EXCLUSIVE

AIRFIX VICTOR K.2 TRUMPETER’S ALL-NEW 1/35 GANEF

Oct 2018
Issue 95

EXCLUSIVE

FLYING
FUEL
First look at
Airfix’s 1/ 72 16
Victor K.2 EXTRA
PAGES

1/48 A5M4 CLAUDE • 1/48 L-39 ALBATROS AND HISTORY • 1/72 YAK-130
PLUS 1/144 DOUGLAS DC-9 • LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS AND SHOW REPORTS...

SUN-SCORCHED
SCORCHED SPIT
SPIT’
Eduard’s 1/48 Spitfire Mk. VIII £4.60

ABANDONED ACK-ACK
1/35 Maultier with Flak 38 from Italeri

s I sit here in the Editor’s
A chair for my first issue,
blinking in the bright
lights, it’s hard to believe
I’ve been working here for just
EDITORIAL
Editor: Stu Fone
Editor-at-large: Chris Clifford
Group Editor: Stuart Qualtrough
Contributors to this issue: Mike Grant,
Dave Oliver, Stave Abbey, Karel Struna, Jay
Blakemore, Chris Jones, Andy Davies, Mike Beer,
Cristian Lupu, Massimo Santarossa, Glenn Sands,
Jakub Fojtik, Anders Isaksson
Designer: Tom Bagley
Chief Designer: Steve Donovan
EDITORIAL CONTACT
Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd,
PO Box 100, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 1XQ, UK
Email: stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Tel: +44 (0)1780 480404
Email: orders@keypublishing.com
ADVERTISING AND MANAGEMENT
Commercial Director: Ann Saundry
Group Advertising Manager: Brodie Baxter
Advertising Manager: Sarah Jarman
Advertising Sales Executive: Elizabeth Ridge
Advertising Production Manager: Debi McGowan
WELCOME TO ISSUE 95
four years, in what is becoming a
second career as a journalist.
Those of you who read Chris’
editorial in the previous issue
will know he’s moved onto Key’s
flagship publication Flypast.
Rest assured though, as Editor-
at-large (cue banter) he’ll be
keeping me on the rails, and I
owe him huge thanks for his work
on the magazine and teaching
me the ins-and-outs of model
magazine publishing. But it’s
not just us editor-types who
produce each issue, and there’s
a section of this page (at the
bottom) I’ll bet few people ever
read. It details the gifted team
of people here at Key (plus each
issue’s contributors) who work
MARKETING
Group Marketing Manager: Martin Steele
Marketing Manager: Shaun Binnington
Event Coordinator: Julie Lawson
Production Manager: Janet Watkins
GROUP CEO AND PUBLISHER
Adrian Cox
SUBMISSIONS
We will gladly accept and review for publication
any, products, articles, letters, photographs
or other contributions. We cannot guarantee
publication nor, regrettably, return items sent
to us or be responsible for their loss. We will try
and reply where possible.
Any letters are assumed suitable for publication
unless we are otherwise notified. All items
submitted for publication are subject to our
terms and conditions. These are regularly
updated without prior notice and are
freely available from Key Publishing Ltd or
downloadable from www.keypublishing.com.
Airfix Model World is published monthly by
Key Publishing Ltd, PO Box 100, Stamford,
Lincs, PE9 1XQ, UK. Tel: 01780 755131.
facebook.com/airfixmodelworld
www.airfixmodelworld.com
to convert the edited text and
photos into the magazine you
have in your hands.
For this month, we lead with
Airfix’s re-released Victor, which
provides parts for the K.2 tanker/
SR.2 strategic reconnaissance
variants. The former is of course
indelibly linked with the 1982
Falklands War and the long-range
Black Buck missions by RAF
Vulcans, backed by a formation
of Victor refuellers. I feel
privileged that one of the original
crew members, Mike Beer, has
kindly provided an insight into
that historic bombing mission,
which at the time, was the
longest such sortie undertaken.
Other highlights include a Your
Printed by: Warners (Midland) plc, Bourne
Printed in England (ISSN 2045-1202).
Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd,
2 Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PP
Tel: 020 7429 4000.
Airfix Model World is distributed in the USA
by UKP Worldwide, 3390 Rand Road, South
Plainfield, NJ 07080. Periodicals postage paid
at South Plainfield, NJ.
Readers in USA can place subscriptions by
visiting www.airfixmodelworld.com or by calling
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or by writing to Airfix Model World, IMS News,
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VA23451-2983.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to
Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, C/O 3390
Rand Road, South Plainfield NJ 07080.
The entire contents of Airfix Model World is ©
2018 and no part of it may be reproduced in any
form or stored on any form of retrieval system
without the prior permission of the publisher.
EDITOR'S DESK
WELCOME
Like us
Visit us
Airfix with a link to a renowned
World War Two Czech pilot, and
Cristian Lupu’s amazing build of
Trumpeter’s imposing SA-4 Ganef
surface-to-air missile launcher.
Finally I’d like to draw attention
to AMW’s website (www.
airfixmodelworld.com) where
there are additional reviews and
news items, plus the opportunity
to get them delivered straight
to your inbox courtesy of our
weekly newsletter.
Stu Fone, Editor
stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of
any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
recommended to take their own precautions
before parting with any information or item
of value, including, but not limited to, money,
manuscripts, photographs or personal
information in response to any advertisements
within this publication.
“AIRFIX’’ is a registered trade mark of Hornby
Hobbies Limited and is used under licence.
The average sale for the period Jan – Dec 2017
was 13,149 print and digital copies monthly.
To find a stockist near you,
visit airfixmodelworld.com
www.airfixmodelworld.com 3
 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

REGULARS
06 News
The latest happenings in the world of
plastic modelling, including Eduard’s
1/72 ‘Royal’ MiG-21MF Fishbed boxset
and ICM’s 1/48 gun-nosed Ju 88C.

10 Show Scene
Check out our handy at-a-glance
model show calendar.

90 Free Gift!

32
Subscribe to Airfix Model World
and claim your free 1/72 Tomahawk
Mk.IIB model kit or five-piece
diamond file set.

REVIEWS:
ON THE SHELF
92 Books
96 Aircraft kits
100 Military kits
102
104
106
Auto kits
Figures
Decal sheets
22
110 Accessories

114 Archive
Treasures
This month’s photographic gem
features an example of the RAF's
Tallboy 'earthquake' bomb.

12 62

4 Airfix Model World

 CONTENTS
WHAT'S INSIDE?

84

FEATURES
12 Intermediate Build – Rising Sun Reflections
Fine Molds’ delightful 1/48 A5M4 Claude receives a stunning natural metal
finish by Mike Grant.

20 Out and About – Eastern Inspiration

Dave Oliver found there was much to savour at Essex's annual show.

22 Intermediate Build – Abandoned Ack-Ack

Steve Abbey combines modelling skills with aftermarket accessories
for his forsaken Italeri 1/35 Flak Maultier.

30 Your Airfix – Battle of Britain Hurricane

Karel Struna describes the inspiration behind his 1/48 Hurricane Mk.I.

32 Intermediate Build – Sun-Scorched Spitfire

Eduard’s splendid 1/48 Spitfire Mk.VIII gets a weather-beaten finish from Jay
Blakemore, with a host of aftermarket accessories added to the basic kit.

40 40 Out and About – Midlands Magic

Editor Stu Fone heads west to sample the modelling and museum delights at
Coventry and Warwickshire’s annual show.

42 Basic Build – Multi-Role ‘Mitten’

Russia’s latest trainer is replicated by Chris Jones, who tackles Zvezda’s newly
tooled 1/72 Yak-130.

48 Exclusive Build – 'Superfuse' Fuel

Andy Davies finishes Airfix's re-worked 1/72 Victor K.2 as a Falklands tanker.

56 In Focus – Black Buck One

Former RAF aviator Mike Beer recounts the story behind the RAF's first
bomber attack on Port Stanley.

62 Intermediate Build – High-Altitude Rascal

Cristian Lupu delves into the Cold War with Trumpeter’s 1/35 2K11 TEL with
9M8M Krug-A missile, perhaps better known as the SA-4 Ganef.
42
70 Basic Build – Hauling the Mail
Fly’s 1/144 DC-9 receives a dash of colour from Massimo Santarossa, in his
build of a DHL freight-carrying airframe.

76 Out and About – Hot Day…Cool Hornet!

Glenn Sands finds there’s much to savour at the annual Yeovilton Air Show.

78 In Focus – Global Tutor

Jakub Fojtík describes the fascinating background to Aero Vodochody’s
popular and capable L-39 Albatros.

84 Intermediate Build – A trainer With Bite

For all its popularity, there aren’t many kits of Aero’s L-39; Anders Isaksson
enjoys building Eduard’s 1/72 Weekend edition Albatros and adds a few extras.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 5
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
BREAKING
THE LANC’ IS BACK
ANOTHER AIRFIX classic, in
the form of its brilliant 1/72
Avro Lancaster B.III, has been
re-boxed with new decals for two
RAF aircraft.
Both options are clad in standard
night bomber camouflage, with
a choice between R5868/PO-S
GUN-NOSED JUNKERS
WHEN ICM first released its
newly tooled 1/48 Ju 88s to
great acclaim from within
the hobby, more than a few
modellers hankered for a night
fighter C-variant…and here it is!
Understandably, the C-6 shares
much with ICM’s previous
bomber versions, but includes
late-style propellers, engine
nacelles and rudders, plus a
new canopy and two dedicated
night fighter runners for
the nose, revised fixed gun-
equipped gondola and exhaust
flame dampeners. This is an
impressive package, with a well-
appointed cockpit, open/closed
engine nacelles, two excellent
Jumo J211 engines (with full
support framework), and a
6 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
NEWS
‘S for Sugar’, 467 Squadron
Royal Australian Air Force, RAF
Waddington, England, 1944 and
LM624/DX-A, 57 Squadron, RAF
East Kirkby, England, July 1944.
For further details and other
Airfix releases, visit:
www.airfix.com
choice of four schemes. Two
Mediterranean-based 11./ZG 26
machines wear standard RLM
70/71/65 splinter camouflage,
while a 12./KG 40 airframe
based at Lorient, France in
November 1943 wears a similar
livery, but with RLM 76 ‘spots’
on the upper surfaces. Finally,
there is a white-washed 4./KG
76 Ju 88C-6, based in Tanrog,
Russia during 1942; the latter
has a false canopy painted on
the nose to fool enemy aircraft.
ICM has already announced a
Ju 88C-6b, due for later in the
year, so builders of German
night fighters will definitely be
kept busy this winter. Visit www.
icm.com.ua for more details on
this and other releases.
CAMM’S CLASSIC
XTRADECAL HAS whetted
modellers’ appetites for
Airfix’s forthcoming 1/48
Hawker Hunter F.6 with its
first collection of decals for
the type.
Nine schemes are supplied
on this two-sheet set (just
one is shown here), eight
clad in standard Dark Sea
Grey/Dark Green upper
surfaces, with either Light
Aircraft Grey or High Speed
Silver undersides, with the
final option exhibiting a
late-style wrap-around Dark
Sea Grey/Dark Green livery.
As might be expected from
the subject matter, the unit
liveries are generally rather
colourful, with notable
examples from the Central plenty of variety in terms of
Fighter Establishment and units and locations (several
247 Squadron, sporting a UK bases and United Arab
yellow spine/fin and white fin Emirates-deployed machines).
respectively. The remaining
inclusions are airframes from
Xtracolor and Xtracrylix paint
codes are supplied, along with
208, 79, 65 and 12 Squadrons, helpful modellers notes for
229 OCU/(56 Squadron), 229 specific items on each Hunter.
OCU/(145 Squadron) and 234 Visit www.hannants.co.uk for
Tactical Weapons Unit, providing more details.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
GET READY for a large-scale on earlier iterations. Runners
nostalgia trip with Revell’s are supplied as coloured items,
re-released 1/8 BMW R75/5, and while they could enable
which was first issued in 1971. this to be built without painting,
Previously available as more experienced modellers will
‘Wunderbike’ or ‘Polizei’ versions, want to strip the chrome plating
this baseline motorcycle will and respray once the various
be available shortly, and while brightwork items have been
the parts will be unchanged, assembled, to avoid unsightly
the decal sheet has been seams. A detailed review will
reproduced using modern follow in a future issue of AMW.
printing techniques, so the Additional information on Revell
markings will be much improved products is at: www.revell.de/en
 FISHBED FEAST
IT HASN’T taken Eduard long
to release the ‘Royal’ version
of its superlative newly tooled
1/72 MiG-21MF, and as ever, it’s
a great offering.
There are sufficient styrene
parts for two models, with one
example each from the Moscow
and Gorky production variants
(the main difference appears
to be the upper wing panels).
Along with the eight styrene
runners, there are resin
wheels and ejection seats,
photo-etched metal frets, self-
adhesive canopy masks and
a stunning mini poster of an
Iraqi MiG-21MF shooting down
an Iranian F-4E Phantom.
However, the highlight must be
the decal sheet, and one isn’t
going crazy if they see spots,
as there are plenty of blue
M4 IN THE DESERT
TOM GANNON’s original
Israeli Shermans volume
was hailed as the most
comprehensive on the
subject at the time, but has
been surpassed with this
second edition.
Containing 750
photographs (split almost
equally between colour
and black and white) in
its 406 pages, the author
has expanded and updated
his analysis of how Israel
employed the M4, in all
but one of its variants, in
more than two decades
of service. In addition to
more extensive treatment
of gun Shermans,
there are a series of
EASIER BRASS CUTTING
EVER SINCE photo-etched
(PE) metal accessories were
introduced, removing parts
from the fret without damage
has occasionally posed a
dilemma, but Pinnacle Model
Supplies’ bespoke cutting
mat should solve this.
The product (T902) is
formed from high-
density engineering
plastic and, compared
to common alternatives
and yellow ones! It supplies
markings for 12 aircraft,
with Czechoslovakian/Czech
Republic, Bulgarian, Soviet,
Angolan, Iraqi, Egyptian, East
German, Indian, Slovakian,
Polish and Libyan machines,
and there’s a mix of natural
metal, camouflaged and display
walk-rounds, provided
to assist modellers in
perfecting their builds,
and highlighting nuances
between the different
versions of this highly
successful design. There
are six chapters, covering
the basics of the M4’s
design, early service,
introduction of the
up-gunned M50 and M51s,
before attention turns to
armoured recovery vehicles
and finally ‘specialty’
dozers, mine clearers and
urban combat machines.
The high-quality photos
will provide modellers with
all they need to super-
detail their M4/M50/M51s
liveries, all of which raises the
need for more kits to put them
on. As modellers have come to
expect from this company, this
is a comprehensive package,
and well worth the €67.45
outlay. More on this and other
Eduard products is at:
www.eduard.com
and more. While useful
for historians (such is the
exhaustive nature of the
research), this is easily the
definitive study on Israeli
Shermans, and one which
no armour aficionado
should be without. For
more information on this
and other titles, visit: www.
barbarossabooks.
such as glass and
ceramic tiles, has more
than sufficient hardness,
yet yields ever so slightly
(which minimises wear on
blades), but not to the point
where the PE deforms. The
material is also far less brittle
than other cutting boards and
at just £4.75, it represents
great value. It's available from
PInnacle Models at www.
model-supplies.org.uk
 NEWS BULLETIN
LATEST UPDATES
FAST EYES IN THE SKY
MITSUBISHI’s Ki-14, known as
the C5M in Japanese Navy and
Army Service and ‘Babs’ by the
Allies, is the subject of Fine
Molds’ latest newly tooled 1/48
offering, and it’s a stunner.
This Japanese firm has a
reputation for highly detailed
and accurate kits, and its C5M2
reconnaissance aircraft is no
exception, providing 120 well-
moulded parts on six styrene
runners. Exterior features are
replicated via finely engraved
panel lines, while the interior
benefits from a lavishly
furnished cockpit, which is then
wrapped in a lattice framework,
before being inserted as a single
sub-assembly into the fuselage.
WATER-BASED WEATHERING
MOST AFTERMARKET washes,
filters and dust-effects products
tend to be enamels, but Wilder has
now released a series of water-
based acrylic alternatives.
It’s ‘aquaLINE’ offerings, which
come in 50ml bottles, are non-
8 View more news online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
The result is a superb and
realistic ‘office’, and all is visible
through the crystal-clear canopy.
Similarly, the engine is a delight,
with separate pusher rods and
exhaust collectors, while the
parts configuration hints at
future releases of other Babs
variants. Options are limited to
just a choice of under-fuselage
drop tank or bomb rack. Three
overall Imperial Japanese Navy
Gray schemes are offered, for
New Britain, New Guinea and
Indonesia-based machines
during 1942. This is just the
second 1/48 kit of the type and
is by far the superior version;
further details are available at:
www.finemolds.co.jp
toxic, quick-drying and
exhibit a matt finish;
best of all there are
no issues with then
using one’s enamel
products over them.
Initial releases
include AL01 Brown
Mud, AL02
Common
Dust, AL05
Dark Track
Rust, AL07
Brown Rust
and AL10
Black Smoke.
To gain the
broadest
possible range of
applications, aquaLINE colours
are thicker in consistency than
might be expected, so they can be
diluted to the desired opacity, and
a little will go a long way. Further
details on aquaLINE are at: www.
wilder.su
TEUTONIC SNOOPING
HERALDRY
GERMAN PUBLISHER
Luftfahrtverlag START has
released the first in what looks
to be an exhaustive study of
Luftwaffe aircraft unit markings.
Volume 1, labelled Nah- und
Fernaufklärer, is a weighty
landscape-format tome focusing
(pardon the pun) on the artwork
seen on World War Two tactical
and strategic Luftwaffe recce
aircraft. The 320-page hardback
splits the coverage by units and
their sub-divisions, and the great
many period photos are of the
same excellent quality as those
often seen in the same publisher’s
long-running periodical Luftwaffe
im Focus. Here, each ‘instalment’
offers not just great photos, but
artwork of the unit badges in
question, illustrations of squadron
codes and mini-histories, and
superb colour profiles by
AIRFIELD ACCESSORIES
THERE’S A new name in airfield
accessories, UK-based Big Sky
Scale Models, which is planning
a range of vehicles and ground
support equipment.
Its first release is a 1/72 Schopf
LATT (Large Aircraft Towing
Tractor), which is the RAF’s
current vehicle used to tow
aircraft such as the Atlas C.1
(A-400), E-3 Sentry and C-17,
and is the first kit of the type.
There are 27 resin parts (four
include embedded brass rod for
the wheel axles), a white metal
renowned artist Juanita Franzi.
The aircraft types shown vary a
great deal, and include the Ju 52,
Ju 88, Hs 126, Fiezeler Storch, He
111, Ju 88, Fw 189, Bf 109 and Bf
110, Do 17 and many more. Rarer
types, such as the Ar 240, Fw 58
and Go 145 also feature in the
photos (most are black and white,
but some are in colour).
Launched at the same time is a
sheet of 1/48 decals, available
separately, offering badges and
codes for various aircraft depicted
on the book’s pages. For further
details or to order, visit:
www.luftfahrtverlag-start.de
steering wheel, and while the
former exhibit fine detail, they
do suffer from varying degrees
of flash and casting bubbles.
The single scheme is for an
overall golden yellow tractor
with partial RAF roundels, which
are supplied on the decal sheet,
along with seven registration
plates and black/yellow stripes
for the front and rear bumpers.
Note the markings will need to
be separated from the sheet
prior to application as they are
laser printed onto a sheet of
clear carrier film.
Currently the firm doesn’t
have a website, but orders
are available via diaerama@
btinternet.com at £30, plus £5
postage and packing; payment is
via either cheque or Paypal and
there is a 10% discount available
(with proof of membership) for
IPMS members.
 SAFER SPRAYING
WITH MORE modellers using
airbrushes, Expo’s new spray
booth with extractor fan is
ideal for use at home and
even when travelling (perhaps
for those last-minute efforts
prior to Telford).
As with many such products,
this 19 x 16½ x 14in (48 x 42
x 36cm) unit (AB500) has
a base and sides that are
designed to collapse into
the main body to form a
handily sized 16½ x 6 x 9½in
(42 x 15 x 24cm) carrying
case. It comes with a pre-
installed filter (replacement
item AB501) and turntable
(also available separately
as AB503), and is equipped
with a quiet 25-watt fan,
which should be more than
sufficient to cope with most,
if not all hobby airbrushes. At £99.95, this is a mid- immediately in front of a
Note, while using a spray range product, and ideal for window to allow the painting
booth will reduce exposure to modellers new to using an vapours to be expelled from
paint/thinner particles, it is airbrush, but note it lacks a a room. For more information
strongly recommended that vent hose (item AB502) for on this and other Expo
a filter respirator is also worn the rear of the fan, so the unit airbrushing products, visit:
when airbrushing. will need to be positioned www.expotools.com

GLOBAL TRAINERS
but caters for 14 different Cuba, Czechoslovakia/Czech
nations’ airframes. No stone Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana,
appears to have remained Iraq, Russia/Soviet Union,
unturned with the selection, Slovakia, Ukraine, Vietnam
as there are examples from and Yemen. There are several
Afghanistan, Cambodia, styles of camouflage, plus
smart training schemes and
even a modern low-vis grey
machine. If one considers
individual services, there
is even more choice, with
Russian Air Force, Navy and
Astronaut Training Albatros;
the latter features a striking
blue/white livery and large
underside ‘POCKOCMOC’
(Roskosmos) legend, and at
just €15.50 its great value...the
only issue is how many L-39
CZECH-FIRM Armycast is well kits one can buy! Visit www.
known for its decal collections, armycast.cz for details.
and its L-39 Albatros offering
provides a generous of choice
of 19 markings.
Aero L-39C Albatros in
the World (ACD48011) is a
three-sheet set, and covers
just the initial sub-type of
this versatile trainer and
light ground-attack aircraft,
 SHOW SCENE
DIARY DATES

SHOW SCENE
At-a-glance model show calendar
E MODEL DISPLAY
) MODEL COMPETITION
J TRADE STANDS
AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
MILITARY DISPLAY
AUTOMOTIVE DISPLAY
 REFRESHMENTS
FREE PARKING
MAKE ‘N’ PAINT

St Ives
Model Show
Date: September 30
Hosts: Brampton IPMS
Address: Burgess Hall, Westwood
Road, St Ives, Cambs,
PE27 6WU
Times: 10am-4pm
Prices: Adults £1.50, concessions
50p
Email: bramptonshow@hotmail.
co.uk
Web: www/sites.google.com/site/
ipmsbrampton

7 North Shropshire Model Show 14 Southwell Show 20 Glasgow Scale Model Show 2018
September Hosts: IPMS Telford (Shropshire Hosts: IPMS Lincoln Hosts: Glasgow IPMS
28-30 IPMS Italy Golden Jubilee Show Scale Modellers) Address: The Grandstand, Southwell Address: Bellahouston Leisure Centre,
Address: Ellesmere Market Hall, Scotland Racecourse, Rolleston, Newark, Bellahouston Drive, Glasgow,
Hosts: IPMS Italy
Street, Ellesmere, Shropshire, NG25 0TS G52 1HH
Address: Novegro Exhibition Ground, Via
SY12 0ED Times: 10am-4.30pm Times: 10am-4pm
Novegro, 20090 Segrate, Italy
Times: 10am-4pm Prices: Adults £2, under-16s free Prices: Adults £4, children/concessions £2
Times: 9am-6pm daily
Prices: Free E-mail: ircrawford@gmail.com E-mail: bruce.smith33@ntlworld.com
Prices: Adults €10-12, under-12s free
E-mail: themodeller@hotmail.co.uk Web: Lincoln Model Club (inc IPMS Web: www.ipmsglasgow.com
E-mail: segreteria@ipmsitalia.it
Lincoln) (Facebook)
Web: www.ipmsitalia.it Web: www.shropmodels.org.uk

27-28 C4-Open
20 London MAFVA Show
October 13 Indoor Aeroboot
Hosts: MAFVA London Branch
Hosts: C4-Open
Address: Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus,
Hosts: Newark Air Museum
Address: St Mary’s Church Hall, Edith Malmöhusvägen7A, 211 18 Malmö,
6-7 Irish National Model Show Address: Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark,
Road, West Kensington, London, Sweden
Hosts: IPMS Ireland Notts, NG24 2NY
W14 9BA Times: Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Address: Plaza Hotel, Belgard Road, Times: 10am-5pm
Times: 10.30am-4pm Prices: Adults SEK 40, under-19s free
Tallaght, Dublin 24 Prices: Adults £9, over-65s £8, Prices: Adults £2, children £1
Times: Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm children £4.50, under-5s free E-mail: gorni63@gmail.com
E-mail: peter.bailey@btinternet.com
Prices: Adults €3, accompanied E-mail: enquire@newarkairmuseum.org Web: www.c4-open.se
Web: www.mafva.org
under-14s free Web: www.newarkairmuseum.org
E-mail: philipprenton@gmail.com
Web: www.ipmsireland.com
20-21 Scale Model Challenge November
13-14 The South West Model Show Hosts: Scale Model Challenge
2018 – Autumn Edition 3 Showcase 2018
Address: NH Eindhoven Convention Centre
6-7 Plastic And Steel Hosts: The Tank Museum Koningshof, Locht 117, 5504 RM Hosts: Letchworth Scale Model Club
Hosts: IPMS Belgium Address: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Veldhoven, The Netherlands Address: The Icknield Centre, Icknield Way,
Address: Bellekouter Hall, 1790 Affligem, Dorset BH20 6JG Times: Sat 10am-5pm Letchworth, SG6 1EF
Belgium Times: Sat 10am-5pm Sun 10am-5pm Times: 10am-4pm
Times: Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm Prices: Adults 1 day €7, 2 days €12, Prices: Adult £4, concessions £3,
Sun 10am-5pm Prices: Adult £14, children £9, children 1 day €5, 2 days €10, under-16s £2, family £8
Prices: Free under-5s free under-6s free E-mail: robrenparker@talktalk.net
E-mail: info@plasticandsteel.be E-mail: info@tankmuseum.org E-mail: via www.scalemodelchallenge.com Web: www.letchworthsmc.yolasite.
Web: www.plasticandsteel.be Web: www.tankmuseum.org Web: www.scalemodelchallenge.com com/showcase-2018.php

IMPORTANT: It is worth noting that ALL events are subject to change or cancellation. This information has been collated from a variety of sources and was believed to be correct at
the time of going to press. To advertise your event here, email: chris.clifford@keypublishing.com

10 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE

RISING SUN
REFLECTIONS

Mike Grant
takes a shine to
1930s Japanese
aviation with
FineMolds’ 1/48
A5M4 Claude
esigned during a period Sino-Japanese war, where it quality. There are currently two representation. One noticeable

D when there was still

much debate about
the relative qualities
of biplane versus monoplane,
Mitsubishi’s A5M4 Claude was
highly advanced for its time
and exceeded the criteria of its
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)
design requirements.
It served during the second
completely outperformed the
Chinese Curtiss Hawk III biplane.
This isn’t FineMolds’ first kit
of the Claude, but this release
supersedes the 1990s version
and as can be expected, is a
state-of-the art product. Although
perhaps not as widely known as
Tamiya and Hasegawa, FineMolds
produces kits to a comparable
boxings of the new-tool Claude,
one with a closed canopy and this
version with the more common
open cockpit.
Oriental office
Moulded in a greenish-grey
styrene, the model’s surface
detail consists of fine recessed
panel lines and restrained rivet
feature was while most of the
wing panels had a polished
surface, certain others had a
matt finish, the first time I’ve ever
seen this type of differentiation
actually moulded into the plastic.
The overall quality was excellent
throughout; the windscreen
was very clear and not overly
thick, and a decal sheet for three

 Aotake was a clear blue-green sealant applied over bare metal, replicated here by Mr.
Hobby’s Mr. Color C57.
 The Type 97 machine guns had their muzzles drilled, for greater realism. Unfortunately,
the latter was all that could be seen once they were installed inside the fuselage.

12 Airfix Model World


 Dark brown oil wash was applied to the sidewall/stringer sections, to accentuate the
moulded detail, while light dry-brushing with a paler green highlighted the edges.
options was provided. Note the
instructions were predominantly
in Japanese, but fortunately the
assembly diagrams were easy to
follow, and paint references were
included in English, referring to
Mr. Hobby and Tamiya products.
Somewhat unusually,
MODEL SPEC
Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude
By: FineMolds
Stock Code: FB21
Scale: 1/48
Price: US$30.56
Available from: FineMolds
www.finemolds.co.jp and
www.tigerhobbies.co.uk
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE
 Eduard’s Superfabric seat belts appeared slightly garish and clean on the backing sheet,
so they were muted with an oil wash.
construction began by gluing sized when applied to the kit seat, etch metal examples from the
the wing halves together, since being closer to 1/32 than 1/48 same company; these were more
the cockpit was to be mounted scale. This was confirmed when accurate in size, so were used on
on the centre section. Part of compared against 1/48 photo- the model instead.
the lower wing was airbrushed
with Mr. Color C57 Metallic Blue
Green; this ‘aotake’ colour was METALLIC MAGIC
also applied to the inside of the Three overall IJN marking options were included in the kit:
flaps. The cockpit floor, formed • White 9-139, 14th Naval Air Group, China 1940
by the upper wing centre section, • White K-101, IJN Kaga Naval Air Group, Japan 1939
was specified as ‘Cockpit Color • Yellow 01-016, Naval Third Carrier Division 1942
(Mitsubishi)’; since I didn’t have
the relevant Mr. Hobby paint it
was mixed via Tamiya XF-49 Khaki
and XF-58 Olive Green.
Seventeen parts went into the
cockpit assembly. The seat had a
separate cushion but no harness,
so one was sourced from an
Eduard ‘Superfabric’ set, 49084
IJN Seat Belts (www.eduard.
com). Having successfully used a
Luftwaffe harness from a similar
set, it was surprising to find these
belts were substantially over-
www.airfixmodelworld.com 13
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE

 Compared to Eduard’s instruction diagram, it was obvious the harnesses were far too
large, while the fabric texture was similarly over-scale.
 The remainder of the cockpit parts waiting to be installed, including the fire
extinguishers, which could barely be seen through the cockpit opening once the fuselage
halves were mated.
 Ultimately, pre-painted seat harnesses from the same company were employed; these
were far better in terms of scale appearance. Restrained paint chipping was applied to the
interior, all of which fitted exactly as intended.

With assembly
completed, the
cockpit ‘cage’ was
added to the wing
centre-section.

FineMolds supplied decal and slipped over the cockpit well-moulded Type 97 machine which added rigidity, but it’s a
gauges for the instrument assembly seamlessly. A little guns needed the barrels drilling, pity FineMolds couldn’t have also
panel, but these were quite thick adjustment was required to obtain but these too were almost entirely designed them to automatically
and refused to conform to the a good join at the wing roots and hidden once the upper nose cover align perpendicular to the tail. As
moulded detail, so aftermarket lower fuselage, but the latter (Part D1) was added. it was they clicked together at a
items were used instead. Placard seam required just a smidge of The horizontal stabilisers utilized rather steep angle, and in fact I
decals were also applied to Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue filler. Two a clever interlocking tab system snipped most of the tabs off, so
the two tiny fire extinguishers
mounted on the rear side of the
bulkhead, though little could be
seen of them once installed. The
completed cockpit ‘cage’ was then
attached to the wing.

Airframe assembly
It was no surprise to find the
cockpit halves fitted perfectly

14 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE

they could be aligned manually.

Conversely the rudder was a
perfect fit and once positioned,
the airframe’s minimal seams
were sanded and polished.

Powerplant precision
With such a big and exposed
engine on the Claude, it was only
natural that FineMolds would
go to town on the detailing.
Even the exhaust system was
provided, tucked away behind
the powerplant and barely
visible from the rear of the open
cowling. A small vinyl O-ring was
sandwiched inside the crankcase,
so the propeller could be push-
fitted later. Various shades of

All parts fitted perfectly, and crocodile clips

ensured perfect alignment while the liquid cement cured.

 Homemade miniature
sanding sticks eliminated
the glued seams on the
centreline drop-tank.
 Having removed the
leading-edge seams through
sanding and polishing, the
panel lines were reinstated
with a JLC razor saw.
 The main engine
component featured sharply
defined cylinder fins and
ignition cables, all of which
received an oil wash.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 15
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE

 FineMolds’ engine was easy to construct; all had received paint and weathering effects  These two runner connection points were located on the gluing surface of the upper nose
at this stage. panel and must be removed to ensure a snug fit.

Alclad helped to accentuate the
different sub-assemblies, and
oil washes of dark brown and
black emphasised the excellent
moulded detail. The exhaust
piping was airbrushed dark grey,
then dry-brushed lightly with red-
brown to simulate heat staining,
while the outlets themselves
benefited from being drilled for
an improved appearance.
The three-piece cowling was
sprayed gloss black with dark
brown highlights added, before a
final panel line wash of medium-
grey oil paint was applied. The
completed engine/cowling
assembly was then set aside and
attached at the end of the build.
Thanks to clever engineering
by the manufacturer, the wheel
spats could be assembled fully
and painted separately from the
wheels. When completed, they
simply slid into place thanks to a
slot in the tyre/hub, which meant
the wheels wouldn’t actually turn
(if that’s a consideration), but

 While perhaps not up to the refinement of a resin engine, the out-of-box styrene version
was still most impressive.
 The three-part, gloss black cowling was assembled around the engine. Inserting the
powerplant after the cowling had been glued together was not possible.

16 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE

 The kit’s exhaust nozzles were moulded solid, with noticeable sink marks; the latter
were filled, while the former were drilled and the insides then painted black, for a more
realistic look.
 Always a tedious task, masking the open cockpit was achieved with multiple small
pieces of Tamiya tape.

 After decanting from the aerosol into an airbrush, lacquer-based Tamiya AS-12 Bare  Parafilm M is a low-tack product, and left no sticky residue when removed, so was used
Metal Silver was applied to the model as a base coat. to cover the entire model.

the advantage was it avoided
complicated masking.
A well-detailed centreline drop
tank and mounting bracket
were also provided, along with
an arrestor hook. This wasn’t
applicable to the chosen scheme
but having gone to the trouble of
cleaning the seam and painting
the part, I added it anyway.
Colouring the Claude
All three markings options were
for overall natural metal aircraft,
with black cowls and red trim.
Having masked the cockpit and
washed the model to remove any with the styrene and acted as
grease spots, it was airbrushed both primer and one of the metal
with Tamiya AS-12 Bare Metal shades. The Claude was then
Silver, which was decanted from covered entirely with Parafilm and
the aerosol can. (using a fresh No. 11 blade), several
Being lacquer- panels were cut, the masking
based, it created removed, and the cleared
a strong bond sections were sprayed with Alclad
ALC-105 Polished Aluminium. All
the Parafilm was then peeled off
to reveal two metal tones, the
distinction between the shades
varying according to the angle of
the light.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 17
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
A5M4 CLAUDE

 A silicone-tipped colour shaper was used to push the Parafilm tightly into all crevices  The result once the masking was removed: two distinct metallic shades, the contrast
and corners. Individual panels were then cut and airbrushed with Alclad Polished Aluminium. between which varied with the light, although this was muted by the final semi-gloss finish.

Reference
Yellow Series No. 6107 Mitsubishi
A5M Claude, by Tadeusz Januszewski
(MMP), ISBN: 978-8391717-80-6
and XF-9 Hull Red, as the former
on its own was considered slightly
too bright.
A sealant coat of gloss varnish
prepared the surface for
decaling, though having already
painted the roundels, they
were few in number – just the
white tail codes and minimal
stencilling. As mentioned
previously, the decals were
rather thick, but by using hot
water (not boiling) and pressing
the decals into the recesses
with a soft cloth (especially
on the rudder and fin) they
did eventually conform. Minor
air bubbles were pricked and

Rather than attempting to match

the red paint of the tail section
to the decal national markings,
it was decided to paint the
hinomaru as well, so all the red
areas were masked and primed
– first with white, then with pink.
The red itself was a mix of X-7 Red

To ensure the red of the

tail matched that of the
national insignia, the
circular hinomaru were also
masked and airbrushed.

First white, then pink,

were used as a primer for
the red areas, while the
second preparatory layer
may appear unusual, it is by
far the best undercoat for red.

18 Airfix Model World

flooded with MicroSol, which
seemed to do the trick.
Panel lines received a dark
brown oil paint pin wash, and
any excess was wiped with a
cotton-bud when dry; a final coat
of Testors’ 201616 Semi-Gloss
Lacquer Clear muted the high
gloss to a more subdued sheen.
The previously painted flaps were
attached at this point (the kit also
allowed for them to be positioned
closed, by trimming the tabs).
Finishing touches included adding
aerial wire from Uschi van der
Rosten fine thread, the gunsight,
which slotted neatly through the
windscreen, and painting the wing
formation lights.  A last view of the guns before the upper panel hid them forever, just the
tips of the barrels being visible through the engine.
FineMolds finesse
This was a kit with virtually no
vices – it fitted superbly and
achieved that difficult balance
of incorporating a high level of
detail with simplicity of build. With , 1 :4 8
0 3 9 4 3 e a u fi g h te r T F .X
several aftermarket decal sets for B r is to l B
this model now available, and an
upcoming 1/48 FineMolds kit of
the Mitsubishi Ki-15/C5M ‘Babs’
in the pipeline, fans of 1930s
Japanese aviation have never
had it so good.

 Clever engineering allowed the wheels and spats to be painted and

assembled separately. The completed wheels simply slid upwards into
ways’
the housings. 03922
0 ‘B r it is h A ir
A 3 8 0 -8 0

1:7 2 0
696 if t See rt,, 1 :2 7 0
00 65 7 1 9h L eSgta
e nrdDseGs tr o y
BImr itpise r ia l

Available from all good model

stockists and online from

The resulting dark red was

achieved by mixing Tamiya’s
X-7 with XF-9, as the former
appeared too bright when Visit our website
used neat. Having painted W W W. R E V E L L . D E / E N
the Japanese insignia, there
facebook.com/Revell @RevellUK
were few decals to apply,
apart from tail numbers and
minimal stencilling on the
Revell GmbH, Unit 10, Tring HP23 4QR
airframe and undercarriage.
Tel: 01296 660 291
Email: ukbranch@revell.de

Trade enquiries welcome

 OUT AND ABOUT
ESSEX MODELLERS SHOW
Eastern Inspiration
E
ssex’s annual show, held
at the Hannakins Farm,
Billericay, is a small but
eclectic event, organised
by several of the region’s local.
Now in its seventh year, the
event provided a welcoming
and friendly atmosphere for the
high numbers of visitors, while
raising a respectable sum for
the local St Francis Hospice.
Among the many traders and
clubs present, several exhibits
attracted plenty of interest.
The East Kent Scale Modellers
 The distinctive ‘Berlin’ urban camouflage on Takom’s 1/35 Chieftain Mk.10 took table contained several gems,
considerable effort, according to modeller Mark Weeble. including John Sladden’s
 A personal favourite, John Sladden’s stunning Forgeworld Firedragon, which was painted  This beautiful 1/32 Trumpeter MK II Fairey Swordfish was built entirely out of the box by
with Tamiya acrylics and weathered with artist’s oils, attracted plenty of attention. Mike Tayt — and provided an eye-catching centre piece on the Big Stuff group table.
20 Airfix Model World
 Peter Buckingham’s superb 1/9 1950
Manx Norton works bike won the Best-in-
Show accolade. Most of Italeri’s original
styrene had to be either remodelled or
replaced with scratch-built items to create
this iconic motorcycle accurately.
 These two Young Miniatures 1/10 SAS
Jeep crewmen were among many exemplary
examples of figure painting on Gravesham
Military Modelling Society’s table. Club
member John Burt created this imaginative
and original display.
stunning Forgeworld Firedragon
and Peter Buckingham’s
beautiful 1/9 scale super-
detailed Italeri Manx Morton,
which was deservedly judged
Best in Show.
The tireless work of volunteers,
clubs and catering staff again
ensured this popular event ran
smoothly. A well-stocked raffle
and open competition added
another level of interest for
the many families, passers-
by and dedicated modellers
who turned up to support this
worthy inclusion to the show
calendar. Dave Oliver
 MISSION
MODELS
PREMIUM HOBBY PAINTS, PRIMERS & ADDITIVES

CHANGE
THE
WAY
YOU
PAINT

WATER-BASED ACRYLIC  ODORLESS  NON-TOXIC

WWW.MISSIONMODELSUS.COM
P l e a s e vi s i t Mi s s i o n Mo d e l s fo r de a l e r lo c a t i o n s
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38

Ack-Ack
uring World War Two, the
Steve Abbey details Italeri’s Maultier
with aftermarket items…and a small
dose of traditional modelling
D German Army relied on its
3-ton medium trucks to
perform tactical transport
and logistical duties.
However, difficult operating
conditions (especially on the
Eastern Front) made traditional
vehicles unsuitable for off-road
purposes. Purpose-designed
half-tracks had already proven
their efficacy in such rough/
muddy terrain, so large numbers
of German Opel, Daimler-Benz
and Ford trucks were converted
 The busy 16-part chassis, engine block and steering mechanism were assembled quickly, by replacing their rear axles
with care taken to ensure the ladder frame was aligned correctly. with running gear from Panzer
I and Panzer II tanks. While the
Maultier Sd.Kfz.3a was based on
investigation revealed it was
ICM’s offering (35412) repackaged
with the former’s own 2cm Flak
38 (377). This mix-and-match
approach meant more than 40
components from the standard
V3000S truck wouldn’t be needed
for this project. Markings schemes
were limited to three ‘German
Army, unknown units 1944/5’,
but as these were printed in black
and white, the difference in tints
for brown and green camouflage
‘squiggles’ were marginal.
Aftermarket accessories were
sought from Eduard, Master Model
and Mission Models (now out of
business) to add detail.
MODEL SPEC

the popular Opel Blitz, Maultier Sd.Kfz.3b Maultier with FlaK 38

Sd.Kfz.3bs used the Ford V3000S By: Italeri
chassis (produced in Ford-Werke
Stock Code: 6519
AG’s Cologne production plant
until 1941). The extreme flexibility Scale: 1/35
of Maultier (Mule) half-tracks made Price: £29.99
them ideal for many different Available from: The Hobby
applications, and this included
Company, www.hobbyco.net
modification with light anti-aircraft
guns, such as the 2cm Flak 38.

What’s in the box?

Italeri’s Maultier comprised six
runners (including one for clear
 The four twin-wheel bogies featured detailed suspension arms and springs, although the parts) moulded in suspiciously
rims needed neatening with a sanding stick to remove mould seams. familiar tan styrene; further

22 Airfix Model World


 Link-and-length-style tracks made the basic framework much sturdier; once added to the
chassis, it was remarkably robust, and easier to handle.
Start your engine!
Assembling the 16-piece
powerplant proceeded without
any issues; Eduard’s photo-etched
(PE) detail set (36278) supplied
a fragile wiring harness, and this
was secured with cyanoacrylate
(CA) adhesive. Front and rear
radiator grilles added further
refinement, although much
Minor surgery
ensured the tracks
weren’t fouled by the
overly-long running
boards, which also
prepared them for
new mud flaps.
would be hidden after the
truck body was attached. As
the ladder-frame truck chassis
was a complex 15-part sub-
assembly (including separate
side beams and cross members),
it was essential to build it on a
flat surface, to ensure the final
structure was square and true.
The steering mechanism and
 A flat surface was needed to ensure the tracks and front wheels all touched the ground,
fortunately no adjustment was needed.
The engine bay and bonnet
were both assembled
and test-fitted to ensure
correct alignment of the
vehicle front.
front wheels were constructed
next; it was decided to set the
latter at an angle, as if the truck
was turning. The tyres were left
off until later, to ease painting,
and the engine received Tamiya
XF-1 Flat Black as primer.
At first, the track unit framework
appeared quite flexible, but once
assembled, it was more rigid than
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38
expected. Each of the four twin-
wheel bogies featured detailed
suspension arms and springs,
although the wheels required
neatening, to remove ejector pin
marks. Next, the excellent link-
and-length tracks were added,
which made the entire unit much
easier to handle. It was worth
noting the bogies, idler and
www.airfixmodelworld.com 23
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38
 Study of online reference photos enabled convincing additions (fashioned from styrene  Seat cushions were filed and sanded roughly to create a worn surface, before they were
sheet and rod) to be added to the rather bland firewall. painted with a mix of brown hues.
toothed drive wheels should all Cab sir? along with the firewall and front
sit between the two lines of track In a slight departure from mudguards. At this point, 11mm
guide horns. When dry, and with the instructions, the engine must be removed from the rear
more than a little persuasion, this compartment (with its prominent of the running boards, or they
sub-assembly was then fixed to ejector pin marks filled and would foul the tracks, and this was
the chassis. sanded) was constructed next, achieved with a Junior Hacksaw.
The rather imposing bonnet was
then assembled and attached
temporarily to the engine bay, to
check alignment and pre-empt any
possible fit issues later.
As the model was to be displayed
with an open engine bay (due to
a desperate last-ditch attempt
by the driver to get the vehicle
started), it was decided to add
basic detail to the otherwise
bland firewall. Online references
were studied, and various pieces
of scrap styrene sheet and rod
were fashioned into the required
internal structures.
ICM’s integrally
In the cab, both seat cushions
moulded door
furniture was were filed and sanded roughly, to
replaced by delicate impart a worn, used appearance.
Eduard’s PE items. Each then received XF-64 Red
Brown, after which XF-68 NATO
24 Airfix Model World
Brown was applied thickly with
an old brush to give an uneven
surface. Eduard’s PE dashboard,
rudder pedals and rifle mount/
bracket, along with film dials,
helped to enliven the otherwise
basic interior.
Both doors were moulded
separately, with detailed inner
cards — PE door and window
handles were added to improve
them, as they were to be left
open. Yet more PE replaced the
styrene jerrycan holder and
front mudguard-mounted shovel
brackets. The bulky trafficators
(small semaphore signals that
protrude from a vehicle to indicate
which way it will be turning) were
also replaced with fiddly PE…
despite a long origami session,
these remained extremely fragile,
and were often broken accidently.
The towing indicator (a triangle on
the cab roof) was glued in the ‘up’
position. All window openings were
then sealed, and the doors closed

Materials
at a glance
Eduard (www.eduard.com)
36278 Sd.Kfz.3b Maultier with Flak 38
Master Model (www.master-model.pl)
GM 35 007 Turned Brass Flak 38 Gun
Barrel
Mission Models (out of production)
MM005 Machined Brass 20mm Flak
Shells
AK Interactive
(www.ak-interactive.com)
AK 082 Engine Grime
AK 015 Dust Effects
AK 094 Interior Streaking Effects
AK 080 Summer Kursk Earth
Alclad (www.alclad2.com)
ALC-600 Aqua Gloss Varnish
Lifecolor (www.airbrushes.com)
UA 733 Tyre Black
Swan (www.houseofswan.com)
100ml Lighter Fluid
AMMO-MIG
(www.migjimenez.com)
A.MIG-011 Dunkelgelb aus ‘44
A.MIG-1002 Tracks Wash
A.MIG-7112 Tools Colors
Tamiya (www.hobbyco.net)
X-32 Titanium Silver
XF-1 Flat Black
XF-56 Metallic Grey
XF-64 Red Brown
XF-68 NATO Brown
Vallejo (www.creativemodels.co.uk)
26.518 Matt Varnish
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38
with Tamiya tape, in preparation
for exterior painting.
Further PE enhancements
were added to the cabin
Basis for a gun platform
and mudguards, and once
the window openings
Thankfully, attention then had been masked, it was
returned to styrene components. ready to be painted.
The slightly warped flatbed
was annotated with marks for
‘front’ and ‘back’, to ensure it
was orientated correctly, after
which five cross-members were
attached to the underside…these
helped to straighten the structure
somewhat. As this vehicle was
to be depicted deployed, the
separate side and back panels
were drilled at the edges and
fitted with lengths of brass rod.
Although the resulting join was
stronger than the suggested butt-
attachment, structurally this was
probably the model’s weakest
element. Using the baseplate as
a guide, the Flak gun mounting
plates were then glued on the
flatbed, although mounting pins
for the two underside stowage
boxes were reduced in height to
prevent them fouling the tracks.
This sub-assembly didn’t escape
from PE adornments though, and
it received several small boxes, Tyres were fitted
padlocks and latches, along with after the chassis
replacement mudguards…all were and running gear had
secured with a dab of CA. received an overall
coat of Dunkelgelb.
Barrelling on
Italeri’s Flak 38 was reasonably Most of the detail at the rear was then bent into shape and attached
accurate, but marred by the removed, to allow for PE additions, to replacement brackets on the
rather chunky moulding and basic including new ammunition box gun body.
cannon. Perhaps unsurprisingly, feed, before the entire barrel was The cannon mount received
more than half of Eduard’s PE removed and replaced by Master similar attention, with raised detail
set was dedicated to updating or Model’s superb turned brass item excised by a sharp knife, after
replacing the styrene features. (GM 35 007). The gun shield was which a PE magazine holder
www.airfixmodelworld.com 25
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38
and footrest/pedal were folded
The kit’s butt joins between side and attached with CA glue. A
panels and flatbed were strengthened
more refined baseplate was then
by drilling the edges and fitting
lengths of brass rod. attached, followed by the cannon
and side mounts. Once the glue
had dried, tiny turnbuckles and
chains were fixed by minute drops
of CA, applied by pin. Thinner
and more refined gun shield side
panels and gun controls were
added next, and several lengths of
styrene rod were cut in accordance
with Eduard’s guidance, to form
elevation/azimuth adjustment
handles. Finally, a spent shell case
catcher was fashioned from three
pieces of fine mesh, which had
to be coaxed into their complex
shapes…certainly not a task for
the faint hearted!
 Using the gun’s base as a guide, the Flak mounting plates were secured in the correct
orientation on the flatbed.
Late-war hues
All sub-assemblies received
several misted coats of AMMO-
 The appearance of the 2cm cannon and its mount was enhanced greatly by Eduard’s PE
extras and Master Model’s excellent turned brass barrel.
26 Airfix Model World
MIG’s A.MIG-011 Dunkelgelb aus
’44 acrylic. After this had dried
thoroughly, Alclad ALC-600 Aqua
Gloss varnish was hand-painted
onto the cab and rear registration
plate in preparation for decals,
and the model set aside overnight.
Detail painting started with the
chassis and running gear — the
tyres received Lifecolor UA 733
Tyre Black, and the tracks were
treated with slightly diluted black/
red brown wash. Weathering
was limited to A.MIG-1002
Tracks Wash, which was painted
around joins and then diluted
with lighter fluid; this caused the
enamel-based paint to flow into
all the nooks and crannies, and
highlighted the raised detail. The
engine was treated in the same
manner, with details accentuated
by X-32 Titanium Silver and AK
Interactive’s AK 082 Engine Grime.
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38

Similarly, Eduard’s Although the spent

replacement gun shields, cartridge net was an
when folded to shape absolute nightmare to
and assembled, offered coax into shape, it looked
a superior alternative stunning when attached
to the kit items. to the cannon mount.

Moving to the Flak mount, a Tired truck as a template for an acetate sheet new window at the desired height,
fine brush, loaded with small It was decided to leave the driver’s replacement (the type used in marking the sill level and then
amounts of XF-56 Metallic Grey, window half open, to increase the food packaging, or certain model removing the excess with a sharp
simulated areas of chipped paint. sense of abandonment. The kit’s accessory sets is ideal). It was a knife. The glazing fitted perfectly
This effect was concentrated in rather thick styrene glazing acted simple matter of positioning the into the doorframe after minor
areas subject to the most wear
and tear. Unwanted large blobs of A coat of AMMO-MIG’s Dunkelgelb
paint were minimised by using just blended the styrene, PE and
small amounts on the brush and turned brass components into
cleaning it regularly. A well-used one cohesive finish.
appearance was then replicated
by flowing diluted Tracks Wash
and Engine Grime onto the
treadplate and worn areas.
Chipping effects were also
added around the cab, with the
doorframes, engine bay and
equipment mounts receiving
most attention. Yellow marker
pen coloured the roof-fixed
towing indicator, to ensure the
edges were straight. Lastly, the
mudguard-mounted shovel was
eceived A.MIG-036 Old Wood,
followed by A.MIG-913 Red Brown
Base wash, both from that firm’s
Tools Colors set (A.MIG-7112).

www.airfixmodelworld.com 27
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
MAULTIER FLAK 38
 Here all the sub-assemblies
have been prepared for
weathering; note the tracks
and running gear, which have
already received detail painting
and basic dirt effects.
 The extensively
chipped and scraped cab
and doors were weathered
with several layers of lighter
fluid-diluted Tracks Wash.
References
No books were used during this project,
instead all background/detail material
was obtained from online sources:
Restored Maultier: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ro_QxqmEk6w
Ford V3000 restoration: www.rolfask.
proboards.com/thread/656/ford-
v3000s-restoration
28 Airfix Model World
neatening with a sanding stick.
The flatbed was then glued to
the chassis, making it much easier
to handle while painting. Several
clamps were employed to hold the
two assemblies together, and liquid
cement was added into the seams.
A wide, flat brush, loaded with AK
094 Interior Streaking Effects was
then dragged across the flatbed’s
surface to create texture. Next,
AK’s Engine Grime was brushed in
a circular pattern around the gun
platform, to represent wear and
grime from the gun crew’s boots.
This colour was then diluted and
flowed into areas of shadow, along
with any recesses, to enhance the
moulded detail. Similarly, blended
AK 080 Summer Kursk Earth and
thinned Tracks Wash enhanced the
muddy areas.
The cab assembly was clipped
into position on the chassis and
secured with liquid cement, but
small amounts of CA, applied to
the hinges, were required for the
doors. Brass rod was then inserted
into pre-drilled holes to act as a
bonnet prop, which was raised to
display the engine bay.
Once all the sub-assemblies had
been added to the chassis, the
lower cab and running gear were
weathered with spots of A.MIG-
1002 Tracks Wash and scrapes
of XF-56 Metallic Grey, followed
by light applications of AK 015
Dust Effects. Vallejo’s 26.518 Matt
Varnish then blended the varied
surface finishes.
Finally, the kit’s magazine cases
and rangefinder were added,
along with Mission Models’
 Acetate packaging from
the local supermarket was
cut and shaped to fit the
open window frame.

delightful turned brass spent

cartridge cases, which were placed
individually across the flatbed and
secured with spots of CA.

Magnificent mule
While the re-boxed ICM truck
was well detailed, the multi-part
chassis may cause alignment
issues for some modellers. Link-
and-length tracks are always a
bonus, and in this case made
the running gear more robust
and easy to handle. Italeri’s Flak
38 was delightful to build and
assembled easily; moulding
limitations produced a rather
‘chunky’ appearance, but Eduard’s
detail set and Master Model’s
 A very fine brush was used to create scrapes and chips in the
barrel saved the day. This was a
paintwork…this was easy to overdo, so it was applied in stages.
clever combination from Italeri,
which filled a glaring gap in 1/35  AK Interactive’s Engine Grime was applied around the gun platform,
scale German World War Two using the base as a guide, to represent basic wear and tear and dirt/grime
anti-aircraft weaponry. from the gun crew’s boots.
 YOUR AIRFIX
HURRICANE Mk.I
Karel Struna portrays an Airfix Hurricane as flown by a noted
Czechoslovakian pilot during the Battle of Britain
I 
built Airfix’s 1/48 Hawker
Hurricane Mk.I to depict
the aircraft flown by
Sergeant Josef Koukal DFC,
310 (Czechoslovak) Squadron
RAF on September 3, 1941,
when he shot down a Bf 110, the
first of his two kills during the
Battle of Britain. On September
7, while flying a different
Hurricane, V7437, he shot down
a second Bf 110, but his aircraft
was hit afterwards by another
German fighter, and it burst into
flames, burning Koukal severely.
He was treated at the Queen
Victoria Hospital in London,
becoming a member of ‘The
30 Airfix Model World
Guinea Pig Club’, its specialist
burns ward, but recovered to
return to active service.
The model was built as a gift
for the Koukal family and is now
their property. Each of my build
projects begin with gathering
all available information
about the selected machine;
fortunately, RAF planes are
well known, so it wasn’t that
difficult. The instruction sheet
was clearly laid out, and I was
able to finish the basic part of
the build within three evenings.
The colour scheme is standard
RAF Day Fighter SchemeType B,
while roundels and letters were
sprayed with the aid of custom-
made masks. Airframe stencils
came from the kit’s decal sheet.
Paints used in the build were a
combination of Mr. Paint (Cockpit
Green, Dark Earth and Dark
Green) and Mr. Hobby (RAF Sky).
The surface was sealed with the
latter’s semi-gloss varnish, and
then pigments were applied for
subtle and hopefully realistic
dirt. I really enjoyed the build,
and almost no filler was needed,
as everything fitted smoothly.
I definitely plan to build
another Airfix Hurricane.
Are you proud of a particular
Airfix build? Then let AMW know by
providing us with 150-200 words on the
project and what was involved, along
with 6-8 good quality photos against
a clean white background. Photo file
sizes should be 1MB or larger. Please
e-mail your submissions to the editor:
stuart.fone@keypublishing.com
 ®
Best Quality
/Value on the
Precision products for craft, hobby and industry
market

PS-266/PS-267
PS-266 Mr Procon Boy LWA (0.5mm) £99.00
PS-267 Mr Procon Boy FWA (0.2mm) £99.00

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PS-270/PS-289
(0.2mm) £119.00
PS-289 Mr Procon Boy WA Platinum
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 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII

Su n -Sc o r c h e d
Jay Blakemore
adds a host
of extras to
Eduard’s superb
quarter-scale
Spitfire Mk.VIII

nyone who has built one however, there’s a bonus — the

A of Eduard’s ProfiPACK
releases will know
exactly what to expect
from those orange-topped boxes.
For those unfamiliar with these
products, there’s a glossy and
concise instruction booklet,
photo-etched (PE) metal and
brass frets, canopy and wheel
masks, a comprehensive decal
sheet and most importantly of
all, impressive styrene parts.
With its quarter-scale Spitfires,
most accurate quarter-scale
Spitfire currently produced,
and all at an affordable price.
First released in 2013, Eduard’s
Spitfire Mk.IX was an instant
hit with modellers and was
joined the following year by the
Mk.VIII. The latter comprised
207 grey styrene parts, 17 clear
components and markings
for six aircraft, as well as the
aforementioned refinements in  After a thorough cleaning, the resin cowling panels, engine firewall and kit spinner were
the ProfiPACK boxing. base coated in Alclad Aluminium.

32 Airfix Model World


Straight from the box, the
Mk.VIII wasn’t an overly taxing
build, especially if one chose to
ignore the optional PE items.
If, however, modellers wished
to take things to the opposite
extreme, then there were a
multitude of bespoke extras
available, courtesy of Eduard’s
Brassin range. These included
a highly detailed cockpit,
wheels, gun/radio bays, and an
impressive engine.
Magic Merlin
Construction began on the
aftermarket resin and PE engine
set (648200), prior to any
surgery being initiated on the
airframe itself. Unsurprisingly,
this proved to be a complex kit,
comprising 56 beautifully
detailed resin parts
and a single PE fret.
As usual, the
former were
 A layer of darkened Interior Green was then airbrushed, and before it had dried it was
‘washed’ with a thinner-laden brush to remove the upper paint, simulating wear and tear.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII
supplied on casting blocks,
and the initial task was to drill,
saw and remove the excess.
Wet-sanding methods were
then utilised to further trim
and tidy the parts, to minimise
the creation of resin dust.
Individual components were
then washed thoroughly in
white spirit, to remove any
 The fuselage was chain-drilled prior to the styrene cowling panels being removed, in
readiness for the aftermarket powerplant and framework/bearer struts.
contaminants that might later
hinder paint adhesion. The  Modifications to the undercarriage included PE scissor-links and stretched styrene
lengthy preparation associated brake lines.
with resin components can be a
chore, and these sets should be
approached with some caution
by inexperienced modellers.
Resin is by nature brittle and
snaps easily, and many of the
parts contained within the
engine set, such as the lengthy
coolant pipes and mounting
frames, were particularly fragile
and difficult to handle.
The 13-piece resin engine
block was assembled with
cyanoacrylate (CA) glue,
although the dozen individual
exhaust outlets weren’t attached
at this stage. Once completed,  The propeller was treated in a similar fashion to the engine panels, with an aluminium
the powerplant, separate oil undercoat, followed by black enamel and ‘washing’ to create a worn edge.
 While Eduard’s aftermarket PE added much to the resin engine’s appearance, it was
enhanced further by wire additions between the rocker covers.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 33
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII
 Here the PE exhaust frames and various actuator rods can be seen more clearly.  As with other components, painting began with an overall airbrushed base layer of
Alclad Aluminium.
and coolant tanks, intake tunnel
and assembled framework
sub-units were base-coated
with Alclad’s ALC-302 Grey
Primer and Microfiller, followed
by a generous application of
ALC-101 Aluminium. This was
then allowed to dry thoroughly
overnight, after which masking
fluid was applied to those items
slated to retain their metallic
sheen, which included several
small components on the
firewall, plus the larger items
 This was then treated with black enamel, and the upper layer scrubbed with a thinner- mentioned above. Black enamel
laden brush in specific areas to resemble wear.
was then airbrushed over the
engine in its entirety and a
‘washing’ technique used to
remove portions of the paint
before it had dried. Revealing
areas of aluminium in this way,
with a thinner-moistened brush,
would approximate wear on the
finished model. Dry-brushing
lighter shades of ‘black’ created
highlights, while darker washes
were utilised to enhance and
weather the aluminium parts.
Once the paint had dried, the 12
separate exhaust outlets were
added as per the instructions
 Lighter ‘black’ shades were then dry-brushed to add highlights, while a red/brown
and painted in-situ, for a rusty
wash was applied to add depth to the metallic areas.
and exhaust-stained appearance.
Cramped innards
Eduard’s styrene cockpit would
have been perfectly adequate
straight from the box, though
it seemed appropriate to add
extra detail in this area to match
that being added elsewhere, and
so an aftermarket alternative
was sought. The firm has, as
mentioned above, produced
such an item, but that from
fellow Czech manufacturer
Aires was far more reasonably
priced and of equal quality,
though it proved more labour
34 Airfix Model World
intensive to fit. Contained within
a neat blister-pack, its Mk.IX set
(4596) comprised just 19 resin
and 26 PE components. The
arched vertical formers, which
provided structural strength
to the Spitfire’s fuselage, and
can cause consternation during
the building of any miniature,
were cast integrally on the
cockpit side-walls and large
floor section, and this eased
construction in that regard.
But the floor section required
major reworking of the kit
styrene, especially the lower
wing section, before it would fit
comfortably within the slender
fuselage’s confines, while still
ensuring sufficient
clearance to
allow the lower-
wing section to join snugly.
These difficulties came to
light during dry-fitting, which
demonstrated amply the
importance of ‘trying before
applying’ any adhesive. A burr
attachment fitted to a mini-
electric hand tool was an
essential item during the
removal of material from
the inner surfaces of both
fuselage halves, the lower
wing and the resin components
themselves. Indeed, the styrene
was thinned to such an extent
that daylight was clearly visible
through the lower wing centre
section before it would close
around the protruding cockpit
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII

floor, despite the depth of that Airframe antics

component having also been
reduced dramatically. Again,
it’s worth stressing the novice
modeller should approach these
types of aftermarket additions
with caution.
Once assembled, the resin
cockpit was treated in the same
manner as the engine. Darkened
Colourcoats ACRN28 Interior
Green was used initially in this
instance, with highlights attained
by adding the same colour
directly from the tin.
Modifications were needed to
the fuselage, to display the
aftermarket powerplant properly,
so the cowling panels were
chain-drilled and then excised
using a craft knife fitted with
a chisel blade. Removing the
small panel in the lower-wing
section was more challenging,
however, because of its unusual
‘star’ shape and curved edges.
A detailed resin firewall was
included in the Brassin engine
set and this slotted comfortably
 The individual exhaust nozzles then received a series of rust tones to simulate heat-
stained and corroded metal.

into the newly opened forward wing-roots. These additions were

fuselage, though it required filler
around its edges. Strips of plastic
card were also utilised to tidy the
lower-edge of the insert and add
spar and rib detail to the inner
by no means accurate, but they
would remain almost entirely
hidden with the engine in place,
though if glimpsed would look
better than an empty void.

MODEL SPEC

Spitfire Mk.VIII
By: Eduard
Stock Code: 8284
Scale: 1/48
Price: €18.95
Available from: www.eduard.com

www.airfixmodelworld.com 35
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII
Winging it
Before the mainplane halves
could be assembled, the wheel
bays needed constructing. These
were complex affairs, each
comprising six individual wall
inserts, which were attached to
a central spar. All components
fitted positively, and just a hint
of liquid cement was required to
secure them. The seven-piece
underwing radiator housings
were equally complex, but
again, thanks to Eduard’s superb
“ The individual
exhaust nozzles
then received a
series of rust tones”
 Aires’ aftermarket cockpit took much work to incorporate; the fuselage sides must be
thinned considerably to permit a good fit, it but responded well to painting and weathering.
36 Airfix Model World
engineering, the individual pieces
clicked into position so positively
that cement seemed superfluous.
They were further enhanced by
PE radiator grills from that firm’s
Spitfire Mk.VIII detail set (49708).
Separate wing-tips and control
surfaces completed mainplane
assembly, and the remainder of
the build was simplicity itself.
The main undercarriage
benefited from PE
scissor-links from the
aforementioned detail
set, while short lengths
of stretched styrene
simulated brake lines. The
wheels, however, needed
replacing. This wasn’t due to
any fault with the kit items, but
because the aircraft I intended
to model required specific tyres.
Spitfire LF.VIII MD280/DG-R
served with No.155 Sqn in India
and Burma; it was fitted with
patterned tyres more suitable
for use on the unprepared and
often rain-soaked airstrips used
during operations. These weren’t
supplied in the kit, which might
be considered an oversight on
Eduard’s part as two of the colour
schemes were for Far Eastern
aircraft, but they are available as
an aftermarket item (648118), and
this was procured for the sake
of accuracy. These resin items
came with separately cast four-
spoke wheels and were simple
to assemble, though being resin,
 More plastic needed removing from the lower-wing section before this part could close
properly over the resin cockpit components.
they required the same prolonged
preparation as the engine parts.
Earthy tones
Initially, the completed and
shortened airframe was wiped
with white spirit, prior to a
coat of Alclad’s grey primer.
Pleasingly, no anomalies were
highlighted, so no further
preparatory work was required
before a dusting of Alclad
Aluminium was applied to the
wing-roots. Once this had dried
(which took just minutes),
random patches of masking fluid
were applied around the walk-
ways. This rubberised masking
medium would be removed
once the camouflage colours

had dried, to reveal patches
of bare metal as part of the
weathering process. An overall
base coat of dark brown enamel
was then airbrushed after the
masking fluid had hardened.
Initially the wings and tailplanes
were masked, and the off-white
identification panels applied
directly. Once dry, the tape was
removed, and the camouflage
tones were added, beginning
with Medium Sea Grey, which
was sprayed onto the undersides.
Tape was utilised to create
the hard-edged demarcation
between the upper and lower
fuselage colours, before Dark
Earth was applied freehand to
the upper-surfaces. Finally, Blu
Tack ‘sausages’ and decorators’
masking tape set the camouflage
and, being sure to direct the
paint-flow away from the edges,
which ensured a soft boundary
 Eduard’s resin firewall was supplied in the engine set, and fitted snugly between the
fuselage halves; minor filling was required around the edges.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII
between the colours, the
remaining areas received Dark
Green enamel. Highlights were
then added via slightly paler
mixes of the original shades, to
create a patchwork of weathered
paint, and grey washes were
streaked along the nose and
cowling panels to create exhaust
staining. Thinned enamel was
also used as a dark pin wash, to
emphasise moving parts such as
In preparation for the
rudders, ailerons, hatches and
main painting stages, the
filler-caps, but not every panel wing-roots received a base-
line, as seems to be the current coat of Alclad Aluminium…
trend among most modellers. No
specialised weathering products
were used during this build, just
combinations of Colourcoats and
Humbrol enamels.
Minimal markings
There were two decal sheets
contained within the ProfiPACK
boxing, the larger of which
…followed by an overall solid brown enamel
‘shadow coat’. Just visible are patches of masking
fluid, which were applied randomly across the wing roots.
Micro-Mesh cloths were used
to remove any debris from
the shadow coat, before off-
white theatre-identification
stripes were applied to the
wings and tailplanes.
 The camouflage pattern was set with Blu Tack over the freehand airbrushed Dark Earth,
with decorators’ tape used to fill the gaps and protect the theatre stripes.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 37
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII

was printed by Cartograf. This The powerplant was chivvied

gloriously colourful and glossy
product contained all unit and
national markings and was in
perfect register, but high-quality
decals will only perform as
required if the model has been
prepared correctly. Therefore,
an enamel gloss coat was
applied overall, and the model
set aside to dry thoroughly,
after which Micro Mesh cloths
were used to wet-sand and
polish the model to a smooth,
lustrous shine. This faultless
surface would ensure the decals,
when applied, would settle
 Highlights were applied to panels by airbrushing lighter shades of the original without unsightly silvering.
camouflage tones, after which the masking was removed; the previously Maskol-treated As anticipated, the markings
areas have also been scrubbed, to reveal the underlying metallic finish. worked perfectly and, after an
application of setting solution,
conformed well to the surface
detail, appearing as if they were
painted on the airframe.
In-theatre and national
markings were minimal, though
the multiple tiny items (provided
on a second sheet), suggested
the stencilling process would
be somewhat more protracted.
After careful consideration,
it was decided just the most
important and obvious airframe
labels would be applied, as most
of those remaining appeared
over-sized slightly.
into position between the bearer
struts and attached with CA.
Finally, the two forward A-frames,
plus underslung intake and
coolant tanks were added, and
several pipes were crafted from
stretched styrene runner and
painted; these too were threaded
between the frames and secured
to complete the aftermarket
Merlin 66 installation.
Two PE lattice outer-frames
were supplied with the engine
kit, and these were curved gently
to match the nose contours,
before being attached to the
outer edges of the firewall and
nose-mounted coolant tank
to enclose the engine. It was
onto these lattice frames the
cowling panels would have been
secured on the real aircraft, and
the scale reproductions looked
mightily effective once in place.
With the engine nestled safely
within its associated framework,
the undercarriage, aerial and
pitot tube were added. Having

Engine fitter
With the airframe bedecked
in decals and protected by a
satin coat, the powerplant was
fitted. The three-piece inner
 Weathering washes, comprising diluted mixes of Humbrol and Colourcoats enamels, frame was mounted initially,
were applied; these included streaking effects on the upper and lower surfaces. and two long and twisting resin
coolant pipes (cut laboriously
from their casting blocks) were
sanded and then threaded
through the engine supports
and secured to the wing-roots.

Decals were applied over gloss varnish and conformed well to

the surface. Once they had dried, they were sealed beneath
satin varnish and weathered to match the rest of the airframe.

38 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
SPITFIRE MK.VIII

“ The engineering was

second-to-none
and the detailing
was sublime”

smoothed the airframe once
again with Micro Mesh cloths,
everything was then sealed with
a final, uniform application of
enamel varnish. This top-coat
comprised an approximately
20/30/50 mix of gloss and
matt varnish and thinner
respectively. Airbrushed over
the model sparingly, and at a
high air pressure, the strongly
diluted solution ensured a quick
evaporation process, leaving
very little time for dust or
debris to settle on the model’s
surface, and resulted in a smooth
eggshell sheen. With masking
on the glazing removed and
the central canopy section and
propeller pressed into place, the
none and the detailing was
sublime. Built straight from
the box they were relatively
build was easy to assemble, although
completed. the addition of some or all
the firm’s aftermarket extras
Winged wonder added complexity. The beauty
Eduard’s Spitfires are of course, is it’s entirely down to
extraordinarily good; the the individual modeller just
engineering was second-to- how much they wish to add.

 The completed cowling panels and propeller demonstrate the effects of these simple, yet  The finished firewall unmasked, prior to the engine being fitted; this resin addition
effective weathering methods…note the worn spinner tip. featured superb cast detail, which was enhanced by careful painting.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 39
 OUT AND ABOUT
COVENTRY & WARKS SHOW

There’s always something new on the in abundance for visitors and

Modern British Armour table, and modellers alike. As ever, the venue
Paul Crowther’s build of Dragon’s was the perfect setting, and offered
1/35 M752 Lance in Royal several surprises, such as the
Artillery markings Flettner Fl 282 framework near the
caught many an eye. hangar, or the maze-like interior
to the main museum, which holds
many historic gems, notably in the
Whittle Heritage Centre.
With every model at the show
entered automatically in to the
open competition, it’s always
intriguing to see what will be
awarded Best in Show; this year,
British Bulldog’s Paul Dobson
was the worthy winner, with his
superbly painted 120mm British
Paratrooper figure. Unlike many
other shows, the traders were
separate to the model displays, but
this made comparison much easier,
plus everything you might need for
a build was in one place!

Midlands Magic O
rganised by the Coventry
and Warwickshire club,
the annual pilgrimage to
the Midlands Air Museum
was an event where there was
something new or different around
every corner.
On a quiet Father’s Day, a friendly
and welcoming atmosphere was
If you haven’t attended this
show before, it’s well worth a visit,
with visitors able to wander amid
historical exhibits as they transit
between the three halls/
buildings. Stu Fone
VIEW MORE ONLINE
www.airfixmodelworld.com

A convincing snow-
laden background was
the perfect base for Paul
Brandt’s Avio car diorama,
which utilised Trumpeter’s 1/35
Aerosan RF-8 and Kirin figures.

 Marcus White’s incredible ‘diorama in the round’ featured modified Tommy’s War figures
and plenty of scratch-building to create this early World War One scene.

David Ross’s excellent

airbrush finish on his
Hobby Boss 1/48 Me
262A-1a/U-4 stood
out among the many
exhibits on the Bedford
and District Scale
Model Club stand.

 Stoke-on-Trent’s Paul Millward added a stunning metallic scheme to this Games Workshop
Warhammer Necron Doomscythe, proving it doesn't have to be a tank or plane to impress.

40 Airfix Model World

Veteranus Models
www.veteranus.co.uk sales@alclad2.co.uk
www.alclad2-online.co.uk
01692 500700

ALCE004 RAF Ocean Grey (BS381C-633) ALCE317 USN WWII Aircraft Light Grey
ALCE011 RAF Sky Type S (BS381C-210) ALCE024 Raf Desert Sand
ALCE012 British Interior Grey-Green (BS381C-283) ALCE302 US Vietnam Camouflage Tan
ALCE013 RAF Dark Green (BS381C-241) ALCE307 US Vietnam Camouflage Medium Green
ALCE101 Matt White ALCE308 US Vietnam Camouflage Dark Green
ALCE102 Matt Black ALCE310 Black Tyre Rubber
ALCE202 RLM 02 Grau (Grey) ALCE601 Israeli Camouflage Pale Green
ALCE215 RLM66 Schwarzgrau (Black Grey) ALCE602 Israeli Camouflage Pale Blue
ALCE304 US Camouflage Tan (FS595-30400) ALCE603 Israeli Camouflage Sand
ALCE305 US Camouflage Earth (FS595B-30118) ALCE604 Israeli Camouflage Tan
ALCE021 RAF Dark Earth (BS381C-450) ALCE605 Signal Red
ALCE104 Zinc Chromate Yellow (FS33481) ALCE606 RAF Training Yellow
ALCE216 RLM70 Schwarzgrün (Black Green) ALCE607 RAF training Orange
ALCE309 USN/USAAF WWII Interior Grn (FS595-34151) ALCE608 Royal Blue
ALCE319 USN WWII Intermediate Blue (FS595-35164) ALCE609 Air Superiority Blue (FS35450)
ALCE001 RAF Extra Dark Sea Grey (BS381C-640) ALCE610 Mod Eagle Grey (FS36176)
ALCE003 RAF Medium Sea Grey (BSS81C-637) ALCE611 Aggressor Grey (FS36251)
ALCE050 British Deep Bronze Grn (BS381C-224) ALCE612 White Grey (FS36628)
ALCE220 RLM74 Graugrün (Grey Green) ALCE613 Aggressor Blue (FS35109)
ALCE221 RLM75 Grauviolett (Violet Grey) ALCE614 Light Grey (FS36495)
ALCE250 Panzer Schwartzgrau (RAL7021) ALCE615 Skyline Blue (FS25250)
ALCE901 Canadian Voodoo Grey (FS595-36515) ALCE616 Dark Grey Bue (FS15102)
ALCE214 RLM65 Hellblau (Pale Blue) ALCE617 Olive Drab (BS381C-298)
ALCE222 RMM76 WEISSBLAU (WHITE BLUE) ALCE618 Nato Brown (BS-499)
6 & 7 High Skellgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1BA ALCE231 RLM78 Himmelblau / Hellblau ALCE619 Nato Green (BS-285)
ALCE251 Panzer Dunkelgelb (RAL) ALCE620 Nato Black (BS480000ES3)
ALCE252 Panzer Signalbarun (RAL8020) ALCE621 Medium Gunship Greu (FS361766)
ALCE253 Panzer Olivgrun (RAL6003) ALCE622 Russian Tank Green
ALCE314 Camouflage Gray (FS595-36622) ALCE623 RAF Pru Blue
ALCE315 Gunship Gray (FS595-36118) ALCE624 Dark Sea Grey
ALCE650 Israeli Sand Grey ALCE625 RAF Middlestone
ALCE062 British Brown Bess ALCE626 RAF Azure Blue
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
YAK-130

Any aircraft wearing Flanker-style

‘mitte~’
ollaborative aircraft occasion, NATO settled on Mitten

colours is always worth investigating,

as Chris Jones discovers with
c design programmes
are always risky, but no
more so than that which
generated the Yak-130.
In the early 1990’s, amid much
(trainers are usually assigned
reporting names beginning
with the letter ‘M’), perhaps a
misleading choice considering
the vast amount of ordnance this
Zvezda’s newly tooled 1/72 Yak-130 post-Cold War euphoria, a joint ‘instructional aircraft’ can carry!
advanced trainer project was
announced between Yakovlev and First impressions
Aermacchi, but within eight years From the outset, it was clear
this partnership had fractured this kit had perhaps the most
due to financial disagreements. interesting parts breakdown the
The former went on to develop
MODEL SPEC

the airframe as the Yak-130 for Yakovlev Yak-130

the Russian Air Force, while the By: Zvezda
latter produced its own version,
Stock Code: 7307
the M-346 Master, geared towards
NATO/Western customers. In Scale: 1/72
Russian service, the Yak-130 is Price: £19.99
intended to provide advanced
flying training for future fast- Available from: Hannants,
jet pilots, but also boasts an www.hannants.co.uk
impressive array of hardpoints
for use in the light combat role.
As ever, according to NATO policy,
Russian aeroplanes are assigned a
codename, which can range from
 There were plenty of parts to paint before anything could be assembled, and the the begrudgingly complimentary
complex, modular structure was apparent even at this early stage. to outright mockery. On this

42 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
YAK-130

Just when you thought the mainwheel

wells were complete, they still had
to be sprayed, along with the centre
section, which also provided the
undercarriage bay divider.

 With the intake and jet pipe assemblies completed, the main undercarriage bays (which
featured moulded pipe detail) were then assembled on top (or rather, the bottom).
 The rear fuselage ventral insert illustrated clearly why Zvezda employed such a multi-
part airframe breakdown; the shape of the real Yak-130 airframe is complex!

 Incredibly, all these items would be visible as part of the rear cockpit, so all received a
coat of Light Blue where appropriate.

author has ever seen. In fairness,
the Yak-130’s airframe involves a
complex array of shapes, so this
approach was probably a design
necessity, but it did mean much
time was spent comprehending
the instructions and test-fitting.
The kit itself was moulded crisply
in slightly soft grey plastic, but the
recessed panel lines were so subtle
in places as to be virtually non-
existent, which was a shame. On
the plus side, and for those with
a penchant for ordnance, Zvezda
included a phenomenal amount,
leaving the builder truly spoilt
for choice. Beyond the optional pods, KAB-500Kr smart bombs, all relevant parts, the intake
SNPU-130 centreline gun pod and and drop tanks...wow! areas were sprayed white and
wing tip countermeasure pods, masked, so the lips and jet pipe
there were AA-11 Archer missiles Starting from behind areas could receive Alclad ALC-
(along with their Rather than beginning with the 600 Aluminium and ALC-113
associated rails), cockpit as is ‘traditional’, the Jet Exhaust respectively. Once
a variety of instructions would have the these parts had dried, the mating
‘dumb’ bombs, intrepid modeller assemble the surfaces were scraped free of
B8M-1 and full-length air intake trunking/ paint, after which the engine
B13L jet pipe/main undercarriage bay components were added, and the
rocket structure first. After neatening intake/exhaust assemblies secured
with Tamiya Extra Thin Cement.
Next, the mainwheel wells were
built on top of the intake trunking,
by attaching the interior walls,
internal framework and piping.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 43
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
YAK-130

 As supplied, the K-36L ejection seats

kit decAL
optio~S
Zvezda offered a surprising variety
of colour schemes, with an ‘eggplant’
camouflaged trainer to reflect
current two-tone liveries on Su-34
Fullbacks and a pair finished in hues
usually seen on Su-27 Flankers:
Zvezda captured the Yak’s uncluttered cockpit configuration
accurately. However, an unfortunate gap existed between
featured integrally moulded seatbelts,
which didn’t look too bad under paint. The
the rear coaming and the cockpit sill, so arguably this
should have been plugged with plastic card.
firing handles, though, were supplied as
one-piece items so it was worth sourcing
alternatives from the spares box.

• RF-44488, Bort 51, Borisoglebsk

Pilot School, Borisoglebsk, 2015
• RF-81683, Bort 75, Kubinka, 2017
Victory Day fly-past
• Bort 74, 116th Guards Ground-Attack
Air Force, Belarussian Air Force,
Lida, 2017
Although the instructions called
for the main gear legs to be
secured at this point, this was far
from ideal, due to the high chance
of breaking these fragile units
during handling. However, after
assembling the undercarriage,
test-fitting revealed the legs could
be added later in the build, albeit
with a small amount of fettling…
thank goodness.
These completed structures
were then fixed inside the rear
fuselage halves. After allowing the
glue to set, the wheel wells were
airbrushed white, along with part
of the underside fuselage insert,
which also formed the wheel well
divider wall. Once spraying efforts
were finished, the pipework was
picked out with matt black, before
all relevant mating surfaces were
cleaned, and the rear fuselage
halves mated. Note, the underside
insert wasn’t added until after
the fuselage had dried
thoroughly. Although
the instructions called
for a transparent
light to be inserted
through a hole in
the former, this
would have been
awkward to
mask, so both
this, and a similar light on the
fuselage spine were sliced from
their locating blocks and applied
at the end of the build. Amusingly,
even at this point, the intakes
hadn’t been added.
Part number B15 was a combined
part that involved the intake
trunking upper/wing spar/cockpit
sidewall/ventral leading-edge
root extension, but couldn’t be
fitted until later. Regarding the
trunking, the upper fuselage/
wing piece featured auxiliary
intake detail moulded on its
underside, which must be sprayed
white, but also formed part of
the cockpit sidewall. Without

44 Airfix Model World


doubt, the most confusing part of
the build was figuring out what
connected where, and what part
of it would actually be visible
afterwards! However, despite the
extraordinary multi-part part
breakdown of the airframe, it
was clear the fit of all parts was
exceptional, which was of great
credit to Zvezda’s designers.
Three-colour ‘office’
At long last, attention could turn
to the conventional starting point
 The gap between the LERX and cockpit sill required filler later in the build. At the rear
of the cockpit, it’s possible to see the area where five separate parts joined to create the
sidewall…remember to paint them all!
At this stage, it was slightly easier
to make sense of the airframe’s
complex parts breakdown.
of most aircraft builds, the cockpit.
However, even here, complexity
reigned when it came to painting.
After studying online reference
photos, it became clear there
were no fewer than three colours
present in a Yak-130 cockpit.
The main shade appeared to be
similar or identical to Flanker
Light Blue, the bulkheads were in
a very light grey, while the side
consoles were approximate to
Sukhoi Cockpit Blue. This was all
very easy to write of course, but
more of a chore to paint and mask
neatly in 1/72 scale. Thanks to the
modern avionics of the Yak-130,
much of the control functionality
is covered by the multi-function
displays, so the cockpit itself
looked fairly sparse in terms of
buttons and switches, and Zvezda
certainly did a decent job of
representing it accurately. The
only criticisms to make here were
the cockpit sill should be flat (it is
sloped on the kit) and there was a
small gap on the edges of the rear
After instrument panels, coamings and
cockpit side consoles had been coloured,
a gloss coat was followed by a subtle oil
wash and then matt varnish.
At last, after much
construction, something
resembling a Yak-130
airframe shape was
present, rather than a
convoluted assortment
of parts.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
YAK-130
cockpit coaming, although this
could be blanked with plastic card,
if it was deemed too conspicuous.
Another point to consider was
that five items joined to create the
rear cockpit corners, so plenty of
unusual sections must be painted
in the interior light blue hue.
The two-seat tub was painted
separately to the instrument
panels and sidewalls and, with
detail painting completed, the
entire assembly was added to the
front fuselage halves. As ever,
www.airfixmodelworld.com 45
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
YAK-130
 MRP Light Blue provided an initial camouflage base coat. It sprayed wonderfully and left
a robust eggshell finish.
tricycle undercarriage-configured
models tend to pose a tail-
sitting risk, so fine lead shot was
secured with Super Glue behind
the rear cockpit bulkhead, since
there was no room in the nose
thanks to a structural box. With
all internal areas completed, the
nose was finally mated with the
rear fuselage, and then the upper
intake/LERX section was attached
underneath the upper fuselage/
wing section.
Once the lower wing halves, flaps
and airbrakes has been added,
et voila…a complete Yak-130
airframe. Milliput Superfine White
was applied to several joins and
neatened via damp cotton buds,
with extra attention paid to the
front/rear fuselage join on the
cockpit sill/LERX section. Once
the filler had dried, this seam
was sanded and the paintwork
neatened, after which the
windscreen was attached via Micro
Kristal Klear — again, this was
made good with damp cotton buds.
46 Airfix Model World
Boundary setting
After sanding all the seams, a fair
amount of time went into masking
the intakes, jet pipes and wheel
wells, but Blu Tack helped no end,
while the cockpit was covered
more conventionally with Tamiya
tape. Although this process can
be tedious, it at least meant the
model almost neared the painting
stage, but before proceeding
further the seams were sprayed
with Tamiya XF-54 Dark Sea Grey
to check for blemishes. It never
ceases to amaze me just how
difficult it is to spot dodgy joins
when looking at just bare plastic
and filler! Thankfully however, all
appeared well, so it was time to
bring out the paint.
For this project, Slovakia’s Mr.
Paint (see panel) had kindly
supplied a number of lacquer
shades. An initial coat of MRP-297
Light Blue provided a base coat,
and since the paint arrives pre-
thinned, it was sprayed straight
from the bottle to leave an
 The Flanker-style paint scheme was duly completed with an application of thinned MRP-
298 Blue; again, this was airbrushed freehand.
excellent eggshell finish. For the
other colours however, freehand
application was the order of the
LoveLy
day and thinning was required. To LAcquerS
achieve this, standard cellulose Mr. Paint (MRP) hails from Slovakia,
thinner was added, until the paint and for this project a range of its
edges appeared to be smooth appropriate Flanker-associated
(rather than speckled) when colours were supplied. These
airbrushed. The next camouflage lacquer-based paints came pre-
hue was MRP-296 Light Grey, thinned for airbrushing and sprayed
followed by MRP-298 Blue. All beautifully straight from the bottle,
these colours were slated for use
to leave a smooth and robust
on the Su-30/35 and Yak-130, and
eggshell finish. They can also be
the matches were superb.
diluted with cellulose thinner for
With the main Flanker-style
freehand camouflage application, or
scheme completed, attention
subtle effects. For more information
turned to the various external
on this, and their acrylic range visit:
areas that required other tones.
www.mrpaint.sk
The dielectric fin cap and tail
cone received XF-66 Light Grey,
the windscreen/anti-glare panel
was XF-69 NATO Black, while the
nose was
XF-2 White.
Once several
applications of
Alclad ALC-600
Aqua Gloss had
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
YAK-130

created a suitable gloss sheen,

remaining segments (such as the
awkwardly shaped hot metal
tail sections) were brush-
painted, before it was time
for decaling.
Unfortunately, several
markings were out of
register on this sample’s
decal sheet, and the
red warning lines required
some slicing and dicing,
but eventually a
decent result was
achieved. After
sealing the decals with
more gloss varnish, Xtracolor’s
XDFF Matt muted the airframe’s
glossy sheen, before a red-brown/
black mix provided a sense of Final thoughts Although fiddly, masking
accumulated grime around the Considering its highly complex the intake lips, both
panel lines. Ideally, a panel-line parts breakdown, it’s quite inside and out, was an
wash would have been employed, incredible (and an absolute unavoidable task.
but the recessed detail was so credit to the design team at
shallow (as to be almost invisible) Zvezda) the fit is so good. The
in many places. Final assembly extremely shallow panel lines
was fairly pain free, although aside, there is much for modellers
great care must be taken with to be enthusiastic about here.
the nosewheel leg, which was Beyond that, the Yak-130 wears
terrifyingly fragile. Perhaps the fascinating schemes in a number
hardest part of concluding the of interesting air forces across
build was deciding exactly which the world, so there’s plenty of
ordnance to attach, and the scope to build more than one of
temptation for an airshow-style these kits. If the reader needs
display was hard to resist, despite inspiration, just study the colours
the work involved in assembling it wears in Belarussian,
all the stores. Myanmar or Algerian service!

With the masking removed After matt varnish, the only remaining stage was to apply a subtle
it was time for gloss red-brown/black post-shade and attach the remaining small parts.
varnish, to ready the
model for decals.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 47
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2

‘superfuse’

FUEL
Having previously built Airfix’s 1/72
Victor B.Mk.2 (BS), Andy Davies
has fun with the re-worked tanker
variant of this iconic aircraft
hen Airfix first announced

W a 1/72nd scale Victor

back in 2015, modelling
Cold War aficionados
rejoiced. For many years, the sole
1/72 injection-moulded kit of this
type was the ancient Matchbox
offering (subsequently re-released
by Revell). Unsurprisingly, Airfix’s
offering surpassed it in every
area, and provided everything
needed to build a free-fall bomber
or Blue Steel carrier. Now the

company has followed this with

a twin-variant package, namely
the photo-reconnaissance SR.2
and K.2 tanker, with this article
concentrating on the latter. As a
huge fan of Handley Page’s finest,
I was particularly looking forward
to the opportunity of building this
pre-production release.

New parts
The contents of the box will be
familiar to those who built the
original kit, the only changes being
the addition of new Runner L (to
replacing the Blue Steel parts)
and all new decal sheet. The
transparencies were exceptionally
clear and displayed none of the
problems noted on other Airfix
releases in the past. Of the three
schemes on the large decal sheet
(see panel), the 57 Squadron K.2
was chosen, as this depicted a 1982
Falklands War ‘Black Buck’ aircraft
with striking ‘Dayglo’ fluorescent-
orange markings. Also included
were comprehensive painting and
 Airfix supplied a new Runner L; this provided all the additional parts needed for K.2 and SR.2 variants. stencil placement guides, although

48 Airfix Model World

 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2

Eduard’s PE replaced all inner surfaces for

the airbrakes, undercarriage sidewalls and
doors, which added finesse to these areas.
Once painted and weathered, these details
enhanced the finished model greatly.

several minor discrepancies decided to employ an array of

were noted while studying them,
notably the orientation of several
underwing engine bay and outer
wing items. The SR.2 parts
comprised a camera crate and
glazing, two long-range fuel tanks
and wing tank ‘sniffer’ extensions.
Cockpit colours
While Airfix’s basic components
provide plenty of detail, it was
aftermarket products to enhance
the styrene. Eduard’s photo-
etched (PE) brass Interior (73578),
Exterior (72638) and Airbrakes
(72644) were accompanied by New
Ware’s canopy masks (NWAM0133)
which also supplied items for the
wheel hubs.
While at Woodford for
conversion to K.2 standard,
Victor cockpit instrument and

KIT COLOUR SCHEMES

Two camouflaged and one Hemp/Light Aircraft Grey aircraft were provided on the
colourful decal sheet:
• K.2, XL231, 55 Sqn, Operation ‘Granby’, Bahrain, 1991
• K.2, XH699, 57 Sqn, Operation ‘Black Buck’, Ascension Island, May 1982
• SR.2, XL193, 543 Squadron, Operation ‘Attune’, Lima Airport, Peru, 1971  A test-fit revealed the undercarriage bay PE liners required trimming and this was
achieved with a file and sanding sticks. The parts were secured using Gator’s Grip PVA.

 Smaller parts received Mr. Finishing Surfacer 1500 Black and Mr. Color Levelling Thinner.
This method ensured a silky-smooth finish and added depth to the subsequent top coats.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 49
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2

fuel management panels were surface detail was removed from

repainted light/medium grey,
resulting in several PE items
being omitted as they depicted
black panels from the bomber/
SR.2 variant. The styrene parts
therefore received Tamiya XF-66
Light Grey (and not the suggested
Humbrol 85 Coal Black). The
forward flight deck section was
then painted XF-69 NATO Black,
along with the ejection seats,
 Eduard’s PE made a huge difference to the busy flight deck. Of note, Airfix suggested instrument coaming and flooring,
the instrument panel and fuel management tray was painted 85 Coal Black, but this was before a 4:1 mixture of XF-21 Sky
incorrect as it should be light/medium grey…in this case XF-66 Light Grey was used. and XF-66 Light Grey was applied
those locations that would receive
PE, and this was fitted, although
most would be hidden…but as they
say “you’ll know it’s in there”. The
seats were embellished with extra
padding and headrests fabricated
from 2mm plastic sheet and
Eduard’s excellent Eduard pre-
painted belts, harnesses, and pull
handles. With the cockpit and seats
attached, it was time to consider
nose weight. The instructions
suggested 25g was sufficient to
prevent tail-sitting, but a further 5g
was added, just to be safe.

Victor wings
Painting the inside of V-Bomber
engine intakes has always been
daunting, due to the complex

 The Victor required ample nose weight to prevent tail-sitting — Airfix recommended
25g but in this instance, 30g of lead was added. The instrument coaming was added at this
stage, rather than later as suggested in the instructions, as it was easier.

V-BOMBER EXTRAS
Since its release, Airfix’s Victor
has been the subject of several
aftermarket products and the
following items were used during
this project:

Eduard (www.eduard.com)
72644 Victor B Mk.2 (BS) air brakes
73578 Victor B Mk.2 (BS) Interior
72638 Victor B Mk.2 (BS) exterior
672143 Victor wheels

New Ware (www.mek.kosmo.cz)

NWAM0133 Handley Page Victor
B.Mk.2 (BS)

pattern and confined area. Airfix’s

to the rear cabin and swivel seats.
Mr. Hobby’s H47 Red Brown
coloured the rear crew members’
workbench, and various knobs
and levers were added via 20-thou
(0.5mm) plastic rod. Moulded
parts breakdown has made this
easier somewhat, as it enabled the
modeller to paint the halves first
and glue them together, then fill (if
needed) and neaten. The solution
was to mask the inner grey/green
camouflage demarcation line over
the satin white interior colour. For
this, 1mm Aizu tape was used as it
adheres well to curves and corners,
with Tamiya tape and damp tissue
paper covering the white areas.
Once the masking had been triple
checked, H330 Dark Green was
applied and, when dry, the pattern

50 Airfix Model World


was set on the outer portion of the
intake by pencil.
The finished intakes were then
fixed into the upper wings (with the
masking in situ) and filler added to
blend them into the wing leading
edges. Attention then turned to the
main undercarriage bays and while
the kit’s detail was good, the PE
elevated it to another level, being
attached with cyanoacrylate (CA)
glue after the moulded features
had been removed. Note, as the
PE parts were oversized slightly,
they were filed until they fitted;
the result was well worth the
effort, despite the underside not
being visible most of the time. The
undercarriage also received PE
embellishments, with most of the
main legs and flooring covered in
 Eduard’s PE added much refinement to the airbrakes, and these responded well to careful
painting. Although Airfix suggested XH699 had a standard B.2-style ‘bullet’ tail cone,
photos indicated the aircraft was equipped with fore-and aft-RWR radomes by 1982.
brass. Once assembled and any
gaps filled, the legs received ALC-
302 Grey Primer & Microfiller and
after being left to cure for 24hrs
they were coated with ALC-103
Dark Aluminium, 102 Duralumin
and 117 Dull Aluminium, which
varied their appearance. Next, ALC-
313 Klear Kote Matte was applied
to mute the tones, by a wash of
Abteilung 502’s ABT007, diluted
with ABT112 Matt Effect Thinner to
achieve a suitably grubby look.
Tanker parts
With the cockpit attached and
fuselage glazing masked, it was
time to fit the nose undercarriage
bay. This, in common with the
other sub-assemblies, was painted
prior to being attached and,
 Parts for the strategic reconnaissance SR.2 comprised a detailed photographic ‘crate’
and two long-range bomb bay fuel tanks, all of which fitted into the standard bomb bay. The
inclusion of the wing fuel tank ‘sniffer’ nose cones was most welcome.
following a coat of ALC-302 Grey
Primer & Microfiller, it
was treated in the
same manner as
the mainwheel
legs. While Airfix
suggested attaching the
nose leg at this stage, it was found
more beneficial to fit just the base
section. The assembled leg, wheels
and delicate mudguard could
be fitted after the main painting
stages, avoiding the possibility of
accidental damage.
Focus then shifted to the
refuelling equipment bay. The only
outward difference to the standard
bomb bay was the incorporation of
the Hose Drum Unit (HDU) to the
rear portion, and Airfix addressed
this by supplying new doors. A
deep bay was provided in the
With the fuselage joined and
sanded, the characteristic canopy
‘blinds’ were added using pale green
paper, cut to shape and glued with
Gator’s Grip Thin Blend PVA.
EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2
replacement part, into which the
lowered HDU could be fitted…a
neat touch if you wish to display
the unit in the ‘down’ position.
Unlike the short B Mk.2 (BS) doors,
these fitted perfectly. The bomb
bay interior received ALC-102
Duralumin and 117 Dull Aluminium,
although little could be seen once
they were fitted.
This left just the characteristic
rear airbrakes; the kit components
featured solid lightening holes,
so these were opened with a
2mm micro-drill and all surface
detail was sanded in readiness
for Eduard’s PE. Once the
aftermarket items were secured
with PE, this sub-assembly was
treated in the same manner as the
undercarriage, although diluted
ABT117 Starship Filth added extra
grime to the area.
Airfix omitted a highly visible
pipe that ran around the rear
parachute-housing box, over the
upper retraction/extension arms
and into the forward airbrake bay,
so this was fabricated from
www.airfixmodelworld.com 51
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2

The Mk20 refuelling pods and fuselage

HDU following decaling. The amber,
green and red ‘ready lights’ were
added using Tamiya’s X-26, X-25 and
X-27 Clear colours…otherwise the
detail was excellent, notably the
loaded drogue baskets.

 Once the intakes had been sanded and the join neatened, location holes for the UHF
blade aerials were drilled carefully into the upper fuselage. It was easy to forget to open
these and other location holes, including those for the Mk20 pods and wing fuel tanks.

styrene sheet and rod. At this aimer’s window replaced with or so later. One particular photo
point, it’s worth remembering to white-painted sheet metal during showed the aircraft with full
drill the appropriate aerial holes 1980 (a common practice as windows in May 1981, so that was
along the upper fuselage insert, replacement windows were fast good enough for me.
depending on which version of becoming scarce by then), only Painting began with an overall
the aircraft you are modelling, for the glass to reappear a year coat of ALC-306 White Primer
including the item located above
the centre wing section. The
wing-to-fuselage join resulted in
a marked ‘step’ and the easiest
way to deal with this was by a
combination of constant dry-fitting
and filing/sanding the fuselage
part. Eventually, a flush seam
was achieved, and the parts were
attached with CA and Mr. Cement S
Extra Thin Glue, applied along the
underwing seams.

Refuelling colours
Much time was spent searching for
suitable photos of XH669 during
May 1982, when it operated from
Ascension in support of Black Buck
missions. After consulting books
and online resources, several were
gathered. Oddly, it appeared the
aircraft had the left-side bomb
 The Ram Air
Turbine bay was
portrayed simply
as an empty void,
but this was
simple to rectify,
MODEL SPEC

and the areas was Handley Page Victor K.2/SR.2

boxed with white By: Airfix
plastic card.
Stock Code: A12009

 The interior Scale: 1/72

of the Hose Drum Price: £59.99
Unit (HDU) often
became heavily Available from: www.airfix.com
stained from fuel
spills and general
grime; this was
replicated via
Abteilung Raw
Umber oil paint
diluted with Matt
Effect Thinner.

52 Airfix Model World


and Microfiller, which acted as a
solid base for the subsequent satin
white. Once this had dried, the
surfaces were sanded to reveal
any blemishes, and after remedial
treatment, the surfaces were
again primed, then polished lightly
with 800-grade Micro-Mesh cloth.
Several panels were pre-shaded
H-333 Extra Dark Sea Grey and,
following a long masking session,
the underside received Mission
Models MMP-001 White, diluted
with MMA-002 Thinner/Reducer
and MMA-001 Polyurethane Mix
Additive. The next stage involved
masking the straight lines of
the upper/lower demarcation
EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2
with 10mm Tamiya tape and
the complex intake curves and
tailplane lines via 1mm Aizu Tape.
The inner areas were protected by
a combination of Tamiya tape and
tissue paper cut to shape, before
the first upper camouflage colour
of H-335 Medium Sea Grey was
applied. In accordance with several
reference photos, specific access
panels were masked and then
airbrushed with lightened mixes of
the base colour.
Next came the most complicated
aspect of painting any  A test-fit of the upper wing to the fuselage revealed a marked ‘step’ between the parts,
so the latter was filed and sanded until a flush seam was achieved.
camouflaged V-Bomber…the Dark
Green. Again, the Medium Sea
Grey areas were covered. This time
with 18mm Tamiya tape and tissue
paper to avoid the possibility
of accidental overspray, and
H-330 Dark Green was
applied. Once this
had dried, lightened
and darkened
mixes of the base hue
were applied sparingly to
various panels, as period photos
showed the airframes didn’t
appear heavily faded.
Detail painting followed using  While the fit was generally excellent the intakes, upper fuselage insert and wing roots
an 000-brush, including the four all benefited from thin applications of Deluxe Models’ Perfect Putty filler, particularly along
blade aerials fitted to the upper the lower intake lip.
and lower fuselage, one pair
received H1 White and the other
24 RAF Trainer Yellow. Black bands
were applied to the latter using
strips of black decal. The radio
compass sense aerial ‘towel rail’
fitted to the upper fuselage of
grey/green camouflaged Victor
K2s had the three supports
painted white, while the rail was
often seen in dark or light grey.
To facilitate this the rail was
removed and the supports glued
individually, filled and painted H1
before being masked. The masking
was removed, and a replacement
antenna rail (fashioned from a  After extensive masking, the undersides were sprayed with Mission Models MMP-001
length of 20-thou [0.5mm] rod) White (in conjunction with MMA-002 Thinner/Reducer and MMA-001 Polyurethane Mix
fitted. A notable omission from Additive), which provided a ‘bullet-proof’ finish ready for subsequent handling.
 With the Medium Sea Grey
applied to the upper surfaces,
various panels were masked
and painted using a lightened
mix of the base colour ,by
adding small amounts of XF-2
White and H51 Light Gull Grey.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 53
 EXCLUSIVE BUILD
VICTOR K.2

the decal sheet was the lower side
fuselage ‘ready lights’, housed in
a pair of oblong panels, just above
the HDU fairing. Spare decals
from a Canberra kit, which had the
correct appearance, were cut to
shape to replicate these prominent
features. Note the underside blade
aerials should be offset slightly
to the right and not along the
centreline as depicted in the kit.
Atlantic weather
Airfix’s decal sheet was
comprehensive to say the least,
and the DayGlo items for the
wing tips, underwing alignment
stations, Mk.20 pods and HDU
were particularly well printed. One
slight disappointment concerned
the omission of markings for
the outer wing tips, instead 209
Fluorescent Fire Orange was
suggested as a suitable match. For
this project, it was decided to use
something different and so strips
of Hasegawa’s TF-6 Fluorescent
Orange self-adhesive foil was
used instead, as this matched the
decal colour perfectly. The myriad
stencils occupied a night’s work on
their own.
With all the detailing completed
it was time to apply matt varnish
to protect the finish and provide
a key for weathering, so ALC-313
Klear Kote Matt was sprayed
at 15psi (1.03bar) to ensure an
orange-peel free finish. Once dry,
the surface was buffed lightly
with a cotton cloth to remove the
overly matt effect. The Victors
that served in the South Atlantic
during Operation Black Buck
were worked heavily and in that
harsh environment, the airframes
naturally became grubby and
stained, particularly under the
engine bays and along the fuselage
underside. Several specialised
products were employed to
replicate this, including Tamiya’s
87133 Panel Line Accent Color
(Grey), AMMO MIG’s A.MIG-1201
Streaking Grime for DAK, A.MIG-
1500 Brown for White filter, PO23
Black Smoke pigment, Abteilung
502’s ABT-007 and 510, and
Wilder’s LS26 Dark Brown wash.
Victor validation
This was another great release
from Airfix, an absolute pleasure
to build and while well-detailed and
easy to assemble straight from the
box, the aftermarket extras lifted
it to an even higher level. My only
criticism concerns minor errors
in the painting instructions and
stencil guide, but that aside it’s a
fantastic product. The addition of
the reconnaissance parts is a big
bonus and I have already acquired
another Victor to add this version
to the growing Cold War heavy
metal collection.

 Settingthe upper camouflage pattern was accomplished by 1mm Aizu Kabuki tape, as this  With the Dark Green applied and masking removed, the paintwork was checked carefully
could be manipulated into perfect curves and stayed in position (unlike other products). for overspray. Despite all my efforts, there were still a couple of minor touch-ups needed.

The refuelling alignment

markings brightened the
underside considerably and,
while the colours appear muted
here (due to the effect of the
flash), in reality the ‘DayGlo’  Oddly, Airfix omitted DayGlo decals for the outer wing tips, instead suggesting they
orange was particularly vibrant. be painted 130 Satin White, followed by 209 Fluorescent Fire Orange. Instead, strips of
Hasegawa’s Fluorescent Orange film were employed, as these matched the other markings.

54 Airfix Model World

 ATLAS CHEETAH E

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 IN FOCUS
VICTOR IN THE FALKLANDS

Black Buck One

Tanker support was vital to the Vulcan
bombing raid on Stanley Airfield in 1982.
Victor K.2 crewman Mike Beer was on
that mission…
fter Argentine forces invaded the UK and 4,100 miles from the

A the Falkland Islands on April

2, 1982, the UK government
was swift to respond.
A Task Force was to be assembled
and dispatched to recover the
islands. It would need air support,
but the Falkland Islands were
8,000 miles distant. The only
obvious forward operating base
was Wideawake Airfield on
Ascension Island, 3,900 miles from
Falklands. The airfield was long,
although only wide enough to
accommodate single aircraft take-
offs; there was limited parking
space and no parallel taxiway…
but the weather was invariably
excellent. Frustratingly, there
were no diversion airfields, so
all planned missions had to land
back on Ascension, which affected
aircraft fuel planning.  The outbound wave fuel plan for the epic Black Buck 1 mission. (Bob Tuxford)

56 Airfix Model World

 IN FOCUS
VICTOR IN THE FALKLANDS

A complex task
Early in the campaign the
government approved a plan for
a Vulcan B.2 to attack Stanley
airfield with 21 x 1000lb bombs,
to limit flying operations against
the approaching Task Force. On
April 29, 1982, two Vulcan B.2s
from RAF Waddington deployed to
Ascension with air-to-air refuelling
support from RAF Marham’s Victor
K.2s. The Vulcans had been quickly
returned to the conventional high-
level bombing role and fitted with
air- refuelling probes scavenged
from Vulcans in museums around
the world. Each crew carried an
additional member, an experienced  The tented operations and briefing complex set up by the crews adjacent to the aircraft parking area. (Dave Davenall)
Victor Air-to-Air Refuelling
Instructor (AARI), to carry out total tanker numbers to 14 and rate would be magnified in a large mission aircraft up to the first fuel
each fuel transfer as there had crew availability to 15. The mission aircraft grouping. The plan had transfers. Victors and crews from
not been sufficient training time was scheduled for the night of May little spare fuel, and the tankers the earlier part of the sortie would
to complete the necessary Vulcan 30/April 1, so some tankers and returning from the first formation return to Ascension to form part of
pilot instruction. crews would need to fly twice. transfers would be landing at the Vulcan recovery wave.
The Air-to-Air Refuelling Plans Vulcan fuel planning was of uncomfortably low fuel states.
section at Headquarters 1 Group great concern; the Vulcan B.2 In the late evening of April 30, Mission go!
devised the refuelling plan for combination of full bomb load 13 Victor (11 to launch and two At 2230Z, after a single transport
the bombing mission, codenamed and an underwing Westinghouse ground reserves) and two Vulcan type called for air traffic control
Black Buck 1. The scheme was AN/ALQ-101 jamming pod was crews (joined by a Nimrod search- start clearance, 13 Victors
based on statistical South Atlantic unfamiliar, and there was no and-rescue crew) crowded into (including the ground reserves)
meteorological data, but refined experience of flying aircraft in the tented Operations complex and two Vulcans fired up…60 jet
on Ascension by detached such large formations with the adjacent to the aircraft parking engines ‘turning and burning’. At
planners. This ambitious operation increased throttle handling. This ramp, for the mission brief. The 13 2250Z, the first Victor, call sign
would require the support of could present unanticipated fuel Black Buck 1 aircraft would launch Red 1, began the taxi to runway
15 Victor K.2 tankers – 11 on the consumption problems and there in a stream at one-minute intervals 14 threshold to be followed in an
outward leg and four more to the had been little training time to but divided into three elements… ‘elephant walk’ by White and Blue
Vulcan recovery rendezvous. The gather the fuel consumption white, red and blue sections. Two sections in their briefed sequence.
last two Victors arrived on the data. Any small discrepancy in Victors and a Vulcan were to As just one aircraft at a time could
morning of May 30, bringing the time, distance or consumption be airborne ‘spares’ to replace align on the runway, it was

Victor K.2 XL189 parked

on the ramp at Wideawake
Airfield ,awaiting combat
checks. (Dave Davenall)

www.airfixmodelworld.com 57
 IN FOCUS
VICTOR IN THE FALKLANDS
XL164 on the take-off roll from Wideawake
for yet another support mission.
planned that each would roll at
one-minute intervals, a minimum
separation distance sufficient for
each aircraft to enter the runway,
line-up and safely roll. However,
the launch sequence lasted from
2253Z to 2308Z and the sections
flew timing ‘race tracks’ after
take-off to allow each section to
formate. Ultimately, the ground
reserves were not required,
stopped their engines and waited
for the launch of the recovery
wave early the next morning.
The primary Vulcan, XM598,
captained by Sqn Ldr John Reeve,
failed to pressurise in the climb
due to a crimped pilot direct-vision
window seal. He aborted and
Vulcan XM607 captained by Flt
Lt Martin Withers moved across
 The crowded parking area at Wideawake airfield, filled with 15 Victors and a Nimrod MR.2. (All author unless stated)
58 Airfix Model World
to his position in Blue section.
The formation elements joined
up in their respective holding
racetrack timing, to leave a datum
point at a prebriefed time. All
tankers had trailed their centreline
hose to identify any problems
with their refuelling equipment.
Unfortunately, Squadron Leader
Frank Milligan had a fault on his
equipment and left the formation
to return to Ascension and join the
recovery wave. The airborne spare
Victor captained by Flt Lt Steve
Biglands replaced him as White 4,
a primary spot, leaving just one
contingency tanker.
At 800 miles down track, the first
refuelling, called a bracket, took
place. Lights were temporarily
extinguished as a signal to begin
the descent from 39,000ft to
29,000ft where the aircraft were
more responsive and stable.
They detached into five pairs and
refuelling commenced in silence
using the tankers’ Hose Drum Unit
(HDU) lights to control approach
and fuel transfer. The four lead
Victors of Red and White elements
refuelled their respective tankers,
taking on 49,100lb to 123,000lb
and departed for Ascension.
The Vulcan was refuelled twice
by a separate tanker, Wg Cdr
Colin Seymour’s Blue 1, which
also departed the formation
for Ascension…job done. This
refuelling plan relied on all
tankers and the Vulcan being full
at the geographic end of their
first fuel brackets, 1a, 1b and 1c.
The four full tankers, White 2 and
4, and Red 2 and 4, continued
south with the Vulcan.
Meanwhile, the four returning
tankers of Red and White
elements arrived at the top
of the descent to Ascension
together, and broke radio silence
to check their fuel states. All were
alarmingly lower than forecast
and were cleared for immediate
landing. There was no parallel
taxiway to clear the runway and
all four were forced to land in a
stream, each taxiing to the end of
the runway to allow space for the
following landings. All four landed
without mishap but with just
3,000lb of fuel remaining. They
backtracked the runway in turn to
the parking ramp, and this was the
first indication that formation’s
fuel use was higher than
calculated. Gp Capt Jerry Price,
the Air Commander, decided to
generate all returning tankers, not
just to cover the Vulcan recovery
wave, but to provide emergency
fuel to rescue any long-range
returning tanker short of fuel.
This rescue service is called the
Terminal Airborne Tanker (TAT).
Trouble ahead
At 1,700 miles south of Ascension,
the formation positioned for
Bracket 2. All fuel was passed,
each aircraft filled to the brim
by the end of the bracket. Sqn
Ldrs Martin Todd and Andy
Tomalin, Red 1 and 2, departed the
 IN FOCUS
VICTOR IN THE FALKLANDS

formation for Ascension, while

Sqn Ldr Bob Tuxford, White 2, and
Steve Biglands, White 4, continued
with the Vulcan to Bracket 3,
2,600 miles (4,184km) south of
Ascension. Tuxford initially topped
up the Vulcan and then started
to pass the remaining spare fuel
to the primary tanker, White 4,
Biglands in XH669.
As the fuel was being transferred
the pair encountered severe
air turbulence associated with
convective cloud in frontal activity,
including St Elmo’s fire lighting
up the scene. It was extremely
difficult for Biglands to remain
in contact with the tanker. The
aircraft were buffeted, the
hose began large oscillations  The Tuxford crew after landing. From left, Ernie Wallis, Mike Beer, Bob Tuxford, Glyn Rees and John Keable. (Bob Tuxford)
and Biglands fought to prevent
ramming Tuxford’s aircraft. With he’d ever encountered. As the bombing mission and his own two choices–firstly to abort the
less than half the fuel transfer hose became unstable, he was safe recovery to Ascension. He mission, when he had more than
completed, Biglands refuelling forced to break and remake tackled the first…Martin Withers sufficient fuel for a safe transit to
probe broke off at the cast contact. The refuelling bracket closed behind, shone torches into base, or to continue knowing his
weak point. With no possibility was becoming greatly extended the basket and then tried a trial own reserves of fuel were rapidly
of Biglands accepting further with consequent fuel penalties. approach and contact. The Vulcan dwindling. The workload inside the
fuel, Tuxford quickly dropped There was thought of aborting was flown by Flt Lt Dick Russell, cockpit heightened, with Tuxford
back, Biglands trailed his hose but then the pair broke into a Marham AARI on board for the continually being provided with
and planned to pass Tuxford as clear air and the refuelling was refuelling. Russell made contact points of no return and flight times
much fuel as he could spare. But completed in comparative calm; and fuel flowed into the Vulcan, against fuel remaining and fuel
with no chance of any airborne Biglands turned for Ascension some 5,000lb, thus answering off-loads by Glyn Rees, the co-pilot
replenishment, Biglands had to and the baton passed to Tuxford, that problem. and Ernie Wallis and John Keable,
retain sufficient avtur for a safe White 2 and XL189 as the sole With the frequent formation the Nav team.
recovery to Ascension. remaining tanker. changes and additional refuelling The final fuel transfer to the
Tuxford had a variety of options Tuxford’s dilemma: Firstly, when at Bracket 3, then six hours into Vulcan at Bracket 4 commenced.
to consider, but they all relied on the probe broke, did it remain the mission and 3,200 miles south As Tuxford approached ‘chicken
taking back fuel transferred to latched in his refuelling basket? of Ascension, the fuel situation fuel’, that is fuel remaining only
Biglands and any more he could Thereby making any further was critical. The result of hours of sufficient for a safe recovery, the
spare. Tuxford’s skills were tested contact with his hose impossible. formation flying, interspersed with Vulcan was signalled to break
as he refuelled in the turbulence Secondly, did he have sufficient high intensity workload, was now contact using the red HDU lights.
and storm, the worst conditions fuel on board for the Vulcan glaringly apparent. Tuxford had However, it remained plugged

Calm before the storm:

a gaggle of Victors on the
parking ramp at Wideawake.
 IN FOCUS
VICTOR IN THE FALKLANDS

Ascension answered the call.

The situation was explained:
Tuxford needed additional fuel to
return and passed the position,
time and altitude for the TAT to
meet him. Also, Ascension was
informed the Vulcan would be 30
minutes late at the recovery RV,
which would possibly need to be
shifted south and would require
an extra 10,000lb of fuel. He
also intercepted the BBC World
Service, informing the world of
The tanker’s perspective; XM607, the raid’s success, which seemed
with underwing AN/ALQ-101 electronic
premature with the Victor still five
countermeasures pod, takes on fuel.
hours from landing and just four
hours’ fuel remaining.
While they waited, the options
in, refusing to break. Radio silence They needed the assistance of waiting for the opportunity to of ditching or jumping out
was broken, as the Vulcan wanted another tanker but could not call broadcast White 2’s problems to were discussed. The ditching
more fuel. The realisation set for assistance on long-range HF Ascension. At last the codeword characteristics of the Victor had
in; to refuel the Vulcan with the radio until the Vulcan was clear was received at 0746Z. After been assessed as poor, probably
expected final transfer at Bracket of the Falkland defences, for fear a brief celebration, I began diving into the sea because of the
4 to complete his mission, Tuxford of alerting Argentine forces. The searching the assigned HF bulkhead to the rear of the radar
would be left with insufficient key was to intercept the codeword frequencies to attempt to contact in the nose. A controlled rear crew
‘motion lotion’ to make Ascension. transmitted by the Vulcan when Ascension. HF is notoriously escape, parachute descent and
He consulted his crew for their the raid was completed, hopefully unreliable due to propagation ejection were favoured. Exit drills
individual assessments, and each ‘Superfuse’…a successful attack. vagaries but can provide long- were read several times, with the
told him that having come this far I, air electronics operator Mike range communications. After radar to be used to determine
to press on with the mission. A Beer, was tuned into the HF radio sifting through six frequencies, if any ships were in the jump
further 8,000lb was transferred
making a TAT recovery inevitable. The crowded
parking area at
Running on vapour Wideawake viewed
Tuxford signalled the Vulcan from the air.
to break contact 500 miles
north of the Falklands, after he
considered enough fuel had
been transferred to complete
the attack and recover to the
rendezvous (RV) point to meet
the recovery wave of tankers.
These were already airborne at
0521Z and in transit, although
one became unserviceable.
Tuxford’s fuel remaining was
58,000lb against the master plan
of 78,000lb at this point. Very
low but considered enough to
get close to Ascension to meet a
TAT. However, Martin Withers, the
Vulcan captain, was unsure he
had sufficient fuel for the attack
and safe recovery to the RV. He
did not appreciate the parlous
fuel state as Tuxford could offer
no more, and the Victor turned
north, offering a little more but on
a recovery heading. The Vulcan
broke off and continued south,
leaving the depleted Victor to
climb to a more economic fuel
burn height, and alone for the
first time in seven hours.
Tuxford’s crew now considered
their predicament. They
estimated they’d run out of fuel
460 miles south of Ascension.

60 Airfix Model World


vicinity; the only hope of rescue
so far from land. All the time,
Mike updated Ascension with
RV details and was informed of
the TAT’s launch, Colin Seymour,
on his second sortie that night.
Thereafter UHF contact was
established between aircraft
and a perfect textbook RV was
completed. Tuxford manoeuvred
behind the basket and made his
approach for the most important
contact of his career. A smooth
and perfect approach, but the
basket moved sideways at the
last minute…a miss. After pulling
back and stabilising, the second
approach ended in a contact,
guaranteeing safe return to
Ascension. Communications from
a second TAT were intercepted
as it headed to Flt Lt Al Skelton
returning with a suspected fuel
leak, but it was not needed. White
2, Bob Tuxford and XL189 landed
at Wideawake at 1304Z after a
flight of 14hrs 5mins.
Making history
The Vulcan was to be recovered
using two pairs of Victors to
transfer fuel to each other,
leaving two full tankers to
continue to a recovery datum
to RV with the Vulcan. The
two Victors at the recovery RV
provided redundancy. However,
Frank Milligan, again in XL163 had
a HDU failure similar to that in the
Thirty-five years after Black Buck 1,
its veterans met at Bruntingthorpe,
in April 2017.
 Daytime contact. Victors in Black Buck 1 made a total of 23 connections, mostly at night.
first wave. This remaining Victor
trio re-planned and the spare fuel
was transferred to Sqn Ldr Barry
Neal, to complete the RV and
bring the Vulcan home; there was
no redundancy then. Also, the
position was moved much further
south due to the Vulcan’s low fuel
state. The Vulcan completed the
recovery RV and commenced
refuelling. It was a ‘soft’ contact,
Dick Russell’s seventh of the
night, and fuel sprayed from the
coupling over the windscreen.
There was just enough visibility
to maintain the contact and as
fuel was being transferred they
elected to maintain contact. Blue
2, Martin Withers and XM607
took on 36,000lb and landed at
Wideawake at 1452Z, 1hr 20mins
after Tuxford–a flight of almost 16
hours and a round trip of 7,860
miles. Bob Tuxford was awarded
the Air Force Cross. His crew, Sqn
Ldr Wallis, Flt Lts Rees, Keable
and I the Queen’s Commendation
for Valuable Service in the Air.
Martin Withers received the
Distinguished Flying Cross and his
crew, Flt Lts Wright, Graham and
Prior and Fg Off Taylor received a
Mention in Dispatches, along with
Flt Lt Russell, the Marham AARI
who celebrated his 50th birthday
during the mission.
A total of 18 tanker sorties were
launched to support the single
Vulcan. Some crews were called
to fly twice in direct support, or
in TATs to bring home low fuel
state tankers. The participating
Victor crews flew 105 hours,
five crews exceeding ten-hour
sorties. Twenty-three individual
refuellings took place with a total
IN FOCUS
VICTOR IN THE FALKLANDS
of 635,000lb transferred. At the
mission debrief, as the nights
events were pieced together
and the shortage of fuel in the
formation examined in depth,
it was decided that subsequent
Black Buck missions would not
use the racetrack procedure for
elements to join, but instead
adjust speed and altitude to
the first refuelling bracket. A
dedicated tanker recovery wave
in addition to the Vulcan recovery
portion would be used. A further
six Black Buck missions were
planned, but BB3 was cancelled
before getting airborne due to
unanticipated headwind forecasts;
BB4 was aborted in the air when
the HDU of Flt Lt’ Badger’ Brookes
exploded, leaving insufficient fuel
in the formation to complete
the mission.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 61
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF

he SA-4 was a mobile the GM-123/124 chassis (as is the

t high-altitude surface-to-
air missile (SAM) system,
designated 2K11 Krug
(Circle) by the Soviets and Ganef
(a Yiddish term meaning rascal
or thief) by NATO.
Designed in the late 1950s, the
2K11 Krug-A was first presented
during the 1965 Moscow May
Day parade, but officially entered
service two years later. Extensive
Cristian Lupu completes Trumpeter’s upgrades followed in 1971 and
fabulous 1/35 2K11 TEL with 9M8M 1974 with the Krug-M and
Krug-M1 versions, respectively.
Krug-A Missile The primary vehicle is based on
associated 1S32/Pat Hand fire-
control radar) and is known as
a transporter-erector-launcher
(TEL). It carries two ready-
to-fire 9M8M1/2 missiles on a
substantial superstructure, which
can rotate 360° and elevate to
70°. Usually, the SA-4 was an
army-level asset, equipping air
defence brigades, and would
be supported by a battery of
surveillance, height-finder and
target acquisition radars. It was
exported to most Warsaw Pact
nations and several Middle East

Special mention must be

made of the commendably thin
mudguards, which were equal in
quality to aftermarket PE components.  Trumpeter supplied well-detailed, single-link, workable tracks that assembled without
the need for glue.

62 Airfix Model World


 Plenty of delicate features were included
as separate parts and further improved
by tiny PE add-ons. Handling these tiny
sub-assemblies required much patience and
care, as no spares were included.
operators and remains in service
with at least six countries.
Identity crisis
Trumpeter’s box art and kit
instructions suggested the
depicted variant to be the early
Krug-A, but the missile decals
provided were for the late-type
9M8M2UD, which equipped
Krug-M1 TELs. The model’s
impressive size was also reflected
by the 800-plus parts count,
which included approximately
240 items for the individual-link
tracks. Even with this rather
high number of components,
Trumpeter’s clever design yielded
larger pieces with substantial
integrally moulded detail;
examples included the lower
and upper hulls, which featured
superb access and maintenance
hatch features. While this also
meant these hatches were to
remain closed, the lack of interior
furnishings made this the only
valid option. A small photo-
etched (PE) brass fret provided
 It was suggested 117 links were needed per side, but these sagged considerably and were
shortened by two links.
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF
welcome embellishment,
although assembling the tiny tool
and equipment fasteners was a
real exercise in patience.
Extended running gear
Assembly began with the
single-piece lower hull,
wheels and sprockets; the
latter each comprised several
parts, which ensured greater
detail. The side skirts came
as separate components and
were moulded commendably
thin for styrene items, with the
rubber mudguards represented
faithfully. Slight alignment issues
with the locating lugs and
ejector-pin release marks on the
rear (hidden) side represented
 What could look more realistic for an unditching beam than real wood? A twig from
minor roadblocks at this point. the garden was used here, after remodelling it slightly with a hobby knife to resemble a
The tracks were of the debarked trunk.
individual-link ‘clickable’/
working type. Despite the
complexity of the outer faces,
each link featured integrally
moulded guide teeth, and there
were no sink or ejector-pin
marks. Each part had three
very thin attachment points
placed on the hidden, inter-
link surfaces. Although the
assembled tracks seemed
MODEL SPEC
Soviet 2K11A TEL w/9M8M
Missile Krug-A (SA-4 Ganef)
By: Trumpeter
Stock Code: 09523
Scale: 1/35
Price: £99.99
Available from:  Carefully selected PE extras improved the model’s overall appearance without adding
www.pocketbond.co.uk unnecessary complexity.
 The front missile support was a simple but well detailed sub-assembly; it was fitted in
the travel position, but could also be posed horizontal, with elevated missiles.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 63
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF
The erector and launcher turntable
featured excellent detail, but without
an overly high parts count.
A true highlight of the kit, the missiles
rapidly became a dominating element
of the finished model. Here the first
booster has been attached.
somewhat unstable, no major
problems were encountered
when handling them.
While the instructions
suggested the assembly of 117
track links per side, this led to an
exaggerated track sag, so two
were removed from each length,
which produced a more realistic
appearance. Two types of idler/
tensioning wheels were provided,
but the instructions lacked any
information about their use.
After choosing the version to be
built, online reference material
was studied to determine the
correct configuration.
After painting the rubber sections,
the wheels were masked with a template
ruler and airbrushed with the same
green shade as the rest of the vehicle.
64 Airfix Model World
Large-scale support
An appropriately shaped twig
from the garden replaced the
kit’s otherwise decent unditching
beam. Detail on the erector/
launcher turntable was a
continuation of the great quality
seen so far; arguably, PE parts
could have been used to further
refine some features (such as the
ladders), but the chosen solution
provided a great balance between
detailing and effort. Several
tiny fasteners were provided on
the PE fret for the hull-stowed
tools and equipment bins. The
instructions were vague as to
All eight booster rockets (four per
missile) required sanding and filling,
mainly due to the locations of the
large runner attachment gates.
Mr. Paint’s Gray primer provide
an excellent base for subsequent
colours, but also helped to reveal
surface flaws, which were corrected
before camouflage was applied.
their exact positions, but a study that benefited from minimal
of reference photos yielded the runner attachments. While the
necessary information. While latter were necessary for the
this was one of the more time- manufacturing, the gate placed
consuming stages, the result was close to the missile tip required
well worth the extra effort.
Similarly, the front mudguards
lacked mating surfaces for the
miSSiLe
towing cable’s PE brackets/ to~eS
supports, so they were replaced AK Interactive’s Xtreme Metal paints
with pieces of 0.5 mm aluminium were a revelation, being applied
foil, cut and bent to shape; directly over grey primer. According
disappointingly, the cables to the manufacturer’s video tutorials,
weren’t included in the kit. gloss black base wasn’t required
Trumpeter’s styrene
for a suitably shiny metallic finish,
transparencies were flawless
which eased painting. The company
and crystal clear, yet while vision
also offers AK894 Shine Enhancer,
block glazing and front lights
which seals the metallic paints and
were supplied, the rear units
provides a gloss surface for decals.
were omitted. At the same time,
This product was not applied here,
the driver’s visors had open
since the intended sheen was to be
or covered options, with the
more satin than gloss.
flaps represented by excellent
detail — as the vehicle was to be
represented in stationary position
the latter option was chosen, and
the corresponding clear parts
weren’t used.
Monster shots
The highlight of this kit was
undoubtedly the missiles, with
one-piece main airframes
(which avoided any seam lines)

special attention when being
neatened. The control fins had
thin edges, and the tubes at
the end of each fin were so
finely shaped, their pointed tips
presented a real risk of injury.
The four booster rockets were
less easy to deal with. Large
attachment gates were placed
in exposed areas and extended
across the fuselage halves’
mating surfaces. The assembled
units required considerable filling
and sanding, and while this was
nothing out of the ordinary, it was
in stark contrast to the rest of the
kit. Frustratingly, several parts
were either numbered incorrectly
or omitted from the instructions,
such as Part D27, which was
actually C27 (hull plate).
Green, or…
Schemes for three vehicles were
provided, offering a choice of
INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF
Soviet, East German or Czech
machines. Other than national
insignia, they were essentially
identical, being overall modern
Russian Green (the exact tone
of this shade is debatable, but
is distinct from the World War
Two-era 4BO hue). As usual with
Trumpeter kits, no further details
regarding deployment period or
unit were provided. Therefore,
as none of the kit schemes could
be verified fully, the Soviet Ganef
was selected.
Mr. Paint’s MRP-084 Fine
Surface Primer Gray, being
solvent-based, adhered well
to the styrene and provided a
uniform base for the following
layers. Vehicle shades were AMMO-MIG’s A.MIG-056
sourced from AMMO-MIG’s Green Khaki was selected
A.MIG-7109 Modern Russian from its Modern Russian Colors
set to replicate the TEL’s overall
Colors set, which comprised
hue, as this appeared a close
six tones used on most modern match to reference photos.
Russian Army vehicles. Just
 Tracks were primed
with A.MIG-044 Chipping;
a dark brown colour,
which reproduced the
appearance of rusty
metal convincingly.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 65
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF

AK Interactive’s Aluminium
formed the main missile Exposed panels on the hull
airframe colour, with the and launcher arm were
main propulsion engine highlighted with a diluted
compartment masked and then mix of the base colour and
airbrushed AK476 Steel. A.MIG-057 Yellow Grey.

two were selected here; A.MIG- wheels were replicated by Revell

056 Green Khaki for the main
shade and A.MIG-057 Yellow
Grey which, when mixed with the
base colour, provided highlights.
Rubber sections on the road
06 Tar Black, after which the
metallic sections were masked
with a template ruler and painted
A.MIG-056 Green Khaki. Pre-
assembled track sections were

 Trumpeter supplied an extensive array

of stencils for each missile, which improved
their appearance substantially.

66 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF

primed with A.MIG-044 Chipping,
before exposed sections and
the guide teeth were rubbed
with A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal, to
achieve a realistic shine.
The primed missiles were
airbrushed with AK Interactive’s
Xtreme Metal AK479 Aluminium
(see panel), after which the main
propulsion engine container
was covered with AK476 Steel;
this added the needed colour
variation to an otherwise
monotone surface. At this
point, the strong metallic shine
contrasted starkly with the
vehicle, but layers of Revell 01
Gloss Clear and light washes
muted the differences.
Daily wear
The vehicle was depicted as
being well-maintained (perhaps
deployed with new missiles),
which involved low- to medium-
grade mud accumulations, but
barely any damage other than
usual signs of wear. Using a piece
of medium-pored sponge, A.MIG-
044 Chipping (which is actually
a dark brown hue) was applied
with light dabbing passes around
access hatches and exposed hull
seams. After letting the paint dry
for a few minutes, selected areas
were then rubbed with the tip
of a pencil, replicating exposed
metallic edges.
A mix of household plaster,
Vallejo 73.106 Burnt Sienna,
73.115 Natural Iron Oxide, 26.233
Pigment Binder and sifted
dirt (from the garden) was
diluted with water and applied
to the underside of the lower
hull, replicating heavier mud
accumulations. A weaker mix
was then added to the outside
of the tracks, allowing it to
pool randomly. Plaster and dirt
gave the mix texture, while the
pigment binder helped fix the
dried powders and dirt to the
model’s lower surfaces.
Once dry, the mudded areas
were sprayed with translucent
layers of thinned A.MIG-029
New Iraqi Army Sand (a light
dusty hue), with the aim of
creating a slight variation in
tone. Selected sections around
the wheel hubs and the track  Tools, equipment and small details on  Tow cable supports were supplied as PE
guards also received patches the hull were painted with various acrylic components, but these were replaced with
colours at this stage. aluminium foil to provide a sturdier assembly.
of Revell 82 Dark Earth and
84 Leather Brown, to simulate
damp areas.
Ganef grime
Final weathering began with
accumulations of A.MIG-

GLoriouS Ste~ciLS
The unusually large decal sheet (at least for an armoured vehicle) contained a
plethora of small markings for the missiles, all printed beautifully, with bright
colours and thin carrier film. Although the main vehicle didn’t have any adornment,
this was more than compensated for by these numerous airframe stencils. Several
decals replicated missile section demarcations, and these must be wrapped around
the missile, which required precise alignment of the mating ends. Curiously, not
all of the placards were supplied in sufficient quantities to cater for both missiles,
with just single examples of items 35, 36, 52 and 53. Otherwise, decal application
was quick and easy.
 Access hatches and exposed edges were treated with A.MIG-044 Chipping. This was
applied by sponge, after which polished metallic details were reproduced with a pencil.

 Pigments, plaster, dirt from the garden and pigment fixer were used for replicating
mud accumulation.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 67
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
KRUG-A/SA-4 GANEF

 The mix was then applied to the model’s lower surfaces, with heavier concentrations  The dry mud mix was sprayed with different dust and dirt shades in random patterns,
around the running gear and where it would be thrown up by the tracks. with efforts concentrated around the wheel hubs and corners.

1408 Fresh Engine Oil around
the tensioning wheel. This was
absorbed by the pigments, while
subsequent layers emulated
the sheen of freshly spilled
lubricants. Just like other
metallic parts, the teeth of drive
sprockets and outside of the
tensioning wheels were rubbed
with A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal,
echoing where they had been in
contact with the tracks. Hidden
corners on the model, such as the
area behind the headlights, were
sprinkled with coarse garden dirt,
fixed with Revell 01 Clear Matt.
The area around the exhausts
and ventilation hubs was sprayed
with thin layers of 06 Tar Black,
mimicking exhaust stains and,
once dry, random patches
of A.MIG-1408 Fresh
Engine Oil were added, with a
small brush. Additional spatter
was created by flicking this tone
onto the surface via a toothpick
and a small, stiff-haired brush.
Streaking effects were kept
to a minimum and applied just
on selected areas of the hull
sides and behind the turntable.
For this, an 80%/20% mix of
Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna
and Lamp Black was applied to
the model, and spread using a
large, soft brush, moistened with
lighter fuel.
Classy SAM
Trumpeter’s Krug/Ganef was
a great build, and its superb
detail made it an ideal choice
for beginner and advanced
modellers alike. The finished

68 Airfix Model World

  Old/freshly spilled lubricant stains were replicated with A.MIG-1408
Fresh Engine Oil, applied in several layers.

Exposed metallic surfaces

on the wheels and tracks were
treated with A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal
to give them a polished metal sheen.

vehicle provided a splendid Coarse dirt from the garden

centrepiece for any display was sprinkled in ‘hidden’
shelf, show table or even office areas, to simulate rubble/
desk. This is due not just to its dirt accumulations on
impressive size and complex the upper hull.
superstructure, but also the
subject’s rarity, which will
attract plenty of attention.

mAteriALS
uSed
MR Paint (www.mrpaint.sk)
MRP-084 Fine Surface Primer – Gray

Revell (www.revell.de/en)
01 Clear Gloss
02 Clear Matt
06 Tar Black
82 Dark Earth
84 Leather Brown
89 Beige
90 Silver
330 Fiery Red

AMMO-MIG (www.migjimenez.com)
A.MIG-029 New Iraqi Army Sand
A.MIG-044 Chipping
A.MIG-7109 Modern Russian Colors set
A.MIG-3007 Dark Earth
 Diluted Revell 06 Tar Black was used to stain the exhaust and engine
A.MIG-3009 Gun Metal
ventilation ducts/grilles.
A.MIG-1402 Fresh Mud
A.MIG-1408 Fresh Engine Oil

AK Interactive Xtreme Metal

(www.ak-interactive.com)
AK476 Steel
AK479 Aluminium

Vallejo (www.creativemodels.co.uk)
73.103 Dark Yellow Ochre
73.106 Burnt Sienna
73.115 Natural Iron Oxide
26.233 Pigment Binder

Winsor & Newton oils

(www.winsornetwon.com)
Burnt Sienna
Lamp Black  Finally, oily dirt accumulations were added to the upper hull around the
turntable location.
 BASIC BUILD
DOUGLAS DC-9

Hauling
the Mail
Fly’s 1/144 rendition of Douglas’s
classic DC-9 gets the full colour
treatment from Massimo
Santarossa

ld airliners never die, fuselage of the

O they just haul freight;

such was the case of
the Douglas DC-9.
As operators replaced older
airframes with newer jets,
Douglas’s narrow-body passenger
aircraft found a new lease of life
in the form of a cargo carrier. It
therefore only makes sense that
kits of this type should also be
offered in freighter livery.
Like many airliner subjects,
the choice when building a DC-9
has been, and continues to be,
 A collection of copper ball bearings, cocooned in Blu Tack, provided the nose weight limited. In styrene, Airfix’s kit
correct length
and any extra resin
items than may be
needed. All and all, it
was a very well-thought
out package.
No painting required
Assembly started with the two-
part fuselage. As expected, nose
weight was called for, however
the instructions didn’t indicate
how much, so a healthy amount
MODEL SPEC

Douglas DC-9-40 DHL

needed to keep the model from becoming a tail-sitter. was for years all that was readily
By: Fly
available in 1/144, that is until
The nose and tail were glued together
2010 when Czech manufacturer Stock Code: 14412
first to ensure proper alignment.
A knife blade was employed to Fly released the first in a series of Scale: 1/144
open the fuselage seam slightly, DC-9s. It featured finely engraved
Price: €14.90
and Tamiya Extra Thin glue was used panel lines with minimal flash,
to make the final closure. wings with acceptably thin Available from: fly814.cz
trailing edges, and a resin block
containing small items such as
antennas and drain masts. As
offered, each kit is a Series-30
airframe, so to build any of
the other four versions of this
airliner, Fly added an additional

70 Airfix Model World


of copper pellets was
wadded in Blu Tack and
installed. Fly kits exhibit
several limited-run features,
including miniscule or non-
existent locating pins. In the
case of the fuselage, the nose
and tail were tacked together
to ensure they aligned
correctly, then once cured,
the balance of the airframe
was glued.
After allowing the adhesive
to cure, any seam lines were
sanded using a Flex-I-File. As
this tool isn’t rigid and conforms
to curves, a flat spot along the
top of the fuselage was avoided,
which would otherwise show up
under a gloss finish. Sanding
invariably tends to remove panel
lines as well, so these were
reinstated with a scribing tool.
The whole procedure took but a
few minutes.
With the fuselage still in hand,
the undersized inlet at the base
of the fin was dealt with. As
moulded, it was too small, thus
a needle file was employed to
 A Flex-I-File was used to sand the fuselage, while maintaining its rounded contours, thus
avoiding a flat spot, which would show up glaringly under gloss paint.
BASIC BUILD
DOUGLAS DC-9
enlarge it. Purists may want to
Dymo tape was used as a
add putty to it as well, to give guide for rescribing any panel
it a beefier appearance. The rest lines lost to over-enthusiastic
of the fuselage looked the part, sanding. The lines were quite
neatly capturing the double-lobe fine, and just a few passes
shape of the airframe. of a scriber were needed to
The wings, though finely reinstate them.
moulded, required minor
attention. They would have been
impossible to close had the
mammoth ejector pin towers
not been removed, which was
accomplished easily with a sharp
blade. The opposite was true for
the rear-facing navigation lights.
One was found broken, while the The vertical stabiliser-mounted air-conditioning
other was replaced so the two intake was undersized slightly; the aperture
would be identical. After drilling a was enlarged with the use of a needle file.
guide hole in each wingtip, short
lengths of 30-thou (0.75mm)
styrene rod were installed. These
were subsequently shortened
and sanded to shape.
In the pink
Gloss yellow is a difficult
colour to paint as it tends to be
somewhat translucent. Multiple
coats can be needed to cover  Ejector-pin ‘towers’ were quite substantial in places, especially the wings, and these
the underlying plastic, the result must be removed if there was any chance the parts would mate correctly.
of which can lead to a paint
layer so thick as to obscure any
moulded detail. A primer coat
was the obvious answer, but not
the shade one might imagine. To
achieve a rich shade of yellow,
pink was the base coat of choice.
The darker the pink, the deeper
the yellow, eventually bordering
on orange. In the case of the
 Replacing the navigation lights started by creating a pilot hole via a small drill bit. With
the parts held firmly in hand, a guide hole/groove was then created in each wing tip.
www.airfixmodelworld.com 71
 BASIC BUILD
DOUGLAS DC-9

DC-9, Tamiya’s Super Fine White two applications of Johnson’s

primer was decanted, to which
a few drops of the company’s
pink were added, the result of
which was a shade approximating
cotton candy.
Although most companies do
their best to keep in their aircraft
looking respectable, airliners are
not 100% clean. At this point,
the yellow’s translucency was
taken advantage of to create
understated weathering effects.
The kit’s finely moulded panel
lines were highlighted with a 4H
drafting pencil — these lines would
show through the final paint coat
 A length of plastic rod was inserted into the previously drilled hole, then shortened and but would be subtle enough not
faired to shape with cyanoacrylate glue. This must be done quickly, before the glue becomes to distract. If one wished for more
harder than the surrounding plastic. contrast, a darker shade of pencil
could be used.
Fly’s instructions didn’t specify
exactly what paint shade to
use, simply calling for ‘yellow,’
thus Model Master 1707 Chrome
Yellow was selected. This was
applied in two light coats, with
a light sanding following each.
For the underside, 1705 FS 11136
Insignia Red proved a good
match with the shade in the kit
decals, although it had a matt
finish. Therefore, it was first
 A light pink base coat was created by mixing Tamiya primer with a few drops of pink buffed with an 8,000-grade
paint. This worked better than a white base, as the resulting yellow was richer in colour. sanding cloth, then coated with
Klear/Future floor polish,
employing a soft, wide brush, to
match the lustre of the yellow.
With the airbrush still in
hand, the wings were painted
1729 Gloss Gull Gray, while the
undercarriage legs were finished
in 2039 Canada Voodoo Gray.
Despite the size, the appearance
of the landing gear benefited
greatly from a pin wash of
Payne’s grey oils to accentuate
the detail. After a couple
of days during which the
oils cured, the wheels were
masked and then painted
Tamiya XF-69 NATO black. The
final painting assignment was
to spray the various leading
edges with Alclad ALC-101
Aluminium, while the nacelle
exhaust sections received
ALC-102 Duraluminium.
Double-edged sword
The DHL markings supplied
by Fly appeared very pleasing
on the sheet, with rich,

Long-lived Douglas

 As gloss yellow is somewhat translucent, panel lines can be added underneath this
colour layer with a pencil. Varying the darkness of lead will alter the degree to which they
show through.

Fly’s decals allowed one of four DHL-operated airframes to be built (N952AX,

 Insignia Red turned out to be an excellent match for the decal’s red stripes. After the
upper fuselage coat had cured thoroughly, this shade was sprayed on the aircraft belly.
N966AX, N971AX or N975AX) and the first of these (which has quite a history), was
chosen for this project. Manufactured as DC-9-41 serial number 47615/fuselage
number 751, it was registered initially as JA8432 on November 8, 1974 by TOA
Domestic Airlines. This company was renamed Japan Air Systems on April 1, 1988, and
in turn was acquired by Airborne Express on January 25, 1991, when the aircraft also
received its US registration. According to available references, the latter company
developed a container system to load packages via the passenger entry door, thus
eliminating the need to cut a cargo hatch into the airframe. On August 14, 2003,
Airborne Express was purchased by DHL and operated as an ABX Air asset (in the
livery featured in this build) until October 22, 2010, when the aircraft was sold to
Everts Air. Currently, the airframe is in storage at Fairbanks, Alaska.

72 Airfix Model World

 BASIC BUILD
DOUGLAS DC-9

 Overspray can happen at the best times, despite masking efforts. In this case, the  As Model Master’s Insignia Red is a matt shade, it received a light polishing and two
‘damage’ was minor, and was cleaned up with a few light passes using the back of a coats of Future/Klear to match the gloss of the yellow. A soft, wide paint brush was all
knife blade. that was needed.

“A Payne’s grey oil wash helped

to highlight the detail on the
finely moulded landing gear”

opaque colours, and everything
was in register. When decaling
commenced, it was discovered
the markings were very thin; this
was both good and bad. Once on
the model, they settled into the
engraved detail and conformed
to the surface, reacting well to
MicroSet solution, with virtually
no carrier film evident. However,
they did tend to fold over,
becoming stuck to themselves
and occasionally this rendered
them unsalvageable. This
resulted in a hurried email to
Fly and the purchase of more
markings to replace damaged
items. Caveat emptor!
Decal quality was by
and large quite good, but
there was one major flaw in
the design, as the red fuselage
stripes were printed as a set
of straight lines, which ran curves found around nose cones
along the sides of the airframe. and under tails, and generally
Straight decals, however, do not these became kinked and folded
conform well to the compound in a vain attempt to follow

 Hand-painting tyres in small scale gear can prove difficult. This process was eased by  A Payne’s grey oil wash helped to highlight the detail on the finely moulded landing gear.
using masks created from disks punched from tape, held in place on thin plastic sheet. Even in 1/144 scale, this effort pays off with an enhanced appearance.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 73
 BASIC BUILD
DOUGLAS DC-9

 The kit decals looked spot-on once applied. They performed well and reacted positively  This particular aircraft’s windows were over-painted by the DHL logo. The necessary
to MicroSet, however care was needed to keep them from folding over on themselves. windows were removed by rolling a shape blade over the decal before it set permanently.

Note how the straight decals A coat of Flory Models grey wash
failed to cope with radome’s was applied to the wings and
compound curves. Despite tailplanes. It was pleasing to see
their quality, this was how well the wash settled into
one area where the the fine panel lines.
markings could
be improved.

the fuselage shape. In this case,
two cheats were employed to
resolve the issue; the stripes
were brought together to form a
symmetrical point under the tail,
but were cut short at the nose, to
simulate a replacement radome
that had yet to be painted.
One item initially thought to be
missing was a marking for the
main deck cargo door. Normally,
when an airliner begins its
second career as a freighter, it
gets a large hatch cut in the side
so cargo can be loaded/unloaded.
The fact this decal was missing
caused a bout of head-scratching
until further investigation
revealed this airframe never
received this modification. Just
another instance of research
ensuring an accurate build, and a
big well done to Fly for spotting
this particular detail.
A dust up
What remained was to construct
all the sub-assemblies and add
a touch of weathering. The
airframe was given two light
coats of 1409 Metalizer Sealer to
protect the decals and prepare
the model for what was to follow.
This not only reduced the overall
shine of the model, such that
it didn’t look toy-like, it also
provided the slightest texture,
which enabled the weathering
pigments to adhere properly.
Although one might call the
kit limited-run, it was possible
to build and paint all the
sub-components separately
prior to final assembly, which

74 Airfix Model World

definitely isn’t the case for other Using an ever-so-slightly
offerings of this nature. Using a damp cloth, any excess wash
combination of cyanoacrylate was removed. By following
and white (PVA) glue where the direction of airflow, any
appropriate, the major units wash left behind appeared
were joined; minor adjustments as fluid streaks.
were needed to the landing gear
leg lengths to ensure the wings
were level, but soon the airframe
was finished.
The weathering process started
by the ‘ghost’ pencilled panel
lines was completed courtesy of
several pigments and washes.
Black chalk dust was stippled
on the tail to show where the
use of thrust-reversers blasted
the airframe, while light grey
powders, dragged down from the
windows with a brush, simulated
rain streaks. Both main wings and
tailplanes received Flory Models
Grey wash, with any excess
removed with a damp cloth. After
adding the few resin antennas,
the model was completed.

Worthy successor
I must admit I had my doubts
about the garish yellow and
red livery, but once finished
the model presented a rather  Finely ground grey chalk dust was dragged downwards from the cabin
windows and doors frames to create the appearance of rain streaks.
striking pose. The DHL scheme
certainly has the distinction
Exhaust stains were applied
of being unique, and truly by stippling black chalk dust
stands out amid a sea of white to the tail. The slightly rough
airliners. As to the kit itself, it texture of Master Model’s
comes highly recommended. Metalizer Sealer provided a
There are no major building suitable key for the dust.
vices, and it’s a welcome update
to the aged Airfix offering…the
fact it’s now the third Fly DC-9
in the display case is testament
to that. This is a kit any
airliner fan will enjoy.

References
Airlife’s Airliners: 15, Douglas DC-9,
by Philip Birtles (Airlife),
ISBN: 978-1-84037-318-9
Online photos

 As the decals would not wrap around the aft belly section properly, a
compromise was reached by bringing them to a point instead.
 OUT AND ABOUT
YEOVILTON AIR DAY 2018

 A highlight of the show for any military

aviation enthusiast was the RCAF’s 2018
Demo CF-18 Hornet ‘776’. The red, white
and blue paint scheme represents Canada’s
and the United States’ commitment
to NORAD, the North American
Aerospace Defense Command.

Hot Day…Cool Hornet!

 With smoke and explosions in the background, a Royal Navy Merlin HC.3 dives away  The only airworthy Bristol 171 Sycamore in the world was one of the flying display
during the airfield attack finale, which also included British Army Wildcats. This particular highlights, with its distinctive rotor and engine sound. Operating as part of The Flying Bulls
airframe has yet to be converted to the new HC.4 standard. team, the helicopter was just one of many débuts at the Air Day.

he summer weather helped 7, despite a certain football match with Sea Kings, Sea Harriers often appear/display at other

T increase public attendance

at the Royal Navy’s
International Air Day on July
taking place at the same time.
While the static park will
never again be full to bursting
and Lynxes, the show planners
have the uncanny ability of
attracting aircraft that do not
UK air shows…this year was no
exception. With the first F-35Bs
just arriving at RAF Marham
in June, the Air Day has yet to
see an operational Lightning
II, but this didn’t distract from
the other types on display. As in
previous years, the static park
comprised a combination of
military and ex-military types.
The award for most colourful had
to go to Aéronavale Lynx HAS.4
‘276’ from 34 Flottille, Lanvéoc-
Poulmic, with its dragon artwork
on the side door.
Yeovilton has always been
rotary-wing focussed and it was
great to see the Army Air Corps
 US Navy P-8A Poseidon, BuNo 168764, from VP-10 was a first-time visitor to the Air Day. The aircraft was taking a brief respite from its Historic Flight Skeeter AOP12 on
current deployment to NAS Sigonella, where it conducted maritime intelligence-gathering operations. (All photos Glenn Sands) show, as an indication of just how

76 Airfix Model World

 OUT AND ABOUT
YEOVILTON AIR DAY 2018

far helicopter development has

come — it didn’t look much bigger
than a 1/32 kit! QinetiQ, based at
MoD Boscombe Down, brought
along a Grob G 120TP and
Airbus H125 Écureuil/Squirrel
(originally the Aerospatiale/
Eurocopter AS350), both of
which are shortly to become
part of the new fleet allocated to
the Empire Test Pilots’ School.
The helicopter theme continued
with a Dutch Navy NH90 NFH
(NATO Frigate Helicopter), an
AS352U2 Cougar from the Royal
Netherlands Air Force and a
Lithuanian Air Force search-and-
 Subject of a recent Xtradecal Sea King sheet (X72303), Heli Operations displayed its immaculate ex-Royal Navy HU.5, XV666 ‘Damien’.
rescue Mil Mi-8T Hip, which was This helicopter first entered operational service as an HAS.1 in August 1970, with 826 Naval Air Squadron.
fitted with a radar, TV/Infra-red
camera turret and searchlight. operations in the area. Although railings around the static display enthusiasts’ airshow boxes.
An unusual visitor to the show the type has been a regular aircraft, as in more than a few Falling just a week before the
was a US Navy P-8A Poseidon visitor at other UK airshows, this cases it made obtaining a clear Royal International Air Tattoo
from NAS Jacksonville-based was the first time the type had photo impossible, yet last year at RAF Fairford, it managed to
VP-10 ‘Red Lancers’, but been on display at Yeovilton. there was plenty of room around include several displays that
currently deployed to NAS If there was one minor gripe, each exhibit. Once again, the could only be seen here.
Sigonella, Italy in support of US it was the positioning of the Yeovilton Air Day ticked all the Glenn Sands

 Just four airshows have been scheduled in 2018 by the Royal Danish Air Force’s solo-  One of the few occasions during its energetic display when The Flying Bulls’ Bo105C was
display F-16 and Yeovilton was lucky enough to be one of them. Here, Esk 727’s Captain upright, master aerobatic pilot Siegfried Schwarz debuted the helicopter with a dazzling
Troels Dehli pulls into a climb as the gear is retracted, prior to a high-speed pass. display — I hope it will be back next year.

 The port cabin door of Aéronavale Lynx HAS.4 ‘276’ of 34 Flottille, Lanvéoc-Poulmic,
featured spectacular dragon artwork. The type is set to remain in service with the French
Navy until 2022.  Super-detailers take note – the port outer engine of a German Navy
P-3C Orion, from MFG 3, Nordholz. Since entering service with the Marineflieger, the eight
aircraft have been upgraded extensively, allowing continue operating into the 2030s.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 77
 IN FOCUS
L-39 ALBATROS

Global Tutor
Jakub Fojtík explores the
compelling history of Aero
Vodochody’s successful L-39
ew could have predicted

F the achievements of
Czechoslovakian-based
Aero Vodochody’s
L-29 Delfin when it won the
Warsaw Pact’s trainer aircraft
competition in the late-1950s,
nor its L-39 Albatros successor.
The L-29 defeated not just
the Polish TS-11 Iskra, but also
the Soviet Yak-32 Mantis, and
up to 3,500 were built for the
USSR and its allies. When a
replacement was sought in the
1960s, Aero’s new design, which
would become the L-39, was
duly accepted.
The first prototype flew
on November 4, 1969,
just 15 months after the
Soviet-led invasion of
Czechoslovakia, which ended
the country’s liberalisation
reforms. Development and
production was rapid, with the
Czechoslovakian Air Force (AF)
accepting its first aircraft in
1974…the first export customer,
the USSR, took delivery the
following year.
More than 3,000 L-39s were
built; it was easy to fly and
maintain, and became the
Eastern-bloc’s primary trainer,
eventually being operated by
almost 50 countries. While its
main function was instructional,
it also had a limited ground-
attack capability.

Many variants
Although all L-39s appear
similar externally, the
production standard has
differed considerably. Originally,
the L-39C (cvičný – training) was The Slovak White
designed for large air forces (led Albatrosses jet demo
by the USSR), which required team kept the original
a simple aircraft for academy- Czechoslovak paint
style tuition. It was used just for scheme, just with new
national roundels.

78 Airfix Model World


basic pilot preparation, without
specific need for advanced flying
techniques; follow-on training
then occurred in a dual-seat
configured fighter, attack or
bomber type. Thus all 2,081 L-39s
delivered to the USSR were the
C-model, with two underwing
hardpoints capable of carrying
free-fall bombs of up to 220lb
(100kg) and UB-16-57 rocket pods.
Later aircraft were also equipped
with R-3U training versions of the
AA-2 Atoll infra-red (IR)-guided
air-to-air missile (AAM).
When the Soviet AF began to
operate frontline jets equipped
with multi-function displays
(MFDs) in the late 1980s, the
training requirements remained
the same as 30 years earlier. As
Soviet instructors and advisors
shaped pilot training systems in
‘friendly’ countries such as Libya,
Syria or Iraq, it was unsurprising
the same instructional
requirements were generated…
and satisfied by the Albatros.
However, these same operators
also had need of a weapons-
training platform, which was much
easier in the L-39 than the Mach
2-capable MiG-21 Fishbed.
Out of these demands came
the L-39ZO (zahraniční obchod –
foreign trade); this was equipped
with four underwing hardpoints,
each stressed for loads of up to
551lb (250kg), but could also carry
drop tanks for extended range.
The East German (GDR) AF was
one of the initial customers…
IN FOCUS
L-39 ALBATROS
 Several Algerian L-39Cs are painted in this tiger livery used by local Nomour military jet its 50 aircraft were equipped
team. Note that the engine intakes´ lips are unusually painted as well. extra avionics. Libya ordered 181
airframes, and these received
additional features, such as a
liferaft. Iraq purchased 24 L-39Cs
and then 58 L-39ZOs, although
many lacked standard navigation
aids. These ‘downgrades’ were
driven by the need to make the
L-39 simple for students to fly,
with training carried out overland,
in good weather conditions.
However, this was a problem for
the factory pilots that ferried the
aircraft to the customers, and all
Syrian and some Iraqi aircraft were
equipped with removable Bendix
King navigation avionics for the
delivery flight.
The L-39ZO variant existed in
several sub-types; L-39ZO.1 (Libya,
Flap extended in landing position. Syria, GDR), ZO.2 (Syria), ZO.4
(GDR), ZO.5 (GDR), ZO.6 (Iraq)
 White Russ, the jet team of Belorussian Air Force, uses this lavish colour paint scheme and ZO.7 (Iraq). They differed
on its L-39Cs. (All photos by author, Aero Vodochody, Marek Lipavsky unless stated) mostly in the level of onboard
www.airfixmodelworld.com 79
 IN FOCUS
L-39 ALBATROS
One of L-39Cs used in Afghanistan after 2001, the glossy nose is
caused by canvas protection covering the cockpit section during parking.
avionics and equipment. Many
Libyan aircraft were donated
subsequently by its leader,
Muammar Ghaddafi, as a form
of military support to several
neighbouring countries.
The final L-39 variant is the
ZA (zahraniční A – foreign A),
designed for the needs of smaller
air arms. This was the first real
multi-purpose Albatros, with a
dedicated close-air support role.
Derived from the ZO, it added a
twin-barrelled GSh-23L 23mm
cannon under the fuselage and
carried AA-8 Aphid IR-guided
AAMs and UZR-60 training rounds.
Due to increased aircraft weight,
the landing gear was strengthened
with larger brake discs and tyres,
while several antennas were
relocated due to the cannon fit.
Romania became this variant’s
first export customer in 1981,
purchasing 32 airframes, but the
largest operator was Algeria,
which acquired 49 jets, followed by
Syria (44) and Bulgaria (36).
The ZA was also produced in
several sub-types, depending on
customer requirements, with the
basic L-39ZA.1 (Algeria, Bulgaria,
Czechoslovakia and Romania),
downgraded L-39ZA.2 (Syria) and
Bendix King navigation system-
equipped L-39ZA.4. Twenty-four
of this version were ordered
by Nigeria, with an option for
a further 27, but the second
batch were never delivered,
due to financial issues — surplus
airframes were sold later to
Algeria and Lithuania.
80 Airfix Model World
The Czechoslovakian AF operated
its own sub-variants, L-39ZA.5 and
.7, which differed by having eastern
and (after 1990) western avionics
respectively. The most advanced
L-39s are undoubtedly the ZA/
ART versions, sold to Thailand
in the mid-1990s and equipped
with Israeli Elbit avionics,
including a head-up display
(HUD) and ability to carry AIM-9P
Sidewinder AAMs and Dart aerial
towing targets. The latest ZA
development is the Bangladeshi-
operated .9 sub-type, fitted with
Front cockpit of the
Bulgarian L-39ZA.
Note the extra added
Trimble GPS system
next to the gunsight.
VS-2 zero-zero ejection seats.
In the early 1980s Aero
developed the advanced L-39MS,
fitted with a more powerful DV-2
engine (developed with support
from Ukraine’s Ivchenko design
bureau). It featured a new single-
piece rearward opening canopy,
which provided better visibility
for both pilots, plus completely
revised avionics, HUD and MFDs.
It was designed to prepare pilots
to fly fourth-generation fighters
such as MiG-29 and Su-27, but the
prototypes were finished just as
the USSR collapsed in 1991. Just
Czechoslovakia, Egypt and Tunisia
acquired the type subsequently,
where they were designated L-59,
L-59E and L-59T respectively.
More recently, Aero developed
the Garret TFE 731-4-powered
L139, but just a single prototype
was built.
Remarkable service
The 3,000 L-39s have logged
more than five million flight hours
and, being operated by almost 50
countries and 15 jet display teams,
it’s arguably the most successful
training type ever. In its heyday,
there would be more than 40
L-39s airborne simultaneously
on a training day in the USSR, at
a time when training regiments
were equipped with between 95
and 105 airframes. In Arab nations,
ten aircraft would regularly be
airborne but the situation was
complicated by the simple air-
traffic control; jets would be
assigned a number, and it was
the pilot’s responsibility to find
all previous numbers in the sky!
The USSR’s collapse in 1991 led
to a rapid reduction in airframe
serviceability, but despite this, of
the 1,000-plus L-39s flying outside
the USSR, more than 700 remain
serviceable. For many countries,
the Albatros was, and still is
the most powerful type in their
inventory. Perhaps the ultimate
tribute to the type is that since
the 1980s, L-39s have been an
indispensable part of the Soviet/
Russian space programme.

Although the L-39 is primarily
a trainer, it has also been used
extensively in combat. Libya
deployed its L-39ZOs regularly
during its war with Chad, against
both Chadian and French units,
and at least seven were seized
and operated by the Chadian AF
after the Libyan-held air base
at Ouadi Doum was overrun.
Ethiopia used its L-39s in its civil
war, and they were armed with
a mix of 50kg or 100kg free-
fall bombs against rebel units.
Ghana’s L-39s were used on
border patrols against insurgents,
while Cambodia operated them
in a similar fashion against the
France based Breitling Jet Team
is probably the most visible commercial
demo team flying on L-39. The team
toured Southwest Asia and US
in recent years. (Breitling S.A.)
Khmer Rouge. Azerbaijani L-39s
conducted ground-attack sorties
against Armenian positions
during the 1988-94 Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict, and at least one
example was shot down during a
reconnaissance flight.
Arab nations operated the type
extensively since the 1980s. Iraq
deployed several L-39s in its
northern mountainous region,
where they dropped 100kg and
250kg bombs against Kurdish
tribes. They were also active
during the Iran-Iraq War, mostly for
reconnaissance and surveillance;
two were destroyed on the ground
during an Iranian air strike in 1983
 Rear cockpit of Czech L-39ZA from early 1990s. Note the feet altimeter added as an
extra fit to standard metric instruments.
 Horizontal stabilizer with well visible vortex generators on lower side and static
electricity discharging sticks.
but they weren’t involved during
the 1991 or 2003 Gulf Wars.
Syrian L-39s have been employed
widely during its civil war, initially
near the Turkish border (to
prevent rebels crossing), but
since 2011, they have been used
in the close-support role against
insurgents. Primary weapons are
the type’s internal cannon, plus
free-fall bombs and rocket pods. At
least six L-39ZOs were captured by
Daesh forces when they overran
the airbase at Jirah/Kshesh, and
three were subsequently reported
taxiing on the runway — none have
yet been seen flying.
The type was also involved
IN FOCUS
L-39 ALBATROS
in combat in several former
Soviet states; when Abkhazian
rebels attacked Georgian troops
during the mid-1990s, several
weapons caches and airfields
were overrun, and local engineers
adapted L-39Cs to carry AA-8
Aphid AAMs. Albatros were used
little in the First Chechen War
(1994-96), although at least one
was shot down during attacks
on pro-Russian forces; most
were destroyed on the ground
in a series of heavy airstrikes
on December 11, 1994. Tajikistan
deployed its L-39s against
terrorists along its border with
Afghanistan, and various
www.airfixmodelworld.com 81
 IN FOCUS
L-39 ALBATROS

Kampuchea 1995-1996 L-39C 6

L-39 ALBATROS OPERATORS Kazakhstan 1991-1999 L-39C 29
Country Deliveries Variants Qty Kyrgyzstan 1991 L-39C 72
Abkhazia (donated) 1992-1999 L-39C 6 Libya 1978-1983 L-39ZO 181
Afghanistan 1975-1984 L-39C 26 Lithuania 1994-1998 L-39C, ZA 6
Algeria 1987-2004 L-39C/ZA 56 Lugansk Republic 2014 L-39C 1
Angola 1997-2006 L-39C/ZO 5 Mozambique 2013 L-39ZO 1
Armenia 1995-2010 L-39C 6 Nicaragua 1986 L-39ZO 2
Azerbaijan 1992-1998 L-39C 27 Nigeria 1986-1987 L-39ZA 24
Bangladesh 1995-2003 L-39ZA 11 Romania 1981-1985 L-39ZA 32
Belorussia 1991-2006 L-39C 16 Russia 1991 L-39C, M1 1,124
Bulgaria 1986-1990 L-39ZA 36 Slovakia 1993 L-39C, V, ZA, MS 21
Chad (captured) 1996 L-39ZO 10 Syria 1980-1986 L-39ZO 99
Chechnya 1991 L-39C 62 Tajikistan 1992-2007 L-39C 16
Cuba 1982 L-39C 30 Thailand 1993-1997 L-39ZA/ART 40
Czech Republic 1993 L-39C/V/ZA/MS 39 Tunisia 1995-1996 L-59T 12
Czechoslovakia 1972-1992 L-39CV/ZA/MS 80 Turkmenistan 1992 L-39C 5
East Germany 1977-1980 L-39ZO/V 54 Uganda 1985-2014 L-39ZO, ZA 8
Egypt 1993-1994 L-39ZO/L-59E 59 Ukraine 1991-1993 L-39C 718
Estonia 2005 L-39C 5 USA 2003-2004 L-39C 1
Ethiopia 1983-2004 L-39C/ZA 31 USSR 1973-1990 L-39C 2,081
Equatorial Guinea 2007 L-39C 2 Uzbekistan 1992 L-39C 8
Ghana 1993 L-39ZO 3 Vietnam 1980-2003 L-39C 34
Georgia 2007-2008 L-39C 12 Yemen 1999-2006 L-39C 26
Germany 1990 L-39ZO 50 Confirmed purchasers of military L-39/59s; 49 countries are known to have acquired
Hungary 1993-1994 L-39ZO 24 this trainer, with former Soviet Union nations inheriting theirs following its collapse in
Iraq 1975-1985 L-39C/ZO 80 1991. Note several nations (Albania, Kenya, North Korea and Mongolia), are often quoted as
possessing Albatros, but never used the type. Bold entries signify current operators.
ISIS/Daesh (captured) 2013 L-39ZO, ZA 6

indigenous militant groups.
Occasionally, L-39s were involved
in defection attempts. Following
the creation of the Democratic
Republic of Afghanistan in 1978
and Soviet intervention the
following year, the L-39 was
adopted as a trainer. Not long
after pure Afghan crews began
operating the type, two absconded
to join Mujahedeen forces, while
a second pair fled to Uzbekistan.
Similarly, a young Romanian
cadet, Mihai Smighelschi,
defected to Turkey in 1987,
which necessitated rescue
crews being scrambled when
his L-39ZA suffered a radio
malfunction; eventually he was
escorted by F-4 Phantoms into
an air base near Kirklareli.
Display teams
The L-39 quickly established
a reputation for its excellent
handling and manoeuvrability, but
it took more than two decades
until the USSR formed the
first national Albatros display
team, ‘Russ’. Its inaugural public
demonstration was at Moscow-
Tushino in early 1987, to celebrate
the 70th anniversary of the Great
October Revolution. While the
team name still exists, it’s now a
completely private entity.
Next to form was
Czechoslovakia’s Biele
Albatrosy (White Albatros)
in 1991, at the Kosice
Training Academy, and
is remembered as the
first Eastern European
team to display at western air
shows. After Czechoslovakia split
in 1991, the team was transferred
to Slovakia, where it continued
until 2005.
A year later another military
display unit, ‘White Russ’, was
formed in Belorussia with eight
jets, followed by Algeria’s ‘Tigre’
(with its tiger-liveried airframes)
and Kazakhstan’s six-aircraft
‘Sunkar’ grouping.
Many L-39s were transferred to
the European civil sector, and the
France-based Breitling Jet Team
(formerly Khalifa Team) switched
to the type in 2002, undertaking
extensive tours of Europe, Asia
and the US. Other civil display
teams have included the Baltic
Bees in Europe, Black Diamond
(formerly Heavy Metal Jet Team),
Hoppers and Patriots in the US,
and Red Steel and Northern
Lights in Canada.
Future plans
Although the L-39 is almost
50 years old, it’s still the most
widespread military trainer and a
popular civilian ‘hobby’ jet. Aero
still offers maintenance support,
with new features such as a
digital cockpit or HUD installation,
or obsolescence upgrades;
these include installation of the
Williams FJ44-4M engine. Tests
are also underway for the brand-
new L-39NG sub-type, of which
the prototype is due to fly in
2018. It seems the legend is
set to continue.

The Czech Air Force L-159A light attack

plane, the later reincarnation of the
L-39 original design.

82 Airfix Model World

 THE
CLASSICS
ARE BACK!

Series 1 Vintage military vehicles now available

Airix brings you Vintage Classics a range celebrating the
fantastic, diverse, products from Airix’s history. With over 60
years of products in our repertoire, we’ll be bringing back some
favourites as well as some surprises over the coming years.
• Modern Humbrol colour references
• Original box art paintings from the likes of Roy Cross
• Many more classic Airix categories to be revisited in the future
WWI Vintage Classic Military Figures are also available now and keep an
eye out for Vintage Classic Warships and Classic Ships coming soon.

Airix.com Start as you mean to finish

and all good retail stockists
Official Product
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
AERO L-39ZA ALBATROS

Swedish modeller Anders Isaksson

builds Eduard’s 1/72 Weekend Edition
L-39ZA Albatros as an Algerian
attack version

A Trainer with Bite

his modeller usually steers and elegant lines of the L-39 previous ProfiPACK releases, the previous restriction to just a

T clear of trainers or any

obscure attack aircraft,
as I tend to prefer the
more mainstream fighter and
bomber types.
However, I did find the sleek
Albatros difficult to ignore, and
the chance to build one from
Eduard’s kit was too tempting an
offer to turn down.
This Weekend boxing shares
the styrene content with the
but lacked the photo-etched
(PE) brass and metal frets and
masking set. In a welcome
move by the manufacturer, this
particular boxing featured two
single livery.
Despite the well-appointed
components, which were supplied
on three styrene runners, I still
decided to add a few aftermarket
colour schemes, as opposed to items to raise the overall level of

 While the basic styrene cockpit was more than acceptable, it was decided to add PE  There were minimal additions to the interior once the ‘office’ was installed, highlighting
instrument panels and side consoles for extra refinement. this kit’s basic, yet detailed, nature.

84 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
AERO L-39ZA ALBATROS

panels in readiness for the PE

MODEL SPEC

Aero L-39ZA Albatros

By: Eduard
Stock Code: 7427
Scale: 1/72
Price: €12.75
Available from: www.eduard.com
detail. These items included two
small sets from Eduard, namely a
pre-painted PE cockpit upgrade
(SS 517) and canopy/wheel mask
set (CX409), plus a pair CMK
resin ejection seats from its
‘Quick & Easy’ line (Q72148).
Busy ‘office’
There aren’t many parts to this
kit and the cockpit was quick to
assemble. Just one modification
was made to the basic styrene,
and that was to shave the
moulded details
from the
instrument
enhancements.
What is there to say about the
resin seats, other than CMK was
very ambitious with these multi-
part accessories. The main unit
was supplied as two components,
but there were several tiny PE
pieces to represent the various
buckles. However, it was decided
to ease the pain of handling all
those delicate items by omitting a
few buckles from each.
When it came to applying
paint to the completed ‘bang
seats’, the instructions were
consulted initially, but a study
of online photos served to
confuse matters, making for a
somewhat mixed result regarding
final colours. Despite this, the
effect was pleasing overall, and
CMK’s additions were a marked  CMK’s resin ejection seats were a revelation in terms of casting quality, and although fiddly
improvement over the kit styrene. to assemble with all the PE buckles, were a substantial improvement over the kit items.
The basic interior was given a
coat of Mr Hobby’s H308 Gray FS
36375, followed by a thin wash of
AK Interactive 082 Engine Grime,
which I’ve found to be an ideal
tone for adding depth to cockpit
detail. Once everything had
dried both crew positions were
out-fitted with PE instrument
panels and side consoles, which Fishing weights were
added to the nose section,
were easy to add and visually
to ensure the finished
arresting. The delicate head-up model wasn’t a tail-sitter.
display was the ‘icing on the

 Eduard’s PE head-up display unit was attached after the fuselages were mated, to avoid  Time for paint. Eduard’s pre-cut canopy masks eased preparation, before grey primer acted
damage during handling, and was an impressive sight. as a good base for the camouflage, which began with an overall application of the tan hue.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 85
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
AERO L-39ZA ALBATROS

The pattern for the darker colour was set The uppersurfaces
via Silly Putty ‘sausages’. Several touch- were then masked with
ups were required to the lighter sections Tamiya tape, after which
once the masking was removed. the underside colour
was airbrushed in a
series of light coats.

 Rather than use the kit decals, black panels on the nose and wing tips  Similarly, the red tips on the horizontal stabilisers, fin nose and wing undersides were applied
were masked and sprayed. via airbrushing; note the uneven pattern on the tip tanks, which was challenging to replicate.

cake’, and once folded, it was

attached to the pilot’s instrument
panel coaming; a small acetate
sheet was supplied for the
combiner glass.
With the cockpit painted and
installed, the remaining interior
components (turbine blades
and exhaust) were simple to
add. The fuselage halves were
then mated, and thanks to the
superb fit, the airframe was
ready for exterior painting, with
hardly any neatening required.
One step that’s easy to forget
is remembering to add nose
weight, as a way of preventing the
finished model tail-sitting, and
fishing weights were
utilised in this case.

Desert hues
Once satisfied with the fuselage
and wing seams, a thin coat
of Tamiya 87064 Fine Surface
Primer was applied straight
from the spray can, to achieve a
uniform surface and check for any

86 Airfix Model World

 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
AERO L-39ZA ALBATROS

construction flaws. Several areas using the supplied decals. No

were filled and sanded before
the lighter uppersurface colour,
H313 Yellow, was airbrushed as
the camouflage scheme base
tone. Silly Putty ‘sausages’ set
the tight curves of the disruptive
pattern, after which H303 Green
FS 34102 was sprayed. The model
was then set aside overnight
and, after the uppersurfaces
were masked, the basic exterior
scheme was completed by an
airbrushed H325 Gray FS 26440
layer on the undersides.
Black anti-glare panels were then
masked and painted, instead of
red markings (for the nose, fin,
horizontal stabiliser and wing tips)
were included, so these were also
airbrushed after their positions
were set with Tamiya tape. The
uneven demarcation on the wing
tip fuel tanks was challenging
to replicate, as they appeared
heavily weathered, with the lighter
upper hue visible where the red
had been worn away. After a
fruitless search online for suitable
reference photos, it was decided
to follow Eduard’s suggestion, and
the wing tip tanks were painted as
per the instructions.

 Gloss varnish sealed the airframe in

KIT MARKINGS preparation for decaling, and there were

no issues with the kit markings, which
settled well, with minimal silvering.
Eduard’s decal sheet was comprehensive, and featured a full array of airframe
stencils, although the seemingly random placement meant finding specific items was  Eduard’s pre-cut mask set made
a slow process. Two options were provided, for a Czech and Algerian aircraft; the painting the wheels a simple task. Note
latter scheme was chosen for this project: the lighter tone of the tread compared to
• 2430, 1st ‘Tiger’ Squadron, 11th Fighter Regiment, Czechoslovak Air Force, Zatec, 1991 the rest of the tyre, which gave them a
• NL-44/4144, 618th Advanced Training Squadron, Algerian Air Force, Tafraoui convincing appearance.

AK Interactive’s
Steel metal paste
was utilised to great
effect for the bare
metal areas on the
air intake lips.

www.airfixmodelworld.com 87
 INTERMEDIATE BUILD
AERO L-39ZA ALBATROS
Matt varnish muted the overall finish, with
Humbrol’s Maskol employed to ensure the
intake lips retained their bright sheen.
An overall coat of Tamiya
X-22 Clear prepared the model
for decaling. Eduard’s decal
sheet offered a comprehensive
collection of national insignia,
unit and aircraft codes, and a
complete set of airframe stencils.
Application was straightforward,
and no problems were
encountered, although minor
silvering was noted on several
smaller items. However, I must
comment that considerable time
was spent looking for each decal
on the sheet, as they were placed
without any particular order,
regardless of their identifying
 CMK’s resin and PE ejection seats were
an absolute delight.
88 Airfix Model World
number. With the decals dried
thoroughly, the main painting
phase was completed by
applying a matt varnish, in this
case XF-86 Flat Clear.
Leaving the nest
Algerian Albatros air intakes
should be natural metal, so
these were masked with Tamiya
tape and hand-painted AK
Interactive’s AK457 True Metal
Steel, using a fine brush. This
product is a type of paste, which
can be messy to work with, but
was excellent for replicating
small areas of bare metal.
 A comparison between the kit’s pitot tubes (left) and Master Model’s turned brass
replacements (right), highlighting the latter’s refinement.
 The undercarriage was a quick addition, and while it appeared the landing gear doors
were omitted, they were moulded in the closed position, as on the real aircraft.
Eduard’s masking set was
employed for the wheels, and the
tyres were painted XF-85 Rubber
Black. The basic tone was then
lightened with a hint of XF-19
Sky Grey, and this was misted
perpendicular to each tyre’s tread.
Next, the landing gear legs were
painted, after which the wheels
were attached, and the completed
assemblies installed. At first
glance, it may appear Eduard has
omitted the main landing wheel
doors, but they were moulded
integrally to the fuselage and wing
and replicated the real aircraft’s
appearance correctly, as these are
open just during the undercarriage
extension/retraction sequences.
Underwing stores are limited to
just drop tanks and OFAB-100
bombs; the latter were supplied as
one-piece items and were painted
as per the instructions, before
being installed on their pylons
via Super Glue. Final additions
included the wing-mounted pitot
tubes, and a turned brass set
from Master Model (AM-72-085)
was employed to good effect.
These are superb, albeit delicate
replacements, which required just
a small hole drilled in the leading
edge of each wing and were
secured with Super Glue.
Truly a weekender
Eduard’s L-39 was a fun project
and thanks to the small size of
the model and few parts it was a
rather fast build, even with the
extra detailing applied to the basic
plastic. On its own it represents
a great start kit, and in keeping
with most offerings from this firm,
allows modellers to choose the
required detail level to suit
their needs and skill levels.
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 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
FAR EASTERN MARITIME AVIATION
Modern Chinese Warplanes
By: Andreas Rupprecht
ISBN: 978-09973092-5-6
Price: £19.99 Format: 280 x 210mm
Web: www.casematepublishing.co.uk
This is the third in Harpia’s
examination of Chinese air power,
following previous volumes on Army
Air Force assets and Flashpoint
China, and covers the People’s
Liberation Army Naval Air Force
(PLANAF). Rather than just provide
a list of aircraft types organized
BIG GUN ON WHEELS
M1128 Stryker MGS
By: C Mrosko, B Avants, P Browning
ISBN: 978-0-9973774-7-7
Price: US$24.99
Format: 217 x 280mm
Web: www.sabotpub.com
Since bursting onto the hobby
scene with its comprehensive
modelling-orientated photographic
reference books, Sabot has
established itself as one of the
‘go-to’ sources for modern US
armour subjects. Its treatise on
the 105mm gun-armed Stryker
SEND IN YOUR PRODUCTS FOR US TO REVIEW: Airfix Model World, Key Publishing Ltd, Units 1-4 Gwash Way Industrial Estate, Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 1XP, UK
92 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
80 pages
by role, a broader approach is
taken, starting with an overview
of the PLANAF’s history and its
blue-water aspirations. The latter
aspect pervades the narrative, with
informative graphics highlighting the
service’s operational reach. A brief
explanation of aircraft markings and
serials follows, before examinations
of aircraft and weapons. Focus then
shifts to how naval aviators are
trained, followed by a description
and analysis of Chinese aircraft
carrier developments. Arguably
the order-of-battle section is the
most interesting, as this details
strategic tasks, from Eastern Theatre
Command’s responsibility for Taiwan
(regarded as a renegade province
by mainland China), and Southern
Theatre Command Navy’s role
regarding disputed territories in
the South China Sea (Paracel and
Spratly Islands). Whether one seeks
an understanding of PLANAF’s
equipment, roles or organisation,
this is an ideal reference, while also
providing modellers with insight into
the colours and markings of its fixed-
and rotary-wing assets. SF
66 pages
variant (known officially as the
M1128 Mobile Gun System), is
a case in point, providing high-
quality colour photos of the
vehicle and its equipment. With
urban operations a key element of
recent operations in Afghanistan
and Iraq, much attention (in
both general and walk-round
shots) is paid to the additional
protective measures fitted to
deployed Strykers, notably the bar
(known as ‘slat’ in US-parlance)
and spaced armour systems. As
highlighted in the captions, these
vehicles gather dust and sand in
prodigious amounts, turning an
overall green vehicle into a heavily
streaked sandy tone; surely manna
from heaven for those wanting
to weather their models. While
it’s hard to select an individual
highlight, arguably the most useful
element for modellers is the two
sections of close-up photos. The
closing ‘In the Field’ segment
depicts another aspect, that of
participation in US Army and
multi-national training exercises
from 2010, 2012 and 2015. SF
ARMOUR PERIODICAL
56 pages
Militär Fahrzeug
By: Jochen Vollert
ISSN: 5724-4099
Price: £9.99 Format: A4
Web: www.tankograd.com
Tankograd’s quarterly magazine
is intended for armour fans of
all forms, and provides a mix of
modern and historical features
and photo montages. Each issue
includes a ‘cover star’, and for
2-2018, it’s the German Leguan
mobile-bridge crossing system,
which comes in 14m and 26m
lengths and equips the Leopard
2-based armoured-vehicle
bridge layer. The trackways, report focuses on British and West
Iveco transporter and Leopard 2 German participants, but includes
chassis are covered in detail and nuggets such as how an 11th (UK)
there’s much to savour in terms of Armoured Brigade Tank Squadron
equipment and weathering. There’s is organized. Historical aspects
a report on the 1st Cavalry Division include a review of the M48A1 in
Museum at Fort Hood, Texas West German service, the World
(including its miniature Oshkosh War One Lancia 1zM armoured
HEMTT-themed barbecue), car, and 1939 prototype of the
plus overviews of Australian Versuchs-Panzerkampfwagen III
UNIMOG trucks and mine-strike ZW.40 (which featured interleaved
procedures for US Army M1 road wheels). There might not be
Abrams. Fighting Herald 88 was enough space for in-depth articles,
a major NATO exercise, and this but this is a great taster! SF
UNDERWATER CARRIER KILLERS 48 pages
Soviet Cruise Missile Submarines of
the Cold War
By: Edward Hampshire
ISBN: 978-1-4728-2499-8
Price: £10.99 Format: 185 x 248mm
Web: www.ospreypublishing.com
Several navies have operated cruise-
missile carrying submarines (SSGNs),
but just the Soviet Union/Russia has
employed them in numbers and with
a primary ship-killing role (rather
than land-attack). As explained in
this delightful paperback, the Soviet
philosophy initially used them as
nuclear missile launchers, but (as
true ballistic missile systems were
developed) then turned to targeting class and associated missile system
surface vessels, in response to the receives a detailed overview. Most
perceived threat from US Navy were capable of carrying just a
carrier battle groups. The narrative single type although, as detailed
overs four generations of SSGNs here, several received refits for later
developed to date, starting with weapons, boosting their complement
basic conversions and just two or and threat radius considerably. This
four missiles (Whiskey variants), is a fascinating read, and deals with a
to dedicated platforms capable of subject that seems to have received
launching 24 long-range supersonic little attention, and the text is backed
missiles (Oscar), with the latest by period photos plus colour artwork,
(Severodvinsk) combining SSGN with these likely being of most use to
and attack submarine roles. Each ship modellers. SF
 6000 m2
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 ON THE SHELF
BOOKS
LAST OF THE PROPS
The Hawker Sea Fury
By: Richard A Franks
ISBN: 978-0-9957773-3-0
Price: £16.95
Format: A4
Web: www.valiant-wings.co.uk
Valiant has expanded and updated
its guide to the Royal Navy’s final
piston engine fighter, the Hawker Sea
Fury, offering 116 pages crammed
with information, diagrams, period
photographs, pilots’ and engineers’
manuals and colour profiles. New
FIGHTING IN THE BALTIC
The Forgotten War of the Royal
Navy
By: Michał Glock
ISBN: 978-83-65281-77-7
Price: £25 Format: A4
Web: www.mmpbooks.biz
When most people think of
1918, they remember it was the
year of peace as World War One
ended, but in the Baltic, it was
the beginning of a little-known
struggle in which the Royal Navy
would find itself immersed. This
engrossing volume provides
94 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
116 pages
sections include full build articles on
Airfix’s newly tooled 1/48 FB.11 and
AMG’s 1/48 two-seat T.20 by Steve
Evans, plus revised survivor airframe
listings and appendices cataloguing
available kits, accessories and decals.
The familiar division of pages starts
with an instruction to the type and
its operational history, followed
by a technical description; this
combines extracts from manuals
with museum and period phots to
provide a combined walk-round and
close-up montage, and is a super-
detailer’s dream. ‘Evolution’ deals
with the type’s variants, of which
there were comparatively few, and
highlights the principle differences,
while the camouflage and markings
section is enhanced by a collection
of 30 colour profiles. Modellers will
find the build section most useful,
as it points out the pros and cons
of the two featured kits, along with
any ‘gotchas’ and handy assembly/
painting techniques along the way.
The first edition of this Airframe
Album was regarded as an excellent
reference, and the improved
Version is even better, providing a
useful and informative reference. SF
144 pages
detailed explanation of events in
the Baltic where British forces
would find themselves in action
against the newly formed Soviets
and their navy. There’s also an
explanation of the circumstances
behind the shot fired by the
protected cruiser Aurora, often
claimed to be the first of the
October Revolution. Events are
described chronologically, starting
close to the Estonian coastline,
but gradually moving towards
the Gulf of Finland, with air and
sea operations mounted against
the Bolshevik forces as they
attempted to capitalize on regional
instability following the signing
of the Armistice in November
1918. Clear charts and a selection
of period photographs help to
illustrate events, covering British
as well as Soviet and Estonian
units, all of which creates an
impression of the difficulties of
operating in that part of the Baltic
Sea. Arguably, this is more for
historians than modeller, although
the line drawings of ships involved
will be of use, along with the many
period photos. SF
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
184 pages
TSR2 Britain’s Lost Cold War
Strike Aircraft
By: Tim McLelland, Tony Buttler
ISBN: 978-1-91080-913-6
Price: £24.99
Format: 225 x 290mm
Web: www.crecy.co.uk
Few aircraft evoke as much
emotion or controversy as
Britain’s TSR.2, acknowledged
widely as being ahead of its time,
but cancelled ignominiously,
with all jigs and most airframes
destroyed to prevent re-use. This
revised and expanded edition
features a new chapter on the given, along with the many
type’s intended successor, the notable successes enjoyed by
F-111K (and addresses one or the programme, many of which
two urban myths), by acclaimed informed the Concorde and
author and historian Tony Anglo-French Variably Geometry
Buttler, plus extracts from Aircraft (which eventually
previously classified documents. morphed in to the Tornado).
Otherwise, the rest of the Perhaps ironically, as described
text remains unchanged, bar in the new chapter, the F-111K
a few corrections, describing would fall victim to similar issues
its background, genesis as as the TSR.2, with politics (albeit
a ‘supersonic Canberra’ and on the US side) and cost leading
premature death of what was to its cancellation. However,
an outstanding piece of aviation ‘what-if’ modellers are left with
engineering. A full account of the perhaps a new focus, a list of
TSR.2’s trials and tribulations potential units mooted as being
at the hands of politicians the lead F-111K squadrons…what
and inter-service rivalries is a flight line that would make. SF
BENT-WINGED BIRD 16 pages
Chance Vought F4U Corsair
By: Maciej Noszczak
ISBN: 978-83-65437-81-5
Price: £17.95 Format: A4
Web: casematepublishing.co.uk
Regardless of which Corsair might
be on your build list, this useful set
of scale plans published in Kagero’s
softback Topdrawings series are
worth considering. This item offers
more than 20 views in 1/48 scale,
supported by the occasional scrap
study in 1/24 and 1/32 (focusing on
the engine, cockpit area, bombs/
racks and centreline fuel tank).
Variants covered comprise the
XF4U, F4U-1/1A and F4U-2, and
there are additional drawings in for checking dimensions, and to
1/72 to highlight structural type serve as templates in creating
differences, such as the style camouflage masks, and the
of canopy, engine cowling, wing quality here is excellent. And the
panels, leading edge radar pod and provision of a separate folded A3
more. The centre-four pages carry sheet, which offers yet more 1/48
convincing colour profiles and plans, only boosts the handiness
plan/underside views, and a bonus of the book. It’s a relatively cheap
set of vinyl canopy masks are also reference and well worth a look,
provided for Tamiya’s 1/72 and 1/48 particularly if one has several
Corsair kits. Scale plans are handy Corsair projects in mind. CC
 THE LATEST MILITARY
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 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
CAMOUFLAGED FOXBAT
MiG-25RBF
By: ICM Item no: 48904
Price: £43.99 Web: www.icm.com.ua
ICM’s latest MiG-25 is the first ever
kit of the RBF electronic intelligence
(ELINT) reconnaissance variant.
Seven of the beautifully moulded
styrene runners are shared with
previous Foxbat-B reconnaissance
releases, offering full-length intakes
and nozzles, poseable flaps and
ailerons, a sumptuous cockpit, plus
there’s a new frame for the RBF’s
ELINT-equipped nose cone. This
appears to have the correct shape,
DOLPHIN TEACHER
L-29 Delfin
By: Eduard
Item no: 8464 Price: €29.95
Web: www.eduard.com
After many years of neglect,
Aero’s L-29 trainer is now well
catered for in 1/48 scale, and
Eduard has repackaged AMK’s
styrene as a 'Weekend' release. A
small photo-etched brass fret is
included, for airframe antennas
and airbrake hinges, although
this just replicates items from the
original kit. The finely moulded
components, provided on six
96 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/48
but has one or two minor panel line
errors, the most noticeable being
the type’s distinctive radome ‘cut
out’ on the top. Note, standard wing
fences are included, but this version
was equipped with ASO chaff/flare
dispensers, so modellers will need
to find aftermarket replacements or
scratch-build them. Three liveries are
supplied:
• Red 20, 47th GRAP, Shatalovo,
August 2001
• Red 38, 931st OGRAP, Weneuchen
AB, Germany, 1991
• Red 48, 47th GRAP, Shatalovo,
2001
1/48
runners, exude refinement, from
the integrally moulded cockpit
sidewalls and undercarriage bays
to the intricate five-piece ejection
seats and full-length exhaust.
Despite the styrene’s quality, the
decals take the top prize, with
individual ‘tiger stripes’ for the
main scheme, and full-length
ejection seat harnesses, which
should make painting simpler. The
two options are:
• 2853, 1st Flight, 11th Ftr Regt,
Žatec, Czech Republic, 1993
• 1928, 3rd Air Base, Malacky,
Slovakia, 1993
DESERT STEALTH
F-117A Nighthawk
By: Italeri
Item no: 2750 Price: £24.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Italeri’s 1/48 F-117 was first
released in 1990, when little
was known about the type, and
the re-released kit appears
unchanged, with raised panel lines
and incorrect bomb bay. The decal
sheet is another issue, though,
and offers a superb selection,
plus full airframe stencilling.
There is a well-appointed cockpit,
featuring a neat four-piece ACES
II ejection seat, but the instrument
AIRBORNE WARRIOR
JASDF F-15J Eagle
By: Platz
Item no: AC-24 Price: US$18.03
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
You have to hand it to Japan’s Air
Self-Defense Forces; they know how
to create commemorative schemes.
Platz’ latest F-15J iteration features
one of these wonderful liveries,
namely 304 Squadron’s 40th
Anniversary regalia, with artwork
depicting the unit’s namesake (a
Tengu Warrior) on the upper surfaces
and one tail fin. Markings aside, the
1/48
panel is inaccurate. That said, for
modellers wanting a basic F-117,
this is an ideal option. Of the seven
markings choices, six are for 1991
First Gulf War participants:
• 85-0825 ‘Mad Max’, 415th TFS
• 85-0813 ‘The Toxic Avenger’,
416th TFS
• 85-0832 ‘Once Bitten’, 416th
TFS
• 82-0810 ‘Dark Angel’, 416th TFS
• 82-0803 ‘Unexpected Guest’,
416th TFS
• 85-0814 ‘Final Verdict’, 416th
TFS
• 78-783, Air Force Flight Test
Centre, Edwards AFB, 2005
1/72
kit is identical to previous releases,
with seven styrene runners providing
full-length intakes/exhausts, a
selection of air-to-air-missiles and
arguably the best Eagle cockpit
in the scale. The decal sheet is a
masterpiece, featuring sharp colour
demarcations and perfect register;
helpfully, most of the stencils are
grouped together, and while there is
copious carrier film, its gloss nature
should minimise silvering. The
sole marking option depicts F-15J
airframe 42-8947/947 as it appeared
at Naha Air Base in 2017.

GULL-WINGED FUN
Vought F4U Corsair
By: AFV Club
Item no: AR14406 Price: £17.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
AFV Club’s airliner-scale offerings
now include a splendid two-kit F4U
Corsair package. Despite its size,
there are eight styrene runners,
with parts for four versions (F4U-
1/1A/1C/1D), providing different
canopies (three), propellers (two),
wing guns (two) and a choice of
weaponry. Further options include
raised/lowered undercarriage and
landing/cowling flaps. The eight
BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘GINA’
Eurofighter Typhoon RAF
By: Revell
Item no: 03900 Price: £19.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Revell’s Typhoon gets a second
outing as the RAF’s specially
marked ZK349, which was
bedecked in Dark Earth/Dark
Green camouflage and the code
serial (GN-A) of Flt Lt James
Brindley Nicholson VC’s Hurricane
Mk.I. Otherwise the parts (on
six runners) are unchanged and
there's much to admire, from the
1/144
markings choices are:
• F4U-1, 17-F-8, VF-17, USS Bunker Hill,
Jul 1943
• Corsair I, JT158/9L, 1834 NAS, 1943
• F4U-1A Corsair, 883, VMF-214,
Solomon Islands, Dec 1943
• F4U-1A, 307, 18 Sqn, RNZAF,
Guadalcanal, 1945
• F4U-1C, 53, VF-85, USS Shangri-La,
Mar 1945
• F4U-1C, 11, VBF-99, USS Shangri-La,
Jul 1945
• F4U-1D, 167, VF-84, USS Bunker Hill,
Feb 1945
• F4U-1D, VBF-88, USS Yorktown (CV-
10), Aug 1945
1/72
engraved surface detail to the
well-appointed cockpit, four-part
ejection seat and raised relief on
the side consoles and instrument
panel. That said, this iteration’s
niggling aspects remain, with
open-ended air intakes and no
inner wing pylons. A decent array
of air-to-air weaponry is supplied,
although most will be unused if the
box top scheme is used, but note
the centreline pylon is different to
the version Revell would have you
use, with the result the drop tank’s
upper fin fouls the fuselage.
ELECTRONIC AGGRESSOR
SAAB SK 37E Stör-Viggen
By: Special Hobby
Item no: SH 48150 Price: €62.50
Web: www.cmkkits.com
A new forward fuselage section
has been added to Special Hobby’s
existing Viggen parts, to allow
the portrayal of a two-seat SK
37E electronic countermeasures
aircraft. There’s a lot of styrene
here, and the maker has
remembered salient points
such as the extended/dog-tooth
vertical fin, bulged upper nose and
instructor periscopes between
the canopies. Pre-coloured
TINY SUB-HUNTERS
JMSDF Patrol Aircraft Set
By: Pit-Road
Item no: S44 Price: US$18.03
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Here’s a perfect addition to any
modern Japanese Maritime Self-
Defense Force (JMSDF) scene, in the
shape of 1/700 scale P-1s and P-3s.
There are sufficient parts for two of
each, with separate undercarriage,
four AGM-84 Harpoon missiles per
model and hollow intakes for the P-1’s
turbofan engines. Panels and flying
control surfaces are represented as
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 97
ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
1/48
photo-etched metal details are
provided, as is the different rear
instrument panel for this sub-type.
It’s baffling, though, why Special
Hobby didn’t offer the dedicated
jamming pods, though…not even
in its aftermarket resin range. The
decals are stunning, and both low-
vis grey and the classic splinter
liveries are here. They are:
• 21/73, F 21, Lulea-Kallax,
2005/2005
• FC/09, Centre for Experimental
Research, Malmen
• 4/70, Type Conversion/EW
Group, F4, Östersund, 2004
• 4/74, as above, March 2000
1/700
fine engraved lines. Nine schemes
are specified, but there are numerals
to make most JMSDF airframes:
• XP-1/UP-1, 5501/01, Air
Development Sqn 51
• P-1, 5503/03, Air Patrol Sqn 3,
Atsugi
• P-3C, 506/60, 203rd Air Education
Corps
• P-3C, 5031/31, Air Patrol Sqn 2
• P-3C, 5006/06, Air Patrol Sqn 6
• P-3C, 5017/17, Air Patrol Sqn 9
• P-3C, 5002/02, Air Patrol Sqn 3
• P-3C, 5036/36, Air Patrol Sqn 5
• P-3C 5068/48, Air Patrol Sqn 8
 ON THE SHELF
AIRCRAFT KITS
FIRST OF THE JETS
He 280
By: Eduard Item no: 8068
Price: €39.95 Web: www.eduard.com
Eduard’s He 260 maybe almost two
decades old, but age hasn’t affected
its quality. In addition to four styrene
runners for the 93 well-moulded
parts, there is a pre-printed photo-
etched (PE) metal fret and self-
adhesive canopy/wheel mask set.
Fine engraved panel lines and rivets
adorn the exterior surfaces, but
the interior is comparatively bare,
with minimal detail in the cockpit,
NEUTRAL TWIN-BOOMS
DH 100 Vampire Mk.I
By: Special Hobby
Item no: SH72339 Price: € 17.50
Web: www.cmkkits.com
This Vampire kit, branded ‘The
First Jet Guardians of Neutrality’,
due to its Swedish and Swiss
schemes, is smashing. ‘New’
Special Hobby fineness is
everywhere, from the delicately
engraved panel lines and locating
pins, to the beautifully moulded
air intakes, engine fronts and
undercarriage bays. The cockpit
is impressive too, with moulded
98 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/48
undercarriage bays and engines.
The innards are enhanced by PE
components, notably the instrument
panel and side consoles, but for
those wanting a busier ‘office’ they
will need to scratch-build any extras,
Options are limited to a choice
between HeS 8A and Jumo 004
engines and an open/closed canopy.
The three overall RLM 02 choices,
which are all prototype/development
airframes, are:
• V2, GJ+CA, March 1943
• V3, GJ+CB, July 1942
• V8, NU+EC, July 1943
1/72
instruments, and there are also
alternative curved and straight
wing tips. The well-printed decals
offer Swedish jets in the standard
Olive Green over Light Blue-Grey,
while the Swiss aircraft come in
overall aluminium and Medium Sea
Grey/Black garb:
• Mk.I, J-1002, Swiss AF,
Dübendorf, 1946
• Mk.I, J-1003, Swiss AF,
Dübendorf, 1947
• J 28A, 13/red E, 1 Sqn, F 13,
Swedish AF, Norrköping, 1947
• J 28A, 3/yellow L, F 3, Linköping,
1952
TIGER, TIGER!
Dassault Rafale C
By: Revell
Item no: 03901
Price: £29.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
It might be hard to believe,
but Revell has been delighting
fans of French aircraft with
its 1/48 Rafales for almost 20
years, yet it’s taken this long to
release the single-seat air force
variant. Runners from the B- and
M-versions have been combined,
so it includes the former’s
dedicated AT730 triple-ejector
rack and GBU-12 frame. This
means there’s a well-appointed
cockpit with six-piece M-B Mk.16
THE EAGLE AND THE BEAR
F-15J Eagle 201Sq Chitose Air Base
60th Anniversary
By: Hasegawa
Item no: 02265 Price: £39.99
Web: www.amerang.co.uk
It seems that as long as the
Japanese Air Self-Defense Force
applies special schemes to its F-15Js,
then Hasegawa will reproduce the
liveries in scale form. This iteration
echoes the jet 52-8860, of the 201st
Squadron, 2nd Air Wing, which was
1/48
ejection seat, fine recessed
panel lines and rivets on the
airframe exterior, and accurately
replicated undercarriage. There’s
also a huge variety of weaponry
to hang under the wings,
including SCALP-EG, radar- and
infra-red-guidance MICA air-to-air
missiles, a Damocles targeting
pod (although this is marked as
‘unused’ on the instructions)
and two sizes of drop tanks. Two
schemes are supplied:
• 118-EF, EC 5/330 ‘Côte d’Argent’,
BA 118 Mont-de-Marsan, NATO
Tigermeet, 2012
• 30-GF, EC 2/30 ‘Normandie-
Miemen’, BA 118 Mont-de-
Marsan, 2017
1/72
decorated with stunning eagle,
bear and hinomaru artwork on the
vertical tails, to mark 60 years of
Chitose Air Base. This firm’s Eagles
are decent despite being rather
venerable now, and the cockpit and
avionics bay both have pleasing
moulded detail. No armament is
supplied though, so it’s a trip to the
spares box or buying Hasegawa
weapons sets if stores are desired.
Fuel tanks and missile rails are
present though.
 The International Plastic Modellers Societ y (UK) presents

The World’s Greatest Model Show

2018

Incorporating the IPMS (UK) National Competition

Remembering Commemorating
11/11/1918 01/04/1918

Over Over
200 200
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The International Centre Telford Shropshire TF1 4JH

Saturday Sunday
10th November 2018 11th November 2018
Open: 10.00am to 6.00pm Open: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Admission: Adults £12.00 ~ Concessions £9.00* Admission: Adults £10.00 ~ Concessions £7.00*
Two day pass £20.00 ~ Children under 16: FREE (up to 2 children per full-paying adult)
Advance ticket sales now available from: ipmsuk.org/ipms-scale-modelworld ~ IPMS Members FREE Admission
*Concessions means either Seniors (over state retirement age) or Registered Disabled (accompanying carer gets free admission)
 ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
THEATRE PROTECTOR
M1120 THAAD
By: Dragon Item no: 3605
Price: £121.99 Web: www.hobbyco.net
Despite claims to the contrary,
this isn’t a completely new tooling.
Instead it’s a mix of Italeri’s M977
parts (three runners) and three
additional frames from Dragon that
provide specific M1120 items, such
as chassis beams, missile canisters/
erector mechanism and wheels, plus
DS-styrene tyres. Given the price, it’s
a curious combination, as disparities
in mould quality are apparent
ISRAELI UPGRADES
Tiran 4 Early Type
By: MiniArt
Item no: 37010 Price: £57.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
MiniArt’s T-54/55 odyssey reaches
the early Tiran 4, which was a
minimal upgrade to the basic
T-54. All the Israeli upgrades are
incorporated, namely the rear
turret- (for water) and mudguard-
mounted (for fuel) jerrycans,
changed mudflaps, rearwards
opening loader’s hatch, pintle-
mounted .30 cal machine gun and
locally-produced rear hull stowage
100 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/35
immediately. However, its appears to
be an accurate M1120 Load Handling
System, on which an eight-round
missile pallet is attached. The latter
benefits from eight turned aluminium
tubes for the canisters, with photo-
etched brass buckles. Just one
option is included, for raised/lowered
missiles, but this will build into an
impressive model. The single scheme
depicts one vehicle deployed to
South Korea in 2017, but ‘Inert’ labels
are supplied…yet all reference photos
show the launchers to be operational,
with ‘live’ missiles.
1/35
bin. Given there are 87 styrene
runners, plus a comprehensive
photo-etched brass fret, such
alterations are easy to include,
and the result is a fully detailed
interior (engine, transmission,
driver’s section and fighting
compartment), plus a stunning
exterior…the hardest challenge
will be displaying everything.
Considering the amount of styrene
and overall refinement provided,
it’s great value. The three
markings options depict overall
IDF Sand Grey machines assigned
to unidentified units.
MOBILE AIR DEFENCE
Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind
By: Revell
Item no: 03267 Price: £17.99
Web: www.revell.de/en
Revell’s Wirbelwind appears to
be a re-box of the MACO offering,
itself based on the former’s
Pz.Kpfw.IV chassis parts and
gun parts from its Sd.Kfz.7/1. It
comprises six styrene runners,
and due to the mix-and-match
approach, there are plenty of
spares. Despite the original
moulds being almost two decades
old, the main hull and running gear
is first-rate in terms of quality and
PATTON’S PROGENITOR
T26E2 Pershing
By: Milicast
Item no: US13 Price: £25.95
Web: www.milicast.com
The emergence of German
Panther and Tiger tanks led to the
development of the T26 Pershing;
this is the first 1/76 kit of the type
and Milicast’s resin is detailed
superbly. Comprising more than
30 crisply cast parts, including a
single piece hull, all of the tank’s
characteristics are captured
faithfully, from the curved glacis
1/72
detail, as are the flak components,
while the six-sided turret is even
more refined in terms of crispness
and the wafer-thin sides. Two
styles are provided, low- and
high-sided; these are identified
as ‘12.PD’ and ‘Series’ and latter
is the more familiar design, while
the former has a recess on one
side, where up to eight magazines
would otherwise be located. Two
late-war three-toned camouflage
schemes are offered:
• Series turret, 10. Pz.Gren Div.,
Berlin, April 1945
• 12.PD Turret, Pz.Regt.12,
Bretagne, France, summer 1944
1/76
plate to the massive turret. Four
track sections are cast separately,
which allows for open spaces around
the drive and idler wheels that would
otherwise be filled by flash. The two-
piece main armament incorporates
a separate double-baffle muzzle
brake, and commendably, there was
little warping on the barrel. Options
include open/closed hatches; these
feature integrally cast inner handles
and optic blocks. No markings are
supplied, but the first 20 tanks
deployed in early 1945 were painted
overall Olive Drab.

SNAP, SNAP…BURN!
Churchill Mk.VII Crocodile
By: Tamiya
Item no: 32594 Price: £24.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Tamiya’s kit, which portrays the
flame-throwing Churchill with its
own fuel/nitrogen trailer, combines
splendid moulding with real
buildability. The latter is exemplified
by the hull sides that have the
suspension units moulded integrally.
Upper deck rendering is crisp and
workmanlike, the link-and-length
MULTI-TURRETED BEAST
Soviet T-28 Medium Tank
By: Trumpeter
Item no: 07150
Price: £14.99
Web: www.pocketbond.co.uk
This is Trumpeter’s second T-28
(the first was a 1/35 offering),
and depicts the late-production
A-version, with short-barrelled
main gun and welded armour…
although the turret incorrectly
features the early style riveted
plates. There are four styrene
runners, plus separate lower hull
and main turret; the tracks and
running gear are supplied as
1/48
tracks look great and the separate
styrene tow cables have fine twist
patterning. A real highlight is the
well-detailed trailer coupling, and
the trailer itself is a gem. Pleasingly,
the commander figure is not like a
bar of soap, sporting fine features.
There’s rich colouring on the decals
supplied, for two post-D-Day overall
green vehicles:
• ‘Briton’, 34th Tank Brigade, France,
July 1944
• 79th Armoured Division,
Northwest Europe, 1944
1/72
single-piece slide-moulded items.
No flash was apparent on the
parts — there are large ejector pin
marks on the suspension arms,
but these will be hidden by the
run-off/side skirt plates. None of
the hatches may be posed open,
but the combination of refined
detail on the exterior, plus the
subject’s unusual nature more
than compensates. Three Russian
Green vehicles are supplied, but
without any unit identification,
although the boxtop option is
likely to have been a participant
in the Red Square Parade,
Moscow in 1933.
TINY LEGEND
Medium Tank M4A1 Sherman
By: UM
Item no: 371 Price: £11.95
Web: www.tigerhobbies.co.uk
UM kits aren’t brand new, but
they have been hard to find in
the UK until a recent import deal
was struck with Tiger Hobbies.
If one is into small-scale armour,
this item and other Shermans
in the range will appeal no end.
There’s a wealth of detail: UM’s
M4A1 replicates a small-hatch
‘dry’ hull with one-piece final drive
assembly. The six runners are
SCHOOLGROUND TANKS
Cruiser Tank A41 Centurion
By: Platz
Item no: GP-39
Price: US71.44
Web: www.platz-hobby.com
Don’t be fooled by this kit’s
connection with Japanese anime
(in this case girls’ schools with
access to heavy armour), as it’s a
re-boxing of AFV Club’s excellent
Centurion, but with parts for the
initial version. Perhaps surprisingly,
this is the first styrene offering
of the early A41 Centurion, and
comprises 12 styrene runners,
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 101
ON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITS
1/72
packed with parts, which include
worthy link-and-length tracks,
convincing VVSS suspension units,
separate tools and hatches, and
photo-etched brass components.
These comprise lamp frames,
mudguard ends and suspension
skids, although the latter will be
hard to shape due to their size.
The decals are very matt in finish,
but cater for the following two US
Army tanks:
• ‘Duck’, 11th Tank Battalion, 10th
AD, 1943
• ‘Hell on Wheels’, 13th Armored
Regt, 2nd AD, Sicily, 1943
1/35
separate lower hull, vinyl tyres (for
the roadwheels) and band-style
tracks, turned brass barrel, brass
springs (for the working suspension)
and a length of thread. It doesn’t
have an interior, but the exterior is
festooned with detail; the running
gear is notable for its refinement,
and the type’s extensive stowage
has been captured accurately. The
single scheme is for the All-Stars
University Team vehicle, captained
by Alice Shimada in 2015’s Girls und
Panzer der film. Modellers wanting
to build a machine from 1945 must
source aftermarket decals.
 ON THE SHELF
CARS AND BIKES
GRAND PRIX THOROUGHBRED
Ferrari SF70H
By: Tamiya
Item no: 20068 Price: £54.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
When Tamiya announces a new
racing car kit, there’s a frisson of
excitement among auto modellers,
and none more so than when its 1/20
SF70H was revealed. The crisply
moulded parts are supplied in three
colours on five styrene runners,
making this suitable for novices as
well as experienced builders, and
the clever components breakdown
LONG-DISTANCE HAULER
Freightliner FLD 120 Special
By: Italeri
Item no: 3925 Price: £49.99
Web: www.hobbyco.net
Italeri’s FLD makes a welcome
return with a new set of decals.
Otherwise, the contents are
identical to previous iterations,
with nine styrene runners and ten
vinyl tyres. There are two chrome-
plated frames, but as many items
are supplied in halves, modellers
may wish to strip this coating and
respray after assemblinbg them.
It features an impressive chassis,
102 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/20
ensures the vehicle’s sinuous curves
are captured accurately. Hollow vinyl
tyres, self-adhesive mirror surfaces
and paint masks are accompanied
by three decal sheets (one supplying
reverse-application items for the
soft-compound tyres), plus Tamiya’s
signature screws complete the
package. Helpfully, the car’s carbon
fibre-textured sections are included
as decals, along with a six-point
harness. Either of Ferrari’s entrants
(#5 or #7) to the 2017 Australian
Grand Prix can be built, as driven by
Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen.
1/24
powerplant and drivetrain, plus
a well-furnished cab (including
textured seats) and even the
sleeping compartment (which
will mostly be hidden) receives
attention. The parts are notable
for an absence of flash, sink marks
and other moulding blemishes,
while the transparencies are
crystal clear. Two schemes are
supplied (both for overall white
chassis), in the form of a flame-
trailing American Eagle livery,
or a comparatively sedate Gally
Transportation vehicle, with blue/
orange trim.
RENAULT’S FIRST
Taxi de la Marne
By: ICM
Item no: 35659 Price: £22.99
Web: www.icm.com.ua
Having delighted auto fans with its
Ford Model Ts, ICM has released a
newly tooled Renault AG 1, which
became famous when 1,300 were
used to transport French troops
to the Battle of Marne in 1914.
It’s a surprisingly simple kit, with
just four styrene runners, plus
solid vinyl tyres. That aside, it’s
a delight, and features superbly
EQUINE COUPE
2010 Ford Mustang GT
By: Revell Item no: 07046
Price: £29.99 Web: www.revell.de/en
This is a re-release of the now
defunct Revell USA’s pleasing Ford
Mustang GT kit, and comprises 12
styrene runners (including two for
glazing) plus separate bodyshell,
chassis and interior, with four hollow
vinyl road tyres. As a Level 3 offering,
it’s a bridge between snap-together
and ‘proper’ products, and the body
parts are moulded in bright yellow
to assist in painting, while there’s
1/35
moulded parts, with minimal
seams and an absence of flash/
sink marks. A seven-piece replica
of the 1.2 lit 2-cylinder engine is
provided, along with the type’s
unusual rear-mounted radiator.
ICM has included an accurate taxi
meter and even brake and gear
levers. Options are restricted to
just open/closed passenger doors,
although the bonnet can also be
posed open to display the engine.
A single red/black scheme is
supplied, with three examples of
period registration plates.
1/25
also a chrome-plated runner for
the wheels and brightwork. There’s
much to savour here, from the
detailed engine and transmission, to
the well-appointed left-hand drive-
configured interior — it even has
seatbelt brackets and buckles (all
that’s missing is the actual harness).
A single scheme is provided, for a
yellow car with black stripe, but there
are three different trim styles on the
decal sheet, which should cater for
most body shell colours…a generous
selection of US and European
registration plates are also supplied.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE WITH HINTS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Welcome to the re-printed
Scale Modelling – Step-by-Step …
whether you are a total novice,
returning to the hobby after a long
lay-off, or an experienced modeller.

While flexibility and experimentation

form a large part of building scale
models, there are some standards
that are set in stone and many
construction, painting and airbrushing
methods are featured here. Primarily,
though, this instructional 100-page
publication is aimed at beginners
who, if they choose to stick with
it, will have entered a fascinating
and fun arena in which to develop
their creativity. On these pages we
also endeavour to welcome lapsed
modellers back to the fold and to
help update their skills. Enjoy, and get
building!
and much more!

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 ON THE SHELF
FIGURES
FUTURISTIC WARRIOR
ɅPPɅRɅT Male Soldier
By: Greenstrawberry
Item no: 12005 Price: US$50.35
Web: www.greenstrawberry.cz
Resembling a cross between
personages from Halo, Guyver and
Doom,, this is Greenstrawberry’s first
foray into figures, and it’s a stunner.
Sculpting and casting are excellent,
with all production seams positioned
at joins between the various parts,
and the high-quality detail cries out
for washes and highlights. Notionally,
this is a basic soldier, wearing full-
body armour, and equipped with
what appears to be a targeting sight
on the right-hand side of the helmet,
which also has an articulated linkage
to the integrally cast backplate. A
circular baseplate is included, along
with a pre-cut self-adhesive mask
GETTING TO
1/35
THE FRONT LINE
Soviet Drivers (1979-1991)
By: ICM
Item no: 35641 Price: £6.60
Web: www.icm.com.ua
With the recent glut of 1/35
Soviet-era trucks, its perhaps
surprising it’s taken this long for
driver figures to be released, so
ICM’s set is most welcome as it
addresses a major shortfall. All
parts on the two styrene runners
are high quality in terms of detail
and moulding, and minimal (if
any) preparation will be needed
before assembly. Both figures
are depicted behind the wheel,
with one wearing standard
tunic, trousers and pilotka (side
cap), while the second has
coveralls and what appears to
be a lightweight ushanka (with
tied-up ear flaps). According to
references, either driver could
be employed in pre-1979 vehicles
as well, as a previous uniform
update occurred in 1969, but
a new type was issued shortly
after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
104 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/20
for the distinctive triangular ɅPPɅRɅT
insignia. Here’s hoping there are
more to follow!
MUSICAL 1/35
INTERLUDE
German Tank Crew Normandy
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35275 Price: £10.99
Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
This is a refreshing take on a tank
crew set, offering five figures in a
mixture of poses, from standing/
sitting on the vehicle, to leaning
on the barrel and one playing an
accordion. What’s most impressive
is these tankers would be equally
suitable for any Normandy-based
German tank. The well-moulded
parts are held on three styrene
runners (one is dedicated to
equipment and personal weapons),
with separate heads, arms, legs
and headgear. The clothing is
replicated convincingly, notably
the commander’s jacket, while
the accordion is a four-piece
ensemble, which requires just a
harness to complete it.
OUT FOR A STROLL
1/35
Woman with Umbrella
By: Toro Model
Item no: 35F96
Price: €10
Web: www.toro-model.com.pl
Toro’s female pedestrian would
be ideal for any wartime diorama.
The figure is depicted in typical
1930s attire; wearing a smart, yet
functional jacket and skirt, sturdy
boots and a ribbon-decorated
hat, while carrying an umbrella
in case of inclement weather. As
ever, the sculpting and casting
are first-rate, especially the
jacket and cravat; the face and
hair are both realistic and will lower surfaces, which means no
benefit from careful highlighting unsightly seams, although the
and shadowing. Thoughtfully, all head and umbrella will require
casting seams are on the figure’s additional neatening.
1/48 KEEP ON 1/24
BEFORE THE TRUCKING
BATTLE
Pilot WWI Camel
By: Plus Model
Item no: AL4078 Price: €8.90
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
World War One single-
seat fighter vignettes
just became easier,
courtesy of Plus
Model’s exquisite
two-piece pilot
figure. Depicted
standing and
holding a cigarette
in the right hand
(the arm is separate
to the rest of the
body), it is wearing Jimmy (Tex) Haywood
full flying By: Master Box
gear, including Item no: MB24043 Price: £10.99
goggles, leather Web: www.creativemodels.co.uk
helmet and
long tunic, and Never one to shy from unusual
the mandatory subjects, Master Box has released
aviator’s scarf! a series of 1/24 haulage-associated
The detail is figures, which will be ideal for
stunning, and posing alongside/in Italeri’s vehicle
the appearance of the kits. The Jimmy (Tex) Haywood
soft leather clothing has been caricature is portrayed with a
captured faithfully, particularly bald head and slight paunch, and
the belt and tunic pockets. is wearing a t-shirt and shorts,
AMW’s sample suffered slightly posed with one foot on the truck
with casting flash, but this footplate and holding a cigar.
should be easy to remove with a There’s just a single styrene runner
knife and sanding sticks. While for the seven parts (head, limbs
described as a Camel pilot, this and two-piece torso) and while the
would be equally suited to any integrally moulded detail is crisp
late-war Allied fighter. and realistic, most if not all seams
will need neatening.
DIORAMAS THE ULTIMATE MODELLING GUIDE NE
The next instalment in Airfix
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Modelling series, Dioramas lifts the lid
on scenic modelling and the techniques
necessary to produce convincing
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a scene, produce buildings and paint/
weather aftermarket items realistically,
create authentic water, snow and ice
and other styles of groundwork, and
convert figures.

Featuring:
BUILDINGS AND ROADS
A pair of AFV Club’s Dodge WC 51s are at the
centre of this late war scene.

NORMANDY RECOVERY
A busy Normandy ‘rescue’ scene in 1/35 scale.

TREES AND HEIGHT

ICM’s Panhard armoured car is set among
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create a stunning Soviet soldiers panorama.

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 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS

IRONWORKS FIGHTER 1/72

‘NINE’ SELECTION
1/48

provided for one Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX Zeltweg, Austria, 1946

of the Uruguayan Collection • LF.IXe, RK856/CA-G, Maj Cecil
options. Nine By: Xtradecal Golding, 3 Sqn SAAF, Italy, 1945
early/late F6F-5 Item no: X48172 • Mk.IX, MK805/SH-B ‘Peter John
airframes are Price: £7.99 III’, Flt Lt Tony Cooper, 64 Sqn,
represented, Web: www.hannants.co.uk Harrowbeer, July 1944
and the decal • Mk.IX, RK917/DB, Gp Capt Douglas
quality, register Anyone contemplating Spitfire Bader, Essex Sector, 1945
and colours are Mk.IX projects have a great
splendid; these aftermarket
markings are option here,
also available courtesy of
in 1/48 ACD Hannants’ own
48020. Examples brand. While
include: RAF day fighter
• 76 ‘10,000th camouflage rules
Hellcat’, the roost, pleasing
VBF-87, USS variety comes
Ticonderoga, via high-altitude
The Hellcat June 1945 Medium Sea Grey
By: Armycast • 8, VOF-1, USS Tulagi, Operation over PRU Blue, and
Item no: ACD 72 020 Dragoon, August 1944 desert tones on a
Price: €12.50 • 216/BA, CVL-26, USS Monterey, USAAF airframe.
Web: www.armycast.cz 1953 Some of the ten
• ‘S’, GC II/9 ‘Auvergne’, Armée de choices are:
Armycast’s new Hellcat decal L’Air, Tan Son Nhut, 1952 • Mk.IXc, MA466/
collection is refreshing because it • 22, Flotille 1F, Aeronavale, BQ-S, 451 Sqn,
offers export markings as well as Indochina, 1951 Corsica, 1944
US Navy items. One carrier sheet • A-401, Uruguay Aviación Naval, • Mk.IXc, WD-M,
has mostly white numbers and ID 1952-1960 4th FS, 52nd FG,
devices, while USAAF, Corsica,
much more 1944
colour adorns • Mk.IXc, NH346/
the other LK-M, 87 Sqn,
backing, which
offers national
insignia, unit
badges and the SHADES OF GREY 1/72
like. A bonus
is the resin
antenna fairing

1/144
MEXICAN LOW-COST

TAESA 737-200 the carrier’s 737-200 XA-SLC,

By: Decales Global
Item no: DG-14122
Price: US $9
Web: www.joydecals.com
Transportes Aéreos Ejecutivos
(TAESA) was a Mexican budget
airline that operated from 1988
to 2000. This sheet caters for
and offers window/door decals,
windscreens, national flags and
company branding. The blue tail
logo comes on yellow backing,
but the latter is somewhat patchy
due to the printing. All other
markings look great, though, and
the painting is easy given that the
aircraft’s fuselage is overall white.
USN/USMC/USAF Lo-Viz Insignia
and Data
By: Euro Decals
Item no: ED-72114 Price: £7.95
Web: www.fantasyprintshop.co.uk
No modeller of modern US jets
should be without this incredibly
handy sheet of low-vis grey
markings. Stars and bars, rescue
banners, ejection seat stencils
and intake warning chevrons of
various styles feature here, along
with NAVY and MARINES legends.
Recipient types include the KC-135,
A-4, F-15C/E, F-117, AV-8B, MH-60
and A-10. Perfect if one needs
replacement decals due to kit items
being damaged, or simply for a
change of scheme, these are perfect.

106 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com

 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS

SYRIAN SUITCASES 1/48

TAKING ON THE VC
1/72

Air War Over Vietnam Pt.2 • U-6, 41694/X, VNAF

Sukhoi Su-24M from the Russian
VKS in Syria
By: Begemot
Item no: 48-037 Price: £10.70
Web: www.begemotdecals.ru
Considering this two-sheet package
contains options for 15 Su-24M
Fencer-D airframes, plus pre-cut
painting masks (for the initial
aircraft deployed to Syria, which had
painted-over serials and insignia),
it’s an absolute bargain. Designed
for Trumpeter’s impressive 1/48
scale kit, all airframes bear standard
light grey/white camouflage, with
radomes and dielectric panels in
the latter tone. Meticulous research
has uncovered a treasure trove of
information on Syrian-deployed
ALBION’S BIG GUNS
Fencers (nicknamed ‘suitcase’ due
to their slab-sided fuselage), and
Begemot has packed this into the
busy instructions. The schemes, all
belonging to the Aviation Group of
the Russian VKS in Syria, include:
• 0615326/RF-90932/White 26,
Khmeimin, October 2015
• RF-93811/White 72, Khmeimin,
early 2017
• RF-90940/White 08, Khmeimin,
October 2015
• RF-92015/White 49, Khmeimin,
summer 2016
• RF-93800/Blue 53, Khmeimin,
May 2016
• RF-93810/White 75, Khmeimin,
November 2015
• RF-90943/White 04, Khmeimin,
autumn 2016
1/72
two represent
vehicles deployed
as part of
NATO WEASEL
By: Blackbird models • UH-1H, 152/363, Medical
Item no: BMD72043 Evacuation Flt, VNAF, Bien
Price: £10 Hoa, 1971
Web: www.blackbirdmodels.co.uk • C-47A, 45939/R, VNAF
• F-100D, 53-403 ‘Charlene’
In this second collection of 309th TFS, 31st TFW, Tuy Hoa,
Vietnam War participants, • AP-2H, 148337/3 ‘Napalm
Blackbird Models gives more Nellie’, VAH-21, USN, Cam
weight to local airframes Ranh Bay
(three of the seven), but still • RF-101C, 56-119/AH ‘The Green
manages to offer an eclectic Dragon’, 45th TRS, 460th
mix of subjects. There’s a USAF TRW, Tan Son Nhut, late 1969
RB-57E, F-110D and
RF-101C, US Navy
AP-2H and VNAF
C-47, U-6 and UH-1H,
with schemes varying
from overall black to
white/grey, overall
Olive Drab, South East
Asian camouflage
and three-tone greys.
The decals feature
excellent register and
opacity, but the unit
codes and serials for
the F-100D and RF-101
should be white, rather
than the supplied light
grey. The schemes are:
• RB-57E, 0-54245/
BA-245, 460th
TRW, USAF
1/72

Operation Granby 52nd TFW F-4G Phantom Force Europe-deployed airframe

during the 1991
First Gulf War.
Perhaps due
to the printing
process, several
decals appear to
have a soft edge,
but otherwise
register and
opacity are good.
M109A1/A2 155mm Self-Propelled Note the markings are printed on
Howitzer a single sheet of carrier film, so
By: S&M Models will need cutting out individually
Item no: SMD72-15 Price: £5 prior to being applied.
Web: www.sandmmodels.co.uk • M109A1, 00ED24
• M109A1, 00ED28
S&M has branched out into • M109A2, 00ED58/Black B,
decals for 1/72 military vehicle BAOR, 1980s
subjects; the first such set • M109A2, 00ED59/Black C, 45
covers British Army M109A1 Regt RA, Hohne
and A2 howitzers and is • M109A2, 00HB42/Yellow 20B.
intended for Revell, Riich or OKB • M109A2, 00HB56/Black 30D,
Grigorov kits. Five are depicted 40 Fd Regt RA, 7 Armd Bde,
in either overall mid-Bronze Kuwait, 1991
Green or IRR Green with black • M109A2, 00HB29/Black 20A, 4
disruptive pattern, and the final Armd Bde, Kuwait, 1991
By: Milspec Decals — all items feature superb colour
Item no: 72-007 definition and quality and this
Price: US$8 product would be suitable for any
Web: www.milspecdecals.com 1/72 F-4G. Note, modellers could
arm this aircraft with either AGM-
For some reason, defence- 65 Maverick and AGM-78 Standard
suppression or ‘Wild Weasel’ or AGM-88 HARM weapons as the
platforms always seem to have an latter was just entering service
aggressive air about them, and in 1985. This F-4G scheme (which
none more so than European- is also available in 1/48 and 1/32
1-camouflaged F-4Gs. Milspec’s scales) is for:
busy single decal sheet supplies • 69-0247/SP, 52nd TFW,
all necessary markings, insignia, Spangdahlem, Germany, 1985
stencils (including
low-voltage
light strips) and
shark-mouth for
a single machine,
with all aspects
researched
exhaustively.
Four-view
painting/decaling
diagrams provide
all necessary
guidance to
build this US Air

View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 107

 ON THE SHELF
DECAL SHEETS
BOARDING STEPS
Malév Airlines KhaZ SPT-104
Stairs
By: Arctic Decals
Item no: ARC144-V03
Price: €6
Web: www.arcticdecals.com
And now for something decidedly
different…Airline markings
for passenger boarding stairs,
specifically those used by
Hungarian carrier Malév on its
Khaz-104 self-propelled units. They
would have been seen around
Il-14, Tu-134s and possibly even the
airline's early Boeing 737-300s at
WARSAW PACT INVADERS
T-55 in Prague ‘68
By: Star Decals
Item no: 35-C1131
Price: US$6.50
Web: www.star-decals.net
Star’s dedicated T-55 set
provides eight examples (with
options for three additional
subjects) of tanks involved in
Operation Danube, the Soviet-
led invasion of Czechoslovakia
in 1968. The overall Russian
Green vehicles are a mix of
T-54, T-55 and T-55A variants,
from Soviet and Polish units,
and would be suitable for any
1/35 T-55 kits. Operational
identification marks/stripes
108 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
1/144
airport terminals. These markings
are designed for Eastern Express’
SPT-104 kits, but should also be
applicable to NorthStar’s SPT-
154 stairs (which were the later
version). Each decal will need to
be cut from the sheet prior to
application, as they are printed on
a single sheet of gloss carrier film.
Three different styles of markings
are supplied, featuring red and
blue logos and legends. Dark
grey stripes are included for the
tops of the hand rails and rubber
pads where the ladders come into
contact with the aircraft.
1/35
varied considerably between
units and nationalities, and
these are captured accurately
on the profiles, along with and
Czech ‘paint bombs’ thrown as
the tanks moved through the
crowded streets in Prague. As
always, opacity is excellent,
although the matt carrier film
may lead to silvering. The
schemes are:
• T-55, White 6, Soviet Army
• T-55, White 4130, Polish Army
• T-55, White 140, Soviet Army
• T-55A, White 512, Soviet Army
• T-54A, White 027, Soviet Army
• T-55, Soviet Army
• T-55, White 462, Soviet Army
• T-55A, White 452
ARCHIPELAGO ZEROS
1/72
Hamp over the Solomon Islands • Red -138, Iwakuni (Training)
By: H-Models Kokutai, 1943
Item no: HMD72080 Price: £7.99 • Red -127, Iwakuni (Training)
Web: www.ghstudio.net Kokutai, 1943
• White -180, CPO Takeo
This is the fourth in H-Models Tanimizu, Tainan Kokutai,
range of Mitsubishi A6M decals Tainan, September 1944
and provides basic unit/
national markings for
four Model 32 ‘Hamp’
sub-types that were
operated over the
Solomon islands in 1943-
44. Three are in overall
Imperial Japanese Navy
(IJN) light grey-green,
while the fourth has IJN
Green uppersurfaces.
Three sheets are
included; two supply
basic and white-rimmed
hinomaru in various sizes
(with eight spares), and the
third offers aircraft codes,
airframe inscriptions and
landing gear door stripes.
Stencils are available
separately (HMD72071) and
this set is also available in
1/48 scale (HMD48061). The
aircraft are:
• Black T2133, 1943
HERALDIC SCOOTERS 1/72
A-4F VA-212 Rampart Raiders during which the aircraft flew in the
By: MILSPEC Decals Indian and Arabian Seas. In addition
Item no: 72-017 Price: US$10 to providing the basic unit/airframe
Web: www.milspecdecals.com data, this package also includes
full airframe stencils, walkways and
US Navy A-4s were renowned anti-glare panels, which are available
for their brightly coloured unit separately as 72-010. Colour
markings, and VA-212 featured a registration and density on both
striking rampant golden lion on a sheets are excellent, with VA-212’s
black shield motif. MILSPEC’s latest lion insignia notable for its clarity
early A-4 set deals with one airframe and contrast. These decals would be
from this squadron, BuNo 154979, ideal for any dorsal-hump-fitted 1/72
Modex 304, as it appeared in 1973 A-4E/F. This product is also available
when assigned to CVW-21 (NP tail in 1/48 and 1/32 scales (48-017 and
codes) on USS Hancock (CV-19), 32-017 respectively).
 MODEL MART
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Online shop for kits, decals ands accessories Accessories to You
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Fairlight, Sandy Lane, Crawley Down, Crawley, RH10 4HX Phone: 01543 433999 figures, tools and
models2u accessories
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 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
SUCCESSOR 1/72
NUKE
Poseideon C3 SLBM
By: Belcher Bits
Item no: BL-22 Price: C$34.99
Web: www.belcherbits.com
This is another great subject from
Belcher Bits, in the form of the UGM-
73 Poseidon sub-launched ballistic
missile; it comprises seven well-cast
resin parts and a piece of strip
styrene. Both first-stage pieces and
the single second-stage component
will need a small flat sanded for the
separate cable ducts. As with other
missiles in this range, the nozzle
also acts as the base, and this will
make for an uncommon display;
perhaps the biggest challenge will be
replicating the filament-wound fibre-
reinforced plastic casing!
1/72
UPGRADED
PATROL BOAT
PT-109
By: Eduard
Item no: 53215 Price: €25.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Revell’s newly tooled PT-109
gets a serious makeover from
Eduard’s photo-etched brass and
steel package. The deck is the
main focus, and this receives new
torpedo mounts, cleats, open/
closed hatches, life-ring mounts
and multiple structural braces,
rails and window surrounds...a
pre-painted steel US ensign
provides the finishing touch.
The interior isn’t neglected
either, with a new control panel
for the driver’s position and
replacement chart rack.
110 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
DROOPED
1/48
FLAPS
BAC Lightning F.1/F.1A/F.2/F.3
By: CMK Item no: 4346 Price: €12
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Modellers seeking to deflect the
control surfaces on their Airfix/
Eduard 1/48 Lightnings will find
CMK’s dedicated resin product
ideal. It comprises five well-
cast components, and provides
replacement flaps, ailerons and
rudder. Clear guidance is given as
to where to cut the kit styrene,
after which the resin items are
then added at the desired ‘angle
of dangle’.
FIGHTER 1/48
MAGICIAN
MATRA Magic 1/2
By: PJ Production
Item no: 481222 Price: €10.50
Web: www.pj-production.be
Modellers with Mirage III/5s will find
this set of Magic air-to-air missiles
the perfect accompaniment. There
are sufficient parts for two weapons,
and rear fins are supplied for either
Magic 1 or 2 versions (the latter have
a leading-edge notch). However, the
standout item is the single-piece
pylon and launch rails, with the latter
cast at the correct angle; these are
drop-in replacements for the styrene
pylons, and it’s an easy upgrade.
STUKA INNARDS 1/48
Ju 87B-2/R-2
By: Eduard
Item no: 49894 Price: €22.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Designed for Airfix’s new Ju 87B-2/R-
2, this photo-etched brass and pre-
painted metal update adds a wealth
of detail to the interior and open
wing gun bay. Most attention is paid
to the cockpit, with a new instrument
panel, radio rack and sidewall
consoles, plus map cases, magazine
drum 'faces', equipment boxes and
throttles. The bomb-aiming window
is a clever single-piece design, and
there is a new panel and spar details
for the port wing gun bay.
1/35
MARKET
SELLER
Greengrocer Trolley
By: Plus Model
Item no: 513 Price: €15.40
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Here’s an item sure to enliven
any village/market scene, and
Plus Model has rendered its
greengrocer’s trolley in laser-
cut wood and resin. There are
nine components in the latter
material, and all are finely cast,
notably the boxes of vegetables
(carrots, onions, melon and
cucumbers) and flower pots.
However the cart is the standout
item, and comprises 13 wooden
parts, plus three resin pieces for
the wheels and axle.
SHIPBORNE
1/350
DEFENCES
Russia Kashtan CIWS
By: Veteran Models
Item no: VTM35075 Price: £14
Web: Veteran Models (Facebook)
Veteran’s stunning resin,
photo-etched and turned
brass accessory will enhance
any Trumpeter or Orange
Hobby modern Russian/Soviet
combatants greatly, offering
four baseline Kashtan and one
improved Kashtan-M combined
gun and missile system. The
resin casting is exquisite,
with delicate detail and grille
representations; each unit
comprises 20-plus components
and highlights include two-piece
feed horns and individual turned
brass gun barrels.
PANZER 1/48
CATERPILLARS
Tracks for Pz.III/IV 36cm
By: OKB Grigorov
Item no: S48062 Price: €15
Web: www.shop.okbgrigorov.com
While there may not be many
quarter-scale Panzers, modellers
seeking greater accuracy and
refinement to the kit parts should
appreciate OKB Grigorov’s resin
replacements. They are supplied
in six lengths (three per side) and
feature stunning detail, notably
the hollow track guide teeth and
track pins, while the outer tread is
rendered faithfully. As with the firm’s
other track sets, these should be
joined, immersed in hot water and
then shaped to the running gear.

GUDERIAN’S 1/35
BRAINCHILD
Panzer IV Ausf.H
By: Eduard Item no: 36382
Price: €22.95 Web: www.eduard.com
Academy’s newly tooled Panzer IV
is a big improvement over previous
iterations, but lacks refinement in
several areas. Eduard’s single photo-
etched brass fret covers most of
these issues, principally the finer
exterior details, such as mud guard
flaps, tool and equipment clasps,
spare link brackets, a replacement
jack block and associated mount,
spare wheels holder and engine vent
covers. There are even short lengths
of chain for the front and rear towing
points. A separate Schürzen set
(36383) is also available.
1/48
TURBO
TOMCATS
F-14A P&W Exhaust Nozzle
By: KA Models
Item no: MA-48022 Price: US$38
Web: www.ka-models.com
Just when you thought jet
exhaust accessories couldn’t
improve, KA Models raises
the bar even higher. Its eight-
piece drop-in replacement
set for 1/48 Hasegawa/
Tamiya F-14As supplies two
complete afterburner sections
plus nozzles; the former has
horizontally split halves, and a
separate single-piece blade/fuel
injector. The nozzles are similarly
impressive, with wafer-thin sides
and delicate engraved detail on
the outer faces.
SCENERY
BEGINNERS
Static Grass Starter Set
By: Gaugemaster
Item no: GM196 Price: £9.95
Web: www.gaugemaster.com
Gaugemaster’s static grass
starter set novice diorama
builders, providing everything
necessary to replicate a field/
garden. A 50ml bottle of PVA
is complemented by a bag of
Summer Grass (GM171) and a
Scenic Puffer bottle, into which
the grass is decanted and then
blown over the brush-applied
adhesive. This product is ideal for
1/72 and smaller, but could easily
be applied as ‘infill’ for larger
scale scenes.
NAVAL TEMPEST 1/48
Hawker Sea Fury Complete Cockpit
By: BarracudaCast
Item no: BR48347 Price: US$17.95
Web: www.barracudacals.com
Airfix’s Sea Fury is taken to the
next level by Barracuda’s purpose-
designed cockpit set, which replaces
the styrene items in their entirety
with 25 beautifully cast resin
components. Clear guidance is
given as to how the kit is modified
before adding the new parts, plus
how additional features, such as the
upper sections of the seat harness,
can be scratch-built easily. There is
a profusion of extra detail supplied
here, with cockpit cabling, throttle
levers, and side console relief all
replicated faithfully.
EXPLOSIVES 1/76-1-72
CARRIERS
B167 Ammunition Boxes
By: Dan Taylor Modelworks
Item no: C-76127
Price: £3
Web: dantaylormodelworks.com
British B167 ammo boxes were a
common sight during World War Two,
being used to carry grenades and 2in
mortar rounds. This photo-etched
brass set offers sufficient parts for
four containers with handles, each
being a single piece item, which must
then be folded into shape.
The boxes are also available without
handles (C-76218).
1/2700
EXHAUST
PETALS
Star Destroyer Deflector Flaps
By: Green Strawberry
Item no: 05518 Price: US$21.79
Web: www.greenstrawberry.cz
Good as the Zvezda/Revell
1/2700 Star Destroyers are, they
lack detail in certain areas, and
while Greenstrawberry offers a
complete replacement (03417),
modellers on a limited budget
may prefer its photo-etched
brass upgrade instead. Each
‘flap’ comprises ten parts, with
the angled supports attaching to
a common frame, which attaches
to the kit’s styrene exhaust
nozzles. A helpful alignment
guide is also supplied, to help
replicate this conspicuous
feature on the classic Imperial
Fleet warship.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 111
ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
FLOGGER 1/48
‘OFFICE’
MiG-23MF
By: Yahu Models
Item no: YMA4854 Price: £4.30
Web: www.yahumodels.
siemianowice.com
Modellers with Trumpeter MiG-
23s on their workbench who
want a well-detailed cockpit, but
don’t have the necessary skill to
hand-paint the instrument panel
and side consoles, will welcome
Yahu’s replacements. As with
the rest of its ‘Juststick’ range,
the main item is pre-painted and
assembled, with gloss finish on
the dials to represent glass. Side
consoles and wall details are
supplied on a small photo-etched
metal fret, and once removed
should be attached to the bare
plastic once any moulded detail
has been removed.
HAWK’S CLAWS 1/72
P-40E/K/M/N Armament
By: CMK
Item no: 7287 Price: €7.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
Special Hobby’s lovely P-40s were
always intended as a baseline, to
which a modeller could add detail as
desired, via extras from CMK. This
18-piece resin upgrade offers two
complete gun bays plus associated
ammunition boxes, for which panels
in the upper and lower wing halves
must be removed. The detail is
excellent throughout, notably on
the six .50 cal gun bodies, while all
external panels are commendably
thin; the lower items feature
accurate bulges for the breeches,
plus spent shell ejection slots.
 ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
GUSTAV PEW 1/48
Bf 109G-6 Cockpit
By: Eduard
Item no: 648405 Price: €29.95
Web: www.eduard.com
Comprising 24 resin and photo-
etched brass and metal components
(the latter are pre-painted), this is
a comprehensive cockpit upgrade
for Tamiya’s quarter-scale Bf 109G-
6, replacing the styrene parts in
their entirety. The benefits of the
cast pieces over the kit styrene is
apparent, with finer detail and the
inclusion of actuator cables and
small instruments and levers, and
the set caters for early and late-
Gustavs. Minor surgery is required on
the kit before Eduard’s parts can be
added, but this is indicated clearly in
the instructions.
MITCHELL
1/32
DELIGHTS
B-25 Strafer Cockpit Detail Set
By: Profimodeller
Item no: 32093
Price: €17.43
Web: www.profimodeller.com
Hong Kong Models’ B-25s are
regarded as superb kits, but
modellers seeking ultimate detail
levels will find Profimodeller’s
multi-media cockpit very
useful. Rather than replacing
everything en-masse, this resin
and photo-etched brass package
concentrates on specific areas,
including the instrument panel,
central console, gunsight,
overhead controls, rudder pedals
and seat harnesses.
112 View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com
NIGHT
1/48
FIGHTER
ANTENNAS
Fug-220 Lichtenstein SN2
By: Brengun
Item no: BRL48092
Price: €4.04
Web: www.brengun.cz
Brengun’s photo-etched
brass fret supplies sufficient
components for a single
cruciform-configured
Lichtenstein SN2 radar array,
as used on Ju 88C/R/G, Me
110G, He 219 and Ta 154V15
night fighters. While these are
delicate items, they have greater
strength and finer detail than
styrene equivalents and would be
excellent replacements for lost/
damaged items.
VSTOL 1/72
MANOEUVERING
Harrier GR.7A Control Surfaces
By: CMK
Item no: 7364 Price: €10.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
This Harrier GR.7A product is
identical to CMK’s GR.9A control
surfaces (7372) and is intended for
Airfix’s 1/72 GR.7/9 kit. It’s actually
applicable to all second-generation
Harriers, as the flaps, ailerons and
rudder were unchanged, despite the
various designation changes. Cast
in grey resin, the flaps are superior
to the kit items as they split the
drooped section and upper panel,
while the styrene ailerons and rudder
must be removed before fitting the
CMK replacements.
MUDDY FORD 1/24
BOOTS
‘Panasport’ Minilite Wheels
By: Motobitz
Item no: MBA24006 Price: £14
Web: www.motobitz.uk
These coloured resin products are
designed for Belkits’ Escort Mk.I
kits and provide four examples of
13in diameter ‘Panasport’ Minilite
wheels and tarmac rally tyres. The
former each comprise two parts (for
inner and outer rims), plus an axle
stub, while the latter are supplied in
black and feature convincing tread.
Motobitz also supplies several decal
sheets for rally event Ford Escorts in
various colourful liveries.
1/72
‘WHAT-IF’
INTERCEPTOR
Blohm-Voss Bv 155B V1 Canopy
Mask
By: MH Models
Item no: X72020 Price: €3
Web: www.mhmodels.cz
The glazing on Special Hobby’s
Bv 155 is a typical German
‘greenhouse’, with multiple
small panes, so MH Models’
self-adhesive mask set is most
welcome. It’s made from a vinyl-
based material, so should be
far less prone to tearing than
Kabuki-tape versions.
HI-TECH
1/35
GOODIES
Cardboard boxes – Electronic
Devices
By: Matho Models
Item no: 35065 Price: €6.95
Web: www.mathomodels.com
Here’s another great cargo/
stowage option from Matho
Models, although given the
subject matter, it’s more likely
to be a Fast and Furious-type
scene than military. The A5 sheet
supplies cut-outs for 22 boxes in
total, featuring various branded
televisions (four), laptop (six)
and desk-top (two) computers,
cassette decks (six) and games
consoles (four). Each must be
removed and folded, before being
stowed as required.
EARLY JET 1/72
PROBES
Su-7 (Fitter-A) Pitots and 30mm
Gun Barrels
By: Master Model
Item no: AM-72-103 Price: £5.30
Web: www.master-model.pl
Modelsvit and KP early Fitters
benefit from Master’s resin and
turned brass barrels and pitot set,
providing both fuselage and wing-
mounted airflow sensors and the
wing-root cannon muzzles. The
former is a three-piece assembly,
which sandwiches the resin attitude
sensor vanes between the airspeed
sensor and rear tube. Assembly
is simple, with the kit items then
removed and a small pilot hole
drilled, into which the aftermarket
item is inserted and secured with
Super Glue.

METAL LEGS 1/72
Sea Fury Brass Landing Gear - Early
By: BarracudaCast
Item no: BR48345 Price: US$18.95
Web: www.barracudacals.com
One issue with adding resin
conversions/upgrades to kits is
the extra weight, but thankfully
Barracuda has supplied cast-brass
undercarriage struts (main and
tailwheel) and retraction arms for
Airfix’s 1/48 Sea Fury. While minor
fettling may be required to ensure a
snug fit, and a modicum of neatening
may be required before assembly,
the quality of these parts is far
superior to any styrene or white
metal equivalents.
1/48
FIRE
SUPPRESSOR
Flightline Extinguisher
By: Plus Model
Item no: AL4067
Price: €14.90
Web: www.plusmodel.cz
Plus Model can always be
relied on to supply everyday
diorama items, and its Trimax
30 CAF (compressed air foam)
fire extinguisher is a delight.
This unit is use at many
civilian airports, but also with
the US military, among other
operators. There are 38 finely
cast resin components, lengths
of copper and lead wire, and a
single photo-etched brass fret
and decal sheet, which build
into a faithful replica of an
increasingly common flight line
fire extinguisher.
BOMBER
1/72
BLING
Tu-95MS Bear-H
By: Brengun
Item no: BRL72143 Price: €10.14
Web: www.brengun.cz
Brengun’s photo-etched metal
Bear-H upgrade is intended
for Trumpeter’s impressive kit,
and offers enhancements for
the cockpit (instrument panels,
side consoles and throttles),
undercarriage and associated
bays (brake housings/cables
and door linings/hinges) and a
selection of airframe antennas.
There are even static-discharge
rods for the wing, horizontal and
vertical stabiliser tips, plus a
diminutive single-piece rear light
protector cage.
LASER 1/48
DESIGNATOR
ATLIS Super Etendard
By: L’Arsenal Item no: AC 48 92
Price: €5.95 Web: www.larsenal.com
L’Arsenal’s great value resin
accessory is perfect for any
quarter-scale Super Etendard and
supplies a two-piece ATLIS laser
designator pod, plus separate ADP
180 centreline pylon. Once the parts
have been removed from their
casting blocks, minimal neatening is
required, while the level of detail is
excellent, notably on the designator’s
hinged cover.
MOBILE 1/35
OVERHAULS
Para Lightweight Trailer ‘Electrical
Repair’
By: ResiCAST
Item no: 35.1270 Price: €35.50
Web: www.resicast.com
ResiCAST has followed its machinery
version of the Trailer, 10cwt,
Lightweight, General Service (see
February 2018, p.94) with the
electrical repair variant, as used
by Royal Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers attached to airborne units
during World War Two. It comprises
more than 60 well-cast pieces, and
these provide a wealth of equipment
for the trailer, including test-benches
for vehicle electrics, a stand-
mounted drill (which can be posed
raised/stowed), valve grinder, large
work lamp, portable benches and
several stowage boxes.
1/72
NORDIC
CONVERSION
Blenheim Mk.II Finnish AF
2.Serie
By: CMK
Item no: 7345 Price: €15.80
Web: www.cmkkits.com
While Airfix’s Blenheim Mk.I is
great for portraying aircraft
flown by most operators, it needs
work to replicate Finnish Serie.2
airframes, which had deepened
bomb bay doors. CMK’s neat
resin conversion addresses
this shortfall with a great value
21-piece ensemble that replaces
the entire styrene unit with
crisply cast alternatives, including
new doors, central bulkhead and
Finnish-style landing lights.
View more reviews online: www.airfixmodelworld.com 113
ON THE SHELF
ACCESSORIES
SCENE
1/72
SETTER
Rough Ground Display Base
By: adH Models
Item no: N/A Price: £7
Web: www.admmodels.co.uk
AdM’s resin bases are a boon
for small-scale diorama builders.
Cast in pale tan resin, this
‘Rough Ground’ example offers
a surface that could easily
be adapted for a multitude
of environments and would
be suitable for either 1/72 or
1/76 kits/figures...of even as a
larger-scale vignette. Its generic
form and relief means it could
be used either on its own, or
in conjunction with other adM
bases for a bigger scene.
DELTA 1/72
UPGRADE
F-106A
By: Eduard
Item no: 73631 Price: €22.45
Web: www.eduard.com
Trumpeter’s F-106 is a fine kit, but
is notable for its lack of cockpit
and missile bay sidewall detail,
along with bulkhead faces in the
latter and undercarriage bays.
Eduard’s photo-etched brass and
metal set addresses these issues,
and provides new instrument
panel and side consoles,
mainwheel bay doors, rudder
pedals, canopy locking latches,
and ejection seat harnesses, firing
handles and arm plates. Careful
folding will be
needed, but
the results will
be more than
worth the effort.
 ARCHIVE TREASURES
TALLBOY

his month’s

T photographic gem was

inspired (in part) by the
re-release of Airfix’s
1/72 Lancaster (see News, p.6),
but mainly to it being one of the
few colourised shots of ground-
handling operations with the
12,000lb (5,443kg) Tallboy
‘earthquake’ bomb.
What’s apparent immediately is
the size of this weapon, although
it is somewhat dwarfed by its
trailer (which could also carry
the 22,000lb [9979kg] Grand
Slam). The location is unknown,
so could be any of RAF Bardney,
Woodall Spa, Scampton or
Lossiemouth, which were
the main bases IX(B) and 617
Squadron Lancasters operated
from in the UK. It’s possible
(given the presence of the crane)
this photograph was taken at
a bomb dump, as usually the
bomb was winched from the
trailer into the Lancaster’s bomb
bay. Note the canted fins on the
Tallboy, which were designed
to spin the bomb as it fell,
increasing flight stability
and accuracy.

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE OCTOBER 4, 2018*

114 Airfix Model World *UK scheduled on sale date. Please note that overseas deliveries are likely to occur after this date.