRISING DESIGN

Before starting assembly of the model, it seemed sensible to gather the main parts and perform a dry-assembly (without glue) to check the fit. I was struck by the parts-breakdown; for example the wings are in two parts and comprise the cabin floor and the engine cowlings. I guess the idea of the designers was to ease the work of the builder, but in the end this approach caused some difficulties, as we will see later. Another feature of the kit's design is that all antennae of the

aircraft are integral with one fuselage half which simplifies their moulding but creates a hindrance in the handling of the model.

The cockpit glazings are unnecessarily complicated to set up; another difficulty that ICM could have designed differently.

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS

For the interior of the plane, the Ukrainian manufacturer provided most parts; front and rear bulkheads, glazings that fit from the inside, front console with pedals, two joysticks and seven seats (including five passengers seat). The latter have no straps so the modeller will need to make their own, with lead foil for example.

As for painting the interior, there's a lack of reference for the vintage colours, so I was content to follow the instructions in general, except for the upholstery of the cabin; here I chose beige instead of the green recommended by ICM. The aircraft cockpit is rather spartan, which is regrettable, particularly on the instrument console, on which many simplifications have been made. Just check out vintage photos to realise (Google 'Beecraft C45 cockpit' to see). All the levers of the impressive central column are missing so without seeking absolute realism, it seemed necessary to 'fill' this part of the cockpit as it would be clearly visible through the windows of the finished model. I used small stretched plastic rods whose ends were brought near a candle flame to automatically cause the formation of a rounded head. Be very careful when doing this, we don't want to cause burns. The instrument dials are also conspicuously absent (no

U

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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AIRCRAFT ICM 1:48 C-45/UC-45F ● KIT NO.48181

V moulded relief or decal) and

will require either paint or decals from the spares box. The mating of the half fuselage halves held its share of surprises too. Indeed, for this, it is almost impossible to follow the steps of the instructions, particularly for the transparent part E10 (forward glazing). It simply can not be positioned once the fuselage is closed up. It is essential to fit this component at Step 13 of the instructions and not at Step 44. Even in doing so, its implementation is difficult and I would strongly advise you to bond it in place firmly.

The openings in the engine cowlings are unfortunately too small. To remedy this, it was necessary to temporarily assemble the wings using masking tape.

Secondly, using a block of polystyrene (Styrodur) wrapped with sandpaper, the opening was widened by performing rotational movements.

REVISE ENGINES

The Pratt & Whitney R-985 supplied engines are pale reproductions of the originals. Aside from the simplification of many components, but the total absence of cooling fins on the cylinders is quite incomprehensible. If you have the means, you could replace them with resin aftermarket parts. Another alternative is to paint them in the way of "the Spanish school", i.e. exaggerating the contrast and adding elements with paint, in other words, trompe l'oeil.

The engines then were placed in their housings and a test-fit our showed that the openings in the cowlings seem too small. A quick look at a photo of an original cowling confirmed this, so I was in for an additional sanding session.

Fortunately this operation was very quick and after a few minutes I had more realistic-looking cowlings.

The internal structure

The end result is visible on the cowling in the left of the photo, while the right one is in its original state. We must remove 1mm.

recommend the use of Eduard sets.

“TheyI strongly offer much of what’s missing in the kit... ”

The kit's engines are rather basic representations of Pratt & Whitney R-985s. Note the total absence of cooling fins on the cylinders!

Mini Review...

AIRES AERO BONUS 1:32 SOVIET FIGHTER PILOT WITH EJECTION SEAT FOR SU-27 ITEM no; 320067 www.hannants.co.uk

Engines after adding the ignition cables and particularly after finishing in the ‘Spanish’ style. It’s not perfect but much more convincing than being painted plainly and it cost nothing!

This is a very novel product, consisting of a highly detailed, accurate seat for a 1:32 Flanker kit, with the pilot cast integrally. This approach is significantly better than having a separately cast figure as it allows for a seamless fit between the seat and the flying suit. Detail is exemplary and the arms and head are cast individually.

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The propeller spinners must be reconfigured to match those used originally.

This alteration is clearly explained in the instructions supplied with the kit.

In the passenger cabin, ICM provides only the seats, which is enough if the side access door is closed.

Otherwise you'll need to add a minimum of details, such as harnesses, for example.

within the undercarriage bays is a real tangle of tubes whose fragile appearance is an illusion. Once all the parts were bonded, it will provide a solid base for the landing gear. The tubing was painted zinc chromate yellow while the gear legs are silver of course.

The instrument panel is very basic and the centre-console is devoid of any levers.

The builder must do almost everything his/herself to achieve a worthwhile result.

The landing gear is fixed to the inner tubular structure of the engine nacelles.

This may seem weak at first but sets the model perfectly on its ‘feet’.

NO REGULATORY PROCEDURE

When gluing the wings to the fuselage I deviated from the instructions once again.

The guide recommends the modeller to complete the wings before being fitted under the fuselage. I chose to cement only the upper

To assemble the wings to the fuselage, the author did not follow the construction steps recommended in the manual. It’s easier to glue the upper wing halves to the fuselage first, to minimize joint-line trouble at the roots.

halves to the fuselage first, before fitting the lower surface later. This method allowed me to focus on the upper joints at the wing roots, then later, on those found under the aircraft.

The configuration of the parts allows this, so why not use it?

A

B

C

D

E

F

PAINTING BY STAGES

ICM don't offer any camouflaged options for their C-45, only markings for overall aluminium aircraft. Fortunately, one of them offers a colourful French scheme with black and white stripes on the wings and fuselage with a

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A: The painting process requires several steps. Indeed, the black and white stripes are not provided in the form of decals by ICM. B: After using Tamiya masking tape, the white was applied with an airbrush. Note that the anti-reflection areas on the front of the fuselage and within the engine covers were coated with olive drab the same time. C: On some parts of the model, extra-thin tape was utilised to form curved boundaries. This is particularly true of the area just in front of the cockpit. D: The final painting step was to airbrush aluminium Revell Aqua Color 99 across the airframe. E: After removal of the masks, several layers of Future polish were sprayed in anticipation of the installation of the decals. For once, this step took place without a hitch. This has not always been the case with the ICM products. F: Tamiya Panel Line Accent Colors worked perfectly despite the very fine engraving of the model. After application, the excess can be wiped with a cotton swab or a handkerchief with white spirit, even after completely dry.

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FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AIRCRAFT ICM 1:48 C-45/UC-45F ● KIT NO.48181

V tricoleur on each fin. First,

the transparent parts and undercarriage bay openings were masked off with Tamiya masking tape. Then, black was airbrushed only on certain areas: the stripes on the wings and fuselage, the defrosting boots on the wings' leading edges and the radio-compass fairing. I also took the opportunity to paint the olive drab anti-reflective areas atop of the nose and the inside of the nacelles.

After masking these off, the model was ready to receive its metallic paint; Revell Acrylic 90 Silver, and 99 Aluminium. Several layers of Future polish were applied to protect the finish before laying down the decals.

The markings are few; six roundels, two Lorraine Crosses, two serial numbers and we're done. The model was soon ready for a little panel-line accentuation and weathering.

CONCLUSION

Except some questionable design choices which are easily correctable, ICM's kit of the pretty Beech C-45 appears to be a very good basis on which to achieve an accurate model of the original 'Twin. Incidentally, beware of pictures of preserved planes circulating on the net, as most of them are restored or postwar aircraft and they have many differences. The level of detail could be improved and I strongly recommend

The black and white stripes on the plane are not those of the Normandy landings; they are actually those carried by aircraft of the Free French Air Force.

the use of the Eduard sets mentioned above. They offer much of what's missing in the kit: pre-painted instrument panel, a complete centre-console, seat harnesses, cabin radio rack (perfect justification to leave open the access door), engine cylinders, ignition harness, cooling louvres and more. My build was simple, all I had to do was 'tinker' with the review kit, but if I built another, I admit that I would definitely be using the Eduard sets! ●

MODELSPEC...

ICM 1:48 C-45/UC-45F KIT NO.48181

www.hannants.co.uk

Materials; • Injection-moulded grey and transparent polystyrene, waterslide decals Paints used; • Tamiya Acrylics; XF-1 Flat Black, XF-2 Flat White, XF-3 Flat Yellow, XF-62 Olive Drab, XF-86 Flat Clear • Revell Acrylics; 90 Silver, 91 Steel, 99 Aluminium • Prince August Acrylic (or Vallejo); 862 Black Grey, 908 Carmine Red, 950 Black, 951 White, 952 Lemon Yellow, 963 Medium Blue, 983 Earth Mat Other items used; Cyanoacrylate glue, Faller Expert Glue, Tamiya Masking Tape, Tamiya Putty (Basic Type), Tamiya Panel Line Accent Colors, Tamiya Pastels, Faber Castell Felt Pitt, nylon EZ-Line

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MODELLING EQUIPMENT SPARMAX ARISM MINI COMPRESSOR

small i s beautiful TMMI's Editor tests Sparmax's new compact airbrush compressor and is impressed by its small size, high power and very attractive price

A

(and affordable)

n airbrush compressor is almost a prerequisite piece of equipment for most modellers, as airbrushed paint can offer a far smoother, more even and scale-like finish when compared to paintbrush application.

Compressors can be expensive however and for many, they are out of reach. But this little machine from Sparmax goes a long way in addressing that problem, as it's priced at an affordable ÂŁ95. For the money, you get a compact unit (approximately 17x17x9cm) that will comfortably sit on a desktop, plugging in to 240v mains power. It feels solid and very well put together and from a look at the performance figures it's a powerful machine too; up to 28psi (way more than most, if not all, airbrushers would need, but useful during cleaning) and a good airflow of up to fourteen

litres-per-minute. These stats are excellent for such a small compressor. The machine comes with a built-in pressure regulator which allows the user to dial the air down to zero; just up from the 'off' setting is where I do most of my detail work, with heavily thinned paint and just a whisper of air coming from the 'brush. For larger areas, the paint can be used in a less diluted form and the pressure dial turned up.

The ARISM is a single-piston compressor without an air receiver tank, so there will always be a little pulsing of the airflow, but the two-metre, rubber-lined hose helps smooth some of this out and the high RPM of the motor ensures that this phenomenon is kept to an absolute minimum. For normal spraying, this effect won't be an issue at all.

I found the noise output to be at an acceptable

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Air output pressure can be finely control with this ergonomically formed rotary dial.

Pressure dial is happy and is winking at you.

Air outlet is a 1/8 BSP unit with takes Sparmax and Iwata hoses.

Power control is via a simple on/off switch.

This hole in the carrying handle is actually an airbrush holder.

The whole unit stands on four rubber feet to help minimise vibrations.

A two-metre braided hose is included in the box.

level with the unit on the desktop next to me, but ideally it would sit under the workbench on a box or similar, within reach of the on/off switch and pressure control. When in this position the sound of the running compressor drops to a gentle thrum, but it would still send some low-frequency vibrations down through the floorboards! Overall then, the key points of the Sparmax ARISM Mini are extremely compact dimensions, strong performance and a very affordable price. The build quality is excellent and the addition of a pressure control really sets this little machine apart from the crowd. Very highly recommended.

Next issue, I'll take a look at the equally affordable, dual-action Sparmax MAX-4 airbrush (just £45) which is the ideal partner for the ARISM. ●

TECHSPEC...

SPARMAX ARISM MINI COMPRESSOR - Oil-less, single piston mechanism - Rotary pressure switch - Manual on/off switch - Come with a two-metre braided hose - Carrying handle with airbrush holder aperture - 0-28 PSI working pressure - 12-14 litres-per-minute air flow - 2.5kg (5 1/2lbs) in weight - 220-240 volt, 50hz mains power - 49dB noise level - Single 1/8 BSP outlet - Work cycle: 30 minutes continuous use - Eight colour options - Suitable for a wide range of Sparmax, Iwata, Premi Air and Paasche airbrush models AVAILABILITY Please visit The Airbrush Company's website for a huge range of airbrushes, compressors and accessories; www.airbrushes.com

The Arism’s compact form allows it to be used in the smallest of modelling areas.

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KIT PREVIEW TAKOM 1:35 MK.A WHIPPET TANK ● KIT NO.2025

TMMI’s Editor takes a close-up look at Takom’s 1:35 WW1 British ‘Whippet’ tank

DOG OF WAR T

he Medium Mark A Whippet was a British medium-tank from the First World War. It was faster and more nimble than the British ‘lozenge’ tanks of the time and was intended to move between them to take advantage of break-throughs in the enemy line. The Whippet was powered by a pair of four-cylinder petrol engines and was armed with four .303 Hotchkiss machine guns in the turret-like casemate at the rear of the tank’s upper hull. The tank and its crew of three were propelled at just over 8mph. It joined the fighting in the Spring of 1918 and its most notable action was during the Amiens Offensive, wreaking havoc amongst the German lines.

After the war, one surviving tank, captured by the Germans, saw service with the Freikorps. Others went to Ireland (for the Irish War of Independence), Russia and Japan; the humble Whippet has seen extensive service worldwide.

Takom’s kit of the tank come on seven sprues of grey polystyrene, with a bag of individual track links, a small photo-etched fret and decals for four British machines, one captured tank in German camouflage, the single Freikorps Whippet in overall grey with skull and crossbones symbols and a Russian Red Army tank in green. Detail on the moulded parts is sharp and refined, as we’ve come to expect from this

manufacturer. The hull is closed up with no interior detail; the suspension is fully represented but it is almost completely hidden from view when the model is fully assembled and the track fitted. Aside from the multi-wheel suspension system, it’s doesn’t look too complicated to build, but the real magic will be the painting and weathering where a touch of individuality can be imparted by the modeller.

Well done Takom, another historic model for the collection! ● MN

MODEL SPEC TAKOM 1:35 MK.A WHIPPET TANK KIT NO.2025 SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:35 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IM, PE, WS AVAILABILITY; Takom model kits are available from good model shops.

UK import and distribution by Pocketbond; www.pocketbond.co.uk

The tracks are wonderful; they just need snapping together followed by a Photo-etched brass is included in quick sanding of the treads to remove small moulding ‘pips’. the box, offering useful parts.

A variety of camouflage options are offered; British, German and Russian decals all being supplied.

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FULL-BUILD: WW2 MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 1:35 PZ.KPFW.V SD.KFZ.171 PANTHER AUSF.D ● KIT NO.35345

S ' A Y I M TA NEW ard works his ll o P r e c n e Sp miya's all-newf.D a T h it w ic g a m Panther aus e h t f o it k 5 1:3

'D!

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T

amiya has had something of a love affair with the Panther over the years, two of their earliest kits being the Ausf.A variant in both 1:35 and 1:24. Though hardly sparkling in terms of detail and accuracy, both of Tamiya’s early Panthers have been enjoyed by generations of modellers, being built countless times by those interested in these incredible machines.

Despite this initial flurry of interest, it would be several decades before the Big T would return to the Panther, releasing a collection of Ausf.G variants during the Nineties and in so doing, setting the bar high for all subsequent releases of this vehicle in miniature. Having tackled the later variants, it would be another two decades before we would see another new kit, but trust me when I say this: the wait was worth it. Tamiya’s new Panther Ausf.D is simply beautiful and speaks volumes about their ability to translate complex designs into miniature facsimiles.

It’s also astonishingly easy to build as well - but then that is something of a given, isn’t it? But enough of the plaudits, let’s take a quick look at the kit before beginning our step-by-step guide to its construction and painting.

EASY TO BUILD, BUT NOT SIMPLISTIC

Tamiya’s Panther Ausf.D is a classic example of why anything from their factory is an utter joy to behold.

Open the classic white box and you are greeted by a collection of sand-coloured sprues that are perfectly moulded, individually packaged and upon closer examination, gloriously detailed. As typifies their design philosophy, simplicity is the key with this kit, large sections, taking the place of individual components that unnecessarily ramp up the construction time.

For instance, the upper and lower hull sections

are moulded in one piece each, a rear hull plate completing the shape before detailing with only the bare minimum of additional parts. That’s not to say corners have been cut, the detail that is incorporated onto each and every part is wonderfully reassuring; I was particularly taken by the rolled armour texture and delicate weld beads, as was I the sharply define wheels and their distinction sixteen-bolt rims.

Moving on, the engine deck is complex and complete, underlying radiators adding a touch of finesse that though almost invisible in the completed model, is a nice touch nonetheless. Speaking of engine decks, Tamiya also offer a set of photo-etched nickel vent screen to cover the six vents found on the engine deck. Though an additional expense - and perhaps a set that should have been included in the kit - this is an absolutely essential purchase, as these screens were always fitted in place.

The turret is as simple as it is attractive. Once again, a large turret shell takes care of its construction, only smaller details being separate. It was good to see that the spent-shell port, pistol ports and rear escape hatch had been moulded separately as this allows a degree of flexibility in terms of set up (not to mention, dioramas, should that be on your radar…), adding to the levels of complexity around the model. Another additional set of details can also be purchased for the turret, Tamiya’s gun and breech set offering a turned aluminium barrel and full detail plastic breech to supplement the plastic barrel and missing breech offered by the base kit. This is a set that offers a neat level of finesse, but isn’t really essential as the kit barrel is perfectly adequate and the breech all but invisible with crew in place.

You pay your money…

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FULL-BUILD: WW2 MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 1:35 PZ.KPFW.V SD.KFZ.171 PANTHER AUSF.D ● KIT NO.35345

The lower hull is supplied as a single bathtub which is then detailed with the smaller suspension details and swing arms. Detail, fit and finesse is superb.

Separate radiators are supplied to fit under the open vents on the engine deck. The instructions suggest painting these in a pale grey colour, but as the model was going to be base-coated in black, this step was omitted.

Unlike kits from an earlier generation, this one is not designed to be motorised so the belly is fully detailed with a collection of small access hatches.

A large poly-capped mount is used to hold the upper hull and rear wall securely together.

The Panther has always been defined by the interleaved roadwheels so be prepared for some assembly and cleanup. Detail is excellent, the early 16-bolt wheels being particularly pleasing.

Once in place, those individual radiator panels look really good - shame very little of them will me seen once the ended vent screens are added!

Tamiya has created a number of additional detail sets for this kit, one of which is this collection of etched vent screens. If you can only afford one set of add-ons for this kit, make sure it’s this one…

Set number two of additional parts is this package containing a metal barrel and gun breech. In concert with the kit parts, you will end up with a very nicely detailed turret interior. The gun barrel as you might imagine, is superb.

Another welcome inclusion in this new kit are two full-length panels that fill the holes between the upper and lower hull parts. No open sponsons in this kit!

In order to build this model with as neat a finish as possible I used three different liquid glues: Tamiya Extra Thin Cement for detailed work; Gunze Sangyo’s Mr Cement S for bonds that needed to dry quickly and with strength and Mr Cement Deluxe, where I wanted a slightly longer drying time and needed to be able to adjust the location of the parts being joined.

Clever, tubular mounts, ensure that the sponson in-fills are glued to the upper hull in exactly the right place.

The aftermarket breach assembles nicely to create a finely detailed sub-assembly. Though built for this review, this part was not used within the review model’s turret.

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The turret is a glorious example of the tool-maker’s art. Armour texture and weld beads are sublime.

The escape hatch is detailed inside and out, a working hinge allowing it to be shown open should the need arise.

Held in place with a blob of Blu-Tack, we can see just how that new breach fills up the turret interior.

A small dental burr was used to open up the rather solid looking smoke dischargers. This is a simple but effect way to improve the look of this model.

The upper and lower hull sections have been joined and then the wheels carefully slipped into place.

Now we are starting to get somewhere.

With the turret shell, mantlet and gun barrel joined, the shape of the Panther is starting to reveal itself. To this point, assembly has been little more than a few hours.

The kit supplies a length of string to create the two tow cables found on the Panther. This material was replaced with picture hanging wire, annealed over a flame to make it nice and pliable.

Rather than use the kit’s vinyl tracks, Tamiya’s additional set of ‘early’ links — designed especially for this kit — were used. These plastic tracks are very easy to assemble, only annoying ejector pin marks on their upper faces, needing to be dealt with prior to use.

As you can see, detail is superb…

Those photo-etched metal engine screens are seen here, after having been superglued to the engine deck.

They really are a must-have item for this kit.

Full-length side skirts are provided.

Thinking that these looked a little dull, they were carefully split up into a number of individual panels (you should get three from the six supplied), sanded front and back to thin them out and then dropped onto the kit’s skirt hanging brackets.

In order to create a slightly more personal model, the spare track stowage was bolstered with additional links from Tamiya’s aftermarket track set.

Hanging two of the skirt panels haphazardly from brackets around the righthand sprocket, really added to the look of the completed model.

The drum cupola is moulded in two halves in the kit and so needs to be joined with superglue and then sanded smooth to create the appearance of a single, cast part. An overspray with Tamiya’s Fine Surface Primer helped check for any flaws.

Once again, the spare track stowage for the rear of the righthand hull plate was changed from that offered in the kit, the tow cable also being stowed in a more original fashion.

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FULL-BUILD: WW2 MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 1:35 PZ.KPFW.V SD.KFZ.171 PANTHER AUSF.D ● KIT NO.35345

The replacement metal gun barrel looks really smart in place on the completely assembled model.

The completed model. Despite the additions and the reworked areas around the model, this build took little over a day to complete.

Tamiya kits really are a joy to build!

KIT V TOOL Smaller details are equally

well handled. The tool stowage is a quite a feature on the real vehicle and well-detailed in Tamiya’s kit, the snap-clamps that are such a feature on these machines being moulded in place on each tool. Sure, they are solid, but a little time with a drill bit and scalpel and they become more than satisfactory. The two tow cables are also included, a length of plastic ‘string’ being supplied to join each end of the cable. This was replaced during this build with picture-hanging wire…

Another distinct feature of these early Panthers were the side-skirts that ran the entire length of the vehicle.

In reality, six individual

panels, these are supplied in two long runs, that hang from seven individual hangers. This looks fine if you are looking for an almost new vehicle, but hardly the most dynamic of set-ups. Fortunately, you can split the panels with a scalpel where they overlap, removing evidence of the neighbouring panel with a scalpel and wet and dry paper. You can get three/ four individual panels from the length supplied, these separate parts looking far more realistic in place, than

Mini Review...

AK INTERACTIVE USAF TAC SOUTH EAST ASIA SCHEME ITEM no; AK2100 www.ak-interactive.com

One final addition was to have one of the mudguards look as though it was hanging off - the other ‘guard being omitted entirely.

One-pack solutions for specific paint schemes seam to be getting more popular and this latest one from Spain’s AK Interactive is very handy for the creation of the USAF’s SEA camouflage on any appropriate aircraft. Four acrylic colours are provided; FS 34079 Dark Green, FS 34102 Medium Green, FS 30219 Dark Tan and FS 36622 Camouflage Gray.

Good quality paints, well packaged.

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the rather stiff run included in the kit.

The final highlight of the kit are the two crew figures.

These are supplied as a head and shoulders commander that fits inside the cupola and a second, full-height figure, that leans up against the back of the turret. Both of these little figures are wonderfully sculpted and look great together. Over the years Tamiya’s figures have rather fallen behind those created by other companies, but of late they have really started to improve, these two being very good indeed.

Decals are supplied in the kit for three different Panther Ds used during the Battle of Kursk. Though this is understandable, you may wish to check your references as these Panthers exhibited some details that are different to those offered in the kit, engine vents and stowage bins fitted to the shoulders of the hull, being unique to some of the tanks seen in Russia. That said, the choices are as follows: •No.745, 7th Company, 52nd Panzer Battalion, 39th Panzer Regiment, Kursk, July 1943 •No.432, 4th Company, 51st Panzer Battalion, 39th Panzer Regiment, Kursk, July 1943 •No.445, Panzer Regiment “Gross Deutschland”, Kursk, August 1943

With the model disassembled, it was given a couple of coats of Tamiya Fine Surface Primer to check for flaws.

Happy that the construction was up to scratch, everything was base-coated with Halfords Satin Black. This allowed me to regulate the tone of the following camouflage colours, with little additional work.

Mounting the smaller parts onto mount-board, helped with their painting and weathering.

The wheels were base-coated in black, a circle template being used to mask the hubs ready for airbrushing in their Dark Yellow camouflage - a very quick, very easy system that I use often on models such as this.

U

The camouflage was airbrushed on using Tamiya acrylics thinned around 50% with Gunze Sangyo Mr Color Thinner. A 50/50 of Dark Yellow and Buff was used for the base coat with a 50/50 mix of NATO Green and Cockpit Green and the dark green and then Red Brown lightened 20% with Flesh for the Red Brown.

Once happy with the colours and pattern, the model was oversprayed with a very thin layer of the base-coat, thinned 80% with Mr Color Thinner.

Everything was then sealed-in with a layer of Games Workshop Purity Seal ready for weathering.

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V

The decals are well-printed and thanks to the inclusion of a full-colour painting guide — that also includes images on the Panther from which this kit was in part, modelled — you should be in no doubt as to what colour your model should be and where the decals should be applied.

For this build I chose the first option simply because I had already modelled this vehicle from Italeri’s Panther D, almost twenty years ago!

FINAL VERDICT

Tamiya’s latest additional to its Military Miniatures range builds upon their reputation for finely detailed kits that are accurate, detailed and very easy to build. The overall impression when you look at this kit is that Tamiya have delighted in their ability to translate the shape of the Panther into a miniature that incorporates all of the vehicle's salient features from the road wheels,

The fully assembled tracks.

The parts are moulded in a colour that is remarkably close to that used to paint them!

The fully airbrushed wheels ready for weathering. Note how neat the finish is thanks in no small part to the use of an airbrush and a cheap, student’s circle template.

I decided to use the kits decals to decorate the model, so grabbed these two solutions ready for their application. When it comes to Tamiya decals, nothing works better than Mr Mark Softer and Setter…

The decals in place and then sealed-in with a layer of Vallejo Flat Varnish - the only place that this was used on this model. Note how the decals have settled over even the most awkward of surfaces.

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The model was weathered using oil paint washes, drybrushed enamels, pigments and painted Vallejo details.

The tracks were weathered with washes of Tamiya Flat Earth and Buff, thinned with simple tap water.

Pigments helped to dirty up the road wheels as did flicked-on layers of thinned Raw Umber oil paint.

Note the chipped look of the tools.

Being a new vehicle, the finish was painted to look used, but not overly abused. A sponge, loaded with Vallejo German Camouflage Brown was used to create the chipping around the tools, brackets and stowage.

Washes of Humbrol Matt Black thinned with white spirit, were used to define the finer details on the engine deck - especially the breaks between the different panels.

A close-up of the engine deck reveals how little of those radiators can be seen with the vent screens in place.

Note the look of the camouflage, both in terms go pattern and colour, lighter shades being used to great effect around this model.

The turret completely painted and weathered. The drum cupola is rather simplified in the kit, missing some of its periscopes. Note the delicate chipping around the cupola and scuffed paint finish - weathered, but not overdone.

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Viewed from the side, the look of those superb individual track links is plain to see.

Tamiya Buff, thinned with water helped to weather the tracks, pigments further bolstering the effect of use.

really liked this kit and love “ Ithe completed model... ”

Some of the separate parts, painted, weathered and ready to use.

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www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com TMMI 242 December 2015

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FULL-BUILD: WW2 MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 1:35 PZ.KPFW.V SD.KFZ.171 PANTHER AUSF.D ● KIT NO.35345

V through the hull, tool

stowage and that distinctive turret. Add to that list the inclusion of some of the finest rolled steel texture I have ever seen in 1:35 and you have a model that is a joy to behold. Perhaps some of the additional sets of details should have been part of the package — as they are within Tamiya’s 1:32 aircraft — but that would have upped the price, so giving the modeller the choice to either buy and use them, or not, is a good idea. There are also simplifications — including those skirts - but they are few and far between and don’t really detract from the overall look of the model - even if you choose to build it entirely as suggested by Tamiya.

I really liked this kit and love the completed model. It was my first armour build for some time, but certainly helped to reignite my passion for this aspect of the hobby and for that reason alone, I can do no more that wholeheartedly recommend this fabulous new kit.

My thanks go out to The Hobby Company for the review sample. ●

Tamiya’s Panther Ausf.D is a classic “example of why anything from their factory is an utter joy to behold... ”

MODELSPEC...

TAMIYA 1:35 PZ.KPFW.V SD.KFZ.171 PANTHER AUSF.D KIT NO.35345 Materials; Injection-moulded polystyrene, polycaps, waterslide decals Paints used: - Tamiya Fine Surface Primer - Halfords Satin Black - Tamiya Acrylics; XF-57 Buff, XF-67 NATO Green, XF-71 Cockpit Green, XF-64 Red Brown, XF-15 Flesh, XF-52 Dark Earth, XF-85 Rubber Black - Vallejo Acrylics; detail work - Zero Gloss Clear - Winsor and Newton Raw Umber oil paint - Humbrol Enamel; detail work/weathering Tools and materials used: - Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, Gunze Mr Cement S, Gunze Mr Cement Deluxe, superglue, Mr Surfacer 500, tweezers, scalpel, sanding sticks, Micromesh pads Additional items used: Tamiya 1:35 German Panther Ausf.D Metal Gun Barrel Set (12664), Tamiya 1:35 German Panther Ausf.D Photo-Etched Grill Set (12666), Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf.D Separate Track Link Set (12665)

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New Releases

Please turn to page 60 for the

The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EM: ELECTRIC MOTOR EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SE ALLOY, MR; METAL ROD, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PEBM; PHOTO-ETCHED BADGES/MIRRORS, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, PMP; PRE-ASSEMBLED METAL PARTS), PS;

EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC

www.eduard.com www.creativemodels.co.uk www.hannants.co.uk MODEL ACCESSORY SETS Eduard's Brassin sets are Eduard's resin product line, offering high-tech resin castings with the occasional inclusion of photoetched brass. Eduard's own 1:48 Spitfire Mk.XVI gets a full engine, as does Revell's new-tool Spitfire Mk.II in 1:32 and HK Models' 1:32 Mosquito FB Mk.IV gets a set of resin wheels and exhaust outlets. Top quality resin with some stunning detail. MN EDUARD BRASSIN 1:72; • Beaufighter Mk.X wheels (672075) for Airfix • Beaufighter Mk.X exhausts (672076) for Airfix EDUARD BRASSIN 1:48; • Spitfire Mk.XVI engine (648217) for Eduard • Hurricane Mk.I exhaust stacks (648230) for Airfix • Hurricane Mk.I wheels (648229) for Airfix • LAU-10/A Zuni rocket pods x2 (648226) • GBU-10 Paveway II bombs x1 (648172) • MER Multiple Ejector Racks x3 (648227) EDUARD BRASSIN 1:32; • Spitfire Mk.II cockpit (632064) for Revell • Mosquito FB Mk.IV wheels (632061) for HK Models • Mosquito FB Mk.IV exhaust stacks (632062) for HK Models • Spandau WW1 guns (632059)

SBS MODELS, HUNGARY

www.sbsmodel.com Designed specifically for Airfix's 1:72 Blenheim Mk.I/Mk.VI kits, these cowlings and exhausts correct and refine the moulded parts. Cast perfectly in grey resin, they are a significant improvement over the standard components. MN 1:72 BRISTOL BLENHEIM MK.I/MK.VI ENGINE COWLINGS AND EXHAUSTS FOR AIRFIX KITS (72033)

SBS MODELS, HUNGARY

SBS MODELS, HUNGARY

www.sbsmodel.com Hobbyboss's 1:35 40M Nimród antiaircraft tank kit is a excellent model but the national insignia on its decal sheet are completely wrong; SBS Model's set corrects this and also provides alternative markings (white cross on black square) for a tank school and vehicle depot, 1943. Superbly well printed and an essential purchase for anyone contemplating this kit. MN 1:35 NIMRÓD IN WW2 (D35004)

www.sbsmodel.com This small but extremely fine set of wheels/tyres for the Airfix Folland Gnat in 1:72 represent a huge improvement over the kit-supplied parts; the rims and brakes are in scale and look amazing. MN 1:72 FOLLAND GNAT T.1 WHEEL SET FOR AIRFIX KIT (72035)

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Accessories

EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ED METAL PARTS), PS; PAPER STRIP, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WD; WATERSLIDE (DECALS), WS; WOODEN STRIP

DEF MODEL, KOREA

www.defmodel.com The latest batch of resin, PE and alloy barrels has arrived from DEF Model and as ever, they are for current model kit subjects. Tiger Model's recent 1:35 Panhard VBL and AMX-10RCR get fully re-engineered wheel/tyres with cast-in weighted bulges, as does Trumpeter's 1:35 M1082 LMTVT trailer (two types of tyre), AFV Club's 1:35 AEC Matador/Dorchester truck and Takom's SpPz2 Luchs armoured car. The latter kit gets no less than three types of tyre; 'Michlix, Pirellx and Dunlxp' (the 'x' added due to avoid trademark rules I assume). These sets will also work on Revell's kit of the same vehicle.

Tamiya's 1:35 JGSDF LAV kit gets a concise but useful PE sheet which includes a resin bedroll, rivets and light lens. Asuka's M1A1C gets a panel of concrete frontal armour (in resin) plus an lathe-turned alloy gun barrel and this barrel is also available to buy on its own. Asuka's 1:35 M4A3E8 gets a cast resin canvas mantlet cover and Revell's 1:32 F-4 E/F Phantom II gets FOD intake covers (with RBF tags) and also a set of wheels/tyres, with weighted bulges of course.

DEF offer figures too, sculpted by none-other than Douglas Lee. Two sets are on offer, each depicting two US Marines during the Korean War, winter 1950/51 and Douglas has captured the bulky look of the winter clothing perfectly. Finally, we have two Sherman gun barrels, one for the M4 76mm (M1) and the M4 76mm (M1A2); both are appropriate to the M4A3E8 variant.

As we noted in our last review of DEF's products, the wheel/tyre sets are not simply recasts of the kit parts, they are completely new with tyre-maker logos and greatly improved wheel rims and hubs. Wonderful products that will enhance a wheeled AFV as much as a set of Friuls will improve a tracked vehicle. MN 1:35 SETS • French LAV Panhard VBL wheel set (1) with masks (DW35084) For Tiger Model • AMX-10 RCR 6X6 wheel set with masks (DW35085) For Tiger Model • Dorchester/Matador wheel set with masks (DW30034) For AFV Club • SpPz 2 Luchs wheel set (1) with masks (DW35081) For Takom/Revell • SpPz 2 Luchs wheel set (2) with masks (DW35082) For Takom/Revell • SpPz 2 Luchs wheel set (3) with masks (DW35083) For Takom/Revell • US M1082 LMTVT Michelin XML set (1) (DW35078) for Trumpeter • US M1082 LMTVT Goodyear MV/T set (2) (DW35080) for Trumpeter • M4A3E8 Sherman canvas cover set (DM35053) for Asuka • M4A3E2 Jumbo concrete front armour w/76mm barrel (DM35052) for Asuka • JGSDF LAV basic PE detail set (DE35011) for Tamiya • US Marines Korea winter (set 1) 1950/51 (DF35001) • US Marines Korea winter (set 2) 1950/51 (DF35002) • 76mm M4 Sherman M1 barrel M4A2, M4A3E2, IDF M1 etc., (DM35049) • 76mm M4 Sherman M1A1C barrel M4A3E2, M4A3E8, IDF M1 etc., (DM35050) • 76mm M4 Sherman M1A2 barrel M4A3E8, IDF M1 etc., (DM35051) 1:32 SETS • F-4 E/F Phantom II FOD cover/RBF tags (DS32008) for Revell • F-4 E/F Phantom II wheel set (DS32007) for Revell

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New Releases The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLAST MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), SVF; SOFT VINYL FIGURES, V

HGW MODELS, CZECH REPUBLIC

www.hgwmodels.cz HGW's newest harnesses set comes with a set of pre-cut vinyl canopy masks and is designed for Tamiya's 1:32 Mosquito FB Mk.VI. Very finely laser-cut, pre-printed webbing with photo-etched buckles is the perfect combination. MN 1:32 MOSQUITO MK.VI TAMIYA (132809)

AMMO MIG JIMENEZ, SPAIN

www.migjimenez.com The folks at AMMO Mig Jimenez have teamed up with Alclad II to distribute some key colours from the range and the shades they have chosen are very useful for most modellers.

The paints come pre-thinned and utilise a lacquer solvent, so a mask should be used during use, in a thoroughly ventilated work area. The results are fantastic, so long as the surface they are applied to is gloss-painted, or at least primed and polished smooth. MN BLACK MICROFILLER (A.MIG-8211) DURALUMIN (A.MIG-8202) JET EXHAUST (A.MIG-8208) DARK ALUMINIUM (A.MIG-8203) CHROME FOR PLASTIC (A.MIG-8205) ALUMINIUM (A.MIG-8201)

MH MODELS. CZECH REPUBLIC

www.mhmodels.cz Applying the spirals often seen on the propeller spinners of Messerschmitt Bf109G/K series fighters can be a nightmare, so these mask sets (1:72, 1:48, 1:32) go a long way to help the modeller.

Cut from self-adhesive vinyl. MN BF109G/K SPINNER SPIRAL AIRBRUSH MASK SET (X72001) BF109G/K SPINNER SPIRAL AIRBRUSH MASK SET (X48002) BF109G/K SPINNER SPIRAL AIRBRUSH MASK SET (X32001)

AMMO MIG JIMENEZ, SPAIN

www.migjimenez.com This set of colours for the painting of modern ammunition is extremely useful as it offers a one-box solution for all the common colours found on current AFV and artillery ordnance.

All that's needed now is a set of decals for the data usually stencilled on each item. MN

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Accessories

ION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, OFT VINYL FIGURES, VF; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)

TAMIYA, JAPAN

www.hobbyco.net This set of eight Deutsches Afrikakorps figures is designed to be used in conjunction with an 8.8cm Flak gun from the North African theatre of operations of WW2. The figures are clothed in the appropriate uniforms for this unit with insignia moulded in, sleeves rolled up and one individual in shorts. Detail is generally excellent and the poses are natural, although the boots are a little too delicate in some cases; a small blob of putty could be added to the toe area to make them a little more rounded and 'army-like' in bulk. Tamiya's 8.8cm accessory sprue is included, which carries wicker shell-cases, 8.8cm rounds, rangefinders, helmets, tools and more. MN 1:35 GERMAN AFRICA CORPS LUFTWAFFE ARTILLERY CREW SET (35343)

PANZERSHOP, CZECH REPUBLIC

www.panzershop.cz This extensive conversion set provides a complete replacement upper hull, track guards, crane, earth-anchor and all exterior fittings in resin. Also in the box is a set of Friulmodel T-72 tracks, Eduard Zoom set for the Tamiya T-55A, a further sheet of PE, decals, wire and a CD with instructions and reference photos.

The modeller must supply their own lower hull and running gear (Tamiya T-55A) but everything else you need (minus paints, glues etc) is in the box. Full-build article coming next year in TMMI. MN 1:35 VT-55A RECOVERY TANK CONVERSION FOR TAMIYA (PS35254)

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REVELL, EUROPE

www.revell.de/en These figure sets are really nicely detailed, well animated and you get a lot in each box. They are ideal for large dioramas and maybe even wargaming, but as they are moulded in a soft, resilient type of plastic, model paint can sometimes peel off if the parts bend.

A good clean in washing-up liquid and warm water, followed by a layer of Revell's 'Basic Color' primer will give you the best chance of painting success. MN 1:72 MODERN GERMAN PARATROOPS (02521) THIRTY-NINE FIGURES 1:72 GERMAN NAVY CREW WWII (02525) FIFTY-ONE FIGURES

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New Releases

Please turn to page 60 for the

Accessories

The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...

PLUS MODEL, CZECH REPUBLIC

www.creativemodels.co.uk Plus Model has become quite the master of laser-cutting technology and what they can do with thin sheets of real wood is remarkable. These 1:35 cable reels – ideal for trackside dioramas – are cut from thin, finegrained wood sheet and the detail is etched-in with great finesse. Two reels are included in each set, with resin bolts and laser-cut square washers.

Beautifully made and professionally executed. MN 1:35 CABLE REELS SMALL (455) 1:35 CABLE REELS BIG (456)

ICM, UKRAINE

www.hannants.co.uk ICM have been creating some very appealing figure sets lately and the newest is a set of four Sikh Rifles soldiers (British Army 1942). Two of the soldiers are dragging a fallen comrade by his webbing straps to safety while another covers them. The mouldings are very finely detailed while the head-sculpts have plenty of character. The set comes with three Lee-Enfield rifles (fixed bayonets) and a Thompson sub-machinegun, all of which look accurate and are delicately moulded. An excellent release that recognises the heroism and dedication of the Sikh units. MN 1:35 INDIAN SIKH RIFLES 1942 (35564)

XTRADECAL, UK

www.hannants.co.uk New decal sets have arrived from Hannants and all are aimed at WW2 era RAF and Luftwaffe fighters and bombers.

In the 'Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary' range we have five schemes for the RAF Hurricane Mk.I, all in the iconic Dark Green/Dark Earth over Sky camouflage, of course. For the Spitfire Mk.Ia in Xtradecal's commemorative range we have six markings-options from various RAF Squadrons across the country during the Battle of Britain. MN 1:72 DECALS BATTLE OF BRITAIN 75TH ANNIVERSARY SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.1A (X72221) BATTLE OF BRITAIN 75TH ANNIVERSARY PT.1 HAWKER HURRICANES (X72222) 1:48 DECALS BATTLE OF BRITAIN 75TH ANNIVERSARY SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.1A (X48143) BATTLE OF BRITAIN 75TH ANNIVERSARY PT.1 HAWKER HURRICANE MK.I (X48144)

FINE MOLDS, JAPAN

www.finemolds.co.jp Fine Molds' 'Nano Aviation' range includes superb, moulded ABS harness sets for aircraft from WW2 to the modern day, in all the popular aviation modelling scales. The most recent to arrive are for the US F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon, F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet in both 1:72 and 1:48. Four full sets are included in each box, each element of harness set formed from ABS plastic which is stronger and more malleable than conventional polystyrene. Detail is fantastic and the plastic accepts model paints. MN 1:72 SETS MODERN AIRCRAFT SEATBELTS SET #1 F-14/F/A-18 SERIES (NA7) MODERN AIRCRAFT SEATBELTS SET #2 F-15/F-16 SERIES (NA8) 1:48 SETS MODERN AIRCRAFT SEATBELTS SET #1 F-14/F/A-18 SERIES (NC7) MODERN AIRCRAFT SEATBELTS SET #2 F-15/F-16 SERIES (NC8)

FRIULMODEL, HUNGARY

www.friulmodel.hu As always, Friulmodel's new track sets cover a wide range of eras and vehicle types, from WW1 to the modern day-ish. The WWI British 'Whippet' medium tank is a popular subject at the moment and whilst the kit-supplied tracks are good, there's nothing quite like a set of metal links for weathering, polishing and sheer natural weight. The mighty 'Maus' super-heavy tank gets its own track set and it is one of Friul's more complex productions, with a faithful reproduction of the vehicle's vast, multi-part links in miniature; quite simply marvellous. MN 1:35 SETS VERSUCHSFLAKWAGEN 8.8CM FLAK (41/37) AUSF SONDERFAHRGESTELL (ATL-111) MARDER 1 A1/A2/A3/A4 (ATL-113) WHIPPET/LITTLE WILLIE (ATL-146) MAUS (ATL-162) CHALLENGER 2 EARLY-TYPE TRACK (ATL-163) CHURCHILL EARLY-TYPE TRACK (ATL-164)

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modelsforsale.com Plastic model kits, New, Second-Hand, and Discontinued. Books and Accessories.

WANTED

Quality collections of second-hand model kits, military books, decals, photo-etch & detail sets.

Will collect on larger quantities.

Please see our website for more details or please call us.

Tel: 01933 622654 email: sales@modelsforsale.com Unit 3 Dean Close - Raunds - Northants NN9 6BD

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KIT PREVIEW

REVELL STAR WARS ‘THE FORCE AWAKENS’ KITS

THE MODEL KI W

hen this review was written, the new film 'Star Wars, The Force Awakens' had yet to be released and seeing how we know almost nothing about the film pre-launch, there's little point in me discussing the production. Suffice to say, the trailers look amazing and director JJ Abrams and I were born on the same day in 1966 - so it must be a winner! Revell have sent us four kits of new vessels along with kits of ships from the original films; Snowspeeder, X-Wing, Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, TIE Fighter and TIE Interceptor and we'll look at the latter kits next issue. For now though, it is the new models that we are most interested in, for the obvious reason.

KYLO REN'S COMMAND SHUTTLE

Kylo Ren's command shuttle was utilised by Lord Kylo Ren, who was a member of the Knights of Ren and the First Order around thirty years after the Battle of Endor. His ship led a group of First Order Transporters to the Star Destroyer 'Finalizer'. The craft was equipped with a nose-mounted loading ramp and paired retractable stabilizers and was driven by two ion engines. (Source; edited from starwars.wikia.com) This sinister yet magnificent ship is the most 'new-looking' of the four kits we received from Revell, its design having a hint of Shuttle Tyderium to it. Even though the scale is noted as a small and slightly odd 1:93, it's a pretty big model with each 'wing' measuring just under 35cm (over a foot) in length. It is moulded in black plastic with a rather lovely satin finish. The surface detail is excellent, with well-formed external structures represented with raised and recessed panels, grilles, ribs, conduits and more. It's pleasing to note that some of the detailing really looks like it has been sourced from 'kit-bashed' plastic models rather than purely the product of high-end CAD software.

Revell's kit isn't over simplified; it has a satisfying level of complexity to it, including individually moulded strips for the edges of the wings, workable access ramp, a cockpit insert, raised/lowered landing gear and detailed engine nozzles. Kylo Ren's Shuttle will build into a large and very striking model and with some creative paintwork it has the potential to look marvellous.

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TMMI's Editor takes a look at Revell's first four, all-new kits from Star Wars Episode VII, 'The Force Awakens'

KITS AWAKEN FIRST ORDER SPECIAL FORCES TIE FIGHTER

This is a modernised version of the Twin Ion Engine fighter as deployed by the First Order and sports some new design elements, the most apparent of which being the inner hubs where the 'wings' mount to the cockpit's stub-wings. In fact there are many subtle changes to be found on this machine from the engine outlets to the external structures. Revell's kit is in the large scale of 1:35 giving the ‘wings’ a height of 23cm (around 9”) and a good-sized cockpit which houses a nicely detailed interior with, what appears to be, a back-to-back seating arrangement. So perhaps the new TIE is actually larger all round? Many parts are pre-painted but most modellers will want to add their own touches to tidy-up the machine-masked red areas and refine the canopy framing.

As with Kylo Ren's Shuttle kit, the detail is impressive and the parts are well moulded.

POE'S X-WING FIGHTER

As with the First Order's TIE Fighter, this is a revised and updated iteration of the truly iconic X-Wing Fighter and it too has many physical differences, some obvious, others less so. The fuselage appears more angular and the canopy looks larger when compared to the original machines. The wings now feature staggered/interlocking outer sections, the new engine inlets are semi-circular and their rearmost portions are more smoothly faired-in than before.

Revell's new kit in moulded to 1:50, close to the familiar scale of 1:48. Parts-breakdown is extensive enough to be satisfying without being over-complex and the parts are pre-painted to a decent level; there's even an endearing depiction of the BB-8 droid (below) for the position originally occupied by an R2 unit behind the cockpit. It's an appealing twist on a classic design and there's huge potential here for weathering, just like the original X-Wing.

TMMI’S THOUGHTS?

Hopefully there will be more kits of the ships and craft coming from 'The Force Awakens' in the following months and when they arrive, we'll review them here. Revell's initial offerings are very nicely produced with some excellent detail touches throughout. Pre-painted kits aren't to everyone's taste but it isn't a huge stretch of the imagination to see the superdetailing, re-painting and weathering potential of these new models and we are impressed by them. MN

MODELSPEC...

REVELL STAR WARS ‘THE FORCE AWAKENS’ KITS • Kylo Ren’s Command Shuttle (06695) • First Order Special Forces Tie Fighter (06693) • Poe’s X-Wing Fighter (06692) • Resistance X-Wing Fighter (06696) Materials; Injection-moulded polystyrene, pre-painted AVAILABILITY; Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model stores. For details visit www.revell.de/en

Resistance X-Wing Fighter

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FULL-BUILD: LARGE-SCALE AVIATION TAMIYA 1:32 DE HAVILLAND MOSQUITO FB MK.VI ● KIT NO.60326

BRITAIN'S BAL PART 3

TMMI’s Editor (nearly) completes the cockpit of Tamiya’s 1:32 Mosquito...

NAVIGATOR

T

his model looks like it will take me months more to finish as there are just so many parts and so few hours at the model workbench these days. In this month’s instalment, I have almost finished the cockpit (just the side-straps for the pilot’s seat need adding) so I’ll soon be able to close-up the fuselage and push ahead with the airframe’s build-up.

I have chosen to fit just the navigator in the cockpit, leaving the pilot’s seat empty so as to make use of the standing figure and also to show off the detail on the seat. The navigator figure builds up extremely easily using liquid cement, but I left off his head for painting individually, mounting it on a cocktail stick after carefully drilling a hole up from the neck. Tamiya’s figures were created using 3D laser-scans of real people and are thus anatomically accurate. The seated navigator has a strong resemblance to a British colleague of mine who works at Tamiya’s headquarters in Shizuoka City, so he clearly one of the life-models! Quite an honour to become immortalised in polystyrene.

So, let’s look at far I’ve come this month – not all that far to be honest, but I’m getting there! ●

Here we see various views of the Mosquito's navigator, who has been fixed to his seat in order to fit the shoulder straps of the harness. The figure fits the seat perfectly and looks quite natural.

A decal is supplied for the map on his note board and he holds a pencil in his right hand. The oxygen mask and hose comes with the kit.

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ALSA BOMBER COCKPIT

This structure is the ammunition hopper with aluminium-coloured feeders for the four .303 guns mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

The only criticism here is that we should have a partial view of the rounds of ammunition through the slots in the feeders, but they are smooth. They were painted in a brass colour anyway.

This is the first bulkhead – front and back – and it's an armoured plate, as signified by the yellow circles.

The cockpit floor. Note the area of dirt on the nearest edge; this is adjacent to the access door and the dirt and scuffs were applied to suggest where the crew had repeatedly climbed in and out of the aircraft.

Flare rack and fire extinguisher.

The flairs should really have data stencilling on their bodies, plus red or green bands around their tops and bronze-coloured collars at the base to suggest the firing cap. These might be added before the fuselage is finally closed up!

the s r he eat ural. ap ds e s

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FULL-BUILD: LARGE-SCALE AVIATION TAMIYA 1:32 DE HAVILLAND MOSQUITO FB MK.VI â—? KIT NO.60326

Here we see the pilot's seat, mounted to the lower bulkhead which would also have been armoured. The pad on the seat is beautifully done and just needs a layer of satin-finish dark green plus some dust to suggest wear. The harness is from an Eduard (HGW) set, but it's a little over-simplified so unused parts from the navigator's seat were used to make it more accurate.

On the right side of the cockpit wall, these electrical boxes wit be found, along with thick power cables.

This is a two-part moulding which greatly helps with the painting process. Tamiya provide some of the decals, while the data placard comes from an Airscale set.

INSTRUMENT PANEL

The instrument panel in this kit is a little marvel of detail, featuring a layered construction of a moulded plastic backplate, a clear-moulded dial panel (onto the back of which are applied the decals for dial faces) and finally a photo-etched metal front plate that carries bezels and smaller detail items. The finished effect is spectacularly realistic.

On the left sidewall we see the throttle (a little over-simplified in the kit) which is overall black with just the adjuster knob and its friction ring in a Bakelite yellow colour. The discs on the inner fuselage are mounting points for various pieces of instrumentation.

MODELSPEC TAMIYA 1:32 DE HAVILLAND MOSQUITO FB MK.VI NO.60326

Next issue, I hope to get more work done on this amazing if time-consuming model!

See you in a month!

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Availability;

Tamiya model kits and paints are widely available from good model shops UK importer and distributor; The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net Vallejo Acrylics; Creative Models www.creativemodels.co.uk AMMO; www.migjimenez.com

03/11/2015 17:17

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MODELLING PROJECTS MILITARY MOTORCYCLISTS

dIORAMA IDEAS...

TAKING A BREAK FROM BATTLE A group of US troops enjoy a brief respite from combat at a Normandy farmhouse

I

n this scene we see a group of US troops just back from the fighting at Coutances – which was captured by the Americans on July 29th 1944 – relaxing at French farmhouse. Some are lying on the ground, one shaving, another washing and two who appear to be eating from ration packs. Even though it’s a scene of relative calm, note that all but two of the soldiers still have their helmets on; combat was never far away during the Normandy campaign. Notable here are the two Harley Davidson WLA 750

motorcycles and a heavily laden vehicle on the left, perhaps a commandeered local civilian car?

It’s a scene that is crying out for a diorama treatment and with MiniArt’s lovely 1:35 kits of the WLA (right) plus excellent figure sets, it could be recreated (or something with a similar ambience) with relative ease. MiniArt’s ‘French Village House’ isn’t too far from the stone-built Normandy farmhouse in the image and would look very fine as the centrepiece of the diorama. ●

MiniArt kits and accessories are available from good model shops. www.creativemodels.co.uk

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New Releases A selection of the latest full kits in plastic, resin, metal and more!

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EM: ELECTRIC MOTOR EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SE ALLOY, MR; METAL ROD, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PEBM; PHOTO-ETCHED BADGES/MIRRORS, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, PMP; PRE-ASSEMBLED METAL PARTS), PS;

TAMIYA, JAPAN

M24 CHAFFEE US LIGHT TANK www.hobbyco.net SCALE; 1:35 MATERIALS; IM, MMA, WS KIT NUMBER; 37020 In this release we have Italeri’s kit from the mid-1980s, supplemented by the set of hard plastic link-and-length tracks and machined-metal gun barrel that were included in Italeri’s 2012 edition of the kit. Tamiya’s contribution consists of three sprues of stowage, jerrycans, Browning M2 50.cal MG, ammunition cans, commander figure and decals, plus new, boxart and instructions of course. The tank kit is still very good and while not as sophisticated (or as time-consumingly complex) as Bronco’s newer tooled Chaffee, it’s quick to build and has decent detailing. Add Eduard’s photo-etched set for the kit and the model has the potential to really shine. MN

PLATZ, JAPAN

JSDF AIRCRAFT SERIES F-15J EAGLE www.platz-hobby.com SCALE; 1:72 MATERIALS; IM, WS KIT NUMBER; AC-16 This is a new-tool kit depicting the single-seat variant of the US Eagle. Six sprues of grey polystyrene plus one in clear will be found in the box, plus a sheet of decals for multiple aircraft, all in the standard Light Ghost Grey and Dark Ghost Grey used by the JASDF as well as a healthy stock of underwing stores. The parts are finely detailed but the panel lines are a little on the heavy side in this author’s opinion.

Once painted, they should diminish a little, so long as panelline colour washes are kept to a bare minimum. The cockpit is very nicely done, as is the avionics bay behind the pilot’s seat which features individual inner wall liners and the jet nozzle is made up from five segments which look really good. MN

A solid kit even after many years in/out of production; the Tamiya sprues breath life into it

A beautiful production with some very refined detail touches

Some details are a little soft (handles etc) and could use the copper wire handle treatment

Exterior panel lines are a little too prominent but not disastrously so

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Kit Reviews

EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ED METAL PARTS), PS; PAPER STRIP, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WD; WATERSLIDE (DECALS), WS; WOODEN STRIP

PLUS MODEL, CZECH REPUBLIC

FORDSON N-BIG TRACTOR www.creativemodels.co.uk SCALE; 1:35 MATERIALS; R, PE, WS KIT NUMBER; 448 The Fordson tractor was used extensively in WW2 at RAF airfields for towing bomb trollies and moving aircraft so this kit of the vehicle is extremely welcome. Grey resin is used for the main components and the casting quality is impeccable, with just some fine resin flash and moderate casting plugs requiring removal, the latter with a saw, not side-cutters. Supplementary parts such as radiator fan, license plate and other smaller components will be found on the photo-etched brass fret and the kit is topped off with a sheet of RAF markings for the three options offered in the kit; two in dark green and one in medium grey with yellow radiator cover.

There are some very delicate parts in here, but with some care it could be built by someone who is fairly new to resin kits. MN

REVELL, EUROPE

TYPE IX C/40 (U-190) www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/revell SCALE; 1:72 MATERIALS; IM, WS KIT NUMBER; 05133 Revell’s 1:72 U-Boat kits are magnificent things and having built the Type VIIC some years back I can attest to their quality of moulding and enjoyment of building. The Type IX C/40 is significantly different in design to the VII with longer and more hydrodynamic hull and a pinched-in forward deck that gives it a readily identifiable plan view; Revell’s kit captures all these features in their familiar pale green-grey plastic. It could be said that the rivets and weldlines on the hull sides are a little too heavy but this looks just fine when the model has been painted and weathered. The kit is very well detailed, but not so overwhelmingly complex that it will take months to complete; the perfect balance. MN

Fantastic detail and top quality castings, great subject too

A wonderful production with serious display-case presence once complete

1:35 is great of course, but 1:32 might have been more logical perhaps?

Some detailing (railings etc) is a little hefty and could do with refining TMMI 242 December 2015

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New Releases A selection of the latest full kits in plastic, resin, metal and more!

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EM: ELECTRIC MOTOR EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MR; METAL ROD, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PEBM; PHOTO-ETCHED BADGES/MIRRORS, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, PMP; PRE-ASSEMBLED METAL PARTS), PS; PAPER STRIP, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WD; WATERSLIDE (DECALS), WS; WOODEN STRIP

REVELL, EUROPE

HERMANN MARWEDE SEARCH AND RESCUE VEHICLE www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/revell SCALE; 1:72 MATERIALS; IM, WS KIT NUMBER; 05220 The vessels of the German ‘DGzRS’ (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger; German Maritime Search and Rescue Service) is a popular subject for Revell and it’s easy to see why; they are impressive in size and rather colourful, although they are no good for weathering fans! The kit comes in a huge box befitting the size of the kit, which appears big enough to be a candidate for radio-control conversion. The parts sprues are large too, hinting at the fairly high parts count. Detail is very good throughout but the main challenge will be the paintwork, the high-contrast nature of the white and orange scheme (with bright green decks) creating some fun masking operations... Also in the box is a much smaller SAR launch but it is every bit was well detailed as the Hermann. MN

TRUMPETER, HONG KONG

RUSSIAN 1K17 SZHATIE www.pocketbond.co.uk SCALE; 1:35 MATERIALS; IM, PE, WS KIT NUMBER; 05542 The Szhatie is an experimental vehicle which utilised a Msta-S T-80 chassis (powered by a T-72 diesel engine) with a large turret that housed an array of highpowered lasers, whose job was to disable the electronic/optical systems of opposing forces. Two prototypes were used but one was scrapped, leaving just one Szhatie in a Moscow museum; from front-on it’s a pretty terrifying sight, looking more like a vehicle from a ‘70s James Bond film than an (potentially) operational AFV. Trumpeter’s kit uses the excellent hull and running gear from their own 2S19 Msta-S kit, with a newly moulded turret featuring the laser array.

The laser covers can be fitted in the open positions to reveal the clear-moulded laser lenses, a nice touch. MN

A very impressive boxful of parts in white plastic; loads of detail and not a quick build

Another bold choice of subject from Trumpeter, depicting a Soviet rarity in fine detail

The ship seems to be kept spotless, so no rust streaks allowed!

Little to criticise here; maybe a crew figure to add a human touch to this monster?

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Book Reviews GOT A NEW BOOK? IF YOU ARE A PUBLISHER WITH A NEW MODELLING RELATED TITLE TO PUBLICISE, WHY NOT SEND IN A COPY FOR REVIEW HERE?

BUILDING THE WINGUTS WINGS AEG G.IV

RAY RIMELL, ALBATROS PRODUCTIONS www.windsockdatafilesspecials.co.uk £26 plus shipping Ray Rimell of 'Albatros Productions' is known around the world for his long-established expertise in the field of First World War aviation, so when he turns his attention to a particular aircraft of the era, you know that the result will be an accurate and comprehensive report on all of its details, inside and out. This is most certainly the case with his new title, which, in its sixty-four pages, documents the construction and finishing of Wingnut Wings' wonderful 1:32 AEG G.IV bomber, a magnificent but complex kit. Ray starts with an introduction to the model and then proceeds with a photo-story of it during construction, accompanied by extensive and enlightening captions. The pages are liberally interspersed with contemporary photos of the real bomber's airframe, inner structures and systems, offering the perfect referencesource for those building alongside. Colour profiles by Ronny Bar and a reproduction of a twelve-page section about the AEG bomber from the June 5th 1918 issue of 'Aeronautical Engineering' (with some fabulous photos and illustrations) make this book a valuable resource when attempting this kit. Highly recommended. MN

MERKAVA SIMAN 4/4LIC/4M, MERKAVA MK.IV IN IDF SERVICE PART 2 (IDF ARMOR SERIES NO.13) MICHAEL MASS, ADAM O'BRIEN, DESERT EAGLE PUBLISHING www.aviationbookcentre.com ISBN 978-965-91635-9-5 £24.99 plus shipping The second part of Desert Eagle's series on the Merkava Mk4 has arrived, adding to the collective reference source on the tank by this publisher. The book runs to eighty-four pages including its (soft) covers and is all colour as you'd expect.

As with the other titles in this range, the presentation is heavily pictorial in style, which is precisely what the modeller wants. The high quality paper and colour photo reproduction re-iterate this point, the publishers acknowledging the modeller's craving for high grade reference material. The book covers the tank 'in action', showing how it looks on manoeuvres in its natural environment, clouds of dust and all. Some interesting shots of the crews and support teams follow, then we arrive at some juicy close-up photos which show off the jumble of differing textures and materials that adorn the exterior of this impressive, high-tech AFV. If you're a fan of the IDF’s Merkavas and love the dust-caked patina they rapidly acquire, this book will make you feel right at home. MN

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COLOURS

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Modellers Sanders We have a full range of sanding solutions including normal modellers sanders, thinny sticks & thinny sponges for finer work plus exceptionanlly fine buffers for a completely smooth finish.

Photo-Etch Placer Our photo-etch placer is a re-usable wax based positioning stick that will help to hold and place even the smallest piece of photo-etch or styrene.

email: sales@umpretail.com

www.umpretail.com

BuyersGuidesBuyersGuidesBuyersGui ABC Models

Tel: 01606 47740 Fax: 01606 47740

167 Witton Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5EA OPEN Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.00pm

AVIATION & MILITARY BOOK CENTRE Tel: 0845 260 4413 PO BOX 4413, ATHERSTONE, WARWICKSHIRE, CV9 9AS

Aviation and Military Books and Magazines

plastic kits, radio control, slot car & model railways MASTERCARD/VISA/SWITCH

Phone lines open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat-Sun Phone, write or visit us online. sales@aviationbookcentre.com www.aviationbookcentre.com

email: sales@abcmodels.co.uk

mastercard/visa/switch/paypal/cheques/cash/postal orders

www.abcmodels.co.uk

avid reader

Tel: 01299 823 330 Fax:01299 829 970

Unit 10, Hodfar Road, Sandy lane Ind Estate, Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9QB

Military, Aviation, Naval, Modelling, Railways, Car & Motorcycle Books 9.30 – 4.30 Monday to Friday By Appointment Only

www.bookworldws.co.uk

info@bookworldws.co.uk

Visa/MasterCard/Maestro

D-9 models

Tel/Fax: 01633 222282

D-9 Models, Newport Indoor Market, Newport, South Wales NP20 1DD

Monday to Saturday 9am - 4.30pm SPECIALIST PLASTIC KIT MODEL SHOP. Brands include tamiya, trumpeter, italeri, revell, dragon, afv, hasegawa, roden, eduard and more

www.d-9models.co.uk d.ninemodels@btconnect.com

all major credit cards. mail order

DETRITUS MODELS & TERRAIN

Finescale model world ltd

Airfix, Tamiya, Humbrol paints, Tamiya paints, army painter, balsa, Painting & building commissions

MAIL ORDER AND WEBSITE SALES

Tel: 07593 911629

www.detritusmodels.com

detritusmodels@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/detritusmodels 78 Thirlemere road Wakefield West Yorkshire WF2 9ER

All major credit cards accepted

Open mon-wed 10-5:30 turs 2:00-7:30 fri 10-5:30 sat 10-4:30

Gee DEE MODELS Tel: 0115 9412211 Fax: 0115 9417717

21 Heathcoat Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3AF Moday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am-5.30pm Specialising in plastic kits, diecast, boats, planes and cars ESTABLISHED 1946

www.geedee-modelshop.com

MAIL ORDER

(8-00am - 4-30pm)

The UK’s largest mail order company specialising in Scale Automotive model kits with a large selection of aftermarket detailing parts, accessories, books and loads more Unit 59, Basepoint Business Centre, Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SD, United Kingdom.

www.hiroboy.com Open: Monday-Thursday: 8.00-4.30, Friday: 8.00-2.30

Kit krazy model shop Tel: 020 8298 7177

303 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8DT New and pre-owned kits. Collections bought and sold Aircraft, military, cars, ships, bikes & scifi (70p S.A.E for our list)

Opening hours: 9-30am-5.30pm (closed Wednesday & Sunday)

You can also find us at most major model and airshows throughout the year

www.kitkrazy.com

plastic kits, airbrushes, primers, paints, tools, glues, static grass & accessories

www.finescalemodelworld.co.uk

finescalemodelrailways@gmail.com

all major credit cards

HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD

Tel: 01422 349157

Halifax Modellers World , 29 Union Street, Halifax, HX1 1PR

All Models,All Makes,All Scales.

Opening Hours: Mon,Tues,Thur 10.30-17.30,Wed Closed, Fri 10.30-17.00,Sat 9.30-17.00,Sun 10.30-16.30

www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk Email:halifaxmodellersworld@fsmail.net

Hurricane models

HIROBOY

Tel: +44 (0)1684 252310

Tel/Fax: 01902 650077

Up to 20% Discount on mail order

Tel: 01992 447346

7 Impresa Park, Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0DL

10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to FRIDAY Tamiya Radio Controlled Models and Plastic Model Kits of cars, bikes, boats, tanks and planes from Tamiya and most Major Brands always in stock.

Racks of paints and a range of Airbrushes always in stock.

sales@hurricanemodels.co.uk www.hurricanemodels.co.uk

mastercard/visa/Switch/amex/delta

WWW.LITTLE-CARS.COM Tel: 01234 711980

(24hr answer phone)

We aim to stock all the tools and accessories you will ever need. Micro Mesh, Hold & Fold, Detailing Wire and Mesh, Iwata Airbrushes, MIG pigments, Adhesives.

FROM TINY TWEEZERS TO SIZEABLE SPRAY BOOTHS! Swan & Excel knives, Vallejo, Aztek Airbrushes, Actulite, A300S-D Extractor.

Lazertran Decal paper, Deluxe Rust & Snow, Zona Saws, Alclad II, Microbrushes...

Multimedia Car kits, Eduard, Sweet and Areotech Aircraft kits.

Buy direct or see us at your local model show

email: info@little-cars.co.uk

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

WELSH DRAGON MODELS

MASTERPIECE Models

www.welshdragonmodels.co.uk

www.masterpiecemodels.com

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WEBDIRECTORYWEBDIRECTORYWEBDIRECTO www.hobbyco.net dragon.com

www.ebbro.com Finest Quality Models

www.creativemodels.co.uk

tamiya.com italeri.com

www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com www.missing-lynx.com www.hyperscale.com

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Contact details for companies featured in TMMI... ● ACCURATE ARMOUR/ ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland. Tel; 01475 743 955 Fax 01475 743746 www.accurate-armour.com

● DRAGON MODELS (The Hobby Company in UK) Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT, Hong Kong Fax (HK) 4110587 www.dragonmodelsltd.com

● THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd 79 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF, +44 (0) 1903 767800 www.airbrushes.com

● ECHELON FINE DETAILS Available from; wwwaccurate-armour. com & http://pachome1.pacific.net. sg/~kriegsketten/

● AIRCONNECTION Box 21227, RPO Meadowvale Mississauga, ON L5N 6A2, Canada Tel (905) 677-0016 Fax (905) 677-0582 sale@airconnection.on.ca info@airconnection.on.ca www.airconnection.on.ca ● AIRWAVES Via Hannants www.hannants.co.uk ● ALBION ALLOYS Spacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth Dorset, UK, BH11 8PT Tel: 01202 511232 Fax; 01202 539967 From outside UK please dial Tele; 0044 1202 511232 Fax;0044 1202 539967 ● ALCLAD II No.5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk, NR12 0LL. www.alclad2.com Tel; 01692 652166, Fax; 01692 652334 ● AMMO OF MIG JIMENEZ S.L. Navarra (SPAIN) www.migjimenez.com www.theweatheringmagazine.com Email info@migjimenez.com In UK; Creative Models ● AMPERSAND PUBLISHING (via Historex Agents in UK) 235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5543, USA Tel; 561-266 9686, Fax; 561-266-9786 ● ARCHER (Historex in UK) PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 275961277, USA www.archertransfers.com ● BADGER AIRBRUSH 9128 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131, USA 800-AIR-BRUSH • Fax: 800-57BADGER www.badgerairbrush.com customerservice@badgerairbrush.com ● BISON DECALS Available from www.hannants.co.uk and www.pdi-model-supplies.com ● CAMMETT AND CO (Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) Unit 5 Forest Road, Greenfield Industrial Estate, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5FA, United Kingdom Phone; 01497 822757 Email; cammettco@btopenworld.com www.cammett.co.uk ● CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Leics UK LE10 1YF Tel: +44(0) 1455 233 747, Fax: +44(0) 1455 233 737 midlandbooks@compuserve.com www.classic-publications.com ● CREATIVE MODELS LTD (Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures); Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TG Tel/Fax; 01354 760022 www.creativemodels.co.uk info@creativemodels.co.uk ● CZECH SIX PUBLICATIONS 48 Station Road, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3BN UK Tel; 01932 866426 www.czechsixpublications.com

(For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK)

● EAGLE EDITIONS Ltd PO Box 580 Hamilton MT 59840 USA406 Tel; 363 5415, Fax; 406 375 9270 eagle@eagle-editions.com www.eagle-editions.com ● FANTASY PRINTSHOP The Palms Oasis, New Portreath Road, Bridge, Cornwall, TR16 4QL ● FROME MODEL CENTRE 1/2 Catherine Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DA, UK +44 (0) 1373 465295 www.frome-model-centre.com enquiries@frome-model-centre.com ● GRAND PRIX MODELS 4 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way, Banbury, OX16 4SW. Tel; 01295 278070 Fax; 01295 278072 www.grandprixmodels.com email@grandprixmodels.com ● GREENHILL BOOKS Park House, 1 Russell Gardens, London NW11 9NN, UK Tel 020 8458 6314 Fax 020 8905 5245 www.greenhillbooks.com L.Leventhal@greenhillbooks.com

● MIG PRODUCTIONS C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain www.migproductions.com In UK; Creative Models ● MODEL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION Unit 3 Hillstown Small Business Center, Mansfield Road, Bolsover, Derbyshire.

S44 6LE. Tel; +(44)1246 82 77 55 orders@modeldesignconstruction.com www.modeldesignconstruction.com ● MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD Unit 3 Dean Close, Raunds, Northants NN9 6BD Tel; 01892 680009 Fax:01892 522526 info@modelwholesaleuk.com www.modelwholesaleuk.com

● TAMIYA JAPAN Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 Japan www.tamiya.com

● PANZERWRECKS PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK www.panzerwrecks.com

● TAMIYA UK; THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666 enquiries@hobbyco.net www.hobbyco.net

● PEGASUS HOBBIES (Selected items via Pocketbond in UK) 5515 Moreno Blvd, Montclair, CA 91763 USA www.pegasushobbies.com

● POCKETBOND LTD (Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK) PO Box 80, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, AL6 0ND Tel 01707 391509 Fax 01707 327 466 info@pocketbond.co.uk

● HIKOKI PUBLICATIONS LTD Ashtree House, Station Road, Ottringham, East Yorkshire, HU12 OBJ, UK

● POL MODELS 64 Cumberland Road, Acton, London, W3 6EY UK polmodels@aol.com

● HIROBOY (Zero Paints) Unit 59, Basepoint Business Centre Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SD UK Tel: 01684 252310 (UK office hours only) www.hiroboy.com

● PRO-ART MODELS www.proartmodels.be

● ITALERI (The Hobby Company in UK) Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, Bologna, Italy, Tel 051 726037 www.italeri.it ● IWATA AIRBRUSHES The Airbrush Company 79 Marlborough Road (East) Lancing Business Park Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8UF Tel: +44 (0)1903 767 800 www.airbrushes.com. ● JADAR-MODEL Zielna 8/103, 00-108 Warsaw, Poland www.jadar.com.pl hobby@jadarhobby.waw.pl ● LITTLE CARS Uncle Jacks, Lavendon Road Olney Bucks, MK46 4HH, UK www.little-cars.co.uk Tel (+44) 01234 711980

● THE SMALL SHOP PO Box 580, Kalama WA 98625, USA Tel/fax; (360) 673-1255 info@thesmallshop.com www.thesmallshop.com

● MONROE PERDU Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA. www.monroeperdu.com

● HANNANTS Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ. Tel 01502 517444 Fax 01502 500521 www.hannants.co.uk sales@hannants.co.uk

● HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA www.airconnection.on.ca

● SCALE MOTORSPORT No.3 Topside Lane, Newtown, Connecticut 06470-2023, USA www.scalemotorsport.com In UK; Grand Prix Models

● SYLMASTA Halland House, Dale’s Yard, Lewes Rd, Scaynes Hill, West Sussex, RH17 7PG Tel; +44(0)1444 415027, Fax; +44(0)1444 458606.

Email; sylmasta@aol.com

● GUNZE SANGYO (MR HOBBY) Albion Alloys in the UK

● HOBBYLINK JAPAN Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1 Tochigi 327-0813, Japan www.hlj.com

● STUDIO 27 (Grand Prix Models in UK) www.studio27.co.jp

● MODUNI VERSAND GMBH Böttgerstr. 2-14, 65439 Flörsheim, Germany Tel; 06145 5456-0 Fax; 06145 5456-11 info@moduni.de www.moduni.de

● PLUS MODEL (Creative Models in UK) Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. plusmodel@plusmodel.cz www.plusmodel.cz

● HISTOREX AGENTS Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK Tel 01304 206720 Fax 01304 204528. www.historex-agents.co.uk sales@historex-agents.co.uk

● SQUADRON.COM Squadron Mail Order 1115 Crowley Drive Carrollton, TX 75006 - 1312. USA

● QUICKBOOST www.quickboost.net ● REVELL UK Revell UK, Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate, Cheddington Lane Tring, Herts, HP23 4QR, UK ukbranch@revell.de ● RZM PUBLISHING (Greenhill Books In UK) PO Box 995, Southbury, CT 06488 USA Tel; (USA) 203 264 0774 www.rzm.com ● SCHATTON BARRELS Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany, Fax 09961 910 7826 www.modellbau-schatton.privat.t-online.de email; modellbau.schatton@t-online.de ● SCHIFFER BOOKS Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd, Atglen, PA, 19310 USA www.schifferbooks.com ● SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK. Tel +44(0)20 8392 8585, +44(0)20 8392 9876, email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk ● SCHUMO KITS Axel’s-Modellbau-Shop Axel und Bernd Schulze OHG Braustraße 2a 37170 Uslar, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 5571 919 100 Fax: +49 (0) 5571 919 101 www.schumo-kits.com

● TANK MODEL, RUSSIA www.tank-model.ru www.afvmodeller.com ● TANK WORKSHOP 345 Wynbrook Drive McDonough, GA, 30253 USA Tel; (770) 573-1409, Fax; (770) 573-0479 www.tankworkshop.com ● TRUMPETER www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK ● TUNGSTEN DRILLS Allan Sidney No.6, Park Gardens, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PJ allansid@aol.com ● U-MODELS 1103, rue de Feucherolles 78630, Orgeval, France www.u-models.com ● VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS (Historex in UK) 811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA (636) 379-0077 www.verlindenonline.com ● VALLEJO (Creative Models in UK) Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12 Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54 www.acrylicosvallejo.com ● WORLD WAR TWO BOOKS Military History Books Ltd (Mail order address, callers by appointment) 2 Cysgod Y Bryn, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 4LR, United Kingdom Tel; 01970 623778 sales@worldwartwobooks.com www.worldwartwobooks.com ● WIDESPREAD SOLUTIONS Unit 1 Levens Hall Park, Lund Lane, Killinghall, Harrogate, West Yorkshire HG3 2BG, UK. Tel; +44(0)1423 522836 Fax; +44(0)1423 525656 info@graphicair.co.uk www.graphicair.co.uk

■ Please mention ‘Tamiya Model Magazine’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks!

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NEXT ISSUE The next issue of TMMI is January 2016 (No.243), on sale December 17th

...AND MUCH MORE, OF COURSE! Due to the many factors that can influence the appearance (or nonappearance) of a model in TMMI, the items listed here are shown on a provisional basis. We endeavour to bring you these articles, but please be patient if they do not feature!

Thank you for your understanding.

HAN'S HASBRO SPACE-BURGER

Want a bigger Falcon?

Try Hasbro's for size – plus some significant detail improvements...

BARE METAL JABO

YOU’RE IN THE ARMY NOW

Tamiya's 1:48 P-47D Thunderbolt gets a weathered natural metal finish

Airfix’s 1:76 Bedford Mk.4 British Army truck with some detail enhancements

Order online now at; www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com ISSUE No.242 DECEMBER 2015 PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 19th 2015 Editor; Marcus Nicholls Consultant Editor (USA); Stan Spooner, Editorial Assistant; Matt Benfield Publisher; Alan Harman Graphic Design; Alex Hall TMMI Website; The ADH web team Advertising Manager; Sean Leslie Office Manager; Paula Gray Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie Administration Assistant; Julie Lane Progress chaser: Neil Lee-Dunn Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK Distributed by; Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services, 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com Tamiya Model Magazine is published on the third Thursday of each month by ADH Publishing. Editorial enquiries; editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com All other enquiries to; enquiries@adhpublishing.com Tamiya Model Magazine, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Telephone; +44 (0)1525 222573 Editorial enquiries;+44 (0)7904 635 694 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574. Back Issues; From £4.20 Inc. P&P. Back issues from #75 onwards (excluding #79) are available from the UK address below, or online at www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com

Reproduction in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Tamiya Model Magazine is accurate, the publishers and printers can not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Advertisements are accepted for publication in Tamiya Model Magazine only on ADH Publishing’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address below. All editorial, advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address below.

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK, £56 Europe, £69 Worldwide Binders; £8.50 + P&P (UK-£2.45, Europe-£4.45, Worldwide-£6.45).

All prices include postage and packing. For all orders, please call (UK) +44(0)1525 222573 or visit www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Digital subscriptions available from www.pocketmags.com

© ADH Publishing 2015

CONTACT INFO: Tel: +44(0)1525 222 573 Fax: +44(0)1525 222 574 Editorial enquiries: +44(0)7904 635 694 Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Editorial email: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com Other enquiries: enquiries@adhpublishing.com www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com

The paper used on this title is from sustainable forestry

✁

TO MY NEWSAGENT...

Please order Tamiya Model Magazine International for me and reserve/deliver a regular copy starting with issue:-

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The Editor’s Page...

The Editor was deeply impressed with a new diorama depicting the demise of a famous aircraft carrier

LEXINGTON’S LAST BATTLE

Available from good book sellers. Published by ak-interactive.com

Every now and then, I see a model – it can be of any subject – that captures the essence of what scale modelling is all about to me; it tells a story in three dimensions using fine, pin-sharp detail to express the tale the builder is trying to tell.

This might sound a little trite, but I’m sure you must have seen models at shows, in books or online that you could sit and stare at for hours, being drawn further into the longer you look at them?

I most recently experienced this when a new book from AK Interactive arrived, the subject of which was Marijn van Gils’ new diorama ‘Lexington’s Final Battle’.

The model depicts the US Navy’s famous WW2 aircraft carrier, USS Lexington CV-2, after she had been fatally hit by Japanese torpedoes and bombs on the 8th of May, 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea. USS Morris DD-417 pulled alongside in an attempt to extinguish the fires within Lexington’s hull but the crew was in the process of abandoning ship; her fate was sealed and she sunk some while later.

The diorama is in 1:700 but this small scale did not put off the author from adding at least 1,500 figures to the decks and ropes.

Simply jaw-dropping. The amount of work that has gone into making this small but awe-inspiring display is staggering and you really need to see the whole thing to appreciate just what was involved in its creation, but take it from me, it is this type of work that will inspire you to tell stories with your models, making them so much more enjoyable to construct and for others to look at.

See you again on December 17th editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com

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D6828 Find us on facebook search Plastic Kits UK

p 67 Dragon 242.indd 8

Dragon Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG See the full Dragon range at www.hobbyco.net Dragon models are available from all good model shops

02/11/2015 12:34